Reader tips: How to save money at theme parks

Disneyland fireworks

I asked my readers recently how to save money at theme parks (not that they’re overpriced or anything) but maybe some people don’t want to take out a second mortgage to spend a day there.

Since we live near so many parks, I knew you’d come up with some great ideas, and you didn’t disappoint me when I ran a contest with Knott’s Berry Farm annual pass vouchers as prizes.  (Incidentally, reader Jon Raus won the tickets, chosen randomly, after previous winner  never replied to my attempts to contact her.)

Here are the best ideas from Deals Diva readers:

1. Buy your ticket online before you come. Check coupon and promotional sites for discounts, especially AAA, Costco, your employer and local visitor and convention bureaus.  Sometimes grocery stores have discount coupons, too.
2. If you think you’ll return at least twice, buy an annual pass. Get the parking, too.
3. Check to see if there’s a family rate. It was cheaper for my brother to buy a family annual pass to the Aquarium of the Pacific a few years ago than to pay for single day admissions for all his kids.
4. Eat a big meal with plenty of protein before you go.
5. Pack snacks laden with protein in a backpack or stroller. The protein will make you feel more satisfied. Disneyland won’t hassle you about snacks.  Knott’s Berry Farm doesn’t allow them, but will let you bring in water and sports drinks, even in a small cooler.
6. Bring a cooler of food to keep in the car, and exit the park to eat.  Some parks have picnic areas and lockers outside where you can keep food.
7. Many parks have fast-food restaurants outside their gates, including Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. Leave the park and then return, making sure you got your hand stamped.

   Knott's Berry Farm

8. Buy souvenirs elsewhere before you visit. For example, the Disney Character Warehouse in Fullerton sells Disneyland items at a discount. You can also find little items and clothing at Walmart, Target, Dollar Tree or the 99 Cent Only Store with Disney characters on them to stick in your pocket and hand out at the park.
9. Bring cold or frozen water bottles. Parks will let you bring these in without charge.
10. Ask food vendors for free cups of cold water. Readers say they always provide this.
11. Only buy refillable sodas.  Souvenir cups cost more initially but save money on refills. One reader says that Disneyland kids’ meals offer refillable sodas if you ask for them.
12. Bring a dollar store poncho so you don’t get wet on a rainy day or on a water ride–way cheaper than buying one there.
13. Bring a sweatshirt so you don’t have to buy one when it gets chilly at night.
14. Go later in the day. Some theme parks have discounts if you visit at 4 p.m. or later.  Plus, you won’t need expensive drinks and ice cream to keep cool.
15. Ask employees which are the best or most inexpensive places to eat. They will know.
16. Check brochure racks at touristy type places. Sometimes they’ll have a brochure with a discount coupon attached.
17. Make it clear to your kids how much, if any, money will be spent in the park before you enter. That way they won’t be disappointed. Consider giving them a set amount of spending money.
18. Avoid parking fees by being dropped off, riding bikes, carpooling or taking the bus. Sometimes you can park some blocks away and walk, but watch for tow-away zones.

Great tips from all, so thanks! And if you have any more, post them at the bottom of this.

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