travel hack disneyland

Disney Park Nerds

The art of travel hacking Disney

Travel hacking is about navigating the cost of travel to your advantage. It involves strategies to reduce expenses on flights, hotels, and experiences, particularly for Disney vacations. It’s about earning and using points and miles effectively, seeking out deals, and leveraging credit card rewards.

Basics of Travel Hacking Disney: Understanding the core principles.

For Disney travelers around the world, it’s a way to enjoy the magic without the financial strain, turning an often costly adventure into an affordable one.

No matter if you’re visiting Disneyland in Anaheim, Disney World in Florida, or any of the other Disney experiences and properties around the world. These travel hacking principles apply to everything Disney.

You’ll soon see that travel hacking is practical, straightforward, and can transform the way you experience Disney.

Understanding Points and Miles

First, let’s learn about the main elements of travel hacking, points and miles.

Understanding points and miles for beginners in travel hacking is akin to grasping the fundamentals of a new financial system. It starts with comprehending how to accumulate these valuable points and miles.

Typically, this is achieved through credit card sign-up bonuses, which can be a goldmine for points if used wisely.

Additionally, everyday spending, when charged to the right credit card, continuously adds to your points balance. It’s not just about spending, but spending smart.

Then, there’s the world of loyalty programs, offered by airlines and hotels.

These programs reward you for your consistent choice of their services. Each flight taken, or hotel stay booked, can contribute to your points balance. For Disney enthusiasts, these points become a key to unlocking experiences, often unattainable through regular spending.

By mastering these basics, you turn your regular expenses into strategic investments towards your Disney adventures, making the magical experience more accessible.

Strategies for Flights and Hotels

When strategizing for flights and hotels in travel hacking, it’s crucial to choose airlines with beneficial mileage programs.

For instance, Southwest Airlines is known for its straightforward and valuable rewards system.

Similarly, in the realm of accommodations, hotel loyalty programs like Starwood’s Preferred Guest offer significant advantages. These programs provide points that can be redeemed for free or discounted stays, often including additional perks.

For beginners to travel hacking, understanding and utilizing these programs can lead to substantial savings and enhanced experiences, particularly when planning Disney vacations.

This approach turns regular travel decisions into opportunities for earning rewards that can be used for future adventures.

Discount Strategies

In the context of travel hacking for Disney vacations, one effective discount strategy is to acquire Disney gift cards at a discounted rate.

These gift cards can be used across various Disney services, including park tickets, hotel stays, dining, and merchandise. Finding these gift cards at a lower cost can significantly reduce the overall expense of a Disney trip, allowing for more budget-friendly vacation planning.

For saving on park tickets, food, and souvenirs at Disney, consider strategies like buying tickets during off-peak seasons for discounts, opting for meal plans or packages that offer savings, and purchasing souvenirs from third-party vendors.

Additionally, using reward points from credit cards or loyalty programs can offset some costs. It’s also beneficial to look out for special promotions and deals offered by Disney throughout the year.

Disney-Specific Credit Card Perks

When considering Disney-branded credit cards for a Disney vacation, it’s important to carefully analyze their benefits.

The Disney® Premier Visa® Card offers specific rewards like Disney Rewards Dollars on certain categories, but these benefits are confined to Disney-related expenses. This limitation can be a drawback when compared to more versatile credit cards that offer broader rewards programs and higher earning rates.

However, these Disney-specific cards do provide unique perks that are tailored for Disney parks and experiences, such as discounts on dining and merchandise. The card’s rewards system, while not as flexible as other cards, can still be beneficial for frequent Disney visitors who spend significantly within the Disney ecosystem.

Ultimately, the choice of whether to opt for a Disney-branded credit card should be based on your specific spending habits and travel goals.

Since your trips are centered around Disney experiences and you can take advantage of the card’s specific rewards, it could be a worthwhile addition to your wallet.

However, if you’re looking for more flexibility and higher rewards rates, it may be prudent to consider other credit card options.

Implementing Travel Hacking

To start travel hacking for Disney trips, first we’ll focus on understanding and earning credit card rewards.

Choose credit cards that offer high rewards for categories like travel and dining, and consider cards with sign-up bonuses.

Next, join loyalty programs for airlines and hotels that are beneficial for travel to Disney destinations. Plan your spending to maximize points and rewards accumulation.

Additionally, look into buying Disney gift cards at a discount to save on park expenses. Remember, the key is to align your regular spending and travel hacking efforts with your Disney trip goals.

Balancing savings with travel goals

Balancing savings with travel goals in travel hacking requires a strategic approach.

First, clearly define your travel objectives, like the specific experiences you want at Disney.

Then, align your savings and spending strategies to support these goals. This means choosing credit cards and loyalty programs that offer the best rewards for your planned activities.

It’s also about knowing when to redeem points for maximum value versus paying out of pocket to preserve points for future trips. The key is to constantly evaluate how each decision contributes to your overall travel experience, ensuring you maximize both savings and enjoyment on your Disney trip.

Goal-Oriented Planning: Strategies tailored for Disney trips.

Let’s talk about the importance of goal-oriented planning in travel hacking, especially when it comes to Disney vacations.

When we plan with specific goals in mind, we make our trips more efficient, cost-effective, and tailored to our personal desires.

For Disney trips, this approach is crucial.

Whether you’re dreaming of a budget-friendly family holiday, a luxurious resort experience, or an adventure-packed visit, setting clear goals helps in choosing the right strategies to make your Disney vacation memorable.

I’ll guide you through understanding how to apply these principles specifically for Disney travel, ensuring your trip is as magical as it is well-planned.

Defining Your Disney Travel Goals

When planning a Disney vacation, it’s key to first identify what you’re really looking for.

Are you aiming for a budget-friendly trip, a luxurious getaway, or a family-focused adventure?

Your goals could range from experiencing every ride to fine dining, or simply enjoying the magic with your kids.

Once you know what you want, match your goals with suitable travel hacking strategies.

For instance, if you’re on a budget, focus on credit card rewards for free flights or hotel stays.

Luxury seekers might prefer cards that offer premium perks. Remember, the right strategy aligns with what you want to achieve on your Disney trip.

Tailoring Travel Hacking Strategies to Your Goals

In travel hacking, there are various strategies to consider, such as maximizing credit card points, flight hacks, and hotel booking tricks.

The key is to align these strategies with your specific Disney trip goals.

If your aim is to save on accommodation , focus on hotel loyalty programs and credit cards offering hotel rewards.

For budget-friendly flights , look into cards that provide airline miles or flexible travel points.

By analyzing different travel hacking methods and understanding how each can serve your Disney vacation goals, you can create a more effective and enjoyable travel experience.

Customizing Your Disney Experience

To tailor your Disney trip, focus first on your itinerary.

If you’re aiming to maximize park time , plan your visit to popular attractions during less busy hours, and consider using Disney’s FastPass system.

For those seeking unique dining experiences , reserve in advance at themed restaurants or character dining events.

If meeting Disney characters is a priority, research their appearance schedules and locations. It’s also crucial to choose the right time of year for your trip.

Visiting during off-peak seasons can mean fewer crowds and shorter wait times, aligning perfectly with a goal of experiencing as many attractions as possible.

Your trip’s length should also reflect your goals – longer stays can be more relaxing and allow for a thorough exploration of the parks, while shorter trips might require more focused planning to ensure you hit all your must-see attractions.

Budgeting for Your Disney Trip

To effectively budget for your Disney trip, start by setting a clear financial goal based on the type of vacation you’re planning.

Break down your expenses into categories like travel, accommodation, tickets, food, and souvenirs.

Utilize budgeting tools and apps, which can be incredibly helpful in tracking your expenses and planning your finances.

Apps like Mint or YNAB (You Need A Budget) allow you to set specific budget goals and track your spending against those goals.

By keeping a close eye on your expenses and planning ahead, you can ensure your Disney trip aligns with both your dream experience and your financial capabilities.

Utilizing Resources Effectively for Disney Trips

Identify Valuable Resources: Start by identifying key resources for Disney trip planning. This includes official Disney apps like My Disney Experience, which offer real-time park information, and websites dedicated to travel hacking and Disney vacation planning.
Leverage Disney Apps: Use the My Disney Experience app for booking FastPass+ selections, dining reservations, and checking wait times. This app is essential for navigating the parks efficiently.
Stay Informed on Promotions: Regularly check Disney’s official website and social media channels for the latest promotions and deals. Sign up for newsletters from travel hacking sites and Disney blogs to receive updates and special offers.
Plan Based on Deals: Adjust your travel dates and plans based on the best available deals and promotions. This step-by-step approach ensures you utilize available resources effectively, keeping your Disney trip within budget and aligned with your goals.

Dispelling Misconceptions: Ethical considerations in travel hacking.

In this section, we address common misconceptions about the ethicality of travel hacking.

Often misunderstood, travel hacking is not about exploiting loopholes or engaging in dishonest practices.

Instead, it’s a legitimate approach to making travel more accessible and affordable.

It involves smart use of credit card rewards, loyalty programs, and strategic planning, all within the boundaries of terms and conditions set by service providers.

Defining Ethical Travel Hacking

Ethical travel hacking is about intelligently utilizing existing rewards programs and promotions offered by airlines, hotels, and credit card companies.

It’s a way of optimizing travel expenses through legitimate means. This includes using credit cards to earn points for travel, taking advantage of airline mileage programs, and strategically booking hotels.

Ethical hacking differs from unethical practices as it respects the terms and conditions set by providers. It’s about smart planning and making the most of available opportunities without deception or rule-breaking.

This approach ensures a win-win scenario for both the traveler and the service providers.

Misconceptions About Travel Hacking

Travel hacking is often misunderstood, leading to various misconceptions.

One of the most common myths is that it involves exploiting loopholes or engaging in dishonest practices.

In reality, ethical travel hacking is about making the most of the systems and rewards that airlines, hotels, and credit card companies have in place. It’s a legitimate method of optimizing travel expenses, not a deceptive scheme.

Another widespread misconception is the potential negative impact on credit scores. Contrary to this belief, when managed properly, travel hacking can actually be beneficial for your credit health. It involves using credit cards strategically to earn rewards, which includes making timely payments and managing credit utilization wisely. This approach to travel hacking is encouraged by many companies through their loyalty programs, making it a valid and savvy way to enhance travel experiences.

Understanding these aspects of travel hacking helps to dispel the myths surrounding it and highlights its ethical and practical nature. It’s about informed and strategic planning, adhering strictly to the rules set by service providers, and leveraging opportunities to make travel more accessible and enjoyable.

Ethical Strategies in Travel Hacking

Ethical accumulation of points and miles in travel hacking involves using credit cards and loyalty programs as they are intended.

This means engaging in regular spending that aligns with your travel goals and taking advantage of sign-up bonuses without misusing them. Responsible credit card use is crucial; it involves paying balances in full to avoid debt and understanding the terms of each card. It’s about making informed choices that benefit your travel plans while maintaining financial health.

Ethical travel hacking isn’t about quick wins; it’s a long-term strategy for sustainable and rewarding travel experiences.

The Impact of Travel Hacking on the Travel Industry

Travel hacking has a significant impact on the travel industry, particularly airlines and hotels.

For these businesses, travel hacking can drive customer loyalty and repeat business. When travelers use points and miles, they often choose the same airlines and stay at the same hotel chains to maximize rewards. This loyalty is beneficial for businesses, as it ensures a steady customer base.

Furthermore, travel hacking often leads to additional spending on upgrades, dining, and other services, increasing revenue for these companies.

On the other hand, travelers benefit from reduced travel costs and enhanced travel experiences. This symbiotic relationship demonstrates that when executed ethically, travel hacking can be advantageous for both travelers and the travel industry.

Best Practices for Ethical Travel Hacking

Before diving into the best practices for ethical travel hacking, it’s important to understand the balance between taking advantage of travel benefits and maintaining good standing with loyalty programs and financial institutions.

Ethical travel hacking involves responsible use of credit cards, loyalty programs, and rewards, ensuring a mutually beneficial relationship between the traveler and the service providers.

Here are the key practices to ensure ethical conduct in travel hacking:

Understand and Respect Program Rules: Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of credit cards and loyalty programs. Follow their rules to avoid violations.
Pay Balances in Full and On Time: Manage credit card use responsibly to maintain good credit health and avoid debt.
Use Rewards for Intended Purposes: Redeem points and miles for travel-related expenses, as intended by loyalty programs.
Avoid Exploiting Loopholes: Stay away from practices that exploit system vulnerabilities, which can lead to negative consequences.
Maintain Good Relationships with Institutions: Keep a positive standing with financial institutions and loyalty programs through ethical and responsible use.

By following these best practices, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of travel hacking while upholding ethical standards and maintaining positive relationships with financial institutions and loyalty programs.

Enrolling in Loyalty Programs: Benefits and how to leverage them

In travel hacking, especially for Disney vacations, understanding and utilizing loyalty programs is key.

These programs, offered by airlines, hotels, and credit card companies, are designed to reward frequent customers with points or miles that can be redeemed for various travel-related benefits. These loyalty programs are some of the easiest wins in the world of travel hacking – by simply being loyal to a few programs.

For Disney enthusiasts, these programs can unlock significant savings and perks, such as free flights to Orlando or discounted stays at Disney resorts.

They are a cornerstone of travel hacking, allowing savvy travelers to significantly reduce travel costs while enjoying enhanced experiences.

Leveraging these loyalty programs strategically can transform an ordinary Disney trip into a more affordable and luxurious adventure.

Types of Loyalty Programs

Airline Loyalty Programs

Programs like Air France/KLM’s Flying Blue and Air Canada’s Aeroplan offer unique benefits and rewards for frequent flyers.

Hotel Loyalty Programs

World of Hyatt is highly regarded for its valuable points and fixed, published award chart.

Hilton Honors offers fast tracks to elite status through its co-branded credit cards.

Marriott Bonvoy, though large, requires significant stays for top-tier status but offers valuable points and rewards.

Credit Card Loyalty Programs

Cards like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and The Platinum Card® from American Express offer points on spending and have partnerships with various hotel and airline programs. These cards provide VIP events and benefits similar to traditional loyalty programs.

Benefits of Loyalty Programs

Travel loyalty programs offer a powerful incentive for more travel and can be highly beneficial.

Since their inception in the 1980s, they’ve expanded beyond traditional airlines and hotels to include a variety of ways to earn miles and points, such as through grocery purchases or subscriptions to services like Netflix.

These programs are particularly advantageous for frequent leisure travelers, regular business travelers, and those who enjoy the process of collecting and using travel rewards.

However, they may be less beneficial for occasional travelers or those living in cities with competitive travel markets. It’s important to remember that while these programs provide valuable benefits, they also serve the interests of the companies offering them, often using customer data for marketing and encouraging increased spending.

Strategies for Maximizing Benefits

To maximize the benefits of loyalty programs effectively, a multi-faceted approach is needed.

Begin by strategically using co-branded credit cards for daily expenses and big purchases to accumulate points rapidly.

Pay close attention to sign-up bonuses , often a substantial source of points.

When redeeming these points, timing is crucial. Assess the value of points during different seasons and for various redemption options, aiming for high-value uses like peak travel times or premium experiences.

Leveraging status matches and challenges can also elevate your status in loyalty programs, unlocking additional benefits.

Engage in these status opportunities to gain access to exclusive perks such as room upgrades, early check-ins, late checkouts, and bonus earning on points, enhancing the overall value of your points and travel experience.

Combining Programs for Enhanced Benefits

Combining loyalty programs for enhanced benefits involves strategic use of partnerships between airlines, hotels, and credit cards. Identify partnerships where points and benefits are transferable between programs.

For example, certain credit cards allow point transfers to multiple airlines and hotel programs, increasing your flexibility in using rewards.

Opt for loyalty programs that complement each other in terms of destinations and services. This way, you can leverage the strengths of each program, be it for flying, staying, or spending, thereby maximizing the overall value of your travel benefits.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Common mistakes in managing loyalty programs often include neglecting to track expiration dates of points, failing to stay updated on program changes, and not using points effectively.

Many travelers also miss out on maximizing rewards by not strategically aligning their spending with the right programs or overlooking opportunities for bonus points. Regularly reviewing account statuses and being proactive in points management are key to avoiding these pitfalls.

Points can also lose their value over time.

To avoid the devaluation of points and miles, it’s important to stay updated with the loyalty programs’ policies and redemption options. Regularly monitor changes in point values and adjust your redemption strategy accordingly.

Use points for high-value redemptions like long-haul flights or luxury hotel stays, and avoid stockpiling them for too long, as loyalty programs may change their value over time. Keeping an active engagement with the program through frequent earning and redeeming can also help maintain the value of your accumulated points and miles.

Advanced Techniques in Loyalty Programs

Seasoned travelers can explore lesser-known tips and tricks in loyalty programs for added benefits.

These include ‘status matching’ where elite status in one program can be used to obtain comparable status in another, and ‘point pooling’ with family members to accumulate rewards faster.

Also, consider ‘mileage runs’ or ‘mattress runs’ to meet elite status thresholds quickly. Savvy travelers also leverage promotions like bonus point events or partner offers to boost point earnings.

These advanced techniques can unlock higher tiers of rewards and enhance travel experiences significantly.

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50 Disneyland Tips For 2024 (Listed By Category)

A trip to the happiest place on earth is always exciting, but the anticipation of planning in the weeks leading up can also be an integral part of your Disneyland experience. Whether this is your first visit to Disneyland or your hundredth, we have plenty of tips that will make your park experience as smooth and convenient as possible.

We will focus on the 50 key Disneyland tips for making your experience amazing, breaking these down by category: preparedness, rides, food, kids, navigating the offerings of the park, and fun. If you just planned a Disneyland trip and want to do some research to make sure everything goes perfectly, be sure to read our top 50 crucial Disneyland tips below for everything you need to know!

Get exclusive access to prices on hotel & tickets just for Mickey Visit subscribers. Don't miss our travel hacks newsletter!

In this planning guide:

Preparedness Disneyland Tips

First, we will share some tips to prepare for your day at the park! Some of these are things that you might forget about or not consider when visiting Disneyland.

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Buying tickets from Get Away Today is easy and convenient since all their tickets are sent electronically. You can take their vouchers and head straight to the gate without needing to wait in any ticket booth lines. They also offer layaway plans so you can pay off your vacation over time.

You can read my review on my personal experiences booking through Get Away Today and how much you can save here!

1. Make sure you pack everything you need . From sunscreen to snacks, bandaids, and more, make sure that you account for everything that you might need for your trip. This doesn't need to take up much room, as there are several smaller items that will make your Disneyland trip run more smoothly. While packing needs may differ per party, you can check out our ultimate Disneyland packing list for a breakdown of everything that will be helpful for your day at the park.

2. Avoid the times of year when Disneyland is the most crowded . During school breaks, holidays, and three-day weekends, the park tends to be the busiest. If you want to avoid long lines and crowds, be sure consult our Disneyland crowd calendar . There are still certain months when you can enjoy seasonal offerings during summer, Halloween, and Christmas without falling victim to huge crowds, which we break down in our guide to the best months and specific dates to visit Disneyland .

3. Bring a charger for your phone . Especially if you're utilizing Genie+ and the Disneyland app in general to keep track of wait times, mobile ordering, park experiences, and more, you need to make sure your phone doesn't run out of battery. You can either bring a charger and plug it into an outlet or utilize a portable charger to carry with you as you wait in lines and explore the park. CLICK HERE for a link to our favorite portable charger we bring on every trip . If you forget your portable charger, don't worry, as these are available for purchase at Disneyland.

4. Know where to find the best discount Disneyland tickets. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance, and you can get the best prices through our travel partner and authorized ticket re-seller, Get Away Today. Get Away Today is committed to providing their customers with the best prices for Disneyland tickets out there. They price-match competitor prices through their Best Price, Best Service Guarantee and offer incredible customer service, on call to help you before and during your vacation. Be sure to buy your tickets and hotel nights through our exclusive Mickey Visit link ! They also have discounts on the best hotels near Disneyland .

5. Know the best airport to fly into. While LAX offers the most flight options, we recommend flying from John Wayne Airport (SNA) to Disneyland if you are able. This airport is smaller and easier to navigate than other options, and it's also the closest airport to Disneyland. From here, we recommend getting an Uber for a quick ride to Disneyland. You can read more about details for the best ways to get from John Wayne Airport (SNA) to Disneyland in our guide.

6. Wear comfortable clothes . While it's tempting to don the not-so-comfy photo-perfect outfit for your Disneyland day, keep in mind that you'll be wearing this through lots of walking and potentially warm weather. Clothes that are breathable and comfortable walking shoes are a must! See the best shoes for Disneyland that we would recommend for your trip. Also, remember to bring layers like a light jacket, as it can get slightly chilly at night when watching the shows or walking around.

7. Get to the Disneyland gate 30-45 minutes before opening. Getting up a little earlier than you'd like will pay off, as you'll be able to enjoy the quieter morning hours when waits for popular rides are shorter. Many days, the parks open before their scheduled opening time, so you'll be prepared for this if you arrive early. Be sure to use our Disneyland morning strategy and Disney California Adventure morning strategy .

8. Note where you parked your car! It's so easy to forget where you parked, so you can either take a picture, write down where you parked in your notes, or drop a pin in your car’s location so that you can remember where your car is at the end of the day. The Disneyland app (read our guide) also has an easy car locator feature that is easy to use.

9. Download games to play on your phone as you wait in lines. You can download the Play Disney Parks app (which has lots of great trivia and games designed for single-players or large groups), try our daily Mickeyrdle (a Wordle-inspired Disney game), or download any other mobile game to keep busy. Try to look at options ahead of time so that you don't have to worry about downloading apps while you're on the move! We love the Heads Up game.

10. Bring a poncho for water rides . These are also offered at the park, but if you'd like to get out ahead of things, you can buy one ahead of time. Our favorite ponchos linked here . I promise, it's no fun walking around in soaking clothes all day if you decide to ride Grizzly River Run in the morning. You won't walk away completely dry, but you'll definitely be more comfortable. Note – Splash Mountain is currently being transformed into Tiana's Bayou Adventure .

11. Do your research to see what seasonal offerings will be at Disneyland when you visit. From riding Soarin' Over California during the Food and Wine Festival at California Adventure in the spring to checking out the themed treats offered at Disneyland during Christmas , be sure to make a list of everything you want to see and experience so you don't miss anything. Read our full Disneyland calendar for happenings every month .

12. Have a plan for transportation to and from Disneyland . While Disneyland is designed as a pedestrian park, you'll want to account for the time it take for you to travel to and from your hotel. You can utilize the ART shuttle bus or account for the time it takes to walk to Disneyland from your hotel so that it doesn't bleed into the valuable morning hours right after park opening. You want to be at the parks at least 45 minutes before official park opening.

Tips for Rides at Disneyland

One of the best parts of any Disneyland experience is the moment when you're about to step on your first ride. We'll talk about some tips for making the most of Disneyland's iconic ride offerings!

13. Be sure that everyone in your party goes on the top attraction they want to ride . Plan ahead by asking everyone what they're looking forward to, and this will ensure your group is happy and satisfied during your park day. On a similar note, if someone doesn't want to ride a certain attraction, you can help make a plan for what they'll be doing during the time the rest of the group is riding. Perhaps another member of your party also isn't wild about a certain attraction, so they could spend that time together getting a treat or meeting characters, etc. Check out our Disneyland 1-day itinerary and Disney California Adventure 1-day itinerary .

