DISNEYLAND — Going to Disney is a major event for families who save all year in some cases.

If you’re wondering how to maximize your time at Disneyland while sticking to a budget, we have some tips.

The first tip from guide Carrie Hoener, who is a member of the free consultation service called PlanDisney, says to start the day early.

Instead of paying for faster line access, the Disneyland app is going to be your best friend throughout the day.

That’s where you can see wait times for rides.

As for character meals, you don’t need to pay extra.

“And you go into the app on the map, click on characters and here you can see every character that will be available around this area,” Hoener said.

Also take advantage to the free experiences that are hiding in plain sight.

The best ‘trick’ to save money is to minimize purchases.

“You can bring in snacks. You can bring water bottles. There’s no limit to that,” Hoener said.

There are water filling stations all over the park.

“So I had a $15 lunch and $15 dinner and then the cost of my ticket. That’s it,” Becky Worley said.

Ticket prices differ day to day.

And for even more savings, you can also use a discounted Disney gift card to pay for the ticket.

Target Redcard holders can get 5% off Disney gift cards and wholesale clubs have Disney cards discounted too.

And to really maximize the ticket, take advantage of staying in the park late.

For a $126 ticket plus $30 for food, it came to $148 for 14 hours of nonstop fun and joy!

There’s a lightning round of Disney deals coming up through December 19, with 20% off hotel stays of 3 nights or more, plus deals at hotels at Disney World for the first half of 2026 when you purchase a four day park ticket from the Walt Disney travel company.

Plus in 2026, kids ages 3 to 9 will eat for free with a purchase of any meal plan for guests ages 10 and up at a Walt Disney World hotel.

Get a sneak peek of fall, festivals and holiday magic coming to the Walt Disney World Resort HERE.