Disneyland on a budget! Any suggestions?

[MOMof3]

We are currently in a chapter 13 & we are headed to Disneyland with a group of family & friends (this has been planned for over a year). We are staying at the Disneyland Hotel & have our passes to get in--I've already paid for all of this (we've been eating a lot of hot dogs and mac n cheese). I'm mostly wanting to explore ways to save on food for the time we are there. Are there supermarkets, fast food, ??? w/in walking distance (we won't have a car). I'm nervous that food is going to break us & since we don't have credit cards anymore there would be no back up if we run out of cash--yikes! It will be my husband & I plus our kids 8, 6 & almost 1.
Thanks!

[One Half Full]

If you have a bank account you can get a VISA ATM/Check card. You can also get VISA Gift money or a pre-paid credit card (no credit check) That way you can get Pizza/ other delivery. Who wants to eat canned pork and beans in a hotel room on a vacation???
yuk.

Supermarket Delicatessens are great for getting fresh food, sandwich fixings, potato salad, and chicken and stuff. I don't know Orlando, (I've been there though) and its like any big city.

Here is a site called "All Ears Net" http://www.allearsnet.com/btp/grocery.htm which tells you about the nearby grocery stores and other things to do and see in Orlando. (I am sure there is something similar if you are going to DL in California. (You didn't mention which).

[CindyLou]

Disneyland, right? In California?

I've stayed there and their food prices are CRAZZZYYYY!!! Hamburger, fries, and coke, etc....>$10.00!

The hotel where you are staying does have eating places in the near vicinity, but all are associated with Disney or are novelty places like House of Blues or Rainforest Cafe.

I honestly don't remember if anything was in walking distance, but it seems like the hotel is set pretty far back off the main street away from everything.

Give them a call and ask about options. Also, ask if you could get a fridge in your room......I think a 12.00 cab ride to the nearest market might be a good investment.

I don't mean to scare you, but I was there on business and barely made it on my $49.00 per day per diem for food. Pack lots of snack bars!!!

[monkatom]

Across the street from Disney is a Mcdonalds, Dennys, and IHOP I believe. There are some other choices, Jack in the Box etc within Driving distance. Food in their is expensive but one option that is semi cheap if you want a little snack or have young kids is in California Adventure next to soaring california. They have some cheap for Disney fries, onion rings and kids meal. Also you could order stuff from the Disney outlet and put in suitcase and give to kids if you have young kids as opposed to buying i Disney. there is also a Disney Character outlet about a mile and a half from Disney taht sells shirts, etc cheaper than in Disney

[my4devils]

Never been to Disneyland, but we went to Disneyworld with 3 kids last year. In order to save some money on food we packed one suitcase full of goodies from our grocery store. We brought juice boxes and other things that would be easy to stow away in our diaper bag for snacks while at the park. Security looked in the bag but didnt dig through it so we didnt have a problem getting things in. We also brought water bottles and filled them up at the fountains to keep hydrated. As for main meals- we found the portions to be very big and our boys were able to share either with each other or with us when we dined in one of the parks or a surrounding restaraunt. We also rented a fridge for 10 bucks a night and we kept milk and cereal and lunchables in it for other meals. The next time we go we are going to stay somewhere with a kitchenette- our boys are now eating way too much and we will spend a fortune in food alone. Hope you have a great time!

[Bandit]

Start by buying your sodas & juices now. Take some chips & lots of snacks, maybe a little cooler for lunch meat, baby carrots cheeses & a loaf of bread. Muffins, fruit & Danish for in the morning. Raisins, nuts and things like that. Throw in some things that you know for sure that everyone likes & that will make a good night time snack.

I wonder if your room has a small fridge & microwave? That will help you decide on some things & if it would be a good idea to go to the grocery store one day.

You could look for a buffet for one of the meals because sometimes the kids eat free & you can fill up on some good food there. I know some people do not like that. A cab to get somewhere for dinner one night will be way less expensive than eating dinner at Disney & the food will be better.

I know you really want your kids to have a good time & they will just so long as they are not hungry. So pack an extra suitcase with food & juice or whatever they drink & snack on. It sounds like you will be pushing a stroller or carrying a baby?
If you are thinking you might run out of cash at least you wont run out of food while you are there if you take plenty with you.

You will still be able to buy them a gift, the circus type food & the things you normally get at amusement parks if you do it right. Yes be prepared to spend 4 times what you normally spend if you eat inside that place all the time.

It will also depend on how many days you stay as to how you plan to eat there. Is it possible for you to plan out two or three meals without eating out? At the same time, keep it simple so you dont feel burdened with making meals & can enjoy your time away.
Just suggestions. Have fun .

[Bandit]

there is also a Disney Character outlet about a mile and a half from Disney taht sells shirts, etc cheaper than in Disney

That is a good idea.

[Bandit]

We also rented a fridge for 10 bucks a night and we kept milk and cereal and lunchables in it for other meals.

BINGO

If you have some plastic cups/bowls & spoons- If you can get hot water from the coffe maker it works for oatmeal & oatmeal is good food to start the day.

[Bandit]

That way you can get Pizza/ other delivery.

Excellent. but I want pork & beans with my pizza

[Bandit]

I don't mean to scare you, but I was there on business and barely made it on my $49.00 per day per diem for food. Pack lots of snack bars!!!

I am scared. They would have to pay me to go back to DinseyWorld or Land. Waiting in 2 hour lines for these dinky little rides. I was in my late twenties when I went to both parks & I was so disappointed. I feel it is mostly for children bewteen 4 & 16.

I did enjoy the company & fireworks but the park itself left me wanting & I think that is because I did not get there until much later in life. Fortunately both trips were paid for since I knew people who worked there but I found the one in Orlando to be nicer than the one out west. That may have been because of the other theme parks that were there. Epcott was ok. MGM was ok & Universal Studios was ok.

