Matt and Elena's

Disney Park Guide

Saving$ And Discount$

There are many ways you can save money while vacationing at Disneyland or Walt Disney World.  Here are a few of our tips:

• Bring your own snacks into the parks -- Many people assume Disney Security will stop you from bringing snacks into the parks.  That is not true.  We always make sure everyone in our group has a waist pack stuffed with snacks for the day.  We will even bring in an extra bag with more snacks that we place into a locker and then stop by to refill our waist packs.  We try to fill them with snacks that are a little more durable (can be crushed) and will last in the heat.  Fruit snacks, nuts, hard candy, granola bars, rice krispie treats are among our favorites.  Having snacks in your waist pack is especially handy while you are waiting in line, you can refill your stomach before you spin and whirl. :-)
• Carry a refillable water bottle -- We find having water handy helps a lot with the heat and the pocket book.  You don't have to be continually buying another water bottle and you always have a little water nearby, even when waiting in line.  Some of us will wear a nylon strap that attaches to any water bottle.  Some people will freeze a half-filled water bottle then fill it up with tap water in the morning.  The problem with that is the condensation on the bottle all day.  If you don't mind the wet bottle it is great.  Also, most cafeterias have chilled water through a drinking fountain or a water station.  That is a great way to refill your bottles.
  
• Share a meal -- Often, we've been snacking all day, it's very hot, and we are not that hungry.  Share a meal with another person. Usually the meals are big enough to share and it will save you half on the cost.
• Buy tickets ahead of time -- You should buy your tickets before you arrive at the parks.  Usually there are always places on-line that can save you some money over the Disney on-line prices.  Even then, it will save you money to buy your tickets from Disney on-line. 
  
• At Disney World, with the new Magic Your Way tickets, you will find adding another day (after four days, each additional day only costs $2) can be very cheap.  Even if you are only going to visit for the morning or evening, it is well worth it for $2. 
  
• Check the Disney discount web sites listed below for the best deals on tickets.
  
• Eat breakfast in the room -- Start each day with a quick breakfast in the room.  You can save a lot by filling up on cereal, bagels, and pop-tarts before leaving for the day.  Then, when you arrive at the park you are not wasting those cool morning hours eating an expensive breakfast in the park.  Also, we used a grocery shopping service to save us on having to rent a car and they delivered our grocery order directly to our room!
• Eat at expensive places for lunch -- Most of the nicer restaurants have cheaper prices at lunch.
  
• Search Disney discounts on-line -- Use these links for Disney discounts: Mouse Savers  The Mouse For Less
• Get a Disney Rewards Visa Card here
  
• Discounts on purchases at some shops
• Discounts on dining at some places
• Free photos with characters
• Each purchase earns Disney dollars
  

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Last updated: 9 August 2006