While I don’t live in San Francisco, I must admit I found the whole idea of banning “Happy Meals” ludicrous. I am hardly a proponent of the nanny state.
In general, my sense is that parents should be allowed to monitor their children’s eating, and that simply banning an appealing plastic toy is not going to result in those children eating a more healthy dinner.
While McDonald’s meals are particularly high in sodium, there are many fast food options that are far worse, with a lot more calories too.
Even if I don’t think high-sodium meals, saturated fats or patés should be banned, promotions that just encourage overheating bother me, as obesity and diabetes are growing problems in this country.
The latest promotion to celebrate overeating is from Universal Studios where they have jumped on the All-you-can-eat bandwagon with their “Meal Deal.”
For an extra $23.99 per day for adults and $11.99 per child, visitors who purchase theme park tickets can make “unlimited trips through the line” at several quick-service restaurants in the two Universal Florida parks — Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
The catch, the deal is good only for one entree and one dessert each time. (Not a salad, not a beverage, not a vegetable. An entree and a dessert. Which includes fruit salad at only one restaurant option.) All the sodas you can drink adds another $8.99 – with a souvenir cup.
Alright, I’ll admit that no one wants to diet on vacation. As Oscar Wilde said, “Moderation in all things, including moderation.”
But realistically, when people spend money for unlimited food, there’s a natural tendency to want to get their money’s worth. In this case, the $23.99 cost comes out close to break even for two meals.
Now, Universal isn’t telling people they have to eat more. (Although really, does anyone need two desserts a day?) But I have to wonder, how many people eat that third meal just to make it worth it?
I know, that all-you-can-eat buffets can bring out the same “got to get my money’s worth” impulse. But, at least that’s usually one meal a day.
Walt Disney Resorts have dining plans too. However, they tend to include a choice of meals, but not unlimited meals.
Clearly Universal feels like this is a good marketing strategy. If visitors don’t respond favorably, the “Meal Deal” will disappear.
It would, however be interesting to see if some theme park went in the other direction — a special including healthy meals, or even some discount for ordering fruit or salad or raw vegetables, instead of french fries.
If any readers actually know of a park or parks doing this already, please comment. Your fellow readers, and maybe their families’ waistlines, will thank you.
Janice Hough is a California-based travel agent a travel blogger and a part-time comedy writer. A frequent flier herself, she’s been doing battle with airlines, hotels, and other travel companies for over three decades. Besides writing for Travelers United, Janice has a humor blog at Leftcoastsportsbabe.com (Warning, the political and sports humor therein does not represent the views of anyone but herself.)
