College Road Trip: Help us save money!

[orangechicken]

So me and 5 of my close friend are taking a little road trip to DLR in early september. We've found an awesome room at the Anaheim Desert Inn and Suites for a great rate. However, seeing as how gas prices just seem to keep going up, we're going to need any tips on how to save some extra cash!
1) Tickets: We were thinking AAA or Costco for a 3-day park hopper. Could we get a So. Cal ticket from relatives in that area or do you have to show proof?
2) Food: We're doing a costco run before we leave for granola bars and have budgeted $20 a day for in the parks. Any other advice?
3) It will be the second week of Sept., does anyone know how the crowds are then?
4) Any other tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks a bunch!

[adriennek]

2) Food: We're doing a costco run before we leave for granola bars and have budgeted $20 a day for in the parks. Any other advice?

Do you have camelbaks? If not, get water bottles, too.

The Desert Inn breakfast is rather slim - pretty much it's just sweet rolls. If you want something more substantial, you might want to get some yogurt or string cheese at Costco, too, for a little more protein boost. Another idea - get stuff to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. $20 a day is going to stretch prettttttty thin at Disneyland.

Adrienne

[mistofviolets]

My kids liked microwaveable mac and cheese for in the hotel room.

If you need souvenirs, got to the disney warehouse store up the road.

Make sure your car doesn't overheat on the road (bring water for the radiator...don't pour it on the radiator until AFTER it cools. We lost our car on the grapevine...adding considerably to the trip total! LOL)

[Malcon10t]

Consult www.gasprices.com for gas prices for the drive each way.

I agree with Adrienne, pick up some protein also.. Then use the Desert breakfast to add to your food. It isn't a great breakfast. They do have fridges in the room, so pick up milk and such when you get down there.

I can usually get by budgeting $30 per person per day for food for the trip, some days we dont use it all, others we go over and use the part of the others.

Eating in the park, SHARE!!!!!! We can get a Chicken Fuselli and a salad at Pizza Port and it will feed 3 people. It has the best "deals" to stretch your funds.

McDs is also close by, go for the 99 cent menu!

Tickets, check your student union and if anyone belongs to a credit union, check with them. Mine offers the 3 day parkhoppers $15 cheaper. There's almost another days food!

[minniemom]

If I was you I would rethink the hotel you are staying in. I say this only because of what was said about the breakfast. I have found that having a good breakfast is the key to saving money on food the rest of the day. I like the Hampton Inn, because they have some type of protien every morning, like eggs, sausage. They also have a big spread of cereals, yogurt, pastries, and breads. When we start our day off with the big breakfast, we can at least make it until noon before we want something else. If switching is an option, look at getaway today. I have always found great deals with them. You can book just the hotel, or get a package with parkhoppers. Good Luck & I think we will be there at the same time!!!

[Shinku]

Consider eating outside the park as well (which will be easier since you've obviously got a car). There's a sonic up the road about three miles (harbor and lemon, I think. It's right next to the character warehouse already mentioned), along with an in-n-out and numerous other food options. Just east of harbor on katella is a del taco, as well.

[Malcon10t]

If I was you I would rethink the hotel you are staying in. I say this only because of what was said about the breakfast. I have found that having a good breakfast is the key to saving money on food the rest of the day. I like the Hampton Inn, because they have some type of protien every morning, like eggs, sausage. They also have a big spread of cereals, yogurt, pastries, and breads. When we start our day off with the big breakfast, we can at least make it until noon before we want something else. If switching is an option, look at getaway today. I have always found great deals with them. You can book just the hotel, or get a package with parkhoppers. Good Luck & I think we will be there at the same time!!!

Having done these kinds of trips myself, if the Desert Inn price is what I think it is, it will be cheaper to not switch. They also have free parking. To the OP, if there is a microwave (I believe there is) might bring some precooked bacon, eggs and tortillas and make breakfast burritos in the room (but clean the stuff you put eggs in.)

