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Busch Parks raise prices

Staff file photo (2008)

Starting Monday, it will cost adults $74.95 to get into Busch Gardens to ride Sheikra.

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By TED JACKOVICS

tjackovics@tampatrib.com

Published: October 31, 2009

TAMPA - Busch Entertainment Corp. on Monday will raise admission prices at its Tampa and Orlando theme parks, but Florida residents booking online can get 2010 year-long passes at the same price as 2009, which will be $5 less than the new general admission for a day.

Adult single admission tickets will increase from $69.95 to $74.95 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and prices for children ages 3 through 9 will increase from $59.95 to $64.95.

However, 2010 Fun Cards purchased on line will enable Florida residents to get a full-year's adult or children's admission at Busch Gardens for $69.95, less than the price of a single day admission and the same price as the adult 2009 Fun Cards.

The 2010 Busch Gardens Fun Cards purchased at the gate will cost $74.95.

SeaWorld Orlando admission for adults will increase from $74.95 to $78.95, while children's admission will increase from $64.95 to $68.95. Sea World 2010 Fun Cards for adults and children also will be $69.95 on line.

Busch Entertainment said the ticket increases are irrespective of competitors' pricing changes and new ownership that is expected to take over in weeks when a $2.7 billion deal announced earlier this month is finalized.

The Blackstone Group, a New York-based private equity group, has agreed to buy Busch Entertainment Corp. and its 10 attractions nationwide. Blackstone has indicated it will maintain Busch Entertainment's management team and continue its annual expansion plans.

"We take this very seriously year after year," Joe Couceiro, Busch Entertainment executive vice president and chief marketing officer, said about the price increases announced Friday. "We do our pricing strategy apart from (competing) attractions. We continue to invest in our parks."

Busch last increased adult admission prices $2 on Jan. 5. Walt Disney World in August raised the price of one-park tickets from $75 to $79 and children's prices ages 3 to 9 from $63 to $68.

Busch, like other theme parks, does not release attendance figures, but Couceiro said attendance this year is likely to be on par with 2008. "The year started out slowly but has improved over time with a really good summer," he said.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay drew 4.4 million visitors in 2008, the Themed Entertainment Association said in its annual attendance report for international theme parks.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817.

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