There's a SECRET and FREE Disney World Hotel Souvenir We've GOT to Talk About

We know that a vacation to Disney World is not cheap.

Magic Kingdom

So, we always want to give you the best tips so you can save money on your upcoming trip to Disney World. While many things that used to be free are no longer free, like FastPass+, now Lightning Lane Multi and Single Pass, as well as Magical Express, there are still things in Disney World that you can get for free!

We are all for freebies at Disney World, but sometimes we can’t help ourselves! Somehow, we always come home with the iconic Disney bag full of souvenirs. Trust us, there is nothing wrong with shopping, but sometimes, Disney World souvenirs can break the bank.

Let’s go shopping!

One of our favorite free souvenirs is Disney buttons! There are so many different versions; there’s an “I’m Celebrating” button, a Happy Birthday Button, a First Visit button, and even a Happily Ever After button. We are a little bit salty about Disney World not having the graduation button like Disneyland does.

Let’s Celebrate!

If you want to take your free souvenir to the next level, you can get it personalized at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Magic Kingdom or at Days of Christmas in Disney Springs. It will cost you a little extra, but it really elevates your button to make it stand out. Plus, it is a cute keepsake.

Upgrade your button!

Well, recently, we stumbled upon another free souvenir. You can hop on the monorail from Magic Kingdom or the Transportation and Ticket Center and head to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for this freebie!

Polynesian Village Resort

Guests who are staying at the Polynesian receive a free lei when they check-in. This is a way to welcome guests and show them the spirit of Aloha!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

I actually used to be a Cast Member at the Polynesian. On my Aloha Day, my first day of training, when my group and I entered the Polynesian, we were given a free lei! Unfortunately, the free lei also meant we had to dance the hula for guests, making for quite the story about my first day working at Disney World.

Polynesian Village Resort

Well, you, too, can get a lei, even if you are not staying at the resort! Simply head downstairs in the Great Ceremonial House and visit the front desk or the check-in desk outside of the resort. Just ask a Cast Member if there are any extra leis, and if there are, they would be more than happy to give you one!

Head to the Great Ceremonial House

This is not always guaranteed, but it does not hurt to ask. Getting a lei can be especially fun if you are heading to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto or ‘Ohana.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

When I used to work at ‘Ohana, we kept extra leis in the host stand to make magical moments!

Polynesian Village Resort

If there are no extra leis, you can actually make your own Kukui Nut Lei. This activity costs an additional fee, but anyone can do it! The activity boards around the Polynesian have information on the dates and times, but you can also double-check with the front desk.

Let’s make a lei!

Kukui Nut Leis are actually super important at the Polynesian. If you see a Cast Member wearing one, it means they are either a coordinator or leader. They wear these leis for other Cast Members to know that they can turn to them if they have any questions. These Kukui Nuts can actually be used as fuel for fire, so important figures in Polynesian communities would wear these leis because they would literally light the way for others, so coordinators and leaders at the Polynesian also light the way for other Cast Members.