{"id":6213,"date":"2015-07-02T23:25:08","date_gmt":"2015-07-03T03:25:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aspire-canada.com\/?p=6213"},"modified":"2017-02-19T11:38:45","modified_gmt":"2017-02-19T16:38:45","slug":"17-creative-ways-to-save-money-at-disneyland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aspire-canada.com\/?p=6213","title":{"rendered":"17 Creative Ways to Save Money at Disneyland"},"content":{"rendered":"

17 Creative Ways to Save Money at Disneyland<\/h2>\n
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The \u201chappiest place on earth\u201d is a top destination on many families’ bucket lists, though admittedly, it’s not the most budget-friendly vacation spot.<\/p>\n

However, if you plan ahead, this magical, unforgettable destination\u00a0doesn’t have to put a large dent in your budget. Click\u00a0through for tried-and-true tips to save money while enjoying your Disneyland experience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1. Come Prepared<\/h2>\n

Plan ahead so you don’t have to purchase overpriced necessities at Disneyland that you could have brought from home. For example, check the weather ahead of time so you don’t end up\u00a0shelling out for sunscreen, an umbrella or sweatshirt. Remember, it usually is cool at night in Southern California, even during the summer months, so come prepared.<\/p>\n

If you are planning on going on water rides and don\u2019t want to get wet, purchase a poncho from a dollar store in advance. You will save money and won\u2019t feel guilty throwing it away afterward.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2. Buy Souvenirs Elsewhere<\/h2>\n

Disney merchandise can be found just about everywhere these days, including Walmart, Target,\u00a0department stores,\u00a0Amazon and even your local grocery store. You can save a lot of money by purchasing Mickey tees and mouse ears before your trip at these less-expensive retailers rather than at Disneyland, California Adventure\u00a0Park or Downtown Disney.<\/p>\n

In addition to getting a lower price, you also have the benefit of being able to enjoy your souvenirs from day one of your Disneyland vacation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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3. Make an Autograph Book<\/h2>\n

An autograph book is a must-have for Disneyland enthusiasts and a great way to bring some of your memories home with you. However, these books can cost anywhere from $7.95 to $19.95 at the\u00a0Disney Store\u00a0and up to $30 for special\u00a0editions, such as the park’s 60th-anniversary autograph book. Prices vary according to photo sleeves, number of pages, quality and cover art.<\/p>\n

But there’s no reason you can’t capture these memories for under $5. Consider buying a small, generic photo album, memo pad or notebook \u2014 even a Disney storybook from a retailer like Walmart, Target or The Dollar Tree. Personalize your album with photos and stickers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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4. Take Advantage of the Shuttle Service<\/h2>\n

Disneyland charges $17 a day to park in one of their parking lots or structures. Parking for oversized vehicles and vehicles with trailers costs $22 to $27.<\/p>\n

Most nearby hotels\u00a0offer shuttle services, often for free \u2014 the Candy Cane Inn\u00a0in Anaheim is one example. If your hotel is in Anaheim, you can also use the ART Shuttle System. Adult day passes are $5; children, seniors and people with disabilities get discounts. If you buy a multi-day pass, the price goes down. Also, keep in mind parking at Downtown Disney is free for up to three hours.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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5. Bring Your Own Stroller\/Wheelchair<\/h2>\n

If you are planning on using a stroller or wheelchair, plan ahead. You can\u00a0rent a single stroller\u00a0at the park for $15 a day. No double strollers are available, but you can\u00a0rent two strollers\u00a0for a discounted price of $25 a day.<\/p>\n

Instead of renting a stroller for multiple days or lugging around your big stroller, buy an inexpensive\u00a0umbrella stroller for $20\u00a0at Babies R\u2019 Us, for example. You also can get a good deal renting one from a rental company such as\u00a0City Stroller Rentals.<\/p>\n

Additionally, a manual wheelchair\u00a0is $12 day and an\u00a0electronic conveyance vehicle\u00a0is $50 a day at Disneyland. These rentals require a refundable deposit of $20 and cannot leave the Disneyland or California Adventure park areas, which means you cannot take them to Downtown Disney. A much more cost-efficient option is to rent a wheelchair or ECV for less at a local\u00a0rental company, such as A Scooter 4 U, Inc.\u00a0in Anaheim, which offers Disneyland discounts and free hotel delivery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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6. Eat Breakfast Before You Arrive<\/h2>\n

Breakfast is almost as pricey as lunch or dinner if you eat at Downtown Disney or inside the Disneyland parks. You can save quite a bit of money by eating breakfast before you go to the park.<\/p>\n

Choose a hotel room with a fridge so you can buy milk, cereal or other easily prepared breakfast items the night before \u2014 or take advantage of your hotel’s free continental breakfast if available. Continental breakfasts, such as the one offered at\u00a0Cortona Inn & Suites\u00a0in Anaheim, start as early as 6:30 a.m.\u00a0If you want to eat out, eat at a local restaurant that is inexpensive or has a kids’ menu, such as McDonald\u2019s\u00a0or IHOP, both of which are close to the park.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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7. Bring Your Own Food and Drinks<\/h2>\n

