Get holiday fun while keeping things affordable at Disneyland Resort and Knott’s Berry Farm.
Disneyland Resort
Affordability is the current buzzword in politics, but a humbling reality to millions of American parents trying to navigate the holidays.
A day at Disneyland is possible, as well as presents under the tree, if you plan wisely and follow a few tips:
Starting at the ticket booth, California residents can buy a 3-Day CA Resident Park Hopper ticket starting at $249. Add a Lightning Lane Multi Pass for $351. Park Hopper tickets can be used for a consecutive three-day vacation or can be redeemed on separate days.
At Disney California Adventure Park, the Festival of Holidays runs through Jan. 7, and the food is always a highlight. Get the Sip and Savor Pass, and enjoy a lot more bite for your buck. Visitors can try up to six food or (non-alcoholic) drink samples that can be used all in one trip or over multiple days. The tasting sizes are often enough to keep an adult full, and most kids could split one pass. Sip and Savors are $49, and $46 for Magic Key holders.
Some 70th anniversary merchandise is still available at select stores like World of Disney with sales of up to 50 percent off, depending on availability.
If parents need to choose what 70th anniversary items to get, park insiders recommend the bubble wands for the younger kids and cups for the older kids and adults. Customizable options for items like the mouse ears and headbands can make certain collectables “something that you will actually genuinely care about,” says a spokesperson, and the ability to personalize it also makes it more affordable.
Other wallet-friendly events at the parks include the live music at Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage, with nightly snow, also the Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast at Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel.
Knott’s Merry Farm
Affordability is essential this Christmas for most families. But if you like to make a trip to local theme parks like Knott’s Berry Farm part of the holidays, it takes some planning and following a few of these tips from Knott’s insiders:
“They should opt to get a season pass,” says Amanda Addal, director of food and beverage. “Especially right now, we’re having a holiday sale. There’s an initial down payment, then it’s $8 a month, which I think is very affordable. And if they like, they can add the dining plan and eat twice every time you visit.”
For families on a budget, Addal recommends sharable foods like a loaded potato and loaded mac and cheese bread bowls at Miner’s Mac & Spuds, or large salads — also pizzas with breadsticks or side salad.
“Our loaded funnel cake [not on the dining plan] can easily feed a family of four after one of our wonderful entrees. I don’t think you want any more calories. It’s fully loaded and got tons of toppings. You can get ice cream on top of it too. Definitely a great way to end the day at Knott’s Berry Farm.”
James Kearns-Heath, director of merchandise says “the most affordable way to see Knott’s Berry Farm is with the season pass, because of the discounts. I think they’re an incredible value. There are lots of extra perks and discounts. Right now we’re offering a free holiday ornament for all our pass holders.”
Kearns-Heath recommends more affordable items like the light-up bubble wand, or even refrigerator magnets. “It’s not a magnet, it’s somebody’s memory of a perfect day,” he says.
And there’s also a Knott’s classic. “I’m amazed how many people drive here from miles and miles away to get this jam. There’s something nice about getting it from where it’s born. The Christmas jam is like Christmas in a bottle.”
By Shawn Price
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