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I get it, you have the excitement of roller coasters, the anticipation of character parades, and the joy of making memories with your loved ones.
But amidst the excitement and wonder, there’s a challenge that every theme park enthusiast faces—navigating the delicious, yet potentially wallet-draining world of theme park food.
That’s why in this post you’ll find some great ways on how to eat on a budget at theme parks because your wallet deserves better.
Planning Ahead for Food Savings
Before you even step foot in the park, it’s a good idea to do a little research.
Many theme parks offer meal deals and packages that can help you save on dining. And depending on that package it can be utilized among one or more people to stretch your budget (i.e., using it with small children who can share a meal).
I know it’s not nearly as fun to plan ahead… after all theme parks are truly about being in the moment. But if you’re here on Theme Park Bites, I’m guessing that you’d still like to save some money.
One easy tip is if you’re looking to save some of your hard-earned coin, is to check out the park menus we already have here on the website (and in the next heading topic: navigate the menu in advance).
You’ll find Lake Compounce (CT), Splish Splash (NY), Six Flags New England (MA) – America (MD) – Great Adventure (NJ), Fun Spot Orlando (FL), Knott’s Berry Farm (CA), Island H2O Water Park (FL), The Lost Island Themepark (IA), and Knoebels Amusement Resort (PA) all available there.
In addition, you can check their outside food policy. By checking those out, this not only saves money but also ensures you have something on hand for when those hunger pangs strike if you’re allowed to bring food inside.
Related Post: Budget-Friendly Lunch Hacks for Families at Amusement Parks
Some parks do not allow outside food, but in some places, like Splish Splash (Calverton, NY), they have picnic areas in the parking lot that you can utilize if you really can’t (or don’t want to) afford to indulge on their incredibly expensive in-park food.
There are exceptions for those who have food sensitivities or allergies such as Gluten-free or peanut allergies, but usually you need prior approval from the theme park so please make sure to contact the park before arriving.
Examples of theme park meal deals and packages
Most parks will have some variant of a dining plan that can help your family save money. Here are some great examples of parks that do (these are between Busch Gardens, Six Flags, Hersheypark, and Cedar Point).
How to effectively research and find these meal deals
Google is your best friend (or whatever platform you use) here.
I typically search “meal packages [theme park]” or “meal deals [theme park]” and that will get me the results I need. From there, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions to make sure you understand how to get the most bang for your buck out of the meal plan. Questions like:
- Do you need a season pass?
- Is it only available online?
- How far in advance are you allowed to buy this package and what stipulations are there if this is available?
- What comes in these packages and is it economical to your budget?
- Are there any additional discounts that this package may offer?
- What restaurants are you allowed to use your pass at?
- Are drinks included in my package, and if not, what extra cost(s) will I incur?
For example, at Disney World (Orlando, FL), dining plans are only available to resort guests and there are two plans they offer – Quick-Service and their higher tiered Dining Plan (vague name, but I consider this to be their deluxe plan).
Each come with their own sets of rules and offerings, but depending on the needs and budget of your family either will cover food sufficiently.
In the event that you can’t get a meal package, but are allowed to bring food into the parks, packing some snacks and/or light meals can really help take some pressure off of your wallet.
Even if you can’t replace all of the meals, you’re likely to get a little peckish multiple times during a long day out at the parks, and you can check out a list of snacks down below under DIY Dining for inspiration on what to bring to stave off those potentially expensive impulse cravings.
Navigate the Menu In Advance
Once you’re inside the park, try to plan ahead of your cravings so you don’t make hasty decisions.
Take a moment to explore the menus of different eateries. Look for combo meals that offer a better value compared to ordering items separately.
And, if you aren’t really that hungry, consider sharing a meal with a friend or family member to keep your budget in check. Besides, you can always look back fondly on the time you split a hot dog at the park (just kidding).
