My step-father joined the Disney Insider email list, run by the theme park, in hopes of getting a coupon or discount. (He really wants to take his grandsons on their inaugural trip to Disneyland.) But so far all he receives are emails about contests. Has anyone had the same experience?
In case Disney Insider never yields a discount, here are a few other sources of deals:
Mouse Savers is my top recommendation to save money on all things Disney. You can search by type of deal, sign up for a monthly newsletter, or scan the latest discounts.
Military families with proper paperwork can get steep discounts on multi-day passes.
Mouse Misers lays out how much various hotel, park, and cruise packages cost.
Disney Discounts shares coupon codes for various parks.
The parks will let you in free on your birthday in 2009 (of course, everyone else in your party has to pay to get in.)
If all else fails, read Secrets of the Mouse for how the magic works behind the scenes. It won’t save you money, but you will know more about how the park works.
March 19th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
I took my grandson to Disneyland on Monday and we spent the night at a Quality Inn which was walking distance to the park but since we live in califWe bought the 2fer pass which allows you into both parks for one price but you must go on different. What we do is go to the 99cent store or dollar tree and buy our suveniors they have those necklaces that glow in the dark($7) at Disneyland.They also sell real Disney items for $1.00 each. My grandson is 7yres old.
we also bring in our own snack which are triple the price there a small bag of cheetos is $2.75 so bring that and carrots candy so you end up still buying thing but it does save lots of money you can hide you gifts you can even buy things on sale at the disney
stores around town we actually go 40% on a hat at the real Disneyland. Go to Mousesavers for more Ideas
March 19th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Even the people I know who work at Disney (in different departments) are unable to get any really good deals on Disneyland.
When my kids were young, we used to stay at the Granada Inn (AAA recommended), where we had a kitchenette off the large main room, as well as an enclosed patio. We bought our food at the market for meals and snacks, except for one “treat” meal at Disneyland.
We spent a.m.’s at the park, went to the inn for swimming, lunch and a nap, then back to the park in the afternoon. Hand stamps allowed us to re-enter at no extra charge. That routine kept the boys from getting tired and cranky, which was a blessing! We were even able to see the night’s parade.
March 19th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
DISNEYLAND IS WAY TOO EXPENSIVE! The last time we went was about 5 years ago and for a family of 4 our entrance fees were over $200!! Ice cream is was $6 each and water was $5 each bottle and so on… We only rode on 3 rides because we went on the weekend. (bad decision) the lines were long. We didnt eat at the park we ate at Rainforest cafe just out of the park.
much cheaper.
Not a great experience for me, mom.
My 10 yr old daughter has been wanting to go to Universal Studios or Lego Land as she has never been and asks every year. Unfortunately she’s gonna have to wait until another year. I’ll take her to the movies instead.
March 20th, 2009 at 11:25 am
As Mousesavers’ site points out, one day admission is the worst deal for anyone wanting to visit Disneyland. They are almost never discounted, and their per-day cost is the highest. Also some multiday passes allow early entry on some mornings, so you can get on all of those rides before the park fills up. Another alternative, if you’re from out of town and want to drag the family to different parks around Southern California is the Citypass.
If you live in Southern California and anticipate visiting the park more than 3-4 times a year, the SoCal annual passes will be the best option. Annual Passholders (APs) also receive discounts on food in the park and tours. But bargain hunters should avoid buying any food in the parks. The tour discounts are nice, however.
In general, the gate is where Disney will always get your money.
Food: You should bring in your own water and food and snacks or eat outside the park (every big fast food chain imaginable is in the Resort area). I’ve gone many times and never paid for food or drink in the park. Except when the siren call of the Dole whip breaks me down. If you’re hungry, head for the exits, get your hand stamped and find something that’s not going to cost $20+ per person. Many resort hotels have kitchenettes so you can prepare some cheap eats there.
Merchandise: The Disney Character Outlet up in Fullerton is stocked with everything from the Disneyland Resort (DLR) that didn’t sell out. Sure, they’re not the current t-shirt/jacket/whatever, but you’ll save a bundle over paying full price at the park. My size (XL) always sells out, so I can’t find anything that fits me there. Hopefully you’ll have better luck.
Other: The Disney Visa is a great way for parents of small children to get two free stroller rentals at the park whenever they visit (and whenever strollers are available).
Planning: Nothing is more frustrating than trying to cover everything when there is simply not enough time for it all. Disneyland alone, during the peak seasons, is something that could easily take a week to see everything. If you must come during such times, realize that you won’t get to everything in one day. Popular rides are going to be particularly long waits. Take a look at sites like Mouseplanet to help plan your vacation at the DLR so it’s not such a frustrating exercise in testing your patience. And remember that the magic of Disneyland isn’t just found in the big exciting rides.