A Disney vacation doesn't have to break the bank. With a little planning, research and resourcefulness, it's possible to visit a Disney theme park on a budget -- even with a big family or large group. There are several ways to make it more affordable, but it's usually necessary to plan far in advance, stock up on preparations and memorize some secret tips and tricks about the Disney parks.
Tickets
- Disney tickets are usually cheaper in the winter months. At Disneyland in California, it's often possible to save 20 percent to 30 percent on a two-, three- or five-day park-hopper ticket if you go during the months of January through April. At Disney World in Florida, the cheaper ticket-buying months tend to be September through early December. Park-hopper tickets offer admission to multiple Disney parks, such as California Adventure Park and Disneyland in Anaheim, and also usually give one day of early admission. Disney also has "good neighbor" hotels that offer discounts on tickets when booked with a hotel stay. Buy packages ahead of time to save the most money on tickets.
Lodging
- First-time visitors to Disney parks may want to stay in the Disney hotels, but some neighboring hotels are half as expensive and still within walking distance to the parks. Additionally, most nearby hotels offer free or cheap shuttle services to Disney parks. The Disney park websites often list their "good neighbor" hotels, which typically are held to higher standards of cleanliness and comfort for guests while still offering a cheap rate.
Meals
- A little-known secret about Disney parks is that food is allowed inside the gates. Although large coolers, alcohol or glass bottles are not permitted, it's fine to bring in things such as sandwiches and snacks. Rent a locker for a few dollars and store food for the day. Since a typical meal at a Disney park is usually about $10 to $15 per person, bringing in your own lunch or snacks is one of the best ways to save money.
Souvenirs
- Disney parks have plenty of souvenirs for sale, but the cheapest trinkets often can be found in stores outside of the park. Even in gas/convenience stores or grocery stores, it's possible to find T-shirts, key chains, coffee mugs and many other Disney souvenirs at a lower price than you would find on Disney property. Among the cheaper in-park trinkets are coffee mugs, T-shirts and socks.
