Posted on: Monday, May 10, 2010
Tips for finding thrills and saving money in theme parks
By Sharon Harvey Rosenberg and Myscha Theriault
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
Even without a watch, it's easy to tell time at Disney World. The character parade marches down Main Street in the early afternoon and the temper tantrums typically arrive by twilight when too much fun leads to expensive meltdowns. This time clock has been tested for accuracy during several family trips to the Magic Kingdom and other theme parks.
By respecting our inner clocks, we have learned to get the most from our theme park dollars. Here's our strategy for finding thrills and saving money in theme parks.
Time limits: Watching the clock is the key to theme park fun. Be mindful of deadlines for meals, snacks and rest times. Growling stomachs and overtired kids (of all ages) can sabotage theme park fun. Most parks have quiet spots designed for relaxation, including gardens, old school playgrounds and picnic tables. A measured pace with strategic breaks can help you outlast long lines, overstimulation and theme park crowds. Membership perks: Our annual passes to the Kennedy Space Center allow reduced ticket prices for up to six guests, discounts on food concessions and savings opportunities on souvenirs. Other attractions offer different benefit packages, including reciprocal admission at other theme parks, hotel discounts and other deals. Perspective: Theme park visits usually include children with a differing perspective from adult traveling companions. Relaxed animal encounters, romp time and hands-on activities such as those found at the Astronaut Hall of Fame near Cape Canaveral or The Scientific Center in Kuwait provide stress-free enjoyment for the whole family. Water activities are also a huge hit. Aqua Park, also in Kuwait, and Tampa's Busch Gardens each provide numerous splash zones. Freebies: Tampa's Busch Gardens and the Kennedy Space Center in greater Orlando each provide free parking for both you and your pet, with complimentary kennels on site. Free concerts, shows and demonstrations are bundled into the entertainment package options at Disney and Universal theme parks. Epcot also offers free soft drinks with Coca-Cola formulas from different countries at a display in the Innovations Pavilion. BYOB: Refillable water bottles are useful park accessories. The bottles can be refilled repeatedly at water fountains to provide a healthy and frugal alternative to expensive soft drinks offered by park vendors. Some parks also have an open-door policy for DIY snacks and lunches. We've saved money by packing our own treats and meals. Rules vary by park.———
Wisebread.com writers Sharon Harvey Rosenberg and Myscha Theriault are co-authors of the best-selling personal finance book "10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget," and founders of PoshFrugalityNetwork.com. Theriault is founder of TrekHound.com, a travel Web site, and Rosenberg is the author of "The Frugal Duchess: How to Live Well and Save Money." Find them on Twitter at Twitter.com/FrugalDuchess and Twitter.com/MyschaTheriault.
