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Welcome to Theme Park Bites, where we help families make informed choices about dining at theme parks!
Dining options at theme parks have evolved beyond traditional fast food, offering a variety of cuisines and experiences to suit every palate. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a week-long vacation, understanding your dining options can enhance your overall theme park experience.
This blog post will dive into the dining options and do a general overview of dining plans and the benefits of mobile ordering among so much more. The world of theme park food is a lot bigger than most of us realize, but I hope this clears up quite a bit for you as you explore Theme Park Bites.
Cheers.
Current Theme Park Guides
Overview of Dining Options at Theme Parks
Here’s the thing, sometimes the world of theme park food can overwhelm even the most prepared of planners. Did you know that there are several kinds of options to choose from? And they vary among parks.
Food Stands / Carts
Fine / Signature Dining
Quick Service
Character Meal
Full Service
Delivery / Room Service
Here’s a quick explainer to differentiate between them all.
1 – Food Stands or Carts: These are those small kiosk-like food areas that have small snacks and the like that don’t take up too much of your time in line. They’re a great place to grab popcorn, ice pops, cotton candy, and pretzels.
Some food stands have more substantial food options like hot dogs since they don’t require an extensive kitchen set up.
2 – Quick Service: Think of your local fast food place and you’ve got it. Quick, mass-made food that isn’t typically the best fare, but is theme park cheap and easy to grab with little fuss.
While some quick service locations are a toss up between a brick-and-mortar location and a food stand, sometimes they can even show up food truck-style as well.
3 – Full-Service: Dining options in this category are sit-down restaurants where you’ll be waited on by a staff member. There is the expectation of much better service than at a food stand or quick service location wherein staff members are rewarded with a tip if their service was good.
A fantastic example of this is Aunt Granny’s Restaurant at Dollywood (Tennessee).
4 – Fine / Signature Dining: The fanciest option of any category, fine dining or, even a step above in some cases, signature dining, is where dress codes come into play. Most often than not you are required to reserve a table here, sometimes even months (years!) in advance, and are usually located at theme park hotels rather than in-park, but this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule.
This kind of dining also requires a deposit, too, with the general agreement that there is an added gratuity already added to the bill or you will be tipping because the service here is more-times-than-not exemplary.
A prominent Signature dining example is Victoria and Albert’s, a Michelin star restaurant, at Disney World’s Grand Floridian hotel (Florida) (not pictured).
5 – Character Meal: These dining meals are especially fun as they’re tailored toward younger children, are typically buffet-style, and there are characters that go from table-to-table for pictures and interaction. The most famous character meals are located at Disney properties, however parks such as Sesame Street host their fair share of these themed dining experiences, too.
Recommended: Character Dining Meals You Didn’t Know Existed
6 – Delivery / Room Service: While I don’t necessarily consider this theme park food, I’d like to include it if only because a lot of parks now have hotels attached to their property under their jurisdiction, so why not add it? There is room service available at hotels, and sometimes, even delivery options (but those are far and few in between).
Outside of the dining options, this website also has specific tags that may help you to choose what you’re looking for when you’re looking at a menu including drinks and snacks, sweets and treats, and the restaurant options above.
Examples below include Calico Social Hall (Knott’s Berry Farm), Yamas! (Six Flags New England), and Mythos Restaurant (Universal Orlando – Islands of Adventure):
Theme Park Menus with Prices
If you’re wondering how much food at theme parks cost, I’m here to help.
As of publication, Theme Park Bites has 11 park menus and more on the way. You can find them all by clicking the pretty banner below. Enjoy.
Benefits of Eating at Theme Parks
As someone who frequents theme parks very often, dining at theme parks isn’t just about convenience—it’s an opportunity to indulge in something uniquely fun (albeit expensive) with a plethora of options that you otherwise wouldn’t think of trying.
I won’t lie to you and tell you that it’s roses eating in a park, no, it can be pretty painful to the wallet if you’re not careful, however, the options that you are afforded in one location is incredibly attractive when you’re wanting to make the most of your day.
However, from regional specialties to international flavors, theme park dining offers something for pretty much everyone. Some fare that you may see is Southern USA, Greek, Italian, Moroccan, Mexican, Chinese, among others, and sometimes you can get all of that in one park (hint, hint: EPCOT).
Plus, it saves time (we could use more of that), allowing you to maximize your park enjoyment without worrying about where to eat.
At some parks there’s little option but to typically buy food inside of the park as they are so insulated that going outside of the park would not only be a hassle, but would end up wasting so much precious time out of your day. There are some parks that have easier access to outside food though, for example, Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut, with options on the main road only five minutes away.
However, outside of eating food from the parks, you could also simply bring your own, too. While this may not exactly save time (depending on the food policy of the park you’re in), it will save money and give you peace of mind if there are concerns about food allergies and dietary restrictions that the park may not be able to meet.
Before we move on, let’s address some FAQs regarding theme park food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do theme parks allow outside food?
