Admission Fees Going Up at 2 Major Theme Parks

It’s going to cost more to visit Mickey and Snoopy this summer.

With record summer crowds expected at local theme parks this year, both Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm have announced price increases. Adult admissions at Disneyland have jumped to $17.95 while adult admissions to Knott’s will soon rise to $14.95.

Disney’s boost--which took effect March 19--is an 8.8% increase over last year’s adult admission price of $16.50. The Knott’s price boost--which will take effect May 9--is 7.2% more than last year’s adult entry charge of $13.95.

Disneyland admission prices for children will climb to $12.95 compared to $11.50 last year--a 12.6% increase. Knott’s will keep children’s admission at $10.95--the same as last year.

Officials of both parks blamed rising operating costs for the price jumps.

“We don’t tie price increases to specific attractions,” said Joe Aguirre, a Disneyland spokesman. “Remember, we’re not just a theme park but a diversified company.” A $17-million theater that will feature the Michael Jackson video “Captain Eo” is scheduled to open at Disneyland in September. The Anaheim park will also continue to give away Pontiac Firebirds each day to guests.

“Our fixed costs have increased,” said Stuart Zanville, director of public relations at Knott’s. Among those costs are energy, insurance and staffing expenses, he said.

Knott’s plans to open a $2-million aquatic stadium--the Pacific Pavilion--by Labor Day. The exhibit will showcase a dolphin and sea lion show and “Diving Doggie”--dogs leaping from a 15-foot platform.

Because of the new attractions and prize giveaways, Disneyland officials do not expect business to be hurt by the price increases. “That’s always a concern,” said Aguirre, “but attendance has remained strong for the past year and a half.” Daily parking fees will remain $2 at Disneyland, and Knott’s has raised parking fees to $2 from $1. Last year a record 12 million guests visited Disneyland and 4 million visited Knott’s.