10 Easy Ways to Save Money at Disneyland
Are high ticket prices stopping you from taking a family trip to Disneyland? It doesn't have to be because there are ways to save money at Disneyland.
You can go on your trip when you use our Disney money-saving tips on how to do Disney on a budget. Here's how you can make your wallet happy at the "happiest place on earth" with 10 easy ways to save money at Disneyland.
Plus we've got a voucher for a free one-night stay at any Country Inn & Suites hotel in North America. You could use it at the new Country Inn & Suites Anaheim near Disneyland or at any other Country Inn & Suites.
To enter the giveaway: visit Country Inn & Suites Anaheim and leave a comment below about what you like about the hotel.
Update: The giveaway has ended but you can still use these 10 easy ways to save money at Disneyland.
10 Easy Ways to Save Money at Disneyland
1. Visit During the Off-Season
Avoid the crowds and visit during the off-season from September to March. Or more specifically:
- The middle of January to the middle of March (except President's Day Weekend)
- Middle of April to the middle of May (exception: Spring Break)
- The middle of September to the middle of November (except Halloween)
By going during the off-season you'll pay less because Disney ticket prices are based on the good old law of supply and demand.
Where there's more demand, there's less supply. Meaning, if Disney thinks everyone wants to visit, the price of the ticket costs more.
Single day ticket prices vary depending on the date. Disney divides the year into six tiers: tier 0, tier 1, tier 2, tier 3, tier 4, tier 5, and tier 6 dates.
Pro-tip: Weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday, are less crowded. This means the lines are shorter and you can get on more rides.
Pro-tip: Kids under 3 get in free. So bring your little ones before they age out.
And if you're flying, kids under 2 fly for free! Make sure you know these tips on flying with a baby or toddler.
Pro-tip: Skip the line. You get 3 FastPasses for all rides (except the Radiator Springs Racers) when you listen to a timeshare presentation at the Disneyland Resort.
2. Take Advantage of Special Discounts
Disney offers discounts for groups such as the military, credit union members, and more.
Active, reserve, and retired military can get 5-Day Park Hopper tickets for $246 and 4-Day Park Hopper tickets for $226.
If you qualify, you can buy six tickets to use for yourself, family, or friends. Tickets are valid through December 19, 2018.
Pro-tip: Disney employees get 16 free visits a year and they can bring guests. Plus they get 3 free passes a year that they can give to friends. So buddy up and make friends with someone who works at Disney.
3. Disneyland Passport
Depending on how often you visit (or want to visit), it could be worth buying a Disneyland Passport.
A Disneyland passport is valid for an entire year and comes with certain benefits:
- Disney Southern California Select Passport for $369 (visit both parks on the same day on select days; up to 10% off select dining and merchandise; no holidays or peak days)
- Disney Deluxe Passport is $729 (visit both parks on the same day on most days; up to 10% off select dining and up to 10% off merchandise; no holidays or other peak days)
- Disney Signature Passport for $999 (visit both parks on the same day on most days; up to 15% off select dining and up to 20% off merchandise; free parking; December holidays and other peak days excluded)
- Disney Signature Plus Passport costs $1,149(visit both parks on the same day; up to 15% off select dining and up to 20% off merchandise; free parking; no blackout dates)
Pro-tip: Buy your Disneyland Passport in February, and it's valid for 13 months.
4. SoCal City Pass
You can save $137 per person on tickets to 3-Day Park Hopper Disneyland, SeaWorld San Diego, and LEGOLAND California when you buy a SoCal City Pass.
An add-on option for the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park is available.
The SoCal City Pass is good for 14 calendar days, and you can visit the parks in any order. The Disneyland pass is a three-day Park Hopper with early admittance to the parks, also known as Magic Morning.
Pro-tip: Disney Magic Morning (early admission to Disneyland 1 hour before the park opens) is included in the SoCal City Pass.
5. Eat Breakfast Before You Arrive
Photo courtesy: Country Inn & Suites Anaheim
Disney opens at 8 am (most mornings) and if you have a ticket that gives you Magic Morning, you can get into the park as early as 7 am.
