Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Tips for a Frugal Disneyland or Disney World Vacation

By

Note: The following giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents.

Today I have a splendid guest blogger, Sarah Deveau from Money Smart Mom. Sarah is the author of two financial guides – Sink or Swim: Get Your Degree Without Drowning in Debt and Money Smart Mom: Financially Fit Parenting.

In addition to being a prolific freelance writer (her work has been published in Today’s Parent, Parents Canada, Style at Home as well as most major Canadian daily newspapers) Sarah has contributed to dozens of parenting websites and blogs across Canada. She also appears regularly on radio and television shows such as Breakfast Television.

With summer break just around the corner, she has offered to share her best tips for a frugal Disneyland or Disney World vacation – one of the hotspots for summer travel. Take it away Sarah!

Tips for a Frugal Disneyland or Disney World Vacation

As the author of Money Smart Mom: Financially Fit Parenting, people sometimes get the impression that I abhor spending money, and never have any fun. That couldn’t be further from the truth! I like spending money as much as the next person – but only when it’s being spent on something I value and when I feel I’m getting the most bang for my buck.

My childhood didn’t include a Disney trip, so it’s no surprise I leapt at the chance to take my oldest when WestJet had a killer seat sale a few years back. Since then we’ve also visited Disney World, sourcing out the more exciting adventures at the best price.

Here are my top tips for saving money on a Disney trip without sacrificing any of the fun.

• If you’re headed to the Disneyland Resort of Southern California, stay off park. There are dozens of affordable hotels immediately outside the park gates, and some have fantastic low rates that include breakfast.

• If the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is your destination, stay on park. The headache of a car rental or long, busy bus rides will quickly sour your fun if you stay off park. With more than 24 on park hotels to choose from, there are plenty in every price range.

• At Disney World, think twice about buying the Disney Dining Plan. Everyone in your family must be on the plan for each day of your trip. If you have light eaters, don’t want to take a lot of time out from your visit to eat at sit down restaurants, or want to save by buying groceries at a nearby supermarket, the Dining Plan can end up costing you far more than you would have normally spent.

• Book off season – not only will the parks be more peaceful, but certain experiences (like character meals) see a price hike during busy season.

• Speaking of character meals, choose breakfasts over lunch or dinner when possible. They’re often cheaper, and in some cases you’ll get early access to the park and be in a better position to get to the popular rides before those at the gate.

• Buy your park passes online – it’s cheaper than buying them at the gate.

• Stock your room with non-perishable staples from nearby grocery stores and always bring plenty of food into the park with you. The prices on park are high, and frankly, the food isn’t great, so indulging in fast food on park will hurt your wallet and your waistline without being “worth it” calorically or financially.

• Check your receipts – some food establishments will have a coupon for the major souvenir shops on their receipt. The Main Street Bakery receipt always includes a 20% coupon for most of the top Disney park souvenir shops if you shop before noon.

• Bring your own water bottles – you can fill them with ice water for free at most restaurants.

• If you have kids under five, bring your own stroller.

• Pack princess dresses or pirate costumes if your kids plan on having a character meal or makeover – they’ll want to wear them, and you might be tempted to buy a costly costume on site if you’re not prepared with one from home.

• If you’re within a day or two’s drive, consider driving and camping instead of renting a hotel room. Disney World’s Fort Wilderness campground is an incredible facility with plenty of space for the kids to run around and have fun, and significantly less expensive than other on park accommodations.

Finally, don’t discount the help of a good travel agent. Certain travel agents specialize in Disney vacations, and can advise you on the best time to go and where to stay, and can usually match any online price you can find yourself. Their expertise can be invaluable, especially for those families on a tight budget.

Are you planning a vacation to Disneyland or Disney World this year? Be sure to bookmark Sarah’s post and check back before you travel!

WIN IT!!!

One lucky reader will win a $50 Gift Card to The Disney Store! To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck every one!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. I’ve never been to Disneyland but my toddler loves the princesses and will call someone a prince, tell them they are in love and that they have to dance. Great moments there!

  4. I have been to both Disneyland and Disneyworld as a child and an adult. My favorite trip was when a group of friends and I did a road trip down right after high school. It was pretty exhilarating! We plan to take our 6 year old next month and judging from his excitement I am sure this visit to Disneyland will trump all the others.

  5. My favorite was watching the expressions on my kids’ faces. I love seeing wonder through their eyes! Can’t wait to go back soon!

  6. I loved doing Disney with family friends we had not seen in about a year. We flew from Calgary to LAX and they flew from Ottawa to LAX. They were the most well behaved 6 kids! Very fun!

