Q: Are there any Disney freebies I can get at home?
Whether your are in the Disney planning stages and looking for free resources, already booked and searching for fun ways to fill your days before heading to the parks, or if you’re just back from your magical Disney getaway and feeling nostalgic, there’s a ton of free Disney resources at your disposal. From arts and craft projects, recipes and tools to help you plan your next visit, here’s our list of some fun Disney freebies.
1. Disney planning DVDs: If you’re in the beginning stages of planning your Disney vacation and don’t know where to begin, Disney offers FREE planning DVD’s for Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures By Disney, Disney Vacation Club, and Aulani: A Disney Resort and Spa. So stop by: disneyvacations.com/destinations , order yours today and let the excitement build as you start to plan out your Disney days!
2. Maps: A couple of years ago Disney offered FREE customizable park map print-outs that were an absolute hit, allowing you to highlight the attractions you wanted to visit each day and take them with you to the parks. Sadly these were replaced a couple of years ago to make way for a google-inspired digital model. But, if you are like me and still prefer a good old-fashioned print-out to help you do you planning, then here are the latest Guidemaps available for download. If it’s a while before you head to the Mouse, check back as these maps are updated regularly.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Map
Disney California Adventure Map
3. Autographed postcards: So the holiday is booked. Now to get the family excited about the special day. Why not have your little ones pen a postcard to one of their favorite Disney friends to let them know you’re coming? Send a greeting to your favorite Disney character and what you get back may surprise you!
For Disney World please address your postcards to:
Walt Disney World Communications, P.O Box 10040, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040
For Disneyland, postcards should be sent to the following address:
Walt Disney Company, Attn: Fan Mail Department, 500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521
4. Receive a phone call from one of your favorite Disney characters: If you’ve recently made plans to sail the seas with Disney Cruise Line you can set-up a complimentary character call. Visit Disney Cruise Call, enter your reservation details and arrange for Mickey Mouse, Goofy or both Mickey and Minnie to give you a ring. There is a limit to two calls per reservation so use them wisely.
And for those who like the idea of receiving a Disney phone call but aren’t cruising, Disney has a paid character call service, Enchanted Calls, where for $2.49 you can choose from a variety of Disney friends including: Ariel, Mulan, Princess Jasmine and Winnie the Pooh and select from a range of themes such as Good Night, Happy Birthday, and Congratulations. Payment is required to make the call.
5. Disney Countdown: If you’re looking for a fun and free way to countdown the days until you depart for Disney, look no further than Disney Parks Blog who created printable graphics for a FREE and fun Walt Disney World countdown. Download yours here.
6. Free Disney movies printables and activities: What better way to get the little ones excited for their upcoming trip then by enjoying a range of fun activities and free downloads themed around some of their favorite Disney films. From coloring sheets, activity books to arts and crafts, there’s plenty to keep them busy in the days leading up to Disney as well as some handy activities perfect for a Disney road trip or plane journey. There are countless resources available on-line but here are some of our favorites by film:
Tinkerbell (Legend of the Neverbeast)
Disney Junior also has some nice printables and activities featuring Jake, Princess Sofia, Doc Mcstuffins and Handy Manny. You’ll find them here.
7. Free App: For those looking to keep the little ones busy during a long car journey or who need to lighten their spirits during the middle of the work week, it’s definitely worth check out the Show Your Disney Side App. Just snap a selfie and watch as you magically morph into some of your favorite Disney characters from Anna and Elsa to Jack Sparrow. Bring the app with you to the parks to unlock a special Haunted Mansion themed feature.
8. Games: Perfect for those techies in the bunch, Disney has a slew of free games that both parents and kids will love. They’re perfect for those long road trips, waits at the airports or days when you’re stuck indoors. The majority of games can be found at games.disney.com or for the tiny tots over at disneyjunior.com/games .
There’s an additional game worth mentioning as it has been winning over Disney fans old and new: Disney Magic Kingdoms. Available for both Apple and Android devices, the premise is that Maleficent has cast a spell on the “Kingdom” and you must restore this theme park to its former glory. Undo the spell and add in some of your favorite Disney attractions. The app is FREE to download and play however for those that are impatient, there are in-app purchases to help you advance more quickly. Click here for Apple. Click here for Android.
9. Books: Disney has a digital reading program called Disney Story Central. It is accessible both on your PC and through the downloadable app. Though there is a cost to download many of the titles, first time visitors are rewarded with four free books just for signing up. Many of the books on offer are early readers making them perfect for the little pirate or princess that is just learning. Sign up here.
10. Wallpaper: In the lead-in to my family’s Disney vacations, everything becomes Disney-fied, I mean everything. Including the wallpaper on our mobile phones, ipads and PCs. Disney Parks Blog does a great job of keeping their fun Disney wallpapers all in one place. Stop by the Wallpaper section of their website for a bevy of beautiful Disney images that can be downloaded straight to your device. Also be sure to check back as Disney will update these images regularly. Visit Disney Parks Blog.
11. Disney Recipes: Who doesn’t love a fun Disney themed recipe? Whether its capturing some of your favorite tastes from the parks or creating fun foodie projects with your little ones that are filled with Disney character, here’s a few Disney recipe resources. Pay a visit to family.disney.com/recipes for a slew of fun Disney delectables from Road Trip Goodie Bags to Dinglehopper Cake Pops. Those looking for some culinary inspiration from the theme parks will also find recipes posted on Disney Parks Blog including this recipe for Disney’s infamous Kitchen Sink Dessert. For those wanting to enjoy Disney-inspired eats but without the calories Disney also has a fine selection of healthy living recipes that can be found here.
Honorable Mention: Since we’re on the topic of Freebies, Did you know that you can work with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner for FREE? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I provide a concierge-level service, meaning that I can help with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. A regular Disney visitor I am also full of tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your vacation. Best of all there’s absolutely no fee added to work with me. You’d pay the same as if you were to book with Disney directly. Contact me at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook.
Image copyright Disney
- How Does Lost and Found Work at Disney World? - December 19, 2021
- What Happens to my Reservation if Disney Prices Increase? - January 8, 2020
- Are There any Buffet Character Dining Experiences at Disney World? - December 30, 2019