14. Take advantage of Single Rider , which allows you to split from your party and fill in individual spaces on rides that aren't occupied by stand-by line guests. At Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, Single Rider is offered for several rides, which you can read more about in our guide to Disneyland Single Rider lines . We recommend this trick for Radiator Springs Racers in particular, as it can dramatically minimize your wait time.

15. Use Genie+ to skip long lines . Disneyland's Genie+, a paid service that replaced the old FastPass and MaxPass services, offers Lightning Lanes that allow you to skip the lines for select attractions in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Lightning Lanes are offered for the most popular attractions, and you can select return times that will allow you to bypass the long wait time once per ride each day of your visit. You can read more information about pricing and tips for making the most out of the Genie+ service in our guide to Disneyland Genie+ .

16. Know when to buy Individual Lightning Lanes for rides . Individual Lightning Lanes provide you with the option to skip long lines for an additional fee per person, offered at an a la carte rate for the most popular rides at the park, and they are not included with the purchase of Genie+. There are certain rides that we recommend buying Individual Lightning Lanes for, like Rise of the Resistance, while you can get away with a very short wait for rides like Radiator Springs Racers using Single Rider. You can read our guide to Disneyland Individual Lightning Lanes for a full breakdown of pros and cons of purchasing Individual Lightning Lanes per ride offered, costs, and more.

17. You can request specific rows for rides . You will need to wait slightly longer, and of course, be respectful to the Cast Member helping you. My favorite rows are the front of the Incredicoaster and Space Mountain (some people love the very back row too!) and Row 1 Concourse B (center section) of Soarin'. Personally, I really love the experience of an unobstructed ride view for these three attractions.

18. Be conscious of your battery while on underground rides . On underground rides, your phone battery will be drained more quickly while searching for a cellular signal, so putting it in Airplane Mode can help combat this. I'll often put my phone on Low-Power mode on rides in general or during periods when I know I won't be using it often.

19. Attractions don't close right when the park closes. When the park closes, the lines to these attractions will cut off new guests, but you can still join the queue before official park closing. This is helpful to keep in mind for riding popular attractions late at night with often shorter wait times. Pick an attraction to end your night with by hopping in line right before the cutoff. During this period, Disneyland Cast Members work hard to get everyone on the line quickly so everyone can go home. There is also minimal, if any, Genie Plus line at this hour so the standby line moves quickly.

20. Some of the attractions take on-ride photos, which will be shown on a screen as you are walking out. Know which rides offer these (currently Space Mountain at Disneyland and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, the Incredicoaster, and Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure). Be sure to strike a pose for these! They occur near the end of the ride. Grab the code from these an add them to your app. Currently, Disneyland is sharing complimentary digital downloads of these photos for guests at no charge.

Tips for Navigating Disneyland's Offerings

21. Know where the Disneyland parade starts. Watching from the point the show is starting from means that you'll be done viewing it before everyone else and at the actual start time. The first parade of the day will start back by “it's a Small World” and the second parade will start in Disneyland Town Square near the entrance of the park. The parade can take up to 20 minutes to reach your spot if you are sitting at the far end of the parade route from where the performance begins.

22. Don't be afraid to take a break during the day. One of the biggest rookie mistakes you can make at Disneyland is neglecting to take the time you need to rest for the second part of your day. You can stop by the hotel and take a nap, swim in the pool, start a Disney movie, or find a dining option outside of Disneyland to get a break from the park chaos. That way, everyone in your party will be well-rested and ready to tackle the nighttime offerings and attractions. We'll talk about a few of our favorite locations to take a break below!

23. Watch shows later in the day to escape the busier park crowds that form during peak hours . This applies to both parades and shows, as they provide you with a nice rest from the crowds while still soaking in all of the Disney magic. Right now, you can enjoy the new Marvel-themed Rogers: The Musical in Disney California Adventure .

24. Visit the Animation Building for a nice break . At the Animation Academy, you can draw Disney characters, chat with Crush in the Turtle Talk With Crush show, and explore The Beast's Library and test to see which Disney character you are. This is a great way to take a breath and relax before returning to the excitement of the rest of the park.

25. Go to the Grand Californian Hotel lobby to relax. The Hearthstone Lounge has a great atmosphere, and you can stop for a drink and a snack here. You can read more recommendations for quiet places to take a breather in our list of relaxing places at Disneyland.

26. Don't neglect the live shows offered at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure! From the mini-shows offered in Disney California Adventure's Avengers Campus to the Enchanted Tiki Room, make sure to explore all of these offerings. These shows always provide spectacularly high-quality entertainment! You can read more about the top 10 shows at the Disneyland Resort you shouldn’t miss in our guide.

Tips For Families With Kids at Disneyland

We'll cover some tips for visiting Disneyland with kids so that your family has the safest and most enjoyable experience possible!

27. Try not to promise your kids they'll see a certain character in case the one you promised doesn't show up in the park that day. To avoid disappointment, it's better to avoid any promises, as you never know for sure which characters will appear. Be sure to read our guide to character meet-and-greets at Disneyland to see the characters you can find at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure listed by land.

28. Be sure to check height restrictions before your trip . Look ahead of time to see if your child is tall enough for certain rides. On a similar note as the above, it will be disappointing for kids to anticipate going on a certain ride for the first time and then be turned away based the height requirement. You can read more about this in our guide to Disneyland height requirements and Rider Switch , the latter of which we will discuss more below.

29. Take advantage of Rider Switch . This allows an adult in the group to wait with a child who is not tall enough to ride while the other rides the attraction, then they switch. This way, the child is always supervised and both adults get to experience the ride. You can read our guide to Disneyland Rider Switch here .

Babies at Disneyland: Baby Care Center Sign

30. Utilize the baby care centers at Disneyland. If your party has a baby with you on the trip, you can use the baby care centers at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure that are fully stocked with everything you may need, from nursing chairs to diapers and baby food from vending machines. There is also medicine available here. Read our guide to finding medicine at Disneyland for more specific tips on this.

31. Establish an emergency meeting point in case your party gets separated, and make sure it's very specific. This way, if your child gets lost, they will know exactly where to meet you with a Cast Member. For more information, be sure to check out our guide with tips to avoid losing kids at Disneyland .

32. Bring your own stroller if you can. The ones you rent from Disneyland can only be used in the park, so you can't use them to go back and forth between your hotel, which can make for some problems at the end of the day. Read our guide to Disneyland stroller rentals for a full breakdown of your options when visiting Disneyland!

Food Tips for Disneyland

Dining is an integral part of the Disneyland experience, and we have several tips to help you save money and make the most out of dining experiences while at the park.

33. Make dining reservations ahead of time . Not only is this extremely important in ensuring you have a spot at your preferred dining location, but it also gives you an extra thing to look forward to for your trip. Especially for very popular experiences, make sure you're ready at the 60 day mark to make reservations. You can read more in our top five tips for getting Disneyland dining reservations and Disneyland restaurant reviews and dining tips .

34. Know you can order kids menu items from Quick Service restaurants . Even though the kids menu items have recommended ages, you can order these at counter service restaurants in Disneyland. The smaller portion sizes are perfect for lighter eaters or those who get full easily and don't want a bigger meal.

35. Another option is to split meals with someone else in your party if you're a lighter eater. My family did this for the Food and Wine Festival, and it was definitely worth it to be able to try several of the foods without overeating!

36. You can bring your own food and snacks into Disneyland . There are certain conditions surrounding this, like no loose ice in coolers, so make sure you pack something like a sandwich that doesn't need to be reheated. You can read more about details in our guide to bringing food into Disneyland .

disneyland tips for snacks and mobile order

37. Bring a refillable water bottle . There are locations across Disneyland where you can refill these, which you can find on the Disneyland app under “Bottle-Filling Stations.” You can also find these locations on the Disneyland website . There are less stations in Disney California Adventure (one in Avengers Campus and one at Eureka Fitness Center in Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa).

38. We recommend not eating breakfast at the park. Because the morning time at the parks is so valuable with lower crowds and shorter wait times for popular rides, we recommend getting breakfast at your hotel (or if you're in the area, at home). For all other meals, we recommend eating in the park due to the amazing variety of options offered. For more tips on how to make the most of your mornings, be sure to read our Disneyland morning touring strategy .

39. Mobile order though the Disneyland app . You can see which locations offer mobile ordering through the Disneyland app, and this is an effective way to bypass long food lines. You can mobile order while waiting in line for a ride and then walk right up to the counter to get your food without the wait!

40. Try Character Dining, which can be a great guaranteed way to meet characters during your Disneyland visit. There are a few different options offered for character dining, with most in the Disney Resort Hotels and one in the park. Be sure to read our guide to Disneyland Character Dining for our reviews of the different experiences and tips!

41. Mix it up with your dining and try new food locations . While it's tempting to stick to the same routine, don't ignore the variety of options offered at the parks, from snacks to sit-down dining locations. If you've been wanting to try that Black Caf Cold Brew at Galaxy's Edge or have never enjoyed a Mickey cream cheese pretzel, go for it! You might find a new favorite.

42. Consider a dining package for shows. If your priority is securing great viewing for shows like Fantasmic! or World of Color, you can get two birds with one stone by buying a dining package for these experiences. There are several dining package options offered for the shows at Disney California Adventure and Disneyland, which you can read about in our guide to Disneyland dining packages .

Fun Tips for Disneyland

Now that we've covered some of the major tips important for planning your Disneyland trip, we'll go through some fun tips that can enhance your experience!

43. Ride an outdoor attraction at night when the fireworks are going off . Big Thunder Mountain is a fan-favorite option for this, as you get a completely unique seat for the fireworks show as you go racing by. Especially for guests who have already experienced rides multiple times, this is a special and memorable way to experience them. Recently, Disney just started running the Incredicoaster during World of Color . Seeing the show from this angle enhances the ride and show.

44. Keep an eye out for the Disneyland cats ! There are about 200 feral cats, cared for by Cast Members, who roam around Disneyland and help keep the rodent population in check. Look for them during the day, as you may spot one emerge for a brief moment although many stay hidden.

45. Try a new ride or revisit and old one! It's easy to get into a routine where you ride the same attractions every visit to Disneyland. Branch out a bit and go on an underrated or nostalgic ride you've been passing up.

46. Accidentally popped Disney balloons can be replaced . If you bring evidence of your popped Disneyland balloon to a balloon vendor, they will provide you with a new one.

47. Look for Hidden Mickeys around the park . These are hidden Mickey Mouse heads that Disney Imagineers sprinkled throughout the park that are incorporated into the architecture. Be sure to read our guide to Hidden Mickeys at Disneyland for a full breakdown of what they are and where to find them. You can also spot the entrance to the exclusive Club 33 .

48. Don't let the rain get you down! Rainy days can make for excellent park experiences, as crowds tend to be smaller with Southern California locals deterred from visiting.

49. Try out pin trading. You can buy a base set of pins in bulk for trading, then find Cast Members with pin lanyards or other guests willing to trade at the park. This is a fun activity that allows you to collect Disney-themed pins of attractions, characters, and parks! Be sure to read more about this activity in our guide to pin trading at Disneyland .

50. Be sure to leave room for spontaneity. While it is tempting to try to plan your Disneyland trip down to the minute, keep an open mind in case something unexpected pops up. If you're walking towards a ride and become captivated by the parade, you can always find a viewing spot out of the way of foot traffic and enjoy the show for a few minutes. Don't let your plan get in the way of what your interests might be in the moment!

Plan your Disneyland Vacation Today

To get started planning your Disney vacation, make sure you subscribe to our FREE Deals newsletter . Here, you will receive helpful information to plan your trip, including exclusive Disney deals, breaking Disney news, reviews of the best hotels, restaurants, and Disney experiences, and access to the lowest priced Disney tickets anywhere. Make sure to check out our other planning guides here:

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About Emily Midgley

Emily Midgley is a writer from San Diego, California. She was introduced to Disneyland when she was two and has been in love with all things Disney ever since! At Mickey Visit, she will keep you updated with the latest news from the Disney Parks and provide helpful planning content for your vacation. Her favorite rides at Disneyland are Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, Space Mountain, and Rise of the Resistance. She loves Marvel (especially Guardians of the Galaxy) and lives and breathes anything to do with Star Wars.

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19 Seriously Amazing Disneyland Hacks to Make Your Trip Even More Magical

101+ Magical Disneyland Tips, Secrets and Hacks

Disclosure: This Disneyland tips page contains affiliate links. Read full Disclosure Policy .

This is the largest collection of Disneyland tips on the planet.

The best part?

All of our Disneyland advice, tips, and tricks will help you save time, save money , or make your Disney experience even more magical.

So, if you want your Disneyland vacation to be as magical as possible, use these Disney tips to help in planning your visit to the Disneyland Resort.

Before You Go
The First Day
Free and Cheap Items at Disneyland
Disneyland Transportation
Food and Dining
Photography
Character Greetings
Special Activities
Disney Pin Trading
Downtown Disney
Before You Leave

BEFORE YOU GO

1) decide on 1-park-per-day vs. park hopper.

1-Park per Day Disneyland tickets allow you to visit one of the two Disneyland Resort Parks in a single day. Whichever park you start in for the day is the only one you can visit for the day.

Park Hopper tickets allow you to go between the two Disneyland Parks on the same day. You can “hop” between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park as many times as you’d like.

2) Download the Disneyland App

Before you leave on vacation, download the free, official Disneyland app and create a Disney account.

This is your digital portal to Disneyland before you even step foot in the Resort. It includes interactive maps of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, ride wait time estimates, restaurant menus, and mobile ordering, MaxPass access and so much more.

You can use the app to get familiar with the layout of the parks, see menu pricing to help you budget for meals in the park, and see what rides and attractions are currently operating. It’s one of the most useful tools to have for your Disneyland vacation.

3) Reserve Your Character Dining

You can reserve Character Dining up to 60 days before your vacation, beginning at 7am PST, online or over the phone. Character Dining is available in the Disneyland Resort hotels as well as in Disneyland Park, and they sell out fast.

It’s a great way to meet Disney Characters in one convenient place and enjoy a delicious breakfast before experiencing the parks.

Disneyland Character Dining includes the following options:

Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park
Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures
Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast
Breakfast and Dinner at Goofy’s Kitchen
Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Breakfast Buffet

4) Check the Weather

Southern California is known for temperate, sunny weather.

However, if rain is in the forecast, you’ll want to pack ponchos and water-proof footwear for your vacation. It’ll save you money compared to purchasing rain gear in the parks.

5) Purchase Disney Gift Cards at a Discount

Using Disney gift cards at the parks instead of cash can help you save money in the following ways:

Purchasing Disney gift cards in advance can help you set a budget since you can use them to purchase souvenirs or food in the Parks.
Also, if you purchase Disney gift cards at big box stores like Target or Kroger, you can often get them at a discount (like 5% off face value).
Purchase a gift card using your credit card will earn rewards such as cash back, travel or credit towards future purchases.

6) Purchase Discount Tickets from Get Away Today

Speaking of discounts, you’ll always save on Disneyland tickets when you purchase in advance from Get Away Today.

You’ll be emailed electronic ticket vouchers that you can take straight to the Disneyland Resort turnstiles at either park. No need to wait in ticket booth lines!

Or, if you plan on being at the parks for an extended period of time, you can try Get Away Today ‘s Length of Stay option. They offer discounted Disneyland tickets for 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, and 5-day lengths of stay.

You can purchase 1-day tickets directly from Disneyland, but they are always full-price. The 3-day Park Hopper is the most popular discount ticket sold by Get Away Today, but look for Extra Day Free offers such as 5-day tickets for the price of just 4 days.

If you don’t know the exact dates you’re traveling, just give Get Away Today an estimated travel window and you can book your tickets.

7) Kids Under 3 are Free

Did you know kids under three get into Disneyland free? No need to purchase a ticket for them!

8) Charge Your Portable Battery

Before you head to Disneyland, be sure your portable charger is fueled up.

You’ll be using your phone a lot in the Parks, especially if you’ve downloaded the Disneyland app. The last thing you want is for it to die halfway through your day.

No portable charger? This is our favorite .

9) Plan Your Transportation from the Airport

You can book transportation from the airport to your hotel with Get Away Today before you leave on your vacation.

Get Away Today has access to discount Karmel Shuttle tickets so you can conveniently get from the airport to your hotel near Disneyland.

Other transportation options include Uber and Lyft , so be sure to compare and see what works best for your travel party, and what fits your budget.

10) Plan Your Theme Park Transportation

If you’re not staying at a hotel within walking distance of the Disneyland Resort, you can save on ART Shuttle service when you book in advance with Get Away Today. ART picks up in front of many hotels in Anaheim and will drop guests off in front of the security gates at the Disneyland Resort.

Again, Uber and Lyft are options here as well.

11) Schedule a Grocery Pickup or Delivery

If you’re staying at a suite with a kitchen, you can arrange for grocery delivery or pickup at select hotels. It’s a convenient way to save money while on vacation, and help you prepare meals in your hotel with ease. Check with your hotel to see what is available, as many offer complimentary grocery services.

Also, if you like to pick up your groceries at Walmart, there are 3 within close driving distance of Disneyland Park.

12) Rent a Stroller

If you’re not bringing your own stroller to the Disneyland Resort, you have a number of options when it comes to renting one.

You can rent a single stroller for $15/day, or a double for $35/day from Disneyland.

There are also outside vendors such as City Stroller Rentals , Travel Baby Company , and One Stop Mobility .

Some companies will deliver your stroller right to your hotel, so ask about that option when booking your rental.

All strollers must follow Disneyland’s guidelines and be no wider than 31 inches, and no longer than 52 inches.

13) Pack Souvenirs

Save money on your Disneyland vacation by purchasing souvenirs in advance and packing them into the Parks with you.

14) Pack a Sheet or Blanket

If you’re planning to enjoy parades at the Disneyland Resort, pack a sheet.

You can reserve your viewing spot by laying out a sheet, and when you’re done it’s easy to fold up and tuck in your day pack or in the bottom of your stroller.

15) Fall in Love with a Fanny Pack

Fanny packs are in vogue now and they’re highly functional for a trip to the parks.

Some of the reasons I love them:

They comply with the bag size limit at Disneyland
It’s a great place to keep your items (like phone) while on a ride
Never worry about losing your stuff when you set it down on a ride…it’s right there on you!
Quick access to credit cards, FastPass, etc
Keeps your stuff dry on Splash Mountain
When you get a Disney-themed pack, you’re dressing in Disney Style !

Here’s our list of our favorite Disney-themed fanny packs right now.

16) Check the Event Schedule Before You Go

Will you be in the Parks during a special celebration or holiday?

If so, be sure to factor special showtimes or parade routes into your planning.

You can use Disney’s website or the Disneyland app to see up-to-date schedules for events, including fireworks, World of Color, and more.

17) Check for Ride Closures & Refurbishments

Disney is continually improving the parks, so be sure you know which rides or attractions may be closed during your vacation.

18) Find Your Perfect Hotel

The dizzying number of options to consider when booking a hotel for your Disneyland vacation is sure to make anyone’s head spin.

To make your job a little bit easier, here are a few suggestions to help you find the right one:

You can book discount rates at hotels near Disneyland as a Get Away Today guest.
Select hotels include perks for booking with Get Away Today, including complimentary breakfast, Extra Night Free specials, free parking, free wi-fi, or theme park transportation at a discount (or free!).
Paradise Pier Hotel offers a casual, 1920s beach theme and is within walking distance of the parks.
During each day of your stay here, you’ll have early admission to either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park. When it comes to early admission, always be sure to check Disneyland’s official calendar to see which park you can get into each day.
This hotel located inside Disney California Adventure Park, and it has a craftsman, woodsy theme.
It has two separate, private entrances to the Resort, including one near Grizzly Peak in California Adventure and one to Downtown Disney.
Each day of your stay at the Grand Californian offers early admission to either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park. Always check the Disneyland calendar to see what park you can get into early for each day.
The Disneyland Hotel features a retro, Disney theme and is within walking distance of the parks.
On each day of your stay here, you’ll have early admission to either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park.
Again, refer to the official Disneyland calendar to see which park you can get into early each day.

19) Book a Hotel in Advance

You’re never penalized for booking early with Get Away Today , so be sure you’ve locked in your hotel before you head on vacation.

If additional discounts come up after you book with Get Away Today, they can apply the savings to your vacation.

20) Use the Layaway Plan

Get Away Today offers an interest-free Layaway Plan to make your next Disney vacation more affordable than ever.

For as low as $175 down you can book your discount Disneyland tickets and your hotel. You can make flexible payments up until seven days before you travel.

21) Ask About Extra Beds

When you arrive at your hotel, inquire about rollaway beds or cribs at the front desk.

Some hotels offer extra beds or cribs at no additional cost, while others require a small fee. You can find out beforehand when you book.

22) Leave Luggage with the Front Desk

If you arrive at your hotel before check-in, you can leave your luggage with the front desk and head to Downtown Disney or the parks.

The same goes for when you check out; if you need the hotel to hold your luggage until your flight they’re almost always willing to do so.

23) Relax at the Hotel Pool

Allow for some downtime at your hotel pool during your Disneyland vacation.

It’s a great way to recharge mid-day, or on a day you’re not heading to the Parks at all. Take advantage of the warm weather and relax!

THE FIRST DAY

24) link disneyland resort tickets to the disneyland app.

When you enter the Resort and get your paper tickets, open the Disneyland app and scan the barcode into your account.

This will link your ticket to the app so you can easily access MaxPass, PhotoPass, and more.

25) Get to the Disneyland Resort Early

Depending on when you travel to the Disneyland Resort, you’ll want to get to the security check-in early.

If the parks open at 8am, consider getting in line at 7:30am.

This may help you get into the actual park as early as possible so you can ride the most popular rides with shorter lines and maximize your day.

26) Only Pack the Essentials

By packing only things that are absolutely necessary you save yourself not only the effort of carrying everything around with you or renting a locker, but it also allows you to get past security quickly at the park gates.

27) Have a Plan

I cannot stress how important this tip is.

Some people get to the parks before opening and waste precious time once they’re inside the park trying to decide which rides to go to in which order.

You do not want to miss out on the best time to ride the newest and most popular rides.

Take the time to formulate a plan with those you are with to maximize the smaller crowds and shorter lines.

28) Magic Mornings

Speaking of getting to the Parks early… All 3-day or longer tickets purchased with Get Away Today include one Magic Morning.

This is early admission into Disneyland Park one hour before it opens to the general public. The days alternate, so be sure to check the Disney website to confirm.

Typically, Magic Morning early admission to Disneyland Park is on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

29) Extra Magic Hour

Guests of the Disneyland Resort Hotels have early park admission each day of their vacation (with valid theme park admission).

This means you can get into Disneyland Park early on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and Disney California Adventure Park early on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

It’s a great way to get a jump on the day, and the only way to get in California Adventure Park before the general public.

30) Pick Up Breakfast Vouchers

Many hotels offer Get Away Today guests complimentary breakfast.

Some hotels have vouchers to give to you when you check in to use as admission to the restaurant.

Be sure you get those for everyone in your party if your hotel includes breakfast.

31) Pick up ART Shuttle Tickets

If you book your ART tickets in advance with Get Away Today, you can pick them up from the hotel’s front desk when you arrive.

32) Pick Up Stroller

Depending on which company you use, you may be able to pick up your stroller from the hotel’s front desk on your first day.

