Springtime is when most North American parks re-open after the winter, but the cold fact is many of them start selling discounted season tickets not long after closing the year before. In most cases, a season pass is a photo I.D. that guarantees you admission on any operating day of the year. Here are some other ways to get the most out of purchasing your season pass, as well as our updated list of major amusement parks and how much they're charging this winter. Many of them, particularly the Six Flags properties, will up prices in February, so heed your wallet and book now. Once summer heats up, so will the costs.
Many passes also offer discounts on food and souvenirs.
Several offer free parking, and others even grant early entrance privileges. Check on fringe benefits. Several passes, such as those at Universal Studios Hollywood and some Six Flags parks, are also good for nearby partner water parks. Ask if the pass you're about to buy is also good at other parks. Yet the prices vary from park to park.