How to Save Money at Theme Parks
A day at a theme park is rather costly. When you are on a budget, there are several things that you can do to save money and still have a great time. Discount tickets are almost always available; it just takes a little research on your part to find them.
How to Save Money at Theme Parks – Eat Well Beforehand
Activity at a theme park often stirs up an appetite. It is ideal to have a good, filling breakfast at home before going. You should also consider taking a picnic lunch with you in a cooler. Most theme parks will allow this but it is best to check their rules and guidelines first.
If you must, to save money, make arrangements with the theme park management beforehand stating that there are special dietary needs in the family that require you to bring in your own food.
How to Save Money at Theme Parks – Look for Discounts
Local grocers often have discount tickets available for theme parks. These tickets are for general admission and are only available for a limited time. It is important to find out if your local area has specials like this. Some rewards programs allow you to earn points at local grocers to redeem them for theme park and entertainment tickets. Make sure that you join these programs to take advantage of the perks.
Also listen to radio and television commercials for local auto dealerships. There are times when incentives are offered for test driving vehicles, and tickets to a local theme park may be available to at least allow you to go for free.
Online for sale websites, such as Craigslist, have a section for tickets. This includes concerts, airfare and entertainment such as theme parks or sporting events. The cost of the tickets is generally discounted, especially if they were given as a gift to the seller, to help families attend the theme parks at a discounted rate. Here is a related article about travel deals and discounts.
How to Save Money at Theme Parks – Join Groupon
Groupon sends deals via email for your specific area daily. You should sign up for your local area, the area that the theme park is in and anywhere that you plan to vacation. In some cases, the packages are deeply discounted to save you more than 50-percent.
These suggestions will help you and your family to attend a theme park and stay within budget. Look for deals that include food discounts or free items at eating establishments that are nearby the park if you are unable to take food in yourself. It doesn’t hurt to follow a couple of local bloggers via social media either, as many post these types of deals.
Every time me and my family are planning to go to the theme park, I usually prepare snacks because the food prices in there are pretty expensive. Also,I prefer to avail the ride all you can tickets rather than individual rides.
Kate,
We are the same way – we usually pack a cooler and get our hands stamped for the midday picnic in the parking lot.
Exactly! I didn’t used to be that way, but my wife has really turned me on to packing our own lunch/snacks, water, sunscreen, and whatever else. Now when I see those people standing in line for $10 hotdogs or $8 pops, I think “suckers.” 🙂
TB at Blue Collar Workman recently posted…Comment on How to: Fix a Slow Garage Door by garage door repair
TB,
Sunscreen is the worst. It kills me if we ever forget it because places charge beyond what I consider highway robbery! Sounds like your wife got things straight 🙂
Discount tickets can be scored sometimes simply by signing up for a theme park’s email list. I got on the email list of a really cool theme/water park nearby and they’re constantly sending me specials for discount tickets!
Brock @CleverDude recently posted…Ways My Wife Saves Us Money: Hotel Room With A View Edition
One thing I hate about theme parks is paying $6 for a bottle of water. It’s robbery! These are good tips and will certainly help.
Holly@ClubThrifty recently posted…One Lifetime Won’t Be Enough For Us
Holly,
Agree 100%. We usually bring our own water bottle and just refill them at the water fountains. Most of the stands at our theme park are REQUIRED to give you a cup of water if you ask for it. They don’t want guests passing out 🙂
What, save money at theme parks, isn’t that an oxymoron? lol! Great post. I actually used to live in Orlando, FL and had all the annual passes. I got them all at a discount because I was a resident! It was awesome! I paid about $20 more than a single day ticket for an annual pass in most cases.
Josh @ CNA recently posted…Are You Oblivious To Geopolitical Issues
Josh,
Very cool 🙂 Now, if you don’t have to mortgage the house to pay the high food prices you’ll be all set 🙂
One thing I always avoid at theme parks are the tacky, overpriced souvenirs. $7 for a magnet!? No thanks!
Dan @ Our Big Fat Wallet recently posted…Teaching Kids About Money: Ages 7-8
Dan,
Exactly – and the $8 photos that they try and rope you into when you first walk in!
Theme parks are great, but if you’re looking to save money, don’t buy anything that they are selling inside because most of them are overpriced.
Money Saving Dude recently posted…50+ Money Saving Tips From Some of The Best Personal Finance Bloggers Today
Dude,
Exactly – you are 100% spot on 🙂