10 Free Attractions and Experiences at Disneyland

Free Cartoon Drawing from the Animation Academy in California Adventure

In California Adventure, you can take a cartoon drawing class in the Animation Academy. Each visitor receives a sheet of paper and a pencil, along with drawing lessons for a favorite Disney character. If you make a nice, large drawing to carry home safely, it makes a wonderful souvenir to hang on the wall.

Tips for Animation Academy

• If you really want to create a take-home souvenir from your drawing, consider bringing a tube to roll it up into—an empty paper towel roll works well.
• Avoid making a tiny drawing on a large sheet of paper. Instead, follow your teacher’s lead and fill the same space on the paper as they do.

You Can Get Free Pins at Disneyland and California Adventure

At City Hall in Disneyland and the Chamber of Commerce in California Adventure, all you have to do is stroll up and ask for a free button to receive one.

Among the buttons available are First Time Visitor and Birthday versions, along with selections celebrating all stages of married life: engagements, weddings, and anniversaries. Alternatively, you can simply celebrate in general.

My personal favorite is the “honorary citizen” button.

Tips for Disneyland Pins

• You don’t need to provide proof to claim a button. You may celebrate your January birthday in July, and no one will check for ID.
• Wearing your pin throughout the day may prompt comments from other guests. Cast Members will always acknowledge it, and I’ve witnessed people in line spontaneously singing “Happy Birthday” to pin-wearers.
• If you happen to lose your pin, don’t worry—simply return to get another one.

The pins depicted above were photographed a few years ago, and designs periodically change, making it enjoyable to collect different sets if you visit often.

Character Autographs Are Free at Disneyland and California Adventure

Character autographs are at no cost. Simply stand in line to obtain one. You can bring something from home for them to sign, eliminating the need to purchase an autograph book.

Tips for Character Autographs

• Characters will autograph almost anything—including clothing, as long as you aren’t wearing it.
• Some characters wear thick gloves, so consider bringing a chunky pen like a Sharpie for easier handling.
• Think creatively and ask the character to write something fun to get a unique autograph.

Disney Gift Cards Are Free (Kinda)

While you have to pay to obtain a gift card, you’re already planning to spend money, and once it’s empty, it can serve as a cute souvenir that can be turned into a luggage tag.

Starting at $15, if you spend it completely (which is likely), you can keep the card, making it effectively free.

Tips for Disney Gift Cards

• Gift cards are an excellent way to manage your kids’ spending at Disneyland. Purchase one for each child, and when their balance runs out, they are done spending.

Get Free Copies of Your Ride Photos at Disneyland and California Adventure

Unlike many other theme parks where you must pay for ride photos, Disneyland allows guests to capture photos of the image preview screen hassle-free. This feature is available for attractions like Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Tower of Terror.

After your ride, check to see your photos and at Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters, you can simply email a copy to yourself or to friends.

Tips for Ride Photos

• Take a moment to find out which rides capture photos so that you can pose appropriately.
• Position your camera carefully to ensure the screen looks square. Adjust your angle as needed.

Get a Free Jungle Cruise Map from Disneyland

Previously, Jungle Cruise skippers handed these maps out to guests on request, but now, you can obtain it online.

Access a larger version and download it for yourself from the Disney Parks Blog.

This One Is a Myth: Haunted Mansion Death Certificate

Many websites claim a free death certificate is available at the Haunted Mansion; however, this is untrue. Staff members at this attraction likely grow weary of debunking this myth for guests.

Free Chocolate at Ghirardelli in California Adventure

During your visit to the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop in Disney California Adventure, every guest receives a complimentary piece of Ghirardelli chocolate. Additionally, a free piece of bread is given when walking through the Boudin bakery.

However, both treats are small, with the chocolate piece being roughly the size of a quarter.

Free Copy of the Buena Vista Bugle at Starbucks in California Adventure

At Starbucks in California Adventure, you can find the latest edition of the Buena Vista Bugle in the seating area.

The Winter/Spring edition features stories about how California Adventure’s citizens celebrate holidays, a column by writer Ingelbert Irving, celebrity sightings, and a classic Mickey Mouse comic strip.

Free Face Painting and Crafts (Sometimes)

During special events such as Lunar New Year and Dia de Muertos at California Adventure, children may receive free face painting.

Check for seasonal events during your visit to find out what’s available and where to go, ensuring a fantastic experience for the kids.