Best ways to save money at Disneyland | Fresh Baked Top 10

Best ways to save money at Disneyland | Fresh Baked Top 10
Here's something everyone wants to know more about. How to save money at Disneyland. No matter what you do, Disneyland is going to be expensive. But we do have our own top 10 money savers. Should you get the park hopper? Should you get an annual pass? Where are the best food bargains? Watch and find out!
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[@brianbenson8784]

best way to save, marry a cast member especially a chef. Free park hopper, discount on merchandise, and free food lol

[@toriplayssg]

Briam Benson is that what you did

[@brianbenson8784]

yes that's what I did, I highly recommend it lol

[@axlent123]

The more expensive way to not save is marry a Disney freak... I went to Disneyland once when I was a kid. In the last 7 years since getting married, I’ve been there about 5 times...that and collecting Disney Funko, pins, ears, etc...

[@lilgiggler35]

The "don't eat breakfast at the park" tip is really good. Many hotels offer continental breakfasts. I try to make sure I take advantage of this if it's available.

[@Wakkosgirl]

Super 8 is off the 5 and off of Ball/Disney Way. Decent price and they offer continental. Don't think they are part of "Good Neighbor" one's though. DO NOT go to Days Inn! No parking, odd rooms (hear the one about the bed covers?) and their continental is no such thing!

[@PSPSMITH2022]

@Wakkosgirl: I've stayed at the Super 8 on the NW corner of Ball and Disneyland Dr., and unless they have changed in the last two or three years, they are still part of the "Good Neighbor" hotels and still sell slightly discounted multi-day passes to Disneyland. You can often find a better discount online, especially if you start price hunting a couple months in advance, but the Good Neighbor hotel discount passes are still better than paying full price at the ticket counters near the park. Be sure to only buy tickets from reputable vendors and websites (check the thousands of reviews on sites like Tripadvisor for names of the good ones). Back in the mid-2000s, Super 8 was very inexpensive, quite nice quality for the price, and a decently short walking distance from a side entrance to Downtown Disney (remember that it is a Super 8, not a Marriot or Four Seasons, so keep expectations in check.) However, from 2010 onward, they significantly increased their nightly rates (50% increase in my estimation), making it less of a bargain. They did make some minor, cosmetic improvements to the breakfast area and lobby, but the rooms are basically the same quality prior to the rate increase. Additionally, with the new security bag check requirements at Disneyland, anyone walking south along Disneyland Drive can no longer access Downtown Disney via the side gates along Disneyland Drive and now must make a detour west on Magic Way and then south to the very tail end of Downtown Disney, near the ESPN building (this requires the walker to now walk the entire span of Downtown Disney, from ESPN to the tram exits). It may not seem like much just viewing a map, but the distance from Super 8 to the Disneyland turnstiles essentially doubled, and that can really add up when doing it before and after three days of walking the parks. Also note that security will also prevent those not actively staying in the Grand Californian Hotel from entering to use the Downtown Disney connection (there is a bag check/metal detector station checking people moving from the hotel to Downtown Disney, and they likely place the bouncer outside the hotel to try to keep that line less crowded for actual Grand Californian guests.) All in all, the Super 8 was an awesome deal in the previous decade, still an okay deal in this decade (if lowest price within technically reasonable walking distance to the park is the greatest concern), but it isn't as great a location or bargain as it once was. These days, I stay further from the park, in a nicer hotel for a bit more (in my opinion, an extra $50-$75/night to have a clean, spacious, and well-decorated room with a fully stocked kitchen, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and full-sized fridge PLUS include a hot breakfast every morning is worth it while on vacation) and just pay for the shuttle ride to the park on my schedule.

[@ohplezz]

Starbucks is a better choice than breakfast at Disneyland.

[@Ericland_Entertainment_Inc]

I usually would get breakfast from home and have lunch at the park and snack the rest of the day. However, before this (semi-fake) pandemic, I would bring my own sandwiches with me and get a complimentary/free water cup at the park, and have dinner later. I would save upwards of $30-$40, it worked and I'll continue to do it when the park reopens

[@marcellocalbesi]

I know that this video is almost 2 and half years old but DCA is now an entire day park Pixar Pier looks amazing

[@allyolsen2021]

Mr. Charmander yes we can spend an entire day in California Adventures

[@pererau]

I can spend an entire day just in Animation Academy

[@june9265]

the crushed pennies are cheap in terms of souvenirs! and really fun to collect (:

[@momoe3545]

SAME! i love those:)

[@AntiFaGoat]

Jenni M And you can hot glue gun pin backs to them at home and wear them around next time. Pin traders might think they're useless, but you'll have style. B)

[@toeman4628]

I always get those for those suviners there the best.

[@Anthony-rx1cv]

Best souvries in my opinion

[@bearythebear69]

Jenni M yes I always carry clean pennies when I go

[@evan_marquez]

My friend got triggered after spending 4.59 on the lemonade and finishing it in ten secs.

[@suuprasonic]

Evan Marquez I bought a small French fries for like 6 dollars and ate it in like a minute

[@MyLady22]

NO WAY!

[@addie-eileenpaige6460]

$5 lemonade? 🍋 No lemon is worth $5 no matter where you are.

[@oliviart7151]

i'm still gonna buy a souvenir and eat at the park and enjoy my time even if that means spending extra cash

[@ktsenya2]

I think I'd order a small item with a side at the Blue bayou, just so sample the ambiance, which is really what that place is all about. Unless you possess an extroardinarilly sophisticated palate I think you'll find that food is food, and you took in a very nice place on the cheap

[@nicholascastro7817]

I Strongly Agree with you Every Time When I go to Disneyland I love Shopping for My Souvenirs and Buying 8x10 Photos of My Disney Trip so Sorry I had to Disagree with this Video

[@CUTravel1st]

Ya I don’t get it some of the savings. You will lose a ton of time outside the park.

