Free Parking

While most of the major parks charge for parking (and consider this an important revenue source) there several parks of significant size that continue to offer free parking. That beloved trio of KW, KG and HW are among these parks (KW does have some $5 preferred parking; the others are entirely free). What are some other parks of medium size or larger that offer free parking?

Silver Dollar City, Celebration City, White Water Branson

Last time i was at dollywood, parking was free.
That was about 2 yrs ago.

The parks mentioned (SDC, DW etc.) are operated by Herschend. I do wonder how long this will last given that they have started to bring Q-Bots into their parks.

Parking policy doesnt always remain uniform among parks owned or operated by the same company. LC charges for all of its parking even though KW doesn't.

Dollywood charges for parking as of my last visit in December 2006.

That probably means SDC is next.

I eventually see free parking becoming a thing of the past at KW. This will probably happen if and when a major expansion to the park occurs.

As for HW and KG, no way. Not as long as the Knoebels and the Kochs run the parks. Also, these parks' remote locations might have something to do with this as well.

Free parking is never free, you're simply upchrged elsewhere for it. ie: 5 cents on every ride ticket, 10 cents on every hotdog. It's in there somewhere, and you're probably paying more than you think.

Not sure where you would classify Waldameer Park in size, but it's parking is free, so is admission. Just pay if you want to ride.

Tom

At some small parks like DelGrossos, charging for parking would be folly. Think of all the families that see fit to make a casual stop at this park to play a round of minigolf or let their kids ride a few rides or maybe grab something to eat. This park recoups its parking revenue loss through greater volume elsewhere in the park from short term visitors. In many ways DG is like an FEC.

Or course this thread is about bigger parks and pay to park is the norm at these parks.

Paying to park has become the norm these days and I am pleasantly surprised when it is free. I have no problem with parking fees if they are also used to maintain the condition, safety, security and cleanliness of the lot. When there is a fee and these things are substandard I begin to feel the ripoff. Especially when many of the free lots do manage the upkeep.

Beech Bend, Seabreeze and Martin's Fantasy Island all have free parking.

Of course, maybe Waldameer could charge to park just for one year and use the proceeds to pave the lot that everyone parks in! ;) The thing is a crater filled, rocky, bumpy ride in and of itself. The funny thing is that the other lot they have is a beautifully paved and lined lot. It's off of another road, and the entrance is tree lined like it was the main entrance once upon a time.

Tom

Indiana Beach has free parking. If you hate to pay for parking at an amusement park, head for the Hoosier State.

Camden Park was free up until a few years ago. Last year it was $3, whenever someone is at the booth. ;)

-Tina

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SixFlagsKingdaKa said:
Free parking is never free, you're simply upchrged elsewhere for it. ie: 5 cents on every ride ticket, 10 cents on every hotdog. It's in there somewhere, and you're probably paying more than you think.

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Even if you look at it that way, during your visit to Kennywood, Indiana Beach or Holidayworld, you will still get more rides per buck and more BANG for your buck.

HW has a nominal entrance fee (as do the other ones!) and pop is free... For me to park and have one small pop at SF Great America it's over $18 !!!

I wouldn't call HWs or KWs admission nominal (maybe KWs is if you are over 55) but both are a good value. You don't have to spend a fortune in either park at places other than the gate. IB does have a nominal general admission charge ($2.50) with several pricing options for the rides including pay-per-ride, ride all day, and half-day.

On the other hand we have beaten the Six Flags issue so hard and for good reason. They have the highest parking prices and they still charge so much for admission, food, drinks, games, and Q-Bots.

I dont mind paying a few bucks for parking, but when it costs $10-$15 to just park a car, that is just a scam.

I don't mind if parks make up for it by charging more elsewhere. Having them constantly holding out their hands makes it seem like you are spending more, even if you aren't.

Once I'm in the park, I'm likely to be a lot more stingy with my money if I've already pulled out my wallet more than once.

Parks where free parking disappeared in recent years: TGE, DW, Camden. Are there others?

By the way, How about a new theme park called Monopoly Land. It would have railroads, a waterpark called the Water Works, a Boardwalk, a Jail walkthrough attraction, and of course, FREE PARKING! *** Edited 3/13/2007 2:47:35 PM UTC by Arthur Bahl***

^Heh heh...good one. ;)

Bonfante Gardens has free parking.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has free parking if you take the Roaring Camp train. I guess that's not *really* free...but it sure is fun.