Planning a Cost Effective Disneyland Vacation
As someone who used to work at a Disney theme park, I can tell you firsthand that people save up for years to enjoy a Disney vacation. If you’re planning your first family vacation to Disneyland California or Disneyworld Orlando, you’re in the right place! It can be daunting figuring out the best time of year to visit the theme park, in park dining options and of course the best hotels to stay in for the most cost-effective vacation experience. Let me go over a few options as well as tips and tricks for planning a memorable Disney vacation.
Disney World Orlando Florida
Tip # 1: This park is a lot larger than Disneyland California so when planning to visit Disneyworld plan to do some driving from park to park. You’ll want to select a hotel that is close to all 4 theme parks. If you choose to stay in a Disney World hotel there is the perk of getting access to the parks 30 minutes early each morning. This comes in handy if you are visiting during peak season. Of course, there is always the option of staying in an off-property hotel, and as someone who has done both you can have an equally enjoyable experience staying off property. If you are budget conscious, I recommend going with an off-property hotel. Some reasonably priced recommendations are: Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Floridays Resort Orlando, and Swan Reserve, Swan and Dolphin Resorts.
Tip #2: Take advantage of every perk you can get your hands on! It can be worth it to purchase a Disney vacation package plan, simply because they offer accommodations, park tickets, and transportation can be included for an added fee. I recommend upgrading your tickets to park hopper tickets, this will save you more money overall. Dining options are not longer included with vacation packages, but you can still purchase a dining plan separately. Plans range anywhere from $95 a day per adult (S27 per child) to $58 per day adult ($24 per child).
Tip #3: Budget for snacks and souvenirs. Often overlooked when planning for a family vacation at Disney is a budget for snacks and souvenirs. You are going to want snacks as you walk for mile and miles around the 4 theme parks. You and/or your children are also going to want souvenirs and mementos from your trip. You are allowed to bring your own snacks into the park if you are on a cost saving budget, just make sure that they are not in glass containers or require heating.
Disneyland Anaheim California
Tip #1: Disneyland resort and California Adventures are very easy to navigate. It’s not necessary to rent a car if you are staying on property at Disneyland California. If you choose to stay at an on-property hotel you will be in walking distance of both Disneyland and California Adventures as well as downtown Disney. If you choose to stay off site, there are several hotels that are within walking distance of the main gate to Disneyland. Some recommendations are: Best Western Plus Park Place Inn & Mini Suites, Castle Inn and Suites, and Tropicana Inn and Suites.
Tip #2: Purchase the park hopper tickets and make all of your dining reservations in advance! I also recommend arriving at the park at least 1 hour early. As soon as the rope drops, head to the most popular rides first. You can also purchase Genie+ or lightning lane entrance access for the most popular attractions.
Tip # 3: Download the Disneyland App to your mobile phone. You will be able to use the app to store your tickets, check wait times on rides, order food or use Genie+ and lightning lane. Make sure if you are traveling with a large group that more than one person in your group has the app on their mobile device.
Disney Budget Breakdown
Now lets take a look at what a pre trip planning budget will look like. You can use the table below as an example of costs you need to consider when planning your trip.
