As we enter a new year, there are already a couple of exciting Orlando theme park ticket deals to share. There are also some announcements concerning Central Florida attraction closings. Out with the old, in with the new!
Preschool Passes
SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens are offering children between ages 5 – 3 free passes in the way of a Preschool Pass. Children 2 and under are already free. The passes will be good through December 31, 2015! The children must be Florida residents and register online. For a younger family, this is a fantastic deal. There are no blackout dates.
ORLANDO TOURIST TIP: Parents can purchase an annual pass so that the entire family can attend the theme park over and over again. With the kids being free, an all-day outing is very affordable. It also makes it easy to go to the theme park for a couple of hours at a time, keeping those little ones busy!
Florida Resident – Discover Disney
Disney has brought back a Florida resident special called Discover Disney. Every year this discounted ticket package is a little different. While the cost changes, the value is still pretty good. Guests 3 and older are allowed to visit 3 Disney theme parks for the price of $139 (up $10 from last year). Spend one day at 3 different parks, or opt in for the more expensive cost of $159 and spend four days at 4 different parks. The visits do not need to be on consecutive days.
ORLANDO TOURIST TIP: If you like the idea of hopping from park to park, add on a park-hopper option for $24.50 which will allow a lot of freedom when visiting these Orlando theme parks. There are also specials that will allow water park access (burr!) and golfing.
If it has been awhile since you’ve gone to Disney, this is a good time (and price) to discover it again. This special theme park ticket must be used by June 4, 2015 – visiting all of the parks/days. There are blackout dates during Spring Break (March 30 to April 9) at the Magic Kingdom park. If your relatives from out of state want to join, expect to pay about $274 each for the same deal. Just goes to show what a cheap ticket this is!
Attractions Closing
Many attractions and Orlando shows closed during the year of 2014. They include:
Disney’s Hollywood Studios –
• American Idol Experience
• Studio Backlot Tour
• Legend of Jack Sparrow
Epcot Shows –
• Off Kilter
• Mo’Rockin
• Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps
• World Showcase Players
Universal CityWalk –
• NASCAR Grill
Wet ‘n Wild –
• Bubba Tub
SeaWorld –
• “Clyde & Seamore Take Pirate Island”
Fantasy of Flight –
• closed its doors to the public
Old Town –
• Windstorm Coaster
ORLANDO TOURIST TIP: In the early part of 2015, Busch Gardens will close the Gwazi roller coaster. This is the wooden coaster which opened in 1999 with two tracks – Tiger and Lion. The Tiger side is the only side now being used as the Lion side was closed in 2012. If you miss Gwazi and still want to experience a wooden roller coaster, go to Fun Spot on I-Drive. They opened White Lightning last year. You may also find another wooden roller coaster in Florida at Legoland. Coastersaurus opened in 2004. You may know it by the name of Triple Hurricane.
