How to get discount tickets for theme parks in California

Getting discount tickets for theme parks in California is possible! Find out the best ways to get discounted Disney tickets, discounted theme park tickets, and more.

If you love theme parks and plan on hitting as many as possible in San Diego, buying a Go City San Diego Pass can help you save money!

The Go City Pass allows individuals to explore the best of the best in theme parks and attractions without breaking the bank.

This can be a lifesaver for families or travelers on a budget who want to taste world-class activities and entertainment.

Go City San Diego Pass – Discount Tickets For Theme Parks

A Go City Pass is estimated to save up to 55% on standard admission prices! Plus, the Go City San Diego Pass offers admission to 50+ attractions and theme parks with complete flexibility to choose which ones you plan on visiting. 

There are two pass options to consider. Both offer significant savings and choices of attractions!

The All-Inclusive Pass:

• Boasts up to 55% savings
• Unlimited entry to 50+ attractions
• Total flexibility and control over what attractions you wish to visit
• Zoo and Safari Park included
• Entry into all attractions is accessible in one app (for easy access)

The Explorer Pass:

• 40+ activities and attractions to pick from
• It avails a set number of activities (2,3,4,5 or 7) to choose from for prices as low as $22 per activity
• Total flexibility and control over what attractions you wish to visit
• Includes 60 days to use the pass after the first use
• Entry into all attractions is accessible in one app (for easy access)

Buying a Go City San Diego Pass is estimated to save more than $143 compared to purchasing individual tickets.

The benefits of a Go City San Diego Pass open new worlds with access to all the top San Diego attractions and theme parks! 

CityPASS

Reserved for specified areas, like San Diego mentioned below, as an example, or areas like Southern California, CityPASS offers excellent discounts on many of California’s top attractions and theme parks. 

For example, with San Diego CityPASS, you can save up to 46% with admission to at least four of San Diego’s top theme parks and attractions. So, if you plan on spending most of your time in San Diego, then the San Diego CityPASS is your best bet to getting as much time into the top attractions in the area while also saving money! 

San Diego CityPASS discount ticket packages:

• SeaWorld San Diego + 3 attractions (child, ages 3-12) – $129
• SeaWorld San Diego + 3 attractions (adult) – $149
• Legoland California + 3 attractions (child, ages 3-12) – $139
• Legoland California + 3 attractions (adult) – $159
• SeaWorld San Diego + Legoland California + 3 attractions (child, ages 3-12) – $189
• SeaWorld San Diego + Legoland California + 3 attractions (adult) – $209

Participating attractions:

• San Diego Zoo OR Safari Park
• USS Midway Museum
• City Cruises
• Old Town Trolley Tours
• Birch Aquarium at Scripps
• Maritime Museum of San Diego 

Cheap Legoland Tickets California 

Boasting more than 60 family-friendly attractions and rides, Legoland California is dedicated to children aged 2-12.

Go on a LEGO adventure at the Adventurer’s Club, where kids can journey through the frigid Arctic, wild Amazon rainforest, and sandy ancient Egypt.

For children looking to become Master Model Builders, head to the Build Watevra You Wa’Na Build! Kids can create whatever they want from LEGO bricks in the designated building zone.

Or, test your building skills at the Coast Guard Build-A-Boat, where kids can build and race their LEGO watercraft!

Important Note – Before buying tickets, check the opening dates and hours to ensure they align with the days you plan to visit the park.

This is because the water parks have seasonal hours, and the theme park is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday through September-February, except for Thanksgiving and winter break for school). 

Kids under two years old have access to free admission to Legoland. 

Legoland Tickets At The Gate

If you want to save money, there are other options than waiting to buy tickets at the gate in person. However, the prices are vastly steeper compared to buying tickets online. 

Prices for in-person Legoland tickets:

• Legoland 1 day tickets
  • Admission Legoland (ages 3+) – $119
  • Admission to Legoland & Sea Life (ages 3+) – $139
• Legoland 2 day tickets
  • Admission Legoland (ages 3+) – $149
  • Admission to Legoland & Sea Life (ages 3+) – $174

Legoland Tickets Online

Simply buying tickets online can save a good amount of money. Check out the price differences for online Legoland tickets below!

