Okay to Pay @ Amusement Park for a Birthday Party

The hosting parent should cover admission fees and food.

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Nope, it is not okay to have your guests pay for their admission. If that is too much, you might want her to reduce her list to half. Look for coupons online to save money. Plus you can save money by bringing in your own food so that you don't have to buy amusement park food.

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No, it's not o.k. to make guests pay for themselves. I would pay for admission and lunch (whether you buy there or bring in) and suggest they bring extra cash for souvenirs and snacks.
M.

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I think if your throwing the party then you should pay the entry fee. Sorry...on the invitation say entrance fee covered, but please send child with spending money.Remember you are the host still.

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Totally tacky. If it was out of your budget you should not have suggested it. As I see it you're on the hook for the tickets and lunch.

Check with them and see what their group prices are. Might save you a few dollars.

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I think it is not ok, to be honest. If your daughter really wants to go, then she needs to bring only one or two friends so that is within your budget. Otherwise have a less expensive party with a bigger group.

No, I think you should pay for your guests. I would cut the list down to what you can afford and then ask around as their are coupons and specials so you pay a lower fee. I would also advise that you bring lunch. I was there a couple of weeks ago and the food was horrible, very expensive for what it was and the lines very long. Hope it is a fun day.

I think you would need to pay admission. Check with the park about group rates. I'm not sure how man have to be in the party to qualify, but it would reduce the cost.

My daughter was invited to a birthday party at Disneyland and I didn't realize until the day of the party that we were expected to pay the entrance fee, though food was on the mom. I should have said "no, thanks". I think that if you invite people, you are responsible.

I agree with everyone else that as the host you need to pay for any entrance fee & lunch, but that guests have to pay for souveniers if they want any. It is just not OK to invite people somewhere and not pay for them to get in. You may want to choose another fun activity or location for the party if you can't afford admission at Hurricane Harbor for all your guests.

I would say no. The tickets are $20 to $30 and then they'll buy a gift. Courtesy dictates that the host pays for the party, especially the entrance fee. Invite fewer people if cost is an issue.

I don't think that it is appropriate for guests to pay. These days, EVERYONE is on a budget, so if my daughter received such an invitation I would think to myself, "Wait, we have to pay Entrance AND buy a birthday gift??"

You should definitely pay entrance fee & lunch and cut the guest list if you have to. If this is still beyond your budget, I would suggest having a do-it-yourself spa day at your home! I think 13 year old girls would also enjoy just hanging out, gossiping, listening to music and doing nails. Girly stuff.

I think you should cut the list, but a party is a party... guests shouldn't be expected to pay. Unless it is a small group of friends who have a set understanding (like, let's meet at the amusement park and I'll provide cake) I think you will have a negative response.
I would say cut it down to 5 friends and pay for their entrance or do something else.

Hi M.. I must agree with the other ladies. If your Inviting people to a birthday party, you can't ask for them to pay for themselves. Plus it's a birthday and they would be expected to bring a gift as well. That's too much to ask. If my 10 year old was invited and they ask us to pay, I wouldn't let her go. But I know those places are so expensive. We just went to huricane harbor last week and it was fun but we had free tickets and we brought a cooler with food and went out to the pinic area to eat. It was great. Maybe instead of a water park maybe somdething like roller skating party @ skateland or just have her pick 5 friends instead of 10. Plus since there older they probably won't want to stop playing and eat there, so maybe before you go take the to denny's for a good breakfast, they have breakfast for like 4.99, stuff them full and then go for the day it's really only 5 or 6 hours and then take them to eat after to like subway for 5 dollar subs. It's just an idea to maybe make it more economical for you. I know you want to give her a great birthday but only have so much you can spend. I'm there every birthday. But we make it work and her and her friends have a great time. Maybe if you decide to only have 5 friends, make it like a weekend and have them spend the night on friday or sat night (whichever day your going) for dinner make a big pot of spaghetti (pretty cheap and feeds a lot) then the next day is the trip. or what about lunch and the movies for all her friends? Can you get discount tickets from your work? I'm trying to think of more ideas, but I'm stumped. At 13 there so picky about that stuff. Good luck in whatever you decide. I'm sure she'll have a great time no matter what!

Absolutly not. You invited them, so you should pay. I don't think it is fair to "throw" a party and expect the parents to pay. Maybe have a party at home and then, your daughter can tell all her friends that she is going to the water park, and ask if they can all go.
Have fun!