If you do decide to look around, check the Residence Inn Maingate. It appears to be $119 for a studio (1 queen, 1 couch, bring a sleeping bag.)

Also, look at the alpine inn (alpineinnanaheim.com) for a nice, but cheap hotel. ($65 night)

And the Anaheim Plaza Hotel is $60.

[minniemom]

We just got the Hampton for 480 for 5 nights. That is taxes & everything through getaway to today. I thought that was pretty good.

[orangechicken]

Oh these suggestions are so great!!!! Thank you so much everyone!

I think that we're pretty set in the hotel (despite the breakfast) because of us needing 2 separate rooms (guys and girls) and just because of the proximity to the parks! I didn't even realize they had a fridge, so we might use that b-fast burrito idea, thanks Malcon10t!

And mistofviolets, we didn't even think of that! Water will definitely be on our costco list! PB&J is brilliant too, we're totally doing that! Minniemom, we're going at the exact same time! We'll be in the parks sunday-tuesday, but it's so far away! Almost down to double digits in our countdown though!

Thanks again, and if you have any more tips we'd love to hear them!!!

[Malcon10t]

Oh these suggestions are so great!!!! Thank you so much everyone!

I think that we're pretty set in the hotel (despite the breakfast) because of us needing 2 separate rooms (guys and girls) and just because of the proximity to the parks! I didn't even realize they had a fridge, so we might use that b-fast burrito idea, thanks Malcon10t!

And mistofviolets, we didn't even think of that! Water will definitely be on our costco list! PB&J is brilliant too, we're totally doing that! Minniemom, we're going at the exact same time! We'll be in the parks sunday-tuesday, but it's so far away! Almost down to double digits in our countdown though!

Thanks again, and if you have any more tips we'd love to hear them!!!

Cereal!! I'm just remembering all the things we used to do when I was a single mom with 4. Also, if you haven't commited to the hotel, one hotel to also consider is the Anaheim Plaza Hotel. You can get 2 rooms for $120 that week. Don't know if that saves you any. Its only maybe 3 minutes further from the park. (But I like the Desert Inn.) Bring fruit. Someone here can correct my directions, but if you go south on Harbor to Target, turn left just before Target (Chapman?) and go a couple blocks, there is an Albertson where you can get fruit and stuff. We went to the Food4Less, and none of the fruit looked edible, so I won't go back.

[shellybean]

What my fiance and I have been doing on our day trips are freeze the water, pack PB&J sandwiches, and snacks (Pringles travel nicely). We then buy a locker (7.00 for the day in DL unlimited visits), put the water on the bottom and sandwiches and snacks on top. Keeps things cool thorough the day. We've brought fruit with us as well, and i'm quite picky when it comes to food sitting out, but the frozen bottles really help keep it fresh.

We really like eating at the Bread place in DCA. They have a vegetarian Chili bowl that can easily feed 2.

An idea I got from a friend is to pop your own popcorn. We purchased one of the buckets on our first trip. We've brought them back to the parks filled with our own pop corn and no one says anything.

I don't know what the crowds are like, but it's fun to bring cards or trivia with you for the lines.

You guys are going to have a blast!! Roadtrips are so fun!!! o

[Courtney Anne]

Cereal!! I'm just remembering all the things we used to do when I was a single mom with 4. Also, if you haven't commited to the hotel, one hotel to also consider is the Anaheim Plaza Hotel. You can get 2 rooms for $120 that week. Don't know if that saves you any. Its only maybe 3 minutes further from the park. (But I like the Desert Inn.) Bring fruit. Someone here can correct my directions, but if you go south on Harbor to Target, turn left just before Target (Chapman?) and go a couple blocks, there is an Albertson where you can get fruit and stuff. We went to the Food4Less, and none of the fruit looked edible, so I won't go back.

The TARGET is on Chapman. I stayed at Anaheim Plaza and it wasn't the best - but it was $50 at the time so it was worth it !!! It wasn't too bad of a walk from the hotel to the parks. They have a restaurant there but it was about $7 for breakfast - but it was buffet style so...

