9 Money-Saving Tips for Enjoying Amusement Parks

Amusement parks are fantastic choices for everyone and families when traveling. The following useful tips help you save money while having fun there.

Travel Hack: 9 Money-Saving Tips for Enjoying Amusement Parks

1. Manage Your Expectations Wisely

First and foremost, don't expect to save a fortune when visiting amusement parks for the first time to indulge in spending.

If you only visit the park once a year or very infrequently, it's best to spend sensibly.

2. Purchase Extended-Day Passes

Be mindful of the special deals and discounted ticket programs offered by major amusement parks (those you can't explore fully in a day). You're often given the choice to buy tickets per day or to purchase multi-day passes. It's best to opt for the multi-day passes (e.g., for a whole week) as it can significantly save you money.

However, do pay attention to the expiration date of extended-day passes to maximize your visiting opportunities and avoid being 'left behind' and having to discard the tickets you've bought.

3. Don't Rely Too Much on Online Discount Vouchers

Searching for 'Disneyland discount vouchers' online will yield many results with enticing offers from discount ticket websites. However, you must carefully review the applicable terms and actual ticket prices.

Additionally, you should also check out several online ticket-selling websites to find the best ticket prices instead of just surveying a single site. Prices for tickets usually vary depending on the timing and promotional policies of the websites.

It's best to purchase tickets directly from the amusement park to avoid unreliable ticket sellers, preventing the risk of buying fake tickets or paying additional service fees and commissions to third-party partners.

4. Buy Tickets in Advance

You can buy tickets directly at the park gate. However, if you proactively plan your visit in advance and pay for tickets beforehand, the parks will be very welcoming.

Many amusement parks offer significant discounts when purchasing tickets online (except Disneyland). Buying tickets in advance often comes with substantial discounts. For example, in the US, if you buy tickets online three days before visiting Six Flags Over Texas, you'll get a $20 discount per ticket. Some parks, like Kings Dominion, don't require advance purchase for a discount, but still offer a $22 discount if you buy tickets online on the same day.

5. Avoid Visiting on Holidays or Peak Seasons

Is it necessary to visit Disneyland on Christmas Day? That's the peak season when you'll have to pay $124 for a ticket. But if you choose to visit Disneyland on a weekday in September, the ticket price is only $97!

A ticket to Universal Studios in Orlando also goes up to $124 during peak seasons. If you come here on a crowded day like Halloween, you'll have to pay up to $110.

6. Purchase Discounted Packages at Grocery Stores or Supermarkets

Using discount packages when shopping at grocery stores and supermarkets can help you save money, as long as you choose reputable stores. Valerie Marino - a freelance writer for Condé Nast Traveller - suggests: 'If you want to save money on Disneyland with a REDCard, buy Disney gift cards at stores. My husband and I use this method to buy tickets annually, saving me 5% instead of buying directly. It's not a huge savings, but with Disneyland's steep prices, the savings can amount to over $1,000, so it's worth trying.'

In the US, grocery store chains like Safeway and Kroger also sell amusement park tickets and gift cards. When combined with a credit card like the American Express Blue Cash Preferred, which allows cardholders to save 6% compared to regular prices.

7. Choose Budget-Friendly Meals

Most people prefer to bring their own food to save on dining expenses, and many parks also allow visitors to bring light snacks. However, not all parks permit this, and many people also dislike carrying and storing too much food while enjoying themselves.

Here's a little tip for you when choosing meals at amusement park restaurants in a more 'economic' way: avoid ordering side dishes. If you're trying to avoid gaining weight, you can order a chicken sandwich without the fries. This will save you one or two USD per meal without worrying about gaining weight after the fun.

Many amusement parks include dining services in the admission ticket, like Disneyland. But author Tom Bricker from the Disney Tourist Blog notes: 'Many people have used the Disney Dining Plan at Walt Disney World for convenience. However, this service is complained about for adding extra expense by providing too much food, which doesn't match the guests' needs.'

8. Follow the Parks' Social Media Channels

To receive notifications about discounted ticket sales, follow announcements from your favorite amusement parks' Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter channels. Parks' social media pages also often update about special events or quick announcements of any recent incidents that caused the park to close.

9. Protect Your Electronic Devices

Many amusement parks have rides that require you to go on boats, pass through waterfalls, and even get soaked while participating. Water is obviously not a 'good friend' of smartphones, so you need to bring a plastic bag to protect your phone when participating in active games.

While it may sound simple, this attention to detail can save you from spending money to deal with the aftermath if your phone or tablet unfortunately breaks during the trip.

By Thao Nhu/Youth

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Reference: Travel guide Mytour