How to Get a Cheap Disney Vacation

A Disney vacation is a dream for many families, but with flights, hotel rooms, park admission, and concessions to pay for, it can quickly turn into a nightmare for your pocketbook. If you want to make the most of your vacation at Disneyland in Anaheim or Walt Disney World in Orlando, it helps to be prepared with cost-cutting tips and tricks.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Package your travel costs. You'll get a better deal if you bundle together your airfares, hotel bookings, rental car and park admission tickets. Check http://www.expedia.com or http://www.travelocity.com for package deals on flights and accommodation, and visit the Disney website for packages on Disney-owned hotels.

Step 2

Look for coupons and low-price deals. Disney doesn't like to advertise them, but you'll find discount hotel rates and admission tickets at online travel clearance sites. You can also get low-priced last-minute admission tickets for Disneyland California at the Disneyland Welcome Center in the DoubleTree Guest Suites Anaheim Resort, located on South Harbor Boulevard. Call (714) 383-7052 for availability, as discount tickets are subject to change.

Step 3

Stay away from the resorts. If you can't find a good deal on one of the Disney-owned hotels, consider staying at a nearby Travelodge or Holiday Inn. Both Disney theme parks are bordered by dozens of moderately priced hotels and motels -- if you do Disney right, you'll be so tired at the end of the day that it won't matter if your hotel comes with no frills.

Step 4

Combine tickets to other attractions. For Disneyland in Anaheim, grab a Southern California CityPass, which includes a three-day pass to Disneyland as well as admission to Universal Hollywood, Sea World San Diego, or the San Diego Zoo. At Walt Disney World in Orlando, add a discounted pass to Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park or Oak Trail Golf Course to your regular admission ticket.

Step 5

Check your eligibility for special discounts. Both Disney theme parks offer discounts for military personnel, students and teachers. You'll need to book in advance to take advantage of these offers. In-state residents also qualify for discount admission, redeemable in advance or on the day of your visit.

Step 6

Pack the essentials -- and a few extras. Concessions at the park can be expensive, so pack a lightweight backpack or rucksack with sunscreen, hats, drinks in plastic bottles, and snacks before you go. Don't bring a large picnic lunch, a cooler, or anything in glass bottles -- they'll be confiscated on entry.

Article Written By Hailey Williams

Hailey Williams is a freelance writer and editor from Los Angeles, California. She has a particular interest in culture, lifestyle, health, and women's interest reporting, and her work has been published in magazines including TV Week and Sugar. She graduated from the University of Sydney.

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