Posted on

Theme Park Thrills Revealed: Get the Best Bang for Your Buck

Summer… it’s fast approaching, and that means it’s almost time to load up the kids, fly them across the country and give them a vacation that will make them love you forever. We’re talking about the theme park experience!

According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, there are more than 400 theme parks operating in the United States today. That means it won’t be easy to pick out the best one to take your family to. There are a ton of factors to consider, from ticket cost to park size to how much they’re going to overcharge you for a bottle of water inside the park. Well, we want to help. That’s why we’ve put together a breakdown of 10 of the biggest theme parks in the country. Use it to figure out which one will give you the best bang for your buck and give your family the best vacation ever.

Theme Park Comparisons - Ebates

Want to share our infographic on your site? Just copy and paste the text below!

 

Disneyland: Built in 1955 under the direct supervision of Walt Disney himself, this was the place that transformed theme parks from one-day pit stops into multi-day experiences you could build a whole vacation around. Disneyland features some of the most famous, family friendly rides in the world, including Splash Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean and Dumbo’s Flight. It also features nearly all the characters your kids love right now, with chances for them to meet their favorite Avenger, Jedi or princess waiting around every corner. It’s hard not to make some amazing family memories at Disneyland, and the people at Disney know it. You’ll be lucky to get away with spending less than $1,000 a day at this park on a family of four, especially with half the attractions now relegated to a second park: Disney California Adventure. Get ready to pony up for a second ticket if you want the full experience.

Walt Disney World: Disney’s Florida park is a few hundred times bigger than its California counterpart, and that extra size is reflected in its extra expensive ticket prices. Is the added space worth the additional cost? It all depends on your family’s tastes. Disney World lacks some of Disneyland’s more popular attractions, including the kid-favorite Cars Land. You can also forget about any appearances by your favorite Marvel characters (Disney doesn’t have the theme park rights to them in Florida). However, there are a ton of unique attractions, including the Test Track which, at $300 Million, is still the most expensive coaster ever built. They also have a 600-acre animal preserve and the soon-to-be-opened Avatar Land.

Universal Studios: While Universal Hollywood is technically bigger than Disneyland, a majority of its space is taken up by the Studio Tour, a tram ride that takes you across the Universal Backlot. If you come from a family of film buffs, it might be worth the visit, but if they’re more interested in the traditional theme park experience, Universal doesn’t have quite so much to offer. With fewer than 20 rides and attractions total, you could traverse the entire park in just a few hours. Of course, you may still find your kids begging to go if they’re big Harry Potter fans; the newly opened Wizarding World of Harry Potter offers every wannabe wizard his or her very own acceptance letter to Hogwarts. Smaller muggles can jump on The Flight of the Hoppogriff if they want a fun first roller coaster experience, while those with advanced degrees in witchcraft and wizardry can try Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey which combines 3D movies and animatronics to give you the full Hogwarts experience. Just be warned, the new attractions are so popular that people are reporting having to wait in line over five hours to get on.

Busch Gardens: With two locations — one in Williamsburg, Virginia, and one in Tampa, Florida — the Busch Gardens parks offer their visitors a slightly more adult theme park experience. The Tampa park is Safari themed with dozens of wildlife attractions. The Williamsburg park has a European theme with sections modeled after villages in England, France, Germany, Italy, Scotland and Ireland. But both parks’ true attractions are their rides; Busch Gardens features some of the most innovative and thrilling roller coasters in the world. While each park also has a kid-friendly Sesame Street area, the scary coasters and readily available beer (this is a park owned by a beer company, after all) make them a much better vacation for an older crowd.

Knott’s Berry Farm: Built on the site of an old berry farm (that’s how it got the name, folks!), Knott’s is an ideal park for families looking to strike a balance between entertainment for all ages and affordable prices. Tickets are only $72 for adults and $69 for kids — one of the cheapest on our list. The rides also range from completely kid-friendly to absolutely terrifying; there’s something for every level of thrill seeker in your family. The hotels are also shockingly cheap, with a four-night stay running you less than $700 (breakfast included). The park’s one big drawback is its location. Situated in Buena Park, California, there are no other tourist locations in the immediate area. So if you want to do anything on your vacation besides tour the park, you’ll have to pay for extra transportation.

Cedar Point: Located on the coast of Lake Erie in Ohio, Cedar Point calls itself the Roller Coaster Capital of the World. And even though it only has the second-most coasters in the world, that title is still hard to dispute. Amusement Today has named it the best theme park in the world for 16 consecutive years. It’s also the only park in all the globe to feature coasters in all four height classes (kiddie coaster, hyper coaster, giga coaster and strata coaster), including the Top Thrill Dragster which holds the American speed record for coasters at 125 miles per hour. This may not be the ideal park for a family visit, but with tickets costing only $39.99 apiece, it’s the perfect park for a group of teenagers or young adults on their first solo vacation.

Hersheypark: Built in 1903, this is the oldest park on the list. Tickets only cost $32 a day, and there are more than 70 rides and attractions, including a fully-functioning zoo, making this a great vacation spot for families on a budget. The big draw, however, is the chocolate. Anyone obsessed with Hershey’s will be in heaven touring its factory or indulging in the exclusive sweets and snacks available in the Hershey’s Chocolate World Visitor’s Center.

Six Flags Magic Mountain: There are 19 different Six Flags parks operating today, but this is the only one that can boast of having the most roller coasters in the world. With 19 separate coasters, all designed with a huge range of speeds and heights, this is another great park for thrill seekers of any age. They even have a Looney Tunes themed drop ride called Sylvester’s Pounce House, which allows younger riders to experience a less intense free fall. Located in California — just outside of Los Angeles — it makes a great day trip for families visiting the West Coast.

Six Flags Great Adventure: Situated in New Jersey right between New York and Pennsylvania, Six Flags Great Adventure is an ideal vacation spot for families that can’t travel too far from the East Coast. But its location doesn’t mean it lacks anything in size. In fact, Great Adventure is the second-largest theme park in the world after Disney World. It comes complete with a full water park and wildlife preserve to go along with its more traditional attractions and rides, including the Kingda Ka which, at 456 feet, is the tallest coaster in the world. And, like Magic Mountain, the tickets are very affordable; they’re less than $60 a day for kids and adults.