Prices for online Legoland tickets:

• Legoland 1 day tickets
  • Admission Legoland (ages 3+) – $104
  • Admission to Legoland & Sea Life (ages 3+) – $114
• Legoland 2 day tickets
  • Admission Legoland (ages 3+) – $124
  • Admission to Legoland & Sea Life (ages 3+) – $134

Other Discounted Finds

There are some notable discounted finds other than buying on the Legoland website or purchasing a Go San Diego City pass. 

Based in San Diego, aRes Travel boasts some pretty snazzy discounted finds to famous California attractions. They are authorized to sell tickets, making them safe to purchase tickets to attractions without worrying about a scam. 

aRestravel prices for Legoland tickets:

• Legoland 1 day tickets
  • Admission Legoland (ages 3-12) – $89.99
  • Admission Legoland (ages 13+) – $95.99
• Legoland + Sea Life Hopper (2nd day free!) tickets
  • Admission to Legoland & Sea Life (ages 3-12) – $124.99
  • Admission to Legoland & Sea Life (ages 13+) – $130.99

AAA Legoland discount tickets:

• Check with your local branch first, but AAA members may have access to discounted prices for tickets to Legoland, California. 

Military Discount:

• Currently, Legoland offers a 30% discount for service members.

Disneyland Tickets Anaheim Discount 

A world-famous place full of wonder and magic, Disneyland in Anaheim, California (not to be confused with Walt Disney World in Orlando) is the ultimate family-friendly destination that everyone should visit at least once to experience the exuberant joy of this popular attraction. 

This top attraction is founded within Disneyland Resort, featuring another theme park, Disney California Adventure. Disneyland Park was constructed, designed, and completed under the leadership of the mastermind behind all things Disney, the founder Walt Disney.

As a result, it is the only Disney park that can tout this extraordinary measure. 

Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park guests can access over 90 attractions and rides. One of the more noteworthy expansions made at Disneyland is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, with fun new rides such as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

There are also exceptional finds, such as the Avengers and Pirates of the Caribbean-themed areas hosting their unique world and story-specific rides and attractions not to miss out on! 

Standard Disneyland Tickets

Disneyland tickets can come at a hefty price, so you don’t want to miss out on discounted tickets to this famous theme park. Just to get an idea, these are what prices look like currently.

Also, note that children younger than three years old do not need to purchase a ticket. 

Standard Disneyland tickets:

• Disneyland standard tickets
  • One day – $114
  • Two days – $143/day
  • Three days – $120/day
  • Four days – $99/day
  • Five days – $83/day 
• Disneyland Southern California resident weekday discount tickets
  • SoCal resident admission – $73/day
    • Some restrictions apply to this discounted ticket, including blackout dates and restrictions to only weekends (weekends access is not included). 

Other Discount Disney Tickets

On aRes Travel, they offer a much more comprehensive range of discounted Disneyland tickets depending on your visiting plans.

For example, if you’re a SoCal resident, there’s currently a sale going on right now that is valid until 05/25/2023.

There are also parking hopping tickets depending on how many days you plan on staying in town and visiting Disneyland so you can get a taste of all the different parks at Disneyland. 

For SoCal residents, Disneyland offers discounted price options for select dates throughout the year. 

Examples of aRestravel prices for Disneyland tickets:

• Disneyland 3-day park hopper tickets (with Disney Genie+ Service)
  • General admission Disneyland (ages 3-9) – $446
    • Gate price to Disneyland – $475
  • General admission Disneyland (ages 10+) – $464
    • Gate price to Disneyland – $495
• Disneyland 3-day park hopper tickets SoCal resident weekday promo (valid until 05/25/2023)
  • General admission Disneyland (ages 3+) – $260
  • Gate price to Disneyland – $420

AAA theme park tickets – Disneyland:

• AAA members can access exclusive discounts on 2, 3, 4, and 5-day tickets to Disneyland California. 

Military Discount (purchase now through 12/11/2023, use through 12/15/2023, blackout dates 04/02/2023-04/15/2023):

• 3-Day military promotional park hopper – $245
• 3-Day military promotional park hopper with Disney Genie+ Service – $320
• 4-Day military promotional park hopper – $280
• 4-Day military promotional park hopper with Disney Genie+ Service – $380

Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park Tickets

The 12th most-visited theme park in North America, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, welcomes more than four million visitors annually. It is also the oldest theme park in SoCal.