If you’re renting a stroller from the Disneyland Resort, you can pick up your reservation outside the ticket turnstiles of either park.

33) Pick Up a Get A way Today Lanyard

When you book a Disneyland vacation package with Get Away Today, you can pick up a complimentary lanyard at your hotel.

Get Away Today will send you a voucher to redeem at your hotel, and you’ll love having a lanyard to hold your theme park tickets and hotel key during your vacation.

34) FastPass

FastPass is a free Disneyland service that allows guests to skip the traditional standby line for select attractions.

Using your Disneyland ticket, you can head to kiosks around the Parks to request a return time to ride. They’re issued on a first-come, first-serve basis, but FastPass is a great way to experience more attractions during your vacation.

FastPass attractions include the following:

Disneyland Park

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Haunted Mansion
Haunted Mansion Holiday
Indiana Jones™ Adventure
“it’s a small world”
“it’s a small world” Holiday
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Disney California Adventure Park

Goofy’s Sky School
Grizzly River Run
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark
Incredicoaster
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
Radiator Springs Racers
Soarin’ Around the World
Toy Story Midway Mania!
World of Color

35) MaxPass

MaxPass is the electronic version of FastPass, and is an optional upgrade to your Disneyland ticket.

You can purchase in advance for each day of your vacation with Get Away Today, or purchase on a day-by-day basis once you’re in the Resort.

MaxPass allows you to make FastPass requests from your mobile device, using the Disneyland app. You can be in either Park to make selections, which saves you a lot of time!

Also, the MaxPass upgrade includes unlimited PhotoPass downloads.

36) Hidden Mickeys

Did you know Disney Imagineers have incorporated hidden Mickeys throughout the parks?

Look for images of Mickey’s silhouette in queues, on rides themselves, in store signage, and elsewhere in the parks. There are apps you can download for hints, or you can just wing it.

37) Know Where the First Aid Centers are Located

There are First Aid Centers in both parks.

If you need a bandaid, a Tylenol or to check in with a registered nurse, stop by the First Aid Center at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland or on Buena Vista Street next to the Chamber of Commerce in Disney California Adventure Park.

38) Baby Care Centers

If you’re looking for a quiet place to feed a young child, purchase additional baby supplies, or use a toddler-sized toilet, head to a Baby Care Center.

In Disneyland Park it’s located near the First Aid Center on Main Street, U.S.A. In Disney California Adventure Park, the Baby Care Center is located across from The Bakery Tour in Pacific Wharf.

39) Resort Balloon Refund

If you purchase a balloon in the Disneyland Resort, keep your receipt! If the balloon happens to pop, take what’s left of it to a Cast Member with your receipt and they’ll provide you with a new one.

40) Play Disney Parks App

Download the free Play Disney Parks app so you can interact with the Resort.

Select ride queues feature magical touches that you can activate with the app.

When you visit the planet of Batuu and explore Star Wars : Galaxy’s Edge, you can use the app to translate foreign languages, hack into droids, and earn virtual credits.

41) Decoder for Indiana Jones Adventure

Ask a Cast Member for a decoder when you get in line for Indiana Jones Adventure.

Use it to read the hieroglyphics in the queue, and keep it as a souvenir when you’re done.

42) Rent a Locker

You can rent lockers in various sizes for your day in the Resort. Store food, camera equipment, extra clothes, and more by the day for a small fee.

In Disneyland, the lockers are located on Main Street, U.S.A. In Disney California Adventure Park, the lockers can be found on Buena Vista Street.

43) Boarding Group for Star Wars : Rise of the Resistance

For the initial opening of this new ride in Galaxy’s Edge, no-cost Boarding Groups are required.

Enter the parks right at open and use the Disneyland app to request to join a Group. You’ll be issued a number, and will receive notifications via the app regarding your place in the virtual queue.

When your Boarding Group is “called,” you have two hours to arrive at Rise of the Resistance to experience the ride. Having a Boarding Pass does not guarantee that you’ll be able to ride the attraction that day.

44) Rider Switch

This feature is especially helpful for guests traveling with children who don’t meet height requirements for some rides.

Instead of having someone sit out with the small kids and then wait in line all over again for their turn, Rider Switch allows the parent/guardian to take turns.

This free system is also known as “child swap.”

Take your party to the line for the ride and let a Cast Member know you have someone who will be staying behind with a young child.

Those who are tall enough will head to the experience while the adult staying behind is issued a Rider Switch ticket like a FastPass.

When your party is done with the ride, the adult who stayed behind will not have to wait in the regular line in order to experience the attraction.

45) Single Rider Line

This service at Disneyland allows you to split up guests ages 14 and older to ride select attractions as single riders.

This means you may not sit next to other members of your party, but you can often avoid the regular standby line and get on the ride sooner.

FREE AND CHEAP ITEMS AT DISNEYLAND

When you ride Jungle Cruise, ask the skipper for a free map to take home.

You can also grab a theme park map at the ticket turnstiles.

47) Celebration Buttons

For birthdays, anniversaries and more, you can pick up a free celebration button at the Disneyland Resort.

Wear it around and marvel at the kindness you’ll be shown by fellow guests and Cast Members.

48) Stickers

Some Cast Members carry around stickers that they can hand out to guests who ask.

49) Autopia License

After you zoom around the Autopia track, as a Cast Member for a free license.

For a small fee you can have your picture taken and “upgrade” your license.

50) Food Samples

Take the Bakery Tour in Disney California Adventure Park and get a sourdough bread sample at the end.

Head to Ghirardelli’s and request a sample chocolate as a sweet treat.

51) Pressed Pennies

For about 51 cents, you can get a penny pressed from a number of machines throughout the parks, each with personalized designs to reflect their location in the parks.

52) Silhouettes

For about $10, you can have a hand-drawn silhouette made by a Disney artist.

The Silhouette Studio is located on Main Street, U.S.A. Disneyland.

53) Keychains

These make great souvenirs for kids and adults alike.

Look for inexpensive options at the checkout counters of many shops through the Resort.

54) Disney Pins

You can purchase Disney Pins before your trip, and you can find some for $10 or less in the Resort.

Whether you’re collecting or trading, Disney Pins make a great inexpensive souvenir.

DISNEYLAND TRANSPORTATION

55) disneyland monorail.

The Disneyland Monorail has two stops.

With valid theme park admission you can hop on in Downtown Disney, or you can get on/off in Tomorrowland.

It’s less than three miles, and it takes about 13 minutes to go around the Resort.

56) Ride in the Front of the Monorail

While waiting for the monorail to come, ask a cast member if you can ride in the front with the driver.

You will be able to enjoy a view that not many people get to experience and the monorail driver might even have some special Disneyland insight to share with you.

57) Disneyland Railroad

Another mode of transportation is the Disneyland Railroad.

It’s perfect when you need to put your feet up!

You can get on at Main Street, U.S.A., New Orleans Square, Mickey’s Toontown, or Tomorrowland.

Enjoy this scenic ride around the Park, which includes some surprises!

58) Main Street, U.S.A. Vehicles

There’s no additional cost to grab a ride on a turn-of-the-century vehicle on Main Street.

Choose from the Horse-Drawn Street Car, a Jitney, the Fire Engine, and the Omnibus.

There’s one stop in front of Town Square near City Hall, and another at the Central Plaza in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

FOOD AND DINING

59) free ice water.

Bring your own refillable water bottle into Disneyland because you can get ice water refills for free from all restaurants in the Resort.

It’s such a convenient way to save money and stay hydrated during your vacation.

60) Kids Eat Free

Kids ages two and under eat free at all-you-care-to-eat restaurants, including Character Dining.

While they can’t load up their own personal plate, they can share off of someone else’s during the meal.

61) Mobile Ordering

Via the Disneyland app, you can use your phone to order and pay for food in advance.

Then you’ll head to the mobile order pickup window and skip the regular queue to get your order! It’s a great way to save time in Disneyland.

62) Sip and Savor Pass

If you’re in the Disneyland Resort during the Food & Wine Festival or the Holidays, you have the option to purchase a Sip and Savor Pass.

For about $56, these passes include eight removable tabs that can be redeemed for any menu item at participating kiosks and restaurants in Disney California Adventure Park.

63) Express Dining Options

Save money and time by ordering from the Express option of select restaurants.

Many menus are nearly identical, but the pricing is different and you won’t wait in the regular queue.

64) Split Entrees

When dining in the Resort, save money by sharing entrees.

Many choices are large enough to at least feed one adult and one child, if not two adults.

65) Bring Your Own Snacks

You are welcome to bring your own food and drink into the Disneyland Resort.

You can pack in a cooler that is no bigger than a six-pack, and bring your favorite snacks and drinks with you.

66) Reservations

Many restaurants accept dining reservations up to 60 days in advance.

Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars : Galaxy’s Edge actually requi res reservations.

There is a two-drink maximum and 45-minute time limit for this cantina experience, and you can enjoy the musical stylings of DJ droid R-3X.

PHOTOGRAPHY

67) photopass photographers.

If you ask nicely, professional PhotoPass photographers throughout the Resort will happily take a photo for you with your own camera.

Additionally, you can purchase PhotoPass (or MaxPass for less!) to access photos taken by PhotoPass photographers.

Their photos are linked to your Disney account, which leads to our next Disneyland tip…

68) Screenshot Your PhotoPass Barcode

If you’re going to use PhotoPass, make the scannable QR code your phone’s screen saver and you’ll save time when a PhotoPass photographer takes your picture.

They’ll need to scan that code each time to link the photos to your account.

CHARACTER GREETINGS

69) locate disney characters.

If you’re not meeting Disney Characters at a meal, use the Disneyland app to find them in the Resort.

There’s an option to search by individual Park, and you’ll see an icon that shows the Character and his/her location.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

70) vip tour.

You can take a VIP Tour of Disneyland with “The Plaids,” giving you exclusive information and access to the park.

The cost is about $450-$600 per hour with a 10 person maximum and six-hour minimum.

71) Walk in Walt’s Footsteps Tour

Another optional tour at Disneyland is the “Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” experience.

Learn about Walt’s life and his lasting legacy, receive a collectible Disney Pin and lunch or dinner, depending on the time your tour concludes.

It costs about $100 per person, on top of valid theme park admission.

72) Power Walk for Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests

Guests of the three onsite Disneyland Resort Hotels can start the day with a brisk, two-mile power walk through Disney California Adventure Park.

The power walk is led by a guest activities Cast Member and it is no additional cost.

73) Build Your Own Lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop

For a unique experience at Disneyland, make reservations at Savi’s Workshop in Galaxy’s Edge.

You can make your own custom lightsaber starting at 199 credits (US dollars) and participate in an initiation ceremony led by The Gatherers.

74) Droid Depot

This outpost in Galaxy’s Edge invites guests to customize a remote control droid to take home.

Starting at 99 credits (US dollars) you can choose between R- and BB-series droids, pick colors and give your droid a personality chip.

75) Fantasmic!

Experience the wonder of Fantasia, live in Frontierland.

You’re along for the ride as Mickey dreams of being the Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

Look out for villains as you enjoy this dazzling light show that also includes projections, pyrotechnics, and music.

76) Mickey and the Magical Map

In Fantasyland you’ll find Mickey doing his best to fill in missing parts of a magical map.

See what comes to life and enjoy live performances inspired by The Jungle Book , Pocahontas , Mulan , and more.

77) Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Grab a Dole Whip outside the Tiki Room and then head inside for this enchanted show.

Animatronic birds and tiki totems and fountains dazzle guests in Adventureland.

Enjoy the AC and the macaws’ musical prowess.

78) Fireworks

Depending on the time of year, you can enjoy theme firework shows at the Disneyland Resort.

Some feature seasonal overlays while others are just to celebrate longer Park hours in the summer.

Check the Disney website or the Disneyland app for showing times.

79) World of Color

This nighttime spectacular in Disney California Adventure Park is a must-see!

Disney and Pixar stories are brought to life as projections on the water.

They’re accompanied by music, lights and pyrotechnics.

You can try to grab a viewing spot along the water, request a FastPass for priority seating, or register for dining packages that include reserved seating.

80) Frozen – LIVE at the Hyperion

Enjoy a Broadway-caliber production of Frozen at the Hyperion Theater in Disney California Adventure Park.

See a retelling of the beloved Disney film, live on stage.

This one-hour show caters to all ages and includes amazing special effects, music, and the use of marionette-style puppets.

81) Wait for the Later Performances

If you are traveling to the parks during the peak season, you might want to check to see if there will be more than one showing of popular performances such as Fantasmic! and World of Color.

The later showtimes usually involve fewer crowds and allow you to enjoy the rides and other parts of the parks for longer.

82) Animation Academy

Learn how to sketch a Disney Character with the help of a trained Disney artist.

After the 20 minute lesson, you’ll get to take home your drawing as a souvenir.

83) Mickey’s PhilharMagic

The Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land is home to this 4D show featuring Donald Duck.

He gets ahold of Mickey’s apprentice hat and conductor’s wand and stirs up some mischief!

Enjoy scenes and music from Disney films including Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and Peter Pan .

84) Disney Junior Dance Party!

Head to Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure Park to participate in this kid-friendly dance party.

Join Disney Junior stars including Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Mickey, and Minnie and dance along to some of your favorite Disney tunes.

85) “Sh-Boom” Lighting in Radiator Springs

When the sun sets, you can stroll Route 66 through Radiator Springs and watch the neon lights glow.

The informal street lighting is accompanied by the song “Sh-Boom” playing over the land’s speakers.

86) “Art of the Craft Tour” Beginning at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Learn about the influence of the craftsman movement in California on a guided tour.

Make a reservation for this one-hour tour at the front desk inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel.

87) Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Guests ages 3 – 12 can undergo a magical transformation at this boutique inside Disneyland.

Make advance reservations for Princess or Knight makeovers that include a variety of services such as hair styling, nail painting, and costumes.

88) Disneyland After Dark Events

Throughout the year, the Disneyland Resort offers After Dark events that include unique theming and about seven total hours in the designated park.

These are separately-ticketed events that typically allow you into the park three hours prior to start time.

Select rides and attractions are included, as well as photo opportunities, Character interactions, commemorative souvenirs, dining, fireworks, dance parties, and more.

Sweethearts’ Nite
Star Wars Nite
Villains Nite

89) Lunar New Year

Mid-January through mid-February, guests can celebrate Lunar New Year in Disney California Adventure Park.

Enjoy Asian-inspired food and drink, and catch Mulan’s processional through the park.

Look for unique experiences related to Lunar New Year, such as a wishing wall, crafts, and special Disney Character appearances.

90) Disney Food & Wine Festival

Typically March through April, you can taste your way through California Adventure Park during this festival.

Marketplace Kiosks open and offer limited-time menu items including signature drinks.

It’s a great way to enjoy cuisine inspired locally and globally.

The Disney Food & Wine Festival also includes celebrity chef demonstrations, seminars, Junior Chef experiences with Chef Goofy, and behind-the-scenes kitchen tours.

91) Halloween Time

Fall at the Disneyland Resort welcomes Halloween Time. It tends to begin mid-September and runs until October 31.

Temporary overlays can be found on select rides, and the entire Resort is decorated with family-friendly decor.

Enjoy themed menu items and meet your favorite Disney Characters in their Halloween costumes.

92) Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party

This separately-ticketed event is hosted in Disney California Adventure Park on select nights throughout Halloween Time.

It includes trick-or-treating, Villains Grove, a themed overlay for World of Color, and so much more.

93) Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

Early November through the beginning of January, you can celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort.

Look for festive decor, holiday-themed menu items and limited-time celebrations including parades.

Select rides feature overlays in honor of the Holidays, and you can even meet Santa in the resort.

DISNEY PIN TRADING

94) bring disney pins.

Bring your own Disney Pins to trade with other guests and Cast Members while in the resort.

Look for pin trading opportunities in your hotel lobby and with select shops.

Many have pin boards available at the customer service/checkout counters for convenient trading.

DOWNTOWN DISNEY

95) spend a “non-park” day in downtown disney.

No matter your length of stay tickets for Disneyland, it’s always fun to spend a non-Park day in Downtown Disney.

This dining, shopping, and entertainment district has a lot to offer, and you do not need valid theme park admission to enter.

You’ll find lots of dining experiences in Downtown Disney, including restaurants with Express options so you can save time and money.

Whether you’re looking for sit-down options or quick-service, you’ll find it here.

Some of our favorites include:

Asian Street Eats
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes
Ballast Point Brewing Co.
Earl of Sandwich
Napolini Pizzeria
Salt & Straw

97) Shopping

There’s a lot of fun shopping in Downtown Disney, including World of Disney , The LEGO Store, and Sephora.

If you’re staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel, you can inquire about having your purchases delivered to your hotel at no additional cost.

98) Activities

Downtown Disney hosts a number of live events, and you can also go bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes or experience virtual reality in The Void.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

99) get in line for one last ride.

While the lines for rides may close at a particular time, that doesn’t mean everyone who was waiting for a ride gets kicked out of the park.

Ride your favorite ride one final time after the park closes on the last day of your Disneyland Resort vacation.

100) Upgrade to an Annual Pass

Take your discount Disneyland tickets to any Main Entrance ticket booth during your vacation to upgrade to an Annual Pass.

Disneyland will take the full value of the ticket ( not the discount price you paid with Get Away Today ) and apply that to the cost of the Annual Pass.

You will then pay the difference, which varies depending on the type of Annual Pass.

101) Download PhotoPass Photos

They expire 45 days after the photo was taken, so downloading all PhotoPass photos before you leave is a great way to ensure you don’t forget.

102) Collect Merchandise

If you stayed on property at one of the three Disneyland Resort hotels, you may have had park merchandise delivered to the lobby for you.

Be sure to pick up any souvenirs from the designated area before you head home from your vacation.

Now you’re ready to vacation at the Disneyland Resort, armed with 101 tips, tricks, and advice.

When you’re ready to book, visit www.getawaytoday.com or call 855-GET-AWAY.

Let them know Picture the Magic sent you and you can save an additional $10 on a Southern California vacation package that includes theme park tickets and hotel. Use code PicturetheMagic .

Travel Hacking Basics to Save For Your Family’s Disney Vacation

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: November 9, 2016

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Family vacations can be expensive. Disney destinations in particular often get a bad rap for busting the family vacation budget. If you pay full freight for Walt Disney World or Disneyland trips, they can totally be budget killers. But I know you don’t want to do that, right? You want the secrets to save big.

Travel Hacking Disney - Cinderella Castle

As I’ve alluded to several times on the blog, I’m a bit of a closet travel hacker. I love using frequent flyer miles and points to enable my family to travel more and to travel at a much lower cost. Ever wanted to fly your family for free to Orlando? Or have your hotel near Disneyland totally paid for? Miles and points are the answer. Instead of saving pennies in your piggy bank for your next Disney vacation, start saving up points and learning how to use them.

Related : Top 5 Travel Rewards Cards for Family Travelers

A lot of people don’t get into the world of miles and points because they think it’s either a) too time-consuming or b) too risky. It certainly can be both. There are also ways, however, to implement simple and no-risk strategies to cut your vacation costs considerably. Of course, travel hacking usually involves applying for credit cards to earn bonus miles and points, so most of these strategies are NOT for people who have problems with credit card debt or who don’t pay balances in full each month. But if you are on solid financial footing, there’s simply no reason you should leave these major travel savings on the table.

Flying to Disney World Hollywood Studios Entrance

Interested in hacking your next Walt Disney World or Disneyland vacation? Here are 5 easy and basic tips to get you started saving on at least one or more aspects of your Disney trips.

Trips With Tykes uses affiliate links. We may receive compensation when you click on links featured in this post. See our full disclosure policy here .

Top 5 Travel Hacking Disney Tips

1. pick a hotel program, any hotel program.

Well, don’t just pick any hotel program. Pick a program that has participating hotels near Disney destinations that make sense for your family.

The most obvious program that travelers headed to Walt Disney World pick is Starwood’s Preferred Guest program (SPG). Both the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin are Starwood hotels, and these hotels have the additional bonus of having a few of the benefits of on-property stays (like early Fastpass+ booking). The Dolphin is an SPG Category 4 hotel which costs 10,000 points per night. With SPG’s 5th night free, 5 nights in the Dolphin only cost 40,000 SPG points. The Category 5 Swan is a bit more, requiring 12,000-16,000 points a night.

Travel Hacking Disney - Swan and Dolphin SPG Points

How do you easily get these SPG points? The Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express regularly offers 25,000 bonus points for getting the card and spending $3000 in the first 3 months (annual fee waived for first year then $95 thereafter). For a few weeks every year, American Express usually bumps the bonus up to 30,000 points. Even if you can’t hold out for that extra bonus, a husband and wife team can conceivably get one card each at the normal bonus rates and pool those points for more than enough for a 5 night vacation.

Now that Starwood is a Marriott partner, there are even more ways to leverage your points if you also participate in Marriott Rewards. Marriott points transfer 3:1 to SPG points. While this isn’t always a good “value,” it could make sense if you have an overload of Marriott points and just need to top off your SPG account.

Even though the travel hacking blogs cover SPG and nothing else when it comes to hacking Disney, suffice it to say that you can use a lot of different kinds of hotel points at Disney destinations. Orlando and Anaheim have dozens of chain hotels in nearly every hotel loyalty program – Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, etc. Some of these hotel redemptions are a really bad value compared to their cash prices (for example, the Fairfield Inn across from Disneyland is shockingly a category 7 property that requires 35,000 points per night but often can be booked for just $130 a night). The bottom line: just do a little math before throwing all your hard earned points at something that can be booked on the cheap anyway.

2. Learn to LUV Southwest

Travel Hacking Disney - Southwest Airlines

Want to keep your air travel to Disney destinations simple but still get it for next to nothing? Learn to LUV Southwest Airlines. Southwest is a major airline player at MCO, so chances are good that many families visiting Walt Disney World can fly from an airport back home on Southwest into MCO. Similarly, Southwest also heavily serves John Wayne Airport (SNA), the closest airport to Disneyland. (Don’t miss my guide to flying Southwest with kids before your trip either!)

Southwest is undoubtedly the easiest airline program on which to redeem points for free travel, which is why I really recommend the airline to casual travelers. There’s no crazy award seat availability searches to navigate like on United, American, or Delta. If there is a seat on Southwest open on a flight, you can book it with your miles. Easy peasy.

So how do you get the airline miles in the first place so you can redeem them for free flights? There are so, so many ways to easily acquire Southwest points. Chase offers two Southwest credit cards – the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card ($69 annual fee) and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card ($99 annual fee). Both regularly offer 40,000 point signup bonuses for spending $1000 on the card in the first 3 months. (Sometimes 50,000-60,000 point offers are available if you have a friend who can directly refer you for the card or when Chase increases the public offer.) <a href=”http://o1.qnsr.com/cgi/r?;n=203;c=1620003/485404/223057;s=7273;x=2304;f=201609271628540;u=j;z=TIMESTAMP” target=”_blank”><img border=”0″ width=”300″ height=”250″ src=”http://o1.qnsr.com/cgi/x?;n=203;c=1620003/485404/223057;s=7273;x=2304;u=j;z=TIMESTAMP” alt=”Click here”></a>

Want even more ways to earn Southwest points? Chase Ultimate Rewards is a transfer partner to Southwest, so any card that earns Chase UR points should be on your radar – the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Chase Sapphire Reserve cards being the most popular at the moment. What I love about Ultimate Rewards points is the flexibility. I can easily convert them to Southwest points in seconds if I need them for a Southwest flight, but I also use them for a number of other purposes.