[@dangler1907]

That's not really true. Directly across the street are numerous, more affordable eateries - including McDonalds. If you stay at a "maingate" motel, you can have breakfast there, walk to the park, come back for lunch and a rest, then return to the park for the afternoon/evening. No time really wasted.

[@CUTravel1st]

dangler1907 i do include downtown Disney as part of the park. I’m to old to do MacDs lol. But enjoy whatever works for you. I think the bread bowl with steak chili or clam chowder is the same amount of money but whatever works. I don’t have children anymore either so might be the difference

[@redique]

DCA a half day park? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Hollywood Studios and animal Kingdom at WDW are half day parks, DCA is a full day or maybe even 1.5 days to really see everything it has to offer, and this is coming from the person that is very efficient and can plan everything so it can be done with ease. But I do agree, Disneyland is a forever park, even if you have seen everything you can still do it all again and never EVER be bored.

[@justme8986]

redique I think magic kingdom and animal kingdom are full day parks. Epcot and Hollywood are more of a half day park for me.

[@redique]

EPCOT is only a Half day park if you dont really go and explore the World Showcase, if you actually take the time to just go in a bit and look at each Country and it is absolutely a full day park, hollywood studios is nearly a quarter day park, thats how empty it is, but until Pandora Opens Animal Kingdom is also more of a half day park.

[@jeremyf9124]

It all depends on what your interests are. I went to WDW the first time in August 2016 for 4 days, lots of planning beforehand, 1 park/day. I found plenty to see and do every day. My favorite Disney movie is The Lion King. So, for me, Animal Kingdom was great. The theming there is the best, most detailed. It's like you are really in Africa and Asia. I thought Hollywood Studios was the most fun overall. The back half of Epcot (World Showcase) is more fun for adults than the front half. The Magic Kingdom didn't interest me as much, since it's similar to Disneyland. California Adventure is great for adults and older kids. Disneyland/Magic Kingdom is geared more toward younger kids/nostalgia/Star Wars fans.

[@Wig4]

redique , Animal Kingdom is a 2 day park, unless you go to an ANIMAL park, and have no interest in animals at all ... lol

[@KenRoberts4KenTheRoad]

Am really enjoying your new variety of videos!!! Many thanks Dave! FRESH BAKED!!!

[@ncolclas]

I totally agree with you Dave on the park hopper. It's just not worth the extra cost in my opinion. I suggest people plan one day for DCA and at least two for Disneyland.

[@dallasdandigitalproduction393]

Excellent video. Great point about making a budget and sticking to it. It does keep you from being mad at the park, and ruining the experience. Go in being realistic a honest about what you're willing to spend.

[@isaiahwilliams2642]

This is a very helpful video. But I can't help it, I want the full magical experience. I'll either save enough so I don't worry too much about a budget, or won't go at all!!! That includes the hotels, maybe the breakfast in the park I'll skip, but everything else I'll do. My grandparents still have Disney souvenirs from the 90's that are worth cherishing, and I want to get new ones to cherish. Most of the prices are pricey because of their quality, and I respect that, so I'm gonna get at least $20,000 purely to blow!!!

[@maddieclarke258]

Isaiah Williams I have the exact same state of mind when it comes to the parks. I live in New England, so Disney world is closer than Disneyland, but it's still a haul to get there. I want to be able to fully immerse myself in the magic of the parks and not have to worry about running low on funds. I'd rather go less frequently, but be able to go for a week, stay on property (and thus do extra magic hours), park hop, and buy whatever souvenirs and food that I want. To me, that seems more enjoyable and less stressful than staying for a short time off property and worrying the entire time about how much money is left. (Disclaimer: I am 100% aware that not everyone is able to do that financially and if that is how you can manage to get you or your family to Disney, then that's amazing! It's something that everyone will enjoy and should be able to experience at least once, even if it's a bare minimum trip)

[@Wig4]

Isaiah Williams , the food's exorbitant LOW quality and cardboard presentation ugliness, is destroying the "full" magic. Not eating it at least saves you the negatives of that destruction..... (unless you never ate real food, anywhere in the world, because in the world of the blind, the one eyed is king... lol )

[@masterimbecile]

In terms of food, the turkey legs are also very affordable for its price. One leg could typically feed two whenever my family visits. Plus it’s tasty and the energy gets me through the rest of the day.

[@KimSuecutie]

I good way to budget merchandise is to buy yourself a gift card and when it's spent, that's it!

[@seancarsonhull]

For the casual pin trader/buyer it is a lot of fun and exciting to take this on as a collecting hobby. It does allow for stopping at certain spots in the park to trade and can be done in line for a ride or show as well. Great way to meet other Disney enthusiasts! The Annual Pass is actually an amazing investment. With only $40-$60 a month for payments, it can be pretty easy to maintain. The discounts they offer are awesome too! When we started our first year of an AP, we put some money down on it and then continued with the payments. During that first trip we stayed 3 days and used the discounts everywhere. I would say that within that first trip with our AP, we had "used" it enough to have it pay for itself. Then we went another dozen times that year, basically for free. I would say that it has saved us hundreds of dollars if not a few thousand in the last two years or so. The discounts are amazing! They are on all merchandise and any food where they have a kitchen attached.

