Theme park reviewer Jessica Brambilla of Sarasota discusses the best ways to save money while dining at theme parks.
Theme parks are notorious for inflated prices, especially on consumables. Jessica Brambilla of Sarasota is a theme park reviewer and connoisseur of all things theme park related. She has visited dozens of theme parks and sampled a variety of foods at everyone. Jessica Brambilla of Sarasota explains the food at theme parks is almost always more expensive than what you’re used to, but there are a number of steps visitors can take to save money while dining and drinking at parks.
“Sticker shock is a real thing when it comes to ordering food and drinks at theme parks, especially when you’re traveling with your entire family,” Jessica Brambilla of Sarasota says. “However, throughout my years of trial of error, I’ve discovered several ways I can save big and still eat well while exploring parks.”
Jessica Brambilla of Sarasota explains an easy way to save is eat your main meal of the day at lunch time. Prices for the exact same items and portion sizes tend to be lower during lunch hours. Jessica Brambilla of Sarasota suggests trying the restaurant you’ve been longing to try at lunchtime and choose a smaller snack or quick-serve restaurant at dinner.
“It’s essential never to forget your snacks,” Jessica Brambilla of Sarasota says. “Snacks at theme parks are priced drastically higher than what you’ll pay just outside of the park.”
Jessica Brambilla of Sarasota explains she always brings trail mix, granola bars, juice boxes, and other items for kids and adults to enjoy throughout the day. She suggests bringing these snacks out whenever the kids start fussing over having an ice cream, popcorn, or traditional theme park treat. Jessica Brambilla describes that theme parks often offer tasty restaurants, but the snack bars are not typically the most memorable treats.
“Similar to bringing snacks, you should always have a reusable water bottle or two in your bag,” Jessica Brambilla of Sarasota explains. “Parks know you’re going to be hot and thirsty, so nearly all of them inflate the price of water. Bring your own bottle and refill it at water fountains across the park.”
Jessica Brambilla of Sarasota added that theme parks often have higher prices, but many of them tend to offer extremely large serving sizes too. This is another place where you can save. Jessica Brambilla of Sarasota explains that many meals can be split, especially when traveling with kids. She adds that a lot of food goes to waste whenever every person in her family orders a separate meal. She suggests sharing as an ideal way to save money and prevent waste.