Final Thoughts

 I took the time to calculate my amusement park meals for all 10 visits, and in total they would have cost me $249 exactly. In total I saved $94 on eating out for these last 10 days. I am glad that I got my money's worth in time for the end of the year, but I can only imagine the savings I would have made had I done this earlier in the year. That is why I decided to get the annual pass with all the extras for 2025. Since I work in Orange County now and Knott's Berry Farm is just a quick freeway exit I know I will be using it multiple times a week from now on.

 I know some people may see it as visitors "cheating the system" and not too long ago Six Flags got rid of the meal pass option for the same reason. However, after this experience I can whole-heartedly say it is a lifesaver for many people out there. One thing I noticed while I was visiting the park to get food was that there were other people I recognized each time doing the same too stopping by after work to grab their dinner. I saw a lot of people in line asking for the to-go containers or foil to wrap on top of their meals. There was one particular family that stood out to me because I saw them each time I came to visit the park, so I can only assume they rely on coming to eat dinner every day. With inflation the way it's been this is a God-send to locals in the community, and I am beyond grateful hot meals are available to those in need. 

Day #10: Prop Shop Pizzeria Alfredo with meatballs

 It's Day #10, and we finally made it to the end of the challenge! I said I would be back for the Alfredo pasta, so I decided to make my last post about just that. Except that instead of ordering the Alfredo with chicken, I decided to go for the meatballs at the "Prop Shop Pizzeria". 

Honestly, I wish I could have ended this journey on a higher note, but I truly didn't think this dish was as phenomenal as everyone made it out to be in the reviews. Don't get me wrong, it was still really good, but it was not the best meal in the park like everyone else made it seem to be. Was it better than jarred Alfredo sauce? Yes, definitely. But could it have been a lot better? Yes, that is true too. It was a little below the rating I would give the Alfredo pasta at Olive Garden. I just wish I could tell the chefs working there that they need to make their sauces for the pasta thicker because the last time I tried pasta here the tomato sauce was watery too. The meatballs were very flavorful and nice and crispy on the outside, so I did not regret my choice of topping and foregoing the chicken. They tasted like frozen meatballs, but I am not complaining since they were still good. 

 The pasta would have cost me $18.50 without the meal pass and another $5.50 for my drink, so in total I saved $24. If I had to give it a rating I would give it an 8.5/10. I would definitely come back for it, but I wish they could serve less of the pasta and add a side salad like they do for the pizza meal, and for the sauce to be just a little thicker. If they were to do that it would for sure be a 10/10. 

Day #9: Boardwalk BBQ Three (3) Side Plate

 

Day #9 of the Challenge and I came to Knott's Berry Farm for a date night with the boyfriend. He is Jewish and keeps a strict Kosher diet, so I knew whatever we ate would have to be vegetarian. It would also have to be enough food to feed the both of us since we were going to split one meal between the two of us.

 I knew that even though Knott's offers vegetarian burgers that he would still think that is too unhealthy for his palate since it comes with a side of fries. He tends to try to eat clean for most of his meals, so I wanted to find us something more filling than a simple green salad, but also very flavorful and warm. 

 I remembered that "Boardwalk BBQ" not only had BBQ meats on the menu, but also had an option for people who only want to eat sides. Normally when you order the plate meal it comes with an entree meat, one side dish, and a corn bread muffin. But the side plate meal comes with three sides and a corn bread muffin. Since we both love mashed potatoes we decided to order an extra side dish for me at an extra $5.50 since I like my potatoes with gravy, but for the main meal we ordered the roasted veggies with broccoli, carrots, zucchini, cauliflower, and red bell peppers. We also got the side of mashed potatoes with no gravy, and the Mac & Cheese. I already reviewed the macaroni side before so I knew it was going to be delicious, but this was my first time having it as an entree. My boyfriend  has the annual pass for Knott's too as well as the al-you-can-drink pass, so we both got our Boysenberry Punch and went outside to grab a side of the Boysenberry BBQ Sauce. 

Honestly, I was expecting the two of us to leave the meal still hungry or peckish for a snack, but I was pleasantly surprised to see how much food they gave the two of us. The woman serving my plate really made a great effort to pack it full of veggies, pasta, and mashed potatoes. Getting the extra side of mashed potatoes with gravy was the right move since it was piping hot, and very creamy, and flavorful. My boyfriend and I agreed it was the best thing on the plate, so we were glad to each have our own serving. The roasted vegetables were very flavorful as well, and I was grateful to see how fresh they were. I was worried that the broccoli and carrots would taste freezer-burned since that is what I am usually served as a side dish when I go out to diners or restaurants, but I could tell the veggies were fresh and not frozen. 

