The year 2018 provided a variety of free offers and promotional opportunities for residents and visitors in the Orlando area. These opportunities ranged from event-specific freebies tied to civic duties and holidays to ongoing entertainment discounts and birthday rewards. The available data highlights a landscape of value-driven experiences, particularly focused on dining, entertainment, and local attractions. This article details the verified freebies and deals documented for that period, offering a factual guide for consumers seeking to maximize value.
Election Day Promotions
Several Orlando-area businesses offered incentives to voters during the 2018 Election Day on November 6. These promotions generally required customers to present a valid "I Voted" sticker to receive the offer.
- 4 Rivers Smokehouse: Voters could receive a free cupcake by wearing an "I Voted" sticker on Election Day.
- Uber and Lyft: Both ride-sharing services offered free or discounted rides to polling locations. The apps featured a "Get to the Polls" button to assist users in finding their nearest polling station.
- Gold's Gym: The gym offered free access on Election Day to individuals who presented an "I Voted" sticker and a valid voter card.
- Luisa's Cellar: This establishment offered a free first drink to customers wearing an "I Voted" sticker.
- Miller's Ale House: Voters could receive $5 off their bill by showing an "I Voted" sticker at participating locations.
- 7-Eleven: The convenience store offered a free coffee on Election Day, available via the 7-Eleven app.
- World of Beer: Customers could get their first beer for $1 on Election Day.
- The Brass Tap: A "Yappy Hour" event was hosted at the Downtown Pet Hospital location from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Offers
Holiday celebrations in 2018 were supported by numerous dining and attraction deals designed to honor parents.
Mother’s Day Deals
Various restaurants in the Tampa and Orlando areas provided gifts, free meals, and discounts for mothers on Mother's Day.
- Abuelo’s: This Mexican restaurant chain gave gifts to mothers at all locations. Gifts varied by region and included free shirts, flowers, or free entrée bounce-back cards.
- Another Broken Egg Cafe: Mothers dining in on Saturday or Sunday received a free $10 Brunch Buck, redeemable between May 14 and May 27.
- Arooga’s: Mothers ate free with the purchase of another meal and a beverage (dine-in only, one discount per check).
- Beef 'O' Brady's: At participating locations, mothers ate free with a meal purchase of equal or greater value up to $10.
- BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: Participating locations presented mothers with free wine glasses while supplies lasted.
- Duffy's Sports Grill: Mothers received a free glass of wine and a $10 MVP bonus added to their rewards account for future use through June 16. (Registration for the MVP loyalty program was required).
- First Watch: Mothers received a free box of chocolates while supplies lasted.
- Fogo de Chão: Mothers dining in between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Sunday received a dining card for a free meal, redeemable from May 14 through July 12.
Father’s Day Deals
Attractions and entertainment venues offered free admission for fathers with the purchase of a paid ticket.
- SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium: Florida residents received a $5 discount on admission to SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and Madame Tussauds Orlando during Father’s Day weekend with online ticket purchases.
- The Florida Aquarium: Fathers received free admission on Saturday and Sunday with the purchase of a full-paid admission. Tickets had to be purchased at the onsite booth.
- Crayola Experience: Fathers received free admission with the purchase of a child’s admission.
- Medieval Times Orlando: Fathers received free admission with the purchase of one full-priced adult ticket throughout Sunday.
- The Orange County Regional History Center: Fathers received free admission on Sunday.
- Mennello Museum of American Art: Fathers received free admission on Sunday.
- Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park: Fathers received free admission with the purchase of one full-priced single-day admission ticket.
- Daytona Lagoon: Fathers swam free with the purchase of a water park ticket.
- Skate World Lakeland: The deal included free skates and skate rentals for dads from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Bok Tower Gardens: Fathers received free admission on Sunday.
Birthday Freebies
National brands and local venues offered rewards for birthdays, often requiring membership in a loyalty program.
- Medieval Times: Free admission was available with the purchase of regular admission.
- Regal Entertainment Group: Members of the Regal Crown Club received free birthday popcorn.
- AMC Theaters: AMC Stubs members received free popcorn during their birthday month, with additional rewards available for higher membership tiers.
Entertainment and Activity Discounts
Orlando provided numerous free or discounted activities beyond specific holiday or birthday promotions.
- Disney Springs: This open-air dining, shopping, and entertainment district at Walt Disney World Resort offered free admission and free covered parking. The area features live performances and architectural sightseeing.
- Disney’s Boardwalk: Located near Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Boardwalk offers free admission and a scenic walkway reminiscent of 20th-century Atlantic City.
- Podfest 2018: Attendees of the Podfest Multimedia Expo in Orlando reportedly received "all sorts of freebies." Specific items mentioned in relation to the event included a free Xbox One game and a free ebook on travel tips.
Conclusion
The documented freebies and promotional offers in Orlando during 2018 demonstrated a strong trend of businesses rewarding customers for specific behaviors, such as voting, dining with family on holidays, or joining loyalty programs. The offers were heavily concentrated in the food and beverage sector, as well as local attractions and entertainment venues. Consumers looking to take advantage of similar future offers should monitor local news outlets for holiday deals and ensure they are registered with loyalty programs for birthday rewards.