3. Get Some Discounted Disney Gift Cards

While you can save on the hotels and flights using traditional travel hacking tools, saving on things like food, souvenirs, or park tickets is a bit more challenging. The best way to do this is by paying for these items with Disney gift cards that you acquire at a discount.

Some people do some pretty elaborate things to get significant discounts on gift cards, but there are some super-easy ways to shave a few percentage points off the costs of these extras on a Disney vacation. Some of my simple favorites include:

Purchasing Disney gift cards at Target : If you have the Target Red Card, you get an automatic 5% savings on Disney gift card purchases at the time you purchase them at the register. No brainer.
Purchasing Disney gift cards at warehouse clubs like Sam’s and Costco: Warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club and Costco often have packs of Disney gift cards available at a small discount – often about 4%. But if you have the Chase Freedom Credit Card like I do, there’s an easy way to stack savings. The Chase Freedom has rotating quarterly bonus categories that earn cash back savings of 5%. For Q4 of 2016, warehouse clubs are one of those categories. You can bet I’ll be headed to my local warehouse club to stock up before year’s end.

Travel Hacking Disney - Wholesale Clubs Discount Chase Freedom Card

See all the updated tips and savings methods in my complete guide to Disney gift card discounts .

4. Consider a Disney Credit Card – But Use it Wisely

Many frequent Disney visitors get one of the Disney credit cards from Chase (the Disney Premier Visa Card or the Disney Visa Card), thinking it will save them big on a Disney vacation. For folks not in the travel hacking world, one of these seems like an obvious travel credit card to get. Here’s the bottom line about whether these cards are “worth it.” The cards are great to have and use for perks and discounts but they aren’t a great value for earning rewards or even for the usual signup bonuses. If you want to earn money for a Disney vacation, you get more flexibility from a cash back card. You can get one of these cards with my blessing, but only use it for the perks and don’t put regular non-Disney spending on it.

5. Buy Discount Tickets

Get Away Today Disneyland Discount Vacation Packages

Don’t have time for keeping track of gift cards or new credit cards? That’s ok. Travel hacking really isn’t for everyone and even I tire of some of the smallest tasks it can require on occasion.

At the very least, you should still be getting your park tickets at a discount. I have a partnership with the largest seller of Disneyland vacations, Get Away Today , where you can buy any multi-day tickets or Disneyland vacation packages at a discount. Use promo code TYKES10 for an extra $10 off all package stays of 2 nights or more. These are the same tickets with all of the same privileges and access that you can get at the Disney gates. There’s just no reason to pay full price so grab these savings at the very least!

Travel Hacking Disney: Learn how to use frequent flyer miles and points to save big on your family's next Walt Disney World or Disneyland vacation. Even if you don't have a lot of time, implementing these basics can save your family travel budget on airfare, hotels, and even food and souvenirs.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail Red | Saving Money for Disney Loop:

1st Stop – Saving Up for Disney | How Kids Can Save Money for Disney (+ Disney DIY Tutorial!)
2nd Stop – Love Our Crazy Life | Creative Ways to Make Extra Money for Disney Vacations
3rd Stop – Trips with Tykes | Travel Hacking Basics to Save For Your Family’s Disney Vacation – YOU ARE HERE
4th Stop – Disney in Your Day | Perks to Using a Disney Visa
5th Stop – Disney Nouns | Selling Your Way to Disney

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Magical Blogorail: Saving Money for Disney ~ Cool Nouns

Monday 23rd of January 2017

[…] 3rd Stop – Trips with Tykes | Travel Hacking Basics to Save For Your Family’s Disney Vacation […]

Julie Bigboy

Friday 11th of November 2016

Love these travel hacks! And they sound easy, which makes them great for everyone, pinned for later!

Becky @ Disney in your Day

Thursday 10th of November 2016

I love Southwest! Not only can I use my reward points, they have no change fees. That means I can book a flight and then if the price goes down for that same flight (or a different time on the same day if I'm flexible) I can book the cheaper one and get a credit of the difference for my next flight!

Saving Money for Disney

[…] Travel Hacking Basics to Save For Your Family’s Disney Vacation with Trips with Tykes […]

disneynouns

Wednesday 9th of November 2016

We are just starting to look for discounted park tickets and buying them early. Good tips!

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37 disneyland hacks for your best vacation yet.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclaimer .

We recently returned from a week at Disneyland and we had an amazing time! Since Disneyland is like it’s own small world, it can be overwhelming for the first time traveler (or even on your second or third trip!) Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make a huge difference in how well you trip goes. Today I’m sharing all my top Disneyland tips and hacks to help you plan your best vacation yet.

37 smart Disneyland hacks so you can plan your best trip yet! Disney tips and tricks.

Related: What is the best age to take kids to Disney?

The BEST Disneyland Hacks

1. Use crowd calendars to plan your trip. While you can still have a good time when Disneyland is crowded, it’s so much nicer to visit during off-peak times when possible. Use crowd calendars from isitpacked.com and rmhtravel.com to find the best days to go and find out about events that might make the park more crowded than usual.

2. Avoid weekends whenever possible , especially holiday weekends, and other holidays. Think Christmas Day would be a fun time to visit the park? So does everyone else in the world. Don’t do it.

3. Go to the opposite park on Magic Morning entry days. Anyone who buys a 3-day hopper gets to enter Disneyland park 1 hour before the posted opening time on either Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, while those who stay at one of the Disneyland hotels get an early entry to California Adventures on either Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. This sounds great – an extra hour before the crowds hit, but unless you are going to get to the park and stand in line an hour before your early entry time, your best bet is simply to go the the other park on those mornings for fewer crowds (so head straight to Disneyland on MWF, and start at CA on TThS).

4. Stay close enough to walk to the park if possible. Parking at Disneyland seems like it will save you time and energy, but it can be a huge hassle, especially when it’s busy (plus it costs $20). We stayed at a hotel that was exactly three quarters of a mile from Disney’s front gates and it took us less than 15 minutes to walk there each morning. One day we decided to drive and waiting to park then waiting for the tram to the front gates took over an hour. There are plenty of hotels along Harbor Blvd in the same block as Disneyland which offer easy walking access (anything which says it is within half a mile of the park entry is doable for walking!).

5. If you can’t walk, look into the ART shuttle. This shuttle, provided by the city of Anaheim , picks up near most of the Disney area hotels and drops off near the entry gates. Depending on how many people are in your family, it may even be cheaper than parking and will usually be faster. Tickets are sold at most area hotels. Just remember you’ll have to fold your stroller to board it.

6. Get to the park early . You’re on vacation, so you want to sleep in. I get it. Everyone else wants to sleep in too, which means that before 10 o’clock is THE BEST time to be at the park. Try to get to the park up to an hour before it opens to be one of the first in line to enter. If you’re willing to get up early, you may be able to ride more rides in the first few hours than you can in the rest of the day combined. It feels like more fun to stay up late and be at the park in the evening, but it is absolutely worth going to bed and getting up early whenever possible.

7. Download the Disneyland app to keep track of wait times. The Disneyland app has a map that will help you get around, as well as telling you the current wait times for all the rides AND which rides have closed temporarily (on our visit, each day a couple of rides closed for an hour or two due to wet weather or other maintenance issues). This can be hugely helpful in preventing you from wasting time walking all the way across the park to a ride that is closed or has a line longer than you want to wait in.

8. Use fast passes. Fast passes are the bomb. They let you skip the lines for popular rides so you only have to wait 10-15 minutes for them instead of 2 hours. You get fast passes by going to the ride and inserting each of your party’s tickets into a fast pass machine. Your fast pass will give you a one hour return window when you can come back and skip the line (and you need to come during that hour). Some rides, like Hyper Space Mountain at Disney and Radiator Springs Racers in CA regularly have 2 hours wait times, so fast passes are definitely the way to go.

***Disneyland has a new optional system for Fast Passes called the MAXPass. Read all about MaxPass here so you can decide whether it’s worth your money to purchase!!***

9. Look for fast passes that have return times soonest and get those first (you can check this on the Disneyland app). One thing to know about fast passes is that you can’t get a bunch all at once. Generally, once you have a fast pass you can’t get another one until the return time on your pass. So if it’s 9 am and you get a fast pass to Hyper Space Mountain which have a return time until doesn’t start until 10:30, you won’t be able to get another fast pass until 10:30. So if the fast pass return at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is at 9:30, you should get that one first. Then at 9:30 you can ride Thunder Mountain and then get a fast past to Hyper Space Mountain (or something else).

10. Send a runner to get more fast passes as soon as you can. So if your Hyper Space Mountain pass starts at 10:30, send a runner from your party with everyone’s tickets to get your next fast passes before you actually go on Hyper Space Mountain (or if you have a runner willing to skip some rides, send him while everyone else is riding). ETA: If you purchase the MaxPass you won’t need to do this!

11. Remember that for very popular rides, fast passes will run out for the day. This can happen pretty early on when the park is very crowded. If it’s summertime and you really want to ride Radiator Springs Racers, you’d better get fast passes first thing in the morning.

12. If your fast pass return time is more than 2 hours away, you can get another fast pass in 2 hours. So if it’s 10 in the morning and your fast pass for Radiator Springs Racers says you can come back at 6:30 tonight, remember you can get another fast pass in 2 hours, at noon, and you don’t have to wait until 6:30 . It’ll say so right on the fast pass.

13. Use the single rider line. If everyone in your party is over 7 and you don’t mind splitting up for some rides, you can use the single rider line and get on certain rides much faster (or if only the teenagers want to ride something like California Screamin’). Check out this post for all the details.

A group of people posing for the camera wearing 3D glasses

14. Fantasyland and Tomorrowland are the busiest areas of the park, especially first thing in the morning, so at least one day head straight to Adventureland, Frontierland and Critter Country where it is much less crowded and wait times for rides are fairly short.

15. Bring dollar store ponchos to wear on wet rides like Splash Mountain and Grizzly River Run. Depending on where you sit on these rides, you can get quite wet, which means they will both have short lines early in the morning or anytime it’s not sunny and hot. Grab cheap ponchos from the dollar store to wear so you can stay dry and ride these rides when no one else wants to.

16. Order inexpensive rain jackets from Amazon if rain is forecast during your trip. Don’t skip Disney on rainy days – lines are usually super short! These are the rain jackets we ordered for teens/adults , and these are the ones we got for the kids . They are longer than ponchos, have actual sleeves so your arms don’t get soaked, and the hoods can cinch up so your head stays dry even if it’s windy. They cost the same as you’ll spend at Disney for a poncho but keep you much drier! Plus you can fold them up, bring them home, and use them over and over. Seriously, we had these on a very rainy day at Disney and people (including employees) were stopping me and asking where I’d gotten them. Order these and don’t try to navigate Disney with an umbrella. Just don’t.

$Cinderella\'s castle at Disneyland with many people$

17. Bring lots of snacks. Disney won’t let you bring in a full cooler packed with lunch, but they will let you bring in food, water, juice boxes, snacks, etc. We bring in a ton of snacks and have never had a problem. The more food you bring in, the less you’ll need to buy while you’re there.

18. Have kids wear fanny packs full of snacks. If kids each have their own fanny pack full of food, they can munch whenever they get hungry without always asking you for something to eat (because they’ll be hungry the minute you arrive at the park). A pack of apple slices or a granola bar can make a long wait in line much easier to deal with for little kids, and they’ll be able to wear the fanny packs on all the rides. Check out a huge list of easy to pack snack ideas here.

19. Try to delay eating lunch until 2 or 3, when lines for rides are starting to get long. If you eat lunch at noon with everyone else, lines for food will be long, but if you wait you’ll spend less time in line and more time on rides.

Teenage boy on a roller coaster at Disneyland

20. Bring a stroller if you have a baby or toddler. It’s not unusual to walk 5+ miles in one day at Disney, so having a stroller can be a lifesaver if you have a little one. Take a smaller model that handles well if possible ( we have one like this and it’s perfect). There is stroller parking outside nearly every ride where you can stash the stroller for hours if you’d like (theft from strollers is extremely rare at Disney, but don’t leave your wallet in it!). It may not be in the exact same place when you come back; cast members sometimes move strollers around to keep the area tidy. Don’t worry, it’ll be nearby.

21. Consider bringing a stroller even if you don’t have a baby or toddler. Our youngest is 6 and we still brought a lightweight stroller on our last trip. It’s a fantastic place to stash water bottles, snacks, sunblock, ponchos, etc., so none of us had to carry backpacks. Plus, our 6-year-old got worn out trying to keep up with her older brothers and really appreciated the occasional ride.

22. Bring a small crossbody purse or lanyard with card holder to keep cash, phone, and tickets handy. I used a bag like this one because I hate keeping my phone in my back pocket, especially when getting on and off rides, and I knew I’d need to keep our tickets handy since you use them anytime you want to pick up a fast pass.

23. Play games together while waiting in line. Much of your time at Disney will be spent waiting in line, which can get boring really fast, so be prepared with some simple games you can play with the kids. Great ones are: Would You Rather, Two Truths and a Lie, 20 Questions, and I Spy.

Boy laughing while standing at line to enter Disneyland

24. Get some apps for line time. Look for apps and games that your family can play together, instead of ones kids play on their own. Heads Up! is a fun game where the players all give clues to the person holding the phone to help her guess a list of words. Check out this list for other fun-to-play-in-line games.

25. Skip the parade and ride rides instead. If you’ve stayed late enough for the parade, consider skipping it because lines for rides will be shorter when everyone else is watching the parade!

26. Don’t try to leave the park during the parade. It’s extremely difficult to make your way down Main Street and out of Disneyland while the parade is running, and it’s also very busy right after the parade since many people are heading out then. So plan to leave before the parade starts or stay for a while after it finishes.

Girl posing with Disney characters, Alice and the Mad Hatter

27. Find out which rides will be closed for refurbishment while you’re there by checking the Disneyland calendar and clicking on each day you’ll be visiting. It’s pretty disappointing to be looking forward to your favorite ride only to find it’s closed for your entire trip. Find out in advance to avoid disappointment when you arrive.

28. Take a small first aid kit with you. You won’t want to waste time hunting down bandaids when one of your kids gets a blister on his heel, so gather a few items in a baggie or small container before you leave home: bandaids, headache medicine, Dramamine (if someone in your party gets motion sickness), and Tums or Pepto are all a good idea.

27. Bring a t-shirt and a Sharpie for character autographs. Getting signatures in an autograph book is fun, but kids may never even look at it once they get home from the park. Bring a Disney tee with you instead and get it autographed for a keepsake that will get used more often after the fact.

28. Find Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald and Daisy in the circle just after entering Disneyland. They will each have their own line for photos, so help your child decide which one he or she wants to see most (or plan to wait in a few lines).

29. Find other characters in their designated areas throughout the day – check the Disney app for where to find them.

A girl posing for a picture with Tinkerbell

30. Consider leaving your bulky camera at home and buying the Disney PhotoPass. It’s pretty slick – there are photographers all over the park and anytime you see one you can ask for a picture, which means you don’t have to worry about lugging your camera around AND you get to be in all the pictures with your family. You can download all the photos at the end of your trip for the cost of the Photo Pass (around $39 for a day and $79 for a week). This includes all the photos taken on the rides (hello screaming Splash Mountain photo) and even includes photos with “magical” effects added.

31. Make time for at least one visit to the Animation Academy in California Adventure. Every half hour a Disney animator holds a class that teaches you how to draw a different Disney character, and the classes are amazing! The animators walk you through easy steps so everyone, even young kids, will be able to draw a recognizable Olaf or Winnie the Poof, etc. This hidden gem was a favorite for kids of all ages in my family. It’s a great option when people are tired and lines for rides are long. A daily schedule is posted outside the art room so you can plan to come at a specific time to draw your favorite character if you’d like.

Boy drawing; boy showing his cartoon drawing of Tigger

32. When it’s hot and you need somewhere to cool off, go see the Path of the Jedi movie near Hyper Space Mountain. Honestly, the 12 minute movie is just a bunch of clips from the Star Wars movie put together, so it’s not that exciting, but the theater is the coolest place in the park! It’s nice to sit and rest on comfy chairs for a while, too.

33. If you buy something and it breaks right away or your kids’ Mickey balloon pops, head to City Hall with your receipt for a replacement. Disney is very good at customer service, just ask.

34. Head to one of the play areas when kids are tired of standing in line . The Redwood Challenge Trail in California Adventures is a huge playground that offers lots of things to climb, rope bridges to cross, and even ziplines. It’s the perfect place to spend an hour in the afternoon when lines are long for all the rides. Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island at Disneyland is also a very fun place to explore. Toontown has a smaller play area perfect for toddlers.

35. Don’t forget the shows! It’s easy to spend so much time racing from one ride to another that you miss the shows, which are very well done and will give everyone much needed time to sit and relax. California Adventures especially has a good selection of shows. Turtle Talk with Crush (from finding Nemo) is a very fun interactive show that little kids will love! And It’s Tough to be a Bug is also very fun and definitely worth a visit. Find the schedule for shows on the Disneyland app, or on a flier as you go through the turnstiles entering the park.

36. Find out if you can see the fireworks from your hotel. The fireworks are fun to watch, but they’re pretty late at night which means if you stay at the park to see them you likely won’t be getting to the park early the next day. But many hotels have roof decks that offer a great view of the fireworks, meaning you won’t have to fight the crowds to head home after watching.

37. Slow down. A day spent at Disneyland can start to feel a bit frantic, and it’s easy to get stressed out when dealing with crowds, lines, and kids who might be getting cranky. If it starts to feel overwhelming, take an hour to slow down. Find someplace to sit, get some food or a fun treat, and just watch what goes on. Disneyland does an amazing job with mini shows and music that travel down the main streets of both parks. If your hotel is very close, you may even want to head back to the hotel for naps in the middle of the day. It’s worth it to take some time out and get your energy (and patience) back so you can enjoy the rest of your day.

Ok, what are your best Disneyland tips? Tell us in the comments!

Boys with their arms up riding a roller coaster

For more Disneyland tips, check out these posts:

How to save money on food at Disney

How to beat the crowds at Disney

Disney Trip Fun Bags

What to bring to Disney in your backpack

What to expect during different seasons at Disney

Mickey Mouse carousel; boys riding a roller coaster

Meet Autumn

Hello there! I’m a busy mom of five who loves to make things. Crafts, recipes, sewing, holiday projects: I’ve tried them all, and you can too! I love EASY projects anyone can make.

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Disneyland Tips & Secret Hacks 2022

Planning a Disney vacation soon? Here’s a list of 27 Disneyland tips to make sure your trip goes smoothly—including brand new advice for 2020!

(Note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only link to products and services that I 100% believe in and either have used or would use myself.)

I recently traveled to Disneyland this past President’s Day weekend.

I took this trip with my partner, Joel, as a Valentine’s-Day-meets-early-anniversary-meets-three-day-weekend-meets-let’s-take-a-long-overdue-trip-somewhere (we had a lot to celebrate, okay).

Cocktail at Lamplight Lounge in California Adventure

A lot of “travelers” snub the idea of theme parks, particularly because they lack any significant cultural experiences for such a high price tag. Sure, we could’ve spent our hard-earned money on a trip to South Africa or Australia instead (both of which have incredible deals for the month of March, btw), but we were looking for something quick-and-dirty to fill the three day weekend without the need for a 20-hour international flight.

So Disneyland it was. We purchased a three-day pass at a discount (low season perks), rented a nice Airbnb, and let ourselves get swept away by corny songs and overpriced churros all weekend. And I loved every minute of it.

Planning a trip to Disneyland in 2020? Even though this was my fourth visit to the park, a lot has changed in the last few years. New rides, new foods, and of course, new hacks. If you’ve been away for a while, or if it’s your first time visiting, you’ll want to use the following Disneyland tips to maximize (AKA, wait less and spend less during) your Disney vacation.

Timing & Planning Your Disneyland Trip

1. O fficial Disneyland hotels are overpriced for the value they provide. Unless you’re only staying a day or two and really need that extra hour in the morning, I highly suggest Airbnb. We stayed in a beautiful apartment in Garden Grove for just $85 a night, three miles down the road from Disneyland. Never tried Airbnb? Get up to $55 off your first trip .

2. Plan your visit around the grand opening of Galaxy’s Edge. While an official grand opening date has yet to be announced (SoCal is sure to lose its marbles once that happens), rumors are suggesting early summer. This is one of (if not THE) most significant events in Disney history, and will be treated as such by park-goers.

In other words, you can expect unbearable crowds (yes, more so than usual) and two hour waits just to enter this section of the park. In fact, it’s very likely that the park will hit capacity on most days . Are you enough of a Disney and/or Star Wars fan to brave the chaos? Or will you be like me, and avoid all things Disney until 2021? Your call .

(Some lucky bastard at Gizmodo already got a sneak peak, which you can read more about here .

Newsies show parade at California Adventure

3. Post-holidays and pre-spring-break (so, January through March) is low season , although I use that term loosely since “low” still means 2.5 hour waits at Radiator Springs. That being said, keep in mind that low season for you also means low season for the park maintenance staff: expect a few major rides and shows to be closed. This past trip, the castle itself was closed to the public (and completely covered in scaffolding, see above), along with Fantasmic, World of Color, and Grizzly River Run.

4. If you didn’t know about the crowd calendar , now you do.

5. They no longer give out free Disneyland planning DVDs upon request. It’s 2020, nobody has a DVD player anymore, and all content has been moved online .

Time Management: FastPass & Magic Morning

6. Magic Morning doesn’t access all parts of the park. Make sure you’re planning that hour around rides that are actually available: Star Wars Tours and Space Mountain, to name a few. The Disneyland app can help with this.

7. Another Magic Morning tip: Most people assume that this is only available to Disney hotel guests, but multi-day (3+) pass holders have access as well.

8. Don’t spend your day in line! Plan your day around FastPass. And don’t just pick any big ride at random, take a look at the return times first (easier done with the mobile app). Since you can only have one FastPass at a time OR two hours after receiving one (whichever is soonest), it’s best to pick the rides with the soonest return window so that you can get your next one ASAP; however, the passes do run out, so if you’re hell-bent on riding Radiator Springs without a 3-hour wait (AKA all of us), then run (speed walk) there first thing in the morning.

9. Your FastPass ticket is a formality. Your spot is actually saved to your park ticket, which is what you scan when you return during your window.

10. Speaking of formalities—your paper ticket, on the other hand, is not one. While you can enter and exit the park each day with your e-ticket on your phone, you will need a paper ticket to get FastPasses.

And more importantly, if you’re visiting across multiple days, this ticket is NOT re-printed at the gate everyday (if you forget it at home, however, you can go to will call and have them print you another one—you’ll need your ID for this). Not that I know from experience or anything. 😬

11. Designate a FastPass runner. You only need your paper ticket to get a FastPass, so one person (thanks Joel!) can go and get passes for everyone while the rest of the group waits in line.

12. All Disneyland tickets have re-entry privileges . If and when the clock strikes 5 pm and the crowds become unbearable, hop on the Monorail and head to Downtown Disney for a drink. Grab an Italian at Earl of Sandwich, then make your way back to the park once you’re ready to brave the Disney chaos magic once more (This is one of my favorite Disneyland tips, as not everyone knows you can exit the park!).

Or, if you’re at California Adventure, just head straight to one of their many on-sight bars (hint: Lamplight Lounge for lobster nachos).

