One thing that can always be difficult is budgeting. When doing something, you typically want to have a good time but don’t want to break the bank. Thus, it’s important you determine a set amount of money you want to spend when visiting a destination.
As you may assume, this is greatly evident in the theme park industry. There’s so much to do and expenses you have to consider in order to have an enjoyable day at the park.
When planning a day trip to the park, you need to budget for four items: admission, parking, food, and other.
Admission is necessary. You won’t be able to get into the park with a day ticket or season pass. These tickets typically run between $25 and $75, depending on the type of ticket you buy. Some passes may also cost more pending on the different benefits they offer.
Parking can typically be an either/or situation; either you drive to the park and need to park your car, or you are dropped off. If it’s required to park your car, you need to factor in that cost. Parking usually ranges from $15-$30, pending on the park. With that, some parks also offer premium parking for a higher rate. Now, there are also some parks like Holiday World that offer free parking, so take that into consideration as well.
Food is absolutely necessary. You’re going to need something to eat if you visit a park. Factor in about $30 for food, which includes food, drinks, and snacks.
Other refers to anything extra you would spend at the park. This could include souvenirs, sweet treats, games, or upcharge attractions. This area is entirely up to you, so keep that in consideration when assessing your budget.
All in all, a trip to a theme park would typically cost at least $70 if you’re visiting for just one day out of the year. However, many parks are now offering season passes and all season parking and dining options that make the experience much more worth the cost, and you can go multiple times and have already payed for those expenses. Then, the only thing you need to worry about is the other.
Assess a budget for a theme park visit and stick to it; you and your wallet will really appreciate it.