To help weather the slow economy, waterparks across the nation rolled out some aggressive promotion strategies. Following are five examples.
1. Our [summer 2008] season passes were on sale since October 2007 for $69.99 (the lowest season pass price ever) with a ?Bring a Friend Free? ticket (one day) for every pass purchased and processed by June 30th. We had a great response to this money saving offer. We also added to our radio commercial: High gas prices got you down? Visit Splish Splash Waterpark, affordable and so close to home!
Nancy Aracri director of sales & marketing for Splish Splash, Riverhead, N.Y.
2. Dollywood?s Splash Country is a family waterpark that emphasizes value. Other than what you choose to eat in the park or merchandise you buy, everything is free. There are no tube or chair rental fees. We focus on providing more for families to do at one price.
Ashley Adams, publicity coordinator for Dollywood?s Splash Country, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
3. For a limited time, we are offering a ?Buy a day at Wet ?n Wild and get the rest of 2008 FREE!? deal.
Ashley Bailey, marketing manager, Wet 'n Wild ,Orlando, Fla.
4. [We offered] lower online prices and promoted the park to families staying closer to home.
Hela Sheath, public relations manager, Six Flags White Water, Marietta, Ga.
5. We announced [a new ticket offer] for Florida residents, offering a combination visit to two of our parks for only $79.95. Guests can pick between Adventure Island as well as Busch Gardens, SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica, another of our waterparks in Orlando. We also have a ticket offer for Florida guests that allows them to Pay for a Day and come back the rest of the year free. Additionally, our Web site offers some deals, such as adults at kid prices. That is an online-only deal, and there are other valuable deals online for guests [as well].
Lauren Hoyt-Williams, communications representative, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa Fla.
