Tips for Saving a Few Dollars at Disneyland

The Western United States is suffering through a severe drought, gas prices have reached unprecedented levels, the economy is flirting with recession and the pandemic isn’t finished with us yet. Sounds like a good summer to stay home, right? Well, don’t tell that to the millions who will crowd Disneyland this season. The Anaheim attraction over the past 70 years has repeatedly demonstrated it’s pretty much impervious to the economic and societal factors that deter visitors bound for less famous theme parks.

Of course, Disneyland this summer is not only very busy but very expensive. There are a few strategies, however, visitors can employ to save a few dollars while wringing maximum enjoyment from their visit to the Happiest Place on Earth.

Leave the Car at Home: The current price of gas alone should provide all the incentive you need to find alternative Disneyland transportation options but here’s another — higher parking fees the park and area hotels. Do the research and you might find it’s a better bargain getting to Anaheim by train, plane of bus. Also make sure to utilize Lyft or Uber to get to and from your hotel to the park.

Stay Off the Property: To be sure, there is nothing like the experience and perks that come with staying at a Disney-operated hotel but that might be a luxury best postponed for the present. Given the fact you’re making the trip in order to spend your days in the park, it could be all you need at night is a clean bathroom and comfortable bed. Look for lodging bargains (particularly midweek) in area around Disneyland.

Meal Deals: Another perk of staying at a local hotel is that many offer complimentary breakfasts. To save money later in the day, fill up on this free fare before heading over to the park ad make sure to bring snacks to keep you going until the afternoon, when the food lines are shorter. If Disneyland Character Dining is a priority for you, make sure to pre-purchase your vouchers, which saves you about 10% off the list price.

Water, Water Everywhere: It can be warm in Southern California all year round, so you will want to stay hydrated at the park. Smart visitors bring water bottles with them and refill them through the day at easy water bottle fillers or with free ice water. Inside Disneyland, you can find water bottle fillers at Tomorrowland Terrace, Rancho Del Zocalo, the French Market and the Plaza Inn. Disney California Adventure Park does not have any water bottle fillers but cold water is readily accessible in the Wine Country Trattoria bathroom. Visitors also can request a free large cup of water with ice at any counter service restaurant.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.