Well, we are back from Disneyland!! I do have to say that I missed posting and finding deals over the past few days. But, it was super nice to have a real break– probably one of the first since I started Freebies2Deals 2 years ago. So, a very special thanks to everyone who was helping me out with the site and posting deals for all of you while I was spending time with my fam! I even ran into a bunch of different Freebies2Deals Readers while I was there at Disneyland. So crazy to have people come up to me and say “You’re Melea from Freebies2Deal, right?” But totally fun!!
For everyone who is new to Freebies2Deals, you might have not seen the How to Save at Disneyland Videos I did the last time we were there. Whether you want to splurge or save while you are Disney, it can be done.
- How to Save at Disneyland Video #1
- How to Save at Disneyland Video #2
- How to Save at Disneyland Video #3
Plus, for anyone who goes during the Halloween time frame this year or next- one thing you HAVE to do is the Mickey’s Halloween Party! By far, it was the best choice we made while we were there. Instead of paying for a full-day ticket, we opted to go to the beach in the morning and headed over at 4:00pm to the Mickey Halloween Party. (It goes till Midnight) You do pay almost the same price as a one-day ticket. But, everyone dresses up and it gives you crazy access to all of the rides. Once all of the regular ticket holders cleared out around 6:00pm, we were able to literally walk-on to each and every ride!! It was sweet and totally worth it! Plus, they had Trick-or-Treat stations all over the park… handing out tons and tons of candy. And, they even had bags of carrots, raisins and apples for those who wanted to stay away from the treats. To top off the night, they had two special Halloween Parades and a special Fireworks show that was SPECTACULAR!! All in all, a serious must-do when you head to Disney next.
And, for all of you wondering… Yes, we did go through GetAwayToday again!! I just had to! After a few really good experiences with them, it only made sense to go with their discounted rates for all of the Hotels, Disneyland Park Hopper Tickets and transportation. I’m all about good customer service and feeling like I’m being taken care of. Plus, their Best Price, Best Service Guarantee makes a difference! For any of you wanting to do a trip to Disney in the future, they should still be giving a $10 discount for Freebies2Deals readers with code Freebies. Every little bit helps right?
You can call them up or go online to book your vacation. (They will send you special coupons for nearby attractions, restaurants and retail stores too- when you book. So, just another fun bonus for us coupon lovers!)
My videos from our last Disneyland trip can help you with ideas on how to save on your own Disney trip. But, like always, Freebies2Deals readers are geniuses when it comes to saving money! So please share the ways you save on your trips to Disneyland or Disney World in the comment section below. 🙂
Jana
We just got back also and what fun – it was a complete surprise for our kids who have never been (8, 6, 4)!! My tip would be to bring you own drinks and food into the park (in a backpack, stroller, etc). You cannot have glass (alcohol or drugs-really people try this??) but anything in plastic is OK to bring. Food and drinks are expensive so even bringing your own snacks and water will really help.
:0)
Meredith
Love, Love, Love Get Away Today! We have used them several times and always find the best rates and service with them. We are using them to travel to San Diego over Thanksgiving. Lego Land and Sea World here we come!
HEIDI
So cool!!! I bet that was so awesome!!I’m jealous!
Valerie
We also just got back about a month ago. I would have to say taking our own water and snacks really paid off. We didn’t buy food at Disneyland except for the last day. Which we did as a splurge because we had done so well the rest of the week. That saved us a ton of money. We had also left a cooler in the car that had food for lunch. However, with being so busy and having healthy snacks the cooler always ended up being dinner. So we didn’t have to worry about dinner either. I have a wheelchair. So I bought extra bags to hang on it and it held enough for every one in our party. Having the wheelchair helped with the lines also. So those who need a wheelchair remember to read the accessibility guidelines for every ride. Also stop and get the pass for accessibility so you can make sure to get your whole party on with you. You want to be able to ride with your party and not be separated. I can’t wait for my next trip and to use more of the tips provided.
rosa henderson
We are planning on a trip next weekend. We got discounted tickets through my husbands work which was awesome. I wanted to know about the codes for restaurants.com to get the gift cards to eat at downtown disney?
