There are many dining discounts available in the parks and resort hotels at Disneyland, as well as nearby restaurants. You just have to know how to find them!

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Avoid Seasonal Restaurant Price Increases

Disneyland now raises the prices of its Character meals during busy times of year. During these periods, a Character meal will cost you up to 23% more than normal! All of the Character meals participate in this upcharge and it is based purely on dates, not on any "enhanced" menus.

March 20 - April 26, 2009 (Easter / spring break time) was subject to these increases. Other dates have not yet been announced, but peak summer season and possibly Thanksgiving and the Christmas-to-New Year's period may see similar upcharges.

One way to get around this increase is by pre-purchasing meal vouchers. During the surcharge period, meal vouchers will definitely save you money on every character meal.

If you needed another reason to avoid visiting Disneyland during peak seasons, this is a good one!

Tips & Tricks for Saving in the Parks and Resorts

Bringing in Outside Food and Drink

Officially, Disney asks that no outside food or drink be brought into the theme parks. The official policy reads: "With the exception of food items for Guests with specific dietary restrictions, food or beverage items are not permitted into either of the Disneyland® Resort theme parks."

There is a designated picnic area outside the gates of Disneyland, and there are lockers available that are large enough to store a moderate-sized cooler.

Unofficially, the "no outside food" policy is not stringently enforced. Bags are searched, but a few items in a small soft-sided cooler (such as sandwiches, crackers, granola bars, juice boxes or bottles of water) will be ignored.

If you eat your snack/meal very discreetly, without using park resources (i.e. taking up a table at a restaurant without buying anything) and you don't make a mess, no one will say anything to you.

One note of caution: avoid bringing in anything highly perishable, such as cold cuts. It would be easy to end up with food poisoning!

Also, you absolutely will NOT be allowed to bring in the following: hard-sided coolers, large coolers, glass containers, or alcoholic beverages.

Check Out Portion Sizes to Cut Costs

Many of the entrees and combo meals served at Disneyland Resort counter-service restaurants include a large amount of food. For instance, I can say from experience that the entrees at Rancho del Zocalo in Disneyland can be HUGE.

However, some food stands serve rather small portions for the money. In general I think the stands in DCA's Paradise Pier area provide a fairly poor value for the cost.

A good trick at the counter-service restaurants and snack stands is to 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 and you are not big eaters, consider splitting an entree or combo meal between two people and possibly ordering an extra side dish or appetizer to share.

Adults looking for a smaller portion at the counter-service restaurants should not hesitate to order from the kids' menu. No one will know you're ordering the kids meal for an adult! This is not allowed at full-service restaurants, however.

A good option at sit-down 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.

Best Bets

Generally speaking you'll save a lot of money by sticking with counter-service restaurants, which are substantially cheaper than table-service restaurants. Unfortunately Disneyland and DCA don't offer as much variety as one might wish, but if you look around you can find some decent options besides corn dogs, hamburgers and fries.

Three places that are relative bargains within the resort are the above-mentioned Rancho del Zocalo in Disneyland, Whitewater Snacks in the Grand Californian Hotel and Tortilla Jo's takeout window in Downtown Disney.

Whitewater Snacks is a counter-service restaurant offering freshly made hot breakfast as well as grilled sandwiches, pizza and salads. Most meals are under $7.50. It's easy to duck out of Disney's California Adventure through the private entrance into the Grand Californian. Whitewater Snacks is just around the corner (to the left) from that private entrance.

Tortilla Jo's also has a full-service restaurant, which is pricey. Look around for the takeout window and try the tacos, which are quite a bargain considering the quality and quantity. The nachos are good, too. Prices run around $6.00 for many items, but some, such as burritos, are large and filling enough to be split by two people. There is seating nearby where you can enjoy your meal.

Additionally, MouseSavers.com reader Paul F recommends the Wine Country Trattoria at DCA: "They make three quite good salads in the $10 range. All of them were big enough for two and bread/cheese sticks were included in the meal. It is one of the best meals at either of the California parks and a bargain." (Note from Mary: Personally I don't like the food at Wine Country Trattoria at all, as I find it generic and tasteless, but if you're looking for a salad, you may want to consider it.)

Meal Vouchers

If you know you will want to experience a Character meal at Disneyland, it is possible to buy vouchers for the meal in advance and save a few dollars in the process. This is also a nice way to prepay for elements of your vacation, so you don't have to worry about it during your trip.

The very reliable ARES Travel offers three voucher options at a discount. There is a $1.25 per voucher convenience fee, which is included in the savings calculations below. You order in advance, then pick up your vouchers at a Disneyland ticket window and pay no shipping fee. Vouchers are non-refundable/non-returnable.