Several theme parks allow outside food while others do not. Each park has their own set of outside food policies. Your best bet is to bring items that do not require you to reheat it or won’t spoil easily (like cheese and yogurts) as they’re difficult to store.
Theme Park Bites has an ongoing list of theme park food policies that you can check out if you’re in need of it.
Why is food at theme parks so expensive?
Not giving any grace to theme park operators, but theme parks are an incredibly expensive business to run. It’s said that the theme park industry is mature and that new entries into the theme park foray struggle to make a mark, or profit, because of it.
That being said, with the combination of high labor costs, costs of goods (especially after the Pandemic when there were a lot of supply chain issues), shareholder input, and the theme parks needing to turn a profit, theme park food tends to be the easiest thing to raise prices on as it doesn’t look as bad as raising the price on a ticket.
However, when a slice of pizza costs as much as an entire pie outside of the parks, that can be seen as ridiculous and unreasonable.
Why is theme park food so bad?
If you’ve been to a theme park within the last decade, I think we can put this myth to rest at this point. There is a lot of great theme park food out there, you’ve just gotta be willing to eat anything outside of the regular amusement park fare of hot dogs, cheap burgers, french fries, and cotton candy.
Because theme park food is traditionally mass-produced it can come across that the food is overall bad, but in reality, that’s not always the case.
I do agree that some parks simply do not do well with their food (and I’ve been to many), but there are so many opportunities to find delicious food at other theme parks. Smaller, regional parks cater to regional tastes while larger parks with more capital can splurge on better menu options and higher quality ingredients.
This isn’t fast-and-true, but overall seems to be a trend. Here’s to hoping that more theme parks up the ante with better food selection and higher quality ingredients without trying to sacrifice every penny in our wallet.
Does going to a theme park burn calories?
If you are an able-bodied individual, yes, you can burn a lot of calories walking around theme parks.
I recently had a 20 minute walk in 90º weather in Florida, with my average heart rate at 125BPM and burned 64 active calories (109 total). If I was going at the same rate for a full hour that’s close to 200 calories.
Don’t think that’s impressive? OK, fair, but let me just say that I have lost 3 pounds within a few days with the amount of walking I was doing coupled with all the water I was consuming.
It’s a fantastic (and fun) way to lose weight if you’re looking for that.
Which theme park has the best food?
Stateside that title would go to several parks, but both Knoebels Amusement Resort in Pennsylvania and Dollywood in Tennessee have seen many awards in recent years.
There’s a common misconception that Mythos Restaurant at Universal Studios Florida is the best, however, it hasn’t been voted the best since 2018 by Theme Park Insider.
Globally, however, the award for best theme park food goes to Eatrenalin in Europa-Park in Rust, Germany. It’s an expensive themed dining experience ($200 per person) with the possibility for more locations of its kind to be transported across more cities across the globe.
Choosing the Right Dining Plan
But, if you are deciding to stay in the parks due to the ease of simply already being there, a lot of parks have meal plans to choose from.
Navigating dining plans at theme parks can be overwhelming though. Some parks offer meal plans that include a set number of meals per day or week, while others have options for unlimited dining.
Six Flags (alongside Hersheypark and others) is a great example of a park that has both. They offer a one-day one meal plan, a one-day two meal plan, and an unlimited dining option for the day with variants; of course each comes with their own rules, but they offer flexibility in a way that some parks simply don’t.
On the flip-side, you have parks like Disney that only offer meal plans if you’re a hotel guest on property which makes some meal plans simply inaccessible to a lot of families looking for cost savings.
Consider your family’s eating habits and budget when choosing a plan. Look for plans that offer flexibility and value for money, ensuring you get the most out of your dining experience.
Healthy Eating Options
There’s a myth that continues to circulate: theme park food is unhealthy.
Sure, yeah, it absolutely can be if that’s the path you decide to take, however, there are a multitude of ways to eat healthy at theme parks and it can be easier than you might think.
Many parks now offer nutritious alternatives to traditional fast food. Look for salads, grilled options, and fresh fruit stands throughout the park. Let’s use Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, as an example:
- Club Wrap (freshly sliced meats, mayo, ripe tomatoes, and crisp lettuce in a flavor wrap) at International Food Court
- Make Your Own Baked Potatoes at Potato Barn
- Pasta a Limone (spaghetti lightly tossed in olive oil, lemon zest, cashews, red pepper flakes and parsley served with a side of broccoli) at Alamo
And there’s more, too. I’m just sayin’ – you’ve got options!
Of course, if you’re able to (check our menus to see if we have your park or send in a request and we’ll see what we can do) it’s also helpful to research the healthy dining options before your visit to make choices that align with your dietary goals or come up with ideas on what reasonable substitutions can be made.
Budget-Friendly Dining Tips
As we all are aware, theme park food is expensive. But it doesn’t have to break the bank.
Consider bringing snacks or packed meals to supplement your dining experience. You can either eat your food in the park (if allowed) or set up a picnic by your car if that works better for you.
