We all know the price of groceries has gone up over the last few years, but ALDI is dropping prices on over 250 items in Southwest Florida stores.
Over the last couple of years, the way a lot of us do our shopping has changed. I used to be a one-stop-shopper where I would go to wherever was convenient, which was usually the Publix right next to my house in Fort Myers. While I still shop there, because I love Publix, I do find myself paying a lot more attention to the BOGO's and the sale items and building my weekly meal plan around them. Another store I shop at very frequently is ALDI. It's actually, along with Trader Joe's, a store that I haven't seen the prices increase as much as others. And they're coming in clutch this summer with some huge savings.
ALDI Is Dropping Prices On Over 250 Items In Southwest Florida Stores
If you're not on the ALDI train yet, I definitely recommend you check it out. The prices are great, the selection is stellar and their produce is always fresh and reasonable. I always find gems in their fridge and freezer section. My favorite are the mussels in tomato garlic sauce for $3.49- add a bag of veggies for $.89 and it's a delicious, and healthy meal.
Just in time for the summer season ALDI is slashing prices on over 250 items. Dave Rinaldo, President of ALDI U.S. said in a press release: "ALDI is always looking for ways to help customers save money, but with more experts warning of persistent inflation, the time was right to deliver even greater discounts on our already low prices for the second year in a row. We don’t want food prices to hold people back from getting together with friends and family or spending time outdoors this season.”
Some of those summer price reductions include better-for-you foods, picnic necessities, travel-ready snacks and BBQ essentials.
To find an ALDI near you, click here
We have so many great theme parks in Florida and if you're looking for the best for an affordable summer vacation, look no further.
Living here in Southwest Florida, between Tampa and Orlando, we have so many options for fun. I love that within a few hours, you can be to a place that people fly in from all over the world to enjoy. So if you're looking for a vacation or a staycation, there's no shortage of places to check out. While theme parks offer amazing experiences and unforgettable memories, there's no denying that they can also put a dent in your bank account.
First, the cost of entry isn't cheap. Just to walk in the door can easily cost $100, or more! The good thing, is that throughout the year, a lot of parks offer great discounts for Florida residents, so that's definitely the time to buy. Then, once you get in, the money starts flowing. Whether it's a big ole juicy burger, a bucket of popcorn, ice cream or even just a cold soda, the prices add up. Some friends at Disney a few weeks ago each got a Mickey pretzel and that was $45 right there!
But wait, there's more!
And of course, you can't leave without some merchandise. Especially because a lot of it is exclusive to the theme park. So you have to get it there, you won't find it at your neighborhood Walmart. From t-shirts to hats, stuffed animals to keychains, maybe some Mickey/Minnie ears the gift shops are filled to the brim with fun stuff to take home. As a kid, I remember my parents telling us we could each pick one small thing and one big thing. I got a t-shirt and a watch that I never wore. (I still ask myself to this day why I thought that was a good idea. I was 10.)
But there are ways to do it on the cheap, or at least a little more affordable. If you're looking to vacation on a budget, Home To Go released their 2023 Florida Theme Park Index. It dives into costs of theme parks, number of attractions and the best parks overall.
Top 10 Most Affordable Theme Parks in Florida:
10. Disney's Hollywood Studios
Entry Cost: $154
Parking: $25
9. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Entry Cost: $134.99
Parking: $30
8. Epcot
Entry Cost: $144
Parking: $25
7. Disney's Animal Kingdom
Entry Cost: $144
Parking: $25
6. Universal Studios Florida
Entry Cost: $109
Parking: $30
5. Magic Kingdom
Entry Cost: $159
Parking: $25
4. Universal Islands of Adventure
Entry Cost: $109
Parking: $30
3. LEGOLAND
Entry Cost: $104
Parking: $28.04
2. Peppa Pig Theme Park
Entry Cost: $54
Parking: $28.04
1. Fun Spot America
Entry Cost: $59.95
Parking: FREE