  7. I loved Epcot center – but I was older the first time I went to Disney

  8. My favourite Disney memory was doing the Haunted Mansion when I was young. I was so amazed at the ghosts sitting next to me in the ride. I think I talked about it for months after. :)

  9. My favorite Disney memory is the only time I have been and we went after Christmas and got to spend New Year’s Eve at the park

  10. My favorite Disney memory was the first time we took our grandson to Disneyland. He was two. There is nothing like Disneyland through the eyes of a two year old!

  11. We love Pooh, and all his friends, saying that honey is for Pooh and counting the bees.

    teddyoutready2(at)gmail(dot)com

  17. My dad taking pictures all day only to find out the camera was empty! We laughed so hard because what else could you do…

  20. In 1987 my dad decided he wanted to take my brother and I to Walt Disney World. To accomplish this he said he would give up shaving for the entire year, so that the money he would have spent would go towards our road trip.

    It was the BEST vacation we ever had! We hit just about every spot you could reach in one fun packed day. Within the next 10 years I will be taking my child on her special road trip….this time armed with an insider friend!

  21. We went to DisneyWorld Orlando with the kids for the first time this past November and had a great time! The kids loved meeting all their favorite characters and all the rides and parades! We had an amazing time!

  22. The first movies that I went to see in a theatre – it’s such an old memory that I can’t recall how young I was – but we went to see a re-release of Snow White and the second feature was one-hundred and one dalmations. It was in our old theatre downtown and we sat in the balcony. I remember it being like something in the movies. It was closed down shortly after that it remained empty for 20 years before it was torn down for a park? I think. Sad.

  23. My all time favorite movie – Lady and the Tramp – look at spaghetti differently now.

  24. when i was about 9 i went with my family. My brother and I got a kick out of telling our parents we were going to france for breakfast lol
    got engaged there many years letter with my ex husband lol
    would like to make some new memories there…

  25. My favorite disney movies were Mulan & Beauty & the Beast.. I loved them both and can still remember the songs!

  26. My favorite memory is the first time at Disney and the way you feel when you walk through the gate, I was 16 when I first went and felt like a kid!!

  27. I loved going to Disney with my grandkids…..the big eyes, the fun characters, the fireworks and so much more!

  30. Growing up we stayed up past our bedtime every sunday night to watch the Wonderful World of Disney movies as a family :)

  31. I loved going there with my husband – even grown up it was magic and we went on every ride and acted like little kids all over again. (taking our little ones this year!)

  33. Favorite memory is having breakfast with Mickey and Friends and my youngest son was dancing with Minnie. SO cute!

  35. My favourite disney memories are of watching disney movies. They are timeless and so so good.

  36. my fav Disney memory is taking my two girls for the first time and seeing my oldest (only 4 yrs old at the time) LOVE the Matterhorn ride (or The Yeti Ride as she called it) and my youngest (at 2yo) delight in riding the teacups

  37. I went to Disneyland for the first time when I was 16 and DisneyWorld at 18. Loved both of them! Can’t wait to take my kids (currently 3.5, 1.5 + 5m) when they are a bit older.

  38. My fave Disney memory and photo is my brother and I putting on the goofy hats in a store and my parents doing the same. Such goofballs!

  39. My own Disney moment…when I was 18, I went to Disneyland. I got so excited to finally see Mickey and Minnie Mouse!!!
    Cheers.

  40. My favourite Disney memory is when we went to Disney World when I was 7. There was only the main park at that time (they were building Epcot) and riding the ‘It’s a Small World’ ride over & over! I still tear up when I hear that song – it brings back a flood of memories!

  42. Just started saving for a Disney World trip next year so I can get my little guy hooked, but so far my favorite memory there was when just me and my mom went :)

  43. I was actually starting a Disney World Savings jar so that i can take my children to disney world next year. does anybody know by chance what the “off season” is?

    • Here’s what I found: On season is considered summer starting in late June and ending Labor Day, Christmas (a two week period beginning the week before Christmas, ending New Years Day), and Spring Break. Off-season is every other time of year.

  44. My favorite Disney memory is when my mother dressed me as Alice and took me to Disneyland

  45. You will see many characters signing at various places. So bring your own autograph book that way you don’t have to buy costly one from the store

  46. I went to disney world for my first time when I was 17 and enjoyed it just as much as a child would have. Now having a young family of my own I can’t wait to take my kids!! I have already started checking prices online and won’t be for a couple years before we go. Oh well you can never start planing too soon!