To reiterate on the dining plans – look for meal deals and special offers, especially during off-peak days when the park isn’t experiencing as much attendance.
Exploring different dining areas within the park can also uncover hidden items that offer delicious meals at affordable prices.
One of my favorite tricks is to bring tupperware to stretch a large meal and eat the rest of it within two hours (food safety and all that). Another trick is saving leftovers and simply bring it home if you’re grabbing food toward the end of the day and you’ll be home –if not, bring a small hard-sided cooler with a bit of ice in it and store it there until you’re safely home.
Special Dietary Needs
At Theme Park Bites, we understand the importance of catering to diverse dietary needs. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, or have food allergies, many theme parks now offer menu options to accommodate special dietary requirements and food allergies.
Be sure to communicate your needs to park staff, who are often happy to assist in finding suitable dining options.
There are a couple dietary needs that are harder to control though: halal and kosher.
I have only ever seen one location cater to this, and it’s Chickies at Six Flags Great Adventure, a kosher restaurant. Whether or not other locations are, they don’t seem to advertise it as widely as they ought to.
If you email or call, the park can give off some options that may suit your dietary restrictions as well as list off eateries that have what you’re looking for. There’s also the option of reaching out to their allergy department (the large parks all have one) and getting information that will feel more like a seal of approval of items in the park.
On a personal note, I’m excited for the day that there are dedicated options for people that don’t only include gluten-free versions of their most unhealthy options.
Recommended: Standard Terminology You’ll See on Theme Park Bites
Mobile Ordering is the Future of Theme Park Food
As theme parks fully shift into the 21st century, many of them are dropping apps that allow for mobile ordering to order food ahead of time, avoiding long lines and wait times.
Make the most of your theme park visit by taking advantage of these mobile ordering options.
It’s easy to use. Simply browse the menu, place your order, and pick up your meal at a designated time and location. This not only saves time but also ensures you get the food you want without the hassle.
Mobile ordering can be especially helpful during peak dining hours, letting you spend more time enjoying the attractions and less time waiting for food.
Some parks already using mobile ordering are the Universal Studios, Disney and Six Flags companies.
Of course, if you’re looking to do things the regular way you’re welcome to do that. However, the main benefit is that with mobile ordering (and not a lot of people using it as an option) you can get your food in the time that someone is waiting in line for 10 minutes to just get to the cashier and order.
Food for thought.
Recommended: Avoid the Lines and Use Mobile Ordering
Family-Friendly Dining at Theme Parks
Speaking of mobile ordering – planning meals with kids in tow? Theme parks offer plenty of kid-friendly options, from classic favorites like hot dogs, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, and mac and cheese to interactive dining experiences (character meals!).
Look for dining locations near lots of shade, indoors with air conditioning to keep the kids out of the heat or anywhere near a play source (like those little sprinklers) to keep little ones entertained while you enjoy a meal or snack.
I have seen some parks offer family meal deals on specific dishes like a whole pizza, a family-sized chicken and fries set, among other options. Those could be a way to have everyone on the same page, but be careful as not everything is worth the cost for the family “upgrade.”
And you run the risk of food waste, too.
If you have the money to splurge though, I’d definitely suggest a character dining meal if the park you’re at has that as an option as it’s a great way to get out of the heat, enjoy some great food, and meet some fantastic characters to take photos and interact with.
My favorite character dining meals have been at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in EPCOT (the Norwegian breakfast was delicious, fresh, and unique) and ‘Ohana at the Polynesian (because of Stitch and the ambiance).
These kinds of meals are great if your family is open to being interrupted as your meal is going on.
Recommended Tips and Other Food Guides
Here’s the thing, dining out can be a hassle on a normal day, but at a theme park it can feel exacerbated as it can feel like you’re trapped to making choices that are only available there.
But with a smidge of planning and flexibility, theme park food can be easy to navigate and not cost you an arm and a leg.
If you avoid long queues and busy dining periods (frustrations run high and you run the likelihood of getting hangry in the line) you’ll be more level headed to make better financial decisions. Consider dining during off-peak hours to beat the crowds. And use the mobile ordering!
Also, if you’re at a park that allows for this: advanced reservations to full service restaurants can also save time, allowing you to spend more of your day enjoying attractions, taking it slow, or whatever your heart fancies and less time waiting in line for food.
Be sure to check out our food guides tag to find other guides that may be right up your alley as well.
Happy Eating!
I hope you enjoyed Theme Park Bites’ comprehensive guide to dining at theme parks! Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or planning your first trip, I hope these tips and recommendations ensure you make the most of your dining experiences.
Share your favorite dining discoveries with us and fellow theme park enthusiasts—we’d love to hear about your food adventures!
And if you haven’t as of yet, please follow us on our other social media channels (YouTube, Instagram & Tik Tok – @themeparkbites) to stay up to date on food reviews. Thank you for allowing us to be your tasty theme park companion!