You can indulge your Disney desires at Disneyland Resort without spending a dime.

While attending the original Disney theme park and its companion Disney California Adventure is a remarkable experience—where one-day, one-park tickets start at $104 for visitors aged 9 and older—there’s a lot more magic available outside the park gates. The entire Anaheim resort features three hotels and the dynamic Downtown Disney area filled with shops, dining, and entertainment.

From spotting Disney characters to enjoying fireworks displays, here are various options for fans to enjoy Disneyland without purchasing park tickets, catering to different budgets.

Is there a cost to meet Disney characters?

There are both free and paid options to meet Disney characters. For example, you can meet Bing Bong from “Inside Out” at Disneyland’s Pixar Place Hotel at no cost. You’ll also find Joe Gardner from “Soul” playing music here, again for free. Additionally, visitors can meet Santa at all three Disneyland hotels during the holiday season.

For those interested in character dining, reservations can be made. Goofy and friends are available for meet-and-greets during breakfast and dinner at Goofy’s Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel. Meanwhile, Mickey and his pals host breakfast and brunch at Storytellers Cafe located in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Meals at these venues start at $55 for guests over age 9.

For a more upscale experience, character dining with Disney princesses at Napa Rose comes at a higher price, with three-course Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures starting at $142 for attendees over age 2.

What food options are available at Disneyland?

Guests can savor popular snacks such as Churro Toffee Squares and candy apples at Marceline’s Confectionery in Downtown Disney, which is currently under renovation but set to open this winter as Disney Wonderful World of Sweets. Until then, a nearby cart offers various treats. Downtown Disney also features numerous third-party restaurants, including Din Tai Fung, known for its delicious soup dumplings, and Tiendita, which serves grab-and-go snacks like Carne Asada Burritos and Ice Cream Tacos.

Each hotel within the Disneyland Resort has its own selection of dining options, serving everything from Mickey waffles to gourmet filet mignon. For a uniquely Disney atmosphere, try a tropical drink at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Hotel, famous for its Jungle Cruise-inspired decor, engaging servers, and whimsical atmosphere. Alternatively, grab a snack from the seasonal Great Hall Cart at the Grand Californian and relax by the fireplace in the hotel’s beautiful craftsman-style lobby. Themed snacks are also available during various festivals, celebrations, and holidays at the resort.

How can I enjoy Disney without riding attractions?

On certain nights throughout the year, Downtown Disney hosts complimentary live performances on the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage. During Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month, talented groups such as mariachi bands and the Pacifico Dance Company perform. Live music can also be enjoyed nightly at Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio and in the courtyard next to Splitsville Luxury Lanes.

Families can engage in free crafts and activities during festivals and at specific times throughout the year in Downtown Disney. For a small fee, guests can participate in scavenger hunts like Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, which costs $9.99 and includes a pumpkin sipper as a prize upon completion.

Pin trading can be an affordable (or pricey) activity. Visitors without Disney pins can purchase them at the Pin Traders kiosk located by the Monorail station and World of Disney in Downtown Disney, as well as in hotel gift shops. Several pin trading spots can be found across the three hotels.

Those staying at Disney hotels can enjoy additional activities such as drawing classes and tours of the hotel included in their stay.

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Are there nighttime shows at Disneyland?

Absolutely. You can enjoy Disneyland’s fireworks show for free from the rooftop of Pixar Place Hotel, which also features Pixar-themed firepits and lawn games, plus a bar called Small Bytes offering snacks and drinks. However, the pool is only accessible to hotel guests.

Unfortunately, you cannot view Fantasmic! or World of Color – ONE (which is temporarily closed for renovations) from public areas outside the parks.

Where is the best parking for Disneyland?

Theme park guests can park daily for $35 per car or motorcycle at Disneyland’s Mickey & Friends Parking Structure, Pixar Pals Parking Structure, or Toy Story Parking Area.

However, if you are just visiting Downtown Disney, the Simba Lot is a better choice, charging $10 for the first hour, with parking validation from Downtown Disney shops and dining extending your stay for another three to five hours.

Guests eating at Storytellers Cafe, Napa Rose, Goofy’s Kitchen, Small Bytes, or Great Maple Modern American Eatery in Pixar Place can enjoy three hours of free parking at the respective hotel where the restaurants are located.

The journalist reporting this story received a visit to Disneyland courtesy of Disney. YSL News retains full editorial oversight of the content.