The Complete List of Free Stuff at Disneyland

It’s no secret that a day at Disney can add up cost-wise rather quickly (that’s why this blog exists, after all!). So, instead of sharing about different paid features that you can add to your Disney itinerary, today, I wanted to highlight all of the FREE stuff at Disneyland instead, because why not get the absolute most for your dollar?

Whether you want to collect some extra souvenirs, embark on a fun little scavenger hunt, or add a bit of Disney magic to someone else’s day, here’s the complete list of free stuff at Disneyland. (Some are enchanting, and the others are slightly useless, but hey, they’re all free, and that’s pretty fun, right?)

1. Autopia Driver License Card

This first item is primarily exciting for the kids in your life who aren’t old enough to drive yet (ahh .. remember the pristine days when driving was a thrilling achievement instead of a chore? 🥲). If they ride Autopia, they’ll receive a free ID Card. Or if you’re an adult who wants the freebie without actually driving the (extremely slow) cars, you can ask a cast member, and they’ll just hand you the card, which is what we did!

2. Birthday Cakes & Cupcakes

If you do any sit-down meals at the Disneyland Resort, let the wait staff know it’s your bday because they’ll often present you with a free cupcake or slice of cake complete with a celebratory candle.

3. Bread

Everyone gets a free piece of bread at the Boudin Bakery Tour! Once you get your yummy sample, you get to walk through and see how all of the delicious sourdough bread at Disney California Adventure is made.

4. Buffet Meals (for Toddlers)

Kids 3 and under get to eat for free at buffets, and this can be an especially great deal if you’re dining at places like Goofy’s Kitchen, where you can experience character dining at the same time!

5. Character Meet & Greets

This may seem like an obvious one to seasoned park visitors, but there have been countless occasions at the parks where I’ve witnessed people avoiding the Character Meet & Greet lines because they assume it’s an extra-paid service when, in fact, it’s totally free.

6. Character Wakeup Calls

If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, you can dial the operator on your room phone and request a wakeup call from one of your favorite Disney characters. It’s the best way to kick off a Disney vacation!

7. Coasters

Restaurants like Lamplight Lounge and Oga’s Cantina give out coasters that you can take with you for free. I especially love the ones at Lamplight because they display character sketches on them and make a fun addition to any home.

8. Drawing Classes

Drawing classes at the Animation Academy are a must-do for me whenever I visit Disney California Adventure. Not only is it a nice break for your legs and feet, but you also receive a thorough lesson on how to easily draw different Disney characters and bring the artwork home with you.

9. Filtered Water

It pains me to see people paying for bottled water at the parks when they can fill up for free at designated areas throughout the park. Seriously, don’t waste money on bottled water; just bring your own reusable bottle.

10. Guided Tours

VIP tours may cost a fortune, but did you know you can get a free tour of the hotels and places like Carthay Circle? Just ask a cast member, and they’ll be thrilled to share some special insider knowledge.

11. Hand Sanitizer

There is no need to stress if you forget your hand sanitizer because there are plenty of stations throughout the parks!

12. Ice Cream (Kinda)

Ever been stopped by a cast member to answer a survey question? I’m sure you’re tempted to ignore them but don’t. Often, they’re so happy to get volunteers that they’ll give you a coupon for free ice cream. Unrelated: if you happen to drop your ice cream at the parks, you can get a refill for free (spoken from first-hand experience 😅).

13. “I’m Celebrating” Buttons

Celebration buttons always enhance the Disney Day experience; you can get them for your birthday, engagement, first-time visit, and more. They can be found at town hall or at most stores along Main Street, and you tend to get special treatment when cast members spot you wearing them!

14. Jungle Cruise Maps

If you board the Jungle Cruise ride, make sure to ask for one of their free souvenir maps. There are a limited number, so it’s best to go on the ride earlier in the day if possible.

15. Magic Shows

The Main Street Magic shop is rarely ever crowded, and the cast members who operate the desk will happily perform free magic tricks if you ask them. Plus, the store itself is a fun little area to explore.

16. Park Maps

If you prefer physical maps that you can hold in your hands, you’re in luck because Disneyland has plenty of them in various languages (usually around the front entry of each park).

17. Pins

Most stores at the Disney parks have pin trading boards that you can ask to see. You can trade it for any pin you see if you have an official Disney pin (that you’re willing to part with). I have a selection of pins that I’ve designated as my “ugly pins” that I take with me on almost every park visit. Always gotta be prepared!

18. Pixie Dust

If you’re near Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Fantasyland, you can ask a cast member to sprinkle pixie dust on you while you make a wish.

19. OTC Meds, Bandaids, Tampons, etc.

Over-the-counter medications, bandages, feminine products, and pretty much anything else you’d normally find in a nurse’s office can be found at the park nurse offices, so there’s no need to worry if you need something in a pinch.

20. Replacement Balloons

Those fancy park balloons are built to last, but sometimes things happen especially when little ones are involved. If your balloon pops, the cast members will usually replace it for free upon request.

21. Scavenger Hunts

If you’re passing through Galaxy’s Edge, ask a cast member about the Star Wars scavenger hunt that ends with a free souvenir. Plus, the parks often feature seasonal scavenger hunts such as the Easter egg hunt, which also comes with a free prize at the end if you complete the mission.

22. Single Rider Passes

Instead of paying extra for Lightning Lane passes, ask cast members for Single-Rider options at select attractions. It’s totally free and significantly cuts down the wait time to get on a ride. You can view the complete guide to Single-Rider services here.

23. Stickers

While, of course, you should be nice to cast members just for the sake of being a decent human, having good manners can go a long way with them because they often carry free stickers with them and may bless you with one!

Have you collected free stuff at Disneyland before? What’s your favorite way to add magic to someone’s day?

xoxo,
Lily