Disney Savings Tips

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We took our first trip to Disneyland as a family in 2014.  I hadn't been since 1994.  There were a lot of changes and it was still as awesome as EVER!  We went back this year for the Disneyland Diamond Celebration 60th Anniversary! We will also be going to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party this year- all info on the Halloween Party CLICK HERE after reading the savings tips :)

One thing that will never change is families trying to find the best deals.

I am sharing my 5 Top Disneyland Planning Tips to help save money before you go just to give you some ideas. I hope you find it helpful.

Tip #1:
Use gift cards to pay for as much as you can.  Get your giftcards at Target with your Redcard and get 5% off. If you pay for your meals, hotel and everything with this 5% can be significant. You can have a RedCard debit card, it does not have to be a credit card. Info HERE.
You can also choose to get 2x or up to 4x fuel points with special offers at the grocery stores for buying Disney gift cards or even other restaurants you may visit while at Disneyland or along the way.  We will be driving from Arizona so this helps us out on the road and all year long. You may want to consider buying smaller gift cards all year to help spread out the expenses.

For example, I bought Disney giftcards for my kids Easter baskets and they will use them for souvenirs, so they can budget and we got 5% off with my debit Target RedCard.

Tip #2:
Look for hotel and package offers. We ended up going through Getawaytoday.com this year. I researched and researched and this was the best deal over all of the other memberships we belong to. Plus, we are staying at a new hotel with breakfast included. Getawaytoday.com has exclusive offers plus take $10 off any Disney or Southern CA trip with the code AZFAM.  
Go HERE for more information.

Tip #3:
Buy "souvenirs' ahead of time. Check out local clearance sales and dollar spots/stores for Disney themed merchandise before your vacation. I started collecting all year and I have quite the stash.  I am making packages/bags for my kids each night at the hotel. You may also want to check the Disney Store for specials and free shipping if there is something particular you like.The glow sticks are great to have during the nighttime parades like the new Pain the Night Parade and Fantasmic- Info HERE

For example, I find a lot of fun Disney items at the 99cOnly Stores. Pictured above are items I have picked up there.  I also found Cars and Princess themed journals that can be used as autograph books.

Tip #4:
Save on food by staying at a hotel with breakfast included, fridge and microwave.  Look for local deals and coupons for other restaurants. This is where you can buy gift cards again for restaurants you may visit and get the fuel points! You may also want to consider bringing food into the parks to save while there. We bought an Entertainment Book for Anaheim - on sale now for any city here: Entertainment Books current offers HERE 


Tip #5:
Get advice!  Don't be afraid to ask friends and family their own personal advice for Disneyland trips. I asked on my personal FB page for advice and tips as well as on Arizona Families Facebook page.  There were many specific suggestions that were too many to list here.  You may also consider buying a guide book (discounted at Bookmans or other used bookstores).

For example, I will ask here: What is your best Disneyland Planning Tip?

Share with us in comments ;)

This post was not sponsored or affiliated with the Walt Disney Company.