Disneyland, Southwest Offer Vacationers Discount Package

In hopes of boosting attendance during the off-peak season, Disneyland has teamed up with Southwest Airlines to offer a vacation plan that discounts fares for families in cities that are heavy draws for the theme park.

It is the first time since the late 1980s that Disneyland has been involved in such a program. Disneyland attendance slipped 5% last year to an estimated 14.2 million visitors, according to a trade journal.

The new offer allows one 2- to 11-year-old to fly free with an adult who has bought a Disneyland vacation package through Southwest Airlines. Priced between $234 and $279 per adult, packages include a two-night hotel stay at the Travelodge International Inn in Anaheim, a two-day car rental and a Disneyland Flex Passport, which allows up to five consecutive days of admission.

The cost is $50 per child, which includes the Disneyland passport and two hotel nights.

The offer is good on flights to Southern California--including John Wayne Airport--from Las Vegas, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, Ore., Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Jose, Seattle and Tucson.

The package is in effect from Friday through May 20. Two days later, a renovated section of the park’s Tomorrowland opens.

Disneyland officials are counting on the renovation to help boost attendance this year.