  47. My favorite Disney memory is watching the evening parade at Magic Kingdom with my daughter and hearing her say ” wow weeee” every time a float passed by.

  48. When my husband and I got married I got to choose where to go for our honeymoon. I chose Disnyworld and I had a great time. There’s something about Disneyworld that brings out the kid in everyone…as old as I was (30) I loved posing with any character I came across and the rides were great for all ages.

  49. I loved all things Disney growing up- and am loving sharing the movies with my daughter- our newest addition to our movie library is Alice in Wonderland!

    Interesting fact though… My Uncle was engaged to be married to Walt Disney’s niece! Sadly she passed away, but he has some family heirlooms- I have actually eaten at Walt Disney’s Dining table!

  50. My favourite Disney memory is going to Disneyland as a small child with my parents making them go on the “It’s a Small World” ride over and over and over and over again!

  53. My favourite Disney memory is any of the trips that we’ve taken. All magical memories. I Would love to win the gift card.

  54. Totally remembering when we went when I was little, the thing I remember most was the water park, it was soo neat!

  57. My favourite Disney memories are the 4 times I’ve been to Disneyland: once when I was 12 with my family, once with just my hubby, and twice with the kids!!

  58. My oldest daughter wanted to go since she was little. Was finally able to take her and her fiancé last October. She looked like a little kid while there. So excited!

  59. My best memory of Disney is going to the Epcot centre and having a blast with my parents when I was a teen.

  60. I loved taking my twin nephews when they were 3, it was so much fun! Can’t wait to take my daughter.

  62. my fave memory just happened 2 years ago when we surprised my 5 year old then 3 with her first trip ..we videotaped it so funny

  65. I have five daughters and they are just obsessed with Disney. My 4 YO dressed up as Cinderella for two weeks straight when she received a costume from a friend. I would love to be able to take them someday, but think I will need to win the lottery first :-)

  67. My special memory about Disney is Princesses. I and my sister, we had Disney princesses collections. :D

  70. We went with our son last fall, and it was so amazing to see the excitement on his face, and the awe as he saw and met his favourite characters. It was so cool.

  71. I have never been to Disneyland but would love to take my boys someday. We all love watching Disney movies though!

  73. Roller coaster hopping with my hubby in our pre-kid days!

    (Rafflecopter name: Jacb Cody)

  75. My favourite Disney memory is going to Disney World when I was 4 years old! Can’t believe that was 30 years ago!!!

  76. Hubby and I eating one of those huge turkey legs..haha.. and hubby drinking a “yard” of beer in a really cool glass

  79. My favorite disney memory was coming home when I was 6 to find that my step father created a Little Mermaid mural covering an entire wall.

  82. The holidays at Disneyland last November. Had a magical day with the snow, fireworks and parade. All ages left with big smiles on their faces and the joy of Christmas and the season in their hearts!

  83. Seeing my 20 month old niece run and hug her idol Winnie the Pooh for the first time @Disneyland!

  84. my first real trip to disneyland. i was 3 and went with my best friend. we tried to escape mr toads wild ride together. it was so much fun.

  85. My favorite Disney memory was when I took our youngest to see Mickey. He was a toddler and had a hard time speaking so we practiced waving and saying “Hi Mickey” for weeks before our trip. When we got in line, Mickey was on break and another character was out. All of a sudden my son broke out in a huge smile and started waving frantically. Sure enough, Mickey was making his appearance. It was just so cute. My son reacted the same for Minnie and ran up to give her the biggest hug when it was his turn.

  87. I just got back from Disney World and my favorite memory is the excitement my granddaughter had riding Space Mountain.

  88. My favorite Disney moment is watching Wishes for the first time on my honeymoon and the buildup of so many emotions (happy ones!) just totally over pouring, I cried like a baby!

  89. My parents took my sister & I there when we were younger. I still remember watching the parade and being so excited to see all my favorite characters!

  90. I still remember being hand in hand with my grandpa as he took me on the rocket ride.

  91. I remember the first time that I took my son to Disneyland! He got to play duck duck goose with Woody and Mickey and got to chase Woody around the ring when Woody yelled Goose with my son. He loved it!

  93. The first time I took my daughter. She walked in and Minnie mouse walked right up to her, and took her hand. They walked for a bit and I got a picture of them walking hand in hand from behind. Priceless.
    Thanks for the chance.
    mogrill12@gmail.com

  94. I loved eating those mickey mouse ice cream bars. They were great and I loved enjoying them in the theme park :)

  101. My husband worked for a Disney store right after we had our youngest son, so we were able to get in to the park for free and got a discount on everything else (the only way we really could have afforded to go). Though it was hot and we had to carry our youngest son everywhere, seeing my oldest son’s face when we got there or he saw his favorite character was awesome! He was just super excited the whole time. Makes me wish hubs still worked for Disney :D

  102. We just got back three weeks ago from my son’s first trip to Disney World. The excitement on his face was priceless.