[@jackg.7745]

One big selling point to buying an Annual Pass that wasn't mentioned is DISCOUNTS. I'm a veteran Disney World patron so the same may not be true for Disneyland but often the discounts we take advantage of can cover a large amount (if not all) of the cost of the pass. Some discounts include hotel, dining and shopping. Hotel discounts alone can be as much as 30% - 40% depending on seasons. That can be a $100 per night discount on one of the $300 hotels...a week long stay and pass is practically paid for. We also receive discounts at most of the resorts table service restaurants. We like table service because we can have something other than hamburger, chicken finger or pizza fair. We would be eating table service anyway and end up saving a couple hundred bucks over a weeks stay. The same goes with souvenirs. We've been going to WDW for many years now (mostly multiple trips per year) so we don't need many souvenirs but if we do, we may as well get get discounts for them as well. My point is that it may not take 8-10 days to "pay off" your Annual Pass. It may pay off much sooner depending on how you use it. Also remember that only 1 person in your party needs to purchase the pass to get the discounts (unless you're a large dining party or you need multiple hotel rooms). So if you're new to the Disney thing...do your homework to see which ticket is best for you.

[@nezumifan7725]

Truth. At WDW, there is no AP discount; you have to get the "Dining in Wonderland" card, which itself is an extra expense (or so I understand).

[@MackenzieKin]

are u kidding, California adventure is an amazing park. Skipping out on that is a huge mistake

[@Kicksno1fan]

Well the only good things are the Cars ride, and the Frozen show.

[@MackenzieKin]

and tower or terror, california screamin, ferris wheel etc.

[@eeelvia]

+Mackenzie Kin don't forget Soarin' !

[@MackenzieKin]

Elvia Roman true i love soarin!

[@Deanduh]

Another plus if you're of age, alcohol! Lol

[@kalanix51]

Perfect tips. I had a passes for my family of 4 a few years ago and learned the hard way. Getting out passes back next week and i plan on saving MUCH more money this time around. It takes practice as a socal resident

[@LeonardBottleman]

Nice tips -- it is clear you thought a lot about them. Thanks for sharing.

[@rocketgroot4311]

Last time I went to Disneyland I was probably like 12 or 13 but me and my mom agreed on one thing.. We don't spend more than a hundred at any park me and my mom aren't that intrigued by souvenirs. So by saving up to buy a few snacks and full meals at a themed restaurant we didn't blow our budget That's it

[@brentgreenhalgh5637]

I don't know if this has already been mentioned, but you can use a Target credit card to buy Disney gift cards at Target for a 5% discount. Then use the gift cards in the park to pay for parking, buy your park tickets, food, souvenirs, whatever.

[@umabari]

If you want a Disney corn dog (which are really good,) don't bother with the red truck at the end of Main Street. There is usually a line and they are "over priced." Instead, go to the Stage Door Cafe next to the Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland. You will pay less, you get fries included, the line is quicker (if there even is a line,) and you can sit in the air conditioned Golden Horseshoe and watch a show while you eat.

[@nezumifan7725]

Yes, but they're still exactly the same price, both at these two places as well as the Corn Dog Castle in DCA.

[@shadowprince4482]

The smoked turkey legs are a good way if you need to eat in the park. So stupidly tasty, packed with calories, filling, and while they cost $11 they can feed 2 people if you aren't big eaters. I'm not a turkey fan and HATE smoked meats but those turkey legs were so tasty.

[@ChrisDaron]

I love this video simply because it's the first time I ever hear Fresh Baked say something not positive about Disneyland. We're all fans of the parks here, but I feel that due to that love, no one wants to say anything bad about it. And yes, Disneyland has many flaws if you ask me.... starting with the ridiculous prices and maybe finishing with the terrible way the Mickey & Friends parking structure is for those of us who like to visit the parks in the middle or towards the end of the day... I have spent over an hour trying to find a spot, and the way the garage is designed doesn't let the guests go to other levels. They need to keep control of the parking spots and only allow the exact number of cars that can take such spots. You've failed us, Disneyland. But great job, Fresh Baked! I love your videos and I've seen the whole Fresh Baked gang around the park a few times, too =)

[@audreyl.4203]

To avoid the long lines getting into the park, you can enter through the monorail and then be set in tomorrow land while everyone else is still waiting to get their tickets scanned.

[@markraymond3886]

Here's another tip for the veterans: See if tickets are cheaper on base.

[@nezumifan7725]

I have a friend whose significant other is from a military family -- they got 40% off on their stay at the Grand Californian! That seems crazy to me.

[@umabari]

I saw a Japanese family eating sushi out of their backpack once.

[@gogumarshmallow]

i love how you said not to collect pins. its true that there is no end and only obsession. all the other videos encourage it but other than one or two i dont think its essential for that disney experience. great great tips! ty so much!! :)

[@lilacandscarlet]

So helpful. Thank you! My boyfriend and I are planning a two day trip in three months and we're on a fairly tight budget, so any money saving tips is a life saver!

[@sewthernbelle]

For people like me who might get to Disneyland once in their lifetime, I think staying on site is worth it. But if you're an ap, or go once a year, then yeah off site is the way to go.

[@24get24give]

I think you're right about this, but do check how many days you are going for vs an AP, you could still save w/one - given the food/merchandise discounts

[@bradycsummers]

Character breakfast is so worth it having small kids, not cheap but get a lot of characters pictures.

[@mormorep4302]

These are better for people who live closer to Disney than people who love farther away and only get to visit once in a blue moon.. I live 9 hours away and have the money to visit once every 5 years maybe and when I go I go to experience it all. Not everyone has to do that but if they aren't going to see Disneyland again for what seems like a lifetime I feel like you should experience everything you can within reason.

[@toshibavoodoo]

Back when America was FREE, Hope we get back 100% after this snafu. Love your channel!

