Ski resorts have discounted weekday tickets to boost business on slow days for years. For the most part, though, theme parks have been reluctant to use the strategy, mainly out of fear of devaluing their product.
Tourism
Wanna Share a Ride at the Airport? Be Careful Before You’re Arrested
Over the past few weeks, airport authorities in San Francisco have been making citizen’s arrests of drivers who’ve arranged to pick up or drop off travelers via ride-sharing smartphone apps such as Lyft and SideCar.
RelayRides Plans to Disrupt Airport Parking and Rental Cars in a Big Way
A new service gives travelers free parking at airports—with a free car wash and a free shuttle to and from the terminal thrown in as well. Yes, there is a catch.
Want to Give Your Family the VIP Theme Park Experience? Cough Up Around $2,000 Per Day
Travelers are used to the idea that airline passengers who pony up big bucks get special treatment in first class. As theme park VIP tours spread, more travelers are enjoying behind-the-scenes tours and line-cutting privileges—which wouldn’t be so bad except these perks turn the rest of us into (bitter, jealous) second-class citizens.
Alleged Fake Online Review Spammers Get Taken to Court
Websites that rely on user reviews and ratings often use filters to screen out opinions that are likely to be fraudulent. But the filters can only do so much. This week, Edmunds.com decided to file a lawsuit to get alleged spammers to stop flooding its ratings service with fake reviews of car dealerships.
Give Disney Visitors Hi-Tech Wristbands and They Spend More Money
Once again, Disney appears to have mastered the art of rolling out a new perk for guests—that actually winds up with them spending more money at Disney. This time, it’s a wristband that serves as a combo admissions pass, room key, credit card, and reservation assistant for rides and restaurants.
Angered By Zimmerman Verdict, Some Call for a Boycott of Florida Businesses
The acquittal of George Zimmerman in the 2012 killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin kicked off protests around the country, as well as calls for a boycott of Florida—where the trial took place, and where a controversial “Stand Your Ground” law still exists.
Gas Prices Forecast to Soar During Peak Summer Vacation Period
Analysts are saying that it will soon cost nearly 10% more to fill up your gas tank. And wouldn’t you know it: The predicted spike in gas prices will coincide with the vacations of millions of Americans.
The Awfulness of Airlines Is an Opening for Trains and Buses
New train and bus services are loaded with features you almost find on airplanes nowadays, including free Wi-Fi, power outlets, party lounges—and even complimentary checked baggage.
Hertz Drives to Be King of Anytime, Anyplace, Any Duration Rental Cars
In the near future, when you swing by the drugstore or home improvement center, renting a car could be as easy as picking up shampoo or a new ratchet set.
Atlantic City’s Next Big Bet: Legalized Online Gambling
Business has been on the decline in Atlantic City casinos for six years and running. To stop the bleeding, casinos are betting big on online gaming—an option that, of course, gives gamblers an easy way to avoid Atlantic City entirely.
New Attractions in Vegas Get Tourists High — Literally
If you want to see the hot new trend in Las Vegas attractions, look up. Plans are in the works for sky-high roller coasters, observation wheels, and zip lines to provide new thrills far above the Strip.