How to Visit Disneyland on a Budget

Planning a visit to Disneyland can be difficult when you are on a budget. However, you do not have to pass on the Disney magic just because money is tight. There are ways to make your dream visit to Disneyland possible, even though it may seem like finding a Disneyland deal is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Here are some tips that may help you believe that dreams really do come true...

Instructions

1. Bring your own food into the park. Whether you bring in sandwiches that you have made at home, leftover dinner from the night before, or food bought from a fast food restaurant on the way in, you are bound to save money compared to eating foods sold in Disneyland.

2. 

   Food in the park is expensive and so are the drinks. Bring water or any thirst quenching drink to the park. Be careful not to pack too much, though. Remember, you will have to carry everything with you ALL day. Of course, there are all-day locker rentals. But if you are on a budget, it is best to steer away from as many luxuries as you can. On hot days, fill your water container halfway and before leaving for Disneyland, fill the container up. This way, you will have cold water to drink to better quench your thirst. When your bottles are empty, you can always go to Rancho del Zocalo restaurant next to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Adventureland and fill up at the free drinking-water dispenser (as opposed to the drinking-water fountains found throughout the park where people some times wash their hands when they should be drinking from it).

3. Go all day and maximize your ticket. Hours vary depending on the day and the season. However, regardless of when you decide to go to Disneyland during the year, it is best to plan your visit on a day you know you can get there when the park opens and leave when it closes.

4. 

   Check out the resources below to find savings on tickets, food and merchandise. Mousesavers is a great all-in-one resource with prices for special events, descriptions about different times of the year at Disneyland to help you decide when to go, and helpful links to other discounts you may be interested in comparing to help you find the best deal on your Disneyland visit budget. Disneyland Vacation Tips is another comprehensive site to search for the rare Disney deal. Learn more about Disneyland tickets, annual passes, and special promotionals going on at Family Vacation Getaways. I like this website because it lays it out for you what tickets may save you more depending on your situation.

5. If you must eat out, eat at the express versions of the restaurants in Downtown Disney. They are generally cheaper, offer a good amount of food to fill you up, and you do not have to worry about spending money on tipping. Tortilla Jo's cantina, Jazz Kitchen Express, and Napolini are just a few of the quick service eateries of Downtown Disney.
   Sure, you can visit a restaurant outside of Disneyland and Downtown Disney to eat, but that would mean you will have to sacrifice more time to walk there and back. Plan where you will get your meals ahead of time. This way, you can still be true to Step 3 and maximize your ticket.

Resources

• Mousesavers
• Disneyland Vacation Tips
• Family Vacation Getaways