A trip to Disneyland is a bucket list item for many families, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. With careful planning, saving money on all aspects of your Disneyland vacation is possible.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer reasonable rates for rides to and from the airport. Private shuttle service options such as Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer also offer affordable rates.
Look for Discounts
Depending on your party size and luggage load, rideshare services are less expensive than traditional shuttles or taxis. They can be easily booked in advance on your smartphone by downloading the respective apps. Private shuttles, including Disneyland airport shuttle, offer pre-booked reservations based on your flight information, and these are usually the best bet at a lower cost per person. These shuttles will make multiple stops to and from the airport, so be prepared for a longer trip.
Saving money and getting a better value are not mutually exclusive, but you will need to sit down with your family and decide what the right balance between these two goals looks like. These tips can help you find ways to save on the costs of your Disneyland vacation, leaving you with more money to spend on a Dole Whip or two!
Look for Discounts on Multi-Day Tickets
Getting to Disneyland Parks from the airport can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There are several ways to save on this cost, including using rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.
Another way to save on Disney tickets is to purchase a multi-day ticket. The price per day on a multi-day ticket decreases as the number of days in the parks increases. This makes it a great deal over purchasing a single-day ticket. It also makes sense to add park hopping to these tickets. Since California Adventure is only a short walk across the esplanade from Disneyland, hopping between the two parks is easy.
One of the best ways to find discount Disneyland tickets is by buying them online. Some online sellers offer layaway plans. These allow families to reserve their trip dates, hotel and park tickets and then pay off the package over time. Additionally, some companies sometimes offer employee discounts on Disneyland tickets.
Look for Discounts on Parking
One of the biggest expenses for Disneyland visitors is parking. Luckily, there are several ways to cut this cost. One option is to stay at a hotel near Disneyland that offers free parking for guests. Another option is to park off-site and take a shuttle bus into the parks.
Many airports offer public transportation options that will get you close to Disneyland. For example, San Diego International Airport (SNA) has a bus to get you to the Santa Fe Depot, where you can connect with Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner for a 2-hour ride to Disneyland.
Private car services are also a great way to travel. For example, a round trip from SNA to Disneyland with a limousine service will cost $325, including bags and car seats. Rideshares are also available at most airports and can be less expensive than a taxi. Just be aware that they may experience surge pricing at peak times, including when the parks are opening and closing or during special events.
Look for Discounts on Transportation
Using ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can save you money on your transportation.
Taking advantage of these and other money-saving tips can help you plan the Disneyland vacation you want without going over budget. Going during the off-season will also help you avoid crowds and higher prices for tickets, parking and hotel rooms.
Most hotels within a mile of Disneyland offer free or reduced-rate shuttle services to the theme parks and around Anaheim. For a reasonable price, you can also find several Town Car and Limo service companies that provide packages to and from the airport, including one or more stops on the way to your hotel (such as a grocery store). These services can also be helpful for those who need wheelchair accommodation and car seats, which aren’t always available via rideshare apps or standard taxis.