We Tried to Survive Epic Universe on $70, Here’s What Happened…
Traveling is more expensive than ever. From soaring airfare and hotel rates to theme park ticket prices that seem to rise every year, many families and travelers are asking the same question: How can we still enjoy incredible destinations without breaking the bank?
Back in the early 2000s, Rachael Ray inspired budget-conscious foodies with her hit show, $40 a Day, where she explored new cities while adhering to a strict budget of just $40. But with today’s inflated prices, that challenge is almost impossible.
So, what would $40 a Day look like now? At Universal Orlando’s highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park, two travelers, Chris and Abed, set out to find out. Their mission: survive an entire day at Epic Universe with only $70 each, which they’re calling the new $40.
$70 Dollars a Day at Epic Universe - Travel Tips and Tricks
Why $70 is the New $40
Theme park food prices have skyrocketed over the last decade. A simple burger and fries can easily cost $20, and specialty snacks are often $10 or more. Considering breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and snacks, even a single day at a theme park can leave your wallet feeling empty.
Universal’s Epic Universe, opening soon, is a massive new park featuring five beautifully themed lands:
Celestial Park – the stunning central hub filled with gardens and water features
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk – a whimsical land with Viking villages and dragon encounters
Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic – an immersive Wizarding World expansion
Dark Universe – home to classic Universal Monsters and spooky thrills
Super Nintendo World – step into the world of Mario, Yoshi, and Donkey Kong
With many food options available across these lands, Chris and Abed wanted to test whether $70 could cover a full day of meals and snacks while still allowing them to try some of the park’s most talked-about dishes.
Breakfast: Starting the Day Strong
Budget so far: $70 each
The morning kicked off in Celestial Park, where Chris grabbed a brûlée Hawaiian mango bread meal with eggs and bacon for $12.77. It was a sweet and savory way to start the day without overspending.
Abed, however, decided to splurge early, heading straight to the Wizarding World for a quiche Lorraine, setting him back $18.09. This meant he had just over $50 left for the rest of the day — a risky move this early on.
Mid-Morning Snacks: Hidden Gems & Sugar Rushes
Remaining budgets: Chris – $57.23 | Abed – $51.91
No theme park visit is complete without a fun snack. In Super Nintendo World, Chris cooled off with a Yoshi’s apple melon smoothie for $7.98.
Abed found a sugary treat that’s perfect for Instagram, a birthday cake cookie topped with icing and edible glitter for $5.64. While tasty, both travelers started to notice just how quickly their money was disappearing.
Lunch: The Viral Mac & Cheese Cone vs. Indoor Dining
Remaining budgets: Chris – $49.25 | Abed – $46.27
Lunchtime brought one of the park’s most viral food items: the mac and cheese cone, packed with pork, bacon, and jam. Chris couldn’t resist and spent $19.16 on this over-the-top dish.
Meanwhile, Abed chose to cool off at Meteor Astrop, an indoor dining location featuring unique takes on classic theme park meals. He ordered fish and chips with an Asian-inspired twist for $21.29, which they both agreed had the best fries of the day, thanks to their bold seasoning.
At this point, the challenge was getting serious. With dinner still ahead, both had less than half their budget left.
Dinner at Dark Universe: Can They Finish Under Budget?
Remaining budgets: Chris – $30.09 | Abed – $24.98
As evening fell, Chris and Abed ventured into the eerie Dark Universe land for dinner at Doth Steakhouse, a gothic-themed restaurant filled with haunting music and flickering candlelight.
The experience was unforgettable, but the prices were steep. Choosing wisely, they managed to get a hearty final meal while staying just under the $70 limit.
The Takeaway: Is $70 Enough at Epic Universe?
The final tally proved that $70 is just enough to cover a full day of meals at Epic Universe — but only if you’re careful. Here’s what they learned:
Breakfast & Lunch Are Key: Starting the day with a budget-friendly breakfast leaves room for a bigger lunch or dinner splurge.
Share Snacks: Splitting treats lets you sample more without overspending.
Plan Ahead: Browse menus online before you go, so you know where to save and where to indulge.
Consider Meal Deals: Some theme parks offer dining plans or combo meals that can stretch your dollars further.
Budget Travel Tips for Theme Parks
If you’re planning a trip to Epic Universe or any major theme park, here are a few money-saving strategies:
Eat a Big Breakfast Before You Arrive – Fill up at your hotel or a nearby diner to avoid pricey park breakfasts.
Bring Snacks – Many parks allow small snacks, such as granola bars, to help keep hunger at bay between meals.
Use a Travel Agent – Agents often have access to package deals and discounts you won’t find online.
Book Early – Prices for tickets and hotels often increase closer to opening day.
Follow Travel Blogs & YouTube Channels – Creators like Random Recess share tips, reviews, and hidden deals that can save you money.
While the days of $40 a Day are long gone, $70 is the new benchmark for budget-conscious travelers in 2025. Universal’s Epic Universe offers incredible food and experiences, but it takes strategy and discipline to enjoy it all without overspending.
By planning ahead and making smart choices, you can still have an unforgettable day, proving that budget travel isn’t dead, it just needs a modern update.
Whether you’re heading to Epic Universe for the rides, the food, or the immersive lands, keep this guide handy to make the most of your money and your adventure.