The provided source material details several promotional offers, complimentary items, and no-cost experiences available at Disneyland and Walt Disney World during the year 2019. These opportunities ranged from vacation package incentives provided by travel agencies to in-park complimentary services and souvenirs. The information highlights specific freebies offered to children, booking requirements for travel packages, and various in-park experiences that did not require additional payment beyond the standard park admission.
Travel Agency Promotional Packages
In June 2019, a travel agency known as Classic Travel Connection offered specific freebies with vacation packages to Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line. This promotion was valid for bookings deposited between June 1 and June 30, 2019, with travel required to be completed on or before September 28, 2019. The free gifts were designated for individuals 18 years of age and younger.
The specific freebies varied based on the resort category and accommodation type booked:
Walt Disney World and Disneyland Vacation Packages: * Deluxe Resort: Guests received Mickey Ears, Autograph Books, and Luggage Tags. * Moderate Resort: Guests received Disney Autograph Books and Luggage Tags. * Value Resort: Guests received Luggage Tags.
Disney Cruise Line Vacation Packages: * Ocean View with Verandah Stateroom: Guests received Mickey Ears, Disney Autograph Books, and Luggage Tags. * Ocean View with Porthole Stateroom: Guests received Disney Autograph Books and Luggage Tags. * Inside Stateroom: Guests received Luggage Tags.
Strict eligibility criteria applied to these offers. To qualify, packages had to include a four-night stay, park tickets, and the Disney Dining Plan. The promotion applied exclusively to new bookings. The free gifts were not distributed at the time of booking but were provided with the travel documents 15 to 30 days prior to the scheduled travel date.
In-Park Complimentary Items and Services
Beyond travel packages, the sources describe various complimentary items and services available to guests inside the parks in 2019.
Maps, Guides, and Celebration Buttons Guests could obtain free maps and guides upon entering the park. Additionally, celebration buttons were available at City Hall. These buttons allowed guests to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or "First Visit" occasions. Wearing these buttons often resulted in congratulatory wishes from cast members and occasionally complimentary birthday desserts at sit-down restaurants.
Photography Services Photopass cast members were stationed in front of the castle and other scenic spots throughout the parks. They would take photos of guests' groups for free if guests handed over their cameras. Alternatively, guests could utilize the Disney MaxPass feature, which included these photos as a free perk.
Replacement of Items Guests experiencing mishaps with souvenirs or food items, such as broken items or dropped ice cream cones, could potentially get them replaced for free, provided they kept their receipts.
WiFi Access The parks offered WiFi access, though the sources note that the availability and reliability of this service in 2019 were somewhat limited or "sorta" available.
No-Cost Entertainment and Experiences
Several entertainment options and interactive experiences were available at no additional cost beyond park admission.
Shows and Entertainment Live entertainment, parades, and shows, including the Broadway-style production of Frozen at the Hyperion Theatre in Disney California Adventure, were free. However, the Frozen show had not returned as of a 2022 update in the sources, though there were rumors of future entertainment at that venue.
Interactive Experiences and Rides * Animation Academy: Guests could try their hand at drawing. * Mark Twain Riverboat: Guests could steer the boat from the wheelhouse. * Musical Chairs: A game with the Mad Hatter at Refreshment Corner on Main Street occurred at approximately 2:00 PM. * Star Wars Scavenger Hunt: An interactive hunt was available. * Rides: All rides and attractions were considered "free" once inside the park. * Autopia and Jungle Cruise: Guests could pick up free mementos on these rides. * Character Encounters: Meeting characters throughout the park was free. * Stickers: Cast members frequently passed out free stickers.
Dining and Special Requests * Dory's Tip: A messenger named Molly in Disney California Adventure provided handwritten messages from characters, such as Groot. * Kayla's Tip: Guests could request a map of the Jungle Cruise from the cast member at the exit or the skipper. * Police Officer Citation: In Disney California Adventure, a police officer character could issue a "citation," which was described as a cute freebie.
Off-Site Viewing Guests could watch the Disneyland fireworks for free from the Esplanade, the area between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. This location provided a decent view and some audio of the show.
Unverified or Historical Giveaways
The sources also mention a specific giveaway from May 2019, where Classic Travel Connection awarded a three-night stay at a Moderate Resort in Walt Disney World to a winner from Homewood, AL. This package included park tickets and dining. While this specific giveaway was a contest rather than a standing offer, it indicates the types of promotions the agency ran during that period.
Conclusion
The available documentation from 2019 outlines a variety of freebies and value-added opportunities for Disney visitors. These ranged from tangible goods like Mickey Ears and luggage tags included in qualified travel packages to intangible benefits such as free entertainment, character interactions, and photo opportunities within the parks. While specific travel agency promotions were time-bound to June 2019 bookings, many of the in-park complimentary services and experiences represent standard operating procedures that may persist, though specific details like show schedules are subject to change.
