There are a few mainstays of summer vacations, and using theme park discounts is one of them. Who doesn't have a workplace that has sign up sheets, discounted tickets, or coupons for local attractions? And given the skyrocketing price of offline entertainment, it's a good thing our jobs offer us these perks.

But if you're self-employed, a teenager, or planning a vacation a little farther off than your own back yard, where do you go to find these special deals and save a little cash? Well, it's easier than you think. In fact, theme park discounts are everywhere!

When looking for Walt Disney World coupons and discounts, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Actual coupons are rare. After all, in a place as large and crowded as Walt Disney World, who wants to keep track of little pieces of paper? However, there are a few specialized coupons and vouchers floating around- such as those that are found in the back of BirnBaum's Walt Disney world travel guide book. Also, if you book a full package through the Disney Company or through a specialty travel agency, you'll often find a pamphlet of coupons and vouchers included in your confirmation package, along with park maps and other useful information.

Discounts are more prevalent, however, but less organized. AAA offers 10-20% hotel room rates during most of the year, and military and other discounts apply. Also check the Walt Disney World website 2-3 months prior to travel. If a better offer is available at that time, you can cancel your reservations and make a new one at the new rate.

Disneyland discounts are very similar to the Walt Disney World resort discounts, but as there are fewer on property hotels and only two parks instead of four, you may find that there aren't as many special offers available.

However, AAA and the military discounts still apply, and Disneyland has value seasons just as Disney World does.

There are fewer coupons in the Birnbaum's Disneyland guide book, however, there's a rather nice coupon in the back to save on merchandise. It's worth checking out.

Knott's Berry Farm is a popular theme park, not too far from Disneyland. Even though you're not paying for the branding that you would at a Disney park, any theme park could use a little savings!

You'll definitely want to search out the best Knotts Berry Farm coupons that you can find. Other discounts certainly apply, and AAA offers special rates through their travel planning department. The great thing about Knotts Berry Farm is that they run so many special promotions- most of which are aimed at helping the less fortunate while saving you money.

Universal Studios is a wild place to hang out, but it really can be even more expensive that nearly any other theme park in the US. This is one of the reasons why you'll want to consider purchasing Universal Studio discount tickets.

Another reason why you'll want to purchase tickets ahead of time is that the line at the ticket center can be excruciatingly long. Usually the ticket machines (a little like an ATM that dispenses tickets instead of cash) are available for quicker entry, but the convenience of not having to stop at all to buy your tickets would be well worth the full price, despite the fact that pre-purchasing tickets is cheaper.

One of the benefits of Six Flags is that because there are so many of them, and they're national, means that large companies can get the most mileage out of offering promotional discounts on snack and drink packaging.

As summer approaches, now is the time to consider your snack and drink purchases with the packaging in mind, rather than the taste. A $1 bottle of soda may save you $10 at the gate.

Also check out local restaurants and grocery stores, as well as check at work for company discounts. We live hours away from the nearest Six Flags, yet our company always offers special discounts in the summer.

You may find that AAA offers a good price, and that military personel and veterans may get a discount. Check their website for group rates and other special promotions.

Hershey Park- The Sweetest Place On Earth had numerous discounts available year round. In fact, it's quite easy to find a coupon or discount code, because they spread their promotion to the surrounding areas.

Coupons and discount codes can be found in grocery stores and restaurants in the area, and I don't mean just in Hershey, PA. I live in Lancaster, approximately 45 minutes from Hershey Park in average weekend traffic, yet we're blasted with coupons at Burger King and some of the other fast food joints (Burger King and Turkey Hill seem to be the most reliable source).

If you don't live nearby, don't despair, many enterprising Pennsylvanians from the area are more than happy to gather up coupons and discounted tickets and present them to you via eBay and Craigslist.

Also, since Hershey bought out Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, PA, you may be able to find many good offers on the Dutch Wonderland site, as well as on Hershey Park's own site.

There are as many Sesame Place discounts as there are at other theme parks. AAA always has a good deal, and there are, of course, military discounts among others. And since their base prices are around $50 a ticket, and their parking costs more than a day's parking at Walt Disney World, you'll need those discounts!

Here are some of the places that you can find special discounts:

CVS Philadelphia, NY, NJ

Call 1-800-SHOP-CVS and select option 3 to find a participating store near you!

McDonald's PA, DE, NY, NJ

Click here to find a participating store

Burger King PA, DE, NY, CT, NJ

Click here to find a participating store

Walgreen's PA

Click here to find a participating store (Note: I've spied discounts at the Walgreens in Lancaster, PA)

Pepsi - Bring any Pepsi product to Sesame Place to receive discount