Whether you're at Six Flags, Sea World or even Disney, eating lunch or dinner at a theme park is an expensive proposition. Feed the family for less without going hungry!
Hot dogs, cotton candy, funnels cakes and slushes...Visiting a theme park without scarfing down at least one of these foods is like going to the movies without popcorn. Eating junk food at the park is, well, an American tradition. Except that tradition has changed quite a bit since the old days when buying a hot dog and a coke at the county fair would set you back a whole dollar. Now a dollar won’t even buy you a cup to pour the coke into.
How to Save Money on Dining at Theme Parks:
- Bring your lunch. Most theme parks will not allow you to bring food onto the premises. That’s why you see a lot of families picnicking in the parking lot. You should join them, unless you want to pay at least 30 percent more on park food. Even if you see a familiar chain restaurant inside the gates, they usually jack up their prices as well. Remember, you are a captive audience. They think you don’t have a choice. You really do. Because picnicking in the parking lot doesn’t mean eating in your car or plopping chairs next to the yellow line on the asphalt. Find a grassy area, set out a blanket and eat some home-made food or carry-out from a local grocery store. Your young kids will think it’s an adventure and the older ones will learn from your frugality.
- Find a soda machine or water fountain. Sodas are as much as $5, even at a simple lemonade stand. The drinking fountains and vending machines are usually near the restrooms. You’ll have to search though. They are often somewhat hidden.
- Eat a big breakfast. Make sure the kids eat a lot before you go. They’ll probably be too excited to eat much at the park anyway. Just keep them busy going from ride to ride. Steer clear of ice-cream vendors and pretzel stands.
- Stay in a condo instead of a hotel. Make sure it has a full kitchen, not just a burner and a microwave. That way you can eat in much of the time. Stop at the grocery store before you check in and plan meals that are quick and easy to prepare.
- Eat dinner off the property. If you plan on coming back to the park after dinner, get your hands stamped and leave the grounds. Look for restaurants where locals eat. They’re usually cheaper and offer better food. (Ask the hotel staff for a recommendation.) Even if you’re at Disney, you’re better off eating away from the Magic Kingdom. It may take you up to 20 minutes to get out of the main gates, but well worth it when you see how much you can save on meals.
The copyright of the article Save Money on Theme Park Food in Consumer Education is owned by L. Marie Dubuque. Permission to republish Save Money on Theme Park Food in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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