Having a Disney World and/or a Universal Orlando annual pass feels like a regular part of living the Florida life. But aside from these two major players in the local theme park industry, what other options are there? Let’s explore other theme park and entertainment options you can purchase annual passes for and experience regularly.
*Disclaimer: All prices are valid at the time this article was written and are subject to changes.
SeaWorld
If you’re interested in SeaWorld, they have some great annual pass offerings and a lot of really neat yearly events to take advantage of with your pass. I’m particularly interested in the Seven Seas Food Festival and Electric Ocean. They also have a Cinco de Mayo event, Craft Beer Festival, and more. If you plan to visit at least twice a year, the Silver Pass will pay for itself with free parking ($30 value each time you park), no block-out dates, and two free guest tickets to take a friend or family member for only $219. I love that most SeaWorld passes include guest tickets.
This is great for visiting family members. The Platinum Pass is interesting because, for $438, it includes unlimited admission with no block-out dates to 11 parks including Sesame Place, Busch Gardens (Williamsburg and Tampa), SeaWorld, and Aquatica Parks (Orlando, San Antonio, and San Diego), Water Country USA and Adventure Island. All Sea World Annual Passes currently include admission to Aquatica.
Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay
Since Busch Gardens is also owned by SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, you will notice their annual pass structure and pricing is identical. Like SeaWorld, they also host events throughout the year like their own Bier Fest, Cinco de Mayo, Mardis Gras, and more. As with SeaWorld, the Platinum Pass will grant you access to both Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, and their counterparts around the nation and more.
Legoland
Lately, I have seen a lot of good things mentioned about Legoland. I do think this park is going to be most enjoyable for children. We live near Legoland and it’s not a place I would consider purchasing an annual pass for, but we also don’t have children. I have spoken to some Legoland frequenters and they have told me it is a great place to take your kids and annual pass prices are very reasonable. You can also upgrade to an annual pass that includes water parks. All annual passes include free parking and that can be a big money saver for frequent guests. Unlike Seaworld and Busch Gardens, the prices for Legoland didn’t increase since I last published a similar article in February. However, they have sold out of some passes.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
A zoo annual pass may be a great idea, especially if you have children who love animals. You can choose from single passes and family passes. The benefits of a zoo annual pass include not only admission but discounts on purchases and tickets to other experiences like the Seminole Aerial Adventure and discounted admission to over 150 zoos and aquariums in the US. Regular tickets are around $16 for children and $20 for adults so a few visits with an annual membership will pay for itself.
Florida State Parks
Here is one you may never have thought of and that’s an annual pass to Florida State Parks. There is typically a per person or per car fee to enter a state park. Why would someone want to visit a state park? There are lots of things you can do such as hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, swimming, fishing, etc. This is a great option for people who love the outdoors. Many state parks in Florida are beaches. Some are more woodsy areas. There are 175 Florida State Parks to choose from.
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Five and six day passes can be bought at shades of green for all active, retired and disabled vets. These days can be used as you want. They expire at the middle of dec. You can use one day at a time.
Also when they do resume selling annual passes you can buy one there and not pay tax