Since the turn of the millennium, one-day one-park adult tickets at Disney have risen a whopping 62 percent -- and the other parks aren't far behind.
The good news: Florida residents can snag far better prices at the Central Florida parks than out-of-staters. At the Disney parks, for instance, a Play 4 Days pass, good for any four days at its four parks, costs $159 for an adult. Universal offers a two-day, two-park adult pass for $69 purchased online, and Busch Gardens Tampa charges $64.95 for an adult ticket that's good all year. At SeaWorld, a year-long pass costs $67.95.
Other ways to save come from Dave Mandt, spokesman for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, and other experts:
• Call the park and ask where to purchase tickets at the best price and whether they offer discounts at any particular time of the year, days, for AAA members, etc.
• Check the park's website; tickets are often cheapest there.
• Look beyond the majors. Cypress Gardens, Fantasy of Flight, Gatorland, Silver Springs and the water parks are cheaper than Disney, Busch, SeaWorld and Universal.
• Some companies offer discounted tickets; check with your employer.
• If you visit a park frequently, consider a season pass.
-- JANE WOOLDRIDGE