13. Do all your shopping after-hours: Main Street stays open an hour after the park officially closes.

Disneyland Tips for Rides

14. Use the mobile app and get good at game theory, AKA always be thinking one step ahead of the crowds. We planned almost all of our rides based off of wait times via the app—if something was close by and had a low wait time, we ran (ahem, sped-walk) over.

HOWEVER. Remember, nearly everyone else has access to the same information that you do, and if Space Mountain has a 10 minute wait and you’re over in Toon Town, you can expect the wait time to increase to an hour by the time you get there (or worse, when you’re already in line).

15. In most cases where the line splits for a ride, the right side is faster.

16. If you care about Peter Pan’s Flight at all (I mean, who doesn’t), get there first thing when the park opens. None of Fantasyland has FastPass and this ride is always (always) at least a 45-60 min queue (and that’s on a good day, during low season, when it’s flooding and/or the park is on fire).

17. There’s less of a wait for Splash Mountain in the morning, since no one really wants to get soaked before breakfast.

18. If you’re in line after the rides close, you still get to ride.

Disneyland Tips for Food

19. In the past, a classic tip to shorten your Dole Whip wait was to order from the Tiki Room waiting area side. Nowadays, the turnstile is gone, and the staff members no long prioritize serving you before the show starts. The real move in 2020 is to mobile order your dessert from the Disney app.

20. Plan meals ahead of time (like, really far ahead of time) if you care about dining at the on-site restaurants. You can book reservations online up to 60 days in advance—and during busy season, you should do exactly that. Some places also accept walk-ins, so if you couldn’t get the spot you wanted, check-in in the morning and ask if there were any cancellations for later in the day.

21. If you didn’t think far enough ahead to snag reservations at the Blue Bayou, you can get their famous Monte Cristo sandwich at Café Orleans instead. It’s cheaper, too.

22. If you plan on eating outside of the park, avoid Captain Kidd’s—it’s the lowest rated restaurant in Anaheim and known for food poisoning (and just terrible, overpriced meals in general).

More Disneyland Tips

23. Ever wonder why you’ve never seen a selfie-stick? They’re banned from the park (along with cremated remains , it appears).

24. Splash Mountain and Grizzly River Run give out free ziplock bags to keep your valuables in. There are also free lockers available.

25. Uber is an easy and cheap way to get around Anaheim. Yes, even to Disneyland. We stayed three miles away from the park and an Uber usually cost around $10-15 to get dropped off right at the gate. Never used Uber before? You can use the code P9292 to get $5 off your first ride!

The Incredicoaster at Disney's California Adventure

26. Main Street Cinema is a great place for a midday power-nap (speaking from experience). It’s dark inside and mostly empty, and there are a handful of benches to rest on.

27. Power move: If you want to end your Disneyland vacation on a high note, brave the wait times at Mr. BBQ over in Fullerton. Make sure to order plenty of beef belly and to tell them it’s your birthday. You won’t be disappointed, promise.

Inside Carthay Circle at California Adventure

Disneyland is hot, crowded, and at times, overwhelming—but done right, it can be a lot of fun. What are you favorite Disneyland tips for 2020? Comment below!

Looking for more theme park inspiration? Check out my post on Lotte World in South Korea !

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Maximize your Disney vacation with these 27 insider secrets and hacks for Disneyland. Including NEW tips for 2019!

Travel Hacking Tips for Doing Disney & Beyond on a Budget!

mount-hood-trillium-lake-sunset-Recovered copy

Contrary to common belief, traveling frequently does not require a six-figure salary, trust fund, or that you become a skilled jewel thief. We don’t have any of those things and aren’t skilled cat burglars ( yet), but we still travel extensively thanks to travel hacks.

As such, we thought we should share additional travel hacking tips and resources that are generally applicable to all destinations, and that we use to help save money when traveling. Whether you’re visiting Walt Disney World and Disneyland, or Paris and Tokyo (or Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland), hacking can be used to significantly cut costs or travel for free. In fact, smart use of credit cards is often what we use to make our trips happen!

We originally wrote this post a few years ago with the travel hacks we follow after receiving a lot of emails inquiring as to how we can afford to travel so much. Due to a spike in questions along those lines again, we’ve made some updates to this post and are now re-posting it. If you’d like to see anything here elaborated upon, drop us a line in the comments, as we will likely be doing more travel hacks posts in the future!

For now, this post will cover some of the highlights of each area where you can really save on travel, how to stretch your vacation dollar further, plus links to sites we read that delve deeper into the wonderful world of travel hacks.

Consider this post track hacks 101, your gateway to cheaper (and more frequent) vacations!

Depending upon the number of people for whom you’re paying, airfare can be the most expensive part of any trip. It’s typically not for us, not just because we’re a childless couple, but also because we know where and when to purchase airfare. The easiest, quickest way to free airfare is credit card sign-up bonuses. Over the last few years, we’ve leveraged sign-up bonuses with Southwest, United, and Delta to secure multiple free flights. In the case of Southwest, we were able to earn a companion pass for a year thanks to their credit card from Chase!

We know many people are credit card averse (seriously, though, if used properly, they are excellent tools!), so if you’re simply looking for the best prices out of pocket, there are a number ways to save. If you know your travel dates and have no flexibility as to when you travel, we recommend checking out ITA Software . Basically, it’s like a more robust and cleaner version of Kayak and other airfare search engines. There are a myriad of parameters you can set, and in our experience, ITA is the best way to find the lowest prices on airfare for set dates of travel.

One great thing about ITA Software is that it makes stopovers and open-jaw flights easier to find. We covered taking advantage of these airfare rules pretty extensively (as applied to Asia and Hawaii) in our 3 Disney Destinations on 1 Airfare post, but the rules there can be applied to any destination.

If you have some flexibility as to travel dates or your trip is far in the future, you should also use fare alerts on Airfarewatchdog.com . You can set some parameters for the alerts here (although not as many as I’d like) and receive email updates when flight prices drop. We are always looking for an excuse to head back to Japan, so we have alerts set for Los Angeles and San Francisco to Tokyo flights. I receive pretty much daily updates on this (those

Our travel dates are normally more flexible, and we largely travel based upon when there are deals. If this describes your travels, there are a variety of resources you should use. Again, my favorite is Airwarewatchdog. I receive a daily email from Airfarewatchdog with the lowest prices available for dozens of destinations. I quickly scan the email for bargains on destinations to which we might be interested in traveling, and occasionally, I find a steal.

We were able to book a flight to Denver earlier this fall for $140 RT, and we found flights that we booked to Washington, D.C. and Atlanta for $105 RT and $80 RT, respectively. We use these low prices to justify weekend trips (literally–Friday afternoon to Sunday night) to experience the highlights of particular cities and National Parks.

For airfare, we also read the FareCompare.com Deals Blog , Flyer Talk forums , Vayama.com , Bing’s Farecast , and BoardingArea.com .

For Priceline , users of that site post their recently accepted bids along with the hotel and dates booked so others use that information to formulate their own bids. For Hotwire , users post which hotels they were awarded, along with the price, region, dates, and amenities listed by Hotwire. Depending upon the hotel density in the given area, readers can use this information to game the Hotwire system and figure out which hotel they’re bidding on through Hotwire.

When we don’t have rewards for hotel stays, we primarily use Airbnb. We cover the basics of this in our Tips for Using Airbnb post. Not only is Airbnb significantly cheaper, but it provides more spacious accommodations and also allows you to live like a local, whether that means doing some laundry halfway through your trip or getting food to prepare you own meals. ( You can use my sign-up link for a free credit your first time using Airbnb!)

Looking for something even cheaper? Couchsurfer.com covers the free route and although we’ve never used it, we’ve heard great things.

Credit Cards

Credit cards aren’t a dedicated element of travel, but choosing the right credit cards for your travel and spending habits is absolutely essential. So essential that it can help you travel more frequently. Credit card bonuses and rewards have enabled us to take flights we otherwise wouldn’t have and to stay in some of the nicest hotels in the world (for free).

There has long been backlash against credit cards for their unsavory side, but savvy consumers should absolutely have multiple credit cards. To suggest otherwise is hogwash. Much like light sabers, credit cards can be a harmful pain-inflicting weapon or an awesome tool. Use them responsibly and they are an awesome tool.

First, and this is directed at a lot of people reading this site, the Disney Visa is not a good credit card for everyday use. Yes, it has some perks that can come in handy for Disney trips, but its rewards are paltry, which should be of far greater concern. So instead of this being your primary-use card, look at sites like NerdWallet.com to determine which credit card is right for you based upon your spending habits and perks-preferences.

When doing this, don’t shy away from credit cards with annual fees. Some credit cards have annual fees for a reason: they’re better. Do the math to determine whether you spend enough relative to the annual fee and the rewards of the next-best alternative to justify having an annual fee card. Sarah and I both use annual fee credit cards as our primary cards, and we’d hazard a guess that many other adults will find that annual fee cards suit them well, too.

Admittedly, with this last item, we’re getting into an area where I’m still learning my way. I’ve “always” sought new credit cards on the basis of what sign-up incentives they have coupled with annual fees and cashback rates, but always is in air quotes back there because I’ve only held a handful of credit cards in my life. I’ve followed the somewhat inaccurate advice that opening more credit cards is harmful to your credit score.

Before I get into this, there’s one thing that cannot be stressed enough: your credit score is one of your most important assets. You should not be opening credit cards and making purchases that leave you crippled with debt. In fact, carrying any balance on your credit card is a bad idea, and something we never do. Not matter what the perks, you don’t save money if you are paying interest on your purchases.

That said, those with good credit, time to spare, the desire to travel, and some great organizational skills, might want to try something called “ credit card churning. ” Credit card churning involves simultaneously opening new credit cards based upon what perks are being offered, spending the appropriate amounts to receive those perks, redeeming said perks, and closing the credit card account, usually all within around 90 days .

This requires research and being very responsible with your spending, among other things. Here are a couple of examples of what others have done . Some people go wild with it, but that requires a high level of dedication. Still, this is something to give serious thought before undertaking, as there are some risks .

Finally, if you are interested in traveling to destinations outside of the Disney Parks, be sure to read my companion travel blog, TravelCaffeine.com . All of the photos featured in this post are photos I’ve taken at non-Disney destinations and shared on that blog!

Your Thoughts…

Are you a frugal traveler? Are you interested in future posts here about travel hacks? Any tips of your own to share? What sites do you read? Share your thoughts on these questions and anything else in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

it is worth having one of these cards just for booking car rentals. For example, I booked a Mustang convertible at MCO next month for $42 per day including taxes and fees from National (saw over $100 per day for in terminal vendors elsewhere). Compacts from Alamo and Enterprise were $20 per day including all fees. You may be able to find comparable prices from lesser known off terminal vendors elsewhere, but for big name agencies in the terminal the Chase prices can’t be beat. I’ve found the savings vary by destination, but for MCO Chase is great.

Hello we are going to orlando March 13th to 21st. We have purchased airfare with southwest did a verbo house as there are 87 adults 3 kids (5,7 2) we are having a hard time finding tickets . We want 2 days at universal ,park hopper multi parks. 3 days at disney, epcot, disney safari. We live in co. And arent cheap but tickets are going to kill us. Any discount places group rates, we are struggeling. Also rental cars we have looked and looked found several under 150 but they state 500 to thousand deposit. Anyone have any good chrap sites. Carla

My family and I have started using AirB&B a lot when we travel. Earlier this year we rented a 2 bedroom apartment for 8 days that about 10 minutes from Disney World in Kissimmee….for about $700. This really was a no-brainer for us, as booking 2 hotel rooms for that long in May would have easily cost double (or triple) that. You don’t get the on-site perks but for us, it’s worth it.

Tip for rental cars is to check the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal when booking. Granted you need a Chase Freedom, Sapphire, or Ink, but it is worth having one of these cards just for booking car rentals. For example, I booked a Mustang convertible at MCO next month for $42 per day including taxes and fees from National (saw over $100 per day for in terminal vendors elsewhere). Compacts from Alamo and Enterprise were $20 per day including all fees. You may be able to find comparable prices from lesser known off terminal vendors elsewhere, but for big name agencies in the terminal the Chase prices can’t be beat. I’ve found the savings vary by destination, but for MCO Chase is great.

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Hi! We are Alex, Pam, & Jess. A trio of moms who love to travel! We have spent the last few years mastering how to travel for nearly free using credit card points. Now we want to share what we’ve learned so you can be off on your own adventures.

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March 21, 2023

Our trip to disneyland on points, destinations , disneyland.

In the fall of 2021 my kids and I went to Disneyland with my mom, sisters, nieces, and nephews. We had a group of 14 and we had such a great time! Of course, we visited Disneyland on points. Credit card points and credit card benefits helped us save big time for this trip. We also maximized our spending to earn more points on the things we didn’t use points for. I’m going to break down exactly how we did this vacation on points so you can do it too! And if you’d like to learn more, listen to this episode of our PODCAST!

Our big Disneyland crew

Flights to Disneyland

I brought my three older boys on this trip while my husband stayed home with our then one-year-old. Best decision ever! That left us with four flights to purchase. For our Disneyland trip on points, we flew Southwest Airlines into John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana. The last time we went to Disneyland we flew into LAX and flying into SNA was so much better. After landing we took a Lyft and were at the hotel just 20 minutes later! We also loved that it is a smaller airport and is a lot less busy.

When I first booked our flights back in July the total was 15,000 points per person. I kept checking though and the price eventually dropped to 11,000 points per person so I re-booked and got back 20,000 points! The cash price was about $900 so I was super happy to pay 44,000 points instead! Unfortunately, my husband was the only the Southwest Companion Pass holder at the time so I wasn’t able to fly anyone for free but 11,000 per person for a roundtrip flight is pretty good!

Interested in learning more about the Southwest credit cards? Check out this post .

Disneyland Hotel Stay

We stayed at the Hyatt Place Anaheim Resort/Convention Center . This hotel is a category four hotel and runs 15,000 points a night at standard pricing. This means you can use your World of Hyatt card annual free night certificate here! And that is exactly what we did. My mom had two free night certificates and I had one so that is how we booked our three nights there.

Cash prices weren’t bad either and my sisters used cash for their bookings. One of them booked a room with a separate bedroom that had bunk beds which would be great!

I recommend Hyatt Place for when you visit Disneyland on points. This is a place that I would totally stay at again. I am a big fan of Hyatt Place hotels because the rooms have two queen beds plus a pull-out sofa bed. We were able to comfortably fit five of us (my mom, my three boys, and me) in the room.

We enjoyed a free breakfast each morning which was great before we headed off for a full day at the parks. The common items seemed to be french toast or french toast sticks, eggs, sausage, and potatoes. There was also toast, cereal, fruit, juices, and coffee. We were up bright and early for rope drop and there weren’t too many people at breakfast. On our last morning, before we headed to the airport, the breakfast area was super busy!

Time to fuel up before we hit the park!

The location of the hotel was great. It is located across the street from the Toy Story parking lot and within walking distance of the parks. We walked to the park each morning (about 15 minutes) stopped by CVS on the way and bought a few treats and water. At night we took the shuttle back to the Toy Story parking lot.

If you want to earn points for a Hyatt stay at Disneyland then I would look into a Chase Ultimate Rewards card , like the Chase Sapphire Preferred , the World of Hyatt card , or the World of Hyatt Business card .

Disneyland Tickets

Interested in using points to pay for your tickets? Check out this post .

Star War’s Galaxy Edge was a Disneyland highlight for sure!

Bottom Line

We had a great time visiting Disneyland on points! Disneyland is pricey so finding savings wherever you can is huge! With the welcome bonus on the Southwest credit card, you can probably fly your family to Disneyland too! Being able to use the free night certificate that comes with the World of Hyatt card and not dipping into our Hyatt points was so nice. That free night that comes with that card is a big reason why we love that card so much. There are ways that you can use your points for your Disneyland park tickets but if you decide to use them for other things like I did, you can find ways to earn more points on that purchase! However you do it, Disneyland on points is totally doable and always a fun time!

Podcast #16 Points & Pixie Dust: Using Points and Miles To A Dream Disney Vacation

How to Use Points to Visit Disneyland on A Budget

Friday Family Vacation: Disneyland

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2 Comments on Our Trip to Disneyland on Points

Any tips for booking the Hyatt Place Anaheim. I can’t find available dates.

We always look one day at a time and try and build a trip that way. If you look for a week or days at a time, there might be just one day that there is not availability and it cancels it all out.

« Business Class to Europe for 56K Miles

Podcast #16 points & pixie dust: using points and miles to a dream disney vacation », want to know the most popular card for beginners .

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Travel hacking 101: A beginner’s guide to travel hacking like a pro

When I started travel hacking 11 years ago, it was an obscure “hobby” that few had heard about and most dismissed as a scam . Nowadays, seemingly everyone is doing it to some degree. Whether getting in on the latest credit card promotion or snagging a first-class seat for the price of coach, travel hacking has become more popular than ever.

It’s the easiest way to save on travel and improve your experience. Utilizing travel hacking methods, you can fast-track your way to top-tier elite status and earn frequent flyer miles without ever stepping on a plane.

There is endless information about maximizing every dollar (and mile) spent. But if you’re new to this “game” and just want a simple explanation of how it works, you’ve come to the right place.

Here is everything you need to know about getting started with travel hacking.

What is travel hacking?

Travel hacking involves earning frequent flyer miles or points through non-traditional methods and redeeming them for nearly-free travel.

The most common travel hacks include leveraging credit card welcome bonuses for premium cabin flights and taking advantage of sweet spots and generous routing rules to get the best deal on award flights.

How much are points and miles worth?

Points are worth 1-2 cents each, depending on the loyalty program and how you use them. You’ll generally get the highest value by redeeming points for premium cabin flights and luxury hotel stays. Some programs impose a fixed value on points, depending on the fare cost. For example, Southwest Rapid Rewards points are worth 1.3 cents towards Wanna Get Away fares.

The same goes for transferrable rewards. Most of them are worth at least one cent each towards direct travel bookings. For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards® are worth 1.25 cents each towards direct travel bookings for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card cardholders and 1.5 cents for those with a Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

The difference between points, miles, and rewards

Points, miles, and rewards are different types of loyalty currencies. There are exceptions, but airlines usually issue miles, while points come from hotel loyalty programs or bank rewards.

A good travel hacking strategy involves having a mix of all three currencies.

Transferable rewards

Thanks to their flexibility, transferable bank rewards are the gold standard of loyalty currency. You can transfer them to airline miles or hotel points, usually at a 1:1 ratio or better.

Examples of transferrable rewards include Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One Venture Rewards miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards®, and Citi ThankYou® points.

Airline miles

You might be wondering if it’s worth earning airline miles when you can just transfer your bank rewards points instead.

Well, you should earn airline miles from a co-branded airline credit card for several reasons. For starters, you can supplement welcome bonuses from airline cards with a bonus from a transferrable rewards card to reach your travel goals faster.

In addition, some airlines incentivize you to earn miles (through a co-branded credit card or otherwise). For example, American Airlines counts all co-branded credit card spending towards elite status. Meanwhile, Southwest Rapid Rewards issues the Companion Pass after you earn 125,000 points in a calendar year (which increases to 135,000 next year). Earning airline miles can pay off.

Hotel points

Hotel points can go a long way in reducing out-of-pocket travel expenses. You can earn hotel points from co-branded hotel credit cards, by shopping online, and even by participating in surveys. Hotel credit cards offer generous welcome bonuses, with perks like elite status and annual free nights.

Examples of hotel points you should consider earning include World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and IHG One Rewards.

How to start travel hacking

Travel hacking is fun and rewarding but can also be a lot of work. There is a wealth of information about ways to earn and burn points for maximum value. But if you’re just learning and want to know the basics, here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started.

Step 1: Set a goal

Before you embark on your travel hacking journey, you’ll want to set a goal. Are you hoping to redeem miles for international travel ? Or perhaps you’re saving up for a family trip to Disneyland. Regardless of your goals, it’s important to identify them early on to determine which credit cards and loyalty programs will help you get there.

Step 2: Choose your rewards program(s)

Once you’ve determined your travel goals, it’s time to pick your loyalty programs. Start with your home airport; if you live in an airline hub city, that airline can be a good starting point. There’s no sense in earning Southwest points if you live in Alaska. You might be better off with the Alaska Mileage Plan program since the airline serves the region and offers domestic and international partners. You’ll have more opportunities to redeem miles, and if you fly the airline often enough, you’ll even earn elite status.

When choosing a loyalty program, keep partner airlines in mind. For example, if you’re saving up for a Hawaiian vacation and want to fly United, you should consider collecting Turkish Miles&Smiles instead. Turkish Airlines is a Star Alliance member, like United, and offers domestic United flights for just 15,000 miles round-trip in economy. Exploring partner programs can help you save on award travel, stretching your miles further.

Choosing a hotel loyalty program might be easier. Think about which hotels you like when traveling and which elite benefits you care about. Most hotel loyalty programs let you earn top-tier status from credit cards alone, so think about which programs offer the best perks and properties in the destinations you like to travel to.

Here’s a look at every major hotel program’s global footprint to help you choose:

Marriott Bonvoy: Over 8,000 properties in 139 countries
Hilton Honors: Over 7,000 hotels in 122 countries
Choice Privileges: Over 7,000 hotels in 40 countries
IHG One Rewards: Over 6,000 properties worldwide
Radisson Rewards: Over 1,700 hotels worldwide
World of Hyatt: Over 1,150 hotels in 70 countries

While it’s good to identify at least one airline and hotel program, you shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket. Try to collect at least one transferable rewards currency, so you’re not limited to only a few programs.

Transferrable rewards can also protect you against program devaluations — if one airline or hotel increases its redemption requirements, you can transfer your points to another.

Here are some of the most popular transferrable rewards programs:

American Express Membership Rewards®
Bilt Rewards
Capital One Miles
Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Citi ThankYou® Rewards

Step 3: Choose a credit card

Once you’ve identified the loyalty program you want to earn points with (and incorporated at least one transferrable currency), it’s time to find a credit card.

When choosing a credit card, you should consider the following features:

Welcome bonus

A high welcome bonus will help you achieve your travel goals much faster. Some credit card bonuses are high enough to cover a round-trip international business class ticket. You’ll incur a 2-5 point credit score hit from every inquiry, so make it count. You should aim for a welcome bonus of at least 50,000 points, and plenty of cards meet that criteria.

Credit card application rules

Remember that some banks have strict application rules when applying for credit cards. For example, American Express limits welcome bonuses to one per lifetime. Meanwhile, Chase’s infamous 5/24 rule prevents you from being approved for a new card if you’ve had five or more in the last 24 months.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with these rules before applying for a card to avoid unnecessary rejection.

Travel perks

Many travel rewards cards come with valuable perks like elite status, airport lounge access, airline fee credits, and annual free nights. Think about which of these perks you’re likely to maximize every year. Doing so can help you choose the best credit card and figure out if the card is worth renewing every year.

Annual fees

Travel hacking can get expensive if you’re not careful about annual fees. Rewards credit card annual fees range from $89-$695. It’s easy to get tempted by a high welcome bonus, but annual fees can dent your travel budget if you’re not careful.

Before settling on a credit card, explore the lower or no-annual-fee version to see if it’s a better fit.

For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card may seem appealing with its welcome bonus, but you’ll pay a lower annual fee with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card .

