[dac921]

I've only been part of DC for a few months, but I feel like you all are my exteneded family...

We won't be going until September but can you tell not only me but all the other newbies in what part and approx where can inexpensive/free stuff.

I do know that in MGM you can get a free 5x7 if you have a Disney Visa Card, but I am not sure where....

Can you help all us lost soles...

[WishUponAStar]

There are a lot of fun inexpensive/free things to take advantage of. One of my favorite relaxing and free things to do (and I haven't done it since I was about 14) we used to get some groceries from the Fort Wilderness store and have a picnic on the Fort Wilderness beach, they have (had?!?) nice big rope hammocks, and you can watch the boats go in and out. Another "free" thing that I loved was exploring the ANimal Kingdom Lodge. It is LITERALLY like a museum, the CMs are all around with sometimes little "touch" boxes and lots of great information, you can view the animals on the savannah, There is authentic African art everywhere that is interesting to read about, and they even have this little lounge area full of "on safari" artifacts and pictures.

Of course there is always the standbys of walking around on the Boardwalk, DTD, or the Marketplace.

You mentioned the free photo with your Disney Visa, I think they must change the location because when we went last it was in EPCOT. There should be a flyer in your statement or coupon somewhere that tells you the exact location.

Oh, and make sure to look closely in your Magical Express paperwork. There has been a coupon for a free pin.

[dac921]

Thanks Wishes

[MissDisney]

Our favorite free things to do are:

- Take a ride in the cockpit of the monorail from TTC into Epcot Center. Wow, what a view! To do this, just ask politely at TTC and they will bend over backwards to accommodate!

- Piano Bar Bob in the evenings at Port Orleans Resort. He's so fun. Great show and free...

- Boardwalk entertainment, like jugglers and baloon artists and all that stuff. The kids LOVE to hang out there at night. Also at the Boardwalk, a huge lawn for gymnastics and running.

- Take boats whenever you can! Ride from TTC to Magic Kingdom; or take the Friendship launches all around Boardwalk, Beach Club, Swan, Dolphin, MGM Studios, Epcot Center; or ride the Friendship launches across the World Showcase; or take the riverboat to Marketplace from Port Orleans resorts to Marketplace... boats are awesome and free!

- Look for Hidden Mickeys... buy the book and start up your search. You won't believe how addictive it is!

- At Epcot, get passport stamps as you travel around World Showcase! They will stamp your autograph book. Getting autographs is really fun and free too!

- Also at Epcot, you can go into Club Cool, which is sponsored by Coca-Cola and features all kinds of sodas to sample for FREE! Be sure to try the Beverly soda from Italy. Mmmmm-good!

- At Main Street, take a ride on a horse-drawn trolley or carriage -- it's free too!

[mickey]

We love renting the surrey bikes on the Boardwalk. You only need 30 minutes. It doesn't seem like a long time, but once you make it to the top of the first hill, you will realize why. The kids and adults love it, they have bikes big enough for 10 - 12 and small enough for 4. Great fun, and a great excuse to stop by Seashore Sweets for an ice cream cone. Think of all those calories you just burned off!

[llama]

Originally Posted by MissDisney

- Look for Hidden Mickeys... buy the book and start up your search. You won't believe how addictive it is!

Oh boy is it addictive! My dd has dragged me everywhere in her quest.

It's not free - but relatively inexpensive - miniature golf at Fantasia or Winter/Summerland is lots of fun.

Just "resort hopping". Take the monorail to the GF, Poly or Contemporary, browse the shops and grounds. Each one is so unique and different.

[Park Hopper]

Great suggestions, Miss D, especially Club Cool. Here's a list I found on the Internet of free things to do at WDW. I'm not sure if some of the things still are offered, but if it appeals to you it would be worth asking.

1. Visit Downtown Disney.

It cost nothing to visit Downtown Disney. There are lots of fun shops to stroll through and plenty of people watching oportunities. (If you visit during the day PLEASE take a hat. I think Downtown Disney has it’s own micro climate - it often seems degrees hotter than the rest of Orlando.) Don’t miss the snoozing man made from lego or the fabtastc magnets at Magnetron Magnetz. Stop in the Art of Disney store - They run a trivia quiz every day and give out prizes if you get them all right!

2. Watch the Magic Kingdom Fireworks

from the beach of the Grand Floridian or Polynesian. You can park at the resorts for a short time for free. Tell the guard you are visiting the hotel coffee shop.