I always try to go cheap - and then spend more... I am horrible with souveniers

[oregontraveler]

Aside from bringing snacks and frozen water bottles in, I suggest eating a meal outside the park, maybe have an early dinner. $20 a day on food doesn't
last long. If you aren't going until September, hopefully the gas prices will be lower by then. Check the entertainment schedule, Sunday might be the only
day for Fantasmic. The Costco/AAA tickets seem to the best deal for you,
keep looking around though. I hope I'm not assuming too much here but a college road trip usually means booze. The DCA Cove Bar is spendy so beware. Have fun.

[Park Freak]

When my sister and I went to WDW we wanted something cheap but substantial for breakfast. We brought those Quaker Oatmeal breakfast bars, and Slimfast to drink. Slimfast has a lot of protien in it, making them good even if you are not trying to count calories! This held us over to lunchtime quite nicely. We didn't have a fridge, so we put the next mornings Slimfast in the ice bucket the night before and they were nice and cold in the morning.

[jeffthechef]

We always hit Target before we leave for the bulk boxes of individually packaged cereal. I will typically eat 2-3 boxes and a Nutri Grain bar or two, along with a couple orange juice boxes. My kids love PB sandwiches, and a loaf of bread and jar of PB are cheap. Eating a big breakfast like this can extend our meals.

We then do a late lunch at around 3-4 in the afternoon, and a lighter dinner. We had Papa Murphy's deliver to our room on our last trip. It was quick and very affordable. We got a large specialty and a medium cheese for around $22. Also, Mimi's does to-go boxes, so you don't have to leave a tip. I got a half pound burger and fries for $8. McDonalds would have been about $5, but the Mimi's meal was far more substantial.

Anyway, hope this helps.

[Malcon10t]

Mimi's to go is great. We get their french dip and it easily feeds 2. They box everything nicely (we still leave a 10% tip) and the food is MUCH better than McDs. Order by phone, send someone to pick up. Good thinking about the SlimFast, we do Atkins shakes and we will grabbing those next time for MDM to get her morning protein and no sugar!

Denny's will also do "to go" and they are next door to Desert Inn.

[hlbtimes2]

Order kids meals in the park! They are about $6 (and come with a drink). My favorite is the one at pizza port. Get the cheese pasta with the white sauce. If you had breakfast at the hotel, then ate kids meals for lunch and dinner, you would still have a little left over for a churro or popcorn.

If you dont order a kids meal, get ice water with your meal instead of pop. Its free (and good for you!). If you do get a pop, refill it before you leave the restaurant.

The water in the first aid station is really good. Its filtered and they have cups. Check out the art work while you are there. They have some Walt originals in there.

[sjcivilady]

I'm another one to suggest splitting meals - we've taken our own chips, then split a sandwich at Pacific Wharf Cafe. We've also gotten skewers at Bengal BBQ and split 3 ways. This next trip we're taking those single drink sticks - will get ice water with our meal and voila peach tea or lemonade! The park will probably close fairly early when you're there, like 8 pm - we just ate dinner after the park closed. You should be able to have lunch for $10 (not sharing), add a Dole Whip or some other treat and be able to stick to your $20 limit in the park. Bring something to do for dinner in the room - sandwiches, soups, bag o salad, easy mac (don't forget to bring utensils, etc.) I'd beg stuff from mom's, sister's, aunt's pantries too - I would gladly donate stuff to a college kids trip if they asked me. Have fun!

[minniemom]

One thing not mentioned is Turkey Legs. They are huge!!! I can share one with my kids and it fills us up!!

[Malcon10t]

Ice water at any of the restaurants is free. Camelbaks can be refilled in various locations, but for me the easiest is on the back side of the French Market by the train station.

If you need Tylenol/Ibprofen/Aspirin, the First Aid Center will give it for free. Just go in and ask (sort of like a college health center, you sign a log and you're done.)

Visit www.dlresortinfo.com to check out menus and prices.

