Money Saving Tips - Family Vacations

How to Save Money at Theme Parks

Advice Seeker: Dear April,

I'm planning to take my three children along with my husband any myself to Disney World in the Spring. The kids are of course excited as it will be their first time there, but I'm a little less thrilled about all the money the trip will cost. Any tips for saving at amusement parks?

Sincerely,

Penny-Pinching at the Park

April Masini's advice:

Dear Penny-Pinching at the Park,

You are not alone in your quest to save some money at these expensive attractions during a family vacation. Here are some tips for saving at amusement parks:

*Club memberships. You can save a bundle by using a club membership to purchase your tickets. For example, an Auto Club or a Credit Card Company or even a stock in Disney or some other company that owns parks may offer ticket reductions and package discounts.

*Figure out your parking before you leave the house. Parking can be a big expense. Before you leave home, research and plan your parking for the day.

*If you're going to spend the day at the park -- from the crack of dawn until the moon is in the sky, you're going to be eating AT LEAST three meals per person in the park, and the meals can be expensive. Time your trip around meals. For example, in the heat of Summer, an evening trip is not just cooler and less likely to leave you sunburned, but the lines will be shorter and you won't spend gazillions on meals.