Note that during peak periods, Disneyland RAISES its prices for Character meals, making these vouchers an even better deal!

You can order online or call and speak with an actual person at (800) 680-0977.

Meal Vouchers (valid through 1/4/10):

• Character Dinner Buffet at Goofy's Kitchen in the Disneyland Hotel. Vouchers cost $38 for adults (ages 10+) and $16 for kids (ages 3-9), plus a $1.25 per ticket convenience fee. Vouchers include tax and gratuity. Regular cost (with tax and 15% gratuity added) is $44.18 for adults (ages 10+) and $19.63 for kids (ages 3-9). You save nearly $5 per adult and over $2 per child off regular prices!

• Ariel's Disney Princess Celebration Character Lunch/Dinner at Ariel’s Grotto in Disney’s California Adventure. Vouchers cost $33 for adults (ages 10+) and $18 for kids (ages 3-9), plus a $1.25 per ticket convenience fee. Vouchers include tax and gratuity. Regular cost (with tax and 15% gratuity added) is $34.36 for adults (ages 10+) and $19.63 for kids (ages 3-9), so with the convenience fee you'll save a few cents each.

• Character Breakfast Buffet with Minnie & Friends at Plaza Inn in Disneyland. Vouchers cost $30 for adults (ages 10+) and $16 for kids (ages 3-9), plus a $1.25 per ticket convenience fee. Vouchers include tax and gratuity. Regular cost (with tax and 15% gratuity added) is $34.36 for adults (ages 10+) and $17.17 for kids (ages 3-9). You save over $3 per adult off regular prices. Savings on the child's voucher is negated by the convenience fee.

Pre-Paid Dining Plan

Disneyland offers a pre-paid dining plan, which you can buy with any vacation package. However, this plan definitely won't save you any money on your meals. You simply receive vouchers valued at exactly what you paid. This ties up your money and reduces your flexibility because the vouchers cannot be used at all Disneyland locations (including most or all of the Downtown Disney restaurants). I don't recommend buying the dining plan at Disneyland.

Coupons and Special Deals

Note: when signing up for the various E-Clubs listed below, you may choose to use your home zip code if the restaurant has locations near you. However, some of the clubs will send you coupons that are only good at the specific location you choose at the time of sign-up. In that case, use zip code 92802 for the Disneyland area.

Birnbaum's Disneyland Resort 2010 includes a coupon for a free pretzel when you purchase 2 pretzels of equal or greater value at Wetzel's Pretzels in Downtown Disney, valid 1/1/10-12/31/10.

The Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau has a few printable restaurant coupons on its site. The coupons change periodically, but at last check these coupons would work for people visiting Disneyland:

• 10% off food at the McDonald's right across the street from Disneyland at 1500 S. Harbor

• FREE small order of beignets with any purchase from Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen or Jazz Kitchen Express in Downtown Disney

• FREE appetizer with purchase of adult entree, or $5 off two breakfast entrees at Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney

Orange County Restaurant Week is offered twice a year (in 2009, it was February 22-28 and September 13-29). During Restaurant Week, top restaurants offer special flat-price menus. Many of the Downtown Disney and Anaheim GardenWalk restaurants participate.

The IHOP (International House of Pancakes) restaurant across the street from Disneyland at 1560 S. Harbor offers "Kids Eat FREE" (with a paid adult) every day from 4:00 pm to midnight. You may want to call the restaurant at (714) 635-0933 to confirm that the offer is still available.

Rainforest Cafe (Downtown Disney) - Print coupon to get $10 off a $25 purchase of food and beverage. Expires 12/31/09. Thanks to Sue Z for info.

Denny's is located right across the street from Disneyland at 1610 S. Harbor. If you plan to eat there, 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!

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 web site. 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.

Johnny Rockets, a 50s themed diner, is located in in Anaheim GardenWalk, less than a mile from Disneyland (take the ART shuttle if you don't want to walk). 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.

Bubba Gump, a themed seafood restaurant, is located in Anaheim GardenWalk, less than a mile from Disneyland (take the ART shuttle if you don't want to walk). Get a coupon for a FREE smoothie (with purchase of an entree) at Bubba Gump, for answering a short survey. Printable coupon appears on next page after you answer survey. Coupon usually has a fairly short expiration date, so wait until shortly before your trip to do this.

Buca di Beppo restaurant offers Italian food served family-style in a fun, themed atmosphere. It is about 1.4 miles down the street from Disneyland at 11757 Harbor, Garden Grove (near the Embassy Suites Anaheim South, in case you want to take the ART shuttle down there). Sign up for their e-mail list to receive periodic coupons by email. Be sure to specify the Garden Grove, CA location since the coupons usually are limited to a specific location. I frequently receive coupons for $10 off a $30 purchase, as well as free dessert coupons on my birthday.

