A trip to Disneyland is something many families may only be able to dream of. Especially in the current climate, where everything (including ticket prices) just keeps getting more and more expensive.

And while many do manage to visit Mickey Mouse, a new survey found a staggering 45 percent of parents with kids in the US had landed themselves in debt (on average $US1983) from their Disney trip.

But if a visit to the 'Happiest Place on Earth' remains on your bucket list, there are a few ways you can save money.

Buy a package deal

One of the easiest ways to save potentially thousands of dollars is to buy a package deal.

There are plenty around, especially in the lead up to the school holidays, that include things like your flights, accommodation, and park tickets all in one.

This family deal from Flight Centre for example can save you over $1000 on a visit to Magical Disneyland Resort the Sheraton Park Hotel, with four-day park tickets for the family and free wifi.

Or this Flight Centre deal includes a stay at the Best Western Plus Pavilions, as well as three-day Park Hopper tickets and the Disney Genie+ Service.

Choose a souvenir beforehand

Plan in advance what souvenirs you want to buy and get an idea of what the shops offer before your visit. It can be surprisingly easy to walk in the stores and walk out spending way more than you intended.

You might think a set of Mickey Mouse ears is a must-have, but do you want to spend upwards of $US40 ($60) on a pair? Also make a point of only buying souvenirs on the last day of your visit so you know it's something you really want.

Save on food

One of the most complained costs when it comes to parents heading to the Disney parks is how much buying food sets them back.

A whopping 65 per cent griped that in-park food was substantially higher than what they budgeted as many were shocked to see some restaurants promoting dining options priced above $US60 ($90) per adult.

So one of the biggest money-saving tips is to think through what you really want to try at Disneyland and mostly bring the essentials from home.

Pack a reusable water bottle as you can find water fountains throughout the parks, and you can ask any quick-service restaurant location for a cup of ice water whenever you need it. The price for bottled water and soda in the parks will run you about $US5 each. That adds up quickly. Packing your own lunch and snacks can also save you plenty.

If you do decide to dine in the park, look at the menu carefully. Some dishes are big enough to share between two people or kids! Kids under the age of three are welcome to eat off your plate inside table-service restaurants.

Disney freebies

Not everything inside Disneyland will cost you money. For something to do, the Disneyland Animation Academy is the perfect place to learn how to draw your favourite Disney characters. Afterwards, you can take your artwork home.

There are also some buttons you might be able to get your hands on. At Guests Relations or any of the stores/kiosks, you can get buttons from a Cast Member that says things like ''Happy Birthday'',1st Visit, ''I'm Celebrating,'' ''Happily Ever After,'' and more.

And while the professional photos taken by PhotoPass photographers around the iconic locations in the park aren't free, any of the photographers are more than happy to take your picture with your phone and camera if you ask.