  103. We were fortunate enough to be able to take the kids to Disneyland when they were in grade school. Surprisingly their favorite thing to do was stand in line to get autographs from the characters.

  104. My favorite Disney memory is seeing my little girl’s face light up when walked onto Main St U.S.A., which was all decorated up for Halloween. She had this look on her face like, “we’re really here!” I loved it!

  105. I remember going as a child, wish we would have been there for more than 1 day as you can’ t see it all in a day. Fun memory, space mountain with dad.

  107. i used to live right across the street from disneyland, those are my best memories:)

  108. favorite Disney memory is winning a trip to Walt Disney World. Went with my 6year old daughter and boyfriend.

  109. Our youngest son, then in Kindergarten, wailed as we were leaving and the gate was closing that he wanted “Mouse Ears.” Dad ran back and got them!

  110. My favorite memory was riding Space Mountain with my two daughters for the first time! We had a BLAST!

  113. I am 54 and have never had the opportunity to go to Disney World. I now have married children and one 3 year old grandson. It is my MISSION to take a family vacation to Disney World in Florida. I simply cannot wait!!! I am also seriously considering a Disney Cruise. WOW. What a vacation!!!

  114. My daughter said Hannah Montana. She grew up watching it on Disney Channel. We’ve also loved Wizards of Waverly Place and Good Luck Charlie. thank you!

  115. I have fond childhood memories of watching the Disney tv show every Sunday evening.

  118. My favorite Disney World memory is seeing my kids faces the first time they saw the Magic Kingdom.

  119. My favorite memory of going to Disney World was when I first looked up at Cinderellas Castle, and realised that one of my dreams had just come true – I was at Disney World! I was 21, but I was so giddy I suddenly feel like I was 8 years old! Best vacation ever!

  121. i went to disney world once, when i was 12 or 13? it was fun and can’t wait to take my son.

  122. i went to disney world when i was little and dont really remember much about it

  124. I remember going to see The Little Mermaid in the movie theater with my grandma when it first came out! That was my first Disney movie in the movie theater.

  125. I remember taking my daughter to Disney World when she was 3 years old. We had to go through “It’s a Small World” over and over!

  126. We were watching the parade and I had my birthday button on. Al ot of the characters waved at us and wished me a Happy Birthday. It was a great day for our family.

  127. I always adored the Lion King as a child, and have many good memories of “playing” that movie with my friends.

  128. My mom used to take me every year for easter. Sometimes we take friends other times it was just us. It was great to spend time with mom crying while watching the light parade. We both where so happy to be there.

  130. My favorite DIsney memory is eating a Mickey Mouse ice cream bar and watching all the happy families pass by. Still do this every time I visit.

    lauren.uda(at)gmail(dot)com

  132. I have been waiting my entire life to visit disney! We are planning a trip this summer! YIPPEE!

  134. We went to Disneyland recently for our anniversary and had a wonderful time…kid free!

  136. I went to Disneyland when I was little and remember the It’s a Small World ride and how fun it was.

  137. I just remembering being in awe of Disney when I went for the first time at 6! I would love to take the kids :)

  138. My favorite Disney memory was my last visit to Disneyland with my girls. It was their first time there and we had a blast!

  139. I loved going to Disneyland with my parents when I was growing up! Goofy is still my favorite, and my kids love to wear the Goofy hat that I bought when I was a teen!

  141. My favorite memory is the first time I walked into Disney World and looked down Main Street to the Castle. It was magic then and always will be for me.

  143. My favorite, is every Sunday when I was a kid. The Wonderful World of Disney would come on tv. I still remember the tingling in my whole body, when the intro came on! LOL I was so excited every week. :) I miss being a kid.

  144. I remember as a little kid waiting line to stand next to, and take pictures with, the different Disney Characters. It was a pretty big deal back then.

  145. I miss the Peoplemover, Adventure thru Inner Space (we called it the shrinking machine) and America Sings. I also love going the Disneyland at Christmas time it is so pretty!

  147. We live right behind the Magic Kingdom here in Florida. So, we can go whenever we want. We always go in off season. We especially like Hollywood Studios and going on the Rock N Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror.

