Hi Aliah! Thanks for dropping by planDisney.
I completely understand how a Disneyland Resort vacation can be a real stretch for a family or a bigger group. We always carefully consider our budget as a family when we're planning a trip, so I have some suggestions on how to watch your cost.
Unfortunately, there are no payment plans for
admission ticket purchases, although there are payment plans for
Vacation Packages, which combine your admission tickets with your hotel stay for increased value. My advice would be to update your
profile and check to see if there are any
Offers & Discounts that apply to you.
Beyond discounts, there are ways to budget. We pack our own snacks and carry refillable water bottles, which we fill up at
stations located around the parks. You can even bring your lunch. Just be sure you're following the
guidelines on cooler size and don't use loose ice. There are picnic tables located just outside Disneyland Park and plenty of places to sit throughout the parks. If you need a stroller, bring your own rather than rent, but check that it meets the
specifications for entry. Purchasing a
Disney Gift Card can be a good way to stick to a budget, and it can be used throughout the parks. Also, depending on where you purchase your Disney Gift Card, you might be eligible for a percentage discount off that purchase, which amounts to savings on what you spend in the park!
Some fun souvenirs are complimentary. If someone in your group is celebrating their first visit or a birthday, you can pick up a complimentary
Celebration Button at City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland Park or Guest Services in Disney California Adventure Park. Cast Members often hand out Mickey stickers, especially to little ones! Bring your own autograph book--even a little notepad will work--and ask Characters to autograph it for the best memento. Finally, stop by
Animation Academy in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure Park for a complimentary animation lesson and you'll get to take home your Character sketch.
With cost in mind, when purchasing your admission tickets, you can choose to skip options like
Park Hopper. While switching parks is convenient, especially for a one-day visit, if you're planning to visit for multiple days, you can still experience both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park with a one-park-per-day ticket. Without Park Hopper, you just won't be able to switch parks during the day.
I hope this helps! Have a magical day.
Elizabeth