Discount Dining at Disneyland

Everyone these days is trying to save money, so here are some ways to do so while still having a magical day at the park!

Bring in Food/Drinks

Especially if traveling with young children, bring plenty of substantial snacks and juice pouches to satisfy little tummies in between meal times. I still remember every time going to the park with my family when I was little, we has a back pack with special drinks (Coke, which we hardly ever had) and a candy bag that my mom would pull out throughout the day!

If you plan to have an all day trip, you can also bring in sandwiches and chips to eat and lunch, saving a lot of $$$ for that meal. If you are traveling from afar and cannot make sandwiches at home, stop at a Subway before entering the park, it’ll be much cheaper than any meal inside the park. From personal experience, this is a huge money saver!

Keep in mind that you are allowed to bring food and drinks into the park, but you are NOT allowed to have: hard-sided coolers, large coolers, glass containers, or alcoholic beverages. I suggest packing a backpack with ice packs!

Go to the Grocery Store

If you are enjoying the park over several days, save a bunch by making a quick trip to the store. At the Grand California hotel a blueberry bagel was close to $3, for that same price at the store I was able to get a 6 pack of bagels. Fruit, cereal and protein bars are other good breakfast items that are easily bought at the store.

Check Out Portion Sizes to Cut Costs

Many of the entrees and combo meals served at Disneyland are cafeteria-style or counter-service restaurants that have large portions. I have not been able to finish a plate of food from several places by myself. If you’re not sure, stand to one side for a minute and watch as people leave with their orders, so you can see how the portions look. If the portions are big, consider splitting a combo meal between two people. If you need just a little more food, order an extra side dish or appetizer.

Adults looking for smaller portions should not hesitate to order from the kids’ menu. No one will know you’re ordering the kids meal for an adult! The kids’ meals are an especially good deal because they include a cold beverage. The kids’ meals are also often healthier than the adult options. Unfortunately many of the kids’ offerings aren’t very exciting for adults (mac & cheese, hamburger, chicken fingers, pizza) but a few of the quick service restaurants have more interesting kids’ meals. In particular, check out French Market, Rancho del Zocalo, Riverbelle Terrace and Plaza Inn at Disneyland; and Flo’s V8 Cafe, Paradise Garden Grill, Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Cocina Cucamonga at California Adventure.

A good option at table-service restaurants, and one that works well for someone dining alone, is to substitute an appetizer for your entree. For instance, order two appetizers instead of an appetizer and an entree, or order an appetizer instead of an entree, thus leaving yourself room for dessert. Be sure to inquire about the portion size first — some appetizers are substantial and filling, but some aren’t. 

Printable Coupons, Kids Eat FREE and Other Restaurant Deals

There are quite a few printable coupons that can save you money on off-site restaurants in the area. Most chain restaurants also have online email clubs, which are well worth joining, because they often send out great coupons. If they ask you to select a “favorite” location, pick the one near Disneyland (zip code 92802), since some clubs restrict their coupons to a particular location. Also, sign up for the club no more than 2 weeks prior to your trip, as many clubs send out a really fantastic introductory coupon, but it’s often good for only a short time.

•   Jamba Juice (Downtown Disney) – You can sign up for the free Insider program and receive offers by email.

•   Mimi’s Cafe (next door to Howard Johnson Hotel, within easy walking distance of Disneyland) has great food. It’s one of my favorite chain restaurants. Mimi’s sometimes has printable coupons on its website. In addition, join Mimi’s E-Club and immediately receive a coupon for a FREE breakfast entree (up to $10 value, good for 15 days after you receive it), as well as periodic special offers.

•   Coco’s (1100 W. Katella Avenue, an easy walk from the three Disney hotels). Kids 10 and under eat free on Tuesday and Wednesday (purchase of adult meal required for each free kids meal). Coco’s also has an e-Club and will send you a coupon for a FREE dessert when you sign up.

•   IHOP across the street from Disneyland is convenient. It offers “Kids Eat FREE” (with a paid adult) every day from 4:00 pm to midnight.

•   Denny’s (right across the street from Disneyland at 1610 S. Harbor) is pretty average. Sign up for Denny’s Breakfast Club (use zip code 92802 and select the correct location). In a day or two you’ll get a coupon for 20% off. The coupon expires about 2 weeks after you receive it, so don’t do this until right before you leave on your trip!

•   Millie’s on Harbor Blvd, across from Disneyland has a great email program so sign up a week or two in advance of your trip, they will send a 20% off coupon, or better.

•   Johnny Rockets, a 50s themed diner, is less than a mile from Disneyland. Join the Johnny Rockets E-Club and get a coupon for a FREE hamburger with the purchase of any hamburger or sandwich, starter and drink.

Entertainment Book

The 2013 Orange County, CA Entertainment Book (valid now through 11/1/13) offers discounts at dozens of restaurants in the general area around Disneyland. The ones closest to Disneyland include:

•    Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney

•    Wetzel’s Pretzels in Downtown Disney

•    McDonald’s, on Harbor across the street from the entrance to Disneyland

•    Johnny Rockets within walking distance of Disneyland

•    Coco’s, on Katella & West St, an easy walk from the three Disneyland hotels

•    Marri’s Pizza and Pasta, on Katella & Walnut

•    Jack in the Box, on Harbor about a mile from Disneyland

•    Quiznos, on Ball Road about a mile from Disneyland

•    Buca de Beppo, on Harbor about 1.4 miles from Disneyland

•    Carrow’s, on Harbor about 1.4 miles from Disneyland

•    Papa John’s Pizza, on Katella about 2 miles from Disneyland, delivers to local hotels

Once you have purchased the Orange County Entertainment Book, be sure to register it online, which will allow you to print out additional coupons for select restaurants.

These restaurant discounts are in addition to the many other discounts on hotel rooms, rental cars and more that are offered by Entertainment Book. (Be sure to check the link above for any current discounts or deals on Entertainment Book.)

Disney’s Visa Card Discounts

Disney’s Visa cardholders get 10% off at select dining locations at the Disneyland Resort.

Disneyland: Big Thunder Ranch, River Belle Terrace, and French Market

Disney’s California Adventure: Cocina Cucamonga

Disneyland Resort Hotels: Steakhouse 55 (breakfast only), Storytellers Cafe (lunch only), Disney’s PCH Grill

**Offer excludes alcoholic beverages, merchandise, tobacco, room service, holiday buffets, tax and gratuity. Must use your valid Disney’s Visa card at time of purchase.

Disneyland Annual Passholder Discounts

Disneyland Annual Passholders get meal discounts at Disneyland Resort:

•    SoCal Select Passport, SoCalAnnual Passport and Deluxe Annual Passport get 10% off meals at all dining locations.

•    Premium Annual Passholders get 15% off meals at virtually all dining locations and 10% off at most Downtown Disney restaurants.