That rollercoaster isn’t the only thing designed to separate you from your sense of balance—and your cash.
A trip to an amusement park sounds like a thrilling day out, but the financial freefall often starts long before you strap into your first ride. Between ticket markups, overpriced snacks, and sneaky add-ons you didn’t see coming, it’s shockingly easy to blow your entire budget before lunch. These places are designed to keep you spending—not just on fun, but on everything they’ve cleverly labeled as “optional” but know you’ll end up buying anyway.
The catch is, most of these money traps don’t feel like scams. They’re just small decisions that slowly pile up into a big credit card bill. And if you’re not paying attention, you’ll spend more time in souvenir shops and fast-pass lines than on the actual rides. These 11 amusement park rip-offs are totally avoidable if you know what to look out for—and a little awareness goes a long way when the goal is fun, not financial regret.
1. Parking fees hit you before you even step inside.
You haven’t even made it past the front gates and already your wallet takes a hit. Most amusement parks charge for parking, and not just a few bucks—it’s often $25 or more for the day, according to the authors at The Points Guy. Some places even offer “preferred” parking for double the price, playing off your desire to avoid the long walk in the heat.
The worst part is there’s usually no real way around it. Free parking is rare, and nearby lots can be just as expensive. If you’re visiting multiple times a season, consider investing in an annual pass that includes parking. Otherwise, it’s just a sunk cost—one that sets the tone for a day full of “upgrades” that add up fast.
2. Food prices are designed to catch you hungry and unprepared.
A basic cheeseburger combo can run you $18 at a theme park—and it won’t even be that good. Food vendors know you’re a captive audience once you’re inside. You’re hot, tired, and walking all day. That combo of physical exhaustion and limited options means people will pay whatever’s asked, as reported by Paul Mims at Food and Wine.
Many parks don’t allow outside food, but some do if you’re discreet and pack smart. Snacks like granola bars, trail mix, and water bottles can save you a ton throughout the day. If you want to eat inside the park, look into prepaid meal plans or dining packages. Just don’t get caught buying food on impulse every few hours unless you’re cool with paying fine-dining prices for cafeteria-quality meals.
3. Locker rentals keep your stuff safe—and drain your cash hourly.
You brought sunscreen, a camera, a backpack full of snacks—but now you’re told you can’t bring any of it on the rides. That’s when the locker situation hits. Some rides require you to store all belongings, and lockers often come with hourly rental fees that rack up fast, as stated by Lance Hart at Blooloop.
Even worse, some parks have separate lockers in different areas, so if you move around, you’ll have to rent again. To avoid this, bring only essentials you can carry on your person, or use a shared locker with your group and split the cost. It’s not always avoidable, but planning ahead can keep you from paying for the same square foot of space over and over again.
4. Souvenir photos hit you with a smile—and a $40 price tag.
You scream your way through the coaster, stumble off laughing, and then boom—there’s your terrified face frozen on a screen. It’s hilarious. It’s iconic. And it’ll cost you a solid $30 to $40 for a single print, even more for a digital version. Souvenir photos are the ultimate “in the moment” splurge, and the parks know it.
Most people don’t plan to buy these, but when emotions are high and the memory is fresh, wallets open fast. If you think you’ll want pictures, look into all-day photo packages or multi-photo deals. Or just snap your own fun pics outside the rides and keep the $40 in your pocket for something less staged.
5. Refillable drink cups seem like a deal—until they’re not.
Refillable souvenir cups promise “unlimited refills all day,” which sounds great when you’re sweating under the sun. But the fine print often includes long wait lines, limited refill stations, or timing restrictions between refills. Plus, those cups aren’t cheap—often around $15 to $20 upfront.
If you’re sharing with someone or only in the park for a few hours, the math rarely works out. In some cases, you’d have to drink four or five full servings just to break even. Unless you’re really planning to chug soda all day, consider sticking to water—and many parks will give it out for free at food stands if you ask nicely.
6. Games along the midway are priced for losers, not winners.
You know the ones—ring tosses, oversized basketball hoops, knock-the-can towers. The prizes are tempting and the games seem simple, but they’re rigged just enough to make sure most players lose. What starts as a $5 play quickly turns into $30 as you chase a stuffed animal worth maybe $8.
These games are built for entertainment, not profit—yours, anyway. If you’re itching to play, set a firm budget and stick to it. Better yet, treat the game like any other attraction: fun to try, not worth the sunk cost of trying to win. That prize will be in a donation pile by next year anyway.
7. Fast passes make you question your time or your budget.
Parks offer “skip-the-line” passes that let you access rides faster—but they can cost as much as your original ticket. And depending on the day, they might not save you as much time as advertised. Sometimes they only work on certain rides, or at certain times, and they often sell out early.
If your trip is short or the park is crowded, it might be worth it. But don’t assume it’s the only way to enjoy your visit. Get to the park early, use apps to check wait times, and ride big attractions during parades or meals. Spending $100+ to skip a few lines might feel like a win, but only if it actually gets you more value than planning ahead.
8. “Limited-edition” souvenirs aren’t actually that limited.
Every shop has that one item stamped “limited edition” or “only available here.” It sounds exclusive—and sometimes it is—but more often, it’s just smart marketing. Those plush toys and enamel pins? They’ll be back next year in a new color. Or they’re online for half the price if you check after your trip.
If you’re buying a keepsake, make sure it actually means something to you. Otherwise, you’re just grabbing overpriced clutter. A photo, a keychain, or something you’ll actually use is a better bet than chasing false rarity. Don’t get swept up in the urgency unless it’s something you truly love—not just something that looks rare on a shelf.
9. Renting strollers and wheelchairs costs way more than expected.
Bringing your own stroller or mobility aid is often the smarter move, but many families rely on park rentals out of convenience. Those daily fees? They add up fast—often $15 to $25 for a basic stroller or wheelchair, with no guarantees of availability or comfort.
It’s understandable to need help with long walks or tired kids, but renting should be a backup, not the plan. Lightweight travel strollers or foldable chairs can be checked with luggage or carried in with ease. Avoid the rental desk chaos and save your budget for something more fun than wheels you don’t get to keep.
10. Merch bundles tempt you into buying things you didn’t even want.
You planned to buy one shirt, but suddenly you’re offered a bundle deal—add a mug and a magnet for just $10 more. It seems like a steal, but now you’ve spent $40 instead of $20 and walked away with two things you never meant to own. These upsells are designed to make you feel like you’re saving, even when you’re just spending more.
Parks bank on your decision fatigue and souvenir FOMO. If you walk in with a limit or a specific item in mind, you’re less likely to fall for the “deal” trap. Bundles only work if you actually wanted everything included. Otherwise, you’re just being sold the illusion of a bargain.
11. Rain gear sold on-site comes at storm-level prices.
The forecast looked fine until it didn’t. Now it’s pouring and the park ponchos are $15 a pop. Umbrellas? Over $20. And because you didn’t pack for weather, you have no choice but to pay up. These pop-up weather stores know you’ll fork it over when you’re soaked and desperate.
Don’t give them the satisfaction. Toss a $2 drugstore poncho or compact umbrella in your bag before you head out. It takes up no space and saves you a bundle. Even if you don’t use it, it’s peace of mind you can fold up and forget—until the clouds roll in and you watch everyone else run toward the gift shop in a panic.