DisneyOnTheCheap » Free Stuff

Free Disney Dining Offer

mary829 — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:03:44 +0000

Sure, the amusements are one-of-a-kind, the theming is out of this world and interaction with the characters is the stuff of a child’s dream. But if you ask my husband, the best part of Disney is the dining, and he had his priority seating choices made long before his 90 day window.

Scott's Dessert at Chef Mickey's

So what’s better than Disney dining? Well, how about Disney dining…for free? Yep, that’s the offer on the table (pun intended). If you book a full price WDW vacation checking in between August 16 and October 3 (with some restrictions), you can upgrade to the Magic
Your Way Plus Dining plan for the same price as the plain old Magic Your Way package.

Bottom line: this deal will save the average family of four (who are those people?) $101.96 per day. That’s a lot of souvenir money, doncha know?

Breakfast at Crystal Palace

The small print: your vacation package must include a three day hotel stay and a one day (at least) theme park ticket. And you must book before 6/21/09, using the appropriate code: RYH. If you want to upgrade to the Deluxe Dining Plan (which gives you three sitdown or counter service meals a day, two snacks, an appetizer with table service meals and a refillable mug) you can do so for $32 per adult per night and $10 per night for the kiddies. Use code UGR.

So what’s the hold up? Go book your Disney trip with free dining now…and start counting the days until you have to dial to book your space at LeCellier.

Footloose and Fancy Free Art Festival

mary829 — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:56:32 +0000

Remember Field of Dreams? “If you build it, they will come”?

Well, the same must be true of the blog-a-sphere. Just yesterday, I posted that I wanted to cover the whole Orlando tourist scene, not just Disney alone, since so many people do the whole area when they visit. Well, I just mentioned that yesterday, and by this morning my email was flooded with ideas and offers about what to do (on the cheap, natch) while in the area.

So I’ll be passing on the best ideas from time to time. And this is one of those times! The good people at the Orlando CVB shared that the 50th annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival will be taking place this weekend (March 20-22). This festival is one of the nation’s most prestigious outdoor events, with over 1400 artists competing for less than 300 spots in the show. The event also includes jazz music, kiddie activities, and of course, great food. If you’re interested in hearing more, just click here.

Now, my youngest son is an artist, so this would be right up his alley. I mean, he loves the animation studios at Disney, but man does not live on Lilo alone. This would be a great chance to expose him to what other artists are doing – and to expose my wallet to a break from theme park pricing. And the event is free!

Wild (and Cheap) Week at Sea World 4/10-16

mary829 — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 23:05:57 +0000

Yes, I know it’s not Disney, but this blog focuses on all things touristy in Orlando, and SeaWorld certainly fits the bill.

The National Wildlife Federation, in conjunction with its Keep The Wild Alive program, is joining with SeaWorld and Busch Gardens to spotlight conservation of endangered species at park locations across the country. A great cause, right? Well, this one will benefit your bank account as well. In Orlando, SeaWorld will be celebrating “One Wild Week” from April 10 to the 16th, the week prior to NWF’s National Wildlife Week. As part of the celebration, all kids 12 and under who come to the park dressed as a favorite animal will get in free (accompanied by an adult paying full price). Considering that a kid’s day pass is almost $65, that’s certainly worth dragging out the old Halloween costumes. And there’s more – park visitors will also receive a copy of NWF´s Keep the Wild Alive poster, which features 25 endangered species from around the world.
So head on down to SeaWorld, raise your consciousness – and don’t forget to say hi to Shamu.

Disney Salutes the Military With Free Tickets

mary829 — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 23:09:33 +0000

Walt Disney World and the military. You can’t get more all-American than that!

This year (through December 23), Disney is showing its support for our armed services members by offering a fully-loaded “Disney Armed Forces Salute” five day ticket absolutely free. The ticket allows five days worth of entrance into the four theme parks, complete with hopping privileges, and includes the Water Parks and More option as well.

One free ticket per active or retired military personnel. Family and friends still get a deal, though – active and retired military are also able to make a one-time purchase of up to five “Disney Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets. For $99, the ticket is good for one theme park per day for five days. Hopping and water park options can be added at the discounted price of $25 per option.

These specially priced tickets are only available at participating US Base ticket offices (including Shades of Green) or at the theme parks’ main entrance. Tip: pre-purchase your tickets on base, where you can buy tax-free!

You have your marching orders: get to Disney!

Hurry, Free This Month At Disney

mary829 — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:40:22 +0000

I just learned that Disney passholders get a sweet deal this month. If you show your pass and ID at the information desk in the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney, you get a lanyard and two exclusive passholder pins – absolutely free! And as if the deal needed to be any sweeter, you’ll also be handed a coupon for ten percent off your purchases that day. That’s in addition to the ten percent discount passholders get every day!

But hurry! This deal started on the first, and will end when supplies run out.