Seven Flags
Practice this intermediate pricing case interview question in the Retail sector. Includes detailed problem prompt, clarifying questions, structured framework, and expert recommendation. Part of ProHub's 835+ consulting case library.
ProHub Comment
This case tests pricing strategy, cannibalization analysis, and financial modeling under constraints. Candidates must balance revenue maximization with the fixed investment requirement and payback period constraint, while identifying and quantifying the cannibalization risk as a key sensitivity driver.
Estimated Time
26 minutes
Difficulty
Medium
Source
Darden
10
/ 100
Our client is a mid-size amusement park chain, with 10 parks around the U.S. serving over 10 million visitors each year. In their Richmond, VA park, it operates both a traditional thrill-ride section, as well as an animal experience. (Show park map.) Currently, the two sections are covered under one entry ticket price. However, management is considering offering a separate ticket for only the animal experience section. They have come to us to determine if this is a good idea.
Clarifying Information
- Financial goal: Management wants a payback period less than 10 years. (If the candidate asks, payback period = investment / on-going profit.)
- Current price: Tickets are currently $20 and provide visitors full access to the park
- Park attendance: The Richmond, VA park is an average sized park within the client’s portfolio
- Business model: The park is a typical amusement park (think Six Flags or Busch Gardens). Visitors buy a ticket for entrance (assume same price for adults and children), and all rides / amusements are accessible under the one ticket price. The park also sells merchandise and food / drinks separately.