[@mattascencion6317]

I definitely plan to go sometime soon in my life. Thanks for the tips, I appreciate it! : )

[@kdm71291]

YES...the basic math method: (Price of the AP divided by how many times you will go within that year), but let's not forget that an upper-level pass will also include parking, and at $18/day (?), it distinctly adds to the value! And then you also get 20% off merch and 15% off food at most non-cart venues...including some restaurants in the Downtown district. For me, it all enters into the equation. *The first time I went to Tortilla Joe's, I was getting ready to pay and the waitress saw my AP in my wallet and said "If you give me that card I can give you a discount." Very gracious of her and I was pleased as I had no idea that it would apply. You give good tips in this, David, for those of us who are not financially well off, haha!

[@Blasco_Snap]

In my opinion, if you want to get something memorable and not expensive, look for those penny pressing machines! As a kid I used to love exiting my favorite rides and getting a penny pressed with the ride's logo. It's honestly just as fun as any stuffed animal or balloon, and it's so much easier to carry. I had a booklet full of those things.

[@Joelthegeek]

my friends and I go every year for our birthday around christmas time! we stopped buying park hopper tickets because we would be super drained and then give up on doing all the things we wanted. we just get a two day ticket one full park each day! so much better and we get to do everything we want!

[@Haililibunnie]

Thank you for the tips! My friend and I are planning a trip to Disneyland in October, and we are both two broke college students so these tips will really help us out a lot!

[@foxyloveization]

Man, since I was a kid my grandma always had a bigass cooler with food and drinks, those were the best days with her.💞👌

[@AndieRob74]

We always use our military discounts at hotels and for tickets. Another tip- if you check your receipts from when u buy something to eat, they have coupons for 15-20%off merchandise at certain stores during certain hours. And yes, water is free if you can get it in a cup. We eat breakfast before we go and have just one big meal in the park and just have a snack or treat later in the day, and bring some small snacks as well. But.. If you don't get to go very often, you gotta get at least one or two souvenirs plus the park maps :)

[@lcflngn]

Great vid! Just discovered you, I clearly have a lot of fun to catch up on. I have to say, my two DL mugs, Star Wars sweatpants, gorgeous Tinkerbell necklace (one of a kind yrs ago, never seen again) & my daughter’s hoodie & fuzzy jacket have made us very happy over the years. Not cheap, but very well used. Too easy to buy junk you will never ever see again, but we’re great at saying no now, it has to be something super extra special.

[@aidenboyer4828]

6:39-6:49 Boi he got triggered at popcorn

[@disneymatt01]

My only go to hotel is Candy Cane Inn. Rooms start at $169 ($159 AAA discount) you always get $10 off coupon for the next stay, free continental breakfast, and Free shuttle to DL (Every hour (my understanding it that 'most' good neighbor hotels charge for the DL shuttle). The shuttle is for that hotel only so you don't have to fight for space. Great pool too. . . . . . . never had a issue there. Wait, don't tell anyone it's too good to spread it around. 😜😝😳

[@xbritty_]

On my honeymoon I got 2 pieces of pizza, 2 side salads, and 2 drinks, and it was $50! As if Walt Disney himself made the pizza.

[@eeelvia]

The slices of pizza are waaaay too expensive! I always get the pasta!

[@katherinegaines9252]

Brittney Anne if you are in California Adventure there is a burger shop next to California Soarin and you can get a burger, fries, or 2 sides and a drink for $10

[@Wig4]

Walt has nothing to do with it. If Walt was still alive and at the steering wheel, EVERYTHING would look different... At the steering wheel is Disney CO multinational, remember...

[@garydavidson922]

If Walt was still alive, he'd be 116 years old, so not likely to still be at the steering wheel... and just for reference, 116 is the longest documented lifespan for a human male at this time, so if Walt had made it this far, he would definitely be at the end of the road... But yeah, the multinational conglomerate that bears his name is kind of an evil empire that has figured out how to get every last dollar from your wallet without necessarily giving you your money's worth.

[@FIREGHOST195]

😱

[@GaryGreenLives]

I grab a container of fresh fruit from one of the carts on Main Street, I think located outside Starbucks. I carry that around in my bag and snack on it most of the day. One meal in the park - a salad at the Jolly Roger. It's huge - cranberries walnuts, cheese, and greens, plus a big breadstick - it's more than filling. Didn't know about the picnic area outside the gates. I'll hit it next time. Hearing the attractions like Jungle Cruise when you can't actually see them is almost as exciting as experiencing them up close. Thanks!

[@FIREGHOST195]

Wow this was a really helpful video. Thanks a lot. This Thursday will be my first time at Disneyland and this list is really helpful 😎👍

[@markmiller6423]

I'm glad I don't have kids. I'm the only kid my wife has.

[@ktsenya2]

You and the missus can have a helluva good time on the cheap

[@598superchris]

Mark miller 😆 good one

[@amberwebster83]

I'm a AP and these are very good tips. Also if you go to any sit down restaurant like pizza port you can get a large cup and film it with ice water for free. Most places give you a very small cup.

[@jamesmcallister360]

Great video guys. Another tip I can add coming from years of travelling to theme parks here in Australia is to check with your airline to see if they have travel packs as travelling this way will save you a lot of money as they will include transfers from airport to your hotel and transfers to the park if required. Being Australian myself I know that Qantas do have travel packs to all Disney and six flag parks around the world but if you live elsewhere in the world check with your airline

[@dragonfire101g]

If you are staying for a few days, I highly reccemond park hoppers, it is so useful

[@karlyantonette399]

As a pin collector, I totally suggest pins. It's so much fun. But, if you don't go there often, there is no point. I usually go there once a year, as I live 20 mins from the park

[@ashleighmodglin]

New too. Of course I’d have an ap to Disneyland. I have to drive two hours to get their so it’s not worth it to me but if I lived twenty minutes away heck yeah I’d do it

[@maddyburgess6362]

Those cinnamon rolls at Disneyland though... SOOOOOO GOOOD

[@alexr7370]

Buying the basic annual pass is completely worth it if you visit more than twice a year. Or at least 8 days. My boyfriend I both got the basic season pass that has barely any block out days and are significantly less money than the other pass. We went for full five days and then another 3. We're only about 3 months into our passes and have made our money's worth. And we're still going back another 3-4 times so it's definitely worth it if you use it!

