Theme Park Rewards - A Reality?

About two years ago, I wrote a blog post about how theme parks should start up a rewards program for loyal guests.

I figured if there are rewards programs for clothing stores, casinos, hotels, grocery stores, airlines, movie theaters, car rental agencies and restaurants, there should also be programs for theme parks too.

So, I was happy to see when Six Flags recently announced a guest loyalty program called Six Flags Funatics.

Now, I'm not claiming that they got this idea from this blog. But I'm hoping they're the first of many parks to give this a try.

If you're a Six Flags Season Passholder, you'll get Funatics Rewards sent straight to your inbox after every visit in 2010. Some of these rewards include Skip the Line passes, free soft drinks, and an extra Bring-A-Friend Free ticket.

It makes sense... the more you go, the more you get.

This is just one way parks can offer rewards for frequent guests. I'm hoping we see other parks come up with their own unique programs that will encourage us to get out to the parks more.

Talk about this in the CoasterRadio.com Forums

Theme Park Rewards Program

I was going through my wallet today and realized that I have a lot of cards.

I've got credit cards, debit cards, a drivers license and my work ID. But I also realized that I have a lot of cards that confirm my enrollment in "Rewards Programs".

I have cards that offer me perks at clothing stores, casinos, hotels, grocery stores, airlines, movie theaters, car rental agencies and restaurants. I pretty much have a card that offers me points or credits for anyplace I spend money.

For the most part, these "rewards" programs help keep me loyal to certain brands and companies.

I have a lot of Frequent Flyer miles with United Airlines. So when I'm booking a flight, I usually check their fares and schedules first. I have a lot of "Players Club" points at the MGM-Mirage casinos. So when I'm in Las Vegas, I spend most of my bankroll in those properties. Today, I bought a brand new suit at a men's clothing store and was told that for every dollar I spend, I get one point towards additional savings. Guess where I'll go for my next suit?

Obviously, programs like these work. They make the customer feel appreciated and develop brand loyalty. So, would it work for a company like Six Flags or Cedar Fair to come up with a "Rewards Program" for theme park guests?

Maybe you get a certain number of points per dollar spent on food, games and merchandise. Perhaps those points can be traded in for front of the line access, comped meals or preferred parking. Maybe people who earn a lot of points could qualify for behind-the-scenes tours or other special access events.

The possibilities are endless! But will the parks ever do it?

Talk about it in the CoasterRadio.com forums!