Step 4: Other ways to earn points

Credit card welcome bonuses are the fastest way to earn points, but they’re not the only way. You can earn points from shopping portals, dining rewards programs, completing surveys, and more.

Shopping portals:

American AAdvantage eShopping
Alaska Mileage Plan Shopping
Delta SkyMiles Shopping
Free Spirit Online Mall
Hilton Honors Shopping Mall
JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping
Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping
United MileagePlus Shopping

Dining rewards programs:

American AAdvantage Dining
Alaska Mileage Plan Dining
Delta SkyMiles Dining
Free Spirit Dining
Hilton Honors Dining
IHG Rewards Club Dining
JetBlue TrueBlue Dining
Marriott Eat Around Town
Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining
United MileagePlus Dining

Airline companion passes

Airline companion passes are one of the best travel hacking tools to stretch your points further. Some passes are issued annually as a credit card benefit, while others have to be earned. In most cases, you can save 50% or more on airfare with a companion pass.

Here’s a look at companion passes you should consider adding to your travel hacking arsenal:

Alaska Airlines Famous Companion Fare

The Alaska Airlines Famous Companion Fare is a great travel hacking tool for west coast flyers. The pass is issued as part of the welcome bonus on the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card and reissued annually. Considering the Alaska card has a reasonable annual fee, this is a terrific benefit.

Simply book a companion on the same flight and pay just $99 (plus taxes and fees).

American AAdvantage

You can get an American Airlines Companion Certificate from one of four co-branded credit cards. The spending requirement ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 per year. Once you’ve secured the certificate, you can use it to cover a companion’s airfare for just $99 plus taxes and fees.

Barclays Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard: Spend $20,000 in a year
AAdvantage Aviator Silver Mastercard: Spend $20,000 in a year
AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard: Spend $30,000 in a year
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®: Spend $30,000 in a year

The American Airlines Companion Certificate is only valid on round-trip economy class tickets within the contiguous U.S. For Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Island residents, the pass is good for round-trip flights originating in those destinations.

British Airways Travel Together Ticket

The British Airways Travel Together Ticket is issued to British Airways Visa Signature® cardholders who spend $30,000 in a calendar year . This perk can take the sting out of high fuel surcharges imposed on British Airways award tickets transiting through London.

The Travel Together Ticket is valid in all cabins, including first class and international fares .

Delta Companion Passes

Delta has two companion passes: one is valid on economy class tickets only, while the one issued through the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card can be applied to first-class travel. You’ll pay just $80 for your companion’s ticket, which is a bargain — especially when using it for first-class flights.

Note that the Delta companion tickets are not valid on award flights or basic economy tickets.

Here’s a list of cards you can earn the companion pass with:

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Iberia airfare discount

Iberia offers a $1,000 airfare discount on two tickets booked on the same flight. You can earn it by spending $30,000 on the Iberia Visa Signature® Card per calendar year. It’s valid in all cabins, providing ultimate flexibility.

Southwest Companion Pass

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most popular travel hacking tools out there. You can get one after completing 100 segments or earning 125,000 Southwest points in a calendar year, though the requirement is increased to 135,000 points in 2023. However, points earned from the Southwest credit card welcome bonuses count towards the pass.

It only takes one business or one personal card welcome bonus to earn the Southwest Companion Pass:

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card : Earn 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 within the first three months of account opening
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 within the first three months of account opening
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 within the first three months of account opening
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening

Redeeming points

You’ve accrued thousands of points and are ready to start booking your dream vacation. Now what? Redeeming points isn’t exactly easy, and that’s by design. Loyalty programs count on members not doing their due diligence to get as much out of their points and miles as possible.

While booking the first award that pops up in the search result is easy, that’s not the best way to stretch your points. Here are a few concepts you should familiarize yourself with to get the most out of your points:

Stopovers and open jaws

While a simple round-trip flight is great, you can stretch your points further by incorporating stopovers and open jaws into your flights.

A stopover is when you visit an additional destination on your way to your final destination or home. Several airline loyalty programs allow you to add a free stopover to award flights:

Alaska Mileage Plan (free stopover on one-way awards)
ANA Mileage Club ( one free stopover and one open-jaw on round-trip awards)
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles ( up to four destinations per itinerary)
Emirates Skywards (one free stopover per round-trip)
Japan Airlines Mileage Bank ( three stopovers or two stopovers and one open-jaw )
Singapore Krisflyer ( one stopover and one open-jaw per roundtrip flight )
United MileagePlus (one free stopover within the same region per round-trip flight)

Open jaws are another great way to add a destination to your itinerary. An open jaw is when you return from a different destination than you flew into.

One example of an open-jaw ticket is if you fly from New York to London and then return home from Paris. Many people book this route with Avios because British Airways imposes hefty fuel surcharges on flights departing from London. Savvy travelers will take a train to Paris and fly back from Charles de Gaulle to save money.

But booking an open-jaw doesn’t have to be about saving money. It’s a great way to see multiple destinations on the same trip, especially in Europe, where connecting flights are relatively cheap. Here’s a list of loyalty programs that allow open jaws on round-trip award tickets:

Fourth and fifth night free

Some hotel programs offer free nights when you redeem points for consecutive nights at one property. These deals can help you save as much as 25% on an award stay. The most generous is IHG One, which offers a fourth night free to IHG Rewards Traveler, IHG Rewards Premier, and IHG Rewards Premier Business card members. Meanwhile, Marriott members and Hilton elites get the fifth night free on award stays.

These discounted award rates can help you save thousands of points and book extra free nights at no cost. Factor this into your award-booking strategy, and you’ll stretch your points further.

Take advantage of sweet spots

Sweet spots are awards that are significantly discounted compared to other loyalty programs. Both hotels and airlines have sweet spot awards that can help up your travel hacking game.

For example, Turkish Airlines offers round-trip economy class tickets between the mainland U.S. and Hawaii for just 15,000 miles. That’s what some loyalty programs charge for a one-way ticket, making this an excellent sweet spot award.

Travel hacking is all about finding ways to stretch your points further. You can do this with tactics like searching for generous credit card welcome bonuses, booking flights with stopovers and open jaws, taking advantage of hotel programs that offer free nights, and looking for airline sweet spots.

With a little bit of effort, you can travel hack your way to (nearly) free travel.

Happy travels!

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11 Tips For First-Time Visitors To Disneyland, From Someone Who’s Been Hundreds Of Times

Don’t let your hard-earned Disney dollars be in vain.

Russell rides Kevin in front of Carl from the movie Up during the "Better Together: A Pixar Pals Cel...

You're going to Disneyland ! As the Mouse-fueled excitement builds ahead of your first visit to the Happiest Place On Earth, I can promise you one thing: Preparation will make or break your trip. It's all Mickey Mouse and turkey legs until something goes amiss faster than you can say " bibbidi-bobbidi-boo ."

The vacation destination is massive, comprising two theme parks, dozens of restaurants, an entertainment district, and on-site hotels. On top of that, there's a complex system of ride reservations, mobile ordering, and more to navigate. There's endless walking and winding lines, and no guests are immune from meltdowns. But it's also a place of magical fun and core-memory-making like no other (I promise!).

I've visited Disneyland hundreds of times and have discovered a few fool-proof tips along the way that will ensure your hard-earned Disney dollars are not in vain.

1. Buy Genie+.

Genie+ is the park's expedited line system, similar to the former FastPass . Prices vary based on demand, but the mobile system allows you to book reservations for ride time windows and skip the standard queue. Now that's Disney magic. It can prove absolutely essential on a busy day, especially if your little one is dead set on experiencing favorites like Peter Pan's Flight.

Some in-demand rides, like the Cars -themed Radiator Springs Racers, are not included and must be purchased separately for expedited access through what is called an individual lightning lane. You can also take advantage of a single-rider line on select attractions.

Start by ensuring you've downloaded the latest version of Disneyland's app on your mobile device. It will serve as your hub for Genie+ as well as list showtimes, characters, restaurant menus, and more.

Pro tip: An external battery charger is a must, and I swear by FuelRods. They are compact, and exchange stations throughout the resort will quickly swap yours for a fully charged battery pack free of charge.

2. Rope Drop.

The early bird catches the worm — and that holds true at Disney. Rope drop is Mouse-speak for arriving before the park opens and being among the first inside the gates. This approach lets you experience the park's most popular attractions, like Space Mountain and Indiana Jones Adventure, before the lines inevitably swell. I'd suggest arriving at least 45 minutes before the scheduled opening.

PSA: If you stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel, you can take advantage of 30-minute early entry.

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3. You can't do it all (and that's OK).

To say there is a lot to do at Disneyland would be a massive, Big Thunder Mountain-sized understatement. You simply can't do it all, and it's best to set expectations.

Part of what makes Disneyland magical is just soaking it all in. Spending an afternoon immersed in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge can be just as, if not more, fun than hitting all the rides. At Disney, it's all in the details. And you'll miss them if you're rushing from attraction to attraction.

4. Don't miss the dark rides.

Disney continually pushes the envelope with pioneering attractions, like the nearly 20-minute Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. But there's something to be said about the classics. These are called dark rides, and many have undergone very few changes in their decades of existence. Family-friendly, these slow-moving rides offer a heavy dose of nostalgia, taking you through some of Disney's most beloved stories, like Pinocchio's Daring Journey and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.

5. Some of its best attractions aren't rides.

Some of Disneyland's best attractions aren't rides. Animation Academy is a unique hands-on experience that invites guests to sketch much-loved characters with the tutelage of a professional animator. And the best part? You can keep your drawing for a special souvenir (and it's free!).

Walt Disney himself conceived the show Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln for the 1964 World's Fair. It's undergone some changes over the years, but it's a delightful taste of Disney yesteryear, featuring one of the earliest concepts of audio-animatronics — a now-park staple.

The newly revamped Mickey's ToonTown is a kid-centric land with tons of greenery and outdoor playscapes ideal for burning off some steam.

6. Take advantage of exclusive Disneyland rides.

There are Disney parks all over the globe, but some attractions can only be found here. Don't miss Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, a reimagining of the former Twilight Zone Tower of Tower featuring the adorable Rocket. The IncrediCoaster is a thrilling, family-friendly roller coaster themed to "The Incredibles" that offers wonderful views of the park (and is quite a delight at night).

7. Don't overbook dining reservations.

It's tempting to load up your schedule with table service reservations — but resist that urge. Table dining can offer a welcome respite to sit back and relax, but it also eats up precious park time. I'd suggest not booking more than one a day.

Disneyland is a hotbed of delicious bites, from dishes with local Southern California flair ( try the QuesaBirria !) to elevated eats, many of which you can enjoy from walk-up locations known as quick service. By using the app's mobile ordering, you'll completely avoid lines and pending hunger pains. If you change your mind about reservations, last-minute availability is in the app's walk-up feature.

If meeting characters is a priority, booking a character dining experience is a surefire way to meet your must-see favorites. Goofy's Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel is a standout experience with approachable eats.

8. Try the iconic treats.

Disneyland has a number of iconic treats and eats, like Dole Whip and hand-dipped corn dogs. Churro toffee is a tantalizing mash-up of two favorite sweets. Bengal Barbecue is a favorite of regulars, offering freshly grilled skewers of meat for the perfect park protein-boost that won't weigh you don't like sugary laden snacks.

9. There's also plenty to do outside the theme parks.

Unlike its East Coast sibling (aka Walt Disney World ), Disneyland Resort has the added benefit of being compacted into one walkable destination. And outside of its two theme parks, there's much more to explore — no theme park ticket required. Neighboring Downtown Disney is a culinary hotbed of restaurants, including an outpost of the famed ice cream shop Salt & Straw and Michelin-chef-led concepts.

Also, take advantage of the hidden gems inside Disneyland's hotels, which any guest can visit. Favorites include Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel and Craftsman Grill at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

10. Time your trip around seasonal events.

Holidays are a big deal, to say the least, including Halloween, Christmas, and Lunar New Year, which bring dozens of limited-time experiences to the parks, including entertainment, food, and décor. Dates are announced well in advance, and it's worth planning a visit to see that extra dose of magic fill the parks.

11. You don't need to stay on property.

Disneyland Resort is home to three on-site hotels, but you don't need to stay on property . There are dozens of hotels from major brands, like Hilton and Marriott, just steps away from the parks. If that mid-afternoon nap is inevitable, you can relish the fact that your pillow is nearby.

Staying on-site can be costly but does come with perks, like early park entry. And there's something to be said for being fully immersed in the magical bubble.

The Disney discounts hiding in plain sight: A hack to save on tickets, vacation packages

Amy Maiocco has been saving up for more than two years to take her family on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Walt Disney World .

“It’s definitely been a labor of love,” she said.

The total price tag, including cross-country flights for her family of six, is expected to be more than $10,000. Week by week, Maiocco has squirreled away thousands of those dollars using tactics like buying discounted gift cards and earning credit card rewards .

“This would have been the only way we would have been able to afford to go,” she said.

Here’s how Maiocco and other Disney fans make expensive vacations a little more affordable:

Do Disney gift cards save money?

Disney gift cards can be used to pay for Disney resort hotel stays, park tickets , dining , merchandise and other Disney-centric purchases.

You can save 5% on the face value of those cards by purchasing them at Target using a Target RedCard. Wholesale clubs like Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Clubs also sell Disney gift cards at a slight discount, which can sometimes tick higher around the holidays.

“I literally only was able to do this by adding $25 to my grocery bill every single week,” Maiocco said.

Sometimes she would buy a $50 gift card, which would cost her $47.50. She may skip other weeks if her family needed the money for something else. She kept up that practice until she had more than $2,400 in gift cards, which she pooled online and set aside for food and souvenirs before pivoting to saving cash so she didn’t end up with money left on gift cards after their trip.

“Now it just kind of feels like we don't have to hold anything back if we wanted to,” she said. “Go ahead and get that extra churro or that specialty item that I maybe would have not wanted to spend the money on.”

Can you rent a timeshare at Disney?

Maiocco could have paid for her hotel stay with Disney gift cards if she had booked directly through Disney or a Disney vacation planner, but the mom of four chose to rent a two-bedroom villa at a Disney Vacation Club property through a third-party service like Dave’s Vacation Club Rentals and DVC Rental Store. Renting a DVC property can cost significantly less than booking through Disney, but it’s still not cheap.

She paid for her stay and park tickets using a Disney Visa card from Chase, which earns reward dollars that can be used in the parks and offers discounts on Disney experiences ranging from dining to guided tours. So far, Maiocco has earned about $400 in reward dollars, which will cover more meals for her family.

What is the cheapest trip to Disney? How to save without sacrificing the magic

What Landry's restaurants are at Disney?

One of the first meals on their trip will be at T-REX, a Landry’s restaurant in Disney Springs.

“My youngest loves dinosaurs, like obsessed,” Maiocco said.

She expects the bill for her family of six to easily top $200, which she's well on her way to covering with Fetch , a rewards app that allows users to earn gift cards by scanning receipts.

“My husband says I'm like the cheapest person on the planet, but if I see a receipt on the ground, I'm grabbing it and I'm scanning it,” Maiocco laughed. “I've been doing that only about a year, but I have already gotten $150 in gift cards.”

Landry’s gift cards can also be used at Yak & Yeti in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Rainforest Cafe at both Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs.

Is it worth getting a travel agent for Disney?

Maiocco booked everything herself, but many guests can stretch their dollars by working with a Disney vacation planner, like Nina Byrd, owner of SmartVaycay Travel Group .

“Us travel agents, we get on there and we will check prices of different times of the year and different days of the week and things like that,” she said. “If I have a family that can only do a three-day trip, my first question is ‘Can you do Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday instead of Friday, Saturday, Sunday?’ Because you're going to save money by going during the week.”

Travel agents who specialize in Disney can also suggest different places to stay to make the most of your money and time.

“Yeah, maybe we could put you in a deluxe resort, but you could stay two or three more days and have two or three more park days if you want to do a value resort,” Byrd suggested.

Even after booking, Disney vacation planners can help you find deals.

“When you lock in your price … your price will never go up,” Byrd said. “But as the time gets closer to your trip, Disney is always putting out some kind of promotions and things like that. And if your dates fall under any kind of special promotion in the future, we can absolutely apply that and save even more money.”

Some travel agents do charge clients for time and services, but many, like Byrd, do not because Disney pays them in commission.

What can I get for free at Disney World? 10 freebies for your next trip

How soon do you have to pay off Disney vacations?

A $200 deposit is required to book Disney vacation packages through Disney or a Disney vacation planner. That includes park tickets and stays on Disney property. Final payment is due 30 days before arrival.

Byrd estimates about 75% of her clients pay in installments.

“Your travel agent can make your payments on whatever schedule you like,” she said. “I have some people that call me every two weeks, when they get paid, with a new gift card number, and we update.”

She too recommends stocking up on discounted Disney gift cards through reputable retailers like Target. “When you're spending thousands of dollars, every dollar helps,” she said.

Maiocco agrees. Even though it took a lot of time and planning, she said: “I would do it over again. If you're ever going to go, it was the best piece of advice that somebody gave me.”

MAKING A MILLENNIAL MILLIONAIRE

Nick Burgess
Jun 13, 2023
16 min read

Travel-Hacking Disney Parks With Credit Cards, Points and Miles

The following article is for entertainment and educational purposes only, and should not be considered financial advice. Please seek a licensed professional for any individual advice. This website has an affiliate marketing deal with Undercover Tourist, which is mentioned below. Some links to credit cards below may be referral codes, in which the site is compensated by the credit card issuer upon successful sign-up at no additional cost to you.

Travel-Hacking Disney World with Credit Cards, Points and Miles

Every January 1, my house looks something like this: my wife and I struggle to wake up from our champagne-induced hangovers as the dog threatens to shit on my carpet. I roll out of bed, take the dog for a walk and wish for death until my coffee kicks in, while my wife wakes up to the various nonsense noises coming from her TikTok account. Inevitably, she falls into a Mickey Mouse-shaped TikTok hole, which then prompts her to move to the television where she loads up YouTube and tunes into hours of watching Mammoth Club or AllEars.Net deep dives into Disney World. This turns into her missing Disney, wanting to go to Disney, and then begins the slow drumbeat of my wallet offering itself on the altar of Iger to shell out $3,000 for a trip to Satan's own personal hellhole - Orlando, FL.

I'd imagine that many households around the world have a similar tradition of one person in the home becoming so loud in their need to visit Disney World that it becomes too much and they ultimately relent, so I thought "what's the absolute best way to do Disney World from a points and miles perspective?" I'll admit it: I get sticker shock when I see the prices to visit. Even at Disney's "Value Resorts," which are the lowest tier hotels on the Disney property, you're still shelling out many hundreds of dollars per night. This has led me to do Charlie Day-levels of research into the best way to book a room at Disney World, which I hope to share with you today.

So this begs the question: Can you travel-hack Disney with credit cards, points and miles? Let's chat about a few of the ways you can do it, including with cards from American Express to Citi to Capital One, as well as how to make the hotel costs a little more palatable.

If you're really particular about one thing or another, there are plenty of ways to break up these travel hacks. Here are the quick links if you want to jump around (but you might learn something in each section!):

Booking Flights to Disney and MCO Transportation

Travel-Hacking the On-Property Hotels

The Best Way to Buy Park Tickets

Buying Things At The Parks

My Favorite Ways to Book Disney

Booking Flights to Disney

Let's start with the easiest one: booking flights. Thanks to Disney World (and Universal Studios if you ask anyone from NBC Universal or someone with a Harry Potter fetish), Orlando has a big fucking airport. That means that it's really easy to get flights into, and out of, Orlando, regardless of your preferred carrier.

To make the flights as easy as possible, you'll want to rely on points, miles and certificates where possible. I live in Atlanta, which means the relatively short hop to Orlando generally runs about $350, or 18,000 Delta SkyMiles (my carrier of choice) per ticket. When you plug that into The Points Guy's Awards Calculator , this turns out to be a pretty decent deal.

However, if you're a bigger family, this can add up quickly. The best way to reduce costs flying on your carrier of choice is likely any companion certificates that come with airline co-branded credit cards. For me, it's the American Express Delta Platinum Card , which comes with one Main Cabin companion ticket per year. This can save you the aforementioned $350 (or likely more) on a single ticket, a game changer when you're trying to stretch those dollars.

Another phenomenal free ticket perk comes with the Southwest Airlines Credit Card. In fact, fellow finance blogger Money With Katie recently chatted about how her and her husband have basically flown Southwest for free for the last two years thanks to both of them owning the credit card.

If you're more of the non-co-branded (is that how you say it?) credit card type guy, don't forget to transfer those points! Again, since I'm an American Express homer, my points transfer 1:1 to Delta, giving me a quick top-up on my SkyMiles when needed.

Related : What Are the Benefits of the American Express Platinum Card?

Outside of the Amex ecosystem, some high-end credit cards have annual travel statement credits that can certainly apply towards the cost of your flight! The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has an annual $300 travel credit that applies to travel of any type, meaning you could easily combine this travel credit with a free certificate or some miles to make your flight cost literally $0. It's a similar story with the Capital One Venture X card, but be warned that this card's $300 annual travel credit can only be applied to travel booked within the Capital One Travel portal, but more on that later .

Disney Transportation From The Airport

The great secret of traveling to Disney World is that it's actually quite far from Orlando itself. Unfortunately, the solution to this is kind of a bitch.

Related : Investing In The Walt Disney Company - It's a Small World After All

Thanks to the previous CEO, Bob Chapek, seeing the parks as his own personal piggy bank, the extremely beloved and popular free method of transportation, The Magic Express, is gone. And even though everyone's favorite CEO uncle, Bob Iger, is back in the corner office, you can't put that Robin Williams-shaped genie back in the lamp . Paid options are here to stay from the airport, so here are some ways to get to The House of Mouse ranked from "frugal" to "slangin and bangin:"

Shared Shuttles - When life gives you lemons, fill it with shitty buses. That's exactly what Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer have done to fill the hole left by The Magic Express, and to varied effect. On the way back from Disney World last year, my wife and I got a Mears Connect shuttle that was Magic Express-esque. It was comfortable enough and played cartoons for the kids for the 45 minutes back. However, on the way from the airport to Disney World, we were clearly forgotten about and then shoved in some guy's van with two other traveling parties, a discarded Jimmy John's bag and a toolbox. Not sure I'd overly recommend it, but they are the cheapest option at $15 per person per leg of the trip ($30 roundtrip).

Rideshare - It's Uber and Lyft. What else do you want? You get some guy who grew up in Turkey driving you in a bombed out Lexus and you trust that he knows the highway better than you. It's the same game plan as when you stumble out of a bar at 3am, although this one is going to cost you a lot more. According to Uber's own site, the ride from MCO to Disney World will cost you anywhere between $46-$84, depending on the hotel you're staying in, surge pricing, etc.

The Minnie Van - That's right! The world's most needless brand integration is back! After a short hiatus during the pandemic, these Chrysler Pacifica's with chickenpox are back roaming the streets of Orlando. In all seriousness, it's probably your best option if you're traveling with kids. The drivers are tailor-made to navigating the Disney on-property hotels, and they come equipped with car seats for the little ones, as well as accessibility options for anyone in a wheelchair. It's gonna cost you, however. These bad boys are powered by Lyft, but are in partnership with Disney so they don't surge price like normal rideshares. Instead, they're just expensive as hell to begin with. According to WDW Info , Minnie Vans are $155 per vehicle, per way from MCO to Disney World and back.

