When taking your kids to Disneyland (or, let’s be real, anywhere), planning for snacks is anecessity! Disneyland is absolutely loaded with the every kind of the best snacks you can possibly imagine – I could just snack all day (since we are being real, I have). When we are thinking of snacks for our little ones, we typically want it to be something a bit healthier, and something that’s going to stick with them. Disneyland carries plenty of these types of options for kids and adults as well – but they sure can add up. Here is my Saving vs. Splurging list for bringing and/or purchasing snacks in the park!

Saving on SNACKS – Bringing snacks from home is the hands-down winner in the cost-affordability contest. If it were me, I’d much rather be eating a muffin from the Jolly Holiday bakery than a breakfast bar from my purse – but the great thing about kids is they don’t really care what they’re eating, as long as it’s something they like! So there’s one spot where my family chooses to save money. Here are some of the healthy and heartier snacks we like to bring when traveling into Disneyland (and a few that don’t hit the wallet to hard to purchase there):

• Squeezable Fruit Pouches – GoGo Squeeze Organic Squeezable Fruit, approx. $0.83 apiece
• Fruit Leather / Fruit Ropes – Clif Kid Organic Fruit Ropes, approx. $0.77 apiece
• Fruit Crisps – Bare Fruit, Fruit Chips, approx. $1.00 apiece
• Granola Bars – Clif Kid Organic ZBar, approx. $0.77 apiece
• Cheese & Crackers / PB & Crackers – Organic Mini Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, approx. $2.69 a box
• Kettle Corn – Angie’s Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn, mini bags approx. $0.80 apiece
• Trail Mix
• Raisin Boxes

And a few less expensive snacks in the parks (I draw the line at $3!)…

• Fruit Leather – $1.19 
• Apple Crisps – $2.99
• Pineapple Spear – $2.99
• Pickle – $2.79 (Why does a Disneyland pickle taste soooo much better than the ones in my fridge?!)

Splurging on SNACKS – For my family, buying food, souvenirs, or anything in the park – rather than bringing it from home – is a splurge! In-park snacks are amazing, though. I know you’ve heard it before, but you really can’t beat a Dole Whip! Here are my picks for the tastiest, and more unique in-park “splurge” snacks for my kiddos (and myself):

• Popcorn – $4.00 (easily shared!)
• Mango Slices – $3.69
• Corn on the Cob – $4.99
• Mickey Pretzel – $4.00
• Dole Whip Soft Serve – $3.69 (only 80 calories per serving!)
• Kid’s POWER Pack (yogurt, sliced apples, carrots, petite banana and Whole-Grain “fish” crackers) – $5.99)

Dole Whips = happy children

What do you think? What are your family’s favorite snacks to bring into the park or to purchase there? You can see our other articles about Saving & Splurging on Kid’s Meals in Disneyland, Kid’s Meals in California Adventure, Food in California Adventure, and Food in Disneyland. 

Thanks to TouringPlans.com for the up-to-date Disneyland Resort Menus and pricing!