Whenever someone finds out I work in Marketing at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, their first question is usually, “What’s the best deal on tickets?”
The best offer really depends on your needs, but no matter what ticket you want, the best time to buy is now. In almost every case, we put out our best deals early, before the parks open or early in the season. The reason is simple: We want to provide the best incentive to guests who are willing to commit early.
This spring we have more early-bird offers than ever, so no matter your interest, we probably have one that’s right for you. See which of the following categories best describes you in order to find your perfect deal.
For the person who wants the best value and to experience all that the parks have to offer: Pass Membership.
Memberships start at $11 a month for either Busch Gardens or Water Country USA – but only for a little while longer. Prices on all memberships are set to go up on June 1, so now is the time to buy. Best of all, our monthly payment plan comes with a price-lock guarantee, so you can hold onto that low rate even as prices increase. (We have a number of savvy members who started their memberships years ago and are now paying a fraction of the current monthly rate.)
The key benefit of membership is unlimited admission to park during the normal operating season. That includes access to events like Howl-O-Scream and the Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival, as well as concerts and special members-only activities. A great new feature we have added this year is that members earn free friend tickets throughout the year, as long as they remain active. That’s worth $230 alone, well more than the cost of the membership.
On top of this, members get free parking, discounts on dining and shopping in the park and the best prices on tickets to Christmas Town. Our members are the ultimate insiders, and for $11 a month it’s hard to find a better entertainment value. Check out the options here.
For the person who wants to visit both Busch Gardens and Water Country USA again and again during spring and summer, but without member benefits: 2-Park Fun Card
This option is even better through March 15, because you can pay the price of a Busch Gardens Fun Card ($77) and get Water Country USA for free. This pre-season offer is our lowest price for unlimited admission to both parks through Labor Day. On March 16 the 2-Park Fun Card goes back to its regular price ($102), which is still less than the cost of getting a one-day ticket to both parks.
Keep in mind the Fun Card does not include parking, in-park discounts, free friend tickets or other benefits like the membership program. But if you are just looking for the lowest price to visit multiple times during spring and summer, this is the deal for you. Click here to get the discount offer before March 15.
For the person who plans to visit Busch Gardens just once, but wants the best value on a whole day of fun: All-Inclusive Ticket
This new ticket offers bundled savings of more than $50 and provides everything you need for a full day at Busch Gardens, including park admission, parking, lunch and dinner and Quick Queue priority ride access. It’s the most hassle-free way to explore everything Busch Gardens has to offer and get the most out of a one-day visit.
The All-Inclusive Ticket is just $99 and can be used any operating day through May 15. But you have to buy it in advance; it’s not available at the park. Find out more and buy online here.
And if you are visiting from out of town, you can save even more when you get the All-Inclusive Ticket in a Spring Super Saver package with one of our partner hotels. You can explore all of our park + hotel packages at Busch Gardens Vacations here.
For the person visiting with a preschooler: 2-Park Preschool Pass
It’s hard to beat “free,” and for children age 5 and under there’s no better option than the free 2-Park Preschool Pass. This pass provides unlimited free admission to both Busch Gardens and Water Country USA through Sept. 5.
This pass requires registration through our website here and redemption at the park by May 31. Although no additional purchase is required, a 2-Park Membership or 2-Park Fun Card is a great value for adult companions.
With so many Kid-siderate attractions at both parks, the 2-Park Preschool Pass is a fantastic way for families to pop in for a little play time whenever it fits their schedules.
Here are a few other tips to save on park tickets:
-Check with your employer, credit union or membership organizations such as AAA. Many have arrangements to sell discounted tickets to employees or members.
-Consider visiting with a group. If you can bring 15 or more people and buy tickets together, you can get a discounted group rate. Special rates are available for school, church and youth groups. Find out more on our website here.
-It never hurts to search online for limited-time offers through discount sites such as Groupon, or promotions available through various partners. These offers are infrequent, but can provide a great deal if you can act fast.
We know you have a lot of options for your entertainment and travel dollars, so we always aim to provide a great value on a great day. Be sure to check out our website at BuschGardens.com/VA for the latest promotions and ticket options. And remember, you’ll almost always get the best deal if you buy early.
-Dan, Marketing Vice President