When planning a practically perfect vacation to Walt Disney World Resort, a lot of focus goes into choosing the resort, dining reservations and FP+. What I love most though about a Walt Disney World Resort vacation is all the little extras that may not necessarily pop up on the radar.

Here are some of my favorites, from the planning phase to post-vacation magic.

For the Planning Stage

Order a #DisneySide decal.
Do you like to show off your #DisneySide?  Here is a great way to do so.

Visit the Build Your Disney Side website and pick out your stick family.  Dress them up and accessorize them with your park favorites.  You can then use the image for social media AND order the decal to be sent to your house…for FREE. Put it on your car and let everyone know you are headed to the Disney Parks.

At Walt Disney World Resort

Character Palooza
Character Palooza is an unpublished character meet and greet event that takes place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Each day a new set of characters come out to mix and mingle with guests. Because this event is not listed in the times guide, the crowds are fairly low and the character interaction is fabulous.

Check out Kenny the Pirate for the most accurate schedule.

Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long
This family favorite is located at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Catch a boat from Magic Kingdom and then take an internal bus to the Campfire.

The sing-a-long offers photo opportunities with Chip and Dale. A guitar-playing cowboy leads guests in familiar songs that are sung by the campfires. There are s’mores kits available for purchase, or you can bring your own fixin’s.

Check the Walt Disney World website for start times.

Disney Junior Dance Party
Located at Animation Courtyard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Disney Junior Dance Party occurs once a week during Evening Extra Magic Hours. While a DJ spins tracks from Radio Disney, the characters arrive and dance with the kids. Jake, Sophia, Handy Manny, Mickey, Minnie and Goofy join in the fun.

Note: You can only attend if you are a guest at one of the Disney resorts. Characters are subject to change.

Jedi Training Academy
A must do for the Star Wars fan in your house. Padawans, ages 4-12, can sign up for this amazing experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These Jedi-in-training don robes, grab light sabers and learn how to harness The Force. Once they’ve mastered their skills, it is time to take on Darth Vader himself.

This experience is included with the cost of admission, but spaces are limited.

Upon Return

Free Mickey Mail
Let’s face it, we all go through it—Disney withdrawal. It can be especially tough on the littles. Here is one of my favorite free ways to perk the kids up in-between trips. Have your child write to their favorite princess or Disney character. Then mail the letter to:

ATTN: Character Name (Mickey, Cinderella)
Walt Disney World Communications
PO Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista FL 32830-0040

In about 6-8 weeks a postcard arrives in the mail addressed to your child. It’s a fun way to spread the Mickey Magic.

Do you have free extras that your family enjoys? I’d love to hear about them in the comments.