We did pay an extra $6.00 out of pocket for the side of potatoes, but for a date night that is a huge bargain! In total the meal would have cost $19.50 plus the $5.50 for each of us to get a drink, so in total we saved $30.50. I give it a solid 10/10 rating. I don't think the food could have been any better, and I will definitely order the plate for myself again even if my boyfriend doesn't come with me. 

Day #8: Coaster's Cheeseburger & Side Salad

Day #8 and I was feeling like having a combination of junk as well as something fresh and healthy at the same time. I was originally thinking I would try the fries at "Papas Mexicanas", but I changed my mind once I realized it would probably be too junky when I felt like having something a little more balanced. I gave mental notes to myself to go back to the fry restaurant another time to try either the elote fries, or the carne asada ones. Preferably on a day when my best friend or boyfriend comes with me to the park, and I can share (no need to make myself bloated on purpose). 

I was trying to stay away from trying typical theme park foods like hamburgers or basic hot dogs, but I remembered that "Coasters" has the option to order different sides like onion rings and side salads instead of French fries, so that is where I decided to go. The location itself is so adorable because it is designed to look like a 1950s Diner. When I arrived I was actually kind of disappointed to see how popular the location was since there was not a single empty booth in sight. It makes sense though since I saw a lot of families with kids, and the bulk of their offerings consist of hamburgers, hot dogs, and French fries.

Regardless, I still decided to continue with my order, and when I got in line I would be lying if I said the options looked appetizing. Just like "Prop Shop Pizzeria", this location also had heat lamps. The old hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs sitting in their paper sleeves, sitting under the heat lamps looking dry, stale, and left much to be desired. 

While I was in line I grabbed a side of green salad, two packets of Kraft Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing this time, and I asked the server for a cheeseburger. Once she put it on my tray I had to do a double-take because it looked like such a deflated sandwich. When I opened the bun (it was a little difficult because of all the melted cheese) I realized that there were two beef patties inside. It literally looked like something you would order off the kids menu at McDonalds.  In that moment I felt really grateful for having the meal pass because I was so sure that this would be another failed meal at Knott's Berry Farm. However, I must admit I was pleasantly wrong. 

As I ordered my cup so I could pour my own beverage and the cashier rang me up for my diner platter, I realized there was a whole other section on the side of the restaurant. On the left-hand side they had a cold buffet with a variety of fresh toppings for the burgers as well as drink dispensers so you can pour your own beverages. I noticed the cold buffet had slices of tomato, slices of peperoncini peppers, Romaine Lettuce, hamburger pickles, and slices of white onion. I decided to add a little bit of each except the onions (I am not a fan unless it is grilled or sautéed), and I poured myself some sugar-free Boysenberry Punch, and a mixed it with their Minute Maid Light Lemonade. The last stop was their condiment dispensers where you could grab mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, or BBQ Sauce, so I added all except the BBQ sauce to my cheeseburger. After adding all the toppings my burger no longer fit into its paper sleeve anymore, and it looked beyond delicious. Almost like the packed, gourmet sandwiches you receive at Islands Restaurant. 

Since there were no available booths inside I decided to eat on one of the picnic tables outside the restaurant. It was a chilly day, so having a nice, warm cheeseburger felt like a luxury. My first bite was probably the most delicious one I have had thus far on this challenge. I didn't realize the bun was brioche until I tasted its sweetness; almost like ordering a Hawaiian bread bun. So MUCH better than eating the sesame seed buns you get at "Sutter's Grill" towards the front of the park. The vegetable toppings I added to the burger were the perfect additions because it cut the creaminess of the American cheese perfectly, and having the option to add my own condiments made the sandwich have the perfect ratio of mayo, mustard, and ketchup. I almost regretted not adding more slices of the peperoncini peppers because they really kicked up the flavor profile to a whole other level. The meat was seasoned perfectly, and it tasted almost like beef patties you would get at a home BBQ. 

The salad was extremely basic and I could tell it was a little bit old because some of the iceberg lettuce at the top of the salad was translucent, but it was not a big deal because I just picked them off. The serving of side salad was very generous, and having the two packets of dressing this time made it perfectly satisfying.  

I think this was probably my new favorite meal of The Challenge. I can tell because I was thinking about that burger all the way on my drive home. I would give it a 9.5/10, and it would have been a perfect 10 if the salad had been a little more fresh. The Diner Platter cost would have been $17.50 without the pass, and with my punch-lemonade at another $5.50 I saved $23.00 on this delicious meal. I will definitely 100% be back to order it again and again. 

