Busch & Seaworld Ticket Price Hike

[Stu]

Busch Entertainment, the parent company of both SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, says it will raise ticket prices after the holiday season by $2.20 for a single-day adult ticket in both parks.

That brings the price to $61.95, plus tax, making it the most-expensive theme park ticket in town, at least for now.

For the last decade, the three largest theme park operators have played volleyball with price increases in December and January, sometimes raising them all comparably and occasionally holding back for several months before initiating an increase. Currently both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are charging $59.75 for a one-day, one-park admission ticket. Last year Disney rolled out a complex variety of tickets that significantly reduced the per-day cost of a ticket as extra days and extra venue admissions are added. Neither Disney nor Universal would comment on SeaWorld's price increases or on their plans for future price increases.

SeaWorld added a new dolphin show this year and is planning to add a new killer whale show and three rides aimed at younger customers in 2006, justifying, they say, the price increase.

"Our philosophy is that we aren't selling a ticket," says Joe Couceiro. "We're just making it simple for our guests to visit when they want to." Couceiro is the marketing vice president for both SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens in Tampa, a where a $2 increase will take effect Jan. 2.

The new ticket prices add value to a pair of extended-visit passes just rolled out after taking them off the market for the last two years.

Florida residents receive a free Fun Card good for a year of free admission after purchasing one full-price admission.

Out-of-towners on vacation get a length of stay pass, good for seven days of SeaWorld admission.

Prices for Discovery Cove, SeaWorld's sister park, where visitors must make advance reservations to swim with the dolphins in a limited admission environment, have also increased by $20.

[Guest]

Seaworld.

My favourite park, $62 you get 7 days admission, what a bargain.