Before you head off on your WDW vacation, I wanted to give you this list of freebies and other low cost items you can hopefully take advantage of during your trip to the parks to help keep your cash in your pocket.
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To get these freebies at Disney World, you do not have to be staying on property or have a park ticket for all of them, but several freebies first require the paid entrance. You can get these Free Disney World Items by speaking with Cast Members or Heading to Guest Relations. And there are a few freebies you don't need park admission to get at all.
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PICK UP A CELEBRATION BUTTON
If you're celebrating something while at WDW, stop at Guest Services on your way into the park and pick up a Celebration button.
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It might earn you a "Congratulations" from a cast member, but more often than not it can get your more than that.
It got me free birthday dessert at Liberty Tree Tavern (just one example) and can lead to other free things and upgrades.
REAL PIXIE DUST & A FAIRY BLESSING
And not the proverbial kind. This is REAL pixie dust. (That takes forever to wash out!)
Head to the princess store on the backside of Cinderella’s castle and find your own personal wish maker. She will sprinkle you with REAL pixie dust as she says a wish over you. Go to Sir Mickey’s Shop, right next to Princess Fairytale Hall. Just ask for the Cast Member to Pixie Dust you.
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If you’re not sure what Disney World (WDW) pixie dust is, essentially it’s being in the right place at the right time. Or it can be something as simple as asking the right question. Even more, it's a way that WDW cast members can make magical
moments in the parks and resorts just by being kind.
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Pixie dust at Disney World can be anything to getting a free balloon on Main Street U.S.A. to free tickets and stickers to an after hour party to free dessert when it’s your birthday or anniversary.
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This isn't just for kids. Adults can get pixie dusted too! Pixie Dusting is a way to score extra free stuff and benefits you wouldn't ordinarily get - like resort room upgrades.
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FREEBIE COLORING BOOKS FOR KIDS
Not all resorts have them, but many have coloring books for the little ones (or the big kids- doesnt hurt to ask) the latest offerings are these Wild About Safety coloring books.
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FREE USE OF PHOTO PROPS
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While you don’t get to take the actually prop home with you, you’ll find photo props throughout the resorts and parks! These are particularly common when something new opens up (like a ride) or at the entrances of most resorts. You can always ask to take a picture with one - you don’t need to have Photopass or be staying at the resort.
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And speaking of photos...
USE A PARK PHOTOGRAPHER
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Did you know the park's professional Photopass photographers will take a picture for you using your own camer?
Just ask!
SCAVENGER HUNT BOOKS & PRIZES
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There are several scavenger hunt type activities at WDW, both outside of and inside the parks.
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Head over to A Pirate’s Adventure in Adventureland to enroll in this scavenger hunt.
Right now there are four maps and each has a different experience. The current maps are The King’s Ransom, Blackbeard, Haven Defense, and Heads You Lose.
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Begin your scavenger hunt at a little building between Pirates of the Caribbean and Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe. Currently only open from noon until 6pm daily, enter the building marked with the wooden A Pirates Adventure sign.
A cast member walks you through the simple registration process.
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Scan your talisman, also known as a Magic Band, to get started. A touch screen indicates which map you should take plus the icon for your first stop on the map.
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The maps look tattered and yellowed with age which I love. Inside is a stylized map of Adventureland with icons for each interactive location. For example, our first stop on King’s Ransom was the key icon.
Find the key icon on the map and follow the
instructions to locate the antique clock. Each spot on the map tells you where to place your talisman once you've found the correct location.
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Place your Magic Band on the mark and watch as the item transforms before your eyes. One of my favorites is a cannon outside Pirates of the Caribbean that puffed “smoke” before telling me the next icon for my scavenger hunt.
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After finding every map location and activating it with your talisman, return to the enrollment center. Here you’ll get a small card to commemorate your accomplishment and have the option to do another round of A Pirates Adventure. The hunt takes only about 20 minutes to complete and is best suited to kids 6 years old and up.
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FIND THE HIDDEN MICKEYS
All across Walt Disney World, there are approximately 1,000 different Mickey-shaped objects hidden in the resorts, parks, and even attractions. They come in many different sizes and forms, but each one clearly represents the silhouette of Mickey’s head and ears.
