It's one of Utah's most popular travel destinations, Disneyland. I've heard of some families that like going there so much they make multiple trips a year. I read somewhere that, with exception to California, Disneyland host more Utah visitors per capita than any other state. With so many folks headed to the Magic Kingdom I thought it time for some travel tips, park secrets and down and dirty ways to save when headed to the Disneyland.
Now, I'll admit, it's been a while since I've been enchanted at the Magic Kingdom, so I turned to the mama's of Coupons4Utah for their secrets for saving money at the place that may create magic for children, but can just as easily make your money magically disappear. Here's their tips:
Saving Tips for Disney Accommodations:
*Homeaway: For stays that are going to be a week or more and large families I'd recommend you book a condo or vacation rental home through Homeway.com. This way you have a kitchen which saves a ton on food and more room to “move in” and relax when you aren't seeing the sites.
Homeaway has high quality standards. I've used them with good success a couple of times, and the homes/condos have been exactly as advertised. I did a quick search and found prime time condos priced for around $220 a night for 6 people 3 bedrooms. Some were in walking distance of Disneyland.
*Wasatch Travel: For those that like the personal touch of a travel expert, I like Wasatch Travel. They give great personal service. Travel agents tend to get better rates on hotels than you usually can in the mainstream. You can often find Disney Resorts hotels that are offering a free night stay with purchase of 2 or three nights. Also, keep in mind that guests of select Walt Disney hotels enjoy extra time in the parks before they open and after they close!
A travel agent can get the same rates you see on the online hotel sites and it's nice because you are actually in communication with a real person that has probably been there. Mention Coupons4Utah when booking at Wasatch Travel and you'll get a special Disney gift.
Parking at Disneyland is $17.00 a day. So, take advantage of Hotel shuttles or use Anaheim Resort Transportation to save on parking.
Saving Tips on Disney Passes:
*Southern California CityPass: For one price the Southern California CityPass pass gives you a 3 day Disney Hopper, with one magic morning (admission 1 hour early). A Pass to SeaWorld, A pass to LEGOLAND and admission to either San Diego Zoo or Safari Park. The CityPass is $50 more than just the 3 day Disney hopper alone so, IF you plan to visit these places this pass will save you over $150.00!
*Disney Passes Only: It's hard to save on just admission passes alone however, Sam's club has discounted Disney gift cards. For $143 you get $150 worth of gift cards. Those can be used for passes or anything else in the park. Buy 3 day hopper passes for a family of 4 with the discounted Sam's gift cards can save you around $60.
If you've been using Shopkick, you can use the FREE Target gift cards you've earned to pay for Disney Gift Cards as well. Need a Sam's Club membership? There's currently an amazing deal for a Sam's Club Membership on Groupon.
Check for Group Rates: Military Members save at Disney when presenting Military ID. Check with your employer, youth groups, schools, and credit unions may have a discount for passes. Wasatch Travel and various other travel agents can also save you a few dollars on passes as well.
**NOTE: Be cautious about buying passes online, a lot are fake. If it's too good to be true, it is.
Getting There:
*Flying: Southwest, JetBlue and Alaska Air are typically the lowest fares you'll find. Watch the fares daily and sign up for their emails. Typically they'll send an email out on Tuesday's with various special rates. JetBlue often runs a $49 each way option to Long Beach, depending on how flexible you are willing to be on time of day. Southwest has packages rates that include car rental. Make use of any accumulated credit air miles you have.
*Driving: Download the GasBuddy app. (available on iTunes here or Google here). It's a free app. that will help you find the cheapest gas along the way. You can also find discounted gift cards for gas on Ebay on occasion. Check the discounted gift card section regularly to see what's available. If you're a Smith's shopper, remember to watch for 4X Fuel rewards promotions and purchase your fuel gift cards during that time.
Saving on Food:
Bring your own snacks and lunches into the park along with empty water bottles in an insulated cooler or backpack. Fill a backpack with lunches along with jackets, sunscreen, ponchos etc.
I have also bought mini backpacks so each of my kids can carry their own stuff (I found mine at Walmart for $5), which has worked pretty good. We also picked up these Waterproof Bag Holders to hold our phones, cash, credit cards, and sunglasses while on the rides. We found them at Walmart for $5 or you can find them on Amazon.
Consider bringing an umbrella style stroller, it packs nicely and they are cheap, around $14 to $17 new. Even if your kids are old enough to walk, the stroller comes in handy to hold backpacks while going on rides or to push around the park rather than carry. Keep valuables with you not in the stroller. Disney does not allow hard sided coolers, water bottles need to be empty. Tie a bright scarf around your stroller for easier recognition.
If you purchase a travel package with an agent, consider getting a Disney Character meal as part of it. It's valid at Ariel's Disney Princess Celebration, Ariel's Grotto or Goofy's Kitchen. Use it for dinner rather than breakfast or lunch to get the most bang for your buck.
For saving on food at restaurants outside the park, make sure to check the Anaheim section of Groupon, or pick up an Orange County Entertainment book ($14) before going. You can also find printable coupons on VisitAnaheim.org and at Valpak.com.
Souvenirs:
*Buy your souvenirs at home when on sale. You can find them at most big box stores like Target, Walmart or online at the Disney Store which routinely runs special offers. A fun idea is to sneak them in your suitcase at night before Disney let Tinkerbell come and surprise the kids.
*Buy them outside the park there's an ABC Mart very close to the park entrance that sells souvenirs.
*Give the kids a budget and let them choose how to spend it.
Secret Tips for Disneyland:
*Ask cast members where characters can be found at what time. Many of them have a schedule handy and are happy to provide you with the information. Knowing where they will be allows you to show up early before a line forms.
*Let your child dress in their favorite characters clothing. He or she may find they get additional special attention from the characters they most admire. Little Dress Up shop in Eagle Mountain or online has washable comfortable costumes.
*After seeing the Fantasy Faire shows in in Fantasyland, stick around. The charecters are known to visit with show goers after the show.
*Chase Debit Card holders get private time with characters at a special location in the park. Find out more about where to go and the benefits here.
*Download the Wait Time for Disney Rides app. (iTunes, Google). This makes for a good guideline for know when you'll need a Fast Passes.
*Fast Passes are great for especially crowded rides. Just look for a Fast Pass dispenser machine near the ride and insert your Disney Ticket or Annual Pass, then it will dispense your Fast Pass tickets to use at a later time. Once you return to the ride, skip ahead to the Fast Pass line, which can save a good chuck of waiting. Passes for Cars Radiator Springs Racers ride usually run out by 11 am. They are a must if you want to ride this ride.
You can only hold one fast pass at a time – the only exception is The World of Color Fast Pass, which does not stop you from retrieving other Fast Passes. This is also a great one to grab first thing, as it give you priority seating to the show.
*Traveling with a baby or a toddler? There's a Baby Care Center on Main Street. It features changing tables, microwaves for heating up formula, and a private area to nurse.
*Try the left-side lines, most people are right-handed and veer toward the right-side lines.
*Pack a mobile charger for your phone. To maximize the battery life of your phone, put it on Airplane Mode when going on rides.
*Pack extra ziplock bags to keep phones dry on water rides.
Hopefully these tips will help you save along the way on your next Disneyland adventure. What are your moneysaving tips or secrets for Disneyland?
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