Originally Posted By Pixarpixie I'm so excited to be planning unexpected last minute trip to Disneyland in a few weeks. Money is super tight so we'll probably be brown bagging it. I wanted to see if any of you LPers had any good suggestions for cheap or free things to do at Disneyland...other than the obvious rides and attactions ;-)
Originally Posted By oredisneyfan ask if you can ride in the Lillybelle. We did this last summer, My 13 yo dd and 5yo dd really enjoyed it. You have to be persistant because they have to have and extra conductor to ride with you but if you ask what train it is on and what times that train runs they will tell you when to check back if they dont have the extra conductor at that time.
Originally Posted By Ursu La La You can get cups of cold water almost anyplace with ice for free. I like to go to the Mint Julip area in NOS. I think their water tastes the best. There are lockers outside of DL for food storage. This is usually better because you can bring what you want and maybe eat a little healthier than I do in the parks! Are you celebrating anything while there? Are you just going into DL or to DCA as well? For a break, you can take the Monorail over to the DLH and enjoy the gorgeous waterfalls for free. They have a koi pond, too. It is usually quiet there which is nice for a break.
Originally Posted By CuriouserConstance Well if you use a stroller I have suggestions that you can take drinks and food into the park, but if you don't use a stroller it would be hard to have a place to put it.
Originally Posted By retlawfan If you're looking for good value food while at the DLR, check out the nachos at Whitewater Snacks at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. The servings are HUGE. I second the idea about the Lillybelle car of the DLR. It's a fun thing to do that isn't advertised. While on the Railroad, you can also ask to ride on the tender of the engine. You have to ask at the Main Street station, as it's a "Complete Circle Tour of the Magic Kingdom" that starts and stops only at the Main Street Station. It's only available if the engineers are in the right mood, it's only available for one person at a time, and only on specific engine/tenders as only some of them have a seat on the tender. It's another of those special experiences that you don't get to do everyday. By the way, now is a good time to take a tender ride. In the summer when it's 90*-100* outside it easily gets up to 120*+ up in the engine of the DLR.
Originally Posted By GoofTrooper23 We often go on the cheap too. Need any help with a cheap hotel? We always take our own snacks, sandwhiches, chips and drinks. If you're gonna eat something there, the coca cola pavilion is pretty inexpensive for a hot dog and coke. Also, if you're up for dinner, I often will eat the kids pasta dinner - its cheaper and filling. Most important thought....bring your own drinks.
Originally Posted By TheParsec We Bring our own snacks also for the kids. Yes, Check out the Other hotels, Disney hotel, paradise pier and The Grand Ca. All Very Nice.
Originally Posted By retlawfan correction on the tender rides: Two people CAN ride, if one of them is very small. My DS and DD have both been able to ride with their grandpa. I'm not sure who had more fun
Originally Posted By WestWind We may be able to make a trip this summer but only if it is on the cheap as well. I think food and drink purchases have opportunity for savings by finding the inexpensive offerings or bringing some groceries of some sort. We usually stay at HoJos, but how can we find the best hotel deal possible - within walking distance?
Originally Posted By ncnike7 If you have a Disney Visa you can get a free photo at the meet n' greet in California Adventure of your group and whatever character is at the greet that day. You can also get 50% off stroller rentals and discount at certain shops when you spend a certain amount of money.
Originally Posted By TheParsec "We usually stay at HoJos, but how can we find the best hotel deal possible - within walking distance? " If you stay at Hojo's or Ramada Inn alot, Sign up for Wyndham Rewards. You can use the points for a free room. I always check out Expedia and Orbitz and Travelocity. I Always find great deals on them. If you have AAA, you can get discounts at hotels and restaurants.
Originally Posted By Pixarpixie Thanks for the tips everyone! We're driving down instead of flying. We'll be bringing in our own food to save money there. We're also staying about 5 miles away from the park to save big $$ on the hotel. I'm really looking forward to having a great time at Disneyland!! Wahoo!
Originally Posted By CuriouserConstance Pixarpixie, Hope you have a nice trip! If you learn any great tips while you're there please share when you get back! I'm always looking for ways to save some dough!
Originally Posted By markymouse You can't beat bringing in your own food. But you - and others reading this - might want to consider: Kids' meals - sometimes they are enough for an adult Splitting a meal - we often split an entree at the Plaza Inn You can also have a free meal of your own packing, then head to the Plaza Inn or your favorite spot and enjoy a cup of coffee or splitting a dessert. If you like any of those flavor packets, refill a bottle of water at a water fountain, add a packet, shake, and enjoy. Think about free souvenirs. Is there a reason why someone, maybe at the Town Hall, might give you a free button? We have a couple of those. Grab an extra park guide on the way out if the one you picked up in the morning is well used. And don't forget to pick up the times guide, to find out when the various shows are. They are a great part of a Disney trip.
Originally Posted By mhartman47 When we have done DL on the cheap, we have found numerous suveniors. Ticket stub, park map, pressed pennies (.51), Honorary citizens buttons, I'm celebrating buttons etc. Mickey ears are actually one of the best suveniors in the park for their price ($10) with name embroidered on the back. Hope this helps
Originally Posted By teddibubbles "We usually stay at HoJos, but how can we find the best hotel deal possible - within walking distance? " we allways stay at the Quality Inn right across from hojos. the differents is FREE FULL BREAKFASTS
Originally Posted By Pixarpixie I forgot all about the penny press machines!! Thats a great idea...I better start saving my quarters now ;-)
Originally Posted By Marlin Perkins Another great souvenir, for me, is to mail a postcard from DL. They provide mail boxes and you can probably buy stamps there as well. I bring my own stamps. And what a great welcome when you get home and there is your postcard that you filled out while at the happiest place on earth!
