This past weekend, my husband and I took the kids on a fun yet frugal trip to King’s Island, a family-friendly amusement park just a few hours away from home. Though we initially had our hearts set on a Disney World getaway, we quickly realized that the costs would be astronomical, and we found an equally exciting alternative that kept us within budget.
Why We Skipped Disney
We had considered heading to Disney World in Orlando, where we were even offered free park tickets if we agreed to attend a 90-minute timeshare presentation. However, after doing the math, we decided it wasn’t worth it. While there are ways to save on Disney tickets, such as buying them through discount sites like UndercoverTourist.com, the best deals are often only available for extended stays of 5 or more days. Since we planned to visit Disney for just two days, we would have spent around $720 just for tickets, not including food, parking, or souvenirs. That didn’t seem worth it, especially when there were other, more affordable options close to home.
Instead of Disney, we decided to visit King’s Island, a well-known theme park near Cincinnati. The price was much more reasonable, and the kids, who have never been to a theme park before, wouldn’t have known the difference!
A Fun and Budget-Friendly Trip to King’s Island
Right from the start, we started saving. Since we could drive to the park, there were no flight or parking costs involved. Tickets for King’s Island were only about $35 each, so for the four of us, we spent just $140 for a day at the park, a far cry from the $360 we would have spent at Disney.
We also used cash-back rewards to book two nights at Comfort Suites, just down the road from the park. The hotel was simple but comfortable, costing only $109 per night. Plus, it had an indoor pool and a free breakfast, which made it a great deal for our family. We arrived Friday evening, allowing the kids to enjoy a few hours in the pool before we hit the park the next day.
Our Day at the Park
When we arrived at King’s Island, something unexpected and fun happened. We were selected as the “Family of the Day,” which meant we received free t-shirts and got to participate in a private meet-and-greet with Snoopy and Charlie Brown. The kids were thrilled, and we all joined in a special parade to open the park. It was a sweet and memorable way to start our adventure.
The park itself was perfect for our kids, who are on the shorter side (40 and 44 inches tall). There was a fantastic kids’ area with rides tailored to their size, including mini roller coasters and other attractions. They also enjoyed the petting zoo, where they got up close to pot-bellied pigs, sheep, and even a very pregnant cow!
In addition to the rides, King’s Island has a water park, and we spent the second half of the day cooling off there. I particularly enjoyed the lazy river—it was the perfect way to unwind after all the excitement.
How We Saved at King’s Island
Aside from the affordable ticket prices, we found several other ways to save money during our trip:
- Affordable Hotel with Breakfast: The Comfort Suites provided a great value. The continental breakfast had more than just basic offerings; there were waffles, scrambled eggs, yogurt, toast, bagels, and even hash browns on the second day. This saved us time and money on meals.
- Sharing Meals: Theme park food is typically expensive, so we made sure to share meals when possible. At Red’s Hall of Fame Grille, we ordered a chicken finger basket for $11.99, which was large enough to feed all four of us. The portions were generous, and we didn’t need to order separate meals for everyone.
- Sharing a Snow Cone: At the park, we shared a giant snow cone between the four of us. Rather than buying separate servings, we had it divided into two cups, saving us money while still enjoying a treat.
- Skipping Games and Souvenirs: We avoided spending on park games and souvenirs, much to the disappointment of our kids. Though they begged for stuffed animals, we didn’t give in. The rides kept them entertained enough that they didn’t miss the gift shops, and we saved money by not buying extras.
While the experience wasn’t the same as Disney World, we had a fantastic time. The park was more than enough to keep us busy, and we managed to enjoy a fun-filled weekend without breaking the bank.
Would We Go to Disney in the Future?
While Disney World is certainly a magical place, we’re not sure it’s worth the cost for our family, especially when we have perfectly good theme parks much closer to home. The thought of spending so much just to visit one park doesn’t appeal to us when there are other options like King’s Island, which offers plenty of fun at a fraction of the price.
Final Thoughts
Our King’s Island trip was a blast, and we learned that it’s possible to have an amazing theme park experience without the hefty price tag of Disney World. The hotel was comfortable, the park had tons of rides and activities for the kids, and we still had money left over for other adventures. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly family getaway, don’t overlook local parks that can deliver just as much fun as the big-name destinations.
Have you had a theme park experience that wasn’t Disney? How did you save money? Let me know in the comments!
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