Rental Car - We all know the drill on this one. They're expensive, time consuming and annoying to keep up with, but at least they're reliable and private! However, this is where your credit cards can come into play. If you're an American Express Platinum Card holder , you get Hertz President's Circle status and pricing, which can reduce the cost of your ride, as well as score you an upgrade. If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you get primary rental car insurance, which can save you a ton on your daily rate. Just don't forget the Disney hotel parking fees, which are about $25 per day .

Travel-Hacking Disney Hotels

If you're anything like me, this is the line item you dread the most when coming to the parks. You know you're going to get taken for a ride on some dinners, but the food is usually pretty great. The parks are fun, and the beer is cold. But the hotels? While most of them are great in terms of general ambiance and service, they can still be pretty overpriced.

Well, my friend, you're about to enter a whole new world of credit card points and miles hacking to reduce the amount of blood you'll have to sell to afford one of these things. To do this, we'll split this section up to discuss credit card programs, travel portals and discount services. And thank Christ I don't have to talk about that stupid Star Wars hotel that lasts for two days and costs as much as a diamond-encrusted enema.

Please note that this section is for those traveling in without a secret Disney-themed mansion. Didn't know that was a thing? Here's the full write up on "Golden Oak," the Florida playground for Disney billionaires .

Credit Card Hotel Hacks

If you're a frequent traveler, chances are that you have some kind of elite status with a hotel chain or two. Hell, even if you just have a particular credit card in your wallet, you may qualify for a hotel rewards program. Lucky for you, metro Orlando has just about every kind of hotel you can imagine.

If you're a Hilton person, you basically have endless options around Disney Springs, Disney's outdoor shopping mall and food area. Do you get "official" Disney stuff like extra time in the parks and access to buses? No, but you're saving literally hundreds (and possibly thousands) of dollars by staying off property. But what if you want the Disney magic with the flavor of business travel? Buckle up.

Staying at The Swan, The Dolphin and The Swan Reserve

May I introduce you to The Swan and Dolphin? These strikingly out-of-place hotels are technically "Disney Hotels" in the way that the guy dating your mom is technically "your dad." They look like they should be attached to an airport, but they are actually official "Disney" hotels that come loaded with the official Disney perks of extra park time, early sign-up for rides, transportation options, etc. The key difference, however, is that they're also official Marriott properties. This even includes the swanky new "Swan Reserve" that looks like if the original Swan hotel took a bath.

The Swan and Dolphin Hotels at Disney World

This means that Marriott loyalists are handsomely rewarded for their time and money. You can burn a few points to stay, the cash rates are markedly cheaper than other Disney properties and Marriott elite members qualify for room upgrades at these hotels. Critically for your wallet, that includes Club-Level rooms, which include an all-inclusive style club room full of food and drinks you can load up on for breakfast, a snack or a lite dinner. For a family of 4 or more, this can add up to thousands of saved dollars over the course of a longer trip in breakfast costs alone!

To do this right, you'll want to take advantage of any free night vouchers you have lying around. This can be from your other travel pursuits, or from one of the countless Marriott credit card co-brands they have with American Express. At time of writing (mid-June 2023), the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy and Bonvoy Brilliant cards are offering absurd sign-up bonuses of 175,000 and 200,000 points, respectively, after meeting the required minimum spend. Each card also comes with one free night per year for redemption of a room 50,000 points or less. Effectively, these cards at current sign-up bonus levels can net you a free Disney hotel for 5-6 days.

You can also transfer American Express Membership Rewards Points to Marriott at a 3:2 ratio, but the math usually doesn't shake out for these types of transfers.

Travel Portal Hotel Hacks

Let's say that you're a learned traveler. You've decided you don't want to book through the Disney website, and you'd rather check in with your credit card issuer for Disney deals. Well, I applaud the effort, but you're likely shit out of luck. However, there are a few sneaky workarounds that I'll outline here.

The Capital One Travel Portal

A few years ago, in an effort to be more hip and "with it" for fellow kids, Capital One launched themselves into the premium credit card game with the ferocity of Elon Musk launching himself at female executives and introduced the Capital One Venture X card. The card comes with a large number of perks and a hefty points sign-up bonus, but Capital One also overhauled their internal booking portal to match their swanky new card. This included buying up the rights to booking Disney hotels from the Chase portal, a major coup for a credit card company that no one likes.

Capital One Venture X card on a green background

Well, here's your chance if you've been playing the Capital One game. Mid-tier hotels (called "Moderate Resorts") will run you around 23,000 Capital One points per night , but prices vary heavily depending on resort and time of year. Effectively, you're getting about 1 cent per point on Capital One. Is it a great redemption? No. Is it a use of your points? Yeah sure. You can also apply the aforementioned $300 Venture X travel credit to bookings like this since you're booking within the Capital One travel portal, which could offset a night at a Moderate hotel!

It's worth noting that a similar trick can be pulled off with the Citi cards and travel portal, but those points are a little more archaic and tougher to use.

Delta Vacations

This is the one I personally use because, again, Delta loyalist over here. Delta Vacations is the inbred little brother of Delta Airlines, but it occasionally can throw enough deals your way to be interesting.

If you're a Delta Medallion member (Delta's loyalty program), you frequently get solicited with offers that range from SkyMiles multipliers to cash discounts if you book a trip via Delta Vacations that include a flight and hotel package. And do you want to guess what hotels are in the Delta Vacations booking system? That's right! But it doesn't stop there.

You can also book Disney tickets through the portal! You have to call them to pull this part off, but you can package airfare, hotel and tickets into one Delta purchase. And the best part of all of this is that you can apply Delta SkyMiles to the trip, lowering your overall cash cost. It's not a super great value on the redemption, but it's a great discount if you're tight on cash.

Discount Hotel Providers

This section probably wouldn't have existed a few years ago. However, thanks to the rise of the bizarre little Disney micro-economy, there are a few avenues that the average consumer can go down in order to stretch their dollars at Disney.

Undercover Tourist

Full disclosure: this site has an affiliate partnership with Undercover Tourist, so if you click on one of their links on my site, this site will receive a small commission.

Now that that's out of the way, I love this site. They are a one-stop-shop for hotels and tickets to Disney, Universal, Six Flags, you name it. My wife and I booked Disneyland hotels and tickets through this portal and saved nearly $300 on our total package, which will no doubt be rolled right into some kind of merch in the parks.

Renting DVC Points

This one is a real trick of the trade. Here's what it is: Disney has a timeshare program for the real diehards (because of course they do), and it's called the Disney Vacation Club (DVC). Each year, members of the timeshare program purchase points that can then be cashed in for specific hotels or resorts around the world (think one of the upscale hotels in Orlando, or even the resort in Hawaii).

But what if you can't use those points? Rather than have them go to waste, there is now an economy built around the reselling of these points, called "renting." DVC members will sell their points to an exchange like David's Vacation Club Rentals , who will then sell those points to a tourist coming to town.

For the DVC member, it's a way to recoup some of the possible lost cost of their membership. For the tourist, these points can then be rolled into one of the elite hotels in Disney, but for half of the actual cash cost of just booking outright. You're effectively getting the best of Disney hotels while paying for the middle-tier. It's a lesser known, but effective, strategy that I have yet to try out.

Disney Park Tickets

Alright, there's no getting around it: Disney tickets are expensive and aren't getting cheaper. With the recent introduction of what effectively amounts to surge pricing, Disney tickets can be the brutal gut-punch on the final booking screen that you weren't quite prepared for. Here's the biggest way to offset a bit of that cost:

Undercover Tourist (Again)

Relationship disclosure see above blah blah blah. Undercover Tourist also sells park tickets! And they're real! And they're discounted! That means that you get the same ticket for maybe $10-$15 off, but hey; every little bit counts!

What makes these interesting for a points and miles nerd (see also: virgin) like myself is that these tickets code differently than tickets purchased through Disney. Tickets purchased through Disney usually code as "Entertainment," which generally is not a credit card category that scores a multiplier. However, Undercover Tourist tickets generally code as "Travel," which usually scores big points multipliers across the major credit card carriers. This can be a big difference for your points and miles, and could offset the cost of a future trip to this mouse-themed torture chamber.

Buying Things At Disney

Are you ready to get incredibly niche? Like, you're going to ask yourself why you're still here? Alright, you've been warned. Let's get into the nitty gritty of Disney purchases.

Disney has no shortage of food options. From egg roll carts that are surprisingly stuffed with ground beef to themed sit-down restaurants to admittedly really fun Starbucks themes to an entire fucking park based around ethnic food options , Disney has a nonsense amount of food. However, they do not all code in the same way.

The sit-down restaurants and bars pretty reliably code as "Restaurants." For the standard person, that makes sense. For the credit card aficionado, that makes you salivate. Why? Because you likely have a card that gets you 4x points on food and groceries, like the American Express Gold . Or you're a big-brain baller who is taking advantage of the American Express Platinum Resy offer and you've scored 125,000 points on sign-up with a 10x multiplier on food for the first 6 months. This is why this is so critical: the points can add up quickly.

Related : Getting a Free Week In Rome from Resy and American Express

So what food doesn't qualify as "food?" That would be the food carts dotted around the parks that sell you the above mentioned ground beef egg rolls or that critical bottle of Dasani that's the only thing keeping your kidneys from shutting down. These actually usually code as "Entertainment," which is generally the opposite of what's happening.

Merchandise

It's no secret that you're likely going to walk away from the parks with hundreds of dollars of t-shirts or lightsabers or maybe your own droid that you can attach to a bar cart because you've evolved from "drunk" to "lazy drunk." But what's the best way to pay for it all?

Well....here we go. Gift cards. I know, I know, but hear me out. Anything in Disney can be paid for with a Disney gift card. That includes the merchandise. But why might you opt for purchasing gift cards over just...using a credit card? Because of the points! If you still have to ask that question 14 minutes into this article, I'm going to have to ask you to click the "X" in the top right.

Chances are, you can purchase a Disney gift card at your local grocery store. Earlier, I mentioned that the American Express Gold Card gets 4x points at grocery stores. Put two and two together yet? That's right! That $500 worth of lightsabers could be worth 2,000 American Express points to you, again helping to potentially subsidize future travel.

Are Disney's Own Credit Cards Worth It?

At this juncture, it's worth taking a breath (and potentially a bathroom break since you've been here for awhile) and taking stock of what we haven't covered yet: Disney's own co-branded Visa credit cards. There's a reason I haven't mentioned them yet: they're just OK.

As you might imagine, the Disney credit cards are entirely focused on spending money on Disney and Disney-adjacent goods and services. As such, these cards are great for the Disney spend, and not so great on anything else.

Let's start with the positives. At time of writing, the Disney Visa and Disney Visa Premier cards are offering statement credits of $150 and $300, respectively, as a sign-up bonus if you spend $500 or $1,000 in the first three months, again respectively. Pretty good!

You also get strong discounts on Disney stuff. The base Visa gets 1% flat cash back on all purchases, but that cash comes back to you in the form of Disney Rewards Dollars that can only be used at Disney. The Visa Premier gets you 5% back on purchases made with D isney+, Hulu and ESPN+, as well as 2% on gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores and Disney locations, as well as 1% on all other purchases. Again, this cash back is Disney cash, which is the PG equivalent of Bunny Money .

Finally, you also get great discounts on merchandise in the parks ($50 or more in spend) and you get 10% off your bill at select restaurants in the parks, as well as any bolt-on activities during your Disney trip.

Now it's time for the not so positive: everything else is terrible. The earnings rates are BAD, even with the merchandise discounts. Also, the return you get in Disney Dollars or Scrooge McBucks or whatever is only going to help you on your return to the parks. Other cards with transferrable points can lead you to other trips and experiences.

For me, these cards are a clear stayaway.

My Favorite Disney Credit Cards Strategy

Here we are. My favorite strategy for booking Disney trips in 2023:

Hotels - If we're staying at a mid-tier or bottom-tier Disney resort, I'm using Undercover Tourist. Again, they're an affiliate with us, but they still offer the best rates on these hotels. I also use my Delta American Express Platinum card to make this purchase, which gives me a 3x multiplier in Delta SkyMiles. If we're staying at a high-end hotel, I'm testing out David's Vacation Rentals and the DVC program. Pricing it out, we can stay at a $1,000 per night hotel for about half that cost. The only downside is they don't accept Amex which is tantamount to terrorism.

Flight and Tickets - I'm going Delta Vacations on this one. Again allowing me to claim a multiplier on my purchase, using my Delta card on this one actually nets me 5x thanks to the math on the Vacations product. It also scores me some huge jumps in the math for my Medallion status requalification, which is the gift that keeps on giving with complementary upgrades on flights. I flew 36 times last year and got upgraded on 20 of them, netting me over $3,000 in free upgrades. This one is worth it for me.

Merchandise - I'm a psychopath, so I'm going with the gift cards. I'm milking that grocery store multiplier on my American Express Gold Card for all it's worth, so we may as well load up on the 4x points multiple, essentially providing you an 8% return on merchandise purchases.

Airport Transportation - Thanks to my Amex card ecosystem, I could probably go Uber here with all the Ubercash I get each month. However, I'm going with Mears. I know I got burned by them last time, but the return experience was good enough for me to use them again. If you want to get really weird with it, it's like the foreplay before the...where was I going with this.

CLEARLY booking a Disney vacation is a long, confusing, arduous, expensive process. However, with a little research and a willingness to check your FICO score, there are better ways to book than bending over the nearest barrell and waiting for Goofy to do his thing.

Related : What Is Disney's Secret $100,000 Club 33?

With a proper understanding of points, miles, credit card benefits and multipliers, you'll be ready to head to Orlando with your head held high and your Mickey Ears held higher. Good luck.

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Travel Hacking Paid for Our Disney Trip. Here’s How

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I’ve been to Disney World more times than I can count.

I grew up going there once every few years and have continued visiting as an adult. Once my wife and I had our son, we knew we wanted him to experience it too.

Everyone knows going to Disney World can be expensive. As someone who’s visited many times, I’ve figured out where my family can save money and where it makes sense to spend more to get the most value out of our trip.

To make things easier financially, I used my travel hacking skills to save our family even more. With some diligent planning, we took our family to Disney World for four days for free.

A Look at Where We Cut Costs, First

Here’s how we kept our costs down and the key to getting a cheap Disney World vacation. Use these tips and strategies to make the trip a reality for your family.

The cost to travel to Disney World can vary dramatically depending on where you live. Admittedly, my family only lives a six-hour drive away so we didn’t have to pay for airfare. If you do have to fly to Orlando, there are ways to substantially reduce the cost of your flight.

According to travel site SkyScanner, the best month to fly into Orlando is January, when flights are about 11% cheaper. [ 1 ] September and February are also good options. Travelers should book their flights between three to six months in advance to snag the best deals.

Flights and tickets are almost always more expensive around holidays, both major ones like Christmas and New Year’s, but also minor ones like Martin Luther King Jr. Day. If you want to visit Disney World, pick a weekend that doesn’t coincide with a holiday. Yes, you may have to take more vacation days or have your child miss school, but the cost savings may be worth it.

Driving can be cheaper but takes up more time in most cases. Sometimes it’s worth paying more money to save time, especially when you have a limited number of vacation days at work.

Total travel cost : $98.77 — $10 in tolls and $88.77 in fuel for our car.

Accommodations

Accommodations are one of the most significant expenses of a Disney World vacation. You can splurge and spend hundreds of dollars per night to stay on the resort property.

Staying on the resort comes with a few perks such as free parking at the theme parks, although you do have to pay to park at the hotels. You can get convenient transportation to the parks if you don’t feel like driving.

To save money, we rented a two-bedroom hotel room off the Disney property. We split the cost of the hotel with my parents who came with us. This cut our total hotel bill, which was $855.02, in half to $427.51.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Walt Disney World (@waltdisneyworld) on Dec 16, 2019 at 12:34pm PST

You may want to consider booking a vacation rental through sites like Airbnb or VRBO. If you split these larger accommodations with a group, you can get affordable lodging. They may not provide free shuttles to the parks like many hotels do, but having more space and cheaper pricing can make it worth it.

Total accommodations cost : $427.51

Tickets and parking

Disney World tickets aren’t cheap, but there are ways to get lower-priced tickets. The first thing you should do is check all the organizations you’re a part of to see if they offer discounted tickets.

Since my dad was visiting the parks with us, he was able to secure discounted retired military ticket vouchers through his Navy base’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation department.

The catch was that he had to visit the parks with us to redeem the ticket vouchers for real tickets. We would’ve also qualified for discounted tickets as Florida residents, but the MWR department discount was better.

Disney charges different rates daily based on demand. Your ticket price will be lower and the parks will be less crowded if you plan to go during a lower demand time.

We opted to visit in February to take advantage of smaller crowds and avoid the Florida summer heat. This also happens to be a lower-priced time of year.

We saved even more money by taking our son before he turned 3 years old. Kids age 2 and under are free, while kids ages 3 to 11 only get a minor discount.

He won’t remember the trip whether he is 2 or 3 years old anyway. The trip was more for us and to see his reactions. Tickets for my wife and I ended up costing $473 for two 4-day park hopper passes.

If you do decide to drive and park at the theme parks, you’ll have to pay a daily parking fee. When we went, this was $25 per day. You can carpool with family to save money. We split the parking fees with my parents. In total, we paid $50 for half of the parking costs.

Total park visit cost : $523

Food is an expense that can grow out of control at any theme park. We did a lot of planning to make sure this didn’t become a huge part of our travel budget .

First, we made sure to book a hotel that had free breakfast daily. This saved us $25 or more per day.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Walt Disney World (@waltdisneyworld) on Sep 22, 2019 at 9:30am PDT

Next, we decided to bring snacks into the park, which Disney allows. We used these to hold us over between meals. Our family did purchase lunch in the park, though. We preferred to eat at the quick-service restaurants, which had plenty of options at a semi-reasonable price.

Thanks to our 2-year-old’s need for a nap, we found ourselves leaving the park before dinner each day. This saved us a ton of money on our dinner bill. We’d usually order pizza, eat at the Wawa right next to our hotel, or eat the free dinners offered at Staybridge Suites on Monday through Wednesday nights.

Total food cost : $253.17 for a family of three for our 5-night, 6-day trip.

Since we’ve been to Disney World several times, we usually skip out on the souvenirs. We knew this would be an issue with a 2-year-old, so we decided to pre-purchase a light stick from Amazon for $8.59 before we left. This kept him entertained.

We purchased a teacup for a gift for our pet sitter and an art print I wish I had bought years earlier on our prior visit.

Total souvenir cost : $53.23

Where Travel Hacking Comes In

We spent a decent amount of money on this trip but managed to keep our costs low with some smart planning. But how does a $1,364.27 trip end up being free? The simple answer is credit card rewards.

We signed up for several credit cards — a process know as card churning — with bonuses that covered our trip. These bonuses made it possible to earn enough points quickly.

If we’d only used a 2% cash-back credit card, we would have had to spend $68,214 to earn enough cashback to cover our trip. But credit card sign-up bonuses made it a much faster process.

Credit card sign-up bonuses give you a large number of points, cashback, or airline miles for spending a set amount of money during the first three months of being a cardmember. For instance, one card may offer 50,000 bonus miles, worth $500 in free travel, for spending $3,000 within the first three months of opening your card. We only had to earn three of these bonuses to pay for our trip.

The key to earning sign-up bonuses responsibly is only putting charges on the card that you can pay off in full. My wife and I use a simple churning spreadsheet to track when payments are due so we never miss a payment. We’ve earned thousands of dollars of sign-up bonuses which have paid for several vacations. We never pay any interest, penalties, or late fees, either.

Coupling Cost-Savings and Rewards Points Together Was Key

We managed to take our family of three to Disney World for free because we kept our costs low and used credit card sign-up bonuses to pay for our trip. Once you come up with a budget for your trip, start planning how long it will take to earn the credit card rewards you need to cover your costs.

If you have to fly, consider using airline credit card sign-up bonuses to pay for your flights. If you want to stay off the resort property, hotel credit card sign-up bonuses could pay for the hotel room. Disney tickets and other theme park expenses may not count as travel, so it’s best to pay for those expenses with credit cards that offer sign-up bonuses with cashback.

Space out your applications so you can reach the credit card sign-up bonus spending requirements. This may result in earning sign-up bonuses for over a year to pay for your trip. All of the planning and effort is worth it when you get home from your vacation and don’t have a huge credit card bill.

Zero to Travel has a great beginner’s guide to travel hacking for anyone interested in getting started.

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National Alert Ceases All Outdoor Operations at Disney, All Guests Suspended

in Disney Parks , Disneyland Paris

The weather at Disneyland Paris is currently less than ideal, which has forced the resort to send out a shutdown alert to a majority of the attractions at the theme park.

Sleeping Beauty Castle in the end of Main Street, U.S.A, at Disneyland Paris

When guests arrive at Disneyland Paris, they typically expect to enjoy a lot of the offerings around the resort, with a priority being on the attractions. Like any theme park, guests not only come to the Disney parks to enjoy the scenery but also, to experience Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, and all of the other rides at the park that make Disney even more magical.

While rides can temporarily shut down due to maintenance or refurbishment, it is typically not too much of a burden for the guests as the bulk of the rides will remain operational. There are instances, like today, when the weather can end the magic prematurely.

As reported by French news outlets , “An intense storm will bring heavy rain and hail to the north of France as wet weather sweeps much of the country. The state weather service, Météo France, has issued weather warnings for many departments.”

The incoming storm brings a significant risk of flooding and other weather hazards, prompting warnings for residents to be prepared.

Météo France has designated 14 departments as high-risk zones, placing them on an orange alert. These departments are: Somme, Aisne, Oise, Marne, Aube, Yonne, Seine-et-Marne, Essonne, Yvelines, Val-d’Oise, Val-de-Marne, Seine-Saint-Denis, Hauts-de-Seine, and Paris. Residents in these areas should be particularly vigilant, as they face a heightened risk of flooding from overflowing waterways.

The storm’s impact extends beyond the 14 high-alert departments. An additional 51 departments have been placed on yellow alert, indicating a potential for dangers. While the specific risks may vary by location, residents in these areas should also stay informed about the latest weather updates and be prepared for possible disruptions.

Météo France urges residents in at-risk areas to take precautions. This includes avoiding unnecessary travel during the storm and being mindful of the potential for flooding. By staying informed and taking necessary steps, residents can help ensure their safety throughout the storm event.

As we can see from Disneyland Paris reporter DLP Report, there have been thunderstorms plaguing the theme parks all day.

🌩️ Video: Impressive thunderstorm over Frontierland:

🌩️ Video: Impressive thunderstorm over Frontierland: pic.twitter.com/3v42JAGmSn — DLP Report (@DLPReport) May 12, 2024

DLP Report also shared that all outdoor attractions have had to close due to the weather alert of thunder that spans across both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park.

🔧 All outdoor Attractions are currently closed due to the ongoing inclement weather alert for thunder across the Resort.

🔧 All outdoor Attractions are currently closed due to the ongoing inclement weather alert for thunder across the Resort. pic.twitter.com/uZWj4Zt2gN — DLP Report (@DLPReport) May 12, 2024

When these alerts occur, they force all outdoor rides to stop all operations immediately. Luckily, once the thunder is no longer in the vicinity of the theme park, the rides are operational once again. Additionally, all indoor attractions remain open in all weather conditions, so Pirates of the Caribbean and Peter Pan’s Flight never have to worry about shutting down.

