The provided source material documents a variety of complimentary services, items, and experiences available to guests at the Disneyland Resort in California. These offerings are distinct from the park's paid admission tickets and can enhance a visitor's experience by providing convenience, entertainment, and souvenirs at no additional cost. This article synthesizes information from the supplied sources to detail these freebies, focusing on their availability, location, and any necessary steps for guests to access them.
Complimentary Food and Beverage
One of the most practical free offerings is the availability of cups of ice water in both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. Guests can request these at any location that serves fountain beverages. For those who wish to carry water throughout the day, the sources note the presence of water bottle refill stations, such as one located near the Milk Stand in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Souvenirs and Keepsakes
Guests can obtain several types of free souvenirs during their visit.
- Celebration Buttons: Free buttons are available for birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations. These can be picked up at the park entrance and at City Hall. Wearing these buttons often results in complimentary congratulations from Cast Members and other guests, and may occasionally lead to a free dessert.
- Pixie Dusting: At Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Fantasyland, a Cast Member can sprinkle glitter on a child or adult with a wand as a complimentary service.
- Stickers: Janitorial Cast Members, typically dressed in all white, are often happy to provide stickers. Additionally, Cast Members conducting surveys may have stickers to give to those who complete the surveys.
- Decoding Cards: For the Indiana Jones Adventure attraction, guests can request a free decoder card from a Cast Member at the entrance to decode writing within the temple. These are noted as popular and may run out, so inquiring early is advised.
- Special Event Freebies: During events like D23 Day, Disneyland's anniversary, or the Disney California Food & Wine Festival, limited quantities of commemorative pins, maps, Mickey hats, and themed plates may be offered. These are typically not announced in advance.
Entertainment and Experiences
Several entertainment options are available at no additional cost beyond park admission.
- Drawing Lessons: The Animation Academy inside the Animation Building at Disney California Adventure offers free drawing lessons where an animator teaches guests how to draw a Disney or Pixar character.
- Ride Access Perks: A "Roo Pass" is available at The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, allowing 1-3 people in a row to skip a portion of the line and fill the third row in the ride vehicle. A similar "Buddy Pass" was available on Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue, though that ride is permanently closing. Guests should ask a Cast Member at the attraction entrance for these passes. The "Rider Switch" service allows one parent or guardian to wait with a child who does not meet height requirements or is unwilling to ride while the rest of the party waits in line. When the party exits, the waiting parent can then ride with up to two additional people, using a pass that functions similarly to a Lightning Lane.
- Shows: The Broadway-style show "Frozen" at the Hyperion Theatre in Disney California Adventure is free with park admission. The source notes that as of 2022, this show had not returned, but there were rumors of a new show coming to the venue.
- Holiday-Specific Offerings: During Mickey’s Halloween Party (which requires a separate ticket), guests can receive bags of free candy. On New Year’s Eve, free hats and horns were traditionally distributed for the midnight celebration, though a 2022 update noted these were not available that year, possibly due to supply chain issues.
- Fireworks Viewing: Guests can watch the Disneyland fireworks for free from the Esplanade, the area between the two parks. While the view is not inside the park, it is described as decent and allows for hearing the show's audio.
Convenience Services
Disneyland offers several services that provide convenience and save guests money.
- Free Wi-Fi: The parks offer free Wi-Fi, though the sources describe its availability as somewhat limited or inconsistent.
- Package Check Service: Guests can have their purchased packages held at select locations instead of carrying them. This service is available at the Stroller Rental area in the esplanade, The Star Trader, Port Royal Curios & Curiosities, or Pioneer Mercantile in Disneyland Park, and at Elias & Co., Sarge's Surplus Hut, and Avengers Vault in Disney California Adventure. A receipt for the item is required, and limited edition items are not eligible.
- Locker Access: While most park lockers require a fee, the lockers at Grizzly River Run in Disney California Adventure are free for up to two hours.
- Luggage Storage: Disneyland Resort hotels provide free luggage storage for guests on their arrival or departure day. This can be arranged by going to Bell Services at the hotel entrance.
- Parking Validation: Some dining and spa locations offer complimentary parking validation. For example, Napa Rose provides 5 hours of complimentary parking with restaurant validation. Tenaya Stone Spa offers 5 hours of included parking with a spend of $135 USD or more. Great Maple Modern American Eatery and Small Bytes at Pixar Place Hotel provide 3 hours of complimentary self-parking with validation.
Photo and Media Services
Complimentary photo services are available on select attractions.
- On-Ride Photos: Photos are taken on attractions including Space Mountain, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, Incredicoaster, and Radiator Springs Racers. Guests can take a photo of the display and use a code to access a higher-resolution download via the Disneyland app.
- Buzz Lightyear Photo Email: On Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, guests can email their ride photo for free.
Special Programs and Events
The sources mention a few programs that offer free or discounted experiences, though some have associated costs.
- Magic Key Holder Perks: Disneyland Magic Key holders (an annual pass program) can access exclusive freebies, which have included special buttons, pins, posters, bags, and photo opportunities. These perks are detailed in the "Mickey Visit Disneyland This Week" update. It is important to note that Magic Key holder status is not free.
- runDisney (Updated Cost): A past freebie for guests staying at Disneyland Resort Hotels was the opportunity to participate in a runDisney event. However, this has been updated for 2022 to cost $25 per person.
Conclusion
The Disneyland Resort provides a range of complimentary services and items that can add value to a guest's visit. These include practical amenities like free ice water and package check, entertainment such as drawing lessons and special shows, and keepsakes like celebration buttons and decoder cards. Access to these offerings varies; some are available upon request at specific locations, while others, like Magic Key holder perks, require a paid membership. Guests are advised to inquire with Cast Members at relevant locations and to plan for limited-quantity items during special events.