So eat breakfast before you get to Disneyland or you're going to be starved.
And if you're like me, you get hangry. And that is not fun for anyone.
Why pay a small fortune for breakfast when you can eat ahead of time. Or better yet, get breakfast for free when you stay at a nearby hotel that offers free breakfast like the Country Inn & Suites Anaheim.
6. Bring Food and Snacks
You can save a lot of money when you bring your own food and drinks (non-alcoholic) to Disneyland.
Technically you can't bring outside food into the park unless you have special dietary restrictions like gluten-free, etc. But you can eat your food at the picnic areas outside the Main Entrance.
You can rent an unrefrigerated locker from $7 to $15 a day and store coolers up to 18" x 25".
Pro-tip: Here's a list of where to find cheap or free snacks at Disneyland:
- You can buy snacks for less than $5 at Maurice's Treats and the Bengal Barbeque
- Order the "side corn dog" (no apples or chips) for $6 at the Little Red Wagon, the Golden Horseshoe, and other places
- $6 gets you a Kid's Mickey Check Meal (Smoothie, apple, banana, carrots, goldfish crackers, and a water)
- Get a free piece of chocolate from Ghiradelli at California Adventure
- Take the Boudin Factory Tour at California Adventure and get a free piece of sourdough bread.
Thanks to my friend, Steve Franco, for the tip about Maurice's Treats and the Bengal Barbeque.
7. Bring Reusable Water Bottles
Save money and the planet and bring reusable water bottles when you visit Disneyland. I LOVE the Takeya reusable water bottles because they're double-wall insulated so drinks stay cold! With little ones, the stainless steel comes in handy because they don't break when dropped. Buy your 2 pack here.
You can get a free large cup of water with ice at all Disneyland restaurants.
And there are filtered water stations and drinking fountains throughout the park.
Pro-tip: Bring Kool-Aid packets, Crystal light, or ice tea and turn that free cup of water into a refreshing drink.
8. Bring Your Own Stroller
If your kiddo or kiddos are little or may get tired after a long day at the Disneyland, bring your own stroller.
A single stroller costs $15 a day to rent. And there are no double strollers. Wagons are not allowed in the park.
One of the best travel strollers for trips and around town is the Pockit Lightweight Stroller.
Pro-tip: If you're visiting with friends and you each need a stroller, you'll save $5 if one person rents both strollers. You'll only pay $25 for two strollers vs $30.
9. Use the Disney PhotoPass Photographers
You're probably thinking, "What? Are you kidding me? They cost a fortune."
Use the Disney PhotoPass photographers. I'm totally serious.
Don't buy the professional photo.
Pro-tip: Give your camera to the photographer and have him/her take your photo with your camera. Boom, you've just saved money and now have a professional photo.
10. Stay Off-Site
Photo courtesy of Country Inn & Suites Anaheim
You'll save the most money on your Disneyland trip when you stay off-site at a hotel like the Country Inn & Suites Anaheim.
I love staying at Country Inn & Suites hotels. The rooms are clean and there's plenty of space. And the buffet breakfast is filling.
So I was excited to learn that a new one opened near Disneyland.
The Country Inn & Suites Anaheim is a new 174-room hotel that is walking distance from the Main Gate and offers:
- Free hot breakfast including Belgian waffles and yogurt parfaits
- Free Wi-Fi
- View of the fireworks at Disneyland
- Modern interiors with stylish furnishings
- Large rooms with spa-inspired bathrooms
- Bar serving spirits, wine, local craft beer, soups, salads, and sandwiches
- 24-hour fitness center
- Outdoor patio
- Pool and whirlpool
- Reading lending library
Pro-tip: Avoid booking your trip when there are conferences at the Anaheim Convention Center. Because hotel rates will be higher if they aren't sold out.
Photo courtesy: Country Inn & Suites Anaheim
Are you dreaming of a castle, princes, princesses and a visit to the Magic Kingdom? Or is a relaxing trip to the beach more your speed?
