Upon entrance to the park we went to Guest Services to get wrist bands to use to purchase food and drink so we could put our credit card in a locker with our other personal items.
We went to the Tiki Bar to get cocktails which, for 2, cost $30. That is outrageous but is not the basis for this review as we expect to be price gouged at these type parks. We wanted to leave the bartender a $6 tip as we realize how tough it has been for restaurant / bar employees in recent years. When I went to pay with my wrist band I informed her of that. She said very nicely that there was no way to do that when using a wrist band to pay and politely suggested we return later to see her.
With all the technology that exists in our world today, Sea World / Busch Gardens can not develop a way for guests to tip their employees when using the wrist band method of payment? If they cared about their service employees, they would!
Later we hand lunch at the Surf Side Cafe which cost $35 for one hamburger, waffle fries and a salad consisting of just lettuce and some chicken breast (they called it a Caesar Salad). Not worth it!
I saved the receipts from both purchases so I could verify the charges on my Amex credit card. Upon getting home, I took a look at them and saw that we were charged an additional (5% surcharge). At the bottom of the receipts it states "5% surcharge covers increased operating costs". Based on their inflated prices for everything, they should be able to easily absorb those increases.
NO WHERE did we see any mention of this surcharge at the bar or restaurant. Signs should have been posted right on the menu boards to inform guests, but there were none. Very unethical.
Appears this place is just out to make money and doesn't care about its employees or guests
Response from Host
Sep 2022
We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to reach out about this experience. We apologize that these meals did not meet the standard you have come to expect from our park. Please be advised, the 5% surcharge is notated at the bottom of each menu board as well as each printed receipt. We have forwarded your comments to our culinary leadership team for their further internal review and improvement. Thank you again for reaching out about this visit. -CL