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It's an expensive decision to enter the turnstiles of one of Florida's theme parks, and Walt Disney World has made a significant change in how to apply for entry fees.
This makes an already complex decision even more difficult: when should an expensive annual pass be considered?
Starting this week, Walt Disney World's pricing structure resembles that of airline tickets. The entry depends on the day of beginning and end of your visits. A one-day ticket now costs between $ 102 and $ 129 at Disney's four theme parks in Florida, depending on the time of year.
At the same time, the last few weeks have been marked by a series of new contracts signed by Universal, Busch Gardens, SeaWorld and Legoland for Florida residents. Unlimited entry makes things easier by trying to see everything in one visit, and the amusement park industry has begun to appreciate the value of loyal customers.
Since most day tickets are around $ 100, annual passes can become the best choice if you go there more than once.
The markets of SeaWorld and Busch Gardens have boosted revenue and attendance this year, said Duncan Dickson, an amusement park expert and professor at the University of Central Florida.
"They suddenly understood that they were missing something," he said. "You get more loyal visitors who can end up spending more on food or merchandise, so they earn more than they lose."
This is also why virtually all theme parks are hosting a special festival of food and wine these days.
Last week, Busch Gardens and SeaWorld announced a new four-level annual pass system that lowered the price of a basic annual pass and added benefits to higher pass levels. And Universal last week offered an extra six months free for some passes.
According to a study by the PGAV Destinations tourist attractions planner, nearly a quarter of visitors to amusement parks and zoos have used a season ticket 2016. They can enjoy a short visit or go to dinner instead of spending the whole day.
But when is there an agreement?
This is where you have to take a critical look at how you like to spend your free time. If you plan to go there several times a year, a pass is obvious. Most parks have added flexible spending plans that allow you to pay $ 10 to $ 30 a month instead of upfront costs.
We took a closer look at recent offers and found unclear ways to spend more than expected. But there are real good deals if you enjoy the timing.
BUSCH GARDENS
Busch Gardens will let passers-by get two free beers in October at the Garden Gate Cafe or the Serengeti Overlook Pub, an upcoming benefit for all guests in 2019. It promotes the park's new four-level pass program.
The Bronze Pass at $ 119 is a price decrease from the 2018 Annual Pass. At $ 9.99 per month, this level has blocking dates and does not offer free parking like last year's annual pass. . Instead, he takes half of the $ 22 parking fee. The Silver Pass for $ 13.99 per month ($ 167.99) includes free parking, a free guest ticket (valued at $ 80) and discounts on purchases for purchases, meals and events.
PAY ATTENTION TO: Rates for new annual passes are expected to increase after November 30th. Parking can rise to $ 11 per visit. Free parking and discounts on events such as Howl-O-Scream can be worth it. After four visits, the Silver Pass starts to be profitable thanks to the free parking.
OUR PICK: A Gold Pass at $ 16 per month ($ 203.88) comes with much richer benefits than the Silver, making it a good option for at least one family member. You get free parking in the nearest car park, 15% off your purchases, two free guest tickets (worth $ 160 USD) and half of six more guest tickets, a free PhotoKey (worth US $ 49) and a free animal meeting (worth US $ 29).
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
In a first for Universal, some annual passes last three or six months for free. Universal's annual fee ranges from $ 269.99 to $ 683.99, depending on the level and number of parks selected.
The Preferred and Premier Premium plans offer six additional free months. Low-cost seasonal and power passes with blocking dates offer three free months. This is not fair for new pass holders; these Universal subscriptions that renew their licenses can get additional months if they register before April 4th.
PAY ATTENTION TO: Seasonal subscribers are excluded from all concert dates, such as Mannheim Steamroller performances at Christmas and Mardi Gras pop music concerts. There is no parking discount for seasonal subscriptions, and the Power subscription only offers half of the $ 25 fee. Even free parking for Preferred and Premier packages is free only after the first visit.
OUR PICK: At $ 359.99 for Florida residents, the Preferred Pass for two parks costs only $ 40 more than the Power Pass, but it has many benefits, including early entry into the parks without having to stay in an on-site hotel, free parking, no block release dates, larger discounts and the current free six-month promotion.
LEGOLAND
Legoland Florida is selling a new seasonal use pass for Florida residents for the last three months of the year, or $ 54.99, valid until Dec. 21. And the Awesome Pass package for Florida residents includes a 12-month entry with no blocking dates for $ 119.
PAY ATTENTION TO: Pay special attention to blocking dates with the seasonal pass. Every weekend is blocked, as is Thanksgiving and Christmas week. There is only 37 days between December 1 and December 21 to enjoy the pass, mainly Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. But if you consider that admission for one day costs $ 79.99, or $ 74.99 for 3 to 12 years, it's a savings if you go on a weekday.
OUR PICK: You will still need to pay $ 17 to park with the seasonal or awesome pass, so consider paying $ 40 more for the $ 149.99 Awesomer pass with free parking and free entry to other attractions owned by Merlin at the SEA LIFE Aquarium and Madame Tussauds in Orlando (worth $ 56).
THE WORLD OF WALT DISNEY
Disney's new rate structure unveiled Tuesday an increase in annual subscription prices, parking (now $ 25), a reduction in the use of tickets to several days and a ticket price based on your visit.
"It's their way of trying to spread attendance," Dickson said. "The magical realm gets really stuck, especially during the holidays, and you get diminishing returns."
The four Disney parks in Florida are the most visited parks on the planet. Therefore, the Mouse House does not offer as much discounts. But being a local is a plus. Florida residents can find passes from $ 289 to $ 609, while the cost of a snowbird starts at $ 749 for unlimited entry. Even the cheapest weekly packages save you $ 25 on parking. And annual pass holders are sometimes invited to exclusive events and previews of new attractions in front of the general public.
PAY ATTENTION TO: Blocking days become more generous at the highest levels. The Disney Select pass ($ 439) blocks Saturdays at the Magic Kingdom as well as holidays, summer and spring, although other parks are more flexible. If you are staying at a Disney hotel, find out about the current rate for Florida residents. Disney offers special deals on hotels all the time to Floridians.
OUR PICK: The Silver Seasonal Pass at $ 479 ($ 31 per month) costs less than a four-day Park Hopper ticket with significantly fewer blocking dates than the Select Seasonal Pass. And you can spread the cost over 12 months in the payment plan, which you can not do with daily tickets.
Contact Sharon Kennedy Wynne at [email protected] Follow @SharonKWn.
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