How to Save on {Disneyland} Souvenirs

'Saving Money at Disney? That's a Thing?' You Ask...

Why Yes, it is!

I have been going to Disneyland with my Family since I can remember and just like any other vacation the souvenirs are one of the best parts. Coming home and showing all your friends your neat things from the 'Happiest Place on Earth' is still one of my favorite things to do. But now that I'm a parent and I have now taken my Daughter to Disney I could throw up if I think about all the money parents spent on my siblings and I on souvenirs. But with age comes wisdom and I have been racking my Disney brain (& the internet) to compile a list of ways to save on souvenirs!

1. Disney Celebration Buttons. This is the first thing that I tell people to get if they are celebrating at Disney. From Graduation to Weddings and Anniversaries. They are free and located inside City Hall at Disneyland and Guest Relations at DCA. 

2. This next Souvenir is one that I recently discovered, even after countless Disney trips. A map of The World Famous Jungle Cruise is a freebie you can ask your Skipper for after you visit 'the backside of water'. They may request a little something in return though... the Jungle is all about the barter system!

My Jungle Cruise map, just in case we get lost!

3. My next suggestion is not free but they are the least expensive Souvenir that all Disney Parks offer. Are you ready? The Penny Press! Ok no, they aren't toys or a sweet map but they are very cool. Most major rides, attractions and stores will have at least one Penny (or Quarter) Press machine and each machine offers 3 choices of fun themed pictures to get embossed on your coin. Total cost per Penny is $.51 and a $1.25 for a Quarter. They also offer a Collectors book for around $9.00 for people like me who insist on getting every Penny or Quarter in every series they offer! Before my last trip to Disneyland I went to the bank and withdrew 2 rolls of Quarters and 2 rolls Pennies. Once I got home I inspected my coinage and decided I need sparkling Pennies for my collection so I hopped on Pinterest and found a recipe to clean those bad boys! Penny Presses are one fun Disney Collection that won't completely break the bank and you cannot get them anywhere other than the Disney Parks. You can find a complete Penny Press list here. Check 'em out!

4. This Souvenir is along the same lines as the Jungle Cruise map but it's slightly more exclusive. If you ask a Cast Member at Mark Twain's Riverboat reeeally nicely you might be able to pilot the S.S. Mark Twain and you will get a certificate (for free) to commemorate it! I have never done this personally but they still offer it and it's just one more special experience that you and your kids can enjoy.

5. My last Souvenir is more of a suggestion. Buy fun "Disney" themed things for your kids before you get to the parks, once you get there pull them out strategically to give to the kiddos. We also go to the local Dollar Store and pick up all manner of fun glowing things for all the night time activities while at Disneyland. It's a lot easier to say no to a spinning lite-up Buzz Lightyear when you have purse full of glowing goodies to hand out instead. 

Of course if your kids are old enough I highly encourage them saving for their own Souvenirs. Once you've announced your trip each kid can craft a Disney themed Jar (check out Pinterest for awesome ideas) to save their money in, ask them to give themselves a goal. Maybe they want to start a new collection while in Disneyland or your little Jedi really wants to splurge at The Star Trader in Tomorrowland. Either way you can help them set an achievable monetary goal that they can work towards in the months before your vacation. Create a chart of the least liked chores around the house and how much money you're willing to shell out for each chore completed. Yes, you are still technically spending money BUT you're teaching a much more valuable lesson. Plus, it's much more gratifying for your child to know that he or she worked for that money.

Disney Savings Jar - Love the saying! Mine would say 'Turkey Leg Fund' haha!
Found on Pinterest but originally posted on eighteen25 blog

It's no secret that it's expensive to visit the 'Happiest Place on Earth' but if you're like me and my family, it's so worth it. I just hope that at least one of these Souvenir Ideas helps you on your quest to save some money at Disney.