[@alexr7370]

Not to mention the 10% discount on food and merchandise !

[@TheHutchy1014]

Staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel is more expensive, however we stayed at Paradise Pier and REALLY benefitted with that extra Magic Hour at each park on alternating days. Beat out A LOT of the crowds early in the day for attractions. 5 min for Hyperspace Mountain, and Star Tours, 20 mins for Peter Pan. In California Adventure it was basically walk-on for Toy Story Mania and California Screamin' and 15 mins for Radiator Springs Racers...plus quick FastPass pull for Racers. We also splurged for Club Level.....packed a box of ziploc bags and LOADED up on the comped breakfasts (continental with fruit, parties and beverages), snacks and drinks for the whole day. Wine and beer included in the lounge between 5:00 and 8:00 too!!!!!

[@MrButtonpresser]

Good tips. We would normally eat outside the park. An American buffet breakfast is usually enough to last us until evening meal, no need for lunch. Drink plenty, use the free water fountains. However, we would always eat dinner once per trip at the Blue Bayou. I haven't been for a very long time now, I can't believe the prices.

[@Wakkosgirl]

At Coke Corner they will give you cups of water and the cubes are perfect size to fit in mouth of a water bottle! Other places will give water too but ask for a couple cause it's always the kid-size cup!

[@24get24give]

try the blue bayou cafe,, not the same great atmosphere, but same great food,& far better prices

[@shiraleawoodhouse3364]

One thing that works for our family is that we give our kids a certain amount of spending money that they can use for snacks or souvenirs or whatever, but they know when it's gone it's gone. We encourage them to wait till the last day for souvenirs so they are sure of what they want. We also stay at a hotel with free breakfast and dinner on weekdays, and pack lunches. I usually budget one special meal in-park, and for the must-have treats: dole whips and beignets.

[@shiraleawoodhouse3364]

Meant to also say: Great video!

[@markraymond3886]

Here is our family money saver when I still lived in Whittier: Take loaded coolers and leave them in the car OR take the RV to the park. They have special parking for buses and RVs and you can go out to the RV at any time for food. My mom made a big batch of spaghetti the day before our trips and it was in the fridge of the RV. We would go out to the RV at 5PM, start the generator, nuke the pasta, and enjoy a meal without getting attacked by birds. Nice tips, David.

[@sjsimom2]

that's genius. good tip!

[@fightingdreamer123]

the lowest pass is best coz U DONT WANNA GO ON s break or weekends it is SOOOOOOO DANG CROWDED ull get on like 3 rides

[@kinderfam4]

As a AP holder I follow all these tips. For the kids on their birthday I bring cash for them to stay on a budget. Once the cash is gone there's no more spending.

[@TopCat0601]

I'm an AP holder, but also live out of state, so I spend a good deal of money on souvenirs. On my last visit, I discovered that Disneyland will ship your merchandise to your house for a small fee. However, the sales tax is taken off of the price of the product. With my AP discount, and the sales tax break, My $170 receipt went down to $140ish, including the shipping fees. It worked out great, and I didn't have to worry about the extra bulk in my luggage flying home. My merchandise came about 10 days later.

[@mythandmilagro]

I loved this! I'm an avid Disneyland goer and I pretty much knew all of these tips. But I felt like this was REALLY well put together and loved all of the little clips from the trip report. And you go more into each thing than the typical blog. Most blogs come from moms who've only been like once in 5 years and they just write what they think they're supposed to say but they don't know why they're supposed to say it. So well done, Dave. I'm loving these side videos :) Also...I'm pretty guilty of breaking every single one of these except the breakfast one and I don't do that to save money, I do it because the breakfast sucks. Sorry, Disneyland, but you can't make breakfast any better than the complimentary hotel one or the one I can get at iHop across the street haha. But I LOVE to splurge at Disneyland, it's like my THING. Anyways, well done Dave. You made money saving tips make cents again....I mean sense ;)

[@lynettebr]

so true!! I've seen one lady who kept calling DCA, Disneyland California. like no, it's Disney California Adventure. she also called people who don't use fast passes losers and idiots

[@shawnhanks6071]

we bring in a small cooler in our stroller all the time. Our kids are too old for a stroller but we still bring it as a rolling locker and leave it for hours at a time. Jackets lunch water and snacks are carried by it

[@fungirl1121]

When I was younger, my grandpa and I would go to Disney every year. He would bring snacks, I don't really remember ever eating in the parks. I pretty much only ever had churros and would eat at pizza port.

[@MissJazzDaFunk]

I thank GOD that my uncle works as a chef at one of the hotels. I've never paid once for a trip to Disney. You oughta be lucky to be friends with someone who works there and you're set for life. ♥

[@EverythingShow2]

Hey freshbaked so I recently got an pass and I've already visited 3 times in a week getting a pass is truly amazing

[@krisdog88]

Staying on sight is totally worth it. you walk right by the people waiting forever for their shuttles with tired, upset kids... the neighbouring hotels are generally pretty crappy in my experience, and have lousy parking options. An added bonus... you can have your purchases sent to your room for no charge. They are delivered overnight and will be waiting for you the next morning. We always stay on sight now.

