Review: Epcot vs. SeaWorld food and drink festivals

Forget the price of admission to the parks which are needed at both, the value of the food and drinks is the more important issue.

Epcot

Epcot prices average between $6.00 and $13.00 per item depending on what you want. Drinks can also be as much as $13.00 as well which is a bit of a turnoff when you realize your sample size is about a four to six-ounce glass. That might work for wine but that is steep for what amounts to a mixed drink.

At Epcot, you can buy a wristband with a small barcode attachment that easily allows you to scan and go at the register. It really helps that you don’t need to watch the menu prices. If you link it to your magic band, you can have the prices directed to your credit or debit card. The barcode tag however can be refilled whenever you want.

SeaWorld

We already know that SeaWorld comes in a little cheaper and their menu items run in the $6.99 to $12.99 range and drinks can be in the $6-7 range but they do something that I wish Epcot did. They give you the option to buy a lanyard with 6 or 12 samples on the lanyard. Simply let the venue/kiosk scan your lanyard and punch a hole in the number.

The 12 sample lanyard is the best value at $60.00 which makes each item, food and drink, not only the same price no matter what but also $5.00. That is a really good deal and if you are an annual pass holder, unlike at Epcot, you get a discount off the lanyard price.

Advantage: SeaWorld even cheaper prices being equal, the option to purchase a lanyard and save money is a really good idea.