How much money did you have to set aside to pay for your family’s summer vacation to Disney, Six Flags or Universal? Unless you found an outstanding package deal I doubt that your family of four could get admission, parking, meals, drinks, and souvenirs for less than $500.
Now consider how much more you could get for the same amount of money if you opted to visit a smaller theme park like Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana or Alabama Adventure in Bessemer, Alabama. All-day admission at both parks cost about half of what Disney charges. Currently, a one-day ticket for one of the Disney parks in Orlando will set you back more than $75 with tax, while two days will having you digging for $148. Meanwhile, at Holiday World admission is just $40 for adults and $30 for kids. The cost of food is also reasonable. Cotton Candy at Holiday World is $2 (you’ll pay double that Six Flags Great America) and a burger meal (complete with fries and a drink) sells for just $5.
So what are you missing out on by opting for a more affordable theme park adventure? There are no famous mice at Holiday World, but your thrill-seeking children will no doubt have a blast on the park’s award-winning wooden roller coasters including the 65-mph “Legend and the Voyager,” which is over a mile long. Plus, your admission price includes access to Holiday World’s massive Splashin’ Safari water park, which is home to the jaw dropping seven-story “Bakuli,” which sends four guests down a seven-story twisty slide before spitting them out into a spiraling pool with a funnel at the bottom.
You aren’t going to get all the bells and whistles that major theme parks like Disney offer, but you will get more bang for your buck and a clean attraction that caters to families. Also, the more popular mid-sized theme parks are not in major metropolitan areas. For example, award-winning Beech Bend Amusement Park and Splash Lagoon is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, while popular DelGrosso’s is situated in Tipton, Pennsylvania and super saver Castle Park is in Riverside, California.
If you are still not convinced that you can save a bundle by driving a bit out of the way consider this: At Beech Bend a family of four can get unlimited all-day admission, which includes access to rides, the water park, the petting zoo, and mini golf for about $90. To help cash strapped parents save even more many smaller theme parks partner with AAA or the Entertainment Book to offer additional discounts. While others offer deals on admission if a guest brings in a specific soda can, box top, or fast-food chain receipt.
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