If you have specific dietary needs you are able to ask a member of the kitchen staff a question, but it might make more sense to call or email ahead of time for more detailed answers. That way you won’t feel rushed or upset that there are only limited options available upon arrival.
Timing Matters
Did you know that what time you eat can impact how much you spend on food?
Eating during off-peak hours can mean shorter lines and less stress, which means you have more time to look over the menu. You’re less likely to make a rash, and potentially expensive, decision if you allow yourself to order at a more leisurely pace.
Additionally, avoiding peak crowds for dining can help you find a table more easily, improving your overall dining experience.
Eat Outside the Park
If the theme park you are going to allows re-entry, don’t overlook nearby eateries outside the park gates.
Alternatively, if you have a season pass and are in town for multiple days, you might consider two half-day visits to split the park up. Have a big breakfast and then hold off for lunch after you leave the park each day.
You can usually find more budget-friendly options, as well as allergy-friendly or vegan options, more easily outside of a theme park.
And of course, be sure to double check that re-entry policy, before you step out for a bite and follow the directions to do so (some parks may need for you to get your hand stamped).
DIY Your Dining
On average, water goes for $4.00 at theme parks, so you can see how hydrating can add up fast on a hot summer day!
Because of that one of the simplest ways to save on food and beverages is to bring your own food and reusable water bottles.
Staying hydrated is essential during your theme park adventures, and this small action can save you from buying those pricey bottled drinks (whether water, sugary drink, or alcohol).
Additionally, consider packing some easy-to-eat snacks like granola bars, nuts, or fruit. They’re perfect for keeping energy levels up between meals.
Related Post: Perfect Snacks to Bring to Theme Parks
Pack snacks or light meals
- Portable and non-messy: Choose snacks that are easy to carry and won’t turn your bag into a disaster zone. Think granola bars, nuts, dried fruits, and pre-cut veggies. Avoid chocolate (it will melt, unless you have a cooler, and most parks don’t allow them in anyway) and super sugary snacks, because they won’t give you lasting energy and you’ll just end up hungry again.
- Water: Don’t forget to pack pre-packaged water bottles or reusable water bottles. Staying hydrated while running around the park is essential, I can’t stress this enough. I have heard horror stories of people in line for Hagrid’s passing out because they forgot to hydrate, don’t let that be you.
- Sandwiches/wraps: Prepare some simple sandwiches or wraps the night before. Opt for whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of veggies to keep your family energized.
- Cheese: Cheese sticks or cubes are not only delicious, but also packed with protein and they’re perfect for a quick bite between rides. You can pack a small ice pack to keep it from spoiling in the heat.
- Fruit: Fresh fruits like apples, bananas, and grapes are nature’s fast food. They’re easy to carry and they’ll give your group a natural sugar boost, while also being easy to eat in a line while you wait.
- Crunchy cravings: Pack some whole-grain crackers or pretzels for that satisfying crunch. You can pair them with single-serving hummus or nut butter packs.
- Trail mix: Mix up some nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and a touch of dark chocolate for that extra treat (and again, if you bring in that chocolate make sure you can keep it cool).
- Yogurt : If you have a small insulated container, Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola can be a healthy and creamy option. Alternatively, the big kid in me is saying throw Gogurt in your cooler and snack while you run to your next ride!
- If you can, stay away from perishables: Opt for snacks that won’t spoil quickly, especially if you’re spending a whole day at the park. But if you really need a spoilable item (like the cheese and chocolate above), a small ice pack will be your saving grace. Better yet, get an insulated cooler and you’ll be all the more happier.
How to Pack Your Food
It’s imperative to know what kind of container you are allowed to bring into the park you’re visiting.
For example, at Lake Compounce (Bristol, CT), you are only allowed a soft-sided 12x12x12″ cooler whereas at Dorney Park (Allentown, PA), those with medically necessary dietary restrictions are allowed to have a 10x10x12″ cooler.
Alternatively, with a lot of theme parks, you can re-enter with a stamped hand – I highly suggest loading up a large cooler in the trunk of your car and eating in the parking lot if you’re up for the trek back and forth.
