The Best Free Things To Do At Disneyland

Everyone knows that Disneyland is the happiest place on earth. But, at times, it can also feel like the most expensive place on earth. Thankfully, there are many free souvenirs and free things at Disneyland that can add fun to your Disneyland vacation without breaking the bank. Let’s explore the best free things to do at Disneyland.

Looking for ways to plan a Disneyland vacation on a budget? One of the easiest ways to save money at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure is to take advantage of the numerous free experiences available around the Disney parks. Enjoy these Disney vacation money-saving tips and top free things to do at Disneyland.

Top Free Thing You Must Do at Disneyland

Whether your planning your first trip to Disneyland or are a seasoned member of the Disney Vacation Club, here is the first thing you should do at Disneyland (after you grab one of the trusty free park maps, of course). If you only have one day at Disneyland, this is the one thing you must do.

You’ve heard of Disney Magic, but did you know that Walt Disney was also a big fan of more traditional magic tricks as well? His love for close up magic and card tricks, as well as stage illusions, greatly influenced his vision for Disneyland park. If you really think about it, the concept of Imagineering and the work Disney Imagineers do is like real magic in Disney theme parks.

So, it’s no surprise that Disneyland has had an authentic magic shop on its grounds since it first opened it’s doors in 1955. The magic shop at Disneyland has a fascinating history and always been one of the most unique things at Disneyland because it’s no ordinary gift shop.

Main Street Magic Shop at Disneyland is an authentic brick and mortar magic shop. The same type of magic shop where professional magicians learn their tricks. Up until the early part of the 21st century, magic shops were one of the only places to learn the secrets to the best magic tricks ever. Today, Main Street Magic shop is one of the oldest magic shops in America and one of the last remaining magic trick stores in the world.

Stepping through the door beneath the iconic marquee sign on Main Street U.S.A. is like taking a trip back in time. You’ll feel like a kid again browsing all the exciting and amazing magic tricks, pranks, gags and novelties that line the shelves.

What makes Main Street Magic Shop one of the top hidden gems at Disneyland though? Well, those employees you see in the store are not your typical Disney cast members. They’re actually trained magicians that are there to show you mind-blowing magic tricks. All you have to do is ask! (Fun Fact: Comedian and actor Steve Martin once worked at the beloved Disney magic shop early in his career).

At the Main Street Magic shop, you can see world-class magic demonstrations for free. The same type of magic tricks that magicians perform on America’s Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us. Amazing card tricks, mind-boggling coin tricks, jaw-dropping mind reading tricks and mentalism—the most unique entertainment at Disneyland is totally free. No reservation required.

The Top Free Disneyland Secret You Probably Didn’t Know

While there are many Disneyland tricks and tips that only the Disney pros know, this one is so new, even the Disneyland annual pass holders might not know it exists.

In 2022, the Main Street Magic shop was purchased by the world’s biggest magic store Vanishing Inc. The global magic retailer was committed to modernizing the beloved Disney magic shop while still honoring it’s rich history of entertaining guests and helping them get started in the exciting world of magic. They immediately started adding a new selection of the best easy magic tricks for beginners, as well as an improved catalog of professional magic tricks for experienced magicians.

But, here is the top Disney secret everyone should know...

You can learn magic tricks at Disneyland for free. Anyone who visits the Main Street Magic Shop can get a special code to learn the world’s best beginner magic tricks for free. These are amazing magic tricks for adults and kids that you can learn in minutes and use to amaze friends and family.

If you can’t wait for your Disneyland vacation to start learning magic tricks, we have 10 free card tricks you can learn right now. Just click the button below!

Learn 10 Card Tricks for Free

Other Free Things at Disneyland

Celebration Buttons
If you’re celebrating your first trip to Disney, a honeymoon, birthday or any other special occasion, getting your free Disney Celebration Button is one of the first things you should do when you arrive at Disneyland. Disneyland hotel guests can get them at the front desk, or you can grab one at Disneyland City Hall when you enter the park.

Free Photos at Disneyland
Don’t want to splurge on the Disneyland Photopass? Well, there’s actually one Disneyland ride where you can get your photo for free and it just so happens to be one of the best Disneyland rides that you need to go on. Head to the kiosks after riding Buzz Ligthyear’s Astro Blasters to select your ride photo and email it to yourself for free.

Another note on the Photopass. Even if you haven’t elected to use Photopass, you can always ask one of the Photopass cast members or Disney character meet and greet attendants to take a photo with your phone or camera for free instead.

Free Chocolate
If you’re also visiting Disney California Adventure during your Disneyland vacation, make sure to visit the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop for free samples of delicious chocolate.

Free Water
Spending money on water bottles is one of the easiest ways to burn through your Disneyland budget. Instead, just head to one of the many Disneyland counter service restaurants and ask for a free cup of ice water. Pro Tip: Ask for a large cup to avoid getting one of the small sample cups.

Free Jungle Cruise River Maps
Once you finish your journey on the world famous Jungle Cruise, ask a cast member for one of the limited edition attraction maps. These are subject to availability and generally run out quickly. But, if you go early, you might get lucky.

Free Parking at Downtown Disney
Typically, anyone who can validate a purchase of $20 or more gets three free hours of parking at Downtown Disney. However, if you dine at one the amazing table service restaurants in Downtown Disney, you can get two free extra hours of parking. That’s five free hours of parking in the Downtown Disney Parking Lot.

Free Birthday Desserts
There’s no better way to celebrate your birthday then with a special dinner at one of Disneyland’s many table-service restaurants, or one of the delicious dining options at the Disneyland resort hotels. Make sure to mention it’s your birthday when reserving your table, and again when you sit down. You may just get a free dessert.

Learn How to Draw for Free
At the Disneyland Animation Academy, you can learn how to draw all of your favorite Disney characters for free. You not only gain a new skill, but get fun artwork to take home as a special free Disney souvenir.