How to Plan a Budget-Conscious Visit to Six Flags

Don't miss thrilling Six Flags adventures--hair-raising roller coaster rides, music festivals and concerts, or nosebleed water park slides--due to budget concerns. If you are a budget-conscious amusement park seeker, you can make the next family trip to the nearest Six Flags theme park a success.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access
• Major credit card

Instructions

Purchase Discount Tickets to Six Flags

1. Buy tickets through the Six Flags Web site (see Resources below) for online-only discount prices.

2. Consider purchasing a season pass if you are planning more than 2 visits to any of the 18 Six Flags theme parks in a season. The pass pays for itself in less than 2 visits.

3. Get a Six Flags MasterCard and use only for necessary purchases. The purchases earn points that can be used as discount coupons toward passes, souvenirs and food at Six Flags.

4. Take advantage of the concert specials available at Six Flags. Theme park tickets may be included with the purchase.

5. Wait and buy discount Six Flags tickets at your hotel's front desk. Most major hotels near any Six Flags theme park should carry them.

6. Check with a local travel agent or agency if you are a member. They usually carry discount tickets and prices for a number of travel services.

7. If you are visiting Six Flags with a large number of people, purchase tickets as a group. Each location's requirement to qualify as a group is different but averages 15 or more people.

Find Discount Accommodations for a Trip to Six Flags

1. Visit the Six Flags Web site for the location you choose and check out the Lodgings page. The Web site provides links to hotels, campgrounds and lodges located at Six Flags and in the nearby area. Package deals are normally available.

2. Pitch the tent or set up camp at a nearby private campground or state park. Costs are less and minimum stays are negotiable.

Budget for Other Expenses During the Trip to Six Flags

1. Use the coupons that accompany the season pass and save hundreds of dollars toward purchases at Six Flags.

2. Purchase food vouchers on the Six Flags Web site for a budgeted amount of money at any of the designated restaurants. Food is one of the more expensive costs of a theme park visit.

3. Pack a picnic lunch and supper to take on the trip to Six Flags. Many parks have pavilion and grill areas for customer use. Other guests pull a blanket and lawn chairs out of the car trunk and dine in the parking lot.

4. Get discount tube rentals at the Six Flags water parks by purchasing online at the Web site.

5. Say no to buying souvenirs. If a trip to the gift shop is necessary, shop the sale or discount rack. Feel satisfied with a refrigerator magnet, a bumper sticker and memories. Don't forget to take pictures.

Tips & Warnings

• Join "Team Six" on the Six Flags Web site to receive emails on special discount offers.

• Take advantage of the company picnic if held at the local Six Flags theme park. Suggest this option to your company's human resources department.