We brought a small soft cooler in to put in the bottom of the stroller with capri suns and water in it. Also brought in cereal bars, raisins, packs of small crackers which really helped keeping the snack and pop/water costs down.
We started our first day out with a character breakfast prior to park opening. That way we could skip Pluto and Goofy in the park when we saw them and avoid standing in a line and get to ridin'.
My best piece of advice is many things... it's a tie!
Arrive early / bring your own water / bring your own sunscreen / use Fast Pass as often as possible / use the Single Rider lines multiple times / Don't miss Remember..., Fantasmic!, Aladdin, Billy Hill & the Hillbillies, Soarin' Over California or Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams at DL / take a relaxing afternoon break at your hotel-motel-the Grand Californian Lobby or somewhere in DL/DCA with a lot of cool air (or warm air, based on the weather)...
That's what I thought... But when I saw the 2 meals for the price of one, I thought hmmm...maybe I should look into it further....Maybe there's something like it at Disneyland,but called by a different name??? Mitchwebb??
Don't forget to ride Tower of Terror it is the absolute best ride in DCA!! Second best is the unlocked sliding Farris Wheel ride[can't remember real name]!! If you always wanted to rock the Farris Wheel seat at the top of the ride, this one is for You!!