by Tamara Brown

Created on: February 25, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

A trip to Disneyland is a rite of passage for many families. As you and your kids discover Its a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain and more, memories of a lifetime are made. However, you don't want debt of a lifetime as well. Fortunately, if you plan it right, there are several ways to reduce the cost of your visit to the Magic Kingdom.

Before you go:

1. Plan your trip for when the kids are in school. Get their assignments ahead of time from their teachers and you will save a lot of money by going during the off-season. Call this a lesson in economics and consider it an educational trip!

2. Don't stay at any of the Disney hotels. It is nice to be so close to the parks, and the pools are beautiful, but you will be paying a premium for that privilege. The hotel rooms themselves aren't much different from any other nice hotel. Instead, use a discount travel website like Expedia or Hotwire to find a nearby hotel. There are literally hundreds of options located just minutes from the park.

3. Try to choose a hotel that has a free shuttle to Disneyland. That will save you $12 in parking every day you go to the park.

4. Visit the Disneyland website to get information on special ticket deals. also, if you know anyone from the area, see if they will buy your tickets for you. They often have specials that are specifically for Southern California residents.

5. Consider purchasing the Disneyland RideMax software. For $14.95 it helps you plan out your day at Disneyland ahead of time so that you can maximize the use of fast passes and get on as many rides as possible.

During your visit to Disneyland:

1. Before you go, eat a big, healthy breakfast. I know that everyone is excited to get to the park, but you need something in your stomach to resist the siren song of churros in the early morning.

2. Bring lots of snacks. Crackers, apple slices, even string cheese if it isn't a hot day, are great snacks to stash in your backpack. Eat these while you wait in line for the rides.

3. Drink water. Avoid the sugary sodas that only end up making you even more thirsty. Instead, go up to any restaurant in Disneyland and ask for a cup of ice water for free. If your kids must have drinks with flavor, bring those little flavor packs that you can add to bottled water and make your own koolaid.

4. Plan your meals. Of course, you can always go outside of the park to eat lunch and dinner, but that takes time away from going on rides. Instead, head for one of two places. Next to the

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