Day #7: Prop Shop Pizzeria Birria Pizza & Side Salad

Day #7 and I was disappointed. I decided to walk over to the "Miner's Mac & Spuds" stand to go get a loaded baked potato, but once I arrived I saw that it was closed and the lights were off. I was really craving baked potato, but I understood that some food locations are only open on the weekends. 

Since that didn't work out I thought I would pop into the "Prop Shop Pizzeria" for the chicken alfredo pasta option they had on the build-your-own menu. I had been craving it since I first saw it last Friday night, so I made the schlep over to the other side of the park for the pasta. I knew it would be delicious and worth the extra walk. 

This time when I got in line I was really surprised to see so many people waiting for the pasta; especially for a weeknight dinner. At first I was totally fine waiting, but after some time there were a few customers asking so many questions that I decided enough was enough, and I walked over to the pizza section in defeat (I will try you yet, chicken alfredo!).

 Although all the pizzas in the display case looked delicious, they also looked like they had been sitting there for a while. You can tell when the cheese doesn't look like it's oozing or glistening under the heat lamps. I decided to opt for the "Knott's Merry Farm" option, which was a birria pizza with a side of consommé. The pizza toppings included red onion, cilantro, slices of radish, and the traditional birria beef. Being a young Mexican-American woman I figured this would be more of my jam since I love eating birria.

 I grabbed my pizza slice from the server, and walked over to the side salad section since I was not much in the mood for a carb overload, so I vetoed the extra side of two sticks of garlic bread option. This experience was also frustrating because there were a lot of families present this night with picky children, so they kept complaining about the salad portions, not having an extra side of grilled chicken, etc. By the time I got to the front of the line the server ran out of lettuce for the Caesar salad. Once again I walked away in defeat, and opted for the pre-packaged side of basic garden salad. I also grabbed one packet of ranch dressing, which I would later regret. I took my sugar-free Boysenberry Punch from the fountain drink section, and went outside to go sit down. 

The picture I took tonight of the dishes looked so delicious, but once I actually took a bite I was so underwhelmed. The pizza was indeed cold like I expected. I am one of those pizza who needs their pizza piping hot and well-done. This one felt a little undercooked, especially considering you are supposed to dip the slice of pie into the consommé. My dreams of having a cheese pull that would rival what you would see in an episode of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was crushed. I dipped my slice into the consommé, and although it had great flavor it did not feel like it went together. I decided to drink the now cold consommé on its own, which in my opinion turned out to be the best part of the meal. I was just disappointed because I could tell it was cold since the liquid fat on top of the broth had already started to harden on the sides of the plastic cup. A tell-tale sign that it had been sitting around for a while along with the pizza. 

The garden salad was just your basic run-of-the-mill salad, but I will say they definitely gave a very generous portion of it. Everything tasted fresh and crisp, but the major issue I encountered was that the one packet of Kraft Ranch Salad Dressing I grabbed was not nearly enough to flavor the vegetables. I tried to spread it as much as possible, but no dice. I felt like a rabbit munching on raw vegetables. This salad did have the potential to be great had I added two packets of dressing, so it may have just been my error. The only other thing that could have really improved it would have been to shred the carrots more. The massive chunks of carrots in the salad felt overwhelming, and I ended up dumping most of them in the trash after the fact.

I am sad to give this such a low rating after the winning dish I had from here on Friday night, but I would have to rate it a 6/10. I think if I ever come back here for pizza I would have to go as soon as a new batch of pie comes right out of the kitchen. The meal normally costs $16.50 without a pass, so with my $5.50 sugar-free Boysenberry Punch I saved $22 on my meal. 

Side Note-- I am only 3 visits away from reaching my goal of visiting the park 10 times to make up the $190 I spent on both the meal pass as well as the all-you-can-drink option. On this trip my total saved on my dinners and beverages has been $171.50. That means I only technically need to go one more time to make up the cost of my initial investment. Anything else after that is basically FREE!

Day #6: Boardwalk BBQ 1/2 Rotisserie Chicken and Macaroni & Cheese

Day #6 and I was very hungry. I had just left my synagogue for my Intro to Judaism class, and I had skipped breakfast earlier on this particular day. It was a Sunday afternoon, so I figured some options I have been wanting to try would be out thanks to the longer lines. I knew I needed to make a plan of action since even finding a parking spot on the premises proved challenging, but I managed to make it in right by the Soaked City Water Park. 

I was craving meat and felt really insatiable at this point, so I decided to give "The Boardwalk BBQ" another chance. I hoped that since it was the weekend there would probably be more demand, and a better chance of a generous portion with all the tourists in town. This assumption proved to be accurate later. 

