Walt Disney World and Disneyland Vacations: Five Simple Tips To Save Big Bucks

Walt Disney World and Disneyland Vacations: Five Simple Tips To Save Big Bucks

Posted on 17. Oct, 2009 by Donald Duck in Disneyland

Walt Disney World and Disneyland are renowned for their time-honored hospitality and wide scope of entertainment opportunities which make them some of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. So it’s probably not a big leap that when you ask most people to think of a theme park, the first thought that comes to their minds is “Disney”. This is not an accident or coincidence.


Disney theme parks aren’t known as the places where “fantasies come true” for nothing, both for Disney fans and theme park enthusiasts alike. Walt Disney World and Disneyland parks are full of compelling, believable detail and home to countless characters that have beguiled generations for more than 50 years. They are synonymous with the great American family day out, so it’s no wonder that most adults associate the whole experience with childhood memories and take their own children back again and again.


They want you to come back and, believe me; you’ll want to go back. The kicker to going back repeatedly is that it can be a little (O.K., a lot!) cost prohibitive. There’s also alot to do and see at a Disney theme park so don’t try to do everything all in one trip because you may not recover! If you’re planning an upcoming trip to one of the parks, spend a little time now and not big bucks later by doing a few things that are quick, easy and, better yet, free.


1. Walt Disney World and Disneyland vacation planning has spawned its own cottage industry and there are several websites dedicated to helping you plan the best vacation for you and yours. There are several travel agencies that specialize in Disney vacations as well as purely informational websites. Almost all of them have newsletters that you can subscribe to that can be full of special travel deals or just great information.


2. Visit all the major airlines and sign up for their weekly email specials. Southwest Airlines usually has great deals on airfare and has an excellent all-in-one online vacation planner with deals on Walt Disney World and Disneyland parks. You also can book airfare, rental cars, accommodations (even 5 bedroom rental homes), and park tickets – from their website.


3. Check out your local library to see which “unofficial” Disney vacation guides they may have, especially if you don’t have that much vacation time and want to get really familiar with the park before you go. Most guides have a “must do’s” section for each park to help you make the most of your trip. I would also recommend the book ‘Disney on a Dime’ by Chris and Kristal Carlson. They are fierce Disney World visitors and have a lot of helpful information and insights on getting the most bang for your buck.


4. Do you already belong to AAA Auto Club, AARP, Sam’s Club or Costco? These club memberships and others like them offer a lot more benefits than just the obvious ones so be sure to check into them. Go to their websites and see what travel specials that they may offer. You can get member discounts on Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme park tickets, rental cars, hotels and even complete vacation packages. Since you’re paying for the membership anyway, you might as well take advantage of it!


5. Disney makes it pretty simple to plan a vacation, especially when you use their all-in-one online trip planning guide. Although you may find better deals elsewhere, it’s still a good idea to sign up for their email alerts. They are, after all, the experts on all things Disney. Be sure to request a free trip planning DVD. It’s excellent and serves as a great “video memory book” for your kids once they get home from the vacation!


These are good places to start, especially to get an idea of how much money you’re going to need. The bottom line is start now! Some of the special events are booked months in advance and the sooner you start planning, the better!

Kelley Falgout is a theme park enthusiast and publisher of http://www.FamilyThemeParkVacations.com , a vacation planning tool and continuously growing database of all theme parks, amusement parks and water parks located across the United States.

Walt Disney Treasures – Your Host, Walt Disney


$55.97

Celebrate Walt Disney and his magical vision with this look back at several of the most memorable hours from his groundbreaking television shows. As its friendly, approachable host, Disney endeared himself to millions and became much more than an icon for family entertainment. He became Uncle Walt. Join Walt as he celebrates the rededication of Disneyland with a parade of celebrities and guest stars, the fourth anniversary of his weekly show featuring a surprise party arranged by the Mouseketeers, and a tenth anniversary program showcasing some of his talented Imagineers at work. And in a rare interview, Diane Disney Miller shares warm and personal memories of growing up with the man we all admired from afar.More than a time-capsule treasure for Disney buffs, this two-disc set will warm the nostalgic hearts of baby boomers who eagerly looked forward to their weekly visits with “Uncle Walt” Disney. As the host of his anthology series, Disneyland (later Walt Disney Presents, then The Wonderful World of Color), Disney presented classic cartoons and original programs, but he also gave starry-eyed viewers a privileged, behind-the-scenes look inside his magic kingdom, from the construction of his magnificent theme park to animators at work. Disneyland transformed Disney into the face of Disney Studios, a pied piper, according to film historian Leonard Maltin, who introduces the features on each disc. This collection of episodes features Disney at his most avuncular. “Where Do the Stories Come From” (1956) is a fun exploration of where Disney artists find their inspiration. “Fourth Anniversary Show” (1951) charts the development of the Disney featurette, Peter and the Wolf, but then becomes a surprise-party musical extravaganza for Disney hosted by his Mouseketeers, and featuring appearances by Guy “Zorro” Williams and Fess “Davy Crockett” Parker. Long-thought lost, “Kodak Presents Disneyland ‘59,” is a black and white kinescope recording of a live, 90-min. television special (compete with entertaining Kodak commercials featuring Ozzie and Harriet Nelson and sons) that serves to introduce three new attractions to Disneyland: the Nautilus submarine ride, the Monorail and the Matterhorn. Look for rising stars Clint Eastwood and Dennis Hopper among parade participants. “Backstage Party” (1961) is a visit to the set of Disney’s production of Babes in Toyland, with appearances by the film’s stars, including Annette Funicello, Ed Wynn, and Ray Bolger. “Disneyland 10th Anniversary” (1965), previously released on the now-out-of-print Disneyland U.S.A. set, introduces the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and It’s a Small World rides, and shows how “space-age” technology was used to create the Enchanted Tiki Room. Disc 2’s extras include a true rarity, a 1962 Cinemascope film presentation created to accompany a Disney Radio City Music Hall stage show. Another delight is “I Captured the King of the Leprechauns,” a 1959 Disneyland episode tied to the release of the feature Darby O’Gill and the Little People (and included as a bonus feature on that DVD). This whimsical bit of blarney follows Disney to Ireland in search of “the little people.” Movie tough guy Pat O’Brien sends him off with a charming song about leprechauns, just a small sample of these episodes’ endearing and enduring hokey charms. –Donald Liebenson >>Read More

