If you haven't bought Kings Dominion passes this year, new prices took effect today. Don't panic, the price increase is only $5 for some passes and $10 for others. (See bottom of this post for prices.)
Have you ever wondered why the prices go up when the pass holder has already missed some of the season? Shouldn't the price go down? Also, why doesn't Kings Dominion advertise what the prices will "go up" to? I'm sure the answers are the same as they were when I asked these questions while I worked there. Offering lower prices at the beginning of the season has two benefits:
- Obviously, Kings Dominion wants your hard-earned money as soon as possible. How may pass holders rushed to fork over their $59.99+, just to save a few bucks? No telling how much this adds up to for Kings Dominion!
- Guests anticipate having lots of time to visit the park, later in the season. Once the calendar flips to May, families have already begun to fill up their summer schedules with camps, vacations, VBS and more. Folks are LESS likely to buy a pass once they notice they'll have very little time to visit Kings Dominion.
How do current prices compare to those offered until May 2nd?
- Four or More Value Passes: Currently $64.99 each (were $59.99, so $5 increase)
- Value Pass: Currently $79.99 (was $69.99, so $10 increase)
- Four or More VIP Passes: Currently $94.99 (were $89.99, so $5 increase)
- VIP Pass: Currently $89.99 (was $79.99, so $10 increase)
- Four or More Platinum Passes: no price increase $155
- Platinum Pass: no price increase $165
Certainly no one wants to spend more than absolutely necessary on anything, including passes, so the added $5 or $10 ($20 - $40 for a family of four) is somewhat of a waste of money. If you are still planning on buying passes, note the price increases and try to purchase your passes earlier next year. Kings Dominion is still a great deal for your entertainment dollar. If you visit the park eight days and spend at least five hours riding rides, seeing shows and splashing in the wave pool each visit, you will get 40+ hours of fun for as little as $65. Where else can you entertain your family for less than $1.75 per hour, per person?
