How to Plan a Disneyland Vacation on a Budget

Rojer/Flickr.com

Disneyland is world-famous for its unique brand of family fun, entertainment and magic. California's Magic Kingdom is also a destination where the costs can add up faster than a little girl can name her favorite Disney Princess. So "The Happiest Place on Earth" may seem like the last place on earth to enjoy an affordable vacation, but planning in advance is a reliable way for even the most budget-conscious family to experience a memorable and exciting visit to Disneyland.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Outline a realistic, working budget that covers every possible Disneyland expense. Include travel costs such as transportation and lodging, park entrance fees, dining and any extras.

Step 2

Research park entrance fees prior to your Disneyland arrival. If following a strict budget, the most affordable option is the one-day, one-park ticket priced at $62 for children ages 3-9 and $72 for guests aged 10 and above (Sept. 2009). Look for special deals for AAA members, military and other groups, as Disneyland will sometimes offer group discounts for limited-time engagements.

Step 3

Get the most for your money if your budget allows it. Disneyland offers a variety of ticket options, including the multi-day Park Hopper ticket with entry to California Adventure and the Annual Passport. Disneyland also offers special deals for Southern California residents such as the Southern California Select Annual Passport, offering 175 preselected admission days to both Disneyland and California Adventure for $144, all ages (Sept. 2009).

Step 4

Book a Disneyland vacation package that includes hotel and airfare if you are traveling from a distance. Research seasonal rates and plan your vacation during an off-peak time if your travel plans are flexible. Area hotel rates vary depending on the season, summer being the busiest and most expensive.

Step 5

Safeguard your budget and bring everything you need to stay healthy and enjoy your visit to Disneyland. Don't waste money on items you could have brought from home such as lip balm, sunscreen, baby wipes, a water bottle, a camera, your own stroller, etc. Check the weather forecast before you go and dress to avoid having to buy extra clothing and protective gear.

Step 6

Be cautious of budget pitfalls. Stay focused on Disneyland's many amazing attractions and sights. Disneyland is well-stocked with souvenir kiosks selling overpriced items. If souvenirs are a must-have, buy useful souvenirs such as T-shirts or refillable water bottles.

Step 7

Pack your own meals and save money. Dining is one of the quickest ways to empty your wallet at Disneyland, with a quick-service meal costing on average $10 per person and sit-down dining costing as much as $20 per person or more (Sept. 2009). Lockers are available just outside the park entrance for minimal rental fees, and a picnic area is located in the locker vicinity. While Disneyland discourages guests from bringing food inside the park, it is not against the rules to stock your little one's diaper bag with healthy snacks and drinks.

Step 8

Take control of your spending before you get there. Bring budgeted spending cash to avoid ATM fees. Bringing a set amount of cash to Disneyland will also help you avoid overspending and deter you from using credit cards.

Tips & Warnings

Wear comfortable clothing and good walking shoes in preparation for Disneyland's active and energetic environment.

Keep your cash and valuables in a safe place that only you have easy access to. Always separate yourself from the crowd before you take out your wallet or handle your cash.

Keep your cash and valuables in a safe place that only you have easy access to.

Always separate yourself from the crowd before you take out your wallet or handle your cash.

Resources

Disneyland

Article Written By Amanda Hill

Amanda Hill is a writer based out of Las Vegas, Nev. Coming from a background in public relations, Hill has been writing for more than a decade with her work appearing in various publications including Southwest Airlines' "Spirit," "GuestQuest" and "Las Vegas Review-Journal." Hill is a graduate of Whittier College with a Bachelor of Arts in English.

Editor's Pick

5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...
More National Parks...
Popular Article

National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...
More National Parks...
Featured Destination

Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...
More Camping Basics...