Thanks To Big Discounts

http://www.cfnews13.com/Business/Loc...s_weekend.html

ORLANDO -- From package deals to resident discounts, tourists are not letting the worst recession in decades stop them from spending the weekend at Central Florida’s theme parks.

Aaron Walker waited in a long line to get into SeaWorld Orlando Friday for his first trip to the park in 20 years, and he said he would not be there if it wasn’t for the great deal he got.

“You can tell by the crowds that’s definitely what’s happening, especially on a Friday -- Good Friday,” Walker said. “Half the people are off. Half the people are supposed to be working.”

The Walkers got Florida resident passes for the Easter weekend vacation, and like SeaWorld, all of Central Florida’s major theme parks are offering some kind of discount.


“We definitely got some good deals for SeaWorld, and we’re going to Busch Gardens tomorrow,” said Elaina Miller, from the Washington, D.C., area.

Miller said like most families, budget was definitely an issue for her, but she was able to book online and got a mutli-park ticket, which gives her unlimited visits during her vacation.

“I mean, ‘unlimited’ means you can see more, you can enjoy more, you have more memories,” Miller said.

“Without the package deals, it’s not really worth it, and they have some really great package deals on the Internet,” said Cecelia Lane, another theme park visitor.

SeaWorld brought aboard an extra 1,000 workers to handle the crowds in Orlando this Easter weekend.

Some attractions were sold out through parts of spring break. Walt Disney World had to turn people away Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after reaching full capacity.

“Very crowded, very busy, but it’s a bonding time,” Lane said. “I tell my kids we’re here to bond, so that one-hour and 45-minute wait is for bonding.”