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Just as many families are planning their summer getaways, several California amusement parks have announced new price increases.
Disneyland used to charge $80 for an all day pass for one park. The new price is $87. Disney’s attendance has even risen 7 percent and revenues increased 10 percent for the first three months of the year, even with the price increases attendance has swelled according to Miceage, a blog about Disney and financial data.
Additionally, search engine Google, in the two-month period from January to February reported “Disney” even surpassed Las Vegas in Google searches, this according to digital marketing firm AdGooroo.
U niversal Studios Hollywood used to charge $77 for its daily ticket. This year the price is an even $80. Universal also debuted a new ride called “[Transformers: The Ride—3D](<http://www.prepareforbattle.com/?__source=google_tf last month.>)”
Amusement park prices
| Park | New Cost | Previous Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Disneyland | $87 | $80 |
| Universal Studios Hollywood | $80 | $77 |
| Knott's Berry Farm | $57.99 | n/a |
| Six Flags Magic Mountain | $61.99 | n/a |
Two California theme parks held the line, even in the face of increasing costs. Both Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain kept thier prices as low as possible.
Knott’s charges $57.99 for a daily ticket. Knott’s does not have any new rides this year, but does have some black-out dates. Before you go, you should call the ticket office just to be sure. Knott’s has a decidedly family friendly park based on a Western and Mexican inspired theme.
Again, Six Flags Magic Mountain also held the line on daily admission to $61.99. This year Six Flags has a new ride for thrill seekers, called “Lex Luthor; the Drop of Doom.”
The Lex Luthor ride is not scheduled to open until June 15. Initially, the lines will be long. Six Flags is known for its rides and has a little more hard edge than other California theme parks. Also, most of the characters are Warner Brothers cartoon creations.
Disney’s new venue is twofold. After the debut of Disney’s “California Adventure” adjacent to Disneyland, that park was not making it. To solve the problem, Disney decided to do a comprehensive review of why the park was failing and initiated a plan to redesign and revamp that park. The cost of the redesign was a staggering $1.1 billion. This year was the completion date. Now Disney officials are again holding their breath, at least for the success of the California Adventure Park.
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How to actually be happy at the 'Happiest Place on Earth'
Here are five tips and little-known secrets for making your Magic Kingdom visit more memorable.The parking is the same for both parks. This year Disney’s new attraction is in the California Adventure Park called Cars Land. Again, Cars Land is also scheduled to open on June 15.
It is based on the popular animated hit “Cars” produced with a Disney and Pixar collaboration. Even adults will appreciate the new Flo’s V8, whose inspiration is attributable to a café on the historic Route 66.
The eatery will serve apple, cheddar and chocolate mud pies. Also in many of the in-park Disney eating venues there are quick foods, but if you would like a full- service experience, you may need to consider having a reservation because the lines can be long and sometimes the wait is overwhelming.
Before you go…
Go early. Take into consideration that there is always traffic in Southern California. Be observant because freeway signage can easily be missed if you are distracted.
The lines at the parks are shorter early in the day and it makes for a more relaxed visit if you do the best rides first.
Several of the parks have programs where with an increased admission price there is a VIP program that allows you to jump the waiting line at various rides. Several of the parks have made a concerted effort to inform patrons of how long the wait will be, and can even assign a time when to come back. Sign up is usually at the ride entrance.
Moreover, when you park, take a picture of the parking area marker with your cellphone because all of the parking lots appear ubiquitous.
Take drinking water because hydration is very important during your fun and it is expensive to buy bottled water in the parks.
Several snacks are also a good idea.
Also, hats and sunscreen are recomended.
Mel Borup Chandler and his wife Sandra are special correspondents for the Southern California entertainment venues in Los Angeles. They review theme parks, live theater, movies and travel. Mel's email address is mbccomentator@roadrunner.com.
