Going to Six Flags, Busch Gardens, Sea World or even Disney World? How to save money on tickets. And learn when is the best time to travel.
Is your five year old constantly nagging you to take her to Disney World? First of all, don’t give in to guilt, or the necessity to keep up with your friends and neighbors who have been there a half a dozen times. Wait until your child is at least six years old. The Magic Kingdom is too expensive and too exhausting for young children. To really appreciate Mickey and his friends, a youngster needs to have stamina and patience; non-existent in most kids under six.
Instead visit Six Flags or another theme park close to home. Your kids will have fun and you won’t be shelling out the big bucks for a major vacation.
How to Save Money at Theme Parks:
- Buy a season pass. By the time you visit most parks two times you’ve paid for the pass. You’ll also receive coupons and buddy passes as well. So each of your children can bring a friend on certain days. Just remember, those days are usually very crowded. Be sure to arrive as soon as the park opens. Also when you have a season pass you don’t feel obligated to spend the entire day there, because you can visit as often as you like. Take advantage of that freedom by arriving early in the morning or later in the evening when the lines are not as long. Tuesday through Thursday are optimum days if you want to avoid the crowds.
- Find out about the latest promotions. Call the park and ask if there are any coupon specials. Often grocery stores sell discounted tickets and your school might also offer an incentive program for good grades or books read.
- Avoid holiday weekends. You’ll pay top dollar and the lines will be twice as long. Mother’s Day is often a slow day at the theme parks. (Wonder why?!) While Father’s Day is very busy, as many dads are seeking out thrills from their childhood! The best time to visit Disney World is in the fall. The land of Mickey doesn’t offer any discounts, but the crowds will be smaller then. Avoid Spring Break, Winter Break and most of the summer. Even August is crowded because the Europeans take their vacations then and Disney is a popular destination given the weak dollar.
- Consider smaller theme parks. You’ll spend less money and less time in line. A good one is the Great Wolf Lodge. With locations in many states, plus indoor and outdoor water parks, you can visit virtually any time of the year. Get on their mailing list for special discounts.
Remember, down the road your kids won’t remember the rides nearly as much as the time spent with you.
The copyright of the article Saving Money at Amusement Parks in Consumer Education is owned by L. Marie Dubuque. Permission to republish Saving Money at Amusement Parks in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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