5 tips I use to save money at Disneyland

A few easy things you can do to save money while visiting Disneyland

1. Buy the season pass

     If you live close enough to the park or are willing to travel through southern California traffic to get there the season pass is definitely worth it. One day passes range from $95 - $119, depending on wether it is a peak season day or not. That price doesn't even cover the cost of parking for the day which is now $18 for the day.

     Opting for the season pass is the best way to save money over the long run if you are planning on visiting multiple times throughout the year. All of the plans allow you to pay monthly over the course of the year. More information can be found on the Disney site here. 

1a. Go as often as you can

     This tip is more about getting the most out of the money you spend rather than saving you money at the park. It was always gratifying, to me, knowing that the $1,200 that we were spending over the course of the year was actually being put to use in enjoying Disneyland.

2. Get to the park right when they open

     This is more of a way to get the most out of your day. Arriving early allows for the most amount of time in the park. Ambitious park-goers can head straight to the more popular rides before they fill up, as well.

3. Take your own pictures

     Memories are a great way to relive the fun times that you have on your trip. To save quite a bit, over the course of your stay, bring a camera or phone to take your own pictures of characters, rides, and attractions. The option to buy the souvenir frame with picture will always be there but creating your own memories will save you money in the long run.

4. Bring food with you

     Unless you want the full Disney experience and dine at one of the many restaurants I suggest bringing some food with you. Officially Disney does not permit you to bring food into the park, though that hasn't stopped some people from putting it at the bottom of their bag or under their stroller.

     In the past I had kept a few nonperishable snack items in my car and take the tram back when we needed a recharge. Coolers and ice packs are also handy to keep in your car for things like cheese sticks or fruit.

5. Leave the Disney area to eat

     There are so many fast food and dine-in restaurants outside of the actual Disney park you won't have a hard time finding something that you like. There are a few places to eat in the Downtown Disney area, but what we usually chose to do was to leave the parking garage and drive off of the property to my daughters favorite, Taco Bell. We were able to eat cheaply and sometimes we would be able to get a better parking spot when we made it back to the garage.

     Using any of these tips will help you to save a little money so that you can enjoy the time you have with your family or friends at the happiest place on earth.