Universal jacks up ticket price a 3rd time
$5 increase means park raised price 15% in '04
By Sean Mussenden
Sentinel Staff Writer
December 18, 2004
Ticket prices at Universal Orlando will go up today for the third time this year -- by far the largest single-year increase in the theme park's history.
Before tax, a one-day, one-park adult ticket to either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure will go up $5 to $59.75, a 9 percent increase over the old price.
The move comes two weeks after Walt Disney World unveiled its steepest increase in at least 15 years in the price of a single-day, single-park ticket. That increase -- part of a radical restructuring of the way Disney sells tickets -- takes effect Jan.2.
In an effort to encourage tourists to stay longer and spend more money at its parks and hotels, Disney's new plan builds in discounts for longer stays.
In the price changes that take effect today, Universal increased the price of every ticket it offers -- including multi-day passes -- except its most expensive annual pass. Two- and three-day multiple-park passes increased about 5 percent, while the cost of a five-day pass went up 25 percent.
Still, even with the increases, Universal's two, three and five-day tickets will be cheaper than similar tickets at Disney. The price of a one-park adult ticket at the two resorts will match.
All of Orlando's major theme parks historically raise prices at about the same time. At SeaWorld Orlando, where a one-day ticket costs $53.95, officials would not comment Friday on pricing strategy.
After years of slower growth, admission prices at Orlando's parks have spiked this year, as the region's tourism industry has rebounded from recession.
Universal's one-day ticket began the year at $51.95, before going up $2 in January, 80 cents in April, and $5 this month -- a 15 percent hike altogether.
Tom Schroder, a park spokesman, said the latest increase was aimed at "staying level with the marketplace" after Disney announced its price hike.
"We watch that very, very carefully," he said.
And, he said, the addition of the Universal Studios' Revenge of the Mummy indoor roller coaster -- which replaced an older attraction -- "added value" to the ticket price.
Sean Mussenden can be reached at smussenden@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5664.
Copyright © 2004, Orlando Sentinel | Get home delivery - up to 50% off
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busi...dec18,0,1014271.story?coll=orl-home-headlines
$5 increase means park raised price 15% in '04
By Sean Mussenden
Sentinel Staff Writer
December 18, 2004
Ticket prices at Universal Orlando will go up today for the third time this year -- by far the largest single-year increase in the theme park's history.
Before tax, a one-day, one-park adult ticket to either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure will go up $5 to $59.75, a 9 percent increase over the old price.
The move comes two weeks after Walt Disney World unveiled its steepest increase in at least 15 years in the price of a single-day, single-park ticket. That increase -- part of a radical restructuring of the way Disney sells tickets -- takes effect Jan.2.
In an effort to encourage tourists to stay longer and spend more money at its parks and hotels, Disney's new plan builds in discounts for longer stays.
In the price changes that take effect today, Universal increased the price of every ticket it offers -- including multi-day passes -- except its most expensive annual pass. Two- and three-day multiple-park passes increased about 5 percent, while the cost of a five-day pass went up 25 percent.
Still, even with the increases, Universal's two, three and five-day tickets will be cheaper than similar tickets at Disney. The price of a one-park adult ticket at the two resorts will match.
All of Orlando's major theme parks historically raise prices at about the same time. At SeaWorld Orlando, where a one-day ticket costs $53.95, officials would not comment Friday on pricing strategy.
After years of slower growth, admission prices at Orlando's parks have spiked this year, as the region's tourism industry has rebounded from recession.
Universal's one-day ticket began the year at $51.95, before going up $2 in January, 80 cents in April, and $5 this month -- a 15 percent hike altogether.
Tom Schroder, a park spokesman, said the latest increase was aimed at "staying level with the marketplace" after Disney announced its price hike.
"We watch that very, very carefully," he said.
And, he said, the addition of the Universal Studios' Revenge of the Mummy indoor roller coaster -- which replaced an older attraction -- "added value" to the ticket price.
Sean Mussenden can be reached at smussenden@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5664.
Copyright © 2004, Orlando Sentinel | Get home delivery - up to 50% off
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busi...dec18,0,1014271.story?coll=orl-home-headlines