Legoland: Do your kids love Lego? Do they really, really love Lego? If the answer is yes, then you could give them the vacation of their dreams by taking them to this park inspired by their favorite building blocks. But keep in mind you’ll be sacrificing all your adult vacation fun; more than any park on this list, Legoland caters mainly to children. All the rides and attractions are designed with little riders in mind, the most intense one being described as a “family coaster.” The tickets aren’t cheap, with both adults and kids costing more than $100. But it might be worth it if your child has always wanted to see a Lego model of Mount Rushmore.

Win a Disneyland Family Vacation Giveaway!

Find out how you can win a Disneyland Anaheim vacation prize package, including a four-night stay for four at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel or Disneyland Hotel!

Balloons on a blue background

 

Source List
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Disney_World
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Flags_Magic_Mountain
https://media.universalorlando.com/resources/factsheets/…
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g32655-d78694-Reviews…
http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-disneyland-disneyworld-20150812-htmlstory.html
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/offers-discounts/tickets-savings-days/

 

Posted on

The Money Behind Our Most Beloved Movie Proms

Prom! It’s the most magical time in a teenager’s life. Or at least it’s supposed to be. More often than not, prom night ends with lame decorations, dashed expectations and nasty hangovers. But there’s one place where prom night is always as awesome and epic as it is in your imagination: the movies. From blood-soaked queens to time-traveling teens, the movies have given us some truly memorable prom scenes over the years. They’re the proms we only wish ours could be like. But why wish? You can have a prom just like the one in your favorite movie, if you’ve got the money to spend. That’s why we decided to do a cost analysis of our favorite movie proms.

(Full disclosure: Not every scene we looked at was a prom scene. But we just couldn’t imagine doing this list without including school dances like the Enchantment Under the Sea dance from “Back to the Future” or the Spring Fling from “Mean Girls.”)

Cost Analysis of Movie Proms - Ebates

Want to share our infographic on your site? Just copy and paste the text below!

 

Party Like It’s 1999

We looked at 16 different school dance scenes for this list, starting in 1928 when Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed jitterbugged their way into the school pool in “It’s a Wonderful Life” and waltzing all the way to 2008 when Bella and Edward shared their first dance at the end of “Twilight.” That’s 80 years of proms. Aside from the rising cost of tickets (The cost of prom tickets was just $16 in 1928; by 2008, it had jumped all the way to $200.), the biggest thing we learned is that if you want a prom like in the movies, then you’ve got to party like it’s 1999! 1999 was a magical year that featured more iconic prom scenes than any other year on the list. It was the year Julia Stiles told Heath Ledger “10 Things I Hate About You,” Rachel Leigh Cook proved to her whole school that “She’s All That” and a group of friends got their first slice of “American Pie.” So if you want the most guaranteed shot at some awesome prom action, then you’ll want to break out the Spice Girls CDs and put on your finest TRL-inspired fashion, because 1999 was the year when prom truly ruled.

Location, Location, Location

The good news for anyone trying to replicate a favorite movie prom is that the location fee is probably going to be pretty cheap. Eleven of the 16 proms we examined took place in a school gym, which can usually be secured for free. However, if you do want to recreate the look of your favorite off-campus movie prom, you can. Many of the locations used in movies like “Pretty in Pink” and “Footloose” are still available to rent today, if you’ve got the money. Three of those scenes took place in some iconic and expensive hotels that will charge you more than $25,000 for a single night of entertainment. The Ebell of Los Angeles, where everyone found out Drew Barrymore wasn’t a teenager but actually an undercover reporter in “Never Been Kissed,” will charge you $30,000. The Millennium Biltmore Hotel from “Pretty in Pink” will run up a $28,354 tab. And the Century Ballroom in Seattle from “10 Things I Hate About You” costs $25,000.

Of course, hotels aren’t the only place you can have a memorable off-campus prom. If you want to recreate the rule-breaking barn prom from the end of “Footloose,” you can rent out the Lehi Roller Mills in Utah for just $4,250. Or if you want a supernatural prom underneath gray Seattle skies, just like Edward and Bella, you can rent the same inn where “Twilight” went to prom. The View Point Inn is the cheapest on this list, costing you only $3,333 for the night.

Wherever you decide to host your prom, just remember: Most of these proms are memorable because of what happened at them, not where they happened. Let’s just hope you have something as memorable as a musical performance by your “Back to the Future” son at your prom!

Class Act

Another cost-cutting benefit of most of your favorite movie proms is that they use DJs as the entertainment, not live bands. DJs are relatively cheap to rent for the evening, and in most cases, you can probably just find a student at your school who will do the job for free.

Unfortunately, if you do want to hire a band that appeared in one your favorite prom scenes, it’s going to be tough. Some of them, like Marvin Berry and the Starlighters from “Back to the Future” or Johnny Casino and the Gamblers from “Grease,” were entirely fictional. Other bands, like Letters to Cleo from “10 Things I Hate About You,” have since broken up and won’t perform again for any price. However, there is one movie prom musician who is still performing to this day: Usher. His character sang and spun records at the prom in “She’s All That,” and he’ll come perform at your prom too, if you have $150,000 to cover his fee.

Best Night Ever?

There are a lot of things you can buy to replicate your favorite movie proms, but there are certain things that money just can’t get you. At the end of the day, these dances weren’t memorable because the prom committee had hundreds of thousands of dollars to shell out on the fanciest hotel in town. They were memorable because they featured beloved characters, insane adventures and a few overly choreographed dance routines. And, of course, a few of the cooler couples getting lucky. But not as many as you’d think! More of the movies on this list feature couples breaking up at prom than ending up together. Only a few lucky couples, like George and Elaine from “Back to the Future” or Blake and Andie from “Pretty in Pink,” get to share a first kiss at the end of prom. And we only see one couple from all 16 movies actually going all the way on prom night: Jim and Michelle from “American Pie.” Most of the couples end prom broken up, like Danny and Sandy at the end of the dance scene in “Grease” or Kit and Patrick from “10 Things I Hate About You.”

