You can go onto http://www.disneyland.com to look for vacation packages. AAA also has packages. I think Costco and Sam’s Club might have packages too.If you plan to come often you can buy an annual pass. Then next year you can plan your vacation one month earlier that way you can still use your annual pass. They also offer cheaper room rates to annual passholders.

You can also check Ebay for cheaper tickets.

If you decide to stay offsite:

Try to find a hotel off of South Harbor north of Disney Way and south of South Manchester. There are a lot of smaller hotels there. That is nearer the main gate. They also have IHOP, McDonalds and a few other restaurants in close walking distance. If you stay here you will be closer to the main gate than the people who park and ride the tram in. My friend stayed at one off of W. Katella and she said it was a long walk to the park. Unless you want to stay at one that has a shuttle…but then you have to rely on their timing. You can also get into the park off of South Disneyland Drive but that is where all of the Disney Resorts are. You could drive and park but keep in mind parking onsite at Disneyland is $11 a day

Another thought is a time share. You can get free tickets and cheap stay but you have to go watch their presentations.

Here are some websites to ones I found for hotels and motels on S Harbor:

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/laxoc-fairfield-inn-anaheim-disneyland-resort

http://www.hojoanaheim.com/

http://www.discoverourtown.com/hotel/90967.html

http://www.discoverourtown.com/hotel/44413.html

http://www.discoverourtown.com/hotel/26619.html

http://www.discoverourtown.com/hotel/35070.html

I am sure there are more…but thought this would help you get started.