How to Find Free Souvenirs at Walt Disney World

Let's face it. Disney parks can be pretty pricey, especially when it comes to souvenirs. Here are some tips to finding souvenirs that don't cost a dime.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Disney park admission ticket

1. 
    

   THE MOST OBVIOUS: TICKETS & GUIDES -- Your park ticket and any park guides are the easiest to find. Disney tickets tend to have a picture of a character or two on them, as well as their current promotion, such as "Happiest Celebration on Earth" or "100 Years of Magic." The park guides may have the name of the promotion on them as well.

2. THE SECOND MOST OBVIOUS: AUTOGRAPHS -- Nowadays it's easier to have some one-on-one time with your favorite characters since most meet-and-greets have at least one cast member present. Lines are set up and, for the most part, gone are the days of mass chaos to meet Mickey. You may use up a lot of your precious park time to wait in line; but if you're an autograph hound, it's worth it. Bring your own autograph book from home (any book with blank pages will do) and you won't have to purchase the slightly more expensive Disney version.

3. 
    
   The Canadian cast members at the Kidcot station even signed my journal.

   THE EPCOT KIDCOT STATIONS -- Throughout Epcot, there are kid stations (although I'm sure some adults find them fun as well). Epcot's kid stations focus mainly on the World Showcase countries, but I hear there are a few located in Future World, too. Each station offers a "passport" stamp, a "charm" (paper or plastic) of some sort, and quite possibly a country card (only offered in World Showcase). The cool part is that all of the "charms" can be attached via yarn or string to a mask (World Showcase) or a futuristic badge (Future World). In World Showcase, you get the added bonus of having your name written in Chinese, Japanese, and/or Arabic on any small bit of paper you might have, such as the mask. All of these little trinkets are free. Just look for the Kidcot stations on the Epcot park guide. Cast members in the respective pavilions and at the information booths should also be able to help you find them.

4. ANIMAL KINGDOM DISCOVERY STATIONS -- Like Epcot, Disney's Animal Kingdom has learning stations targeted at the younger generation. And like Epcot's stations, I'm sure some adults enjoy learning little tidbits here and there. There are "cancellation" stamps at these also, which can be stamped in a special passport provided at any of the stations or any piece of paper (autograph book page, journal page, etc.)

5. 
    
   Animator for a day!

   CHARACTER DRAWING BY YOU! -- In Disney's Hollywood Studios, there's an attraction called The Magic of Disney Animation. After seeing a brief presentation by a cast member and Mushu from "Mulan," you'll be ushered into a room set up somewhat like a classroom. Here you will learn how to draw one of the many Disney characters (we were lucky enough to get a lesson on drawing Mickey.) The sketch you create is yours to keep. The exit leads to a character greeting section. If you're lucky, you can have any characters there sign your picture as an added bonus!

6. WHAT ARE YOU CELEBRATING? -- Many times if you tell a cast member that you are celebrating a special occasion (engagement, wedding, first time at Walt Disney World, birthday), they may have a surprise for you, such as a button, sticker, pin, etc. It definitely can't hurt to ask them what they suggest in order to make your event extra magical.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need any help finding characters, Kidcot stations, Discovery stations, park maps, or any attractions that over access to free souvenirs, ask a cast member. The best ones are those working at the information booths or in the shops.
• Refer to the time guide (usually an insert in your park map) to find out when certain characters will make appearances.
• Bring a large ziploc bag to hold your free souvenirs, especially paper ones. You may have to fold them, and they may get rumpled; but at least they'll stay dry.
• It is always possible that one or more of the above locations or attractions will be closed. Each park has a main information area that lists what attractions are closed and how long the wait times are.

[ttbirdie]

on 4/24/2009 Great tips, 5*