Park Prices Go Down...And Up

[The Interpreter]

http://themeparks.about.com/b/2008/12/30/p...-downand-up.htm

[CoastersRZ]

Well, on the subject of raising prices. Coney Island is also raising prices in 2009. Regular pool only admission and regular rides only admission is rising by $1. Parking is also increasing by $1 to $7. The price of a general admission that includes both pool and rides is rising $2. The price increases is the result, in part, by the fact that Ohio`s minimum wage increases to $7.30 on January 1st. Additionally, the park is adding the $1.7 million Twister water slide.

Really, the prices of the destination theme parks in Florida are astronomically high for one day admission. But, like with the Disney admission tickets, the price per visit begins to drop dramatically the longer you stay. What they are trying to do, is to encourage people to stay at the parks more days, which will lead to them spending more money on food and merchandise. For example, you pay $70 for one day admission and two meals at $10 a piece equals $90. But you could visit the park three days for a total of $120, or $40 per day. While the price to enter the park per day is lower, you will now be buying six meals at $10 a piece as opposed to just two. So while it seems like there is a tremendous value in the three day pass, you end up spending $180 for three days verses just the $90. It is all about creating value and enticing people to stay longer and spend more money.

[Kawana]

Speaking of prices, when I told my Dad that I bought season passes for the '08 season I told him I would try to go as much as I could. His response was "Are you crazy with gas being so expensive?" I'm not going to let the high price of gas affect what I love to do. I have to buy it anyway, and round trip from my apartment to KI is only a 1/4 tank. If I went with my girlfriend, we alternated driving so that was nice. That being said, my in park spending was close to nonexistent. I did splurge on the drink wristbands a couple of days, and there was this Bengals stuffed bear that I was trying to win all season, but the most I spent at KI in one day was maybe 20$ and that was because I made the mistake of eating at the diner near Vortex. I fully understand that the park is trying to get us to spend money on the property, but in my eyes, until the quality meets the price, I'll continue with what I've been doing.

[cholderfield]

high gas prices? not where i live! 1.63 is VERY low compared to where we were at even a month ago - not that it will stay this way for too long...

[flightoffear4thtrain]

Speaking of prices, when I told my Dad that I bought season passes for the '08 season I told him I would try to go as much as I could. His response was "Are you crazy with gas being so expensive?" I'm not going to let the high price of gas affect what I love to do. I have to buy it anyway, and round trip from my apartment to KI is only a 1/4 tank. If I went with my girlfriend, we alternated driving so that was nice. That being said, my in park spending was close to nonexistent. I did splurge on the drink wristbands a couple of days, and there was this Bengals stuffed bear that I was trying to win all season, but the most I spent at KI in one day was maybe 20$ and that was because I made the mistake of eating at the diner near Vortex. I fully understand that the park is trying to get us to spend money on the property, but in my eyes, until the quality meets the price, I'll continue with what I've been doing.

He said that when he bought them for the '08 Season.