So maybe movie proms aren’t all that different from real-life proms. Anyone’s night can end in dashed expectations, no matter how much money they have to spend. The important thing is to have fun and party, because it’s up to you to make prom the best night of your life.

Source List – links to referenced sites.
http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2014/03/paying_for_prom_how_much_did_y.html
http://www.movie-locations.com
http://www.womangettingmarried.com/ebell-los-angeles/

Posted on

Running on Empty: A Cost Analysis of Movie Road Trips

According to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association there are more than 4 million miles of road in the United States, and if you’re an adventurous motorist, they can take you to some pretty exciting places. Maybe that’s why the great American road trip has become such a staple of American cinema; there are endless stories to be told on the open road, from men trying to return to their families like “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” to women trying to escape theirs, like in “Thelma and Louise,” or from two friends searching for the perfect trip in “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” to two friends searching for the perfect cure for the munchies in “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle.” Movies have reminded us time and time again that if you want something, it’s out there somewhere; you just have to put some serious time behind the wheel to get it.

Of course, movies also like to remind us that these trips almost always come with their fair share of unforeseen accidents, adventures and incidents, and most of them will end up costing you a lot more than your time. Travel can be awfully expensive, so that’s why we’ve put together a list of our favorite movie road trips and compared them by cost. Hopefully this will help you out next time you end up on the highway with a dead relative strapped to your roof or stuffed in your trunk.

Movie Road Trips Infographic

 

For our analysis, we started with 10 of the most popular road trip movies ever made:

  • National Lampoon’s Vacation
  • Tommy Boy
  • Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
  • Easy Rider
  • Road Trip
  • Planes, Trains and Automobiles
  • Little Miss Sunshine
  • Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle
  • Thelma and Louise

Right away, it seems that a good way to cut costs on a road trip is to make it a two-person affair. Seven out of these 10 movies only feature two protagonists — usually best friends like Harold and Kumar or Thelma and Louise, but sometimes they’re forced together like Neal and Del in “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” The only trips to feature more than two travelers are “Vacation,” “Road Trip” and “Little Miss Sunshine.” And while these all turned out to be amazing bonding experiences for friends or families, the effort of moving multiple people really blew up the cost. Nowhere is this more clear than in the types of vehicles used. Harry and Lloyd from “Dumb and Dumber” managed to travel 700 miles on a mini bike that got 70 miles to the gallon. They may have looked silly scrunched up on a bike meant for one, but they saved some serious cash. Clark Griswold, on the other hand, needed an entire Queen Wagon Family Truckster to transport his clan from Chicago to Los Angeles. This gas-guzzling station wagon ran at a measly 17 miles to the gallon. Add that to the fact the movie was released at the height of the OPEC oil crisis in the early 1980s and you have to wonder if that trip to Wally World was really worth it.

The Griswolds also traveled the longest distance to reach their destination, trekking a grand total of 2,395 miles. But they’re trailed closely by Harry and Lloyd, who traveled all the way from New Jersey to Aspen in order to return Mary Swanson’s forgotten briefcase. Those 2,144 miles are a long way to go for a random act of kindness (and to screw up a kidnapping ransom!). The other trips on our list don’t come anywhere near the distance covered by these two, with most of them falling well under 1,000 total miles. But that doesn’t mean they’re any less eventful. Harold and Kumar’s trip was by far the shortest, only 70 miles from Hoboken to New Brunswick in search of their favorite hamburgers. But in that relatively short span of road, they encountered everything from an escaped cheetah to Neil Patrick Harris. Or look at Neal Page in “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” What started as a two-hour plane trip from New York City to Chicago turned into a multi-day journey into a pit of human frustration, complete with derailed trains, disappearing rental cars and an annoying travel companion who followed him every step of the way. At the end of the day, distance barely seems to matter on these trips; it’s all the obstacles in the way that you’ll really remember.

And if any of these movies are even the slightest bit true, you will face a lot of obstacles too. Some of them might be really bad; hopefully you don’t end your road trip getting blown up by angry hillbillies like in “Easy Rider” or flying off a cliff like in “Thelma and Louise.” But you could end up losing your hubcaps like Clark Griswold when he was giving directions to a group of duplicitous strangers, an extra expense that tagged an additional $160 to the price of his trip. Or you could blow your budget by accidentally running up a charge of $1,560 worth of Las Vegas room service, like the heroes of “Fear and Loathing.”

Of course, some additional expenses might be totally worth it. Harold and Kumar may not have been planning on spending $86 on fast food at the start of their trip, but by the end of it, they had certainly earned it. Or you could spend $257,000 on a brand new Lamborghini like Harry and Lloyd did. OK, it was probably a tad expensive, but perfect for blending into an affluent town like Aspen. Plus, it’s easy to spend that kind of cash when it’s coming out of someone else’s briefcase. (Just make sure you include an IOU.)

Road trips can be costly propositions, but whatever you end up spending, you always make up for it in amazing memories. So next time you want to bond with your family or friends, see some amazing places or chow down on the perfect burger, remember that the open road is out there waiting for you. You just have to get in your car and drive.

Want to share our infographic on your site? Just copy and paste the text below!

 

Source List –
http://www.artba.org/about/transportation-faqs/#9
http://energy.gov/eere/vehicles/fact-835-august-25-average-historical-annual-gasoline-pump-price-1929-2013
http://www.automobile-catalog.com/make/ford_usa/ltd_usa_4gen/ltd_usa_4gen_country_squire/1979.html
http://order.whitecastle.com/
ebay.com
http://maps.google.com

Posted on

Infographic: Making the Most of Airline Perks

If you’re in the air often, you know flying can be a trying necessity of travel — often punctuated by crying children, cramped legroom and other not-so-luxurious aspects of airplane culture. However, you can sweeten the deal somewhat by making the most of your hours in flight. Let’s explore the best airline perks and rewards available so your time aloft can be put to work.