[qwertysue]

There really isn't a close grocery store, unfortunately. I second the idea of packing a food suitcase!

Try this forum...it's one of my favorites for planning Disney: http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=26

Also, maybe a quick trip or two to 99cent store or other discount type store to pick up a few Disney items to stash in the luggage and bring out at night?

I go by Disney 2-3 times a week. I'll cruise around the area this week and pay attention to what's new around there.

I think with some pre-planning you should be able to give the kids (and your self) a great time!

.

[AtWitsEnd]

Check out intercot.com its a great all Disney site. Very detailed. Have a great vacation.

[MOMof3]

Wow, thanks everyone!! Great Ideas. I'll be fine for the most part on granola bars which I should be able to easily hide in the diaper bag with some bottled water that I will say is to make the formula if asked, etc...If we cut me out of the equation and double up w/the kids sharing then we should be fine. My kids have learned not to ask for too much, but I want them to enjoy themselves too! I'm planning to have to spend at least $100/day on food and other stuff & we will be there a good 4 1/2 days. I did talk with my brother and he said he could help us out if we get a little short--so looks like we'll be fine regardless, I just hate wasting money on food, especially if it is overpriced and tastes bad!

[Flamingo]

We are currently in a chapter 13 & we are headed to Disneyland with a group of family & friends (this has been planned for over a year). We are staying at the Disneyland Hotel & have our passes to get in--I've already paid for all of this (we've been eating a lot of hot dogs and mac n cheese). I'm mostly wanting to explore ways to save on food for the time we are there. Are there supermarkets, fast food, ??? w/in walking distance (we won't have a car). I'm nervous that food is going to break us & since we don't have credit cards anymore there would be no back up if we run out of cash--yikes! It will be my husband & I plus our kids 8, 6 & almost 1.
Thanks!

Never been to Disneyland but have been to the major theme parks in our area and I can tell you none of them allowed food or coolers, etc. into the park. You could leave your items in your car and go in and out but the hike to the car would be unbelievable. I don't know if you are allowed food/drinks in Disney so that is one thing you will need to check out or someone may have posted that information already. Food costs in those places are sky high and priced that way due to the convenience and plus they have you stuck. You need to make a plan to avoid purchasing food in there if at all possible. During our 13, we would avoid going to places like that due to the food situation or try to save enough to get hot dogs while in there - probably the cheapest thing you will find to eat. It's tough to deal with especially with the kids. Adults usually can manage to avoid the high cost items but the kids always want something.

In the future if you do this, Disney has package deals which include tickets and food. We have friends (family of 4) who go there and get the package deal (hotel, food, tickets) and you have nothing to worry about. You are given prepaid cards to use for food, etc.

[robivi3]

We have been to Disney many times. We have never stayed inside though. We carry our own microwave and coffee maker, limit souveniers. Bring groceries to the room. You may, as we did return to the hotel or retire early but I think you will be OK on $100 if you are prudent, you may spend less even. The food is very expensive there. We haven't used strollers since 1994 but I am pretty sure that you can carry a bag there. Drinks from the store will save you alot.

When the boys were small every vacation was like the "Beverly Hillbillies". The memmories are great.

The kids will want "Goofy Hats" without doubt, buy them on the last day or you will lose them. Do not buy souveniers on day one, mistake. Buy them at the last minute, trust me on this. You will spend less. Let them pick two things, my boys all picked a flintlock pistol and goofy hat on their first trip, once they were a little older they were more prudent about it. Disney has always been a "budgeted item" for us with strict management of funds.

Reserve for one really nice dinner the day before you leave, that will be a good memmory. We still remember eating dinner in "Canada in Epcot" back in 1984. From then on we have eaten one nice meal in Epcot as a "day before we leave bye-bye" every time.

You may even have enough to swing over to the Spacecoast for a half a day. My boys loved it when they were young.

Don't unnerve yourself over the BUCKS. This is your vacation also. ALL of our vacations, and they were lots of fun were without CC's before 1995. As long as you and hubby think the same you will be OK. The first thing is to take the monorail, and watch the kids reaction, it is priceless to watch the face of a child entering Wonderland for the first time. I can't wait to have grandkids and see that again, magnificent.

In the AM go to a BK or McD's (yes, drive out) and order from the dollar menu, like sausage biscuits (2), they will fill everyone. Have your coffee maker, milk, OJ and all in a cooler in the room. One half gallon of OJ costs what a cup of it does at Mcd's. I had three boys, all in private school, only one worker (me) making $16.00 an hour back in the early nineties when we did all this. Have plenty of Publix or WD bought snacks in the room, also augment the breakfast with cereal. You may return to your room to rest a couple of times during your visit, be ready with balogna and stuff for a quick lunch, and I hate to say it but you can pop a pot pie in the cheap $40 Microwave that you take with you anytime. Check to see what the room comes with, if it ain't allowed, hide it. Leave maybe $3 a day for the room person, we did but i know prices have changed, but you are on a budget. That will get you some little extras. Don't forget plastic and foamware for eating.

you will do fine. We have done all of the above for every vacation. We are experts at cheapening up the trip. Our last trip to TN we stayed in a cabin over a hotel and it worked out much cheaper even though it looked more expensive. We had three "big night out dinners" on that trip because we were in Gatlinburg, Dillsboro and Crossville. Ribs in NC, of course The Cherokee Grill in Gatlinburg and yes I love Ryan's Steak House in Crossville. All were reasonably priced.

The only drawback I see is "family and friends". One wants to spend, one doesn't. One wants this, one doesn't. Honestly, you may need to get off by yourselves for some time. everyone has to be on the same wavelength.