Knott’s Berry Farm’s origins date back to the 1920s on Water Knott’s berry farm, where Knott sold berries, preserves, and pies at a roadside stand.

The Knott family began selling chicken dinners on their wedding china to make ends meet and quickly became a popular stopping point for travelers.

As time passed, shops and attractions opened to entertain the Chicken Dinner Restaurant guests.

Today, people travel worldwide to explore and experience the numerous attractions at Knott’s Berry Farm!

Standard Knott’s Berry Farm Tickets

Ticket prices on the Knott’s Berry Farm website vary by selection date, meaning one day may be cheaper while another more expensive. 

Knott’s Berry Farm Daily Admission tickets:

• General 1-day ticket – $59.99
  • Gate price – $99.99
• Bundle admission (includes admission, parking, & all-day dining) ticket – $74.99
• Season Pass Bring-A-Friend ticket – $49.99
  • Applicable with renewed season pass holders
  • Gate price – $99.99
• Season Pass ticket – $145

Knott’s Berry Farm multi-day passes:

• Regular pass – $145
• Gold pass – $185
• Platinum pass – $270

Other cheap theme park ticket options

There are other ways to snag discounted prices for Knott’s Berry Farm tickets than on their website, such as on aRes Travel. 

aRestravel discount prices for Knott’s Berry Farm tickets:

• Knott’s Berry Farm general admission tickets – $55+ (price varies with select dates)
  • Gate price – $99
• Knott’s Berry Farm general admission Family Pack tickets – $54.75+
  • Gate price $99

AAA Knott’s Berry Farm discounted tickets:

• AAA members can show their membership card at Knott’s Berry Farm ticket off or choose to receive a discount online off regular admission tickets.
  • This also applies to discounts for regular admission tickets for Knott’s Soak City Waterpark. 

Cheap Universal Studios Tickets Hollywood

Going toe to toe with big-name attractions like Disney, Universal Studios Hollywood (not to be confused with its Orlando, Florida counterpart, Universal Orlando Resort and Park) is home to some of the greatest attractions in the world!

A film studio and theme park, Universal Studios Hollywood is located in Los Angeles, with around 70% situated on an unincorporated county island named Universal City.

As one of the top attractions in SoCal (not to mention the world!), this theme park is a must-visit when traveling and hitting up the different top theme parks and attractions in the area. Fans of Harry Potter, The Walking Dead, Super Mario, Jurassic Park, and more will enter a world beyond their imagination at Universal Studios Hollywood!

Standard Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets

Online ticket prices for Universal Studios Hollywood vary depending on the day and season, so double-check the website before committing to a trip!

Universal Studios Hollywood online tickets:

• General admission 1-day ticket – $109
• General admission 2-day ticket – $149
• Universal Express – $199
• VIP experience – $369

Universal Studios Hollywood multi-day passes:

• Platinum annual pass – $569
• Gold annual pass – $299
• Silver annual pass – $219
• California neighbor pass – $179

Other Discounted Finds

To save money on a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood, we’ve found a couple of other optimal discounted finds to help you save money and enjoy your vacation.

At aRes Travel, they have more than a few discounted options, but we’ll only be providing a few below, so check out their site for more information! 

Examples of aRestravel discount prices for Universal Studios Hollywood tickets:

• Universal Studios Hollywood 1-day park-to-park tickets (ages 3-9) – $180
  • Gate price – $222.59
• Universal Studios Hollywood 1-day park-to-park tickets (ages 10+) – $183
  • Gate price $227.91

AAA Universal Studios Hollywood discount tickets:

• To lower the cost of admission tickets, AAA members can purchase one-day general admission or VIP tickets online at the linked website. They can also be bought at AAA offices that avail these discounts. 

Military Discount :

• Universal Studios Hollywood provides year-round discounts to active and retired U.S. military personnel. Access military tickets must be purchased through a participating ITT/MWR office in the U.S.
• Military discounted tickets are not available for purchase online or at the gate of Universal Studios Hollywood. 

Six Flags Magic Mountain Tickets

Previously known as Magic Mountain, Six Flags Magic Mountain boasts 20 world-class roller coasters, many of which are the fastest in the world!

