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If Inexpensive is Your Theme ...
The Travel Critic · September 20, 2000

When it comes to a theme-park vacation, timing is everything.

Take it from me. I lived in Southern California for four years and South Florida for another three before understanding that. I've covered the travel industry for more than a decade - and conducted my fair share of interviews with park publicists who insist there isn't an off-season for amusement parks - and you have to believe me.

Timing is everything. And folks, the time is now.

If you're interested in building a vacation itinerary around one of the year-round theme parks in California or Florida, don't delay. Not only are admissions to some of the attractions likely to be discounted, but cheap deals on hotels, airfare and rental cars should abound, too.

Don't take just my word for it. Tim O'Brien is the parks and attraction editor for the weekly trade magazine Amusement Business. If he had time for a theme-park getaway, he says he'd take it now.

"After the kids go back to school in September, business slows down at theme parks," he says. "The lines are shorter. The prices go down. It's really one of the best times to be there."

Just how short the lines become is hard to document. Theme parks, even those owned by publicly traded corporations that are subject to stricter disclosure rules, keep close guard on attendance figures.

Still, evidence suggests the parks aren't overflowing at present. Just turn on your TV, open your Sunday paper or click online: Theme parks are offering reduced rates, two-for-one specials and other incentives to lure visitors back.

Six Flags, for example, is trying to draw customers by turning its 17 theme parks into what it calls "the largest Halloween venue in the world." Its Fright Fest presents - and I quote the promotional material here - "mild to monstrous attractions for the entire family." Among the draws: a Trick-or-Treat Trail, costume contest and a haunted house.

During the traditional shoulder season - September through November - admissions to Six Flags' theme parks are discounted between 14 and 28 percent. You can secure the deals by visiting one of Six Flags' marketing partners, such as large chain restaurants, grocery stores and fast food outlets.

Not to be outdone, Walt Disney World (what, you thought I could get through this column without mentioning the Magic Kingdom?) is offering a series of special events during the fall, including a Latin rhythm night, a memorabilia festival and a contemporary Christian music concert. "Our hotel rates would be a little bit lower during that time," says Michelle Baumann, a spokeswoman for Walt Disney World.

From now through September 27, the theme park is offering a "Disney Fall Fantasy" package, which includes hotel accommodations, unlimited theme park admissions and breakfast, starting at $375 per person, double occupancy for a minimum three-night stay.

Indeed, the best deals often come as a package. Universal Orlando's "Gory Getaways" bundle a hotel stay with theme park admission and tickets to its popular Halloween Horror Nights at a reduced rate. The 19-day event runs nightly starting October 6, and the specials are offered through any of hundreds of properties around Universal to fit any budget.

Theme parks have good reason to lure people to their gates at this time of year, because the industry has seen better days. That assessment comes from research conducted by Yankelovich Partners, a Norwalk, Connecticut, consulting firm. In its most recent leisure travel survey, it determined the number of theme-park vacations taken this year would be about the same as in 1999. At the same time, the firm reported, other vacation segments were expected to grow, meaning theme parks would lose a share of the total market at a "statistically significant" rate.

Now I'm not suggesting that business is in a free fall worthy of its scariest roller coasters - only that, come autumn, leaves may not be the only things falling.

Have fun.

How to find bargains for theme parks

Check with your travel agent. Often, agents have drawers full of coupons good for hotel discounts, restaurant specials and theme park discounts.

Go online. The Internet is fast becoming a great source of leads on deals. Hint: check the theme park's Web site for information on securing a bargain.

Call guest services. Theme parks often will offer special incentives over the phone when you call their information number. They'll also tell about other hotel discounts in conjunction with the park.

Be patient. Sometimes the best deals come to those who wait. Theme-park discounts aimed at residents sometimes appear in local newspapers. Be on the lookout for them.

Christopher Elliott is a travel commentator and author of A Bridge to Nowhere: A Year in the Florida Keys. All e-mailed questions may be edited, condensed or republished at the site's discretion.