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You'll need keen powers of observation for this one! Some hidden Mickey's are fairly obvious while some are very cleverly hidden.
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List Of All Hidden Mickeys in WDW Parks
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WILDERNESS EXPLORER PROGRAM
Set out on a series of fun, nature-themed challenges on your way to becoming an official Wilderness Explorer.
Self-guided activities range from animal observation to learning important wilderness skills. Collect over 25 badges and earn the right to echo the Wilderness Explorer call: Caw! Caw! Roar!
Complete the activities on your own, or take on each task as a group.
To begin, pick up a Wilderness Explorer handbook from headquarters—located on the bridge between the Oasis and Discovery Island—or drop by Wilderness Explorer Troop Leader locations in Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia, and Pandora – The World of Avatar.
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Join in a variety of nature-based, hands-on activities to earn a badge as part of the Wilderness Explorer experience, for a limited time during Cool KID SUMMER- May 27 to September 1, 2025.
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This activity is kind of a combination scavenger hunt meets educational time.
SAFARI AREA BEHIND ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE
Photo credit: Animal Kingdom Lodge
You don’t need a Disney ticket to visit Animal Kingdom for viewing the majestic creatures. All you have to do is visit the Animal Kingdom Lodge and walk around the common areas of the resort.
What most don't know is there is a free safari area right behind the Animal Kingdom Lodge! The Lodge is home to over 30 species of African wildlife with opportunities to see them from various vantage points including gardens and balconies.
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The back portion of the lobby leads directly to the safari area.
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DO A MONORAIL BAR HOP (ADULTS)
Photo credit: Theme Park Hipster
You can visit each Disney resort hotel on your bar crawl on the Magic Kingdom monorail loop.
And it’s absolutely free! And if you don't wish to drink, simply resort hop to tour the various resorts.
All you have to do is catch a bus ride from Disney Springs to one of the Magic Kingdom resorts of your choosing and start your adventure.
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Hint: Do this at Christmas to see all the beautiful Christmas decorations.You can resort hop throughout the year for free.
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WATCH A CAMPFIRE & MOVIE
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You can watch campfire movies for free at the following Disney World Resorts:
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Beach Club Resort
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Grand Floridian Resort
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Art of Animation
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Port Orleans-Riverside
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Contemporary Resort
Many of the Disney Resorts offer “campfire” movies on the lawn depending on the weather and time of year.
Photo credit:KFord Campfire and a movie at Fort Wilderness
WATCH A GEYSER EXPLODE
If you head to the back of Fort Wilderness Lodge, you’ll be able to see a geyser reminiscent of Old Faithful erupting every hour on the hour from around 7 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
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PLAY WITH BUTTERFLIES
You can visit the Butterfly Garden located in the Contemporary Resort for free. This colorful garden is located on the backside of the lobby near the pool and lake.
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You can always check with the Gardening Hotline at (407) 938-3900 if you want more information,
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FREE ART CLASSES
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If you’re in the mood to create, you can take one of the free art classes offered at the Art of Animation Resort.
This class is limited to resort guests, but always check to see if you can register anyway.
Photo credit: Theme Park Hipster
WATCH FIREWORKS FOR FREE
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Take in the fireworks at Epcot from the Boardwalk Resort area. The best viewing spot is on the bridge right by the bakery shop.
You can watch the Disney Happily Ever After Fireworks Show for free at the Polynesian Resort. The perfect spot is around the beach area where you’ll even hear the actual music from the show.
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You can also get a great view for the fireworks from the:
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Ticket and Transportation Center
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Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
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California Grill Restaurant at the Contemporary Resort (you’ll have to have dinner here for this freebie)
WATCH THE ELECTRIC WATER PAGEANT
You can watch this amazing show on the Seven Seas Lagoon at night. This free water parade features whimsical sea creatures sailing across the lagoon.
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This nightly parade usually happens once around the time of the Disney Enchantment Fireworks Show. You can watch the show from any of the Magic Kingdom Resorts.
