Saturday Savers - Only Buying the Size or Item You Need

We all know that going to Disneyland or Walt Disney World is not going to be an inexpensive venture, but it doesn't have to completely break the bank and cost an arm and a leg either.  My wife grew up with a very frugal father, who instilled in her the value of a dollar. To this day she is always looking for a bargain everywhere we go.  She doesn’t like to pay for things that she doesn’t really want or need, and isn’t afraid to say so when she feels a price is too much for what she’s getting, especially if a price is jacked up because of some “value-add” that really is of no value to us.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, but many times we’ve enjoyed reduced pricing simply because she’s spoken up, without diminishing the overall perceived value of our trip.


Using that mindset, we have successfully applied some of those tactics to our Disney vacations.  Many counter-service locations at both resorts on both coasts offer menus full of those “value” meals so common throughout the restaurant world these days – an entrée item with fries, fruit, a vegetable or other side dish.  And most of those same menu boards show nothing else.  But did you know that you can order anything you want a la carte!  Don’t be afraid to say that you only want the sandwich or entrée item, because many times the sandwich or entrée alone will be $2-$3 less than the complete meal.  This does only apply to regular, adult menu items – not the kids’ menu – so don’t think to save money you simply need to order off of the kids’ menu.  Sometimes you could combine one complete meal with one a la carte item and then split the whole thing with someone else and still have enough food for you both to enjoy, and come out ahead vs buying kids’ meals. 


One way to save on the kid’s meal is if it comes with one of those fancy souvenir boxes.  If you don’t want the box, say so!  Oftentimes the same meal without the box is $1-$1.50 less.  Again – don’t pay for what you don’t want. Take that same savings and put it towards a treat later in the day such as an ice cream cone or Mickey Premium Bar.  


Another way to save on those ice cream treats is forego the individually packaged treats (i.e. the Mickey Premium Bar) and go to the walk-up/in ice cream counters where you order a double scoop in a dish, but be sure to ask for a cone on top (they'll gladly give it to you). Grab your spoon(s) and share!  Simply use the cone for one scoop for one of you, and the other enjoys the second scoop in the dish!  The scoops are always generous, and in sharing a single order, you've just saved yourself between about $4-$5.