Making the Most of Airline Perks - Ebates

 

Points Pointers

The first thing most people think of when they consider “travel payback” is rewards programs, which can offer anything from free future air travel to various other perks in return for your time spent in their seats. The usefulness of rewards programs tends to be subjective, however, based on your style of travel. Determine where you travel and how often, then consider the following:

  • Number of daily flights the airline offers and where it flies: An airline that doesn’t fly to your favorite destinations is useless.
  • When do you wish to fly? Many travelers like to use their points or rewards during popular holiday periods. Frankly, this can be a crapshoot — but if you’re willing to wait to book one to two weeks before the holiday, airlines tend to release extra award seats then.
  • Ease of earning a free flight: How many different ways can you earn points? Flights, hotel stays, general charges on your credit card?
  • Ease of using your points: What are the blackout dates? How long before points expire? Can you combine points with cash for flights? Are the rules for point usage confusing?
  • General quality of the airline: It goes without saying, but some airlines’ customer service just can’t get off the ground. Is it worth it to fly an airline you personally dislike, even if the perks are good?

A Few Tips to Speed Up Rewards

When accumulating awards points, the one thing everyone wants to do is figure out how to accelerate the process. Consider the following:

  • Fly multiple legs: Forgoing direct flights is a bit of a drag, but if you have the time, you’ll accumulate more points for each leg of your journey than if you flew nonstop.
  • Beg your company to upgrade you: Flying business or first class will earn you more miles by far. Tell your boss you deserve it, right?
  • Research reward credit cards: Some are airline-specific, and some just offer generic point rewards that can be applied to many things (shopping, etc.). Cards like American Express offer simple, generic programs that link to travel with points earned per dollar spent. Or try Southwest’s Rapid Rewards Visa, which partners with companies such as Hertz and Hyatt. If you travel internationally, consider a card geared toward that, such as British Airways’ Visa Signature. It offers perks like no foreign transaction fees and plenty of international reward flight options.
  • Link your rewards programs: A hotel chain-related credit card with high reward gain for property stays, such as the Starwood Preferred Guest AmEx, allows you to redirect hotel and car rewards toward your flights.

Loyalty Programs: Good, Better, Best

It’s worth it to compare airline-specific perks programs when determining which carrier you’d like to give your loyalty (and dollars) to.  Most of the major airline loyalty programs offer the basic perks: free preferred seating, free checked bags (the number you can check free varies, however) and priority check-in/security/boarding.

But if you’re looking for something more, here are a few extra perks to add to your arsenal:

  • Delta SkyMiles: No same-day change fee at 50,000 miles.
  • United Mileage Plus: Discounted same-day change fee.
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards: Free drink coupons and free Wi-Fi on 50 flights per year.
  • JetBlue True Blue: No change fees or cancellation fees for both you and your companions.
  • Alaska Mileage Plan: Free premium drinks and movies, and no change fee.
  • Hawaiian HawaiianMiles: Free unlimited TV and lounge access.

Loungin’ Around

Layovers elicit a universal ugh. But layovers in an airport lounge with free cocktails, food, Wi-Fi and TV make those boring hours go by much faster. Wondering how to score access? We’ve got the goods on how to get in.

  • Attain premier status: This is for those who fly one airline exclusively, as many of the major carriers offer lounge access for frequent flying members.
  • Put your credit card to work: Airline rewards credit cards, as well as some of the basics (such as AmEx Platinum), offer reduced-cost or free day passes. Check to see if it’s included in the annual fee — and if the annual fee makes sense for your budget. If the fee is too high for your personal comfort, say nay.
  • Beg, borrow or swap: Believe it or not, you can swap day passes on travel forums or purchase them at low prices on eBay or Craigslist.

Which lounges are the best?

Look for unique features, such as:

  • The children’s play area at the AA Admirals Club in Los Angeles (Terminal 4)
  • The multi-level space with private showers at the United Club in Houston (Terminal E)
  • The high-tech entertainment zone and a la carte meals at NYC/JFK’s Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (Terminal 4)

While we can’t do anything about the seat recliner in front of you or the armrest hog in the middle seat, we hope our tips have given you a blueprint on how to navigate the most lucrative payback for flying the friendly skies. Bon voyage!

 

Want to share our infographic on your site? Just copy and paste the text below!

 

 

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

Posted on

Infographic: Comparing the Costs of Pets

There are few things more rewarding than owning a pet. Animals provide comfort and companionship, and they make any household much happier.

It’s tough, though, to know exactly what you’re getting into financially when deciding to adopt a pet. Many factors come into play, such as the cost of pet supplies, food, veterinary care and more.

Read on to learn about all of the expenses involved in caring for the most common pets.

Comparing the Costs of Pets - Ebates

Want to share our infographic on your site? Just copy and paste the text below!

Cats

The adoption rate for the average furry feline usually ranges between $0 and $200. Pricing depends on the breed of the cat and any special needs it may have. The yearly cost of cat food averages out to about $120 for regular food but can rocket up to $500 for fancier or special brands.

When it comes to veterinary care, the first year of exams will cost anywhere between $50 and $100. Every year after that will cost about $50 to $400. Those prices won’t necessarily break your bank, but be mindful of emergency vet care; that can cost up to a staggering $2,000. Spaying and neutering your cat is considerably less expensive. Certain places will do it for free, and the most it will cost is generally around $200. It should be noted, however, that it is usually $25 to $30 extra to neuter your kitty if it is in heat and $50 to $100 more if the cat is pregnant.

Waste management can cost a little more than the average pet: litter boxes are about $20, kitty litter (two bags a month) runs about $15 and a generic scooper starts at $5. Boarding your kitten usually costs between $20 to $100 a day, per cat, and cat-sitters charge about $16 a visit.

When it comes to training, the average cost is nothing but a whole lot of hissing and scratching (seriously, don’t attempt to train your wonderfully independent cat. It’ll have none of it).

