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.
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