What’s the big reason people say they can’t go on a Disneyland vacation, even if they really want to? While there’s plenty of good reasons – such as time off of work, kids aren’t the ‘right’ ages, etc. – the biggest reason I hear often is the cost. Yes, it can be an expensive trip, but you can really bring down the price by following some of these great tips for doing Disneyland on a Budget!
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Save money at Disney by getting souvenirs before you go
Plan ahead and grab some Disney items from amazon before you go, and you can save a LOT of money! Don’t forget light-up toys for when it gets dark, otherwise the kids will be begging you for things from the glowing carts. You can also nab some cheaper t-shirts instead of paying top dollar inside the parks. A few of our faves…
Get discount tickets to Disneyland
Look for deals on your tickets – sometimes it works best to combine this with lodging. Also look at the number of days – they’re cheaper ‘per day’ if you buy multiple, so make sure you plan well so you buy enough, but not TOO many.
How to save money on your hotel at Disneyland
I’ve always wished I could splurge and stay at one of the Disneyland hotels – but our budget just laughs and me and say ‘yeah right’! There’s plenty of affordable and quality hotels within walking distance to save on transportation. You can find really good deals using HotelsClick!
How to save money on food at Disneyland
I’m not saying miss out on all the goodies at Disneyland (Dole Whip, anyone?) but by bringing your own snacks you can avoid going overboard! Granola bars, fruit snacks, crackers, jerky, applesauce pouches, dried fruit and chips are some of our favorites.
If you’re willing to leave the parks, there’s several dining options just a short walk from the entrance such as Denny’s, McDonalds and a few nicer restaurants. We try to plan on ordering pizza to our hotel/rental house at least once because it’s a great budget-saver!
Look for discounted Disney gift cards
Keep an eye out before you go at places such as Target, Sam’s Club/Costco, Ebay, etc. and you may find some discounted gift cards for Disneyland! These are great to purchase your tickets, food, and more.
Stay Hydrated – for FREE at Disneyland
Counter places inside the parks give cups of water for free, so don’t splurge on your budget with a ton of sodas. Of course, I do often buy a soda or two during our trip to help me keep up with the kids.
Signing up for email coupons can help you save at Disneyland
Places in Downtown Disney and other areas around the park often give discounts via email, so plan ahead and sign up to take advantage of their offers! We’ve done this with Earl of Sandwich, making it a really affordable meal. This can also work for more than just food places, so search what’s around your hotel that you may want to utilize.
Check your receipts for discounts at Disneyland
Sometimes at Disneyland there will be coupons printed on your receipts, so this can save you money on food, merchandise or other items!
Grab the unofficial Disneyland Activity & Autograph Book
Now that your vacation is a bit more affordable, start planning now – and don’t forget to nab the new ‘Unofficial’ Disneyland Activity & Autograph Book! It’s great for keeping the kids happy while in line at the parks, waiting at the hotels and more! You can get a PDF version here!
author bio: Danielle is the crazy momma of 4 behind Busy Mom’s Helper, where she shares all her adventures. Married to her best friend & fellow nerd. Totally addicted to Dr Pepper and chocolate. Staying home with the kiddos keeps her busy, but she loves squeezing in time to create through the ups & downs of life, then sharing her recipes, crafts, parenting tips & more with you! Now if she could just figure out how to eat a candy bar without having to share, life would be even more fabulous!
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Do you have best tips to share about saving money at Disneyland?
Kym says
If your not there to shop stay out of the gift shops it’s less temping and you will save that impulse spend money
proprepandfulfillment says
Your method is good for saving money while on Disneyland. But why we save money there if we came to get joyful memories? I think money is not important than our feelings so if we came here for enjoying than we should take more money for this…
Shaunwef says
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