by Michele Wilmonen

Created on: February 10, 2007   Last Updated: August 04, 2011

How to enjoy a Disneyland vacation, without going broke.

Planning a trip to the Magic Kingdom soon? Or wishing you could, but think that it is too expensive? Making a trip to Disneyland can get to be quite pricey, with airfare, lodging, souvenirs and food all taking their own large chunk out of the vacation budget. But, there are alternatives to making the most out of your vacation without depleting your whole savings account.

-Choose the right time to go-

The biggest money saver that I can offer is to choose the right time of year to go. Disneyland has essentially two seasons, busy season and off-season. Depending on which season you choose, will determine how much you are going to pay for your vacation.

To start off, let's talk about the busy season, it is defined as anytime that the schools are out for break. Because of the crowds the rides are all open, the entertainment is at full force and fireworks happen every night. So don't expect any hotel or airline deals at this time, you will be paying full price. The only exception is spring break and we will discuss that later.

If you are looking to save as much money as you can, I recommend going during the off-season. You may have to pull your kids out of school, but as long as you okay it in advance with teachers and bring homework with you, no extensive harm will be done. I even make my son do extra hands on homework in the park, like math problems, ect. While entertainment is at a minimum at this time, you are going to be able to ride more rides and more often, because of the smaller crowds. However, stay away from September, this when most of the ride maintenance is done and the largest number of rides are closed down. But, is the time that you will find great hotel deals, kids fly free promotions on airlines and even the park has deals on admission. Most of the admission deals and kids fly free promotions are during the spring and people going for spring break can take advantage of them also.

-Souvenirs-

Surprisingly, the souvenirs are the same price as you would find outside the park. But, if your souvenir budget was eaten away by admission and food, look for alternatives. A pair of Mickey ears run under 10.00 and the plastic bag that you get when you buy anything in the park is a souvenir in itself, with the way it was designed. The free park map and your admission ticket can be framed. All napkins, receipts and food tissue have the Disneyland logo on them and look good in a scrapbook. If you use your imagination anything can be a souvenir.

-Food-

Eating inside the park will cost you an arm and a leg, especially the snacks. I would suggest eating outside the park and bringing your own food to save you money. I pack little boxes of cereal, plastic spoons and paper bowls in our suitcase. Once we are there, we buy milk at one of the stores surrounding the park and we have breakfast taken care of for the whole trip. I also pack snacks in my carry on bag as it saves us money in the airport.

-The Bottom Line-

Food, admission and souvenirs are just some of the money eating expenses that you will have on your trip. Just keep in mind to have plenty of extra money set aside for other essentials, like the shuttle from the airport to the hotel and back. But if you watch for deals and travel smart, you can still enjoy a trip to Disneyland and still have enough to pay all your bills that month.

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