[The Goof Father]

I usually love to splurge when I go to Disneyland, but on occasion I will cut a corner so that I can have even more fun.

So I would love to hear some of the money saving tips and tricks that others of you have used here at Disneyland! I have seen some similar topics on the DW side of the forums, but some of those tips and tricks do not apply to DL… I don’t care if it is a little tacky, a little weird or tight-wad seeming! I want to hear! I may learn something!

Here are a few of mine:

* I buy an Annual Passport and use it to book an on-site resort room for a lot less. That usually more than covers the cost of an Annual Passport over a X day park hopper.

* Now that my family is hooked on pin trading we attend the pin trading class at the pin store in Tomorrowland. At the class they teach you some of the trading etiquette and also give you a pin. Each person gets one free pin (and once we got two). I will be sad if they are not doing this little class + freebie still…

* We also steer towards some of the resort or DL restaurants that reward Annual Passport holders with trading pins when you spend certain dollar amounts for a meal.

* My family tends to eat a lot of Pop Tarts and quick stuff for breakfasts instead of spending lots for a full breakfast meal.


There, now that is a start! Fill me in with some wonderful or even whacky tips to save some $$$!!!

[dznygrl]

Those are some excellent tips! Thanks for sharing them!

I will have to dig deep and think about some of the many money-saving tactics DH and I have used. I'll get back to you when I think of some of the best ones!

[CerealBoxQueen]

Do they still have the class?

Okay I confused. Is it only annual passholders who get the free pin with 20 or more meal? Because I have heard it's for everybody.

Also, what restaurants? I've heard it's and sit down, waitressing place.

[Disneywife]

Just outside the main gate there is a picnic area, where you can bring and eat your own food. They have lockers in which to store your goodies as well as vending machines. It's very nice and quiet, with picnic tables. Most people don't know it's even there.

Also, if you have young kids, they can share a kids' meal.

[dznygrl]

If you're like me and can only eat moderate amounts of food at a time, order a kids' meal! Saves soooooo much money.

DH and I love to split a meal at Redd Rockett's pizza port. A plate of chicken fucilli, a soda & a rice krispie treat absolutely stuffs both of us! It only costs about $11. (Oh wait, that was with a CM discount...um...so add 10-15%! )

[quartz7]

Alot of times, my family will share a two cokes for a meal. We are a family of four. Doing this can save money quickly. Other then that, I can't think of anything else.

Janelle

[pumouse]

We always bring our own soda and water, and we bring a can of pringles and some cookies to eat when we get hungry so we are not spending money on a bunch of snacks. We try to eat lunch about 3 or 4pm so we can eat hot pockets or something at the hotel later instead of buying lunch and dinner (this also saves alot of time!) Oh and of course we use our aps to get a discount everywhere!

[pumouse]

Oh, I forgot, we always by the entertainment book to get discounts all over Orange County!

[The Goof Father]

Awesome! AWESOME! AWESOME!

But...

I want MORE!!!

C'mon everybody! Dish your $$$ saving secrets!

[CerealBoxQueen]

Originally Posted by CerealBoxQueen

Do they still have the class?

Is it only annual passholders who get the free pin with 20 or more meal?

Also, what restaurants? I've heard it's and sit down, waitressing place.

Do you know?

[The Goof Father]

Sorry about that CBQ! I saw your question and then got distracted!

My last trip in May of '04 we did visit this little pin trading class. It was intended for kids, but the parents got into it too when we attended... Oh, and we went twice... I am so ashamed...

Does anyone know if this pin trading class still going on at this time? I also wonder if it operated mostly during the slower seasons... Can anyone else fill us in on this one???

Maybe I will ask in the pin trading section, because surely someone will have some current knowledge...

[Disneywife]

Originally Posted by CerealBoxQueen

Do you know?

It's anybody, and yes, only the nicer restaurants in the park (such as Blue Bayou and Carnation Cafe), with waiter/waitress service. You have to ask as they only give them out to those who ask and only until they run out. They don't always have them, but if they do and you've spent over $20, you can get one.

[dznygrl]

Originally Posted by Disneywife

It's anybody, and yes, only the nicer restaurants in the park (such as Blue Bayou and Carnation Cafe), with waiter/waitress service. You have to ask as they only give them out to those who ask and only until they run out. They don't always have them, but if they do and you've spent over $20, you can get one.

This is a really great tip...thank you ksdonaldson and Disneywife! I had no idea you could do this!

[The Goof Father]

Here is a little more info regarding the pins you can get when you dine with your Disneyland Annual Passport and spend a set amount of $$$ at participating restaurants...

It looks like the Annual Passport Holder pins are available when you spend $30 at selected restaurant. Each pin comes boxed with nostalgic art and facts about the location represented on the pin. Sounds pretty cool!

I always make sure to ask beforehand to see if they still have some on hand… Also pay attention to how much you spend, because your AP gives you a 10%-15% discount which may put you back below $30… But the taxes may put you back over the hump… UGH! MATH! You cannot escape it!

The schedule for what location is portrayed in on a pin currently is as follows… Just keep in mind this may change and they may run out!

9/18/2005 - The Tahitian Terrace
11/6/ 2005 - Tomorrowland Terrace
1/15/2006 - Village Haus
3/12/2006 - Mile Long Bar
5/7/2006 - Casa Mexicana
7/17/2006 - Refreshment Corner
9/17/2006 - Redd Rockett's Pizza Port


Here are the restaurants that should be involved… Just keep in mind this may change and they may run out!

Disneyland
Blue Bayou (my favorite!)
Cafe Orleans
Carnation Cafe
French Market
Plaza Inn
Rancho del Zocalo

Disney's California Adventure
Ariel's Grotto
Pacific Wharf Cafe
Pizza Oom Mow Mow
Vineyard Room

Disney's Paradise Pier
Disney's PCH Grill and Yamabuki's

Disneyland Hotel
Goofy's Kitchen
Granville's Steak House

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel
Storytellers Cafe

[jodilt]

I have found that the meals at some places are definately big enough for two adults to share, as dznygrl said. Not only Redd Rocketts, but the French Market and the Plaza Inn both have huge servings.