[@PaperHero69]

Family of four pulling out bags of Carls Jr at the Golden Horseshoe could have literally been me and my family several years ago. It was our tradition to buy cheap hamburgers of Carls Jr outside the park before heading in and going to the Golden Horseshoe to eat (especially when they had the hillbilly show years back).

[@scott917]

Good tips. Thanks for putting them together!

[@akumaken2004]

And as much as I hate to admit it, the churro from Disneyland is all hype.. You can get better churros from costco or Jack in the Box. You better off getting a chimichanga or turkey leg..

[@michaelbarker3749]

I have an annual pass and my wife works for the airlines so I fly free. I rent a car, spend a few hours in the park and fly home the same day. The whole trip including food is less than $50. Not a bad gig.

[@THEGrammaChronicles]

LOVE YOUR VLOGS! Going again with my Grand kids in June and am using this as a guidline.

[@reneebarger5194]

Ok, couple of tips for those of us who can only afford to go every 5 years or so. 1. We have a BIG jug called the Mickey jug that collects all our change and found money (you can't imagine how much I get checking pockets at laundry). We then put all this onto Disney Gift cards, that way it can't be nipped for something else. 2. Check special travel groups like Get Away Today (our favorite), Costco, AAA, military credit union, etc. They can help you plan and book hotel, tickets, dining, wheel chairs, car rentals, etc. some of them even have payment plans. Our last trip our agent got us a Good Neighbor hotel with a 4th nite free, complementary hot breakfast, free parking, discounted ArT passes and discount on park tickets (3 at full price, 4 at discount). The hotel staff also got an ETV for my son that he had use of our entire stay and they recharged it over nite. And it was $20/day less than Disney rental. Literally, 4 of us adults went for 4 nites/3 park days for less than the cost of 2 adults at Disneyland Hotel for 3 Nites. We saved enough that we booked a dinner show package at the Wine Country Tratoria with reserved seating for Christmas water fire works show in DCA (extremely good all round).

[@hoaglandjl4088]

My experience on the Disney photographers was all the shots they took that day in any park could be downloaded for $15. I was there by myself in September and I had them take several shots as memories and I downloaded all of them at no extra charge beyond the upfront $15. I used the photo pass section in the Disney app to purchase and then had the photographers scan my card/Disney app. I could see them very quickly after taking in the app. Even load to my phone to send out in messages!

[@danielrodriguez3967]

I agree on these and understand where you are coming from. This place is insanely expensive but I mean it is Disneyland. I recommend saving some money to stay in one of the Disneyland hotels at least once. Definitely worth it since you can experience what its like and get in early as well.

[@LadyMeilin]

Nice tips! I would never be able to follow these XD these are harder for out of state visitors like me. I would probably go once a year and I think the shopping and disney food and snacks are part of the fun. I could never see myself going without buying a ton of things. It's one of my favorite parts! Last time I specifically saved $150 just to spend. But good thing I saved it for that. I love all my stuff. It's sad that it's so expensive and that's why I can only go once a year. A trip for my family of 3 is almost $2000 with the travel, hotel, food and tickets. But we always get a pack from Costco that comes with the tickets and hotel and a ton if awesome stuff. I think it's worth it. Hope I can go again soon!

[@philhsueh4860]

I feel your pain. My family and I used to have Annual Passes and we had them for several years running but eventually it got to the point where we could no longer justify the cost. They cost enough as it is for just 1 or 2 people but for a family of 4 it gets really, really expensive.

[@delmar0824]

LadyMeilin a

[@ClaudiaSteichen]

David, I loved this video you were on point and I loved how honest you were but I must say that some of that most of the good neighbor hotels do NOT offer free shuttles to and from the park they are usually around $50 for a family of 4 for the entirety of the trip, sometimes people save money by actually driving and paying $18 a day if they only do 1-3 days. Working at Walt Disney travel company another great tip that goes along with your last budget tip is that you can book up to a year in advance and at time of booking all that is required is a $200 deposit and remaining balance is due 30 days prior to arrival so if you book well in advance you can actually call in and make payments so you're not spending $3000 all at once. Of course you can only do this when booking a vacation package that must include tickets and hotel but hey it's an alternative!

[@lindavillarreal4641]

that's exactly what I've done lol

[@DEBBIERAMIREZ562]

+linda villarreal Yes we've experienced that. EXTENDED STAY has a shuttle that costs $5. Each way. Each time :(

[@pixiegrrl69]

I always wanted to stay at the Disneyland hotel til i found out how much a night was~~$250 so that was a no go. The tips of not eating in Disneyland are great but for people who don't get arrive by car and have extra space to carry food that's a bit hard to do. I do bring in snacks and drinks but we do have ONE meal there it's expensive but we can't keep food back in hotel. Souveniors have gotten EXPENSIVE i broke my rule and bought a 60th pin to match my 50th pin. It's hard but we all have to budget but also make realistic exceptions to the rule of spending a bit more not CRAZY more that is. Memories are more important than doodads that collect dust. Just enjoy your time , take BREAKS( the last time I was there i had never seen so many unhappy tired children and adults).Mahalo and deep breath!!