Most recently, in July 2022, the theme park opened up Wonder Woman Flight of Courage – the world’s tallest and longest single-rail roller coaster. 

Six Flags Magic Mountain is frequently referred to as the “Thrill Capital of the World” thanks to its adrenaline-spiking coasters, but that’s not all this hot theme park has going for it.

Friends, families, and strangers flock to Six Flags Magic Mountain to experience more than 100 games and other attractions, including the kid-friendly Bugs Bunny World, a six-acre wonderland of rides and attractions for families to flock to for a fantastic day of fun. 

Standard Six Flags Magic Mountain Tickets

Six Flags Magic Mountain online tickets:

• General admission 1-day ticket – $54.99

• 2023 gold pass – $89.99
• 2023 platinum pass – $114.99
• 2023 diamond pass – $159.99

Other Discounted Finds

If you are an AAA or Costco member, you may be able to find further discounted finds for admission into Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Military and first responders also receive discounted daily admission into the park. 

AAA Six Flags Magic Mountain discount tickets:

• AAA offers discounts for admission to Six Flags Magic Mountain. Double-check with your regional office for prices on discounted tickets. 

Military Discount :

• Military discount 1-day ticket – $54.99 – $65

First responders discount:

• First responders 1-day ticket – $54.99 – $65

Costco Discount :

• Occasionally, Costco will offer members discounted tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain.

San Diego Zoo

An iconic world-famous zoo, San Diego Zoo is located in the entertainment oasis of Balboa Park. 

Featuring more than 4,000 animals of 800 species sourced from across the planet, many of which are rare or endangered, the San Diego Zoo also acts as a botanical garden, with over 700,000 plants and more than 13,000 species.

Peer at red pandas, amur leopards, hippos, koalas, and elephants as they play, graze, and laze in masterfully curated habitats.

Spending a whole day at the San Diego Zoo is relatively easy, as it is one of the largest zoos in the country, so make sure to wear your walking shoes to take your time exploring one of the best zoos in the world.

Standard San Diego Zoo Tickets

Online ticket prices for Universal Studios Hollywood vary depending on the day and season, so double-check the website before committing to a trip!

San Diego Zoo online tickets:

• General admission 1-day Any Day ticket (child ages 3-11) – $59
• General admission 1-day Any Day ticket (adult) – $69
• General admission 1-day Value Days ticket (child ages 3-11) – $57
• General admission 1-day Value Days ticket (adult) – $67
• General admission 1-day Plus Any Day ticket (child ages 3-11) – $66
• General admission 1-day Plus Any Day ticket (adult) – $76
• General admission 1-day Plus Value Days ticket (child ages 3-11) – $64
• General admission 1-day Plus Value Days ticket (adult) – $74
• General admission 1-day Value Days ticket (child ages 3-11) – $57
• General admission 1-day Value Days ticket (adult) – $67

San Diego Zoo online multi-day/multi-park passes:

• 2-visit pass (child ages 3-11) – $108
• 2-visit pass (adult) – $118
• 3-for-1 pass (child ages 3-11) – $180
• 3-for-1 pass (adult) – $190

San Diego Zoo membership passes:

• Wildlife explorer (youth ages 3-17) – $71
• San Diego resident (adult) – $99
• San Diego resident (senior, 65+) – $89.10
• San Diego resident premium (adult) – $129
• San Diego resident premium (senior, 65+) – $116.10
• Wildlife Protector (adult) – $149
• Wildlife Protector (senior, 65+) – $134.10
• Wildlife Protector premium (adult) – $169
• Wildlife Protector premium (senior, 65+) – $152.10
• Wildlife Guardian (adult) – $225
• Wildlife Champion (adult) – $425

Other Discounted Finds

For other discounted finds, AAA members and active U.S. Armed Forces personnel can receive discounts for one-day admission at San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. 

AAA San Diego Zoo discount tickets:

• San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park offer discounts for AAA members. Unfortunately, this is limited to six tickets!

Military Discount :

• Active duty U.S. Armed Forces personnel are offered a free 1-day admission into San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. You must present a Common Access Card (CAC) or a Uniformed Services ID Card at the ticket gate. 
• Eligible dependents and military spouses can receive a 10% discount for a 1-day ticket to San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. They do not have to be accompanied by an active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces.

