Being in Florida, the Disney Parks can be incredibly hot at times and require additional planning to make sure that you’re a) not becoming dehydrated and b) not paying out the nose for bottled water.
First off, bottled water is available everywhere in the parks. Quick service restaurants, outdoor food carts (like popcorn and ice cream locations) and in retail shops. A regular bottle of Dasani water will run you $3.75, where SmartWater will run you an extra $1.50-$2 more! If you look at the cost of hydration, that’s a lot of cash going out of your pocket for something that you can get for free.
BUT LET’S TALK ABOUT THE FREE
Yes, Disney has a number of options that will allow you to get that high quality H2O and stop those annoying hydration headaches.
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WATER FOUNTAINS
Disney has installed fountains outside most restrooms, but here’s the catch…the water is rarely cold and the taste is a little “blah”. It feels like you’re drinking out of a fountain that’s been outside in the Florida heat a little bit too long. But don’t sweat, because some of the fountains are hidden gems of cold liquid gold…like the one in between Crystal Palace and the Emporium.
Now that we’ve got the no-brainer out of the way, let’s get to the real tips.
QUICK SERVICE RESTAURANTS
If you go to a food location that sells fountain drinks, you’re able to ask for an ice water. They’ll give you a small cup and you’re good to go. Easy right? Absolutely! This is by far the easiest and most valuable tip, as the mixture of Air Conditioning and Free Ice Water is a great combo.
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HERE ARE MY TOP QUICK SERVICE RESTAURANTS TO GET FREE ICE WATER
- Satuli @ Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Sunshine Seasons, Regal Eagle BBQ and Connections Cafe @ EPCOT
- Backlot Express @ Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Gaston’s Tavern and Cosmic Rays @ Magic Kingdom
WATER HACK
If you’re going to a quick service location that has a Mobile Order pick-up spot, you can always go up and ask a cast member if they can get you a cup of water. Because they’ve staffed the location to prepare mobile orders, there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to catch a cast member with a little extra time. Just make sure to say THANK YOU!
Pool Bars
Talk about a hidden gem. Most folks would just walk right past, but if you’re looking for free water the answer could in fact be in dining locations that are off the beaten path. Pool bars, like the one at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or Disney’s Contemporary Resort can have a complimentary water station set up on the side.
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STARBUCKS LOCATIONS
Did you know that you can go to a Starbucks location and ask for an ice water. Generally, they are going to provide you with a tall (small) cup with their triple-filtered water…but every so often they’ll ask you what size you’d like. Don’t go crazy, but if they offer…take this chance to rehydrate.
The BIG part about this tip is simple: You must stand in line like everyone else.
After you place your “order” at the register, the barista may just do your water to get you out the door quicker, but don’t be surprised if your H2O order goes in line with all the other drinks that have been ordered. Just soak up the Air conditioning and remember that you’re saving $4! 🙂
Did we get the list right? Do you have any other tips for getting Free Water at Disney?
