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ShermansTravel experts rely on years of collective travel experience to bring you the best money-saving tips for your vacation. We take a discerning look at all the attraction passes, public transportation options, and other local bargains to make sure you get the most bang for your buck while traveling.
Disneyland Money-Saving Tips
Official Disney Discounts
Booking through the Disney website allows you to score deals on lodging (especially during the off season), park hopper passes, and more. disneyland.disney.go.com/special-offersGet up!
Always arrive at the parks early and enjoy the attractions before the crowds hit. Take an afternoon nap or a time-out at the pool if you need to, but always start the day at park opening.Don’t bother with a car rental
If Disneyland is your only Southern California destination, you won’t need a car once you’re on the property.Make reservations with Disney Dining
After standing in line to ride the Matterhorn, the last thing you want to do is wait for a table to open up at a restaurant in the park. Call Disney Dining (714-781-3463) to arrange complimentary priority seating for all sit-down eateries in the park.Park Hopper
Spend the money on a park hopper for easy back-and-forth access between the two parks. One-day hoppers are $91 per adult/$81 per child.FastPass
Take advantage of Disney’s free FastPass system, which allows you to make a reservation for the most popular attractions so you can skip the long lines; details in the park maps you receive on arrival.Use package pick-up
In-park purchases can be held for you at the exit; if you’re staying in one of the resort hotels, packages can be delivered right to your room.Drop off Fido
Pets can be left in the Disney Kennel Club during Park hours.Off-peak primer
During the low season, park hours are shorter and there are fewer opportunities to catch the parades and fireworks shows; attraction refurbishments are often slated for the quieter times as well.Avoid School Holidays
Any time the kids are out of school, the park is more crowded and hotel rates go up. If possible, plan your vacation for a slow period, like September or January (excluding holidays).Travel ART-fully
Not staying at the resort and don't want the hassle of a car? Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) buses stop at many of the hotels in town on the way to Disneyland. Buy a one-day pass for $4, a three-day pass for $10, or a five-day pass for $16. There are significant discounts for kids aged 3-9, and children 2 and under ride free.Stay off the Resort
In general, it's cheaper to stay at a hotel in town rather than one of the three Disneyland accommodations. Several are within walking distance to the park entrance, and some others offer shuttle service.Online Coupons
Check the Anaheim Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau website (www.anaheimoc.org/coupons) for discounts on Disneyland/airport shuttle service, as well as area restaurants and attractions.Disneyland Advice
Our Experts save you money with travel deals and advice
Monitor rates on chosen routes for at least a few days in order to get a real sense of what comprises a good price before booking.
Laura Motta Director, Deals Publishing
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