While Disney’s\u00a0official policy does not allow outside food or drinks, Disneyland does allow most food items. A few things they will absolutely not allow are hard-sided coolers, glass containers, large coolers or alcoholic beverages. However, you can get by with bringing snacks for the day or packing a lunch to enjoy in the picnic area just outside the main entrance of the park.<\/p>\n

Disneyland will allow you to bring any kind of non-alcoholic liquid into the park, so bring your own soda, juice or milk \u2014 fountain drinks and water bottles inside the park are nearly $3 each, but ice and water are free anywhere that sells fountain drinks.<\/p>\n

If you do decide to eat at the park, avoid sit-down table service like at the Blue Bayou.\u00a0The counter-service and cafeteria-style restaurants in the park offer better prices. Order a kids’ meal if you don\u2019t need a large portion; it’s less expensive and usually comes with a side and a drink.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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8. Take Advantage of Discounts Offered to Special Groups<\/h2>\n

Disney offers a wide variety of discounts, including discounts for\u00a0military service members, college students, credit unions, corporate and government groups, teachers and youth groups. If you think you might qualify for a special discount or group rate, call the Disneyland Resort to book tickets. Discounts are offered inside the park, on Disneyland Resort stays, as well as on ticket admission.<\/p>\n

These discounts can be quite substantial. For instance, a three-day Park Hopper Pass for someone older than 10 years is $235. That same ticket is offered to members of the\u00a0military\u00a0for just $132. Make sure to check the details of the discounts offered to special groups because they often have blackout dates or deadlines.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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9. Arrange Your Trip Around the Off-Season<\/h2>\n

Everything from airfare to souvenirs\u00a0can become more expensive during Disneyland\u2019s busier times of the year. To make the most of your money, plan your trip during the park’s\u00a0off-season: September through March \u2014 excluding December. Hotels are generally less expensive during these months, too.<\/p>\n

Do not plan a trip around a holiday or special event being held at Disneyland. These times, such as Halloween or Thanksgiving, tend to be especially crowded, even during the off-season. If you cannot plan a trip during the off-season, try to attend the park on a weekday. Arranging your trip around the busy times of the year will not only help you save a little money but will also help you have a better experience overall.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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10. Pass on the Park Hopper Pass<\/h2>\n

At the Disneyland Resort, there are two different kinds of passes you can purchase. The first is a traditional theme park pass, which allows you to enter only one park, Disneyland\u00a0or\u00a0California Adventure, for the day. The second is a Park Hopper Pass, which allows you to move freely between the parks throughout the day. You can pay an additional $40 to make any ticket a Park Hopper Pass.<\/p>\n

Unless you are only visiting for one day, it’s a better idea to purchase the traditional pass and dedicate each day to one park \u2014 especially if you’re buying multiple passes per day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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11. Look Out for Special Offers and Coupons<\/h2>\n

Disneyland will usually offer\u00a0special discounts\u00a0during its off-season to promote business. These tickets can have substantial discounts, and although they are sold during the off-season, are usually good for one calendar year. Look out for these special promotions to potentially save a lot of money on an upcoming trip. Just make sure to pay attention to blackout dates and other restrictions.<\/p>\n

In addition to Disney’s offers, many businesses offer\u00a0coupons\u00a0you can use on your Disney vacation, For instance, some chain restaurants, hotels and retailers will let you list a favorite location or home location on their websites. If you list Anaheim, you might be granted discounts and coupons specifically for Disneyland.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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12. Get a Disney Visa Card<\/h2>\n

Disney offers Visa credit cards that let you earn rewards, which can be redeemed for Disney merchandise, including DVDs, movie tickets, toys, costumes and Disneyland travel.\u00a0Additional cardholder perks include a special Meet \u2018N\u2019 Greet inside the park as well as 10-percent to 15-percent discounts on merchandise, restaurants and tours inside the Disneyland parks and at the Disney Store.<\/p>\n

Disney is also offering a $50 statement credit after your first purchase with your Visa card. You can receive a $100 statement credit after your first purchase with the Disney Premier Visa Card, which has a $49 annual fee \u2014 the Disney Rewards Visa card has no fee. Of course, using your card responsibly and paying the balance off every month will ensure you don’t rack up debt instead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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13. Take Your Kids Before Age 3<\/h2>\n

Kids three years old and under get into the Disney theme parks completely free. Avoid delaying your trip until the kids are older if you can help it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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14. Invest in an Annual Disneyland Passport<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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If you’re a Southern California native, consider investing in the annual pass. All annual passports allow park-hopper access and offer discounts on merchandise.\u00a0Keep your pass on you everywhere you go near Disneyland\u00a0and ask if cardholders get discounts. The passport options include:<\/p>\n