You write articles on a variety of topics, so let Theme parks be one of them. With tickets starting at $45 it would be financially devastating to take your family or friends out for a daytrip to one of the parks. Why not let the park pick up the tab, so that you can go and do “research” on the topic. The potential for multiple articles is huge. The question is can you do it through Associated Content? The answer is yes. Here are the parks in Southern California, along with their guidelines.
Disney: http://www.disneylandnews.com
Register as media. Writer is allowed one complimentary visit for four once per year. Reporter must request tickets within five days of visit. The site has story ideas and press releases with contact information. You can request tickets to both (Disneyland and California Adventure).
Knott’s Berry Farm: http://www.knotts.com/media/index.shtml
They have a wealth of information for the media such as press releases, media trip guidelines, and how to have access to B-Stock (Film), stills, and interviews. If you have a trip with any type of media equipment, other than a pen and paper, you will be escorted by a public relations representative. Admission does not cover special events. You are allowed your visits Sunday-Friday, since Saturday is their biggest day.
Sea world: http://www.seaworld.com/SWC/for_the_press_home.aspx
This site offers information press releases, images, tip sheets and how to get your complimentary media tickets. You can receive up to 4 tickets on one visit per six months. Admission does not include shows, rides, etc. You have to fax (619) 226-3953. Your request on Letterhead from the agency you are writing for.
Legoland: http:/www.legoland.com/business/press/main.htm
This site offers press releases, images, story ideas and tip sheets. You must register as media. A request on company letterhead with your name, title, intended date of visit and
phone number must be faxed to (760) 918-5375 at least 48 hours before the intended visitation date. Weekends need to be submitted before Wednesday at 4PM.
Tips:
1. Research the company. Read the Press Kit and other information.
2. When you receive your approval, acknowledge it if they ask or you might not get in.
3. Have some ideas about articles before you leave home. Waiting for an idea to pop in your head as you are on Big Thunder (Rollercoaster, Disney) is not the way to pick a topic. It may give you more ideas, but you should have some ideas. Use your family and friends to help you by watching their reactions to rides, shows, events, etc.
4. Stay long enough to get a well rounded view of the attraction. It could be long lines or cold and that could cloud your judgment of the attraction.
5. If you say you are going to write an article then you need to do it. It does not have to be all glowing, but you need to be a person of integrity. If you cannot sell the article then put it up on Associated Content for free.
6. Be a professional. Badmouthing the park over things it cannot control is not cool. Long lines are out of their control, high prices of food are probably in their control.
7. Do not interview guests without permission. That is a big no no.
8. Submit your requests for interviews ahead of time so the correct person can answer your questions.Article Ideas:
Review the restaurants at the park. Choose five different types and have each person in your party choose from one. Of course you will need to have a bite to adequately review it, but try it.
Review the rides for best, worst, children, water, etc. At Disneyland there are plenty of categories and they even help you out by having a theme for each section. This will make your job a lot easier, plus you can get multiple articles out of that.
Finally, If you know that you are going to seek to get into a park and it requires a letter from Associated Content then you must plan ahead. Go to Associated Content at http://www.associatedcontent.com/contact_us.html and leave a detailed message of what you need and by when. Leave a way for them to contact, either by email and/or phone.
Enjoy the time with your family and have a great working vacation.
