Theme park deals, discounts and promo codes for July 2009

June 25, 2009, 11:32 AM · On the final Thursday of each month I post the best current discounts that I've found on tickets to the most popular theme parks in the United States. Feel free to post any additional discounts or promo codes that you know of, in the comments. (I'll update this listing as you post better deals.)
Park PR people, please post your deals in the comments, or e-mail me.

Two pieces of general advice:

If your employer, school or credit union sells discounted movie and local attraction tickets, they might sell discounted theme park tickets, as well, even to out-of-town parks. Always check with them to see if you can find a better deal than those listed here.
Six Flags, Cedar Fair (Cedar Point, Knott's, Canada's Wonderland, etc.) and some Busch/SeaWorld annual passes can be used at other parks in the chain. If you'll be traveling, you might find cheaper deals buying those passes through parks other than the one closest to you.

Disney

At Disneyland, The best deal for Southern California residents is a three-day park-hopper for $99. All three days must be used within 45 days of first use. Tickets available at local grocery stores, and on the Disneyland website.

The best deal for Disneyland visitors is two days free with the purchase of a three-day ticket. A similar deal is available on hotel/theme park packages - two days/nights free with a three day/night purchase. Details and booking available on the Disneyland website.

At Walt Disney World, rumors abound that Disney will bring back its buy-four-nights, get-three-nights-free offer that it ran earlier this year. Currently, Disney World is offering free dining plans with 5-night, 6-day packages, valid for stays most nights Aug. 16 to Oct. 3.

Both Disney World and Disneyland continue to offer free admission on your birthday, too.

Universal

The following deals continue to be available via Universal Orlando's website:

$99 7-day, 2-park ticket

Buy 4 nights hotel, get two 2-park unlimited admission tickets.

Get 1 free 2-park kids' ticket with each paid adult ticket and hotel purchase.

Layoff protection plan; deposits refunded if you lose your job before your trip.

At Universal Studios Hollywood, the best deal for local residents is a $60 unlimited admission pass that is good for six months. For tourists, USH is offering two days for the price of one, when bought online. Both offers are available via Universal's website.

AAA offers a one-day Universal Hollywood ticket for $52.99. (The AAA deals for Universal Orlando are no better than the $99 7-day pass available on the Universal website.)

SeaWorld

SeaWorld Orlando offers adult one-day tickets at the kids' price, $64.95, with a second day free.

SeaWorld San Diego offers the same deal, priced at $55. If you use the promo code SWCAAASmr09 you can get the same price on adult tickets and kids tickets for $27.50.

SeaWorld San Antonio offers free kids admission with stays at participating local hotels.

SeaWorld San Antonio also sent along the following additional deals:

Pass Members Sundays: 30% off, food, merchandise and tours. Valid on Sundays now through December 31, 2009. Dining and tour experiences require advance reservations and subject to availability. Includes 30% off the Dine with Shamu Summertime Splash.
4th of July Celebration: Fireworks display with reserved seating inside Ski Stadium. Each guest will receive popcorn, a bottled drink and a "glow-in-the-dark" souvenir. Wristband required for entry, cost: $20.95 per person. Pass members receive a 10% discount. Click for reservations
All you care to eat picnic: $12.95 and $8.95 for children. Pass members receive 10% discount or 30% on Sundays. Available on select days only. Reservations here.

Busch Gardens

At Busch Gardens Williamsburg, adults can buy a one-day ticket for the kids' price of $49.95, or a Fun Card that provides admission for the rest of the year for $59.95. See the BGW website for links.

Busch Gardens Tampa also offers adults at the kids price, which is $59.95 for the Tampa park, but you also get a second day free.

Replies (2)

66.217.144.46

June 25, 2009 at 7:31 PM · I took your earlier advice and picked up a Sesame Place -Super Grover season pass for $159+. It allows me to go to Seaworld, and all the Busch parks until December 31, 2009. I have free preferred parking and at least 10% off of food and merchandise. (There might be a 30% off if you stay into the evening hours). So far I've used it 3 times. I went to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Busch Gardens Tampa and Seaworld Orlando. I expect to do the same tour in early September and then late October. I expect to get 9 visits to the theme parks, free preferred parking and some food/merchandise discount for my $159. If you don't include the free parking and stuff, it comes out to about $18 a park visit. I do get some strsnge looks from the team members when I present my ticket. Most are not sure what it is but when they scan it, it comes up as a platinum pass.
Now that I've finally delurked after many many years of just reading I just might contribute. I currently have a annual pass to WDW, a annual pass to Universal and a Super Grover pass.

Larry Zimmerman

June 27, 2009 at 7:02 AM · I got an email offer from Disney the other day offering free Disney Dining Plan with 3-night stays in value resorts all the way thru Dec 17th!

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Theme park deals, discounts and promo codes for July 2009

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