The Walt Disney Company is always creating new ways to drive traffic to its theme parks. One of the newest is free admission for kids and adults celebrating a birthday. You have to register online at Disney's website (see Reference below) to get free admission and present an ID at the gate, but it's well worth the effort. If you're coming from out of state, you can find bargains on flights and hotels during the times of the year when attendance is lightest (you can also find the best price on hotels outside the park, and many are a short walk from the main entrance). Business is slowest at Disneyland from October through February, and you can save hundreds of dollars by planning a trip during those months (the weather is much cooler as well). And if you're a coffee drinker, you can get free refills all day after you buy your first cup by keeping your receipt and empty cup. And any balloons that get popped accidentally can also be replaced for free during your day at Disneyland.
Do some advanced scouting for your trip to Disneyland by checking out the park's website (see Reference). The site is full of up-to-date information on ride closures, new attractions and limited-time bargains and discounts. Click the "Schedule" link on the website and enter the date or dates you plan to be there for advance information. You can also order a free DVD that provides a tour of Disneyland and its rides and attractions so you'll know where to go once you're inside.
The restaurants and snack stands at Disneyland can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. Buy a bottle of water when you enter the park and keep filling the empty water bottle at water fountains the rest of the day. It's also a good idea to bring items, such as a change of socks and sweaters or light jackets, particularly if you plan on being there first thing in the morning and staying all day. And don't forget to bring a few Band-Aids for blisters, because any trip to Disneyland involves lots of walking.
