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One of the best things about a trip to Disneyland are the mementos we bring home with us. Whether it’s mouse ears or photos, these souvenirs usually come at a price. And one that can add up, quick. So you might be wondering if there’s anything you can bring home to commemorate your trip to Disneyland that doesn’t cost anything. The answer is yes, there are free souvenirs at Disneyland. There might be more than you’d expect, and you might also be surprised to learn which items on our list can be put into rotation on a daily basis, so you can always have a little piece of Disney in your day.
Free Souvenirs at Disneyland Overview
Free souvenirs at Disneyland can be found at Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and Downtown Disney. The most popular free souvenir at Disneyland are Celebration Buttons. Get one by asking a gift shop Cast Member. Other free souvenirs include maps, pens, and ride photos.
Free Souvenirs at Disneyland
Disneyland Celebration Buttons
Celebration Buttons are one of the most sought after free souvenirs at Disneyland. There are four button designs, so you can choose one to reflect the occasion you’re celebrating: First Trip, Birthday, Wedding, Anniversary, or anything in between! Any gift shop Cast Member will be able to assist you in getting your button.
Locations:
• City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland or any gift shop
• Guest Services in Disney California Adventure or any shop
Disneyland Maps
Walt Disney said himself, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” It’s with that spirit that makes collecting Disneyland maps so rewarding. These time capsules allow you to look back on the evolution of Disneyland and relive your memories of those visits.
Locations:
• Main entrance turnstiles at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure
Disney Drink Coasters
Paper coasters are a great free souvenir from Disneyland since you can reuse them in your daily life. Sealing the paper coasters in Mod Podge will help increase their durability, allowing you to enjoy them longer. Or you can turn this souvenir into home decor by framing a set of the coasters.
Locations:
• Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland
• Lamplight Lounge in Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure
Animation Academy Drawing Class and Sketch
This is the most high-value free souvenir you can find at Disneyland Resort. Animation Academy hosts drawing classes lead by Disney animators who give step-by-step instructions on how to draw Disney characters. The drawing you make is yours to keep. No reservations are required. Whether you’re an art lover or looking for a place to unwind in some air conditioning, Animation Academy is a win!
Location:
• Animation Academy in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure
Disney Stickers
Some Cast Members have stickers they pass our during the day. We’ve been surprised by the gesture, but you can also always ask! A great freebie for kids or anyone with a sticker collection.
Locations:
• See any Cast Member
Jungle Cruise Map
You survived the hippos and the puns! You’ve earned a little souvenir for that, right? Just ask a Cast Member at the exit if there are any Jungle Cruise maps available. There is limited availability, so if you don’t manage to bring one home from the park, you can print a Jungle Cruise map for free at home.
Location:
• Jungle Cruise in Adventureland at Disneyland
• Disney Parks Blog, for the print-at-home variety
Autopia Driver’s License
This is a cool freebie to grab while at Disneyland for its historical context alone. Autopia is one of the attractions present at Disneyland on opening day in 1955. In fact, an Autopia driver’s license signed by Walt Disney sold at auction for $12,500 in March 2023. To get your Autopia drivers license (minus Walt’s autopgraph) ask a Cast Member as you enter the attraction.
Location:
• Autopia located in Tomorrowland at Disneyland
Mark Twain Riverboat Pilot’s Certificate
If you’re lucky enough to pilot the Mark Twain Riverboat, you’ll be presented with a certificate afterward. This is a unique experience few who visit Disneyland will ever enjoy, so a tangible souvenir is the cherry on top. If this is high on your to-do list, ask one of the dockside Cast Members for the chance, and maybe it will be your lucky day!
Location:
• Mark Twain Riverboat located in Frontierland at Disneyland
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters Ride Photo
This ride photo is available by entering your email address in one of the photo kiosks at the ride’s exit.
Location:
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters in Tomorrowland at Disneyland
Character Autographs
Meeting characters is one of the highlights of visiting Disneyland. Bring along an autograph book to collect signatures from your favorite characters.
Locations:
• Disneyland, check map for locations
• Disney California Adventure, check map for locations
Free Boudin Bread
If you’re craving carbs, check out The Bakery Tour and enjoy a sample of the freshly baked bread from Boudin Bakery for free.
Location:
• The Bakery Tour in Pacific Wharf at Disney California Adventure
Mardi Gras Beads
Celebrating Mardi Gras at Disneyland is full of fun extras, from the decorations to special appearances from characters like Princess Tiana, Louie, and Prince Naveen. The free party beads are an added perk to really get you in the Mardi Gras spirit.
Location:
• New Orleans Square at Disneyland
Disneyland Pens
If you don’t snag a pen from your hotel, did the trip even happen? Bonus for its functionality and usefulness.
Locations:
• Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
• Disneyland Hotel
• Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
Free Water
Opting for free cups of water versus bottled is is more of a money saving tip than a souvenir, but it definitely adds value to your visit. Visit any cart, kiosk, or restaurant with a soda fountain and ask a Cast Member for free cup of water. There are also various drinking fountains and bottle-filling stations around Disneyland Resort. Stay hydrated!
Locations:
• Disneyland, check map for locations
• Disney California Adventure, check map for locations
• Bonus: Drinking fountain locations
• Bonus: Bottle-filling station locations
Disney Character Dining Buttons and Souvenir Postcards
Often, character dining comes with little extras like buttons and postcards. It should be noted this freebie is only available with the paid purchase of a character dining experience.
Locations:
• Various, check the Disneyland website for details
Free Souvenirs at Downtown Disney
Birthday treats
If you are celebrating your birthday, stop by Downtown Disney and pick up complimentary birthday treats. Some treats could be subject to availability, so check with the store or restaurant to confirm they are offering birthday treats. Some stores may only offer birthday freebies through their rewards programs, so check for eligibility requirements prior to redeeming.
Locations:
• Wetzel’s Pretzels for a free pretzel
• Sprinkles for a free cupcake
• Jamba for a free smoothie
• Starbucks for a free drink
Where to Find Free Souvenirs at Disneyland Recap
If you’re looking to cut costs on an expensive Disney trip, or just want to add more value to it, free Disneyland souvenirs is a great way to do so. There are many items to collect from around Disneyland Resort that will allow you to come home with a handful of mementos to remind you of your trip. Let’s round up some highlights:
- Visit any gift shop to grab the most popular Disney freebie around, Celebration Buttons.
- For the most bang for your buck, check out Animation Academy at Disney California Adventure, where you’re given drawing lessons from a Disney animator.
- If you’re after that hard-to-get free souvenir at Disneyland, head to the Mark Twain Riverboat and ask to earn your pilot’s certificate.
- And lastly, if you’re celebrating a birthday, check out Downtown Disney. Many shops offer free birthday treats to members of their store’s rewards or loyalty program.