Whatever your preference, with over 470 locations worldwide, from as far south as Panama to as far east as India, there's a Country Inn & Suites hotel where you want to travel.
And now there's a Country Inn & Suites near Disneyland. (There's also one near Disneyworld.)
Here's how to enter to win a voucher for a free one-night stay giveaway at any Country Inn & Suites in North America:
- Visit Country Inn & Suites Anaheim
- Leave a comment below telling me your favorite feature of the Country Inn & Suites Anaheim by 9 pm, Pacific Time on January 30, 2017
One winner will be chosen at random at 9:01 pm on January 30, 2017.
You can save money on your trip to Disney. Looking for more money-saving ideas for a future vacation? Here's how to save $5,000 in 3 months.
Conclusion
Don't let the cost of visiting the "happiest place on earth" get you down. These 10 easy ways to save money at Disneyland can turn that dream vacation from a wish into a reality.
Tips such as visiting during the off-season, use special discounts, buy a Disneyland Passport or SoCal City Pass, eat breakfast before and bring your own food and snacks.
Remember your reusable water bottle and stroller (if needed) and let the Disney Photographers take your Photo.
But the biggest money saving tip for your Disneyland vacation is to stay off-site at a hotel like the Country Inn & Suites Anaheim.
Remember to enter our one-night giveaway at any Country Inn & Suites by telling me which is your favorite feature of the new Country Inn & Suites Anaheim hotel.
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Featured image courtesy of Steve Franco.
I will be pinning this! My sister just went to Disneyland today and I want to visit soon and save. Thanks for the tips!
These are smart tips. We are planning to go on Disney this coming February. This is such an useful for us.
I've never thought a few info here. I'm really glad that you shared it. I'll spread this helpful tips.
I think that visiting during off season really does help, I am always on the lookout for cheap deals. I have always wanted to go to Disneyland x
These are great tips, thanks for sharing them. One day I'll get to Disneyland with my children!
Awesome Disneyland tips! I had never heard of that So Cal pass. That would have been nice to have on my trip last year to Irvine. My favorite tip is to eat breakfast first. I hate spending all that money at Disney for an average breakfast.
We saved quite a lot with the group discount we got when we went to Hongkong Disneyland. Our package even included hotel accommodations at the Disney Hollywood Hotel. 🙂
I so wish we lived close enough to do either of the pass programs you mentioned. Thanks for all the tips. I didn't realize the Disney photographers would be willing to use my camera, so that's a great help. Thanks!
My babies are too little to enjoy disneyland but I do hope to take them there in a few years or so! Definitely am going to bookmark this post for when I do plan the trip out!!
These are all great. I've never been to Disneyland before. I have always wanted to go though. I think it would be fun to take my daughters there.
This sound great. Really great tips for saving money and to have a fun.
I've never been to Disney Land, and probably never will. Living in Florida we have access to Disney World at the resident prices! 🙂 Of course your tips are also spot on for WDW. We always do Disney cheap, going off season, staying in a value resort, and packing drinks and snacks.
I would have never thought about checking the credit union for discounts. Disney can get expensive if you aren't careful. These are great tips.
Wow, I learned a lot here. I've heard of that Magic Morning thing but never really paid attention to my friend who was telling me that she was able to get in as early as 7:30AM. Glad to have come across this, time to plan a Disney trip sometime in the middle of the month!
Great tips for traveling to disney!! I love going to disney but it can totally get really expensive if you aren't careful and everyone always wants to go so it is great if you can save money while doing it!
It's amazing how the money sort of adds up at places like this - so these are some wise and great tips. Especially about how to get easy and cheap snacks around the park
Wonderful tips. And I am feeling really delighted having stumbled upon your post. Since I am headed to the disneyland this year between April to May. I have already bookmarked your post to refer to it again when I travel
Love this! Visiting Disney is so expensive and these are great tips!
