Universal to allow kids in free with purchase of multipark pass
The Associated Press
Posted January 30, 2006, 11:17 AM EST
Universal Orlando said today it will offer free admission to children under the age of 9 whose parents buy a two-day multipark pass over the Internet.
The deal is limited to one child per adult ticket purchased online for $99.95. It also provides three extra days at the resort with no extra charge. A children's ticket for a two-day multipark pass previously had cost $99.95, the same as an adult ticket.
Universal raised ticket prices earlier this month and unveiled a strategy for enticing more visitors to buy online in advance, saving the park time and money on staffing at the gate.
The resort, which includes Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, faces tough competition from SeaWorld Orlando, and particularly Walt Disney World, the largest of the big-three competitors.
While Disney's attendance climbed anywhere from 5 percent to 6.5 percent last year, according to estimates by Amusement Business magazine, Universal Orlando's slipped 8.5 percent. Universal has said that its parks faced tough comparisons from 2005 to 2004, when splashy new rides like the Revenge of the Mummy were heavily promoted
Sea World Orlando several years back introduced its Fun Card, which allows Florida residents who purchase a one-day ticket pretax for $61.95 to get in without paying for the rest of the year. Out-of-towners also can make repeat visits with a one-day ticket.
Last year, Walt Disney World started Magical Express, which allows visitors to check their luggage at their hometown airports and then be whisked directly to the resort without having to wait for their suitcases upon arrival at the Orlando International Airport. Disney also revamped its ticket pricing structure to offer lower prices for longer stays.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
The Associated Press
Posted January 30, 2006, 11:17 AM EST
Universal Orlando said today it will offer free admission to children under the age of 9 whose parents buy a two-day multipark pass over the Internet.
The deal is limited to one child per adult ticket purchased online for $99.95. It also provides three extra days at the resort with no extra charge. A children's ticket for a two-day multipark pass previously had cost $99.95, the same as an adult ticket.
Universal raised ticket prices earlier this month and unveiled a strategy for enticing more visitors to buy online in advance, saving the park time and money on staffing at the gate.
The resort, which includes Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, faces tough competition from SeaWorld Orlando, and particularly Walt Disney World, the largest of the big-three competitors.
While Disney's attendance climbed anywhere from 5 percent to 6.5 percent last year, according to estimates by Amusement Business magazine, Universal Orlando's slipped 8.5 percent. Universal has said that its parks faced tough comparisons from 2005 to 2004, when splashy new rides like the Revenge of the Mummy were heavily promoted
Sea World Orlando several years back introduced its Fun Card, which allows Florida residents who purchase a one-day ticket pretax for $61.95 to get in without paying for the rest of the year. Out-of-towners also can make repeat visits with a one-day ticket.
Last year, Walt Disney World started Magical Express, which allows visitors to check their luggage at their hometown airports and then be whisked directly to the resort without having to wait for their suitcases upon arrival at the Orlando International Airport. Disney also revamped its ticket pricing structure to offer lower prices for longer stays.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
