I moved out the week I turned 18 and since then I haven't been able to spend much time with my little brother, mainly because I now live 130 miles away from him and I don't drive. He's 11 and I'm 20 but I'm such a big kid that we still have loads in common and get along great. So I decided to take him on a surprise trip to Disneyland, just the two of us. We're going to be there Oct 9th-11th. I'm so excited. I want us to be able to do all the special stuff because who knows when he'll be able to go again (probably not until the next time I save up enough money to take him). The problem is there is no way I can aford us to eat at the Blue Bayou and have a character meal and stay at one of the disney hotels. I have to pay for everything (including plane tickets for both of us) so it looks like we won't be doing any of those things. Any suggestions on how to make a trip extra special on a VERY limited budget?

Good on you for caring enough for him to do this for him.

My hubby and I USUALLY do Dland on a tight budget. To help us save $$$ we plan on eating only one meal a day in the park.

We stay off property (at the Tropicana) and they have a small continental breakfast included which takes care of one meal right there. The rooms are inexpensive, we are paying $78 a night for ours. Even in peak season! And its directly across the street, so you can walk back and forth without having to rely on cabs ($$$) or a tram. (which is free but time consuming)

We like the Tropicana also because they have a fridge and microwave in everyroom and we can pack microwaveable foods with us and eat dinner in our room, thats two meals down. Eating lunch in the park is uaslly the cheaper option for our 'one meal out' rule.

We also bring our own trail mix, snacky things and water into the park to save on having to stop at ODV carts. Also Capri Suns are great for travelling.

It seems like you spend more money on food and drinking than anything and this helps us out alot.

The Mickey mouse ears hats with your names on them are a great keepsake souvenier type item and they are only $6 or $7 IIRC.

Just go and have fun....it doenst have to be about money.

Also, I dont know where you are flying from , but we got AMAZING rates for our upcoming trip from Southwest. $25 per person one way. Not bad at all!

Also, I dont know where you are flying from , but we got AMAZING rates for our upcoming trip from Southwest. $25 per person one way. Not bad at all!

We're comming from San Jose. I spent a good hour or so searching online for the cheapest flights. The cheapest I found were southwest and american airlines. Both end up being 113 roundtrip (including fees and taxes), which isn't too bad. Thank you for your advice. I'll definitly look into the Tropicana.

I think it is very thoughful of you to treat your brother to such a great trip.

I wouldn't worry about a character meal or any of that. Howard Johnson's is where we woud stay if we going to stay at the resort. The rates are cheap. Check into Jet Blue for airfare. They fly into Long Beach which is an even easier airport than John Wayne and the shuttle is the same.

Popcorn counts as a meal at DL. I would just enjoy all the snackie things and eat a big meal outside of the park.

Have a blast. Try to find the people in the cloud overalls and be in The Parade of Stars.

Nice big brother! I like to see that!! I am sure you will have a wonderful time. o not forget to take lots of pictures of the both of you with carectors and on rides! Take some snacks with you in your luggage, and eat out side the park. there is a few good eats right out side the gate ( a buffet to! and its only 4.99 and 5.99!

You'll have so much fun!!!! I have taken a couple trips with my little brother (who's eight years younger than me) to Disneyland and we have had great time together.

Howard Johnson's is where we woud stay if we going to stay at the resort. The rates are cheap. Check into Jet Blue for airfare. They fly into Long Beach which is an even easier airport than John Wayne and the shuttle is the same.

Sadly the hojo is already sold out the weekend we're going and jet blue doesn't go to so cal from san jose.

Nice big brother! I like to see that!!

I forgot to mention that I'm his big sister, not brother :)

That you all for your great tips.

You might look into rates for the Park Inn. I found some great rates for it on Expedia. Use tripadvisor.com to get good comparisons among the travel websites for hotels and airfares.

To save money on food, bring your own snacks to the park with you, e.g. bags of pretzels, apples, cereal bars will all keep you going between meals. Also consider bringing your own water. You can refill the bottle during the day. You might be able to split some entrees. The items at Redd Rocket's Pizza Port are sizeable and could be split between the two of you.

You might be able to split some entrees. The items at Redd Rocket's Pizza Port are sizeable and could be split between the two of you.


as are the items at Rancho de Zocala. They are HUGE!!!

You might be able to split some entrees.

This is a great idea since we're both really light eaters.

I just bought our airplane tickets for $73 each (before taxes). I figured I there is no way I'd find anything cheaper than that. Now I just need to pick a hotel.

I forgot to mention that I'm his big sister, not brother :)

That you all for your great tips.


It's weird how people read that because I got the impression you were his brother too!

Since you are his big sister, you can easily embarass him in many ways!!! Oh, the possibilities!!!! :~D