I waited in line today for a little more than 30 minutes, but after smelling all the delicious chickens roasting and rotating round and round in the oven I knew I had to try one. I ordered the 1/2 rotisserie-style chicken that is rubbed with poultry spices and lemon slices as well as a side of macaroni & cheese, and a cornbread muffin. I wasn't sure at first if I made a mistake since I saw that the Mac & Cheese bowls were such generous portions, but I knew to satisfy my need for protein I would want the larger portion of chicken instead of macaroni. 

As I was handed my plate I was very grateful to see that the server today honored the same generous portion sizes that had been promised in the YouTube videos I watched about the location. My plate was heavy, and looked scrumptious. I happily handed over my meal pass card so I could "pay" for my food, as well as my usual Boysenberry Punch. I went outside to grab my utensils and napkins, but I was pleasantly surprised to see they had restocked the Boysenberry BBQ Sauce today.

If you ever get a chance to come here I highly recommend the 1/2 rotisserie chicken dipped in Boysenberry BBQ sauce. The meat was already flavorful and juicy on its own, but with the Boysenberry BBQ sauce it made the meat tangy, flavorful, and added just the right amount of sweetness. I thought it was going to almost taste like cranberry sauce, but I was pleasantly wrong since it tasted like a true BBQ. The macaroni and cheese was moist, flavorful, and surprisingly had a small kick to it. This was the perfect side dish to the chicken, and even though it was a hefty portion of food I was able to finish the whole plate.

This dish was just as delicious the smoked turkey leg I boasted so much about on Day #1, so I would have to give it a 9/10 as well. The meal would have been $19.50 without the pass, so along with the drink I saved a total of $25. 

*I was so hungry on this particular day that I forgot to take a picture of the food, so I am including pictures of the chicken, and macaroni & cheese separately.

Day #5: Prop Shop Pizzeria Spaghetti and Meatballs

 

Day #5 of the challenge and after a long week at work I felt like dinner should be something more carb-heavy, so I opted for "Prop Shop Pizzeria" for some much needed Italian delicacies. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw they opened up this spot a couple of years ago because I never thought the food at "Sutter's Pizza" looked too appetizing. All the reviews I read online also spoke very highly of the food at Prop Shop as well, so I thought I would give it a try.

The park was much more full today, but that should be expected on a Friday night when Knott's stays open until 10pm instead of the usual 6pm on weeknights. As soon as I walked through the door I was punched in the face by the smell of fresh garlic, cheese, and tomato sauces wafting into the air. It reminded me of the smell of a gourmet Italian restaurant I like to frequent in Beverly Hills, so it made me even more excited to try the food. I looked around and noticed that Prop Shop has three different sections: one is for people who want pasta dishes, the next section was for a variety of pizza flavors to choose from, and the last section had an assortment of side salads and desserts. 

As I was making my decision I noticed a young man come out of the kitchen carrying a large bowl of fresh beef bolognese sauce and he dumped it into the hot dish next to the marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, and vegetarian bolognese. Seeing the freshness of the sauces made me decide to opt in for a build-your-own pasta for the night. 

I asked the young man wearing a chef's hat (a la ratatouille) for the spaghetti pasta noodles with a serving of beef bolognese and meatballs. I made a mental note to come back for the chicken alfredo in the future because it looked just as delicious, but since the bolognese just came out of the kitchen I wanted something super fresh to end my night. Unlike the pizza, which comes with an option of a side salad or two sticks of garlic bread, the pasta comes on its own. So I walked to the Caesar Salad section and asked the girl serving if she would pour me some fresh parmesan on top, swiped my meal pass card, and poured myself some sugar-free Boysenberry Punch, and went outside to enjoy my dinner. I noticed that the portion size was more than fair. 

The meat sauce was perfectly seasoned, nice and thick with big chunks of meat just like I like it. Not only did I have hunks of beef in the sauce, but I had five perfectly round meatballs added as my topping. I felt like the spaghetti pasta itself was a little watery, but I will take that any day over it being too dry. Adding the fresh parmesan cheese on top was a brilliant decision because it reminded me of the Mizithra cheese pasta they have at The Old Spaghetti Factory, and it made it even more delicious,  I wish I could say I sat and savored my meal, but I saw that the Snoopy ice skating show they put on for Christmas was about to start in 20 minutes. I scarfed my food down and drank my beverage as quickly as I could so I could get in line (I was surprised to find out my friend from back in high school is one of the lead ice skaters for the show!). After such a delicious meal and a wonderful holiday ice skating show, I was satisfied with how I spent part of my Friday night. 

I would rate the dish a 9.5/10. I am definitely excited to go back and try more of the food. It would have been a perfect 10/10 if the pasta hadn't been a little too watery. The dish would have cost $18.50 without the meal pass and another $5.50 for my drink, so in total I saved $24.