Travel Tips: Planning a Trip to Disneyland

Where to Find the Best Prices on Disneyland Tickets

For those planning a trip to Disneyland, the cost of the trip is an important consideration. Many wishing to visit Disneyland begin to wonder where they can get the best price on Disneyland tickets. With many sources from which to obtain Disneyland tickets, finding them at the best possible price can take some legwork. If you would like to find out where to get the best prices on Disneyland tickets, the following suggestions may be helpful to you.

Visit the official Disneyland website - The truth is, that the ticket prices listed on the official Disneyland website are not always the lowest you can find. However, sometimes Disney will run a promotion during which Disneyland tickets can be purchased at a lower price from the website than anywhere else. These low price promotions often require that your travel to Disneyland occur during the off season, but for some people this might be an added bonus. So before you jump into your quest for the best prices on Disneyland tickets, check the Disney website first. Just in case.

Try getawaytoday.com - It is not uncommon for getawaytoday.com to have the best prices on Disneyland tickets and packages. The site is comprehensive and easy to use. Simply plug in your preferred dates of travel, the number and ages of children you will be bringing, and the getawaytoday.com travel tool will give you many options to choose from. You can also purchase Disneyland tickets alone from getawaytoday.com, without having to purchase them as part of a hotel package.

Check out Ares Travel - Ares Travel has been offering some of the best prices on Disneyland tickets as of late. The Disneyland tickets at Ares Travel have been listed at approximately $5 less per ticket than getawaytoday.com or the official Disneyland website. Ares Travel offers multi day Park Hopper tickets.

Check with your usual travel agent - Sometimes travel agents can get a better price on Disneyland tickets than you will find online. So if you already have a travel agent that you have had good experiences with, ask about Disneyland tickets.

Don't forget AAA - When searching for the best prices on Disneyland tickets, don't forget to check with AAA. Even though the individual ticket prices may not be lower than Ares Travel, a purchase of Disneyland tickets with AAA can sometimes get you free parking at the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure. Depending on how many days you are planning to visit Disneyland, at a savings of $11 per day on parking, you may find that it actually saves you a few bucks to pay the membership fee to join AAA.

If you can purchase tickets through Costco or your employer, check those prices, too - Sometimes these are the places where you can find the best prices on Disneyland tickets. The Costco tickets might require that you be a Southern California resident, and your employer may not be offering tickets at lower prices than other sources, but it's definitely worth it to check into it.

How to Use the Fast Pass System at Disneyland

Long lines at Disneyland can be the difference between a good day at the park, and a bad one. Long lines with wait times of an hour or more can seriously affect how many attractions can be enjoyed in one day at the park. Additionally, waiting in extremely long lines can be nearly impossible for families with young children, or those with conditions that make standing for long periods of time difficult.

Fortunately, Disneyland has a way to help guests spend less time in lines. By using the Fast Pass system, Disneyland guests can cut their wait time in line by half, or even more. Using the Fast Pass system at Disneyland can be a little tricky for those who have never before tried it, so if you need directions for how to use the Fast Pass system at Disneyland, these tips will help!

First, know which rides are part of the Fast Pass system - Fast Pass is not available for every ride at Disneyland. Although the Fast Pass system has been available at different attractions since its implementation, it is currently available for several of the most popular rides. These include Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones, Autopia, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin, and Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters. Although these attractions are part of the Fast Pass system, Fast Pass is generally only implemented on days where crowds are heavy enough to produce lines long enough to warrant its use.

Next, get a Fast Pass - Obtaining a Fast Pass is relatively simple. Near the entrance to the attraction you want to get a Fast Pass for, there will be Fast Pass machines. If you don't see the machines, simply find a Disneyland employee and ask where the machines are and they'll be happy to point you in the right direction. You will use your paper admission ticket that you received at the front gate, or your annual pass card. Whichever one of these you have, insert it into the Fast Pass machine, and the machine will then return your ticket or card, and then give you a Fast Pass.

Now, use your Fast Pass - Your Fast Pass will have two times on it. The time listed first, is the earliest time at which you may redeem your Fast Pass for entry onto the corresponding attraction. The second time is the time at which your Fast Pass expires. When the time comes for you to use your Fast Pass, approach the entrance to the attraction the Fast Pass is from. You will notice a sign that directs you to the Fast Pass line for that attraction. As you enter, or shortly thereafter, a Disneyland cast member will take your Fast Pass and permit you onto the ride.

How to Use the Parent Swap System at Disneyland

Disneyland can be a lot of fun for most people. However, visiting Disneyland with children who are too small for some rides, or perhaps too frightened to ride on other rides, can be a challenge. Fortunately, Disneyland has a Parent Swap system that was designed to help people in precisely this predicament. The Parent Swap system makes it possible for both parents to ride an attraction, even if their child or children do not want to ride, or cannot ride due to the ride height requirement. And with the Parent Swap system, parents will not have to wait in a full attraction line twice. If you are interested in using the Parent Swap system during your next visit to Disneyland, the following information will likely be useful to you.