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Best viewing locations for Electric Water Pageant:
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Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort– Begins at 9:00 p.m.
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Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (including Narcoossee’s) – Begins at 9:15 PM p.m.
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Fort Wilderness Lodge– Begins at 9:30 p.m.
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Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground– Begins at 9:45 p.m.
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Contemporary Resort– Begins at 10:10 p.m.; in instances when the Happily Ever After fireworks show takes place at 10:00 p.m., the Electrical Water Pageant will begin shortly following its conclusion
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Right outside the entrance of Magic Kingdom park – Begins at 10:35 p.m., during Extended Theme Park Hours only
GET A FREE LEI AT THE POLYNESIAN RESORT
When you arrive in the lobby of the Polynesian Resort, you can get a free lei placed upon your neck even if you’re not a hotel guest.
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THE CINDERELLA WALTZ
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There’s a free promenade of Cinderella (and sometimes the Prince), where they gather in the lobby of the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for a magical waltz.
This promenade takes place at around 3:30 p.m. each day (days and times subject to change).
GRAB FREE EPCOT CRAFTS
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If you’re the crafty type, you can enjoy the free crafts from around the Epcot World Showcase. It’s one of the best Epcot free souvenirs to grab on your trip.
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GRAB A FESTIVAL PASSPORT
​The festival passport is a pamphlet that allows you to personalize it with your name, country, date issued, and date of completion.
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It also includes the locations of the topiaries, the outdoor kitchen offerings, merchandise options, and concert information.
Stickers are also included for you to mark off which kitchen or booth you’ve visited.
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You can find this free Disney booklet during the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival, and the Epcot International Festival of the Arts.
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GET FREE DISNEY STICKERS
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Throughout Walt Disney World property you’ll find various Cast Members carrying around Disney-inspired stickers.
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They love passing them out to the little ones, but don’t be afraid to ask for one for yourself.
They’re always at any of the Disney Vacation Club stands.
WATCH FREE DISNEY VACATION VIDEOS
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Before your trip, you’ll want to watch the free Disney vacation planning videos that give a full breakdown on what to expect at Walt Disney World.
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A new one comes out each year and it’s a perfect way to get excited for your solo Disney trip!
PICK UP FREE TREATS
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As you enter the majestic gates of the Magic Kingdom, be sure to stop at the Main Street Confectionary to get a free sample of cotton candy or ice cream.
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Although the “tasting” is meant for you to actually buy something, you’ll be able to experience a variety of flavors instead of just having one.
GET YOUR DISNEY SHOPPING PURCHASES DELIVERED TO YOU FOR FREE
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You are able to get your packages delivered for free from the Disney World gift shops to your hotel. So, you won’t have to stress about whether you’ll have to carry all your Disney goodies around with you for the whole day.
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WATCH FREE CONCERTS AT EPCOT
Be sure to watch one of the free concerts that take place throughout the year at Epcot during:
The annual concert series usually features popular bands from the 80s, 90s, and the 2000s. It takes place on the American Gardens Theater stage in the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot.
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FREE CHARACTER PHOTO WITH CHASE VISA DISNEY CARD
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You can be eligible for a free souvenir 5×7 picture with a Disney Character next to Journey into Imagination with Figment usually from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
This freebie will apply to you, if you’re a Chase Card Member that has a Disney logo or Disney inspired debit or credit card.
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DISNEY PIN TRADING
Trading Disney-inspired pins is a cultural phenomenon in the Disney community that began around 1999.
I bought Disney pins everywhere throughout the parks and pinned them to my Disney baseball cap. I still have them!
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WIFI IS FREE IN THE DISNEY PARKS
You will not have to worry about Wi-Fi on your Walt Disney World trip. Every Disney Park and resort comes with free Wi-Fi to the public. There are also free charging stations throughout the parks for your cell phone and other devices.
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GET A FREE DISNEY VACATION PLANNER
You can sit back and relax while an authorized Disney Vacation Planner plans your whole trip for you for FREE!
A Disney travel agent is a specialist in all things Disney.
They stay up to date on all the upcoming attractions and can customize your itinerary based on all the interests of you and your family.
