Trip-Planning and Money-Saving Tips
Learn some general tips to make the most of your California theme park vacations.
Anaheim Hotel Deals
Compare rates for Anaheim-area hotels at TripAdvisor.
San Diego Hotel Deals
Compare rates for San Diego-area hotels at TripAdvisor.
Bay Area California Hotel Deals
Compare rates for San Francisco-area hotels at TripAdvisor.
Disneyland Resort Deals
- Advance Purchase Discount for Disneyland Tickets
Save on Bonus Park Hopper tickets (allows admission to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure) as well as 1-park per day tickets when purchased online in advance. Special Park Hopper ticket pricing good for visits through 5/28/2012. For example, 3-Day Special Park Hopper Tickets are available for the discount price of $199. - Spend One More Day
Special pricing for 3-Day Park Hopper tickets and 2-night packages at affiliated hotels for stays between April 15 and November 18, 2012. - Save Up to 25% at a Disneyland Resort Hotel
Special prices available for select nights between April 15 through November 18, 2012 at the three onsite Disneyland hotels.Other deals available.
Southern California CityPass
Good deal. Pay $279 ($239 for kids) and receive passes to 4 theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure (3-Day Park Hopper) and one day each at Universal Studios Hollywood and SeaWorld San Diego. Must be used within 14 days after first admission. Purchase online or at one of the parks. Disney even throws in admission to both of its parks on the same day and one early entry pass. First (I think) discount program to include Disneyland. Buy direct from CityPass.
Southern California CityPass with San Diego Zoo
Same good deal as above with the addition of a one-day visit to the San Diego Zoo. Pay $311 ($263 for kids). Buy direct from CityPass.
Go Card Select Southern California
The Go Card Select Pass lets you choose the attractions you'd like to visit on your vacation and offers discounted rates. You put together your own package and only pay for the attractions you choose. Options include Universal Studios Hollywood, Legoland California, Knott's Berry Farm, and more. Must be used within 30 days after first admission. Buy direct from Go Card.
Hollywood CityPass
Will you be taking a trip to California and planning to visit more than just theme parks? The Hollywood CityPass could save you some money (almost 50% off the list price), provided you take advantage of all the attractions. And the pass include some of Tinsel Town's most famous attractions: Red Line Behind-the-Scenes gudied walking tour, Starline Tours of movie stars' homes, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, and a choice of a guided tour of the Kodak Theatre or The Hollywood Museum. Must be used within 9 days after first admission. Buy direct from CityPass.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and Magic Mountain Season Pass Deals
The Six Flags parks are offering offering great deals on 2012 season passes.
Universal Studios Hollywood Deals
- Universal Studios Hollywood: Discounted tickets
Only available online. - Universal Studios Hollywood: Discounted Front of Line Pass
Special $119 off-peak price (less than Universal's price) valid for visits through 5/24/12. Includes admission to park and priority boarding for all rides and reserved seating for shows. Buy direct from Kijubi. - Universal Studios Hollywood 7-day pass offers seven days of admission to the park for just a few dollars more than the price of a single-day ticket. Buy direct from Kijubi.
- Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience Special $244 off-peak price (less than Universal's price) valid for visits through 5/24/12. Includes valet parking, private VIP lounge, guided tour, exclusive behind-the-scenes access, gourmet lunch, front-of-the-line access to rides and shows. Buy direct from Kijubi.
- If you will be visiting other parks, you may want to consider getting the Go Card Select Pass It lets you choose the attractions you'd like to visit on your vacation and offers discounted rates. In addition to Universal Studios Hollywood, you could choose Legoland California, Knott's Berry Farm, and more. Must be used within 30 days after first admission. Buy direct from Go Card.
Go Los Angeles Card
If you are planning to visit a lot of attractions in the L.A. area, and you enjoy packing a lot of activities into a day, the Go Los Angeles Card could save you some vacation dollars. It includes admission to 40 attractions such as Knotts Berry Farm, LEGOLAND California, and Aquarium of the Pacific. 3-day and higher cards include admission to Universal Studios Hollywood. Make sure that you'll be able to take advantage of enough offers to make the purchase worthwhile. The Go Los Angeles Card Web page includes suggested itineraries that include potential savings.
Get more info and buy direct from Go Los Angeles Card.
2012 SeaWorld San Diego Fun Card
Unlimited admission SeaWorld San Diego for all of 2012. (There are some blackout dates.) Cost is the same as a one-day ticket at the gate.
San Diego 3-for-1 Pass
Unlimited admission to the San Diego Zoo, The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and SeaWorld San Diego for 5 consecutive days. Cost is less than the combined price of general admissions.
Go San Diego Card
If you are planning to visit a lot of attractions in the San Diego area, and you enjoy packing a lot of activities into a day, the Go San Diego Card could save you some vacation dollars. It includes admission to 50 attractions such as Loegoland, San Diego Zoo, Belmont Park, and a Whale Watch Cruise. 3-day and higher cards include admission to SeaWorld San Diego. Make sure that you'll be able to take advantage of enough offers to make the purchase worthwhile. The Go San Diego Card Web page includes suggested itineraries that include potential savings.
Get more info and buy direct from Go San Diego Card.
California Fun Spots
Sponsored by California's Division of Tourism. Download coupons for discounts and special values at Great America, Knott's Berry Farm, Legoland, Gilroy Gardens, San Diego Zoo and The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Universal Studios Hollywood, and other attractions.
Knott's Hotel Offers
Hotel guests can purchase park tickets for $26. Also, kids eat free at hotel.
