Once Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando raised their prices in August 2010, it was really only a matter of time before the two other main Central Florida theme parks raised theirs.
Just in time for the upcoming 2010 holiday season, Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando have announced base ticket price increases.
New Admission Prices for the Central Florida Theme Parks
The base price for admission to Busch Gardens Tampa has gone up $3 to $77.99 (before tax) for adults and $67.99 for children age 3-9.
Over at sister park SeaWorld in Orlando, the base price for a single day admission is now at $79.99, up $1 from the previous price.
While these may be minor price increases, with tax, it puts adult one-day tickets at both parks well over $80. Though, to be fair, base single-day, one-park tickets at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are a few dollars more at $82 (before tax).
Ways to Save on Admission to Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando
Even with the price increases, there are still ways to save money when visiting either park.
Florida Residents have several options available, from online ticket discounts to special passes. One of the best Florida resident discounts is the Fun Card. These cost the same price as a one day single admission, but allow unlimited admission throughout the entire year. These basically pay for themselves after two admissions.
Not a Florida resident? There is a combination ticket that includes one admission to each park for only $114.99 for adults and $104.99 for kids. Buy the ticket online and save an extra $5.
Every visitor can also save money by purchasing an annual pass. The passes are valid for one to four parks (Busch Gardens Tampa, Adventure Island Water Park Tampa, SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando) and range in price from $109.99 for one park to $249.99 for all four. Purchase any of these passes before January 2, 2011, and get three extra months added onto the 12 months of admission.
For people who like to travel to other Busch Garden or SeaWorld locations in the U.S. – this includes SeaWorld in San Antonio and San Diego, along with Busch Gardens Williamsburg, VA – a Platinum passport good for admission to ten of the company's parks may be the best deal. Priced at $289.99, this pass pays for itself after four admissions, especially with all of the bonuses and discounts offered with the pass.
Try the EZpay Payment Program
If shelling out a couple of hundred for an annual pass isn't a financial possibility right now, consider using the company's EZpay program.
This allows the customer to break up the payments into 12 monthly installments without interest charges or finance fees. They simply take the pass price, add tax and then split into 12 payments that are deducted monthly from the credit card of choice.
For more information or to make a ticket/pass purchase, visit the Busch Gardens Tampa or SeaWorld Orlando websites.
Even though the base admissions price has been raised at these two theme parks, the savvy budget traveler can still find ways to enjoy Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando for less money.
Michelle Snow - Michelle Snow been a freelance journalist and photographer for over twenty years, specializing in travel and entertainment. She got her ...
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