5 THEME PARKS THAT ARE CHEAPER THAN DISNEY BUT JUST AS FUN

Travel and leisure spending is no longer guaranteed to be an affordable part of your family’s budget. However, despite inflation, rising consumer debt and other financial pressures, many people still plan to travel more in 2025.

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When most people think of a family vacation to a theme park, Walt Disney World or Disneyland is often the first destination that comes to mind. With its iconic characters, thrilling rides and immersive worlds, it’s no wonder why it’s a favorite.

But the price of a ticket to one of Disney’s famous theme parks can be overwhelming, not to mention the additional costs of food and souvenirs. So, if you want your kids to be able to experience all of the wonder without any of the corresponding credit card bills, you may want to consider some other amazing theme parks that are cheaper than Disney. 

There are plenty of options around the country packed with everything from water slides to bumper cars that offer just as much excitement and fun, without breaking the bank. You can save even more money by choosing a park close to home.

Most of the parks listed offer season passes, so if you plan to visit more than three or four times, you will get the most value; plus, season passes often include discounts on food and merchandise.

Here are five great alternatives, and how their prices compare to Disney so you can see how they will leave your wallet, and family, happy.

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Quick Take: Disney Prices

For comparison purposes, here are a few key takeaways from how some Disneyland and Disney World prices stack up. 

• Disneyland ticket prices can range from $104 to $206 for a one-day, one-park ticket
• For multi-day tickets, Disneyland prices can range between $330 to $511, but keep in mind that all prices may vary by date and demand. 
• There is also a Park Hopper add-on of $65 for one-day tickets if you want to explore more than one option. 
• Disney World tickets vary by date and park but for one-day tickets to the Magic Kingdom, typically the most expensive park, the average ticket costs about $160. However, one-day tickets can range from $109 to $159, depending on the date, options or add-ons you choose.
• For multi-day tickets to Disney World the prices tend to drop the longer you stay. For example, a five-day ticket averages around $643, or $129 per day.
• Annual passes to Disney World, called Magic Keys, start at $599.

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Cedar Point

• Location: Sandusky, OH

When ride enthusiasts think of roller coaster parks, Cedar Point often comes to mind. Situated on Lake Erie, the park offers a breathtaking array of world-renowned roller coasters. After the launch of Top Thrill 2 last year, hailed as a record-breaking, triple-launch Stratocaster, the thrill ride lineup got even more impressive.

Nearby Castaway Bay can provide affordable, modern rooms with bunk beds for the kids and an on-site, indoor waterpark, plus tons of activities. Daily passes and pre-season tickets to Cedar Point start at $50, but the Funday Bundle is a better value since it includes parking and all-day dining for one meal every 90 minutes at $75.

If you live near the park, you can get a summer pass for just $18 a month, which is a great way to fills some days with your kids out of school. 

Hersheypark

• Location: Hershey, PA

Located just minutes from Harrisburg, PA, Hersheypark brings families together to share their passion for chocolate and thrill rides. The addition of Wildcat’s Revenge, a new wood and steel hybrid coaster, is attracting attention to Hershey this season and makes the park a must-visit for kids and ride enthusiasts, alike.

A ticket for a single day normally can run between $47.99 and $89.95, which is still cheaper than Disney. There are also two-day ticket options ranging between $42 and $62.50 if you want to make a weekend trip out of it. 

Six Flags Great Adventure

• Location: Jackson, NJ

With Kingda Ka, the tallest launch coaster in the U.S., a drive-through animal safari and an array of coasters and flat rides for all ages, Six Flags Great Adventure has been a Northeast vacation destination for over 50 years.

Single-day passes start at $35 online, but that does not include parking, which costs a hefty $50. If you plan to visit more than once this season, consider the 2025 Silver Pass which includes access to Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari Adventure, 10% off food and merchandise and access to general parking.

LEGOLand

• Location: California, New York and Florida

If you’re looking for family fun for younger children, choose a day trip or overnight stay at a LEGOLand Resort in California, Florida or New York. Tickets for LEGOLand New York Resort in Goshen, NY start at $49 for adults online and $29 for children. 

For even more savings, snag season passes for between $95 and $119 (depending on when you book), and save 10% on food, beverages, merchandise and stays at the onsite LEGOLand New York Hotel. The hotel is fully themed out with kids’ favorite LEGO designs from elevators to guest rooms, and also includes play areas, activities and an outdoor pool, plus free breakfast. 

Nickelodeon Universe

• Location: New Jersey and Minnesota

Nickelodeon Universe, with locations in New Jersey and Minnesota, offer everything from towering coasters to fun flat rides for smaller children. Plus, you don’t have to worry about rain since these parks are inside two of America’s favorite malls: American Dream and the Mall of America.

Here are a few key pricing points: 

• Ultimate Ride Wristbands range from $41.99 to $52.49.
• Attraction Bundles allow you to save up to 45% by bundling tickets.
• Attraction Bundles can range from $59.99 to $99.99 depending on when you book and how many packs you want. 
• If you plan to spend much time at this park throughout the year, an annual pass to Nickelodeon Universe starts at $175 which is nearly the same price as a single day at Disney World.

Final Take To GO

The bottom line is that summer vacation can mean Disney or bust for some families. However, with a little research and a willingness to explore new adventures, you’ll find a whole world of affordable theme parks that won’t break your budget and will still deliver magical moments. 

Dawn Allcot contributed to the reporting for this article.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Theme Parks That Are Cheaper Than Disney but Just as Fun

2024-05-07T22:20:48Z