Media Reviews
Note: Some reviews may mention outdated prices.
Theme Parks Put Emphasis On Families
--The Republican
"Pssssst... looking for a bargain? Who isn't these days? But the kids are begging to try out those new, bigger, faster roller coasters, and everyone knows that just getting through the gates of a theme park can set you back $100 or more for your gang. That's not even counting the pricey "must-have" souvenirs, or the snow cones and pop the kids consume before hitting a single ride. And then there's lunch (theme parks don't typically let you brown-bag it), ice cream and popcorn. Before you know it, you've spent upwards of $200 (and significantly more, on average, at some of the mega-parks, according to Amusement Business magazine, which tracks the industry), you're dizzy from the upside-down coaster, your feet hurt, and the kids won't stop squabbling about who gets to pick the next ride.
Just remind yourself how much fun you're having. Got your camera handy? At the very least, you should be able to get more bang for your theme-park buck this year. Like hotels and airlines, theme parks are dangling an array of deals in an attempt to get your business.
"There are more discounts than ever this summer," reports Amusement Business senior editor Tim O'Brien, author of "The Amusement Park Guide," which reviews 382 North American theme parks and water parks. "No one has to pay the rack rate."
There are also plenty of new attractions. Check out the world's tallest (420 feet high) and fastest (120 mph) roller coaster, the Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio (www.cedera point.com). Or visit Six Flags Over Texas (www.sixflag s.com) to ride the Superman Tower of Power, which boasts the biggest drop in the country. Younger coaster fans will give a thumbs-up to the Bionicle Blaster at I~g iand California (www.legoland.com), a ride based on the prize-winning Lego Bionicle toys.
More significant than the 19 new roller coasters debuting this summer is the emphasis on family entertainment at theme parks, such as the multimedia Shrek 4-D at Universal Studios Florida and Hollywood (www.uni versalstudios.com), the SpongeBob Square Pants motionsimulator ride at Paramount's five parks (www.paramountparks.com) and R.L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse 4-D at Busch Gardens (www.busch gardens.com).
"Families these days want to spend time together at the parks," says O'Brien, "and the parks feel like they have to do more for younger families and young kids."
That's good news for those of you who figure a theme park getaway or two won't bust the budget. At the very least, you should be able to get more bang for your theme-park buck this year. Like hotels and airlines, theme parks are dangling an array of deals in an attempt to get your business.
For example, the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau is targeting the cartraveler market with deals that include not only significant theme park discounts but also hotel rooms for as low as $39 a night, free breakfasts and transportation to the parks. You can book discounted tickets (even to Disney World and Universal Studios) as well as hotel and ticket packages at www.orlandnindo.com. Stay at one of the three Universal Orlando hotels (all operated by Lnews Hotels), and you can show your room key to jump ahead to the front of every line at both Universal parks.
"The focus is giving families more for their money," says Danielle Courtenay of the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau. That's also the case in California, where despite high season, Disneyland Resorts will throw in an extra two days of theme-park admission and a free hotel night with a three night hotel package. A family of four with children ages 9 or younger could spend four nights and five days at both Disney parks this summer for less than $750. (Visit www.dis ney.com).
If you'd also like to hit San Diego, the new Southern California CityPass (www.cit ass.com) can save you 30 percent on admission to Sea World and the San Diego Zoo, as well as Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm.
You can get unlimited admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg an other theme destination with a Williamsburg Flex Vacation Package (www.williamsburgflex. c om) . A three-night package, which includes hotel accommodations, averages less than $750 for a family of four. In addition to enjoying the rides at Busch Gardens, families can learn a little history at Colonial Williamsburg or Jamestown Settlement.
Consider a season pass to Six Flags or Paramount parks, especially if you think you'll visit more than once. The cost is usually less than three or even two visits will cost you. You can also use the passes at other Six Flags or Paramount parks around the country.
Too bad there aren't many discounts on souvenirs. And unfortunately, the kids usually don't get excited about the Tshirts that are on sale. At least you can insist that they wait until the end of the day to shop. If you're lucky, they'll be too tired.
See you on the roller coaster. I'll be the one screaming the loudest."
