AAA Discounts at Theme Parks

Does your “What I Did This Summer” essay read like a snoozy legal brief? There’s still time to add excitement with a visit to one of the many amusement parks across the country offering member discounts year-round. You can also purchase tickets through AAA ahead of time to skip the line at the gate and go straight to the excitement.

Whether you’re looking for classic fun or extreme thrills, there are lots of new attractions to check out. At Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, Calif., the new Superman Ultimate Flight—the tallest inversion roller coaster west of the Mississippi—transforms riders from Clark Kent to superhero at 62 mph. Ogle more than 30 pirate-themed Lego models at Legoland California Resort in Carlsbad, Calif., then plunge down the 25-foot chute between pirate ships. Say hi to the Lorax at Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City, Calif., and check out the new 3-D Transformers ride. Channel a giant ray on the Manta roller coaster at SeaWorld in San Diego, or swim with the dolphins for one of the ultimate tales to tell.

Buy tickets at any branch (limited to 10 per person). Purchase the picnic deal by Oct. 1; regular tickets available through Oct. 6. Learn more at AAA.com/discounts [2]. All year, save up to 40 percent on Six Flags tickets and up to 20 percent on admission to other theme parks. For details, contact your local branch at AAA.com/offices [3].

This article was first published in September 2012. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.