All Things Disney: Economical and Helpful Tips for Parents
Your family’s trip to Disneyland is just around the corner, so preparation is always key to a wallet-friendly and worry-free vacation. Here are some helpful tips and tricks for you and your family:
Book a Hotel Outside Disney Property
If you want to save lots of money while enjoying the ultimate Disneyland experience, make sure the hotel you are about to book is outside Disney property. Hotels within the premises can be extremely expensive.
You also do not need to worry about walking or driving too far because there are numerous cheap hotels right outside the theme park.
Download Disney’s Mobile Guide
Before you arrive at the park, make sure to download the My Disney Experience mobile app to help you look for rides and attractions all around the theme park. This app lets you book Fast Passes, check out waiting times for each attraction, discover what parades and shows on each day, look for nearby restaurants or snack bars and many more.
You do not have to read a map or park guide because with just a tap of a button, you can instantly find anything in this mobile app. If you have little kids along, this app will ensure your kids will have a tantrum-free and fun visit!
Pack ALL Essentials
One of the tricks to help your wallet survive your trip to Disneyland is to pack all essential things. Aside from clothes, shoes and toiletries, some necessary items you need to bring along are snacks, water, a hat and sunscreen. Although tickets may be affordable, the food and drinks sold inside the park are double or even triple the prices compared with those in local supermarkets or restaurants.
Hats or applying sunscreen help protect you and your family from the sun’s damaging rays as you roam the park during the midday. Bringing snacks like sandwiches, energy bars or chips will satiate you and your kids’ hunger and avoid ‘hangry’ tantrums along the way.
Eat Breakfast or Lunch in your Hotel
Eating breakfast in your hotel is very budget-friendly and time-saving since most hotels have complimentary breakfast and you can experience all the attractions you want without having to stop by restaurants. You can also eat your lunch in your hotel if there is food stored in your room’s refrigerator or you can eat at cheaper restaurants outside the park.
Although there are a few restaurants that offer inexpensive meals and dishes, it would be difficult to find them so it would be best to avoid eating at expensive restaurants within park premises.
Order Kiddie Meals
If you and your family want to try out food served in Disneyland, you can order kid-sized meals for yourself and your children. These dishes are half the price of the adult-sized ones and are portioned generously.
Bring a Stroller for Your Toddler
For families with one or more toddlers, Disneyland rents out strollers in different sizes and capacities. To save on stroller renting fees, you can also bring your toddler’s own stroller to the park. You just have to make sure that it is easily recognizable if you park beside all the other strollers.
Leave Night Shows and Parades Earlier
Disneyland has thousands of visitors every day and the majority of them usually attend evening shows and parades. When these events are over, huge crowds of people exit the park in big masses. Going through these crowds with children in tow would prove to be almost impossible and a lot of children have been separated from their families during these events
For you to exit the park with all your children safely, it would be best to leave before night shows and parades end to avoid braving the big crowds.
These are just some of the many helpful tips and tricks for you and your family to have a safe and budget-friendly trip to Disneyland. What better way to experience the happiest place on earth than with all your loved ones!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