SeaWorld San Diego

Offering world-class up-close animal interactions and entertainment, SeaWorld San Diego stretches across Mission Bay Park. SeaWorld San Diego is a place of fun and intrigue, teeming with rides, presentations, shows, exhibits, and so much more! 

Watch in awe as dolphins powerfully swim through the waters and flip through the air. Ride the longest, fastest, and tallest dive coaster in California.

Enjoy rides and attractions like Oscar’s Rockin’ Eel, Sea Dragon Drop, and Elmo’s Flying Fish for kid-friendly options.

There’s plenty to explore across the 100 acres of SeaWorld San Diego, teeming with exceptional educational opportunities to learn about the magnificence of marine life. 

Standard SeaWorld San Diego Tickets

Online ticket prices for Universal Studios Hollywood vary depending on the day and season, so double-check the website before committing to a trip!

SeaWorld San Diego online tickets:

• Date-specific ticket – $69.99
• Date-specific + all-day dining bundle ticket – $109.99
• Any-day ticket – $109.99
• Any-day + all-day dining bundle ticket – $154.99
• 2-Park ticket (admission to Sesame Place San Diego) – $124.99
• 2-day ticket – $109.99
• 2-day + all-day dining bundle – $179.99
• San Diego 3-for-1 ticket (child, ages 3-9) – $180
• San Diego 3-for-1 ticket (adult) – $190

SeaWorld San Diego passes:

• 2023 Fun Card – $104.99
• SeaWorld SoCall Pass – $132
• SeaWorld Silver Pass – $162
• SeaWorld Gold Pass – $198
• SeaWorld Platinum Pass – $297

Other Discounted Finds

AAA SeaWorld San Diego discount tickets:

• AAA members can sometimes find discounted ticket offers for SeaWorld San Diego. Check with your regional office for more information. 

Military Discount:

• SeaWorld San Diego offers free admission to active duty service members and three direct dependents. 
• Veterans and one guest can also enjoy free admission into SeaWorld San Diego. 

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

One of the largest attractions in San Diego County, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, is where visitors can get up close and personal with curious and intriguing wildlife!

Welcoming almost two million visitors yearly, San Diego Zoo Safari Park has multiple safari options that travel through the park and its long stretches of savannah habitats, with species like rhinos and giraffes speckling the area.

More than 3,600 animals and 300 species call the park home, and you can see all of them on a unique adventure through San Diego Zoo Safari Park!

Standard San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets

Online ticket prices for Universal Studios Hollywood vary depending on the day and season, so double-check the website before committing to a trip!

San Diego Zoo Safari Park online tickets:

• Any-day 1-day ticket (child, age 3-11) – $59
• Any-day 1-day ticket (adult) – $69
• Value days 1-day ticket (child, age 3-11) – $57
• Value days 1-day ticket (adult) – $67

San Diego Zoo Safari Park multi-day/multi-park passes:

• Multi-day/multi-park ticket (child, age 3-11) – $108
• Multi-day/multi-park ticket (adult) – $118
• San Diego 3-for-1 pass (child, ages 3-9) – $180
• San Diego 3-for-1 pass (adult) – $190

San Diego Zoo Safari Park membership passes:

• Wildlife explorer (youth, age 3-17) – $71
• San Diego resident (adult) – $99
• San Diego resident (senior, 65+) – $89.10
• San Diego resident premium (adult) – $116.10
• San Diego resident premium (senior, 65+) – $129
• Wildlife Protector (adult) – $149
• Wildlife Protector (senior, 65+) – $134.10
• Wildlife Protector premium (adult) – $169
• Wildlife Protector premium (senior, 65+) – $152.10
• Wildlife Guardian (adult) – $225
• Wildlife Champion (adult) – $425

Other Discounted Finds

AAA San Diego Zoo Safari Park discount tickets:

• For valid AAA memberships, members receive a 10% discount for admission to San Diego Zoo Safari Park. 

Military Discount :

• At San Diego Zoo Safari Park, active duty U.S. Armed Forces personnel are offered a free 1-day admission into the park and San Diego Zoo. You must present a Common Access Card (CAC) or a Uniformed Services ID Card at the ticket gate. 
• Eligible dependents and military spouses can receive a 10% discount for a 1-day ticket to San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. They do not have to be accompanied by an active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces.

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