Can You Do Disney Without Going Broke?

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

18 Jul 2009 10:37 PM

Let's face it; visiting the House of Mouse isn't cheap. Shelling out $31 a day to rent a double stroller at Disney World and $10 to treat three kids to ice cream sandwiches at Disneyland is enough to send any parent into shock. Fortunately, there are ways to save if you are determined to make your child's Disney dreams come true.

It's true; penny-pinchers can have a delightful time at Disney theme parks, provided you follow these tips:

FOOD

You can take a huge bite out of your food bill if you book a private home, suite or other type of lodging with a kitchen. Pack a cooler and use the fridge at your hotel to cut down on your food bill. Stocking your room with inexpensive snacks and cereals, orange juice, milk and lunch meat can help cut down on breakfast and lunch costs. Bottom line: The more meals that you eat outside of Disney World or Disneyland, the better off you're going to be.

Other ways to save:

Stay at a discount hotel that offers daily continental breakfast.

Invest in a large, sturdy backpack and stuff it with snacks, sandwiches and drinks, before you head out to the park for the day. By eating your own food and drinking your own beverages you can avoid paying $5 for a 16-ounce soda at Epcot.

Find an off-site restaurant to frequent. If you're paying the $12 a day to park at Disney World, you can leave for dinner and come back without an additional parking fee. There are a slew of family-friendly eateries in and around Disneyland and Disney World that offer free meals to kids on certain days of the week (and with the purchase of an adult entree).

If you do opt to eat at Disney theme parks, look for restaurants that fit your budget. Both parks have a variety of eateries that run the pricing gamut. What's more, at most Disney restaurants the portions are generous enough that two people can share an entree and not go away hungry.

Related Articles:

Ways to Save at Disney--Lodging

How to Become a Singing Sensation at Disney World

See What's New at Universal Studios Orlando This Summer

Get Your Wiggle on at Six Flags

Theme Parks that Won't Break the Bank

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Samual (11722) 19 Jul 2009 06:21 AM

You can at Disneyland Paris if you live in the UK or Europe. For us, we can just drive instead of flying or getting the train, alternatively you can get a coach via national express that can be caught at most cities who will drive to many destinations. Paris has a lot of cheap 5* hotels, so hotels don't cost alot, alternatively you can go to caravan/camping sites. The food at Disneyland Paris is really cheap, you can get a main meal for £7, if you want a meal though, why not have one instead of an entree?

Michele Cheplic (37349) 20 Jul 2009 05:58 AM

Samual you are lucky to have cheap eats at your Disney property b/c over here it costs a bundle to eat at any major theme park. But that's how they make their money... they got you in and they'll milk you for all your worth.