Theme parks are too expensive.

I've been to a several large theme parks and you are right. Sometimes I have to choose between certain attractions just because the lines are so long. If I go to a park for 6 hours and I spend 20 minutes in line I am too limited. I suppose a person might only get a dozen rides for 50 bucks because of it and you still have to pay outrageous prices for the drinks and snacks and all of the trinkets they push on you. Still this would be an exercise of personal choice, and up to you to decide if it's worth it. The problem is that these parks (i.e. Kings Island, Disney) all market to families as "the only way to complete your summer", "bring your family closer", "your children won't be happy without" and so on. This compels people to go to the parks just to be part of things. Disney for instance uses marketing tactics that give children the impression that they won't have as cool of a summer as other kids if they don't get to go to disney world. It's all the same way that McDonalds keeps sales up by marketing to children and conning parents into always buying their kids happy meals, even though it's common knowledge that the food is terribly unhealthy , over priced, and potentially damaging to our planet. I think it's high time that we all demand an honest theme park with realistic prices and the ability to handle larger volumes by extending hours and offering more small rides along side the big ones. Here in Indiana for instance we have "Holiday World" where they offer free unlimited soda. This good will gesture is defeated by a very steep price, and excessively long lines on both rides and for soda, whilst also only giving you an 8 oz cup of drink. I worked at a small amusement park in my teenage years and I only made a very tiny wage. If the money is paying employees lavish wages, then where is it going. The insurance can't possibly be that bad.

SEA WORLD! I miss California.

Bunny, You should take him to Cedar Point, its not too far. Plus they are always offering great rates and coupons in the paper as well as on Coke cans during the summer! ;)... Once inside the park theres soo much for him to be able to do as well as you! And it's not too pricey of a park. I am from Michigan and used to go there all the time in the summer, and I was a broke high school student then! These days im out here in California and i'm only like 3 hours away from San Diego, so during my husbands block leave ( which starts this weekend ) we are going to go to Sea World sometime over the 2 week period! ! I can't wait. Im a HUGE marine girl and LOVE all that type of stuff! ! ! Good luck entertaining you son! -Also, isnt there a place called Fun Spot in IN? I think its like in Ft. Wayne? I know they appeal to younger kids, and don't break the bank as well! -I will let you know how Sea World is

I can only hope that Rowan doesn't get hooked and get's bored with it too. 31.99, that's nuts. But it's nice that adults don't cost more.

Ya, and lucky for me, my mother-in-law is the one that wants to take us, so she has me do the calling to find out how much it is, and then she buys the tickets to go. It just kinda sucks that the kids don't get charged less for being under a certain age, just height.

Hi there mermaidivy. Does the theme park near you offer discounted days? All of the parks in my area do , but the discount is tiny. Most of the park discounts are for around 10 to 15 dollars and that still leaves 4 people going to the park at more than $100. I couldn't imagine having several children and trying to take everyone.

If the seasons would agree around here I would get a year pass at prices like that. I'm going to have to look up holiday world and see if they have year long passes.