How to find bargains for theme parks
(CNN) -- When it comes to a theme-park vacation,
timing is everything.
Take it from me. I lived in Southern California for
four years and South Florida for another three before
understanding that. I've covered the travel industry for
more than a decade -- and conducted my fair share of
interviews with park publicists who insist there isn't
an off-season for amusement parks -- and you have to
believe me.
Timing is everything. And folks, the time is now.
If you're interested in building a vacation itinerary
around one of the year-round theme parks in California
or Florida, don't delay. Not only are admissions to some
of the attractions likely to be discounted, but cheap
deals on hotels, airfare and rental cars should abound,
too.
Don't take just my word for it. Tim O'Brien is the
parks and attraction editor for the weekly trade
magazine Amusement Business. If he had time for a
theme-park getaway, he says he'd take it now.
"After the kids go back to school in September,
business slows down at theme parks," he says.
"The lines are shorter. The prices go down. It's
really one of the best times to be there."
Just how short the lines become is hard to document.
Theme parks, even those owned by publicly traded
corporations that are subject to stricter disclosure
rules, keep close guard on attendance figures.
Still, evidence suggests the parks aren't overflowing
at present. Just turn on your TV, open your Sunday paper
or click online: Theme parks are offering reduced rates,
two-for-one specials and other incentives to lure
visitors back.
Six Flags, for example, is trying to draw customers
by turning its 17 theme parks into what it calls
"the largest Halloween venue in the world."
Its Fright Fest presents -- and I quote the promotional
material here -- "mild to monstrous attractions for
the entire family." Among the draws: a
Trick-or-Treat Trail, costume contest and a haunted
house.
During the traditional shoulder season -- September
through November -- admissions to Six Flags' theme parks
are discounted between 14 and 28 percent. You can secure
the deals by visiting one of Six Flags' marketing
partners, such as large chain restaurants, grocery
stores and fast food outlets.
Packages available
Not to be outdone, Walt Disney World (what, you
thought I could get through this column without
mentioning the Magic Kingdom?) is offering a series of
special events during the fall, including a Latin rhythm
night, a memorabilia festival and a contemporary
Christian music concert. "Our hotel rates would be
a little bit lower during that time," says Michelle
Baumann, a spokeswoman for Walt Disney World.
From now through September 27, the theme park is
offering a "Disney Fall Fantasy" package,
which includes hotel accommodations, unlimited theme
park admissions and breakfast, starting at $375 per
person, double occupancy for a minimum three-night stay.
Indeed, the best deals often come as a package.
Universal Orlando's "Gory Getaways" bundle a
hotel stay with theme park admission and tickets to its
popular Halloween Horror Nights at a reduced rate. The
19-day event runs nightly starting October 6, and the
specials are offered through any of hundreds of
properties around Universal to fit any budget.
Theme parks have good reason to lure people to their
gates at this time of year, because the industry has
seen better days. That assessment comes from research
conducted by Yankelovich Partners, a Norwalk,
Connecticut, consulting firm. In its most recent leisure
travel survey, it determined the number of theme-park
vacations taken this year would be about the same as in
1999. At the same time, the firm reported, other
vacation segments were expected to grow, meaning theme
parks would lose a share of the total market at a
"statistically significant" rate.
Now I'm not suggesting that business is in a free
fall worthy of its scariest roller coasters -- only
that, come autumn, leaves may not be the only things
falling.
Have fun.
