Attraction ticket provider DoSomethingDifferent has announced plans to offer free access to three new Orlando attractions with its best-selling theme park passes.
The Orlando Eye, SeaLife Orlando Aquarium and Madame Tussauds Orlando – all owned by Merlin Entertainments – are set to open to the public on May 4 as part of the regeneration of entertainment complex I-Drive 360.
But for bookings made by June 25, agents will be able to offer free entry to the attractions, usually £17 each, for customers pre-booking a Disney & Universal Combo Pass, Freedom Ticket or Freedom Ticket Plus.
DoSomethingDifferent chief executive Oliver Brendon said: “This is the first time we have ever done any added value for the trade. We have always worked with lots of incentives for agents, but this is for their customers.
“Our feedback is that incentives work really well for agents, but this is such a good offer that we had to open it up to the trade. We’re hoping agents will benefit by being able to offer their customers something exclusive, good value and that’s not available elsewhere.”
At 400ft tall, the Orlando Eye is just 25ft smaller than its London counterpart, offering 20-minute rotations with a capacity of 15 passengers in each of its 30 capsules. It will offer views across central Florida, including downtown Orlando and the Kennedy Space Center.
Nigel McShine-Jones, UK & Ireland sales manager for Legoland Florida and Merlin Midways North America, said: “We’re still working on recognition – compared to the other theme parks, we’re the new kids on the block. So we’re working very closely with Do Something Different to get that message out to agents.
“This is about putting it on the map and making a bold statement to let the trade know there are exciting new attractions on sale.”
The offer is valid for travel until June 30, 2016. Merlin Entertainments now runs more than 20 attractions across North America, accounting for more than a fifth of its global revenues, and is set to open its second US hotel, a 152-room themed property at Legoland Florida, on May 15.