Lorraine Williamson
Four of Spain’s top amusement parks are under legal scrutiny for policies that may prioritise profits over basic consumer rights. At the heart of the controversy? Sandwiches and soft drinks.
Consumer rights organisation Facua-Consumidores en Acción has filed a formal complaint with Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights, taking aim at the controversial rules enforced by Port Aventura, Parque Warner, Terra Mítica, and Isla Mágica. Each of these parks bans visitors from bringing in their own food or drink—leaving families at the mercy of in-park vendors, where a bottle of water or a slice of pizza can cost several times more than on the outside.
A question of rights, not just prices
The case isn’t just about overpricing—it’s about legality and fairness. Facua argues that these bans breach Spain’s General Law for the Protection of Consumers and Users. Specifically, the complaint cites several articles of Royal Decree 1/2007, claiming that by prohibiting outside food, parks are imposing additional, unsolicited services and limiting visitor choice without just cause.
And while the parks may claim “health and safety” as justification, Facua is pushing back. “These are commercial decisions dressed up as public interest,” a spokesperson said. “In most cases, no real reason is given at all.”
How Spain compares to the rest of Europe
The practice stands in stark contrast to policies at other major European theme parks. In France, Germany, the UK and Denmark, visitors are generally welcome to pack a lunch. Whether you’re spending the day at Disneyland Paris, Europa-Park, or Legoland Windsor, you won’t be stopped for bringing your own snacks.
This comparison, says Facua, underscores the imbalance in Spain. “If other parks can combine hygiene with fairness, so can ours,” they argue.
Commercial overreach?
Facua also questions the role of in-park catering. Entertainment, they argue, is the parks’ primary business—not food sales. By forcing guests to rely exclusively on in-house options, these venues are monetising necessity, creating what the complaint calls “an unbalanced contractual relationship”.
The consumer group invokes multiple sections of Spain’s consumer legislation, including:
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Article 86.7, which prohibits restrictions on lawful consumer rights;
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Article 82.1, which targets unfair contractual terms; and
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Article 89.4, which bans compulsory additional services.
In effect, visitors are being treated as captive customers—locked inside a place where even eating becomes a regulated, revenue-driven act.
Families caught in the crossfire
A day at the park can already cost hundreds of euros for a family of four. Add in lunch, drinks, snacks and an ice cream or two, and the bill quickly spirals. With rising inflation across Spain, families are watching every cent—and questioning whether theme parks are taking advantage.
“This isn’t just about chips and sandwiches,” one parent wrote in response to the case. “It’s about fairness. It’s about not being ripped off because you’re already inside with your kids and have no choice.”
A test case for the industry?
If the Ministry rules in Facua’s favour, the decision could ripple far beyond theme parks. Similar bans exist at festivals, events, and even some water parks across Spain. A legal precedent may force venues to reassess where the line is between safety and profiteering.
For now, the spotlight is firmly on these four amusement giants—and whether they’ll be allowed to continue selling fun with a side of forced consumption.
Source: El Mundo