3. Take a free tour of Wilderness Lodge

Check with guest services for times and details. There is also a hidden Mickey hunt (list available from guest services)

4. Watch the Electrical Water Pageant

It takes place each night on Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake - times vary. A long line of barges are transformed into a magical light show. It is short - just a few minutes long but is one of the overlooked treasures of Walt Disney World. It can be seen from the beaches of the Grand Floridian and Polynesian and the Fort Wilderness Marina and Beach

5. Nature Trails at Fort Wilderness

There are many miles of trails at Fort Wilderness, through pine and cypress woods. All free. You can hire bikes but to walk costs nothing

6. Visit The Boardwalk

Best in the evening. Just stroll and take in the atmosphere. There’s usually lots of “street entertainment”

7. Visit the The petting farm at Fort Wilderness.

The petting farm is open 7 am to dusk a. There is free day parking at Ft. Wilderness.

8.Take the free garden tour at the Yacht & Beach Club Resort.

Call guest services for times

9.Take the free lobby tour at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

10. Campfire sing-song and a movie.

Each evening a campfire is held at Fort Wilderness (it is free to WDW Resort Guests) near the Meadow Trading Post. Take your own marshmallows to toast. The campfire is followed by a Disney cartoon feature shown on a large outdoor screen.

— I know I said 10 Free things but I have included one more because #10 is only free to guests staying at a Disney World Hotel!

11. Take a boat ride.

from Dixie Landings to Downtown Disney - it’s especially nice at night. Take a stroll round Downtown Disney and catch the boat back to your car at Dixie Landings.

[dac921]

Thank You!

[jedijson]

I might not have read it, but another thing that I really like to do that's inexpensive (actually, it's free) is to go into the back of the Town Hall building (that's the Kodak building where you can pick up your park photos in the MK) and pose in the scenes from the movies. They have 101 Dalmations, Toy Story, Steamboat Willie, and Snow White. Unless they've changed them out, that is... And after you've finished, they also have cartoons running on the screen between the Toy Story and Steamboat Willie sets.

Just my 2 cents...

[chastmastr]

I'm tempted to say that if you're already in the actual park then all of the rides there are no extra charge. ;) But if you mean apart from that, I will add that some of the most fun souvenirs we've had have been at this little hole in the wall shop at the Marketplace -- they have grab bags of Disney merchandise for just a few dollars (under $10) and they are a lot of fun to be able to open and have new Disney surprises when you get home. Depending on when you want to open them, they could be also used for an extra birthday or Christmas present ("from Mickey" perhaps) too! We still have one we need to open from our last trip in fact...

David

[dac921]

Originally Posted by chastmastr

I'm tempted to say that if you're already in the actual park then all of the rides there are no extra charge. ;) But if you mean apart from that, I will add that some of the most fun souvenirs we've had have been at this little hole in the wall shop at the Marketplace -- they have grab bags of Disney merchandise for just a few dollars (under $10) and they are a lot of fun to be able to open and have new Disney surprises when you get home. Depending on when you want to open them, they could be also used for an extra birthday or Christmas present ("from Mickey" perhaps) too! We still have one we need to open from our last trip in fact...

David

OHHHH David, that is a great idea.
Since I travel SOOOO much for work, every trip I bring back something special for each DD (2 in total), my Mom & Dad and of course "DH"...
I could do the grab bag for each DD.

Thanks

[KittieKChick]

Originally Posted by jedijson

I might not have read it, but another thing that I really like to do that's inexpensive (actually, it's free) is to go into the back of the Town Hall building (that's the Kodak building where you can pick up your park photos in the MK) and pose in the scenes from the movies. They have 101 Dalmations, Toy Story, Steamboat Willie, and Snow White. Unless they've changed them out, that is... And after you've finished, they also have cartoons running on the screen between the Toy Story and Steamboat Willie sets.

Just my 2 cents...

I completely agree with this one. DH and I found this place the night before we left. We wished we had found it sooner so our whole family could have taken pics with all the scenery. I did get a few pics of DH in the alien claw machine and with Steamboat Willie.

Also, my favorite free things to do:
1. Browse downtown, it's so much fun. I especially like browsing in the scrapbook store and Rainforest Cafe gift shop.
2. Resort hopping. Take tons of pictures. Browse in the shops. It's a good way to figure out where you may want to stay next time.

[DisneyFreak78]

This is why I love this site. You all are so helpful. I have been called a rather thrify individual so I appreciate all of this information myself.

So many great suggestions. I'm glad I only live a couple hours away so I can go whenever I want. Just like Erin.

[Allyson]

Another vote for piano Bob in the Port Orleans Riverside lounge. We've seen him on our past two trips and will not make a trip to WDW without catching his show again! It's fun for ALL ages!! You can check out his website at www.yehaabob.com

[PockyMuncher]

if i may add something, i dont believe Club Cool is there anymore. I went this past february and dont recall seeing it.