The Vacation Evolution

Skiing in Aspen, baking on Kauai, cruising through the Caribbean are common vacation ideas.  In light of the most recent financial crisis, are these vacation options the most money-wise decisions? Where there were once destination vacations involving airfare, hotels and rental cars, will consumers now look for local alternatives?

With consumer spending down, cruises have not been a priority.  Airlines like Southwest have had a hard time on the Market.  Hotel chain Marriott has seen a similar slump.  Fewer people and companies are booking hotel rooms.

One answer to this down-turn in the tourism industry seems to involve local amusement parks.  Southern California has a high concentration of amusement parks offering annual passes at varying expenses with varying benefits or restrictions.  Some are giving annual passes away with the purchase of a single ticket.  Other parks may require a few additional visits to justify the greater expense of an annual pass.  This trend seems to keep the parks full by encouraging repeat visits.  These subsequent visits help the park in terms of guest spending.

The San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park

The Zoological Society of San Diego operates the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park in Escondido.  The parks are renown throughout the world for their enormous collection of animals and the care they provide for them.

A single or dual membership to the Zoo and Wild Animal Park gives access to both parks every day of the year.  Purchasing a dual pass over a single pass can be another way to save money.

Jenny Mehlow, Public Relations Representative of the zoo says, “Historically, we’re really viewed as a budget destination.”  Perks like free parking and the allowance of outside food and beverages within the gates make the zoo an inexpensive option for guests.  It’s not uncommon to see a family watching the elephants while sitting on a bench munching on a sack lunch.

Food and drink prices are generally inflated at most parks.  A 20-ounce Coca-Cola might run $1.50 at McDonalds, but at an amusement park it can be $4 or more.  Likewise, burgers and fries are over priced.  A full meal can cost upwards of $12-to-$15.  

Amusement Parks are betting that guests aren’t going to exit the park, make the trek to the enormous parking lot, then drive and get lost en route to an outside restaurant, only to return later.

Guest spending is an important figure in the tourism industry.  Six Flags, owner and operator of 21 amusement parks throughout North America, has reported guest spending per their third quarter report as $38.67.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, Calif., offers its annual pass for the same price as one day’s admission. The pass offers access to the park every day of the year.  It’s good at the Valencia location or at any of the 15 locations throughout the U.S.  Oddly, the only exception is the water park next door to Magic Mountain, Hurricane Harbor.  The water park addition is available for a fee.

Six Flags’ annual pass pays for itself in one visit.  The company is counting on guest spending the afore-mentioned $38.67 on parking, merchandise and food and drink during repeat visits.  Two additional visits to the park can net guest spending greater than    the cost of a one-day ticket. 

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld in San Diego is now offering their annual pass for the same cost of a single day’s admission.  The deal is offered during non-peak seasons only.  The card runs on the calendar year rather than a 12-month cycle.  For example, a card purchased in April will be valid for eight months as opposed to 12.

The pass does not include parking, nor does it include discount on food or beverages.  Upgrading to the “silver” pass will include free general parking as well as discounts on food and merchandise.  The “platinum” pass includes the same benefits and gives guests access to nine SeaWorld Locations nationwide.

EZpay is a unique offer for S
aWorld’s silver and platinum pass holders.  With EZpay, a guest can have a monthly fee deducted from their chosen credit card.  The guest is locked into a one to two year commitment.  The monthly fee is less than the cost of a movie ticket.

Legoland

Not all annual passes are given away as freely.  An annual pass holder at Legoland would have to visit the park more than twice to justify the expense.  The pass includes parking and discount son food and merchandise and is good for Legoland and its new Sea Life Aquarium.