$279 for a 1-day theme park ticket?

[nile455]

Sea World's Discovery Cove has raised their adult ticket price from $259 to $279 + tax. As if it wasn't already over priced. So a family of four with tax and parking would pay just under $1,200 to get into the gate.

This is outrageous.

 

[ilovepcot]

I've never heard anyone mention ticket prices there and am floored to hear this! Have never had any inclination to go there and this just cinches it!

 

[2BigKIdz]

Unless their package has changed since 2003, parking is included in the price, as well as a full lunch and a 7 day ticket to Sea World. I don't remember the ticket price in 2003, I want to say $229, but it was definitely worth it to swim with the dolphins IMO, even though it was a very short part of the experience. You do have to pay extra for the pictures and that can be expensive. I don't really think this is ridiculous if it still includes all of the above.

 

[MagicalMom]

Still seems pretty tempting to me. I'd love to go with just DH & I so that I could relax & not have to keep an eye out on the kiddies.

 

[Kimberle]

It is very expensive, but in MHO, it is a "once in a lifetime" event, not just a day in a "themepark". The number of people admitted is very limited. In fact, I believe each day sells out months in advance.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

Sea World's Discovery Cove has raised their adult ticket price from $259 to $279 + tax. As if it wasn't already over priced. So a family of four with tax and parking would pay just under $1,200 to get into the gate.

This is outrageous.

Welcome to the realities of a capitalist economy. Since there are reports of this being "sold out" months in advance, it appears that Sea World is simply taking advantage of whatever the market will bear. They offer a commodity that is in great demand and people are willing to pay for it. I don't see anything wrong with it. It's not like anyone is required to participate.

 

[Barb D]

I don't know that I would classify DC as a theme park. Any place that offers dolphin swims is expensive.

When DD12 (10 at the time) and I went a couple of years ago she swam with the dolphins and I stayed on the side video taping. My ticket was about $100 less because I skipped the dolphin swim. I still had an incredible day...probably about the most relaxing day of my life. I want to do it again when DD6 is about 10 or so.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I have been twice and will go again. We love this "theme park".

 

[jfulcer]

I agree - it's not a 'theme park'. It's something you do on occasion and save up the cash to do. It's work that and more, IMHO.

 

[pjlla]

This has been PROMISED to DD for her 13th birthday (she is currently 10 1/2). And I FULLY intend to follow through on that promise. Let's just keep our fingers crossed that the price doesn't continue to rise!! Our friends (family of 6) did it this past May and said it was fantastic!...............P

 

[HoneyPooh]

The price is high but it is so worth it IMHO. To me DC is more like a day at the spa! BTW, the food there is excellent as well.

 

[PneumaticTransit]

It'd be cheaper to buy your own dolphin.

 

[chasbos]

Heck, Discovery Cove is a steal! We went on the Dolphin Encounter through Disney Cruise lines and that is $100 or so a person for a 10 minute encounter. The whole entire day for $259 is a good deal.

 

[weare6travelers]

My family of six went last year and had a fantastic time. My DS thought it was better then disney!! Would go again even if the price went.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

It'd be cheaper to buy your own dolphin.

 

[stinkerbelle]

I've heard nothing but good things about DC. I'd totally do it.

 

[aprincessmom]

So a family of four with tax and parking would pay just under $1,200 to get into the gate.

You get a 7 day pass to SeaWorld as part of that ticket plus lunch at Discovery Cove the day you go. You could also opt for a SeaWorld/Busch Garden option on the ticket and they even provide the transportation if you want. So divide that $1200 by 7 (for the total price of the package -- 7 days of tickets) and then by 4 (for the number of people in your party) and your cost for that package, per person is about $48 per day. Which sounds pretty reasonable to me.

 

[jfulcer]

You get a 7 day pass to SeaWorld as part of that ticket plus lunch at Discovery Cove the day you go. You could also opt for a SeaWorld/Busch Garden option on the ticket and they even provide the transportation if you want. So divide that $1200 by 7 (for the total price of the package -- 7 days of tickets) and then by 4 (for the number of people in your party) and your cost for that package, per person is about $48 per day. Which sounds pretty reasonable to me.

Although let's all be honest. It's nice that they include a 7 day ticket, but who would spend a whole week there? We do it in a day and that's normally a short one... I can see spreading it over 2 days, but 3 days in Sea World? naw, I'd rather be at Disney.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

Although let's all be honest. It's nice that they include a 7 day ticket, but who would spend a whole week there? We do it in a day and that's normally a short one... I can see spreading it over 2 days, but 3 days in Sea World? naw, I'd rather be at Disney.

I agree. Using a 2-day visit as average for SW/DC (one day at each), the per day price would drop to $150. Not cheap, but considering what you get for that money, it seems a reasonable value to me. YMMV.

 

[pattyT]

another WORTH EVERY DIME from me!!!

We were able to get a code on our hotel room so splurdged for this in 2002 and it was AWESOME - my DH - the cheap one - said it was his favorite day of the entire vacation (and he didn't even swim with a dolphin - he stayed with ds who was not yet 2!)

we will do it again someday when the little kids are older!