Dogs

The adoption rate for the average dog usually ranges between $0 and $500, depending on availability and breed. It usually costs $120 to $500 a year for generic dog food and between $840 and $1,000 a year for higher-quality or specialty dog food.

The first year of doggy vet care is ultimately a bit more expensive than cats’, ranging from $45 to $200. Every year afterwards costs anywhere between $20 and $100. Emergency care, though, can cost up to $2,000, the same as cats. Spaying and neutering your dog is considerably more expensive than your average cat. It can cost anywhere between $35 and $200, plus $25 extra if it’s in heat and $50 to $125 if pregnant.

Waste management is pretty affordable when it comes to dogs: One pack of doggy waste bags, purchased twice a month, will cost $10 to $20, and professional waste cleanup services generally cost about $10 to $15 weekly. Depending on the establishment and services offered, boarding a dog will cost anywhere from $50 to $100 a day, per dog, and it’ll be, on average, $15 to $25 per day to hire a dog walker. Training your dog will usually cost $30 to $250 in the first year, and up to $200 every year afterwards.

Fish

Purchasing fish is a relatively cheap investment. Depending on the species, your average freshwater fish will cost anywhere between $1 and $25. The deepest investment comes with the fish tank and its setup. A small to medium freshwater tank usually costs between $100 and $200, gravel costs about $15, decorative tank plants cost about $35 and the filter will cost around $40.  Food for the average freshwater fish costs a mere $20 a year.

Rabbits

The adoption price of a rabbit is generally inexpensive and, depending on the particular store and breed, ranges between $5 and $50. Depending on its size and complexity, your rabbit’s cage and/or enclosure will usually cost anywhere from $30 to $200. When feeding your rabbit, you can opt for hay or pellets, or you can do both. Hay generally costs between $7 and $30 monthly, and pellets around $10 a month. Waste management is relatively inexpensive for rabbits: Wood pellets cost about $4.50 a month and wood shavings are $10 for five bales every two months. Veterinary care ranges from $40 to $100 yearly, and you can expect between $100 and $150 for emergency visits.

Birds

Depending on their size and breed, birds can cost anywhere from $20 to a whopping $3,000. Also depending on size, birdcages cost anywhere between $60 and $1,000. For smaller and more generic breeds, bird feed usually costs around $9, but for larger or more exotic breeds, feed can cost up to $20 a pop. Veterinary care isn’t too pricey, and exams usually range from about $50 to $100.

Hamsters

Hamsters are a pretty cheap (and cute) investment, and their purchase rate is generally between $0 and $10. Hamster cages often cost around $30, with hamster water bottles selling for around $8 and hamster wheels around $15. Bedding will usually cost $15 in total. Food is pretty inexpensive as well, costing $12 for a typical 5-pound bag.

No matter the costs, pets provide the best form of companionship and love. Shop for supplies for your furry and non-furry friends at these stores to earn Cash Back: PetSmart, Pet Fancy, BarkBox, and Pet Plus.

Sources:
http://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Costs_of_rabbit_ownership
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1794&aid=1516
https://www.petfinder.com/pet-adoption/cat-adoption/annual-cat-care-costs/
http://veterinarybusiness.dvm360.com/slideshow-top-5-most-expensive-cat-breeds
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/01/savings-experiment-cats-versus-dogs/
http://pets.costhelper.com/spay-neuter-dog.html
http://www.care.com/pet-care-pet-care-cost-p1145-q7401.html
http://www.poop911.com/california/rancho-cucamonga-pasadena…
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/feeding.htm
https://www.aspca.org/adopt/pet-care-costs
http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/spending/T063-S001-the-cost-of-owning…
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=16+2168&aid=1525

 

 

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

Posted on

Infographic: Cyber Monday Hour by Hour

You know Cyber Monday is a huge shopping day, but do you know exactly what time you should log on to score what you’re looking for? Here’s a breakdown of the key Cyber Monday shopping trends that online shoppers have created from 2012 until the present year.

Cyber Monday Shopping Hour by Hour - Ebates

2012

  • Cyber Monday shopping peaked at 11 a.m. EST, with another strong spike at 9 p.m.
  • These peaks are most likely due to commuting patterns of people working traditional hours; they shop online while at work and again when they’re home.
  • Cyber Monday sales increased by 30.3% from 2011.
  • 18% of online shoppers used a mobile device to shop online, an increase of more than 70% from 2011.

2013

  • Like in 2012, average peak browsing time was 11 a.m. EST.
  • Afternoon browsing peaked around 1 p.m.
  • These numbers likely mean that shoppers were browsing during work hours and on their lunch breaks.
  • Use of mobile and tablet devices nearly doubled to 30% of all site traffic.

2014

  • The best deals were in the morning, with an average discount of 23%.
  • 67% of all online deals were posted before 5 p.m. EST.
  • Average peak browsing time was 9 p.m.
  • Mobile and tablet devices accounted for 41% of all site traffic. These numbers represent a move away from lunchtime laptop (or desktop) browsing and toward “at home” browsing on mobile devices in the evening.
  • Cyber Monday shopping was at its lowest at 5 p.m.

Before Cyber Monday

With more retailers offering deals on and even before Thanksgiving, we’ve seen a large uptick in pre-Cyber Monday and even pre-Black Friday shopping. So make sure you’re keeping an eye out for deals in the days leading up to Thanksgiving!

  • In 2014, mobile web shopping at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day accounted for 50% of retail traffic.
  • Also in 2014, the Monday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 24, saw a 100% year-over-year uptick in activity.

Did You Know?

  • Cyber Monday sales have increased every year since its inception in 2006.
  • Sales have grown by 14% or higher each year.
  • In 2014, Cyber Monday was recorded as the most popular shopping day of the season.
  • In 2014, retail traffic reached 13 million pageviews per minute, up 16% from 2013.

So What Should I Do?

