Best Tips For Saving Money

[jnjusoioa]

Hi there, really trying to swing a trip to DLR this year, what are some good ways to save money, does anyone know, is it better to book everything seperate or to do a package deal, just curious to what everyone has learned. Thanks in advance.

 

[Jennifer03]

I always book everything separately. The packages are always more expensive and come with things I don't want like Toontown Morning Madness vouchers.

I know some people here do Sunshine Rewards to earn money for their trips. I've never done that though, so I'm not what exactly it entails.

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

Before we got our APs we found it cheaper to book seperately as well.

 

[Grim_Grinning_Girl]

Well tips for saving inside the park, as long as you are considerate with what you bring, it is okay to bring in snacks and drinks into the park. We always bring in a large bag of chips, jerky, several sodas, and gatorade into the park and have never had issues. Just about all locations will give you a free cup of ice which would easily take care of the warm sodas you have brought in.

 

[Brady's Mom]

1. Stay within walking distance - this saves additional parking charges at DLR (currently $12 a day).
2. If you have a hotel with a fridge and microwave - eat breakfast in your room before you leave for the Park.
3. You could also eat a late lunch there (in hotel) if you go back for a swim/rest period. This could save some money, also. I get really tired of DLR food - especially for my kids, since they only seem to choose cheeseburgers or chicken nuggets to eat. It could add some variety to your food choices, too.
4. Check for "bargains" - everyone pays the kids price, which ends April 30. There is a thread on here about Flight Centre (in Canada) that people are talking about using to save money on Park tickets.
5. Go during "off season" - hotels are usually cheaper and easier to book.
6. Bring your own water bottles and snacks with you. This can save a TON of money. A water bottle in the Park is about $3.

 

[Casken]

Mousesavers.com has helped me tremendously. I have just started planning our trip and have found that booking separately is cheaper (at least where I'm coming from). There are packages that seem to be cheaper but once you read the fine print they are not so great (additional fees, non-refundable tickets). I find there is always a way to find a discount for most things on your own. The web is a wonderful tool. You just have to do your homework.

 

[prncssmel]

We split meals when eating in the park. Most meals are a LOT of food, too much for just one of us.

 

[nancy drew]

So far I have reduced our spending by staying at a walking distance hotel (HOJO with the entertainment rate) instead of on site, using airline miles for the flights, and buying park tickets through promotional sales. I'll pack a bunch of snacks for us, and perhaps get some bread, peanut butter, and jelly to make sandwiches. We will share some meals, too.

 

[LavenderPeach]

We split meals when eating in the park. Most meals are a LOT of food, too much for just one of us.

Yes, this would be my tip too. We split a CS meal at DL and then later each had a snack (including a tigger tail which is kind of pricey) and it still cost less than when we ate out a week later at a regular chain restaurant for lunch in our home town. Also, only order water when you go out to eat. It saves money and is healthier too!

Something else you could look into would be to get a hotel off of hotwire or priceline (do your homework on these sites first though). I think the hotels on those types of sites tend to be further away from DLR so you couldn't walk but if you got a good deal, the price of the hotel plus parking at DLR might be cheaper than a closer hotel (depending on time of year, hotel fees, etc). It might be worth looking into. Also, i think if you get your tickets through AAA you get free parking.

 

[Corpsebride]

If you are a coffee drinker as in drinking in abundance, get your coffee at the Market House on Main St. Save your receipt and get as many free refills you can drink per day. You don't need to save the cup just the receipt.
Every little bit helps!
Also as far as souvineer's go, the pressed penny machines are really cool. There are so many of them around the DLR that you could really get a whole lot and still get one big item too if your budget allows.
They even have little albums you can purchase , I don't remember how much though. You can also get the map of all the pressed penny machines for free at the City Hall.
A cool little collection can be had by the end of your trip.
Have a great time!

 

[godalejunior]

Order groceries and have them delivered to cut down on cost. Eat breakfast in the room and possibly lunch as well. Purchase water and related liquids and bring them into the park with you.

 

[mechurchlady]

Bring your own stroller as rentals are now $12 a day. Bring zip-loc type of bags so you can share popcorn or save stuff for later. Choose a nice sit down dinner like at the Plaza Inn instead of them turkey legs. Burgers large ribs and two drinks was the same price as 2 turkey legs, corn on the cob, 2 drinks, and one bag of chips. Turkey legs taste great but do bring wet wipes as they are messy and costly.

Do not bring self protection items like mace and pepper spray as they get confiscated. That saves you some money. One grandmother convinced the girls that they could share autograph books. Bring your own stuff from home like cameras and autograph books. If you want a gluten filled snack then share a sundae from the ice cream shops but without the waffle cone. Lots of gluten and calories and a mess.

 

[jnjusoioa]

Thank you for all the great tips and ideas, I wish I knew how to get the HoJo entertainment rate, I hear people talking of that all the time but never seem to come across it. Thanks again.

 

[MommyWithDreams]

If you go to their website enter in code sd50 to see if it's available on your dates. You can always call in house reservations as well. Hope that helps.

 

[VacationTrader]

Hi there, really trying to swing a trip to DLR this year, what are some good ways to save money, does anyone know, is it better to book everything seperate or to do a package deal, just curious to what everyone has learned. Thanks in advance.

I would suggest getting a package or look on the timeshare resale market where you can deal with owners directly. Owner prices are always better than the resort's prices. Also you can often get free disney tickets if you take an hour and a half timeshare tour.

 

[jnjusoioa]

If you go to their website enter in code sd50 to see if it's available on your dates. You can always call in house reservations as well. Hope that helps.

Thank you so much!!!

 

[cmwade77]

I would suggest finding a good travel agent that specializes in Disney Trips, they don't charge you anything and can make sure that you get the best possible deal. Our website below has a link to such a travel agent and there are others recommended on this site as well.

 

[mystic_path]

Personally I have always travelled with adults.... But even if you dont, paying for a flight and hotel package together saves you money then purchasing them separately.

Watch travel agents such as "Orbitz, getawaytoday, and Travelocity". Those are the 3 cheapest I have seen around, and I have seen MANY!!! GAT and Oribtz seems to have the best packages though. I find purchasing a package through one of these sites is cheaper then going to a travel agent.

Then after awhile when you save up more money you go and find some Disneyland hoppers. I dont suggest getting them through Disney itself. There are other places which are so much cheaper. GAT is one place, and also Flight Center.

I would suggest staying at an off site hotel. Good ones are Hojo's, and Tropicana. They are closer then some of the resort hotels and are a quick walk away. No shuttles required which also saves money.

Eat at Mimi's beside the Howard Johnson on Harbor. The prices are really decent and the food is exceptional. Right now if you sign up an account at the Mimi's website 3 weeks before your trip you get a free breakfast.