How to Save Money at the Amusement Park

Taking your family to an amusement park is a wonderful summer activity. However the rides, the shows and the food can be very expensive. The following steps will help you save money when going to an amusement park.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water tight bag
• Comfortable shoes
• Sunscreen
• Discount coupons

1. Go to the park on a weekday. Saturdays are typically the busiest and most expensive day to go. Many parks offer discounts during the week to encourage visitors. Discounts can even be applied to season passes at some parks.

2. Buy your admission tickets online. Many parks offer discounted tickets through their web site. There are often online-only promotions that will save you money on tickets, rides, even food and games.

3. Don't try to visit too many parks in one trip. Each amusement park is unique. Why rush through just to get to the next one? Plus, because of long lines, visiting multiple parks may not even make sense. Purchasing a single park pass is much cheaper than a multiple park one and your day will be less rushed and hectic.

4. Buy your admission tickets with your credit card. Discounted admission when you use your credit card is a common benefit of amusement parks.

5. Go to the park later in the day. Many parks cut admission prices some time in the late afternoon. You may be able to get in for half price and still have six or seven hours to have fun at the park.

6. Look for coupons. Many grocery stores and restaurants will have discount coupons for nearby amusement parks.

7. If you love going to amusement parks, consider a season pass to your favorite one. Season passes often pay for themselves in as little as two or three visits. Many season passes also offer additional deals and specials, such as early entry into the park and first-in-line incentives.

8. Check your walletEmployers, banks, professional organizations and clubs may offer discounts or specially-priced tickets. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers employees $34 tickets to Carowinds (regularly $45), and a $20 discount at Six Flags Over Georgia ($40). Even your driver's license may be helpful in securing a deal. Walt Disney World offers Florida residents discounts on both daily tickets and annual passes. A three-day park hopper would be about $148 — $100 cheaper than out-of-state visitors pay.

Tips & Warnings

• When spending a day at an amusement park, comfort is key. Dress for the weather and be sure to apply suncreen.
• Be mindful of your footwear. Wear comfortable shoes that won't go flying off of your feet on rides where your legs hang down.
• If your trip to the amusement park involves a hotel stay, check for package deals on the hotel website. You may be able to get a discount on your park admission if you purchase your ticket and hotel room together.
• If you have a season pass to a nearby park, you can visit the park for a couple of hours instead of feeling compelled to stay the entire day. This option is less exhausting, especially if you have young children.
• Remember that you will probably get soaking wet on certain rides. Don't wear clothes or shoes that will be ruined by water and place important items in a watertight bag.
• Be sure to follow all safety rules. These rules are there to protect you from harm so don't ignore them.

Resources

• Purchase season tickets for Six Flags
• Online deals at Cedar Point
• Purchase and print tickets for Kennywood
• Ticket Information for Astroland

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on 5/31/2009 Great way to save money at an amusement park, thanks for sharing.