  • Know that evening is the busiest online shopping time, so you’re competing with more shoppers and items are more likely to disappear faster.
  • If you’re shopping for a specific item, shop in the morning. You’re competing with fewer people and more items will still be in stock.
  • Shop after 10 p.m. EST on Cyber Monday if you’re just browsing or buying a variety of items. The rush will be over and retailers just may be willing to further discount items that haven’t sold.
  • Keep an eye out for deals starting the Monday before Thanksgiving — or even before. Online deals aren’t just relegated to Cyber Monday anymore!

Happy shopping!

Want to share our infographic on your site? Just copy and paste the text below!

 

Sources:
https://www.akamai.com/us/en/about/news/press/2015-press/akamai-releases-2014-online-holiday-shopping-trends-and-traffic-report.jsp
http://www.fierceretail.com/story/holiday-web-traffic-peaked-cyber-monday-2014/2015-03-30
https://blogs.akamai.com/2012/11/huge-traffic-volumes-on-black-friday.html
https://blogs.akamai.com/2015/04/black-friday-and-cyber-monday-rum-insights—part-i.html
http://dealnews.com/features/About-Half-of-Shoppers-Will-Buy-Cyber-Monday-Deals-While-at-Work/1484785.html
http://money.cnn.com/2009/12/01/news/economy/cyber_monday_shopping/

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

Posted on

Infographic: The Hottest Gifts of 2015

The holiday shopping season is upon us, and with it comes a whole set of questions. What are the hottest gifts? Who’s buying what for whom, and who’s hardest to shop for? The results of Ebates’ 2015 holiday survey are in. Here’s what we found out:

Ebates Hottest Gifts 2015

 

What Adults Want vs. What Teens Want

  • Clothing or shoes: 69% of adults vs. 68% of teens
  • Laptop: 35% of adults vs. 33% of teens
  • iPhone or Samsung Galaxy: 35% of adults and 35% of teens
  • Vacation: 32% of adults vs. 21% of teens

Star Wars Toys Are Not as Popular

Sorry, Star Wars. A mere 19% of adults would like to receive a Star Wars toy this year, and even fewer teens (only 9%).

60% of Americans Have Unrealistic Holiday Budgets

  • 28% of Americans plan to spend between $250 and $500 on holiday gifts this year.
  • 20% plan to spend between $100 and $250.
  • 12% plan to spend less than $100.

A Small Percentage of Big Spenders

  • 26% of Americans plan to spend between $500 and $1,000 this holiday season.
  • 15% of Americans will go big this holiday season, with spending over $1,000.

Who Are We Spending the Most On?

  • 35% of American adults said their children.
  • 29% said significant others.
  • 20% said they’d be spending the most on their parents.

Across the Board, Parents Are Hardest to Shop For

  • 39% of teens say Mom is hardest to shop for.
  • 42% say Dad is the most difficult.
  • 31% of adults find Mom hardest to shop for.
  • 30% of adults say Dad is hardest.
  • 31% of adults say their significant other is the trickiest to shop for.

Bosses and Siblings Are Easiest

  • A whopping 95% of American adults said their bosses are easiest to shop for.
  • 88% of adults and 87% of teens say their siblings give them the least trouble.

Takeaways

Our Holiday 2015 Survey left us with some interesting conclusions:

  • Bosses are some of the easiest people to shop for.
  • Parents’ and teens’ holiday gift preferences are not all that different.
  • No one wants Star Wars stuff this year. (Come on, seriously?)
  • Adults want a vacation way more than teens do.

OK, maybe that last one isn’t especially surprising.

Happy holidays from Ebates!

Want to share our infographic on your site? Just copy and paste the text below!

Source: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20151118005432/en/Ebates.com-Holiday-Survey-Clothes-Beat-Tech-Star

 

 

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

Posted on

Infographic: Dad’s Black Friday Survival Guide

Dads. They’re the unsung heroes on Black Friday. They drive packs of kids to and from the mall that day. They wait in parking lots while their wives ransack favorite department stores. They do so much of the work that makes Black Friday possible and get none of the credit. Well, dads of the world, we can’t give you a trophy for your acts of Black Friday selflessness, but we can show you how to make your Black Friday a little bit more enjoyable and a whole lot less stressful.

Ebates Dad's Black Friday Survival Guide

 

Step 1: Be a Park Shark

There are a lot of things that are going to push you over the edge on Black Friday, but finding a parking spot has to be at the very top of the list. Spending hours circling a mall lot looking for a place to park can make you feel like you’re trapped in some kind of sedan-filled time loop. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to keep from going crazy. The first, and most important, tip is to let all the other riders out of the car first. It’s hard to stay calm with a bunch of back-seat drivers telling you what to do. Once they’re out and safely at the front of the store, don’t continuously circle the same spots — it’s Black Friday; no one is going anywhere for a while. Instead, try to find the spots other people are avoiding. The back of the lot may seem like a long walk, but you save a lot of time in the long run if you just take a spot and move on.

Step 2: Stay Away From Savings

If the rest of your family wants to kill themselves grappling with other shoppers to save a few bucks, that’s their business. You just want to get through the day avoiding serious bodily harm. The best way to do that is to stay away from any store that’s offering insane sales. JCPenney and Macy’s are the two prominent mall stores that typically have the biggest sales, which means they’ll attract the biggest crowds. Get as far away from them as you can if you want to stay out of danger. Better yet, why not seek out the stores that offer lower savings? Big Lots and Costco both offer statistically low savings on Black Friday. Head over there for a few hours and you should be able to avoid getting trampled.

Step 3: Become a Food Court King

The food court isn’t just a great place to kill some time dining on the finest pretzels and cheese the mall has to offer; it can also be a great place to really unwind. There are some fast food restaurants that will serve you alcohol with your mass-produced meals. Baja Fresh and Chipotle both offer beer and margaritas in the $4 to $7 range. Sbarro, meanwhile, will give you an entire bottle of wine for $23.99 (but maybe only go for that option if you’re sharing it with a few other dads). While we must stress that this tip is only for dads who are going to be spending at least three more hours at the mall, grabbing a few drinks could really help you get through Black Friday with a smile on your face.

