Southern California Parks Compete For Local Visitors

Valencia, CA -- The competition among Southern California theme parks for local visitors is heating up. Six Flags Magic Mountain this year is trying to sway customers their way with a similar promotion offered by nearby competitor Universal Studios Hollywood.

Like Universal, Six Flags Magic Mountain is offering a specially discounted season pass promotion. The new "Play Pass" is designed to give local thrill seekers the best value-priced entertainment in the region, according to Six Flags.

For the price of a one-day admission $47.99, guests can buy a "Play Pass" which entitles them to unlimited visits on any operating day through the end of the 2005 season. The Play Pass has no blackout days and is valid at every Six Flags Park in the country, excluding the water parks.

Six Flags even sweetens the offer by throwing in a "Bonus Book" will $500 worth of coupons, including a free friend admission, free waterpark admission, free parking coupon, plus discount coupons for food and merchandise.

Universal Studios Hollywood is also continuing its successful "Buy a Day, Get a Year Free" promotion for a fourth year. The discounted Universal pass has some blackout days, but is still an exceptional value at only $53.00. Universal is open daily, year-round.

Knott's Annual Pass valid for one year from date of purchase is priced at $115. The park has in the past had a pass promotion this time of year, but not this year. Coupons discounting the regular pass $20 can be found, but better deal is offered at local Costco stores where Knott's Premium Pass that includes the Soak City waterpark can be purchased for $84.99.

Southern California residents may also take advantage of two discounted Disneyland Resort Annual Passes. The Select Pass is $99 and valid for 176 days, the rest are blocked out and the Southern California Pass is $149 and valid for 227 days. Disney passes are valid at both Disneyland and neighbor California Adventure park. Disneyland's unrestricted annual pass is $329, by far the most expensive in the region.