Judging the value of a theme park
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Sometimes value is in the mind of the beholder. I was reminded of that with the release of a survey on theme parks by Consumer Reports magazine — a survey whose results surprised me.
In its June issue, the publication, which has been testing products and advising consumers since 1936, gives its first rating of 14 theme parks from Florida to California, based on a "nationally representative sample of almost 2,500 people." Among the categories they were asked to judge was value, "based on . . . how much they spent in relation to the attractions, food, merchandise, and problems encountered." Categories such as rides, shows, staff, souvenirs, and crowds were also rated, and the results were listed in order of overall value.
The winner by a narrow margin: Epcot at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. My reaction: You've got to be kidding!
As a theme-park aficionado with the necessary qualification of never having grown up, I was aghast, not only because my least-favorite Disney park was rated number one, but because one of my favorites, Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla., came in 11th. Epcot has always struck me as a warmed-over world's fair, although its newest attractions are an improvement. Universal, on the other hand, has delighted me with its rides and its evocation of the glories of moviedom.
My point is not to analyze the parks. Rather, it's to note that value in travel can mean different things to different people. When it tests products from cars to televisions, Consumer Reports can objectively measure factors such as reliability and performance and come up with valid recommendations. But when it comes to something like a traveler's experiences, that's trickier turf.
We're all different, with varied interests, likes and dislikes, and memories; all of those are factors in our travel experiences. For example, many people consider cruises to be of excellent value, but some would feel lost at sea on a ship and consider their fare to be money wasted. And, yes, some people would consider even a free trip to a theme park as representing horrid value because they detest them.
Although all the parks have rides, exhibits, and shows, individual preferences come into play when judging them. Fans of fantasy who have mushy childhood memories of Disney characters — and that includes me — would no doubt pick the Magic Kingdom (rated third) above all others. Animal lovers might find that Busch Gardens (number 10) or Disney's Animal Kingdom (number seven) give them the best value. It's all so subjective that it really wouldn't have mattered even if all 2,500 people surveyed had picked the same park: You're not them.
Obviously Consumer Reports doesn't agree. "It is subjective," said Mark Kotkin, assistant director of survey research for the magazine, "but it's based on a particular experience. . . . It's done on a scientific basis where we analyze thousands of responses. . . . That ratchets it up quite a bit from asking you next-door neighbor, `How did you like SeaWorld?' " He noted that all the parks "did pretty well" and that there is some subjectivity even in expressing your opinion on a refrigerator or like goods.In any event, the magazine's report is well worth reading for its tips on saving money at the parks, its assessment of safety, its suggestions on avoiding problems, and even portions of the survey that deal with such specifics as overcrowding and long lines (Disneyland in California and Cedar Point in Ohio were rated worst). But when it comes to judging value and overall satisfaction, I'll heed the toaster-testing reports, not the theme park surveys.Speaking of the parks
The Walt Disney World Resort has a seven-night stay for the price of a four-night package, which it says can deliver savings of more than $700 for a family of four. June 29 is the booking deadline. Disney's Fairytale Vacation Package features a stay of seven nights at selected Walt Disney World Resort hotels; an Ultimate Park Hopper ticket (featuring unlimited admission to the four Disney theme parks, two water parks, Pleasure Island, DisneyQuest, and Disney's Wide World of Sports); and a Mickey Mouse character print and pin together in a frame. Prices start at $499 per adult, $266 per junior (ages 10-17), and $212 per child (3-9).
According to Disney World, a family of two adults, one junior, and one child staying seven nights at a value resort during the July 4-Aug. 23 or Oct. 2-30 period could save an estimated $729 compared with the purchase of the same package after June 29. The package is available for travel most nights between July 4 and Oct. 30.
(The fine print: A limited number of packages are available with this promotion.)
The offer can be booked by referencing code ZRFS at www.dis
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Courtyard by Marriott, in the Disney World resort, is reprising last fall's rate of $20.02 . . . almost. This year the rate is $20.03 per night, per room. The rate is good Sunday-Thursday, Aug. 10-Oct. 2.
(The fine print: There is a maximum of four to a room, the offer is subject to availability, taxes are not included, and it must be prepaid. The payment is nonrefundable.)
Call 800-223-9930.
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Summer specials are available at more than 25 other Orlando hotels. Visit www.orlandoinfo.com or call 800-551-0181.
