6 Things We Did to Save on Our Disneyland Trip

Disneyland castle

Let's be honest: the cheapest Disneyland trip is the one you don't take. Disney is expensive.

But for many of us, it's worth saving and planning for. Disney holds a special place in my family's history. My mom was once helped onto the Disneyland train as a little girl by a kind man who, she later learned, was Walt Disney himself. I made my first trip before I was even born, my husband and I honeymooned at Walt Disney World, and we've both run the Disney World Marathon.

When we took our own kids for the first time, here's how we kept costs down.

Our kids at Disneyland

1. We Started Planning Early

Giving ourselves plenty of lead time let us tackle one piece at a time (hotel, then airfare, then tickets) and watch for deals on each. It also gave us time to pay for the trip in cash instead of carrying a balance afterward.

2. We Stayed Off-Property

Disney hotels are magical, but the price wasn't for us. Many good-value hotels within walking distance of the parks cost a fraction of Disney's rates and often include breakfast. Compare prices on hotel booking sites and look for packages that include free shuttles or parking.

3. We Bought Tickets From Authorized Sellers

Stay away from deals that look too good to be true. Resold tickets on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay can be fraudulent or non-transferable. Instead, buy directly from Disney or from authorized ticket sellers, compare prices on sites like MouseSavers, and check Costco or your credit union for packages. Buying fewer days or skipping the Park Hopper option can also cut costs.

Gift card trick: buy Disney gift cards at a grocery store during fuel-rewards promotions and use them for tickets, food, or souvenirs. You'll earn gas points on money you were spending anyway.

Disneyland with the kids

4. We Got Creative With Gift Cards

We were flying Southwest, so we bought Southwest gift cards during a grocery store promotion that rewarded gift card purchases. That turned our airfare into bonus groceries! Deals like this come and go, but it pays to put on your couponer's hat and watch for gift card promotions.

5. We Skipped the Rental Car

Since we only planned to visit Disneyland, we used an airport shuttle instead of renting a car. It wasn't free, but it was far cheaper than a rental, gas, and Disney's daily parking fee.

6. We Packed Our Own Snacks

Disneyland allows you to bring in food and non-alcoholic drinks (no glass or loose ice). Pack refillable water bottles (there are free water fountains), plus granola bars, fruit snacks, and sandwiches, and you'll save a bundle.

A Final Word

We saved on the hotel, but we splurged on a character dining experience for our daughter. We skipped the rental car, but let the kids choose a couple of special souvenirs. Disneyland will never be a $50 trip, so pick where to save and where to splurge.

Kids enjoying Disneyland

Reader Tips for Saving at Disney

Our Facebook community shared some fantastic ideas:

Have groceries delivered to your hotel. Water, breakfast foods, and sandwich fixings mean you'll only need one meal a day in the park.
Look for "kids eat free" deals at restaurants near the resort.
Buy a souvenir popcorn bucket. Refills are discounted.
Share big portions. A turkey leg or a large entrée can feed two.
Enjoy free entertainment in the resort hotels, like the cozy lobby of the Grand Californian.
Buy Disney shirts and ears before you go. They cost much less outside the park, and kids won't know the difference.
Use the Disneyland app to check wait times and plan your day, which saves time and frustration.
Grab coupons from your hotel's brochure rack and local visitor sites for nearby restaurants.