Let’s go to Disneyland – But on a Budget
Visiting Disneyland on a budget—and actually sticking to that budget—is no easy feat. The Happiest Place on Earth is also one of the priciest. However, with a little planning and savvy decision-making, you can enjoy a magical Disneyland trip without overspending. Here are some of the best ways to save money on your next Disneyland adventure.
1. Look for Sales and Discounted Tickets
Disneyland offers ticket discounts throughout the year, so keep an eye out for special promotions. One of the easiest ways to stay informed is by signing up for a Disneyland account and subscribing to their newsletter. For example, at the time of writing, Disneyland is offering a special kids’ ticket deal starting at just $50 per day.
If you’re flexible with travel dates, you can often find great discounts on multi-day passes during slower seasons. Additionally, military members can take advantage of exclusive discounts on three- and four-day passes, available for purchase on base.
2. Choose 1-Park-Per-Day Tickets Instead of Park Hoppers
Park Hopper tickets allow you to visit both Disneyland and California Adventure on the same day, but they come at a premium—anywhere from $30 to $65 extra per ticket per day. If you’re looking to cut costs, opt for 1-Park-Per-Day tickets instead.
Personally, I prefer sticking to one park per day. There’s so much to see and do in each park that we never feel the need to hop back and forth. It also makes for a more relaxed experience, without the stress of rushing between parks.
3. Skip the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass (or Use It Strategically)
There’s a lot of pressure to purchase the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, but you don’t need it to have an amazing trip—especially not every day. If you want to experience the most popular rides with shorter wait times, consider buying it for just one day instead of your entire trip.
On our last visit, we skipped the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass altogether and still rode nearly everything we wanted. Plus, without constantly checking our phones to book ride times, the experience felt way more relaxed. Sometimes, it’s nice to just wander the park and take in all the little details you’d usually miss while running from ride to ride.
4. Stay at an Off-Property Hotel
I love staying at Disneyland’s on-property hotels, but they’re undeniably expensive. Instead, we often stay at Good Neighbor Hotels, which are affordable and within walking distance. Two of our favorites are:
Both hotels are clean, comfortable, and just a 9-minute walk to the Disneyland entrance, making them great budget-friendly alternatives.
5. Bring Your Own Snacks
Did you know that Disneyland allows guests to bring in their own snacks? Take advantage of this by packing your own food, especially healthier and more affordable options compared to park snacks. This is a great way to save money while keeping everyone in your group happy and fueled for the day.
6. Bring a Refillable Water Bottle
We stopped buying bottled water years ago, and it has saved us a ton of money—especially as a family of four. Disneyland has multiple water refill stations throughout both parks, so bringing a refillable water bottle is a simple way to cut costs while staying hydrated.
7. Ask for a To-Go Cup at Sit-Down Restaurants
If you dine at one of Disneyland’s sit-down restaurants, take advantage of the free refills on drinks. Before leaving, ask for a to-go cup with a refill. I always remind my kids to grab one (even if it’s just water) because, sure enough, within 10 minutes of walking, they’ll ask for a drink.
8. Buy Disney Gift Cards at Target for a 5% Discount
If you have a Target RedCard, you can purchase Disney Gift Cards at a 5% discount. These gift cards can be used for:
• Park tickets
• Dining and snacks inside the parks
• Merchandise and souvenirs
It may not seem like much at first, but 5% off everything Disney adds up fast, especially for families visiting multiple days.
Final Thoughts
Disneyland may not be cheap, but with the right strategies, you can experience the magic without breaking the bank. Whether you’re taking advantage of ticket discounts, choosing budget-friendly hotels, or skipping unnecessary add-ons, every little bit helps.
What are your favorite ways to save money at Disneyland? Let me know in the comments!
Mom of two and seeking sanity in the everyday. Let’s chat about family, school struggles, travel, and living our best life. Located in the San Francisco Bay area.
