Is the Dining Pass at Six Flags worth the money? For me, the answer is yes. Yet depending on your situation it might be different. The ability to go to the park and get food still blows me away. Because when I was a kid we never ate at the in-park restaurants when I was a kid. My parents told me it was too expensive. I would see the Cheeseburger and fries and want them regardless of price. At my home park of Six Flags, St. Louis they had Ice Cream served in freshly baked waffle cones. The scent was murderous. I always thought to myself, that when I was older, I would let my kids eat the food no matter the price.
Fast Forward about 25 years. Somehow along the way, I learned that spending 20 dollars to get a fast-food cheeseburger and fries may not be the smartest decision. My kids were finally old enough to go to amusement parks. When I packed my whole family in the car, I had no intention of giving into the dreams of my 8-year-old self. When we got to the park and saw the signs advertising a Meal Pass, I was intrigued. After reading all the fine print on the website I decided to make the decision to fulfill the dreams of my younger self. I have never regretted that decision.
When does it make cents to get the Dining Pass at Six Flags?
The price of them varies by park, and by which pass, or membership you have. They will cost you somewhere from 100 to 200 dollars a year. Either paid upfront or can be divided up monthly with a membership. They come in tiers as well. There is a plan for just a Lunch and a snack each visit, all the way up to a Lunch, Dinner, snack, and soft drinks.
I have a Diamond Elite Membership which already comes with the drink bottle. On top of that, it gives me 50 percent off my monthly price for the Dining Plan. For my wife and two kids I also have the same Dinning options. Sometimes we don’t use the Dinner, or one snack will go to waste. It isn’t that big of a deal since every time we go I get somewhere to 100 to 150 dollars worth of food, without the purchase pain at the time of transaction.
We go to Six Flags a lot more than your average family. If that describes you then this is a no-brainer. But if you are not an obsessive coaster fanatic then a little more thought needs to be given before signing up. My personal recommendation is if you will visit any Six Flags park at least 4 times a year, then you will need this. No more having to pack the cooler, or leaving and going to a modestly priced restaurant, or as I used to do just go hungry while staring like a lion at those rich people eating their cheeseburger.
Dining Pass at Six Flags: Restrictions and Quality
The quality of food will also vary by park. I don’t think you could ever consider it fine dining. Speaking from personal experience the Pulled Pork Sandwich at JB’s Smokehouse, or the Cheeseburger and fries from Johnny Rockets at Six Flags St. Louis is excellent. For the snack, things like soft pretzels, and funnel cakes do the trick.
There will be some restrictions. Say you want the double cheeseburger instead of the single. There will be a slight upcharge. I found every restaurant has a very decent amount of stuff on the Dining Pass option.
Final Veridict
Is the Dining Pass at Six Flags worth the money? I believe it is. The Dining Plan has the added benefit of actually improving the full experience of going to Six Flags. I love Roller Coasters and food. Now getting in the car and heading to our home park Six Flags means no cooking or even spending 40 dollars on a restaurant. My younger self would be so proud. My older self is as well while eating my waffle cone.
If you found this post helpful then please consider sharing it with your friends, family, or theme park foodies. If you have any questions about the Dining Passes for Six Flags let me know in the comments.
P.S. I can tell you from personal experience, they will not cut you off ever. If they were ever going to, it would have been me.
Check out the Six Flags FAQ for the Dinning Pass.