Walt Disney World has the title “The Most Magical Place on Earth” and Disneyland has “The Happiest Place on Earth.” While they are both very magical, they also come with a price. At Marvelous Mouse Travels, we try to assist our families with finding something within their budget to visit and experience the parks. Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort offers a few promotions throughout the year to assist families with those savings and making it possible to visit on a budget. If you’re visiting during the holiday season, there are even more activities that can be found for under $10! Let’s discover and explore those budget-friendly activities that families can enjoy this holiday season.
Did you know that each Walt Disney World resort offers free activities, and a few with a small cost, each day? I have seen tye-dye t-shirts (small cost), button making, mosaic ostrich egg (exclusive to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge), coloring pages, and more! Each resort has their own line up of activities, be sure to check it out on your way through.
A few free options can be found at Disney Springs. The first is the gorgeous Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth. Each holiday season the character, film, and franchise decorated trees take their place inside the dining, entertainment, and shopping district of Walt Disney World. New for the 2024 season, even the Disney MagicBand+ offers enhancements for this free activity. Each night there are live performances throughout Disney Springs, the My Disney Experience app can be a wonderful guide for these options.Stilt performers, dressed as an Icicle and Toy Soldier can be found wandering the grounds. Speaking of wandering, did you know that there is a talking Christmas tree that roams Disney Springs? Yes, Douglas Fir, talks and roams each night with the guests. Finally, while snow is not a normal weather condition for the state of Florida, guests can experience a snowfall inside Disney Springs. Head towards the large Christmas tree at Town Center to experience the “snow.”
If you’re taking a rest day, or even just some time outside of the parks, be sure to stop by the resorts for the incredible gingerbread displays. Check out our blog “Holiday Displays in the Disney Resorts.” for more information on the displays and where to find them!
Still have some time to find something fun to do? I know it’s difficult to find “spare time” while visiting the parks, especially without a built-in rest day. Grab the kiddos and head to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground to experience a magical trot around a holiday decorated ring. Each pony ride is only $10 per guest. This experience cannot be booked in advance, and is only available as a first come, first serve walk-in basis.
The final experience at Walt Disney World is the collection of pressed coins. These are available year-round, but there are a few additional holiday designs featuring characters during the season. The pressed coins start at $1 each and can be found inside the Disney resorts, Disney Parks, and even Disney Springs. There are books sold to house the pressed coins, but it does come at an additional cost.
Heading West to Disneyland Resort, they also offer some budget-friendly activities for families to take part in. Santa Claus can be found in the three Disneyland Resort hotels. This activity is free for families to meet the big man himself.
Two resorts, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa and Disneyland Hotel, both offer live musical performances. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa will have holiday and handbell carolers during select times each day. Guests can also enjoy the sights of the gorgeous gingerbread display in the lobby while visiting. Over at Disneyland Hotel, there are holiday carolers at select times.
Spending some time in the Downtown Disney District? Grab a map ($9.99 plus tax) and take on the hunt for Chip and Dales Ornament Trail! Select merchandise locations offer this map for purchase and be sure to return to one of those merchandise locations with your completed scavenger hunt for a magical prize! Just like Disney Springs, Downtown Disney District also offers live nightly entertainment for guests, including snow! Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage and lawn area will feature most of the holiday entertainment lineup.
A visit to either Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort is such a magical experience, add the holiday seasonal magic and it’s just the cherry on top! Make the most of your Disney adventure by reaching out to Marvelous Mouse Travels, and let your agent be your guide!