Mindy
I love Get away today! I try to find hotels that offer the 3rd or 4th night free. Then book your trip in two increments (if you are staying for 6 or more nights.) You get two free nights. I have done this twice and saved tons of money! We also try to find a hotel with a free shuttle and breakfast. Eat a big FREE breakfast and we have been able to skip lunch and just eat snacks we brought to the park. The Radisson Suites in Buena Park is awesome!
rosa henderson
Also wanted to ask if anyone knows of a way to get a discout for goofy’s kitchen? I will try getaway today but I already have room and tickets booked.
bunged
How crowded do you think Disney Halloween party will be over UEA weekend? (week of Oct 17) And did you go on a Friday night? thanks!
Melea Johnson
Actually, they have a set number of them that they sell. So, if you want to go, you probably want to purchase them now online. We went on a Friday and it sold out before the day arrived. So, it should be just like it was for us- since there are only a set number of Mickey Party tickets they sell. Have fun!!
Angie
Funny, I have done plan my own and Get Away Today and have always saved more money doing it on my own. I have found the price they say they save you in tickets is not really accurate. If you buy them of Disney web site they are cheaper. We like to stay across the street because we have 4 kids and there are usually two in the stroller asleep by the time we leave the park and there is no way we are going to unload a stroller and sleeping kids to get onto a shuttle. We stroll right into our room and moves kids to their beds. Get away today hasn’t given us the best options for our family. Plus you have to pay all at one time. If I do it myself I can buy tickets, in advance. Then have money for gas and food on hand with us. Then pay for the hotel after. I always make sure we have the money to cover the whole trip, but it helps break up the cost a little bit.
Renae
I’ve found the opposite to be true. Right now the 5 day hopper is $5 cheaper through Get Away Today vs. the Disneyland site.
Kasey
I found the opposite to be true as well as we scoured the internet to find our own deal and different travel agencies. None of which were cheaper than getaway today. Maybe it depends on when you’re lokking. We found the best deals through them by far and they helped us find somewhere nice, close (since we will have six kids in our party) and something affordable. Along with perks like early morning entry that we couldn’t find on our own. Love getaway today!
rosa henderson
I was also able to get a better price at a hotel right across the street cheaper that Get away today quoted me. We are at the portofino whcih is a ten minuet walk and only paying $90. they quoted me $140.00 for same room.
Diane
I’ve booked through Get Away Today three times now and have had a great experience every time. Once, I was able to find the hotel cheaper on another site, and they matched the price. They have been so great to work with.
Lesley
Mickey’s halloween party sounds so fun! We were there last year at this time when they did it but we didn’t know about it. Wish we could have gone. Maybe next year!
Darchelle
We are going to Disneyland next week. I have already bought my tickets through Get Away, they were the same price for a 3-day hopper as Disney website was for a 2-day hopper. I did have a discount code through America First Credit Union though so I had to ask for that pricing. I was wondering if you already have a regular ticket for the park if you can stay for Mickey’s Halloween party or is it a completely different ticket?
Diane
There is a separate ticket needed for Mickey’s Halloween party.
Lindsey
Hi Melea-
We are planning on Mickey’s Halloween Party this Friday! I watched your live feed a couple weeks ago about Disney. It was very helpful. I wanted to ask you, at the party on Friday, would you still recommend heading to Fantasyland first at 4:00 right when we get there? Or would you adjust your order of rides during the Halloween Party? I know you mentioned that around 6:00 when everyone else has leave, the rides really clear out (I’m that’s the case this year too!!). Thanks for all your great tips!!
Lindsey
*hoping
Melea Johnson
No, a lot of people are still in the park at 4pm. So you might find that Fantasyland is still super crowded. The longer you stay, the less crowded it gets. So I would adjust according to the amount of people. 🙂
Lindsey
Thanks Melea! Hope to see you there!