Atlanta, Where $330 Gets You Family of 4 Weekend + Theme Park Passes

According to the US Travel Association (formerly TIA), theme parks rank among the favorite family vacations. Why not make summer easy with a quick getaway to Atlanta and the thrills of Six Flags? Providing fun for the entire family Six Flags Over Georgia features 10 thrilling roller coasters, two children's themed areas, and character meet and greets with the famous cast of Six Flags, including Mr. Six, the ageless, dancing, rater-of-fun.

For 2009, Six Flags Over Georgia opened in February, kicking off their longest season ever. In honor of the longest season in its 42-year history, the park hosted the Six Flags Blanket Drive, in which guests could donate new or gently used blankets, and receive 50% off main gate admission during opening weekend. All blankets were donated to the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta's Regional Commission on Homelessness.

Extended season offers include Season Passes for $49.99, which is only $10 more than a one-day ticket, so you make up the cost within two trips. Other celebratory events taking place this season include concerts like the Radio Disney Park Jam in April, festivals, and seasonal events including military appreciation days.

In May, guests can check out the unveiling of the all-new Monsters Mansion, formerly Monsters Plantation, which will reopen featuring new characters and interactive elements. The new ride will include its own merchandise store, and visitors will enjoy the new mini-museum. Also debuting in May is Pure Country, an all-new live show opening on Memorial Day weekend in the Crystal Pistol Music Hall. This is a high-energy show, with song and dance routines that will have guests joining in to sing along to the hottest songs of country music.

Families can choose from one of six participating Atlanta Marriott Hotels and take advantage of the Atlanta Six Flags Over Georgia package, designed for a family of two to four, and priced at only $119-$225/N per room. This rate includes one night's room plus two, three, or four theme park admission tickets, breakfast, and complimentary hotel parking.

You can chill with a day of rafting on Thunder River (temporarily closed), cool off at Skull Island -- or try the giant Goliath rollercoaster, soaring more than 200-feet above the park. If you're feeling nostalgic, check out the Great American Scream Machine, once earth's tallest roller coaster it is still one of the longest and tallest wooden roller coasters in the world.

When you've tired of the lines and the heat, stop by Cold Stone Express to enjoy pre-mixed Cold Stone favorites, like waffle cones and chocolate dipped cones, before returning to your choice of Marriotts and relax amidst the luxurious comforts, such as the deluxe new bedding with softer sheets, thicker mattresses and more pillows.

If you want to make a weekend of it and -- why not, since Atlanta has lots of fun family attractions that you can read about here -- here's a better deal. Spend two nights, and get two-day park tickets, for just $330 per stay. With the weekend option, your theme park tickets may be used at either Six Flags Over Georgia or Six Flags White Water.

Participating Marriott properties include: Atlanta Marriott Northwest (starting rates from $129/N), Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center ($124-$149/N), Courtyard Atlanta Cumberland Center ($139-$169/N), Courtyard Atlanta at Six Flags ($145-$225/N), Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Vinings ($124/N), Residence Inn Atlanta Cumberland ($119-$159/N) and Courtyard Marietta/I-75 North ($129-$159/N). Both packages are available through the parks' very long season, until Oct. 31, 2009.

For more information and reservations, call your travel agent or the hotel at 888/236-2427. Be sure to check out the Marriott and ask for promotional code THM.