My daughter and I live in Southern california, LA County to be specific. This means we live near three theme parks: Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Disneyland Resort (this includes Disneyland and Disney California Adventure also known as DCA). We go to the theme parks pretty often and I’ve learn what is good to buy there and what to avoid.
Things I Don’t Buy at Theme Parks as a Frugal Mom
- Balloons- These can be pricey and I don’t want to be stuck holding them the whole day
- Bubble wands- Also pricey and I know my daughter will break it after one or two days.
- Popcorn Buckets- I don’t usually buy popcorn anyways and they are always coming out with new ones. If I bought every single one I liked, it would take up too much space in my home
- Drink bottles- Same as popcorn buckets. These can also be a bit pricey and I don’t want to collect things that will just gather dust in my home.
- Snacks like churros, popcorn, cotton candy aka things I can get most places
Things I Do Buy
- Snacks that I can only get at that specific theme park or their specialty items
- Pins- I don’t buy them every time, but every once in a while I do buy pins especially if there is something happening during my visit like the Boysenberry Festival at Knott’s Berry Farm or an anniversary at Disneyland
- Lunch- I usually like eating a big breakfast before getting to the theme park and then I can splurge on one meal which is lunch.