Step 4: Catch a Movie

“Holiday Movie Season” is total “Dad Movie Season.” It’s when all the overly long, self-serious historical dramas that dads love come out. Thank goodness it lines up so perfectly with Black Friday. This year, there are a ton of awesome Dad movies out in theaters, including “Bridge of Spies,” a three-hour Cold War spy drama directed by Steven Spielberg; “The 33,” a testosterone-fueled true story epic about a bunch of miners trapped in a cave; and the Rocky sequel “Creed.” Best of all, there’s “Spectre,” and everyone knows that all dads are genetically predisposed to love James Bond movies; they just can’t help it. See one or two or all four of these movies on Black Friday and the day will be over before the final credits roll.

Extra Tips: If you really want to come out of Black Friday feeling like a million bucks (instead of just feeling like your family spent a million bucks), use the day to get some exercise in. The mall is actually a great place to get fit. The long corridors and hallways are perfect for power walking; you can use mall benches to assist in leg stretches, sit-ups or other small exercises; and if you look for it, you should even be able to find a staircase — climb it a few dozen times instead of taking the elevator or escalator. Bring an iPod along so you can drown out the crowds by listening to some of your favorite Dad rock (all of The Moody Blues’ albums are available on iTunes) or getting through a big chunk of the latest Tom Clancy audiobook.

Finally, the best Black Friday survival tip for dads? Skip it! Try and convince your family to just forget Black Friday altogether. After all, Cyber Monday is right around the corner — and your kids spend their entire life on the Internet anyway!

 

Want to share our infographic on your site? Just copy and paste the text below!

Sources:
https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-retailers-for-black-friday/8385/
http://www.slate.com/articles/life/food/2012/04/fast_food_restaurants…

 

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

Posted on

Cyber Monday vs. Black Friday: Statistics & Shopping Tips [Infographic]

Black Friday is fast approaching, and so is its close cousin Cyber Monday. A massive 48 percent of Americans plan to shop on Black Friday, and 42 percent of Americans plan on shopping on Cyber Monday. But are Black Friday deals or Cyber Monday deals better? Which day will save you the most while causing you the least stress? It’s Black Friday vs Cyber Monday! Arm yourself with these statistics and shopping tips before you hit up the sales.

Cyber Monday vs Black Friday - Ebates

 

Black Friday

Pros:

  • Black Friday has more discounts on most electronics. 2014 saw 48% of deals for headphones, 83% for iPhones and 47% for laptops land on Black Friday.
  • You get to see your items in the flesh. Over 60% of shoppers prefer to shop in the store, probably because it guarantees there are no surprises when you get home.
  • No shipping costs.
  • Some exclusive in-store deals. In 2014, Walmart offered a Vizio 65″ 1080p Smart LED LCD HDTV for $648. That’s $100 cheaper than most 65″ HDTVs — even refurbished ones — were going for at the time.

Cons:

  • Risk of injury. Since 2006, there have been 98 injuries related to Black Friday sales. While your chance of serious injury isn’t high, it’s a lot higher than it would be than if you shopped online.
  • Crowds. In 2014, 68 million people shopped in person on Black Friday. Walmart alone had 22 million shoppers altogether.
  • Bad timing. In 2014, Barnes and Noble opened at 6 a.m. Friday, while Best Buy started its sales at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving. At least 28 major national chains opened on Thanksgiving in 2014.
  • Not all stores are open on Black Friday. While plenty still open in the wee hours, some in 2015 plan to boycott the entire day. Sporting goods store REI has announced it will be closed on Black Friday 2015.

Cyber Monday

Pros:

  • It’s much faster. No driving time, and no time spent waiting in huge lines.
  • More discounts on toys and travel. Cyber Monday 2014 attracted 45% of all deals on toys and 25% of travel deals.
  • Virtually zero chance of injury, not counting the risk of spilling hot chocolate on yourself.
  • You can do more research. In 2014, 83% of Cyber Monday shoppers reported doing research online before shopping, while only 64% of Black Friday shoppers did.

Cons:

  • Items may be sold out. In 2014, “out of stock” messages on websites went up by 400% on Cyber Monday. Since you’re shopping later in the game, stores may have sold out of certain items.
  • Paying for shipping. Though shipping charges are the #1 reason customers abandon their online shopping carts — 88% of shoppers have done it — shipping costs continue to exist.
  • You’re more likely to spend more. In 2014, the average shopper spent $468 on Cyber Monday, versus an average $309 on Black Friday.
  • Your workplace might block you from Cyber Monday shopping. 30% of employers block access to online shopping sites.
  • You could technically get fired for shopping online at work. 25% of managers report that they’ve fired someone for non-work-related use of the Internet.

Thanksgiving vs. Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday

Also, remember that holiday deals start earlier each year — some folks even shop on Thanksgiving. Ebates’ 2015 holiday survey examined Americans’ shopping behaviors, and it found that when asked why they chose to begin holiday shopping on Thanksgiving, 39 percent said it was because Black Friday deals are actually starting earlier. The next-best reasons included better selection of products that haven’t been picked over (24 percent) and killing time after eating Thanksgiving dinner (18 percent).

When asked why they plan to shop on Black Friday, 81 percent of those polled said it was because they want to get the best prices on holiday gifts, and 43 percent said it is a family tradition.  Almost a quarter (24 percent) said they will shop on Black Friday to get all of their holiday shopping done in one day, and one in five (20 percent) said it’s because they “love the madness.”

Another thing to keep in mind is that some Black Friday deals are available online. More than half of surveyed people (52 percent) revealed they will shop online via their laptop this year. Meanwhile, more than a third will buy via their home computer (37 percent), and more than a quarter will use a mobile device (29 percent). Only 4 percent say they will do any Black Friday shopping via smart watch.

The bottom line is that if 4 a.m. shopping sounds like a fun adventure to you, go for the in-store experience of Black Friday. If it sounds like a nightmare, stick with the cozy safety of Cyber Monday — or even the online deals offered on Black Friday. Happy shopping!

 

Want to share our infographic on your site? Just copy and paste the text below!

