10 U.S. Theme Parks With the Best Bonus Perks Included in the Ticket

Planning a trip to a theme park can feel like a major hit to your wallet. With parks like Disney and Universal sometimes charging a lot for a single day, the costs can add up quickly, especially when you start looking at extras.

It’s easy to think you’ll have to skip all the cool stuff to save money, but that’s not always the case. Your standard ticket might unlock more amazing experiences than you realize, turning a pricey day into a surprisingly good deal.

You don’t have to spend extra to have an unforgettable time. Many of the best theme parks in the country pack a ton of value into their admission price.

Imagine watching incredible firework shows, seeing Broadway-style performances, and dancing along with colorful parades, all without paying a dime more. We’re going to show you which parks offer the best bonus perks so you can get the most fun for your money.

Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida

Walt Disney World might seem expensive, but your ticket is packed with amazing extras that make it a great value. Once you’re inside any of the four main parks, you have access to tons of classic rides.

Beyond the rides, you can watch incredible live performances like the “Festival of the Lion King” or sing along with characters from “Frozen.” These shows are high-quality entertainment that won’t cost you anything extra.

When the sun goes down, the magic continues. Your admission includes access to see famous parades with characters and amazing floats, like the Festival of Fantasy Parade.

Plus, you get to watch the stunning nightly firework displays over Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom or the World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot. These spectaculars are a perfect way to end your day and are all part of the standard ticket price.

Universal Studios Orlando in Florida

At Universal Studios Orlando, your admission fee covers much more than just getting through the gates. You get to experience all the major attractions by waiting in the standard lines, from thrilling roller coasters to immersive 3D rides.

Throughout the parks, you can catch live entertainment that’s included with your ticket. Watch the amazing stunts in The Bourne Stuntacular or see street performances in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter without spending an extra dollar.

The park also hosts big seasonal events that are free with your ticket. During Mardi Gras, the streets come alive with colorful parades, bead throwing, and live concerts.

For the holidays, you can see massive balloons in the Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s and enjoy the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. These events add huge value and make your visit even more memorable, all as part of your regular admission.

Six Flags Over Georgia Near Atlanta

Six Flags Over Georgia offers a ton of fun for a reasonable price, especially when you look at all the extras included with your ticket. Your general admission gets you into the standard lines for all the awesome rides, from intense coasters like Goliath to classic park attractions.

This means you can spend the whole day riding thrilling attractions without paying for special passes if you don’t mind a little wait.

Besides the rides, your ticket lets you see some great entertainment. You can watch live stage shows that change with the seasons, like the popular Dr. Fright’s Dead Man’s Party during Fright Fest. Your entry also includes opportunities to meet and take photos with famous characters.

You might run into Looney Tunes favorites like Bugs Bunny or DC characters such as Batman, adding another layer of fun to your day.

Cedar Point on the Shores of Lake Erie in Ohio

Cedar Point is famous for its massive roller coasters, and your ticket gives you access to all of them if you’re willing to wait in the standard queue. You can ride world-class coasters like Millennium Force and Steel Vengeance without any extra cost.

This makes the park an amazing deal for thrill-seekers who want to experience some of the best rides in the country.

Beyond the coasters, your admission includes a lot of other cool entertainment. You can listen to live music from different bands playing around the park, from country to rock. There are also high-energy stage shows and impressive high-dive performances to watch.

In Frontier Town, you can even see a glassblowing demonstration, giving you a unique experience that’s all part of the price of your ticket.