Know which rides allow you to utilize the Parent Swap system - One of the really nice things about the Disneyland Parent Swap system is that it is available on every attraction. Unlike the Fast Pass system which is only available on relatively few select attractions, parents can use the Parent Swap system on every attraction they were hoping to ride during their visit to Disneyland.

Using the Parent Swap system at Disneyland is easy - In order to use the Parent Swap system at Disneyland, one parent will need to wait in the full attraction line once. Parents will have to split up, with one parent sitting out with children who are too short or too frightened to ride a particular attraction. Simultaneously, the other parent goes through the line in order to ride alone, or with additional children who wish to ride, and who meet any rider height requirements that may exist for that attraction. The parent who is not riding first, and who is choosing to sit out with children, will have to be present when the parent who intends to ride first makes their way to the cast member working the line of that particular attraction. This is because the cast members will not issue a Parent Swap pass unless they actually see the parent who will be sitting out. This is to cut down on the possibility that certain individuals might abuse the Parent Swap system. Once the Parent Swap pass is issued however, the parent who is sitting out for the first ride, can take the kids to another attraction, or just wait near the exit. Ask the cast member who handed out the Parent Swap pass where the second parent should enter when it is their turn to ride, because this will vary among different rides. Some attractions have the second parent enter through the exit, whereas others do not. When the parent who is riding first comes off of the attraction, the parent who waited out first can now ride. The parent riding second can also bring one person with them, as long as that person meets any rider height requirements that may exist for that attraction.

Read also
Preparing for a Trip Abroad with Children
Taking Pictures on Your Walt Disney World Trip
Planning a Trip to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers
Tips: How to Shorten Wait Times at Walt Disney World
Disney World Cruises

By Brandy Madison

Pauline Frommer's Top Budget Destinations for Summer 2008

At a time when fuel, food, and even the price of postage are more expensive than ever, an affordable summer vacation may seem to be slipping out of reach. But there are still plenty of places, both in the U.S. and abroad, where travelers can enjoy beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, wine tastings and spas, and unique cultural experiences -- without breaking the bank. Below are my ten top budget destinations, from romantic getaway spots to family faves to exotic destinations for adventurous travelers.

Here they are, in no particular order:

Berkeley Springs, West Virginia

America's first spa town -- even George Washington came to take the waters here! -- is still a delightful and very affordable spot to get pampered. At the historic Bath House in Berkeley Springs State Park (tel. 304/258-2711; www.berkeleyspringssp.com), a soak in 102-degree thermal waters and a Swedish massage starts at just $40.

Berkeley Springs offers quaint shops, horseback riding, golf, excellent hiking (in nearby Capacon Resort State Park) and, of course, lots of history. Many travelers combine a stay here with the Washington Heritage Trail self-guided driving tour, which follows the first President's footsteps through the Eastern Panhandle of the state. Area accommodations are reasonable, starting at $70 (down to $45 in nearby Martinsburg), and even less if you camp.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota

One million acres of wilderness traversed by 1,300 miles of canoe-able waters makes Boundary Waters a spectacularly beautiful area and a top pick for nature lovers and fisherman. The fecund waters here are fin to fin with trout, walleye, bass, and northern pike.

Experienced outdoors people simply grab a canoe, a fishing license ($17-$24), a camping permit (done by lottery, average $44 per group), supplies, a tent and go. For novices, local outfitters like the Rockwood Lodge (tel. 800/942-2922 or 218/388-2242; www.rockwoodbwca.com) in Grand Marais will supply all equipment and food for 2 to 4 adults for 5 days for $342. Other reputable outfitters and tour companies include Wilderness Outfitters (tel. 800/777-8572 or 218/365-3211; www.wildernessoutfitters.com) and Gunflint Northwoods Outfitters (tel. 888/226-6346 or 218/388-2296; www.gunflintoutfitters.com).

Midcoast of Maine (Rockland, Maine)

Rough and tumble Rockland now boasts a blossoming arts scene, helmed by the superb Farnsworth Museum (a top-notch collection of American art with works by Maine natives Andrew Wyeth and Louise Nevelson). You'll also find a slew of small galleries and a fine dining scene spearheaded by an enterprising group of Culinary Institute of America grads. It's also one of the two top harbors in Maine for Windjammer cruises; kayaking is terrific, too. Since it is so centrally located, it's a good jumping-off point for visits to pricier resort areas like Kennebunkport, Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, and Camden. Rockland offers a wealth of mom-and-pop motels and cute little inns; it's not difficult to find places to stay here, in the peak of high season, for as little as $85 a night.

