Disney isn’t the only theme park entertainment entity offering admission tickets to multiple parks, although they may have been the first to implement the concept. Several years ago, they launched Magic Your Way tickets that offer flexibility in the number of days – the more you buy, the cheaper admission per day. There is also an option to purchase a “Park Hopper” option, which allows visitors to visit any Disney theme park on any day.
Now it seems like everyone has jumped on the not-so-silly bandwagon and park admission package combinations are growing.
Places that offer tickets to various parks
Multi-day, multi-park tickets are available to sister parks SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Universal Orlando offers multiple park tickets for its own Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks, as well as its food / entertainment venue, CityWalk and the adjacent water park, Wet ‘n Wild. Now there’s even something called a 4 or 5 park Orlando Flex Ticket that will get you to a combination of the above.
Bargains are popping up everywhere. Aquariums, zoos, and museums are also jumping on the merchandising bandwagon; And, visitors increasingly find that annual passes and sometimes even regular admission offer far-reaching benefits, including discounts on competing attractions.
It may be due to the economy or competition, but whatever is driving this new era of cooperation, it has to benefit the consumer. But be careful. The same thing that sells the ticket for several parks, the options, also makes it confusing. And making the wrong decisions can cost you, sometimes more than the original single park admission.
Before you buy a multi-park ticket, take a look at the answers to these questions, cost comparisons, and buying tips.
Why buy them?
Money and convenience are definite reasons to buy multiple park tickets. In addition to the obvious convenience of not being in a variety of lines to purchase admission tickets at various parks or attractions, the main reason for many is to save money. However, there are other reasons such as flexibility.
Teresa Plowright, says of unlimited multi-day / park admissions, “Price is an extremely important consideration when you have three children (especially when child prices end at age 10), yet flexibility is also a feature. very important. I really like the flexibility of getting out of the park, taking a break during the heat of the day, and coming back for (the) afternoon.
When asked about the ability to park at Walt Disney World, Teresa said, “If your kids have been to Disney World before, they all have favorite attractions they want to do! Jumping in the park is great under those circumstances.
When asked if a good savings on a multi-park ticket would encourage her to visit parks that weren’t on her itinerary yet, she added: “Absolutely. If you were only moderately interested in a park, you are not likely to buy tickets for it. my family; but, if it is included in our tickets, why not take a look. We could leave after a couple of hours without a big investment.
Who needs them?
Multi-park tickets are designed to encourage attendance at parks and attractions, while offering a discounted price as an incentive for attendees. Those that seem to benefit are vacationers who will be spending multiple days in one area and want to experience a wide variety of amusement and theme park experiences.
When can I use them?
The length of the valid duration varies by ticket, but most set specific deadlines and expiration dates, such as up to as many consecutive days. Each ticket has its own restrictions and it is a good idea to read these restrictions carefully BEFORE purchasing.
How much do you save?
Of course, it depends on which tickets you choose. Generally, the more days or parking your ticket covers, the greater the savings. As an example, an Orlando 4-Park Flex Ticket will save you approximately six percent on a one-day admission to each of the four parks and a 5-Park Orlando Flex Ticket will save you only about 15% on a One-day single admission to all five parks. The good news here is that tickets allow unlimited visits for 14 days, so the more you go, the more you save!
One important thing to remember is that you don’t save if you don’t make the most of the ticket. If you skip even one park or attraction, you can beat your money-saving effort.
Arthur Levine summed it up best. “If the cost of a multi-park ticket will save you money over the cost of purchasing tickets individually for the parks you planned to visit, go for it. If you won’t be able to use the features of a multi-park ticket enough to justify its cost, forget it. Similarly, if you feel pressured to visit the parks with a multi-park ticket to justify its cost and forgo the parks that you would really rather see, you should also forget it, even if the package represents a discount.
