Theme parks are great for making memories with family and friends, but they can add up quickly, especially for families.
I’m sharing tips for how to make the most of your next theme park visit and ways to save money.
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Buy Your Tickets in Advance Online
Save on general admission by purchasing your tickets online in advance of your visit.
General admission tickets purchased at the gate are the highest price.
Midweek admission tickets are typically less than weekends because many parks use dynamic pricing, charging more when the park is more popular.
Make sure that you also avoid midweek holidays.
Parking passes are also less online than at the gate.
Visit Midweek instead of on the Weekend
Consider visiting the park midweek if you want to avoid the crowds, longer lines, and higher prices for tickets and accommodations.
Plan a Visit for Early Summer
Prices tend to be lower at theme parks from late May to mid-June.
Search for Special Promotions
Many theme parks offer time-sensitive special promotions directly on their website.
Park Reciprocity
If you plan on visiting multiple Six Flags parks, consider a Gold Pass that provides access to Six Flags parks in your region. The regions are East, Midwest, Texas, and West.
The Six Flags Prestige Pass is the best value if you want to visit multiple parks located in different regions in the same season.
Check for Membership Discounts
You may have access to lower prices and packages with your AAA membership, Costco card, Sam’s Club, or if you’re in the military.
Also, check for points and rewards with your credit cards.
Compare Packages Bundles to à la carte
If you want the best value for your visit, you need to be willing to compare and contrast different scenarios. (Accommodations, tickets, rental cars, dining plans)
This can be time-consuming, but it can also save you a lot of money.
I’d recommend adding everything up in a notebook or spreadsheet for easy reference.
You’ll want to compare bundles to pricing out the items à la carte with your discounts.
Consider Who You’re Traveling With
The ages and mobility of those you’re traveling with should also be a factor in managing realistic expectations for what you can see and do.
If you don’t want to feel rushed, you may want to spend more than one day at the park.
Check if the Waterpark is included
For example, general admission tickets to Holiday World and Kings Island include access to their waterpark. This creates additional value, especially if it’s a warm day.
Lines for the regular park can also be shorter during peak waterpark times on a hot day.
Is There a Shuttle Option From Your Hotel?
Shuttles are a nice amenity if you’re traveling with younger kids or grandparents who may need an option to rest at the hotel earlier than the group.
Hotel and resort shuttles can save you time and money if you don’t want the added cost or hassle of finding parking.
Consider What You Value For Your Park Experience
The most important part of the theme park experience and preferences can vary for guests.
For example, my family loves all the thrill rides, and we plan our time around maximizing those experiences while we’re at the park.
Some guests may prioritize foodie experiences, shows, parades, firework shows, or interactions with characters.
I’d recommend determining which experiences are worth the plurge to you and which areas have more wiggle room to save money. (Accommodations, meals, etc.)
If you want to ride the most popular rides on the weekend, you may want to consider a fast pass when you factor in how much time you’ll spend in line for one ride.
It may also be worth the price if you’re waiting in line with younger kids in the heat.
Check the Ride Policies
Some rides don’t allow anything on the rides, including phones, keys, etc. Sometimes a small complimentary locker may be provided.
Other times, you may be required to rent a locker for your items.
Look For Dining Plans or Share Meals
All-day dining plans can save you money, depending on how long you plan to be at the park.
You can pack lunches and snacks for a cooler in your vehicle, but in my opinion, it may not be worth losing time at the park unless you have a really large group.
Check the park’s policy for outside food and drinks. Some do allow snacks, unopened drinks, and non-refrigerated items.
Bring a Refillable Water Bottle
Save on drinks by bringing an empty water bottle to refill within the park.
Compare Accommodations
I’d recommend comparing packages and incentives that include accommodations to hotel and vacation rental prices
You may want a full kitchen if you plan on cooking meals during your stay.
Also factor in how much time you realistically plan on spending at your accommodations. We spend little in our room when we visit theme parks.
If you have younger kids or older family members joining you, you may want an option with a shuttle from the park back to your accommodations.
Also consider the drive time from the park, which could be longer with traffic and especially tiresome after spending a long day at the park.
I recommend looking at Booking.com, TripAdvisor, Vrbo, and Expedia.
Check if you have any points or travel credits with your credit card that could be used toward your hotel stay, too.
Purchase Travel Insurance for Your Vacation
Travel can be unpredictable, even with the best laid plans. I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip.
Theme park vacations are a big investment, and you don’t want a missed flight or an unplanned emergency to add to the costs.
Compare Prices for Rental Cars
Keep in mind that rental cars at the airport are more expensive than at off-site locations.
It may be worth the savings to take an Uber to an off-site location, but you’ll also want to factor in convenience and drive time.
I typically find the best deals for rental cars through Costco Travel. I’d also recommend comparing prices on Expedia.
Compare Prices for Flights
If you’re planning on flying, I’d recommend searching Google Flights in incognito mode.
Compare those flights and prices to the budget airlines’ websites that charge customers more for luggage.
Check if you have available flight miles that can be used towards your flight.
Expedia and Kayak may also have bundling options for flights, rental cars, and accommodations.
