A mother named Miranda Pearce recently shared a breakdown of the staggering costs involved in spending a day at Universal Studios Florida with her family. Documenting their expenses on TikTok, Miranda revealed that the total for the day came to an eye-watering $1,113.40, and that didn’t even include tips. The family spent $483 on tickets and another $396 on fast passes to avoid long queues, which she found essential with her six-year-old child in tow.
The day began with a breakfast stop at Wendy’s for $21.79, followed by a $27 parking fee at Universal. Inside the park, they spent $62.79 on lunch, $42 on a Harry Potter Gryffindor journal and pen as their only souvenir, and $19 on ice cream later in the day. For dinner, they opted for a more budget-friendly choice at Burger King, spending $34. Despite these relatively modest meal expenses, the high cost of entry and fast passes drove up the overall bill significantly.
Miranda’s video went viral, sparking discussions about the high cost of visiting theme parks like Universal Studios. Many commenters expressed shock at the price, while others offered money-saving tips, such as bringing their own snacks or avoiding fast passes by strategically planning their visit around quieter times at the park. Some even suggested skipping the visit altogether due to the high cost.
The reactions highlighted the growing concern over the affordability of family trips to major theme parks, especially when factoring in extras like fast passes and souvenirs. For many, the expense can make such outings feel out of reach, despite the desire to enjoy these experiences with their families. Miranda’s honest account serves as both a cautionary tale and a conversation starter about the true cost of a day at one of America’s most popular theme parks.