Don’t skimp on the cooler, either! It gets very hot inside of a parked car, and you want something that will keep your treats nice and cold. Remember that if it saves you buying lunch in the park, it’s potentially saving you $60-$70 or more (for a family of four).
Pick Shareable Food
Sometimes portion sizes can be a bit much for the littles or even for adults – consider sharing to minimize the hit to your wallet.
Some restaurants (typically table-service) will even have a specific “shareables” section on the menu as well that you could peruse and pick out what works best for everyone.
And in some cases, maybe it would be best to buy an item that you know provides a lot for its portion size to split up purposefully (ex: buying one hamburger meal with fries could easily be split up between children, so instead of paying $10 per child, you’ll pay $15 and end up saving roughly $5; win-win!)
Limit Table-Service Restaurants and Character Dining
At many regional parks you won’t find table service restaurants (think of any restaurant like Red Lobster, Olive Garden, etc) to have to worry about this, however, at larger parks such as Disney, Universal Studios, and Dollywood, you’ll find them.
The same way they are expensive in real life, restaurants at a theme park are–quite obviously–far more expensive sometimes. And with inflation nipping at our heels, sometimes the prices make no difference in and outside of the parks.
But if your family is looking for that sit-down experience, I would suggest not going to one every day of your visit and choose these restaurants in advance to budget early on.
Choose a special occasion for these restaurants like a birthday, anniversary, or a promotion so as to make the choice easier for whether or not it’s worth it. If it’s a first visit or you’re just celebrating happiness, that could also be a reason, too.
After all, parks like Disney make it very easy to part with your money; don’t be swayed by the beautiful theming and the yummy scents wafting around you and stick to your guns!
By limiting table service you not only save money, but you also save yourself a lot of time that you could be spending inside of the park going on rides.
Eat Breakfast Beforehand
Whether you’re at a hotel or coming from home, by eating breakfast before heading into the park you’ll go in to your theme park of choice more level-headed than if you were completely hungry.
Of course, you won’t stay full the entire time, but you might just find yourself spending less since you won’t have to eat as frequently if you’re staying for the full day.
Grab Groceries for Your Hotel Room
This is for all of you theme park destination goers (Universal, Disney, etc).
If you’re staying at a hotel specifically for a theme park consider grabbing groceries for your trip so that you can accomplish everything I mentioned earlier. You can either bring them with you (if you’re traveling a short distance) or head to the nearest grocery store and grab the essentials.
Of course if you prefer, you can always have them delivered, too.
Final Tips and Takeaways
One thing I didn’t mention earlier is that if you’re in a park that does meal reservations – reserve, reserve, reserve! Parks like Disney thrive on them and you will, too. While it takes away from the spontaneity of the day, I implore you to give it a try.
You’ll be able to save money by knowing exactly where you’ll be and the menu will have the prices to allow you to budget wisely.
Remember – the key to budget-friendly dining at theme parks is to plan ahead, explore your options, and make mindful choices.
While the allure of eating all the things may be strong, sticking to your budget can leave you feeling just as satisfied. If you have it in your budget, set aside a few dollars per person for snacks to indulge in, too.
That way you can go ahead and treat yourself to a delicious snack or two on your unforgettable day of rides, shows, and the occasional moment of relaxation, without feeling the financial stress of a constrained budget.
Happy Budgeting!
There you have it, savvy theme park goers!
As you can see, eating on a budget at theme parks is all about striking that perfect balance between indulgence and practicality. By planning ahead, making informed choices, and being a little creative, you can enjoy every bite while keeping your wallet in check.
Remember, your theme park adventure is meant to be an amazing experience, and that includes the food!
And if you haven’t as of yet, please follow us on our other social media channels (YouTube, Instagram & Tik Tok – @themeparkbites) to stay up to date on food reviews. Thank you for allowing us to be your tasty theme park companion!