And speaking of fantasy
Who would ever think that a jovial, talking sponge would turn out to be the hero of a top children's television show. Yet Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants is surely that. This summer, Wyndham Resorts has a SpongeBob Splash Party Package at eight properties in the Caribbean and Florida. The offer, which starts at $145 a night, includes a SpongeBob beach ball and beach towel for each child, an invitation to a special SpongeBob Splash Party for kids, which occur twice or more per week in the pool area at participating resorts, and daily SpongeBob-themed family activities, different at each Wyndham. The offering, incidentally, grew out of Wyndham research that concluded that youngsters don't think hotels are fun because they don't feel entirely welcome. Call 800-WYNDHAM or visit www.wyndham.com.
. . .From May 22-Sept. 29, Embassy Suites Hotels is giving youngsters "Rugrats Go Wild!" backpacks, with a 35mm camera and a roll of film, a travel journal with stickers, a telescope, scented markers, and a paw print stamper, all featuring the Nickelodeon TV characters. Prices vary at the various properties. Request the Nickelodeon Summer Trip Pack when making reservations. (The fine print: The promotion is offered Thursday-Sunday at all Embassy Suites Hotels and seven days a week at some locations. There is a limit of two packs per reservation, for youngsters 3-14. Additional packs may be bought at check-in.)
Call 800-EMBASSY or visit www.embassysuites.com and enter the NIC promotion code.
Name those cubs
Clark's Trading Post, a landmark in Lincoln, N.H., is celebrating its 75th anniversary in a variety of ways, including a contest to name two recently acquired bear cubs. The cubs will be part of the team of show bears that performs daily at Clark's throughout the summer, beginning on opening day, May 24.Grand prize for naming the cubs — one is male, the other female — will be an Old English Staffordshire tea or coffee set that includes a dinner plate featuring a North American Black Bear, the late, lamented Old Man of the Mountain, the Flume, the White Mountain Central Railroad, and an Eskimo sled dog (how can they get all that on a plate?). The winner will also get a special invitation to Clark's anniversary celebration the evening of June 28, complete with circus performers, fireworks, and, naturally, bears.
To get you started, past favorite names for Clark's bears include Ebony, Midnight, Moxie, Onyx, Ursula, Nita, and Kuruk. Entries should be e-mailed to info@clarkstradingpost.com or mailed to Clark's Trading Post, PO Box 1, Lincoln, NH 03251. Entries must be received by June 1. For more information about Clark's, call 603-745-8913 or visit www.clarkstradingpost.com
Saluting the military
To thank the military, Sandals and Beaches Resorts says it will give $1 million in complimentary three-night vacations to active members of the armed forces — first-come, first-served. They can apply by downloading the application form from www.sandals.com or www.beaches.com. Read all the rules and regulations.
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Through Dec. 19, active US military personnel can get complimentary, multiday admission to Disney's US theme parks, with additional offers for family members and friends. Active members of the Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists are included. There also will be discounts for the Disney Cruise Line from June 19-Dec. 18.
For Walt Disney World, call 407-939-7424 or visit www.disneyworld.com/military. For Disneyland: 714-956-6424 or www.disneyland.com/military. For the cruise line: 888/325-2500.
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More than 70 Las Vegas resorts and hotels are offering discounted room rates to active military personnel or their spouses and children from yesterday (Armed Forces Day) through Independence Day, July 4. Participating properties will take 20 percent off regular room rates for those eligible. In addition, some hotels are including dining, shopping, and entertainment vouchers.
(The fine print: Active military personnel or their spouses and children must present valid military IDs at check-in. Further restrictions may vary by hotel and are based on availability; there may be blackout dates.)
A list of participating properties is available under Great Deals at www.vegasfreedom.com or by calling 877-VISITLV.
Bay State savings
The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism has created "room and breakfast for two" offers at a choice of prices: $79, $99, $149, $199, or $209, good through June 27. Visit www.massvacation.com/spring or call 800-227-MASS for the list of 300 offers at properties from the Berkshires to Cape Cod.
"Two for $2003"
The yacht Arabella, a 160-foot schooner based in Newport, R.I., will feature a "Two for $2003" package on selected cruises June through September. The Arabella makes five-day sails through southern New England, visiting historic ports, including Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and tiny Cuttyhunk Island. The Arabella has 20 staterooms and accommodates up to 42 passengers.The rate, based on double occupancy, is for B category cabins, which ordinarily cost $2,598 during June and September and $2,998 in July and August. Included in the package are all daytime meals, evening hors d'oeuvres, some sightseeing excursions, and a New England clambake on Cuttyhunk.
Call 800-395-1343 or visit www.atlanticstars.com.