Oh this is perfect since we are planning to go to Disneyland. Thanks for these great tips!
Visiting during the off-season is my favorite tip. Not only do you save a lot, but the crowds are so much lower and the weather is typically cooler.
This sounds like a great tips! I've never been to disneyland for the reason that it's costly. So glad to read this post that will help save some money for the trip. Just pinned it to share with friends.
Whenever we went to Disney World we visited in the offseason and it made a huge difference. I can't wait to go back.
These are great tips!! I really want to take my kids but the price has definitely hindered that. I'm going to reevaluate my budget and see when I can make it happen!
Awesome post. I'm bookmarking for later.
With so many resources out there on the Internet there is so reason why anyone should pay full price for Disney vacations. Discounts are a'plenty. I love articles like this which give so many ideas for people seeking the better deals.
We've been taking advantage of our own Disney passport and it really helps. Makes memberships easier as well, and I still want to come back soon!
These are some great tips! I live close to Disney World and there are a lot of ways to save money that I have tried myself.
Great Tips. I always try and eat anything before hand before going anywhere because Disney is so expensive, but another tip I learned. I just got the kids meal which is plenty for me and it's not that expensive. I think I did the twice when we went to the theme park ha ha.
I definitely need to use your tips next time I go to Disneyland 🙂 I love how the Country Suites Inns and Suites in Anaheim has a heated outdoor pool! 🙂
These are good tips. We went this year and it was so expensive! I could have used a few of these then for sure.
Thank you for the tips! Visiting Disney is on our bucket list so I'll keep this in mind. And I make sure to save as much as we can when we travel.
I love going to Disney during the week when we can. You're so right...It's much less crowded on weekdays!
These are great tips! I cannot wait to take my son to disney world!
I have been wanting to go to Disney lately. I am sending your tips on saving money over to my partner, because he might actually say yes after them!
I didn't even think of eating breakfast before leaving the hotel. I mean, I don't really eat breakfast, but it seems it would help keep me less hungry if I did!
Thank you!
I am such a Disney fan I have yet to go to Disney Land I have only been to Disney World! Thanks for all of these tips! One of my favorite things about the Country Inn is that you can see the fireworks from the hotel!!! Disney fireworks are just amazing!!!! <3
Great tips to save money! My friend goes to DIsney land every year so I will pass this onto her! ree love30
We go to Disney once a year and it never fails when we plan it to look for better ways to save than the year before. These are some great insights and tips.
These are such great ideas. Disney is so expensive. We all can use all the saving opportunities possible!
I'm not sure I'm ever go to Disney land but i imagine it's quite expensive with food etc. I'll keep these tips in mind for anyone who goes.
Great tips! I'll have to keep them in mind if ever I go back. Just curious what a photo pass is exactly though? Is that what allows you to hand over your camera to the pro? Or is it just to be able to bring in a camera?
Bookmarked! These are useful tips. Thanks for sharing.
These are awesome suggestions! I haven't been to Disney for some time and I have plans to go back with family! I can definitely make use of these saving tips!
Awesome advice. Disney is soooooo expensive! It's always great to find ways to save.
I would love to win this giveaway. I love the fresh look of the hotel. My favorite features would be the fact that it's so close to Disneyland and their complimentary breakfast! Free breakfast is the best!
We have been to Disneyland before few years and we are so eager to make it one more time sooner. These are some great tips that will help us next time when we travel with our kids and the Disneyland Passport & SoCal City Pass sounds interesting too!
My daughter has been begging me to take her to Disney World for a couple years now, but we haven't been able to make the trip yet. I will definitely come back to these tips to save us money when we make the trip 🙂
My brother and SIL just booked a trip to LA and are planning on visiting disneyland. I will have to share this with them!
I just booked a vacation to Disney world yesterday! I couldn't' be more excited but am nervous about the expense! These are really awesome tips!
We saved a lot of money bringing our own food in and eating before and after park visit
Such a good idea I love going to the Disney but so expensive, I need to bookmark this I will share this to my hubby