Fun "FREE" stuff in Downtown Disney?

[DisneyLiz44]

Anything fun to do for FREE in downtown disney? We will probably go our last day and plan on shopping for souveirs and eat lunch but what else should we do? Any fun things to do for cheap?

Also, we are staying at POR and I hear the boat ride to DTD is nice so should I make it a point to visit DTD in the evening? How late is it open?

On our last trip (and 1st time to DTD) we went on our last day and ate at Planet Hollywood, visited the Lego store and then had to rush across parking lot to make bus to take us back to our hotel to leave. This time our flight is later 6:15, but we still have to back at hotel by 3:00 to catch the Magica Express.

 

[jacksonfarms46147]

One great thing is the T-Rex Cafe... we eventually ate there but our first night at DTD we just looked in the gift shop and even walked through the eating areas. The best FREE thing though is the dig area. You can see it from outside but you access it from the gift shop area near the cashier. They give you some digging tools etc. My son loved this and it didn't cost a cent. The other thing we found was free pixie dust from a fairy godmother in training from the BBB at DTD. She was sprinkling all the kids who wanted it. The lego play area is free of course.
One thing we always do that costs $3 or so is let our son build a rice crispy treat Mickey head at Goofy's Candy store. We all share it and never finish it so it is a cheap way to have something special.
Hope this helps!
Jodi

 

[sabrecmc]

The carousel and train ride are about $2 per child (parent rides free with small child). You can play with Mr. Potatohead and accessories until your heart is content for free. There are often shows of some kind going on...when we were there last July, they had some dancers leading everyone in the Thriller dance, electric slide, etc. There are bubbling water fountains for little ones to cool off in.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Do they still have the design your own Mr. Potato Head where you can design it on the screen and print it out when done? Our kids loved doing this when they were younger and it was a free souvenir at Once Upon a Toy.

ETA: The boat ride from POR and POFQ is great. I would do it in the evening. DTD is usually open until 11:00 p.m. during our past visits. You can confirm the hours when you check in to your resort.

 

[WDSearcher]

Double-check the entertainment schedule -- there's a nice stage at DTD and there may be Magic Music Days groups performing there. In addition:

• Lego play area at the Lego Store
• Folk Art Exhibit at House of Blues
• Dig area at TREX
• Pin Trading (if you have your lanyards and pins, be sure to bring them!)
• Fountains to play in
• Boat rides to and from resorts
• Watching candymakers at Goofy's Candy Company
• Watching the Characters in Flight balloon take off and land

 

[AustinTink]

My personal favorite.... the free chocolate samples at Ghiradelli. Yum!!!

 

[DragonFox98]

Hey, DisneyLiz44!!! We are going at the same time as you!!!! And in POR as well!!! I would love to keep an eye out for you, if that's okay. I would never be able to keep Disney a surprise from my kids....we have too much fun planning the trip together!

As for DTD, that is always the first place we stop. We get in from the airport, leisurely drive to the Disney property, and then have lunch at the Earl of Sandwhich. In 2007, we had a blast just walking around in Once Upon a Toy and the World of Disney stores. My son played with making his own lightsaber, but we never actually bought him one. And I played with the Mr. Potato Head stuff.....I still love me some Mr. Potato Head!!!

 

[alternativepirate]

My personal favorite.... the free chocolate samples at Ghiradelli. Yum!!!

Yes! yum. I second that!

 

[DisneyLiz44]

Any suggestions on a touring plan for DTD? Where do you start and where do you end?

 

[Pamle]

We're going the same time also, and also to the POR. 9/25 - 9/30.

 

[pkondz]

My fave thing in DTD, (and free too!) is watching the magic demonstrations at Magic Master on the West Side. If you're really stumped on how a trick was done, you can simply buy the trick and learn it for yourself. I bought the floating ball. How's it done? A magician never reveals his secrets!