5/23/23

Nothing is ever Free: or is it?

May 23, 2023

I saw a question posed in one of the two dozen Disney Facebook groups that I’m in that asked: What’s something that’s free in Disney World that you think more people should know about?

Nothing.

Everything not only costs but is absurdly expensive.

If you’re in the bubble, you are hemorrhaging money. Walking, standing, breathing, forming an opinion, and even existing now comes at a nominal fee.

Are you outraged? That outrage just cost you $2.99.

Okay, so it isn’t that bleak. The click-bait sites would have you believe that propaganda, however there are still some things to enjoy at Walt Disney World that doesn’t cost a hundred dollars an hour. So let’s discuss those things that are free (or cheap enough that they might as well be free).

1. Celebration Buttons – This is a free thing that can lead to other free things! You can get a button and write literally anything on it. I’m Celebrating: My Birthday! I’m Celebrating: My Anniversary! I’m Celebrating: My Engagement to Josh D’Amaro! Seriously, no one is policing this, write whatever you want. You never know who might take notice and what level of Pixie Dust you may get as a result. A free cupcake? Maybe. Two for one Mickey pretzels? Quite possibly. A stay at the suite in Cinderella Castle? …don’t hold your breath on that one.

2. ACTUAL Pixie Dust – At Sir Mickey’s gift shop in Magic Kingdom you can get real Pixie Dust! Okay, it is glitter, but your kiddos will be wowed by the experience, especially if they’re into the Princesses. A perfect follow-up if you’re leaving Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boutique.

3. POWER – No, this doesn’t mean you will be king for a day or be able to order CMs around. I mean power for your mobile devices. There are free charging ports at many different spots in “the World”. Mickey’s Star Traders in Tomorrowland, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café, The garden by Rapunzel’s Tower are all in Magic Kingdom. EPCOT has stations outside of Soarin’ in the Land Pavilion and ones in the American Adventure. The Studios has ports in Docking Bay 7 and in Star Wars Launch Bay. And Animal Kingdom has charging stations in Pizzafari, Disney Outfitters, and hidden in the plants next to a bench by the Nemo Show. Can you feel the excitement? It’s electric.

4. Scavenger Hunts (some with Prizes!) – Many of the resorts have free scavenger hunts on their grounds. Just ask for a card at the front desk and start searching! The prized won’t blow you away, but it’s a great way to kill a few hours and really get to explore your resort. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach Resort, POP Century Resort, the Polynesian Village and Bungalows, The Wilderness Lodge, and both Port Orleans Resorts have free scavenger hunts.

5. Pressed Penny souvenirs – Not free, but pretty cheap! These are fun little souvenirs that cost $1 at most machines and make for some cool collectibles. They have them in the parks of course, but also many of the resorts now have them as well.

6. Ice Water – All quick service locations in the parks will give you free ice water if you ask. They’re little cups, but it’s free and you can get more than one. Disney definitely doesn’t want anyone passing out from dehydration in plain view of 6000 other guests.

Admittedly, this feels more like an “informational” article, and I don’t like to steer this blog in that direction. To be honest, the things I’ve mentioned would be very useful for people that are not reading this blog aka first time visitors and people not in Disney related Facebook groups. (except for that Disney Tips and Tricks group, those people are …well, they’re second generation walking upright) My readers (all 4 of you) don’t find themselves in the parks searching for places to charge their phone. We all have backup power banks and backups to our backups. We certainly aren’t trying to clean up cheap glitter for the next nine days because that crap does NOT wash out. And we keep our water bottles filled at all times (not always with just water either. Wink. Wink. Nudge. Nudge.)

A better list for “our” people is much more nuanced and specific. Let’s get a few of those in as well.

1. People watching from the second floor of Columbia Harbor House – whether it’s simple watching or straight up heckling like Statler and Waldorf (more my speed), this is an activity that never fails to entertain.

2. Lounge crawls – Yes, the booze costs, but the resort hopping is where the real fun is and that is gratis! The atmosphere of the lounges and lobbies of the different resorts is always unique and fun.

3. Photography – Whether you’re schlepping around a $4500 DSLR camera or just using your phone, there is great joy in getting that perfect shot of Cindy’s Castle at sunset, or the neon lights in Tomorrowland, or a Disney duck. I’ve been a great deal of fun doing this in recent years.

4. Meet-up with your friends – It always comes back to this doesn’t it? We have fostered community with other people that have a passion for Walt Disney World and those ties are astonishingly strong. We look for any reason or excuse to assemble and shenanigans always ensue.

Sure, Disney costs a lot. It will never be a cheap vacation, but you don’t have to spend money every hour of every day when on property. Look for subtle. Look for the unexpected. Look for the Karen screaming at her kid all the way through Liberty Square as he whines about having to do Hall of Presidents. There are lots of great opportunities to put away the wallet and just soak it all in.