Discovery Kingdom lowers fares

Discovery Kingdom lowers fares
Six Flags theme park reduces adult ticket prices to make visits more affordable.
By Rachel Raskin-Zrihen/Times-Herald, Vallejo
Article Launched: 05/28/2008

Even as gas prices and other travel costs skyrocket, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom's ticket prices took a tumble Tuesday, park officials announced.

It's the first time adult gate admission prices have been reduced, and the new $39.95 adult gate ticket price is the lowest in five years, said park spokeswoman Nancy Chan.

"We wanted to offer a more affordable leisure time option, so we're kicking off the 2008 daily operating season with a price roll-back, from $49.99 to $39.99," Chan said.

An online promotion that also kicked off Tuesday, allows everyone into the park for the kids' $29.99 price, Chan said.

On the other hand, time's run out on the $69.99 season pass, which is now $79.99, Chan said.

The lower ticket price came as a nice surprise to David Reyes of San Rafael, he said.

"Of course it's good. I was expecting to pay more. I saved $40," Reyes said, who said he paid for three other people's tickets. The lower price will likely mean more visits, Reyes said.

Although Lawrence and Angie Matlock of Vallejo are season ticket holders, they said they think the price roll-back is an excellent idea.

"This way they can give back to the community, so they can come enjoy themselves," Lawrence Matlock said. "I hope it brings them more business."

"It should," Angie Matlock said. "It's nice to have something positive happen."

Demonstrating its commitment to "making a visit to Six Flags a more affordable option for families in search of fun and value," Kirk Smith, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom's director of marketing, rode a stationary bike, nonstop, in the heart of the park for 10 hours. One hour for every dollar dropped from the ticket price, Chan said.

A recreational cyclist, Smith volunteered for the assignment, he said.

"It ties in with the Tony Hawk's Big Spin and the roll-back of prices," Smith said.

"I've run marathons and I teach a spinning class, but this is by far the longest I've done the stationary bike - by, like seven hours."

There have been a few slow weekends since the park opened on a part-time basis in March, but generally park attendance has been good so far, Chan said

Discovery Kingdom's price reduction is about offering a more financially attractive option for summer fun, Chan said.