Bingo. Just to compare the SoCal market...
Disneyland 1yr max visits + parking/discounts: $1,649
Universal Studios 1yr max visits + parking/discounts: $629
Knott's Berry Farm 1yr max visits + parking/discounts: $375
Six Flags Magic Mountain 1yr max visits + parking/discounts: $99
There's no way the gate of a flagship park of a proud brand should be sold that cheaply. I'm sure people would be just fine paying a bit more if it meant dick moves like the surcharge aren't considered necessary. They may even be able to maintain their park and start paying people a decent wage too while they're at it.