Disney Springs Freebies
FREE PARKING
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You can park for free at Disney Springs. If you want to see the other resorts throughout Walt Disney World, you can use the buses for free and you can even do some theme park hopping.
ENJOY THE SPLASH PAD ON A HOT DAY
We ate our lunch our first day in Disney Springs beside the splash pad, just watching the kids play in the water. It was so hot I was tempted to go in and get wet myself!
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PLAY WITH LEGOS
The Lego Imagination Center is filled with thousands of LEGO blocks. It also has a free outdoor play area over 3,000 square feet.
Once a month, there’s a mini model build that usually falls on the first Tuesday. Children ages 6-14 can even take home a free mini model at the event!
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FREE SAMPLES AT GHIARDELLI'S CHOCOLATE SHOP
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In the Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop, a Cast Member near the entrance will be there with a basket handing out free squares of Ghirardelli chocolate. The samples change for each season.
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FREE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Free live entertainment abounds in Disney Springs.
You can find entertainment in areas such as:
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The Westside food truck courtyard area
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Area near Paddlefish
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By the Orange parking garage
Disney Springs entertainment usually starts around 7 p.m. during most evenings during the peak season.
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House of Blues also has live entertainment outside of the restaurant.
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HAVE A FREE STARBUCKS DRINK
If you sign up for the Starbucks Rewards program, you’ll be eligible to receive a free drink on your birthday from the Starbucks location inside Disney Springs.
More Savings Strategies
15% off tours + Other Discounts with the Chase Disney Visa
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The Disney Rewards Chase Visa credit card gets you 15% off most park tours, like the amazing Keys to the Kingdom tour and Backstage Tales tour. You'll also have access to other discounts, including on merchandise. The full listing can be found at Chase’s site here.
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Borrow Disney's Photographers for personal use
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Disney's Photopass photographers will take photos using your own camera if you ask. You won't get any of the magical effects, and their cameras are probably a little better than yours, but you're still getting professional shots at the more desired angles in the parks, and you'll save over $150 by skipping Memory Maker (note you will be missing out on ride photos this way). You can read more about Disney World PhotoPass and Memory Maker here.
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Save on Merchandise / Dining / Miscellaneous With Discount Disney Gift Cards
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You shouldn't buy tickets with them, and you probably shouldn't book hotels with them, but discount Disney gift cards can be a good way to save on your dining, merchandise, and other miscellaneous spending at Walt Disney World.
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Get the Dining Plan for Free
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If you have to have a dining plan, or you’re willing to stick to a dining plan when you can get it for free, keep your eyes open for a Disney World package that comes with a free dining plan. These packages are usually offered in the late summer or fall. Check out MouseSavers for the historical deals.
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Use your mini-fridge and Resort Microwave
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All rooms at Disney resorts have mini-(or full-size) fridges. These are great for storing leftovers! Most rooms won't have microwaves, but you can use the resort microwave (usually located in the store or at the quick service restaurant) or only keep cold food (salads and dessert, for example). Alternatively, look into a studio villa or a suite at the Art of Animation for rooms that are reasonably priced and have microwaves.
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Split a meal
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This works better at some places than others. Pecos Bill, for example, gives you decent portions and access to an awesome condiment bar. Two adults can easily split an order of fajitas by taking advantage of that condiment bar. Check out Couponing to Disney for more tips on splitting meals.
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Tickets
The more days on your WDW ticket, the more the cost per day of visiting the parks decreases. On the other hand, skip a park if there's one you're not keen on seeing and save that day's admission fee.
The price of tickets are generally lower Monday through Thursday, with the exception of holidays.
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Check WDW's calendar on their official website to make sure Disney doesn't have any special events planned during your visit. My sister and I visited WDW in October and Disney had its annual Not So Scary Halloween party scheduled during our visit. I was looking forward to seeing the parks at night...only to discover I'd only be able to do that if we each purchased an additional Halloween party ticket for $80 per night! They closed the park early for those willing to pay that $80 per night!
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It was just another instance of WDW leaving a bad taste in my mouth and feeling like the only "magic" at Disney was watching your money doing a disappearing act into their pockets.