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Admissions to US Amusement Parks Continue to Rise, Even with All Time High Prices
Admission prices at many amusement parks have increased, but not enough to keep people away, experts say. The average admission price for an amusement park is at an all-time high of $40.23, a $3.20 increase from last year, according to an annual survey by the trade publication Amusement Business.
Still, amusement parks are projecting a 5 percent increase in attendance from 2000, said Susie Story, spokeswoman for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions in Arlington, Va. "Because so many theme parks are in people's backyards, that bodes quite well for the industry,'' she said. "Luckily, amusement parks overall are rarely affected by economic slowdown and/or soaring gas prices.''
When gas prices go up, many people take shorter trips than usual. Theme-park visitors travel an average of 212 miles from their homes, according to industry figures. "Overall, the industry is a robust one,'' Story said. "This year, there are more than 35 roller coasters alone going into the parks around the country. That's showing that the parks are feeling confident that they're going to have a good season.
Frequent rain hasn't dampened enthusiasm for Paramount's Kings Island in Mason, about 20 miles northeast of Cincinnati, spokesman Jeff Siebert said. "We're above what we expected for this time of the year,'' he said. "Our new rides and attractions are being very well-received. The theme-park gods are smiling on us right now.''
That's also true at Six Flags Worlds of Adventure in Aurora, about 20 miles southeast of Cleveland. "During times like this, it's normal for people to stay close to home to take their weekend jaunts or afternoon trips,'' spokeswoman Kim Stover said. "Because of . . . the joining of Six Flags and Sea World the interest is higher, too.''
Attendance at Cedar Point in Sandusky, about 55 miles west of Cleveland, was down in May because of rain on 13 of the first 27 days of operation, spokeswoman Janice Witherow said. "But we are not seeing people postponing their visits to Cedar Point because of the economy or gas prices,'' she said.
SOURCE: Associated Press.
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