Ocean Park has updated its annual membership into three tiers with new blockout dates —a change many frequent visitors are calling less of a steal and more of a stealth price hike.
Set to launch on February 9, the new membership system includes Premium, Gold, and Silver tiers, with prices ranging from HK$980 to HK$2,280. However, the introduction of blockout dates for these tiers has diminished the appeal for many park-goers.
Currently, Ocean Park's adult membership costs HK$1,380 and is marketed on the promise of "unlimited visits year-round."
Under the new membership system, only the top-tier premium membership ensures admission on all park operating days at HK$2,280, accompanied by priority access to popular attractions.
The Gold membership, priced the same as the current membership at HK$1,380, will now have restricted access on specific holidays in 2026, including Easter, Labour Day "Golden Week," and Christmas holidays, resulting in approximately 11 fewer visit days compared to the existing offer.
Moreover, the Silver membership, costing HK$980, will limit access primarily to weekdays, excluding all public holidays.
However, current members who purchase or renew their memberships by February 10 will be classified as Gold members, retaining their original unlimited access rights while being exempt from the new blockout dates.
A stealth hike in disguise: Online community
The updated membership plan has led to mixed reactions on social media, with some users comparing it to strategies from Disneyland in Hong Kong.
“No wonder the park has blockout days after February 9 for annual members, mirroring Disneyland’s three membership tiers,” one wrote.
Several users emphasized that the appeal of membership has waned, dubbing it as "not-so-unlimited access" to the park and labeling it a disguised price increase.
In an important tip shared by an online user, renewing a current membership by February 9 allows access every day of the year, making the fee justifiable after as few as three visits.
Meanwhile, frequent visitors reminisced about the pre-pandemic membership structure, praising the previous Gold and Silver memberships as incredible value, particularly for including access to weekday Halloween events.