[@Wakkosgirl]

pixiegrrl69 - Some places have good servings for the money. Plaza Inn has good chicken and pot roast. The chicken is definitely enough for two. (get same amount of potatoes at KFC- :-) Don't bother with their deserts. Can get a better sweet across road at Jolly Holiday, plus usually too full after eating the meal to enjoy dessert so why bother, right? Recently ate at Café Orleans. Had never had a Monte Cristo. That is also big enough to share but you only get the sandwich and some fruit so.....*shrug*. Zocolo has some good food. Bring your own salsa (packets), though. Closest food places (reasonable) outside are Tiffy's and Denny's. Used to be easier to get to them before CarsLand opened and used old parking lot exit. Now you have to walk down Disney Way to get to Katella to get there. OH!! Soup bowls at the bakery in DCA. Granted the soup is only good for one person but if you ask for it in bowl outside of the bread you can at least take that back to hotel for later. (butter is better softer, too so refrigeration not real issue. ;-) If you like Italian, go to the one on DCA's boardwalk. One dish is enough for two. Pizza is just okay. Better to wait and go to Oggis on Chapman when you leave.

[@ktsenya2]

Considering a 5 day stay, It might actually be far more affordable to rent a small rv and stay at on of the facilities that cater to that. Comfy beds, full kitchen, a place to store all your stuff

[@philhsueh4860]

The simplest thing to do about meals if you're an out of towner is to eat outside of the park as much as possible. Have breakfast outside before going in to the park and if you can hold off for a bit or plan on leaving kind of early, eat dinner outside too. Another dinner option is to eat in Downtown Disney, there are some good options out there; I particularly recommend Catal's, although eating there probably won't save you anything and might actually cost more but the quality of the food is so much better than anywhere else both inside and outside the park.

[@28amartinez]

Great tips and good advice! Thanks for the video!

[@mayaespinoza2010]

your right about the obsession 😂👌🏼 And maps,buttons they give out, and fasspast are better than anything

[@terrycassidy8388]

Agree with the person who suggested Candy Cane Inn. Free breakfast, free shuttle, free parking, plus it backs up to Cars Land so you can hear the Racers at back end of hotel

[@disneymatt01]

That was me about the Candy Cane Inn. ALSO. If you know where to stand at the candy cane inn. There is a GREAT view of the fireworks. I the winds blowing the right direction you can even hear the music. YES you can hear the music from there.

[@prettyinpunk666]

Photopass is great IF you're staying for a long trip and have a larger party. The ride photos were what made me get one, and we got so many that it WAS worth it. Not for short trips though. I also got an AP last year because we were there for 14 days, and 14 days broke down to cheaper per day than buying park tickets for all of those days. I think we broke even at 8 days for the deluxe pass, so the rest was 'free'. We also found that splitting treats and in-park food kept our costs down. 3 of us had our fill of a Chrissy Field sundae from Ghiradelli, so that makes an $11 sundae much more reasonable. We also all shared a turkey leg (which really wasn't that great) so we didn't feel deprived of 'must trys', but didn't spend a lot. Head out the front gates for pizza if you have to have it. The Pizza Press across the road is 10 bucks for a medium pizza with whatever you want in it and can GENEROUSLY feed two or maybe even 3 adults. Souvenirs are cheaper outside the park. You can find a lot of stuff in Target down the road, hotel gift shops and the spattering of small stores along Harbor. Buy your keychains, magnets, tee shirts, etc etc etc there, not in DLR. If you're going to buy an in-park item, make it something TRULY unique.

[@rebeccahernandez9645]

My aunt came out in this video 😂😂 with my cousin during 4:16 with the white shirt and black pants and my cousin with the Minnie Mouse ears 👜😂😂

[@bludclot]

Hah...love the picture of Maynard at the Tiki Room. Even if you don't like the Tiki Room, he makes it worth going if not for the introduction alone. :-)

[@thevine2010]

Annual passes also include $18 parking at the lots plus discounts off food/souvenirs (15-20% including all the shops at Downtown Disney [yes, even Earl of Sandwich]) and you can also get special rates for Disney approved hotels (usually shaves $10-75 a night). Whenever I have free time in SoCal, I go to the park and do 1-3 rides or watch a parade then go to Karl Strauss brewery at South Coast Plaza to have a few beers during happy hour. It makes sense if you go 6 times out of the year rather than 8 since they are continually raising prices (especially peak seasons). Plus they are changing venues to include more Marvel rides in DCA while Star Wars land is being built next to Toon Town.

[@Wakkosgirl]

Not all of the Annual Passes have parking, though. Only top two now that they changed things again.

[@thevine2010]

Yeah, they changed the names and some of the benefits. But you also forgot the Premier Pass (let's you go to Disneyland and Disneyworld) has free parking as well.

[@Wakkosgirl]

thevine2010 Does Premier pass still exist? I thought that was the Signature plus one now.

[@thevine2010]

Wakkosgirl Yeah, it still exists. disneyland.disney.go.com/passes/premier-passport/

[@24get24give]

we live in San Francisco; we buy a top tier AP to get the free parking/merchandise/dining discounts, and a 2nd tier AP, we drive a Prius, so the drive costs us one tank of gas round trip, we go at least 1x.month, we buy a mug and a t-shirt each trip, and maybe a pin to commemorate a memorable moment, we usually stay at the Hilton Anaheim, we do this every other year, in our "off Disney years" we take one short road trip/month and we miss Disneyland terribly

[@escoszickest]

With the two top tier passes you get unlimited photo pass downloads and free parking as well

[@chrishuntman]

Love this! Thank you for the tips!!! Going for the first time with my bff next month and I can’t wait!!!

[@grimlock_1152]

For a hotel I recommend Embassy Suites on Harbor Blvd. Free breakfast, comfy rooms, shuttle to and from the park every 30 minutes. Rates stat at $140 I believe.

[@minisculemars]

I have some pins, and I have them and some other pins on my school lanyard. I'm the envy of having the best accessories for my lanyard.

