A family trip to Disneyland can be a bit of a stretch on the budget when you add the flights, park tickets, accommodation, meals, souvenirs, and other unforeseen expenses. And yet, it’s an experience you want to offer your children at least once.
The good news is that you can enjoy your Disney trip without constantly worrying about your expenses. You need to do a bit of digging and some advanced planning, but it is possible to get discounts and save some money.
And to get you started, here are a few tips on how to take the family on a Disney adventure without going broke
Search for Discounts
Disney is happy to make things easier for families on a budget, which is why the company runs various campaigns and discounts. To find them, go on their website and look for Disneyland discounts – you’ll find lots of offers from both Disney and their partners, so look for the ones that fit you.
However, don’t trust offers that don’t come from official sources (such as Disney, a travel agent, or a reputable seller). There are many scammers online looking to take advantage of innocent buyers who are looking for a good deal.
The best deals on discount Disneyland tickets come in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll need a bit of time and patience to sift through everything.
Look for Travel Deals
The expenses for a Disneyland trip often include plane tickets (round-trip), plus transport to and from the airport and around the resort (depending on where you’re lodging is). All these can easily pile up and take all the fun out of the theme parks.
Not to mention that if your trip includes multiple locations, things may get a bit hectic for your budget. However, if you know how to plan ahead and hunt for discounts (many airlines practice lower prices, especially during the off-season), chances are you’ll be able to reduce the cost of your travel expenses by quite a lot.
Avoid Peak Season
The summer months and times when kids are on vacation are among the busiest times for Disneyland and for airlines and other transportation companies. Therefore, the tickets will also be more expensive, and accommodation for a family of four can cost a small fortune.
If possible, avoid these times for your family trip. To find the perfect visiting times, check the Disneyland app to learn when it’s the busiest, but you can also do a quick online search for the best times to visit Disneyland.
Still, if you don’t have a flexible schedule or the kids can’t miss a day of school, this option may not be available to you.
Don’t Book a Disneyland Hotel
While you may be tempted (the hotels are truly amazing!), if you’re trying to save money, you’re better off with a hotel nearby. They are always cheaper than Disney-owned resorts, and many have rooms equipped with kitchenettes, which means you can cook some of the meals instead of going to a pricey restaurant.
However, if you can’t find a hotel to suit your budget close to the park, you also have to factor in the cost of transport from the hotel to the park and back. Yet, it doesn’t compare to the amount you’ll save by staying at a non-Disney hotel and being able to cook for yourself!
Wrap Up
While it may not be as glamorous, you can do Disneyland on a budget for the entire family! The experience will help you bond as a family and teach the kids about the value of things. It will also help you create amazing memories, which are priceless!
