Should I get the meal deals?
Universal Orlando: 2 teenage boys, cost effective to buy meal deal or not?
From Amy Damon
Posted March 3, 2012 at 12:48 PM
We will be visiting Universal Orlando for the first time ever this Spring Break (yeah, I know the timing's bad). I have 2 teenage boys (18 & 14) who could easily bankrupt me in meals. But - is the meal deal worth it? I understand they would be limited to eating in certain restaurants. We are also planning on letting them explore the park on their own. Would this be an effective way of keeping them fed or should I just give them cash to pay for their meals?
And, I can't really eat a lot of the kiosk foods but don't eat a lot at a meal anyway. Should I get a meal deal as well? We're going to bring water bottles and buy a souvenir cup.
If you are gonna let them run the park you should buy them the meal deal is worth it
I've got two kids about the same age. They will only bankrupt you if you let them. If they are on their own, give them X about of money for food, and that is what they get. Any more they need comes out of their own pocket. Of course, give them enough for a reasonable amount of food, which means researching prices there. The meal deal will also do this, but be sure they understand how it works, esp. if they will be eating on their own. Be sure they know they can't go into Finnegan's and order the most expensive item, then say that it's on the meal plan and act surprised when they have to pay for it. If they are old enough and mature enough to be on their own, they are old enough and mature enough to understand money. If they are not, they should stay with you.
It depends on your timing. Are you going to be there for more than a single meal? If so, go for the meal deal. I would also spring for the sipper cup. A meal alone (fast foods entree and dessert) will cost about $15 easily. Add three drinks for the day and that will bring you up to $25. Let's assume they would want a snack at some point (fruit, fries - whatever) and you could be over $30 in no time.
The places are limited but there is always a burger place, pizza place and food court (salads and chinese food among those choices) available. if you are going to eat more than just lunch, it will save you!
2 Teenage boys?
Yes
I've only done the Busch Gardens meal deal, similar to Universal's. If they love fast food, then get it.
We get it every time we go. So worth it. But we make it more than worth it too. We get there & eat before the lunch rush. We have a late lunch, then make sure to eat before we leave as a dinner. We share the drink deal because trying to shove everyone's drinks into the locker becomes tricky. But as long as they don't mind sharing you can cut some cost there too!
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