When inclement weather stops operations at Disneyland Paris, it is a bigger deal as it is not too common for the theme park as it is down in Orlando. At Walt Disney World, thunderstorms force attractions to shut down very often, which is why most of the attractions were designed to be indoors, so that the rainy Florida climate would not pose too many issues.

If you’ve been keeping up with updates on Euro Disney Park or have recently visited, you’re likely aware of the ongoing transformation at Disneyland Paris. Following years of renovation, the Disneyland Hotel has reopened after a significant investment of over $500 million.

The popularity of the flagship hotel has soared, resulting in capacity challenges. Day guests now need to secure a virtual queue reservation with a designated return time just to experience the revamped lobby and overall transformation.

A bustling day at disneyland with visitors enjoying the view of the iconic fairy tale castle.

On May 25, the Walt Disney Studios Park (soon to be rebranded Disney Adventure World) will unveil its latest attraction, Alice & the Queen of Hearts: Back to Wonderland. This new addition replaces the Moteurs… Action!: Stunt Show Spectacular, which permanently closed in 2020, marking one of several changes at Walt Disney Studios Park.

Studio 1, the park’s primary entrance, has temporarily closed for extensive refurbishment as the park undergoes a thematic shift. The previous “on-set” theme will give way to a broader narrative of traversing different stories or adventures. This renovation is anticipated to last a year.

Additionally, significant efforts are underway to introduce the new World of Frozen section, featuring a Tangled attraction, within the park. Dedicated sections for Winnie the Pooh and Pixar’s UP have also been announced.

Disney Village, similar to California’s Downtown Disney, is experiencing substantial transformations. Among the closures are the LEGO store, Planet Hollywood, and The Disney Gallery.

These changes coincide with an eventful period for Paris, as the city prepares to host the Olympics in July. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin revealed that approximately 300,000 spectators will attend the Paris Olympics opening ceremony along the River Seine on July 26, deviating from the traditional stadium setting and requiring a significant security deployment of police officers and soldiers.

The exterior of "it's a small world" at Disneyland Paris

Despite reduced crowd sizes mandated by the French government, Paris is expected to welcome a surge of tourists, including many from the United States . With Disneyland Paris just a short train ride away, the parks anticipate heightened attendance during the peak summer season.

However, with the influx of guests and ongoing construction and closures , Disneyland Paris may appear less enchanting to first-time visitors. Additionally, capacity constraints, particularly at Walt Disney Studios Park (soon to be Disney Adventure World), may necessitate early departure recommendations, such as leaving by 3:00 p.m.

We have seen numbers at the parks increase lately, but there has also been an increase in travel tours due to the current Eras Tour performances by Taylor Swift. After launching “The Tortured Poets Department”, Taylor Swift is on her European leg of the The Eras Tour. Many Americans and others have stated that they have chosen to travel to Europe to see the show, as tickets were easier to obtain. With Disneyland Paris being located a short train ride away from where everyone is staying, more guests have undoubtedly decided to come visit.

Swift plays her last show in Paris tonight, May 12.

Do you plan on visiting Disneyland Paris in 2024?

GOBankingRates

11 Travel Hacks To Avoid in 2024

Posted: February 26, 2024 | Last updated: February 26, 2024

When it comes to traveling, frequent and casual travelers alike often look for ways to save money and time, or make the trip the best it can be. Common travel hacks include searching for flights in incognito tabs, traveling during the off-season, and using hotel booking sites to score the cheapest accommodations.

Read Next: Dave Ramsey: 7 Vacation Splurges That Are a Waste of Money Learn More: 6 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

While some of these travel hacks have served people well over the years, many of them either don't work anymore or don't work like they used to. Sometimes, these so-called travel hacks end up costing more money in the long run -- or they detract from the entire experience.

Before you book your next trip, here are 11 travel hacks to avoid in 2024, according to experts .

airport terminal woman layover delay smartphone_iStock-1387098375

Hidden City Ticketing, aka Skiplagging

"Booking a flight with a layover at your actual destination, and then skipping the connecting flight will backfire because the airline will cancel the remaining parts of your ticket, leaving you stranded or facing additional fees," said Kat Fleishman , a luxury travel expert and CEO of Do-Tell PR .

This so-called travel hack referred to as "skiplagging" might seem more cost effective than booking a direct flight. However, you won't be able to check any bags if you do this. It's also technically legal, but could result in lost miles or lifetime bans from that specific airline.

Check Out: 8 Tips To Fly Business Class for the Price of Economy Trending Now: 11 Expensive Vacation Destinations That Will Be Cheaper in 2024

Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief.

<p><span>It was announced back in February that Amtrak was spending $3 million on cash bonuses for employees who got vaccinated. Workers who provide proof of vaccination will also earn a bonus of two hours pay. </span></p> <p><span>Amtrak is also offering employees the opportunity to receive the shot during work and will give paid time off, up to two full days, for those who have side effects from the vaccine.</span></p> <p><strong><em>See: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/travel/21-mistakes-can-blow-your-budget-while-traveling/?utm_campaign=1103839&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=19&utm_medium=rss">21 Mistakes That Can Blow Your Budget While Traveling</a></em></strong></p>

Buying a Cheap Flight Over a Pricier Train Ticket

You might save money by purchasing a cheap airplane ticket over a train ticket, but money isn't everything when it comes to traveling.

"Some train journeys may cost more than a cheap flight but the beauty of a train ride is the greater flexibility from the booking system to being able to jump off at a certain point in the journey -- much less stressful and also enjoyable," said Jessica Dante , a leading travel expert at Love and London. "Boarding is much also less hassle, there are no luggage restrictions and inevitably more leg room."

Plus, you could save money -- or at least break even -- by taking a train over a flight. Luggage fees can add up when you fly, and many airports are located far from the city center, which means you'll need to spend more money on a taxi or public transport to reach your destination.

Explore More: I'm a Luxury Travel Agent: 10 Destinations My Wealthy Clients Are Booking for 2024

Exchanging Money at the Airport

"Using currency exchange services at airports or hotels can be convenient, but they charge higher and hidden fees with really bad exchange rates compared to local banks or ATMs," said Fleishman. "It's better to withdraw local currency from ATMs or exchange money at local banks."

<p><strong>Read Next: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/travel/expensive-destinations-that-will-be-cheaper-in-2024/?utm_term=related_link_3&utm_campaign=1262370&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=4&utm_medium=rss" rel="">11 Expensive Vacation Destinations That Will Be Cheaper in 2024</a><br>Learn More: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/travel/cheap-beautiful-places-for-winter-vacation/?utm_term=related_link_4&utm_campaign=1262370&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=5&utm_medium=rss" rel="">7 Cheap, Beautiful Places for a Winter Vacation</a></strong></p> <p><strong>Sponsored: </strong><a href="https://products.gobankingrates.com/pub/9e562dc4-52f4-11ec-a8c2-0e0b1012e14d?targeting%5Bcompany_product%5D=tra&utm_source=msn.com&utm_campaign=rss&passthru=msn.com" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief.</a></p>

Traveling Only During the Off-Season

Off-season travel is often less expensive than any other time, but not always.

"There has been a lot of talk around the benefits of off-season travel recently, which presents this as a travel hack for getting the best prices. In some cases, visiting during these quieter periods can offer a unique and more affordable experience. However, sometimes, they are just less popular times to visit for a reason," said Jan Luescher, CEO of luxury travel social network, ASmallWorld .

"Visiting certain destinations during their quieter periods significantly limits what you can do there and causes you to miss out on some of the best things to do and see because they are not open or safe to visit at this time," she continued.

If you miss something you really wanted to do, it might require a second trip to the same place. Or you might not enjoy yourself quite as much as you'd hoped.

<p><span>While it isn't always easy to plan a trip so far ahead of time, the price that you pay will be worth it! </span></p> <p><span>Whether you're still in the planning phase or have a definite destination, start reserving early in the planning process. One way to save money is to always opt for the "pay when arrive" option and try to avoid "non-refundable" bookings. This way, you'll be all set with a living situation that provides you with more flexibility for any last-minute changes.</span></p> <p><span>Making early reservations at cancel-friendly hotels is a great way to save money without sacrificing the flexibility of your trip!</span></p> <p><em><strong>Check out: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/travel/cheap-places-to-travel-on-100-dollars-day/?utm_campaign=1147036&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=3&utm_medium=rss">Cheap Places To Travel On $100 a Day Or Less</a></strong></em></p>

Booking Non-Refundable Accommodations Early

"While early bookings can secure lower rates, committing to non-refundable accommodations too far in advance puts a damper on flexibility," said Fleishman. "Plans can change, and unforeseen circumstances always arise, leading to potential financial loss. Always better to book a hotel with a flexible cancellation policy if you are booking in advance."

Be Aware: 9 American Travel Brands to Stay Away From

<p>"Traveling further afield often means catching a connecting flight and a common hack or tip for planning an indirect journey is checking the layover time to ensure it gives you enough time to disembark one flight and get onto the next," said Luescher.</p> <p>But even if you account for the layover time, you might be forgetting a very important detail: The size and layout of the connecting airport.</p> <p>"It's easy to get lulled in a false sense of security that because these connecting flights are available to buy, the layover time must be fine," Luescher continued. "However, each airport and airline can have very different rules for connecting travelers that require you to set aside different lengths of time."</p> <p>Most international airports, for instance, have additional security checkpoints or requirements. You might even have to claim and recheck your luggage during the layover, depending on your destination. This can cut into your layover time quite a bit.</p> <p>Some airports are also massive, so it could take you even more time to get to your gate. If you don't account for all of these factors, you could end up missing your flight -- and having to buy a new ticket.</p> <p>On the flipside, if your layover time is substantial, you could end up wasting valuable time that cuts into your trip.</p>

Buying Cheap Airline Tickets but Ignoring Layover Times

"Traveling further afield often means catching a connecting flight and a common hack or tip for planning an indirect journey is checking the layover time to ensure it gives you enough time to disembark one flight and get onto the next," said Luescher.

But even if you account for the layover time, you might be forgetting a very important detail: The size and layout of the connecting airport.

"It's easy to get lulled in a false sense of security that because these connecting flights are available to buy, the layover time must be fine," Luescher continued. "However, each airport and airline can have very different rules for connecting travelers that require you to set aside different lengths of time."

Most international airports, for instance, have additional security checkpoints or requirements. You might even have to claim and recheck your luggage during the layover, depending on your destination. This can cut into your layover time quite a bit.

Some airports are also massive, so it could take you even more time to get to your gate. If you don't account for all of these factors, you could end up missing your flight -- and having to buy a new ticket.

On the flipside, if your layover time is substantial, you could end up wasting valuable time that cuts into your trip.

<p>This is a good card for 30-something travelers who don’t have an airline preference. You get three times the miles on every dollar you spend on travel and dining, but you don’t have to fly a particular carrier or stay in a certain hotel. The interest rate is reasonable, and the annual fee is waived for the first year. Some travel cards only let you redeem your miles for more travel, but with this one, you can also redeem them for cash.</p>

Getting Bulk Airline Miles

Airline miles, or frequent flyer points, rack up for frequent travelers. When you have enough of them, you can redeem them for discounted future flights, rental cars, accommodations and more.

But don't buy them in bulk to try to get more points quickly.

"Buying airline miles or loyalty points at a discounted rate is not OK by the airlines and there's a risk of having your account suspended or worse," said Fleishman.

Searching for Flights in Incognito Tabs

"A common travel tip people have been following for years is that you should search for flights in private Incognito mode and clear your browser cookies to see the lowest fares," said Mercedes Zach, travel expert at ASAP Tickets , part of Trevolution Group.

"This approach comes from the belief that airlines are using browser cookies to track your searches and will show you higher prices if you do several searches for a particular destination within a short period of time," Zach continued. "In reality, airfare pricing is dynamic and constantly fluctuates and Incognito mode has no impact on it."

Just because a price drops for a specific flight doesn't mean it's because of the way you searched for it. If you want to get the best fares, set up alerts on Google Flights or a similar platform.

Discover More: 7 Cheap, Beautiful Places for a Winter Vacation

couple hotel room reservation smartphone_iStock-1415265514

Using Free Wi-Fi

There are lots of hidden fees when it comes to traveling, so you might be tempted to find even small ways to save money. One such way is to use free Wi-Fi, but there are many scams that can end up costing you.

"Beware of hackers who set up fake Wi-Fi networks with names similar to legitimate hotel networks to trick travelers into connecting," said Fleishman. "Using unsecured networks can expose personal information. It's safer to use a hotel's official Wi-Fi or a virtual private network (VPN) for added security."

<p><span>Though traveling has eased up again, with relaxed COVID-19 health protocols and an increase in vaccinated Americans, it has definitely not become cheaper. If anything, airline prices are on the rise again as travelers set out in droves.</span></p> <p><strong><em>Learn More: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/travel/budget-plan-vacation-2021/?utm_campaign=1130251&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=1&utm_medium=rss">How To Budget and Plan For a Vacation in 2021</a></em></strong><br> <strong><em>See: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/travel/travel-prep-10-financial-to-dos-before-going-trip/?utm_campaign=1130251&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=2&utm_medium=rss">Travel Prep: 10 Financial To-Dos Before Going on a Trip</a></em></strong></p> <p><span>So if you’re looking to fly somewhere but don’t want to spend a lot of money, finding the cheapest flight is probably top of your list. While finding cheap flights is not the easiest way to book, following <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/travel/travel-bloggers-best-budget-tips/?utm_campaign=1130251&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=3&utm_medium=rss">these 11 tips can help you find a flight that will bring to you a dream destination without hurting your bank account.</a></span></p> <p><em><small>Last updated: Aug. 19, 2021</small></em></p>

Booking Flights on Tuesdays

If you've been booking flights on Tuesdays in the hopes of saving money, chances are it isn't actually working.

"I have been with a flight booking agency for several years now and I cannot say for sure that Tuesdays are cheaper than other days. Flight fares are dynamic and constantly fluctuate," said Shreya Patel, marketing manager at Lowest Flight Fares . "A flight from Austin to Boston may cost you around $114 on a Tuesday and $89 on a Saturday."

Instead of booking flights based on the day of the week, compare different options around the time when you want to travel. Patel also suggested booking between 21 and 115 days before your trip for the best prices.

Dressing Nicely To Get Upgrades

Some travelers swear by this travel hack, but there's not much proof that it actually works.

"What you are wearing at the check-in counter has no influence on the agent. Moreover, the airline already decides where its passengers are going to sit before they even leave the house," said Patel.

"For example, British Airways' check-in automatically upgrades passengers if it is required, based on the ticket cost, frequent flyer status, whom you are traveling with or if you have any special needs," Patel said. "The agents on the ground can no longer upgrade you."

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IMAGES

What are the best Disneyland Hacks?
Disney Hack! Best Disneyland Photos! in 2023
10 Disneyland Tips & Hacks for a Magical Vacation
36 Disney World Hacks That Will Make Your Trip Even More Magical
25 Insanely Useful Disney World Hacks
Disney Travel Hacks: 7 Easy Ways to Save Money and Avoid Crowds

COMMENTS

The Art Of Travel Hacking Disney
January 29, 2024. Travel hacking is about navigating the cost of travel to your advantage. It involves strategies to reduce expenses on flights, hotels, and experiences, particularly for Disney vacations. It's about earning and using points and miles effectively, seeking out deals, and leveraging credit card rewards.
Introduction To Travel Hacking Disney
Travel hacking allows you to do Disney for less and gives you more flexibility with how you want to spend your money. For example, using basic travel hacking, you can choose between either just getting a free night at Disney or upgrading your room to club level, getting a free night, and spending the same as your original budget .
50 Disneyland Tips For 2024 (Listed By Category)
We will focus on the 50 key Disneyland tips for making your experience amazing, breaking these down by category: preparedness, rides, food, kids, navigating the offerings of the park, and fun. If you just planned a Disneyland trip and want to do some research to make sure everything goes perfectly, be sure to read our top 50 crucial Disneyland ...
19 Seriously Amazing Disneyland Hacks to Make Your Trip Even More ...
Here are 19 tried-and-true Disneyland hacks to assist you in having the most magical time at the happiest place on Earth. 1. Pick the right time to go. Do your research before going to the parks to avoid the overwhelming throngs. There will always be crowds, but try your best to visit a park when it's not at capacity.
101+ Magical Disneyland Tips, Secrets and Hacks
42) Rent a Locker. You can rent lockers in various sizes for your day in the Resort. Store food, camera equipment, extra clothes, and more by the day for a small fee. In Disneyland, the lockers are located on Main Street, U.S.A. In Disney California Adventure Park, the lockers can be found on Buena Vista Street.
Travel Hacking Basics to Save For Your Family's Disney Vacation
Top 5 Travel Hacking Disney Tips. 1. Pick a Hotel Program, Any Hotel Program. Well, don't just pick any hotel program. Pick a program that has participating hotels near Disney destinations that make sense for your family. The most obvious program that travelers headed to Walt Disney World pick is Starwood's Preferred Guest program (SPG).
37 Disneyland hacks for your best vacation yet
3. Go to the opposite park on Magic Morning entry days. Anyone who buys a 3-day hopper gets to enter Disneyland park 1 hour before the posted opening time on either Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, while those who stay at one of the Disneyland hotels get an early entry to California Adventures on either Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. This sounds ...
19 Disneyland Resort California Hacks To Make the Most ...
Most of the fastest wait times you'll experience at any Disneyland park happen in the first and last two hours of the park. 4. Get a locker. While it's wise to travel light, bringing jackets or raincoats, sunscreen, and cameras are a must when exploring Disneyland.
Disneyland Tips & Secret Hacks 2022
The Disneyland app can help with this. 7. Another Magic Morning tip: Most people assume that this is only available to Disney hotel guests, but multi-day (3+) pass holders have access as well. 8. Don't spend your day in line! Plan your day around FastPass.
7 Hacks to Make The Most of Your Trip to Disneyland
Get an extra early start. Sleeping footsteps away from all the action at an official Disneyland hotel comes with a number of perks but the main one is gaining early access to the parks - starting from 7:30am - a full half-hour before those staying elsewhere. For the early birds, this is a huge advantage as the park tends to be quieter in ...
What are the best Disneyland Hacks?
The Top 30 Disneyland Hacks from Disney Adulting. Plan to arrive before opening and take advantage of the first 3 hours of the day when the park is the least crowded. Don't bring a selfie stick. They are not welcome (safety hazard) at Disneyland, and you look like a giant dork carrying one around anyway. Get a frosty adult beverage.
8 Ways to Travel Hack Disneyland Hotels
Booking Disney World hotels with Chase Ultimate Rewards points is one of our favorite Disney travel hacks. Unfortunately, the Disney-operated hotels at Disneyland (Grand Californian, Disneyland Hotel, and Paradise Pier) cannot be booked with points. But here are 8 other ways to travel hack this hotels! 1. RENT Disney Vacation Club POINTS.
Mouse Hacking
Our guide to planning your trip to Disneyland in 2023 and beyond. From flights to hotels to perfect park days, we've got you covered on putting together the most magical time possible! May 1, 2024. Disney travel hackers dedicated to using points, miles, discounts, and deals to getting you to the most magical destination there is!
Travel Hacking Tips for Doing Disney & Beyond on a Budget!
As such, we thought we should share additional travel hacking tips and resources that are generally applicable to all destinations, and that we use to help save money when traveling. Whether you're visiting Walt Disney World and Disneyland, or Paris and Tokyo (or Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland), hacking can be used to significantly cut ...
Our Trip to Disneyland on Points
Best decision ever! That left us with four flights to purchase. For our Disneyland trip on points, we flew Southwest Airlines into John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana. The last time we went to Disneyland we flew into LAX and flying into SNA was so much better. After landing we took a Lyft and were at the hotel just 20 minutes later!
Travel hacking 101: A beginner's guide to travel hacking like a pro
Step 2: Choose your rewards program (s) Once you've determined your travel goals, it's time to pick your loyalty programs. Start with your home airport; if you live in an airline hub city, that airline can be a good starting point. There's no sense in earning Southwest points if you live in Alaska.
How to Travel To Disneyland Using Points & Miles
Here's how you check for tickets to Disneyland in a travel portal, using Chase as an example. Access the Chase travel portal by logging in to your Chase account and selecting Travel. Options include Hotels, Flights, Activities, Cars, and Cruises. Select "Activities" and input Anaheim and the dates of your stay.
11 Disneyland Travel Tips For First-Timers, From A Theme Park Expert
1. Buy Genie+. Genie+ is the park's expedited line system, similar to the former FastPass. Prices vary based on demand, but the mobile system allows you to book reservations for ride time windows and skip the standard queue. Now that's Disney magic.
10 Disneyland pro tips from people who work there
Slow down and savor. "My tip for people who have the checklist: Study the checklist at home, but when you're at Disneyland, stop and smell the roses. Stop and smell the churros," he laughed. "And ...
Couponing to Disney
Disneyland: California residents with zip codes between 90000 - 93599 and 21000 - 22999 get discounts from time to time. Right now, California residents who live in the above zip codes can buy a 3-Day, 1 Park Per Day Ticket for $73, a savings of $29 on the standard $104.
Disneyland Paris Complete Guide and Tips (2024)
The Basics of Disneyland Paris. Disneyland Paris is a theme park resort just outside Paris, France. It comprises four parts: The castle theme park, Disneyland Park or Parc Disneyland. A second park, Walt Disney Studios Park. Disney Village, a small shopping / restaurant area akin to Downtown Disney or Disney Springs.
Disney discount hack: How to save money with gift cards, more
Disney gift cards can be used to pay for Disney resort hotel stays, park tickets, dining, merchandise and other Disney-centric purchases. You can save 5% on the face value of those cards by ...
Travel-Hacking Disney Parks With Credit Cards, Points and Miles
At time of writing (mid-June 2023), the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy and Bonvoy Brilliant cards are offering absurd sign-up bonuses of 175,000 and 200,000 points, respectively, after meeting the required minimum spend. Each card also comes with one free night per year for redemption of a room 50,000 points or less.
Travel Hacking Paid for Our Disney Trip. Here's How
Driving can be cheaper but takes up more time in most cases. Sometimes it's worth paying more money to save time, especially when you have a limited number of vacation days at work. Total travel cost: $98.77 — $10 in tolls and $88.77 in fuel for our car.
National Alert Ceases All Outdoor Operations at Disney, All Guests
Météo France has designated 14 departments as high-risk zones, placing them on an orange alert. These departments are: Somme, Aisne, Oise, Marne, Aube, Yonne, Seine-et-Marne, Essonne, Yvelines ...
11 Travel Hacks To Avoid in 2024
Posted: February 26, 2024 | Last updated: February 26, 2024. When it comes to traveling, frequent and casual travelers alike often look for ways to save money and time, or make the trip the best ...
First Look: Photos & Video of New Drone Show Coming to Disney Springs
Walt Disney World Resort has shared a sneak peek of "Disney Dreams that Soar Presented by AT&T," a new nighttime drone show coming to Disney Springs. Running from May 24 to September 2, this innovative experience is the first of several new limited-time entertainment offerings debuting this summer at Walt Disney World Resort. The footage is ...
80+ Tips for Your Disney World Vacation [2024]
Part 1 - Right Now. We're starting with three things you can do right this second. 1. Set up a My Disney Experience Account. "My Disney Experience" is Disney's fancy way to refer to your Disney World account. If you set up an account on the Disney World website (or Disneyland, or even ESPN and Hulu), you've done this.