[@SRHunt85]

I usually only got to pick one thing when I visited the park as a kid (sometimes 2 if I wanted a picture of me and my family on a ride). So one visit, all I got was a Stitch plush, next visit a pin, and my last visit all I got was Mickey Mouse ears, and that visit was on my birthday. And that normally goes for other parks too, like Busch Gardens or Knott's.

[@chrisjuliette]

The anahiem majestic garden hotel is a beautiful unique hotel not too far from the park with super comfy beds and amazing bath tub and awesome service. The hilton next to the convention center actoss the street from the park is also beautiful, inexpensive (on hotels .com), conformable, and friendly. Both hotels have wonderful views of the fire works and the majestic garden hotel has a free shuttle with present room key. The majestic garden gives a beautiful medieval vibe to it and has stories written on walls and floors. They also have a princess that walks around as well as knight statues guarding the door. The have a koi fish pond, pool, and EVERY room has unique dragon scale studded head boards and chairs. Along with light grey walls with a foggy forest wallpaper, studded breakfast table, and black out heavy curtains (i woke up late bc i thought it was still night time haha)

[@DEBBIERAMIREZ562]

At the Blue Bayou restaurant, the least expensive item is the Monte Cristo sandwich. You ARE paying for the ambience and the experience of dining practically inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Tip 1. Save $ - the Monte Cristo sandwich is actually 4 triangles. It is accompanied with your choice of table breads and gumbo (share it or not or 1 can eat the gumbo and no sandwich) or another side. You can ask the server to bring more bread as often as you like. To be honest 1 order can feed 3-4 people. We've paid in the neighborhood of $35 for 3 people with 2 drinks, I just wanted water. No charge of course. AND we were all full when we left :)

[@WonkaVator72]

One of my money-saving tips is not to buy water in the park. Rancho Del Zocalo has a water dispenser at which guests can refill water bottles or simply get a cup of water. I hit this stop at least twice per trip. I'll be there on Sunday :-).

[@albertortega7160]

The tip of getting cups of water instead of buying Bottle water.

[@addie-eileenpaige6460]

I do that at any park or zoo in general. I carry a Yeti around with me.

[@addie-eileenpaige6460]

Literally, I do this at restaurants. I NEVER order a drink other than water.

[@adamarodrodriguez4440]

Can you still bring outside food in the park? Like homemade stuff or fast food

[@judyhowell7075]

ARoD Gamer yes

[@TheShanna76522]

I have annual passes to Walt Disney World in Orlando. We go at least three to four times a month. I utilize many of these tips to save money. We bring our own food and drinks. I pick up little souvenirs and glow sticks for night time activities at the dollar store for my little ones. Many times we go and don't spend any money. I always take pictures of the kids with the characters and never pay for the photos. Our annual pass was $450 per person and has some blackout dates. I honestly don't care about the blackout dates because I'd never want to go to the park on those days anyways. It's way too crowded. It's definitely possible to do Disney on a budget.

[@ledsith]

Your laugh after you said " $34 for a pizza " says it all ! However eating at Disneyland is part of the experience ( Hungry Bear for example ) .

[@lynettebr]

I went from going to disneyland once a year to going 3 times a week since Feb 2014. I go for a few hours after work for Paint the Night on Mondays and Fridays and all day Sunday

[@karinlopez7511]

Another pretty cool tip there is even aMcDonald’s ,Denny’s ,ihop in walking distance ,walk pass the shuttle busses and doggie daycare spot . Can be hard from all the walking inside disneyland but if ur kids are big enough or in stroller ,and bring snacks, sandwhich ,candies even lil Disneythemed souvenirs from dollar store ,just nothing that has a toy trigger

[@Iamsnuggles]

This was a blast from the past, I really wish it was those prices to stay in the Disneyland hotels. Even though I’m a local, it still would be nice to stay on property one time.

[@thorn8396]

going next week. glad I found this video. thanks!

[@derekbo2867]

Yes of course disneyland is expensive ..What isn't expensive ...Why go on a holiday only to eat peanut butter sandwiches? Why not cut down through out the year to be able to spoil the family on your vacation..I'm a single Dad living middle class..We are going on our 5th trip to Disneyland in 6 years ...I would feel bad if I followed these tips me and my children deserve better the PBJ on our holiday ...stop being so cheap!

[@Axeo19]

derek bo but do you have savings for your kids college funds?

[@mormorep4302]

I actually kinda agree. I'd be miserable eating a homemade sandwich when there is so much good food everyone else is eating... I love food.. I feel like when you plan a Disneyland trip you're already planning to splurge. But I also live 9 hours away, not nearby. So I wouldn't be likely to bring food from home anyway. Maybe I'm too high maintinence, but I at least want to eat at the park for dinner time. I always try to get to the Blue Bayou at least. My favorite atmosphere. And I snack. I can't not snack.. people who love nearby and are able to not eat there I guess are lucky. I do enjoy eating there, but the wallet doesn't. I have one child and actually do have a college fund for her. I guess I'm good at budgeting having been on the very broke end before.

[@gardenofe12]

I agree. If you're planning to go to Disneyland for vacation just plan accordingly. Eat a big breakfast at your hotel and bring snacks to eat while waiting in line that way you are saving one meal for that day.

[@imadubsfan1]

Eh to each their own. It really is a person by person basis and is a give and take in the end. I'm a college student, so not much money to be had, but my GF and I are going for 2 days instead of 1. It's been 5 years since I last went. While we're going for 2 days, we're also staying at a somewhat cheap motel cause to us it's only a means to sleep. For food, we're eating breakfast outside of the park, but we're also going to splurge a bit on SOME snacks and at least ONE restaurant cause like you said it's a vacation. As for other things, we don't plan on getting any souvenirs, but we will be using Maxpass ($10/person) instead of the free fastpasses cause it's more convenient.