Joe's Crab Shack is another fun family option, about 1.6 miles down Harbor from Disneyland at 12011 Harbor, Garden Grove (near the Anaheim Marriott Suites, in case you want to take the ART shuttle down there). This themed, reasonably-priced seafood restaurant is a hoot. Join their Joe Mail program and receive coupons by email. For instance, on my birthday I received a coupon for a FREE appetizer (up to $7.99) with purchase of an entree.

Restaurant.com

Save money at some Disneyland-area restaurants by purchasing discounted gift certificates from Restaurant.com. Some of the certificates give you 50% off your meal and others are for a specific amount (usually $25) but you get them at a discounted price (usually $12.50 or less).

The Anaheim area restaurants offered through Restaurant.com change frequently. Be sure to consider restaurants in Orange, Garden Grove and Fullerton, because those cities are very close to Disneyland. Thanks to Lynne W for making me aware this program now covers the Disneyland area.

Click here for more details on Restaurant.com and possible discount codes that can save you even more!

Entertainment Book

The 2010 Orange County, CA Entertainment Book offers discounts of up to 50% (usually in the form of a two-for-one coupon) at dozens of restaurants in the general area around Disneyland. The ones closest to Disneyland include:

• Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney

• McDonald's, across the street from the entrance to Disneyland.

• Johnny Rockets, Cinnabon and Sertinos Coffee Cafe in Anaheim GardenWalk, within walking distance of Disneyland

• Buca de Beppo, down the street about 1.4 miles

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.)

AAA Discounts

American Automobile Association (AAA) members save 10% on food and beverages (excluding tax, gratuity and alcoholic beverages) at the following locations:

• Plaza Inn in Disneyland

• Wine Counry Trattoria in DCA

• Ariel's Grotto in DCA

• PCH Grill at Paradise Pier Hotel

• Goofy's Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel

Disney Rewards Visa Card Discounts

Disney Rewards Visa cardholders get 10% off at select dining locations at the Disneyland Resort:

Disneyland

• Rancho del Zocalo

• Carnation Café

• Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port

• While it's not on the official list, according to MouseSavers reader Jordan M, you can get a discount at French Market Cafe in New Orleans Square.

Disney’s California Adventure

• Pizza Oom Mow Mow

• Wine Country Trattoria

• The Vineyard Room

Disneyland Resort Hotels

• Steakhouse 55 (from 6:00 pm -10:00 pm only)

• Yamabuki

• Disney’s PCH Grill

Present and use a valid Disney Rewards Visa card at time of purchase. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts, promotions or with any previous purchase. Excludes alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity.

Disneyland Annual Passholder Discounts

Disneyland Annual Passholders get meal discounts at Disneyland Resort.

• Southern California Select Passport, Southern California Annual Passport and Deluxe Annual Passport holders get 10% off meals at virtually all dining locations, including most Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure and Disney hotel restaurants, as well as Downtown Disney restaurants.

• Premium Annual Passholders get 15% off meals at virtually all dining locations in Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure and Disney hotels, and 10% off at most Downtown Disney restaurants.

Unless otherwise specified, discounts apply to the Passholder and the Passholder's dining party. Not valid at outdoor cart locations, snack locations, Club 33, Napa Rose, and Room Service locations. Dining discounts are not valid in combination with any other discounts or promotions and exclude alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity.

Must show valid Annual Passport to receive Passholder discount. Discounts are nontransferable. Subject to change without notice. Thanks to Darkbeer for additional info.

Disney Vacation Club Discounts

Disney Vacation Club members get a 10% meal discount at virtually all dining locations throughout Disneyland Resort.

Unless otherwise specified, discounts apply to a maximum party of 8 people. Not valid at outdoor cart locations, snack locations, Club 33, Napa Rose, and Room Service locations. Dining discounts are not valid in combination with any other discounts or promotions and exclude alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity.

Must show valid DVC membership card to receive DVC discount. Discounts are nontransferable. Subject to change without notice.

Rainforest Cafe Safari Club

Join the Rainforest Cafe Safari Club and save at the Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney. It costs $15 to join and you can enroll at any Rainforest Cafe. You'll receive a $10 New Member Award in the mail with your membership card. Your benefits include priority seating and 10% off up to four entrees (not meals) OR one free Chef’s appetizer of the day per table (with the purchase of an adult entrée) every time you visit the Rainforest Cafe. The 10% entree discount also extends to other Landry’s owned restaurants such as T-Rex, Landry's and The Crab House. Throughout the year you will receive various coupons by email. Members also receive 10% off any retail purchase.

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