Check with your student coordinator at school to see if they have discounted tickets there. There are lots of discounts out there, just not as easy to find.

[DisneyBelle]

This is my first post though I have been been finding trip planning and money saving tips here for years. The following, however, was new to me:

Tickets, check your student union and if anyone belongs to a credit union, check with them. Mine offers the 3 day parkhoppers $15 cheaper.

After reading this suggestion I found a local credit union that I was eligible for (many cities have them), and saved $60.00 on 3 day parkhoppers for my family of four. Thanks!

[Malcon10t]

This is my first post though I have been been finding trip planning and money saving tips here for years. The following, however, was new to me:



After reading this suggestion I found a local credit union that I was eligible for (many cities have them), and saved $60.00 on 3 day parkhoppers for my family of four. Thanks!

Many credit unions today, you have to just say you work or worship in the community and you can join. The one I belong to, you used to have to be a state employee. The perks are great. Even if you only put $5 in an account there. But I found I liked the credit union better than my bank, AND, more ATMs (as most credit unions allow you to withdraw even if you don't belong to THAT credit union). Glad I was of assistance!

[orangechicken]

These ideas just keep getting better and better!!! We're definitely checking out Mimi's, it sounds like a great deal!!!

All of us are underage and don't drink, so that really helps keep the cost down (you were right to assume, we seem to be the minority these days!)! That's why we're going to DLR rather than somewhere like Cancun, we just can't grow up

And I'll look into a credit union discount, I never even realized you could do that! And Slimfast?!?! Never even though of that, thanks so much!!!

Thanks again everyone, this is going to be a blast!

[DianeM]

That hotel has breakfast. The breakfast is minimalist, but I'm pretty sure it's all you can eat (we often stay at the Del Sol, which I believe is owned and managed by the same people as the Anaheim Desert Inn and Suites). Personally, I take my favorite cereal (raisin bran) and buy milk at a nearby store, then eat in my room. It's quick and filling. If they don't give you enough coffee, ask at the front desk. At the Del Sol, you have to ask for coffee, so I assume it will be the same.

My favorite "cheap" meal in the park is at a little window place right next to the Blue Bayou. They serve a Gumbo (or clam chowder) in a bread bowl for about $8 that will keep you going all afternoon, especially if you eat the bread bowl. You can spend a fortune on snacks in the park, but I take string cheese (which keeps well without refrigeration, costco has cheap, good string cheese) and a bottle of water and split snacks like churros and cotton candy with my husband. The water in Anaheim is awful, but I generally get used to it after a day or so. You will need to drink a lot, because september can be quite warm. Soda's will break your budget fast. If you just can't tolerate the water, take a case of bottled water from costco.

My favorite cheap meal out of the park is Knotts Berry Farm chicken takeout. Very reasonable prices, great chicken, and you definitely should get a boysenberry pie. If you allow for leftover, you can get enough food for 5 people for 2 hearty meals for about $40, I'm guessing.

There is a grocery store near the park, if you have a car. Lunch meat and bread is cheap, and your hotel is close enough to the park that it's easy to pop back into the room for a meal and a break. That hotel has fridges and microwaves in the room, so you can just go to a grocery store for sodas and food. Sandwiches are also handy for travelling. Just take a cooler with some ice for sodas and to keep the sandwiches cool.

4) Any other tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks a bunch!

[kimc0486]

Last september 3 friends and I (all college students) did a road trip to DL from Seattle. We stayed at the parkside inn and suites. I am pretty sure this is by far the cheapest hotel you can stay in near DL. We got a two room suite, two queen beds in each room, plus a FULL kitchen. It isnt fancy, but its CHEAP. I just looked on expedia and many dates in september the two room suite it $59!!!! Mcdonalds across the street from DL is a good way to go, order pizza at night. get a case of water at costco. There are TONS of cheap food places along harbor. Go to white water snacks @ the grand california-BIG portions, good prices! $20 a day in DL, isnt much. Have fun!!!!