Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park launched its Season Pass program in 2018, giving Colorado visitors a way to maximize value and return visits through early access, flexible dates, and bundled benefits. Designed for families, thrill seekers, and local residents, the pass aimed to simplify planning and lower the per-visit cost compared with standard admission.
The 2018 season brought clearer pricing tiers, priority boarding on select rides, and improved mobile integration for passholders. Below is a detailed overview of the pass structure, key benefits, and how it compared to other options for park guests.
| Pass Type | Price Range (2018) | Access Window | Main Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saver Pass | Mid-tier pricing | Season-long, blackout dates apply | Guaranteed entry, lower cost per visit |
| Flex Pass | Mid-to-premium pricing | Season-long with date choices | Ride reservation options, shorter lines |
| Priority Pass | Premium tier | Season-long, select hours | Priority boarding, dedicated entrances |
| Family Pass | Value bundle | Season-long, multiple users | Shared use, extra guest discounts |
2018 Season Pass Types and Pricing
Elitch Gardens introduced tiered pass options to suit different visit frequencies and budgets in 2018. Pricing reflected park investments in new attractions, enhanced Wi-Fi, and improved guest services.
The passes balanced single-day tickets and full-season access, with clear rules on blackout dates and transfer policies. Understanding each tier helped guests choose the right option for their summer plans.
Benefits Included in the 2018 Pass
Entry and Flexibility
Passholders enjoyed season-long entry with defined blackout periods around major events and holidays. Early access windows allowed families to arrive before general admission, reducing midday heat and crowds.
Water Park Integration
Season Pass included access to SplashZone water park, with dedicated lanes for passholders on high-demand slides and wave pool sessions. This integration encouraged multiple visits throughout the summer.
Speed and Convenience Features
Select passes added priority boarding on flagship coasters and shorter security lines. Mobile pass options through the park app reduced gate wait times and offered real-time updates on ride status.
Passholder Experiences in 2018
Guests highlighted shorter waits for popular rides and the ability to plan spontaneous visits without ticket purchases at the gate. Water park access directly increased trip frequency for passholding families.
Some reviewers noted that blackout dates during peak holidays limited flexibility, while others appreciated the crowd levels during early-season weeks. Overall, satisfaction was strong among passholders who visited multiple times.
How the 2018 Pass Compared to Other Options
Compared to single-day tickets, the Season Pass delivered higher value for locals planning at least three visits. It undercut multi-day park hopper options from regional resorts while offering deeper water park integration.
Year-round members and hospitality partners received limited add-ons, but the 2018 pass stood out for residents seeking a flexible summer entertainment solution with defined price predictability.
Tips for Getting the Most from Elitch Gardens Season Pass 2018
- Track visit frequency to confirm the pass pays off after the third trip.
- Use early access windows to ride flagship coasters before lines build.
- Plan water park days on weekday mornings for cooler temps and shorter waits.
- Enable push notifications in the park app for flash crowd alerts and last-minute upgrades.
- Check blackout dates in advance when coordinating holiday travel.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many visits make the Season Pass cost-effective in 2018?
Most guests found the pass worthwhile with three or more park visits, especially when factoring in water park access and priority boarding savings.
Were blackout dates clearly communicated before purchase?
Yes, blackout dates around holidays and major events were listed on the pricing page and reiterated at checkout to avoid surprises.
Could the 2018 pass be transferred to another guest?
Passes were non-transferable and required photo ID matching the holder at entry and re-entry points throughout the season.
What mobile features supported the Season Pass in 2018?
The park app allowed mobile pass scanning, real-time ride wait times, and alerts for reduced-capacity sessions at SplashZone.