The Official Album: Disneyland/Walt Disney World


$84.95

Though it’s neither as comprehensive nor as elegantly presented as The Music of Disney: A Legacy in Song, this compilation is an enjoyable sampler of music from Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Naturally, the music’s good for reliving memories of the parks, but when listened to at home, the best selections reveal previously unnoticed complexity. The oldest recordings, like “The Tiki Tiki Room” and “Grim Grinning Ghosts” (from the Haunted Mansion ride), are seamless show tunes that grapple inventively with the limitations of analog and mono. And the Main Street Electrical Parade theme song is a freaked-out Moog marathon that must be heard to be believed. This disc offers one of the best uses yet for your CD player’s “program” function–pick out the songs like you’d pick out a ride, and never wait in line! –John Sanchez >>Read More

Liar’s Guide to Disneyland


$17.68

It’s time to get your copy of Liar’s Guide to Disneyland — the only completely useless travel guide to the Disneyland Resort! From the author of DisneyLies.com, Liar’s Guide is 100% new material, covering every aspect of the Disneyland Resort — history, culture, traveling tips, hotels, attraction descriptions, touring plans, and more — in a wacky style with no actual facts to get in the way of the humor! Frequent Disneyland visitors will get a kick out of copious “in jokes” that only the most strident Disney fanatics will understand. And more casual visitors can entertain themselves by bringing the book to the resort and comparing fantasy with reality — or confusing other travelers with Liar’s Guide’s outrageous misinformation! >>Read More

Walt Disney World – Indiana Jones Action Figure Playset (Disneyland Exclusive)


$9.95

Walt Disney World – Indiana Jones Action Figure Playset (Disneyland Exclusive) >>Read More

Disney/WDI 50th Anniv/Disneyland Paris


This pin was made to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney Imagineering. This pin features Disneyland Paris and shows the castle to the right of Disneyland Paris and then below that Walt Disney Imagineering Established 1952. To the left is the 50th Gold pin which has Sorcerer Mickey on it.
back of pin
Official Pin Trading 2003
WDI 50th anniversary
Cast member exclusive
Limited edition 2,500
(c)Disney China

If you have any questions please ask me. >>Read More

2010 Disneyland Insider’s Guide (Zagat Survey: Disneyland Insider’s Guide)


$10.17

Covering Attractions, Dining, Character Dining, Hotels and Shopping, Zagat Survey’s Insider’s Guide to Disneyland Park, Disney’s California Adventure, the Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, will help anyone plan the perfect trip. Armed with practical information, maps, photos and more than 250 concise reviews – all in a convenient format – you’ll explore the Disneyland Resort like a pro. >>Read More

Where Magic Lives.


$89.99

Commemorate your stay at this magical destination with a unique souvenir that will stir your fondest vacation memories for years to come. This video captures the fantasy, imagination and excitement of the Walt Disney World Resort. With this entertaining and educational video, you will see rare footage of Walt Disney World, with focus on its four unique theme parks, Ma^ic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Theme Park. Enjoy the past achievements of Walt Disney, and marvel at the future possibilities of his legacy! >>Read More

The Hidden Mouse: A Comprehensive Guide to the Hidden Mickeys of the Disneyland Resort


$24.50

From the author of Secrets of the Mouse comes the most complete, easy-to-use reference for Disneyland’s Hidden Mickeys ever published. All of the mouse’s hiding places are revealed in 116 beautiful full-color pages featuring hundreds of photographs, helpful tips, and bonus behind-the-scenes information about dozens of rides. Organized for quick and easy reference of any ride or location across the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, The Hidden Mouse is your convenient and comprehensive companion to finding Disneyland’s Hidden Mickeys. >>Read More

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Leave a Reply

Powered by Yahoo! Answers