Have you noticed that the cost of an admission ticket to an amusement park these days is pretty ridiculous? The “pay at the gate” cost of an adult ticket to either Kings Island or Cedar Point is $54.99. Oh, and don’t forget thaty they will charge you to park. Already a pretty penny but on top of that, you can’t bring your own food into the park! Here’s is their “outside food policy” from King’s Island’s FAQs page.
So, unless you have documented dietary needs, you are forced to pay those outrageous prices at their food courts. Now, I have a family of 5 and everyone is old enough to be an adult. That means, my cost, just to park and attend and park will be over $275. Now, my guys can eat so I am sure that my out of pocket costs to attend will top $400.
I know I always get so frustrated whenever we go to amusement parks because of the cost. Rather than enjoying myself I feel like I am always counting my pennies to make sure we stay within our budget. My opinion is they charge so much for admission that if I choose to bring lunch into the park, I should be allowed to, don’t you?
I know my voice alone can’t change amusement park policies but what if I got 100 people together, or 1000, or more? Do you think I could make a difference then?
Now normally I would probably just complain to my poor hubby but I just found out about Social Power. This is a great social platform where you can take your resolvable issues and share them on the site and Social Power works to raise awareness on their site. Concurrently, you use your social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, G+, etc) to raise awareness.
Once 1000 support an issue Social Power turns it into an initiative. At this stage, “Agents of Change” are notified of the initiatiave they are capable of resolving. Yes, YOU can make a difference and Social Power can help. Check out this video to learn more!
I’d love for you to support my amusement park issue. Just click on the “visit sponsor’s site” button below and type ins “Amusement Parks Should Allow You To Bring In Your Own food”.
Anne @ Domesblissity
Its just unbelievable Marilyn. Our parks are the same. I don’t like them full stop (because I don’t like the rides) but you feel like a criminal because you leave your food in the car and you have to sneak out just to have something to eat. And what about the food that’s on offer? Just disgusting. You have my full support.
Anne xx
Adrianne at Happy Hour Projects
Amen!! The thing is, I don’t take issue with the cost itself, I’m willing to pay for convenience, but they just don’t have many healthy food options. Your choices are fried food, pizza, hot dogs… This site is so smart to raise the issue! I’m with you!
Meredith @ Wait Til Your Father Gets Home
Just found out that our local water park/spray park doesn’t allow outside food or drinks either! So frustrating!!
Melanie @ bear rabbit bear
Love this post!
Lindsay @ Artsy-Fartsy Mama
Totally agree!! Love that you are talking about it!
Linh C.
We just came back from Islands of Adventure/Universal Studios in Orlando, FL. Guess how much a one-day/one-park adult ticket costs? $96!!! Plus $15 to park. We won’t be back.
The Disney parks now allow outside food and drinks. We saw people bring in large rolling coolers. But then those coolers add to the congestion of double strollers and wheel chairs!
Tara @ Suburble
I agree with Adrianne – if there were healthy options, then I can understand – but being forced to buy food that is unhealthy? It’s definitely a deterrant.
What a cool site! I love that it gives a voice to those who wouldn’t normally be heard!
Amy Latta
I totally agree! Usually we end up getting our hands stamped for re-entry and hiking out to our car to eat a picnic.
Nancy Bandzuch
You are so so right! Change the world! PS–this post has really gotten in the summer mood! I can’t wait to head to the parks this summer!
Kadie
I TOTALLY agree!! With a family of 7 we can never afford to eat at a park! The last time we had to figure out every day how much we could spend on food, which =ed one meal at the park and anything else we had to hike to the car. And the choice of food is just GROSS!! That is one of the reasons we LOVE, LOVE our local zoo, we can take in food and snacks for the kiddos.:)