 

Sources:
http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/holidays/more-holidays/black-friday-cyber-monday-wait
http://www.worldpropertyjournal.com/north-america-commercial-news/e-commerce-trends-e-commerce…
http://www.businessinsider.com/2013-black-friday-stats-2013-12
http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/
http://dealnews.com/features/How-Deals-Will-Differ-on-Thanksgiving-vs.-Black-Friday-vs.-Cyber-Monday/879878.html
http://www.theblackfriday.com/black-friday-store-hours.shtml
http://www.pymnts.com/news/social-commerce/2014/what-really-happened-on-black-friday-by-the-numbers/
http://www.wsj.com/articles/some-retailers-step-back-from-black-friday-frenzy-1446111003
http://www.ibtimes.com/stores-open-thanksgiving-2014-walmart-target-best-buy-other-store-hours-turkey-day-1729309
http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2014/12/enjoy_cyber_monday_since_more.html
http://www.metro.us/lifestyle/will-cyber-monday-shopping-get-you-fired/zsJnkz—ughjjN7FS67Rs/
https://www.forrester.com/Understanding+Shopping+Cart+Abandonment/fulltext/-/E-RES56827?objectid=RES56827

 

 

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

Posted on

The Ultimate Zombie Warrior

We all know killing zombies is no easy task. According to popular films, TV shows and books, the undead can be quite resilient. It’s best to aim for the head and decapitate the undead. To do this, you need an effective melee weapon, many of which are available on Amazon, possibly eBay or even in your local hardware store. Here are the ones used by your favorite movie heroes, along with a kill count analysis that helps us determine just who is the Ultimate Zombie Warrior.

Ultimate Zombie Warrior Infographic - Ebates

In George A. Romero’s classic Night of the Living Dead (1968), the zombie genre was defined with conventions we still use to this very day. It found its protagonist in Ben, played by Duane Jones. Ben’s kill count amounts to 7 throughout the film. He is the original zombie warrior, and his weapon choices are fairly simple: He uses a tire iron crowbar as a melee weapon and a Winchester 1894 rifle.

In World War Z (2013), Brad Pitt is Gerry Lane, a U.N. specialist who must get his family to safety and also figure out what is causing this global outbreak of “Z”. Highly resourceful, Gerry utilizes whatever is around to arm himself. He uses duct tape and magazines to make armor and a butcher knife taped to the end of a Remington Model 700 BDL to make a bayonet. His kill count is 9.

Edgar Wright’s Shaun of the Dead (2004) effortlessly marries the zombie genre and comedy. In this breakout role, Simon Pegg is Shaun, a regular guy trying to fix his troubled relationship and navigate his friends to safety through the zombie apocalypse. Shaun uses his iconic cricket bat, old vinyl LPs like Sade’s Diamond Life and a Winchester 1866 “Yellow Boy” rifle. Despite all his wisecracks, he manages to take out 16 zombies.

In Zombieland (2009), Woody Harrelson is the rough and tumble Tallahassee, a man on the hunt for his favorite thing in the world: a Twinkie. No zombie will get in his way as he tries to track down this cream-filled reminder of better times. Tallahassee is armed to the teeth with an array of weaponry, including a baseball bat, hedge clippers, amusement park rides, Heckler & Koch MP7A1 submachine guns and a banjo to lure out zombies and whack them over the head. Tallahassee’s kill count is 107.

AMC’s The Walking Dead has seen its cast evolve into some of the fiercest zombie warriors in television history. As the show progresses, so have the kill count numbers. In this world, we sometimes see humans as just as much of a threat as walkers. Rick Grimes, a former deputy sheriff, mainly relies on a Colt Python as his weapon of choice. His kill count is 154 (137 walkers and 17 humans). Daryl Dixon relies on his hunting skills and his Horton Scout 125 crossbow. He’s killed 149 (141 walkers and 8 humans). Michonne is a katana-wielding warrior of few words. When we first meet her, she has two literally disarmed zombies shackled. She has taken out 94 (87 walkers and 7 humans).

Bruce Campbell is best known for his work as cult icon Ash from The Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness. Ash uses whatever is around him in his constant war with the “deadites,” evil souls of the dead, including his famed boomstick sawed-off shotgun or The Sapmaster 3000 mounted on the stump where his hand once was. His kill count is 45 with the three Evil Dead films, but we estimate it’s more with his appearances in comic books and soon his own series, Ash vs. Evil Dead. “Hail to the king, baby!”

Perhaps above them all as the Ultimate Zombie Warrior is Milla Jovovich’s Alice, star of the Resident Evil movie franchise. Alice and her band of commandos have fought against the zombies created by Umbrella Corp.’s t-Virus for five films, with a sixth on the way. Alice likes to carry her weapons in pairs: from dual throwing knives to dual 12-gauge sawed-off double-barrel shotguns. She has racked up an impressive total of 1,065 kills (8 in Resident Evil, 25 in Resident Evil: Apocalypse, 24 in Resident Evil: Extinction, 335 in Resident Evil: Afterlife and 673 in Resident Evil: Retribution). We have a feeling she is far from done.

Want to share our infographic on your site? Just copy and paste the text below!

 

Sources:

http://www.amazon.com
http://zombie.wikia.com/wiki/Zombie_Killing
http://www.cracked.com/blog/7-famous-zombie-movie-weapons-that-would-get-you-killed/
http://watchmojo.com/video/id/11493/
http://screencrush.com/greatest-zombie-killers/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Williams#Appearances
http://uproxx.com/tv/2015/03/infographic-top-killers-the-walking-dead/
http://www.thewalkingdead.com/twd-guns-ammunition-infographic/
http://www.allouttabubblegum.com/main/?p=5416
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVKSTSY_BQw
http://www.allouttabubblegum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=7908&start=4420
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Night_of_the_Living_Dead_(1968)
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Shaun_of_the_Dead
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Zombieland
https://youtu.be/RK4ODRf_XRA
http://www.moviebodycounts.com/Evil_Dead_II.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IThIyhMHdsY
http://www.allouttabubblegum.com/main/?p=9773
http://www.allouttabubblegum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=7908&start=3820
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/