The Wisconsin Dells

Let's hear it for "The Waterpark Capital of the World!" More than 20 waterpark resorts soak visitors in this scenic city on the Wisconsin River. That comes to more than 200 waterslides combined, as well as watercoasters, ocean-wave simulators, raft rides, and extreme tubing for all ages. Day passes to the larger waterparks are usually around $30 to $35; check the Visitor & Convention Bureau's website at www.wisdells.com for complete listings and links to area parks. Room rates at the big resorts can be steep but less expensive motels abound, with rates starting at just $40 per night.

The Oregon Coast, including Willamette Valley

The choice for romantics: Inland lies Willamette Valley, a winery-laden mecca for oenephiles and foodies (and a much cheaper vino experience than Napa). Towards the sea is a misty, beautiful coastline dotted with lighthouses and historic towns (such as Astoria, the oldest community west of the Mississippi River).

Highlights include the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area; Yachats, an artistic community with excellent eats and un-crowded beaches; and along the coast, spectacular fishing, wildlife viewing, and leisurely beachcombing and kite-flying. An Oregon Pacific Coast Passport (tel. 800/551-6949; www.oregon.gov) grants access to all of the state and federal parks and recreation areas for only $10 for a 5-day pass or $35 for an annual pass. Many area accommodations are moderately priced from $75 a night, cheaper if you camp.

The Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is the king of the affordably priced, all-inclusive package destinations, especially during the summertime when all Caribbean isles slash prices to lure visitors.

SuperClubs' Breezes Puerto Plata Resort, Spa & Casino (www.superclubs.com) offers package deals that include accommodations, all meals and premium brand cocktails, unlimited use of sports facilities, and hotel taxes, with no tipping allowed. A recent price check yielded rates of $70 per night per person from June to August. Also, CheapCaribbean.com (www.cheapcaribbean.com) has a selection of all-inclusive packages starting from as low as $499 per person for 5 nights.

Newfoundland, Canada

Newfoundland remains an almost criminally overlooked destination in Canada. This craggy island, known as "The Rock," offers some of the country's best views in the summertime, when you can spot icebergs, puffins, and whales off the Bonavista Peninsula. St. John's is a small, bustling city that makes a good jumping-off point for exploring the foggy Avalon Peninsula, home to puffin colonies and caribou herds. And Gros Morne National Park (a World Heritage Site) offers excellent bird-watching, fishing, and hiking. Campground fees range from $18 to $30 (tel. 877/737-3783 or 514/335-4813; www.pccamping.ca). To save the most, avoid conventional hotels and stay instead in the tiny B&Bs that dot the region and sometimes charge as little as $50 a night.

The Maya Riviera, Mexico

Sparkling white sand beaches, cerulean waters, Mayan ruins, and dozens of water sport opportunities have long made the Maya Riviera a go to place for fun in the sun. In the past several years, a Hurricane Wilma-driven makeover has turned it into a playground for chic, luxury seekers as well.

The sheer volume of hotels and condos on this coast keeps competition stiff. But the air/hotel packagers are getting deals individuals can rarely match. Vacation Travel Mart (www.vacmart.com) is selling a full 5 nights/6 days at the Grand Oasis, including all food and drink, most activities and airfare from the U.S. from just $724. In certain lesser known areas, like the beautifully preserved Colonial city of Campeche, hotel prices drop to just $45 a night.

Peru

Peru is a country with a surplus of great adventures, many of them an excellent value for the money. From Cusco, a scenic train journey can take you to Puno and Lake Titicaca, where you can visit the floating islands of Uros on a day trip ($12) or enjoy a true cultural immersion by staying overnight with a family ($15).

The most elegant city in the county is perhaps Arequipa, known for its white volcanic stone buildings and a worthwhile jumping-off point for an excursion to the Colca Valley to observe giant condors. Southern Peru is a top surfing destination, and the Peruvian jungle is not to be missed -- enter in the north via Iquitos, near some of the Amazon's best lodges. For those interested in the famed Machu Picchu, local companies such as Peru Treks (www.perutreks.com) will take you on an all-inclusive 4-day trek for as little as $300; American-based companies such as Adventure Center (www.adventurecenter.com) offer 7-day Cusco and Machu Picchu tours for $595. Accommodations across Peru are largely budget priced ($30 a night on average), thanks to the backpacker hordes.

Bulgaria

The strength of the euro has made much of Europe a budget-buster for American travelers, but it's also an opportunity to explore less heavily touristed areas of the continent -- such as Bulgaria. Bulgaria, Europe's oldest state (established in 681), doesn't yet have much of a tourism infrastructure, but it's quite safe and boasts ancient monasteries and beautifully preserved medieval villages along with affordable spas and Black Sea beach resorts. Visit the country's tourism agency at www.bulgariatravel.org. Accommodations usually range from $50 to $100 for budget B&Bs and guesthouses and full Mediterranean meals can be had for just $6 or $7.

By Pauline Frommer