  148. I am 33 and never had a Disney moment until about a month ago when i went for my first time! It was just as awesome as if I had been 8 years old

  149. THE FIRST MOVIE I EVER WATCHED IN THE THEATER WAS SNOW WHITE. I WAS A LITTLE GIRL AND MY MOM TOOK ME FOR A MOMMY/DAUGHTER DATE. I WILL NEVER FORGET IT!

  150. going to disney world the first time.it poured the whole time we were there but we still made it a blast
    amy16323(at)gmail(dot)com

  151. The first time we sat as a family and watched the fireworks over the castle at Magic Kingdom
    vmkids3 at msn dot com

  152. I remember going on the tea cups ride and my mom getting sick… we torchered her by trying to spin the cup as fast as possible.

  153. We went to Disney when I was pregnant with my daughter. Everyone kept commenting that I must be miserable in the heat at Disney. I actually had a great time because I did thinks you normally wouldn’t have time to do when you are running around to the different rides. Disney is fun no matter when you go.

  154. I dont have a favorite disney memory but i would love to take my grandkids to see mickey mouse!

  155. When I started 1st grade, my Mom bought me a little red dress with Jimney Cricket on it to wear my first day of school. She bought it at Roses. I loved that dress.

  156. No Disney memories yet, we’re going for the first time and the end of summer. My daughter will only be 6 months old, but I’m still super excited to take her:)

  157. My favorite Disney moment was taking my kids in 2011 – it was the first time any of us had been to Disney and just watching their faces and seeing sights that I had dreamed of since I was their age was amazing.

  158. my earliest memory is visiting Disney Land in CA when I was 5 yo. We had a blast and I want to go back!

    brich22 at earthlink dot net

  161. My favorite disney memory was when Little Mermaid came out, I went to the movies 3 times to watch it.

  163. My favorite memory to date is my daughter being in love with every single thing mickey/minnie mouse related.

  164. I remember going to Disney when I was young and loving It’s A Small World. Thank you for the lovely giveaway!
    Erin E
    busymom369 at gmail dot com

  165. My favorite memory is going to Disney as a kid and riding the elephant ride with my daddy.

  166. My favorite memory is when my brother and I took our children and a couple of their friends to Disney. Great times together, especially at the themed restaurants.

  167. My favorite memory was when we took our daughter when she was 2. She was in awe of seeing Mickey Mouse in person.
    lauraemerson17 at yahoo dot com

  170. We visited the park about 17 years ago! I’d love to go back with just my hubby to enjoy all the things the kids weren’t interested in then.

  172. I remember reading the disney books as a child and that was a really long time ago. I used to listen to the books on record also

  176. One of my favorite memories is during my last pregnancy my daughter (then 4) was with my on my birthday. My husband was working late and I was alone all day. My daughter curled up in bed with me and watched my favorite Disney movie of all time, Beauty and the Beast. It was the best birthday I could have had!

  181. When I was really little we went to Disneyworld and right when we walked in the park Mickey Mouse was there and he gave me a hug. I will always remember that moment.

  183. A few years back, our oldest son who is in the military, surprised us by joining our family Disney World vacation. Easily the best Disney trip for us, ever; we had a lot of fun.

  185. Favorite memory is sitting in Frontierland watching Spectromagic and eating caramel apples. I love that parade!

  186. My favorite memory was meeting Stitch! I can’t wait to experience it with my family!!

    jessicaahays at hotmail dot com

  194. when i was 6,my first time with my parents loved meeting cinderella
    ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com

  196. When I was younger my parents took us several times a year. So fun.
    mightynaynay(at)cs.com

  198. Favorite memory is when my son hugged Mickey Mouse for the first time. I had showed him pictures on the train going to Florida. We practiced how he would hug him and wave to all the characters. Now my son is married and he promises to do the same for his child.

  199. I remember going to Disney as a child and being so excited about buying a Pluto stuffed animal!

  200. After graduating from high school, I went to Disneyland with my cousin. I still haven’t been to Disneyworld. At that time, I just loved all the rides.

  201. My favorite Disney memory was when I was 5 years old. It was my first time there and I was on the submarine ride. I looked out the window and said, “Is that a real mermaid?!” and my Pop said, “Yes!” I had no way of really knowing at the time. I was so fascinated and had such a great time.

  203. My favorite memory is the first time I saw Dumbo and cried when his mom rocked him

Trackbacks

  2. […] Disneyland at a discount Should you go to Disneyland or Disney World? Tips for a thrifty vacation in wonderful world of Disney Enjoying the extras at Disney World Tips for a Frugal Disneyland or Disney World Vacation […]