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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums'The magic's too expensive': Disney is 'pricing out loyal customers' by targeting more affluent fami
'The magic's too expensive': Disney is 'pricing out loyal customers' by targeting more affluent families with $800 hotel rooms and $100 sandwiches despite having no fireworks or parades since COVIDA Disney vacation will now set a family of four back more than $6,000
The average annual income in America now stands at $68,703 - or $5,725 each month - meaning a visit to the 'happiest place on earth' is out of reach for many
The hefty price tag comes despite pandemic-related restrictions squeezing some of the magic out of the experience
Firework displays, shows and the iconic character parades have gone
Instead of slashing the prices to make up for the disappointment, costs have continued to climb
Since it reopened in April, Disneyland has focused on premium add-ons like an extra charge on the new Spider-Man ride to ensure a higher score
It is also now offering a $100 supersized sandwich at its new Avengers Campus
The cheapest hotel room in Disneyland in July is $463, with some costing $800
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9705991/How-greedy-Disneyland-pricing-loyal-customers-targets-affluent-families.html
abqtommy
(14,118 posts)TheBlackAdder
(28,070 posts).
Because of the popularity of Thor franchise, Disney is sending Cease & Desist letters to hundreds of Etsy sellers who are selling Pagan or Norse related merchandise, Merch that doesn't even infringe on any Disney designs or trademarks. This even includes those people making $1,000 wedding bands.
There is a petition floating about that came out today that already has 40K signatures.
The odd thing is, Disney is not going after those Etsy shops who are actually lifting their property.
.
onecaliberal
(32,471 posts)It was not worth it already. Sad but unsurprising.
calguy
(5,222 posts)Even then I thought the prices were outrageous considering how long the lines were at the most popular rides. But then, theme parks never were my cup of tea. Only went when family came to visit and went as part of their vacation.
onecaliberal
(32,471 posts)You have to do two days minimum in order for your kids to not be completely disappointed.
Ferrets are Cool
(21,058 posts)sheshe2
(83,319 posts)Their theme song was when you wish upon a star.
When you wish upon a star,
Makes no difference who you are,
Anything your heart desires,
Will come to you.
....................
[Chorus]
If your heart is in your dream,
No request is too extreme,
When you wish upon a star,
As dreamers do.
Fate is kind,
She brings to those who love,
The sweet fulfillment of,
Their secret longing,
Like a bolt from the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through
When you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true
https://www.songfacts.com/lyrics/cliff-edwards/when-you-wish-upon-a-star
Now? Only the rich have access.
Cha
(295,899 posts)Mickey Mouse club, and Walt Disney presents.. I went to Disneyland in LA when I was 15 and then got thrown out for smoking pot in their parking lot(half way through) when I went back at 40.
sheshe2
(83,319 posts)I visited Disney in CA as well in my thirties. Loved it.
You wild thing you, kicked out for smoking pot, Cha.
Cha
(295,899 posts)that story should be told as long as we're talking about Disney.
I'm glad you got to go and had so much fun
I was thinking.. Cindy took her grandkids to DisneyWorld a few years ago and they stayed in the hotel.. so it's probably a good thing they got to do it before the prices went astronomically SKY HIGH.. a $110 for a sandwich!
sheshe2
(83,319 posts)The sammich is a frickin' rip off!
Cha
(295,899 posts)it was 1984.. Big Brother was Watching!
sheshe2
(83,319 posts)HS, hosting a large party while my parents were gone for the weekend.
They wanted to come in, I asked why. They said known drug dealers had been seen in the area. I lived in the country, small town not the big city. I said no and surprisingly they left.
The police were real gems...chased after all the HS girls.
MagickMuffin
(15,886 posts)I found out long ago not only do you have to pay to get inside the park you have to pay for every ride. At least at 6 Flags Over Texas you got to ride the rides for free with the cost of admission.
Phoenix61
(16,949 posts)Hugh_Lebowski
(33,643 posts)keithbvadu2
(36,360 posts)A friend and I had an inside joke.
We were old enough to know what an E ticket was.
Phoenix61
(16,949 posts)and I could get tickets to the Jiminy Cricket Christmas Party at Disney. Park admission was 2 hours later than general admission but we got to stay later. The Christmas parade was amazing as were all the decorations. The tickets were a whopping $10!
Hugh_Lebowski
(33,643 posts)Only got like 2 E-tickets in that book though, those were the expensive rides. A single extra E I think was a whopping ... $2.50 or something? So it was Matterhorn and Pirates for me as a kid. Or Haunted Mansion if Matterhorn was closed, which was often IIRC.
JCMach1
(27,544 posts)Tickets...
Prices are high everywhere in FL. People are taking vacations close to home.
Happy Hoosier
(7,069 posts)Hugh_Lebowski
(33,643 posts)And long ago ... it was true
lame54
(35,130 posts)It's a wonderful place
MissB
(15,800 posts)It was to Disney world, which quite a ways from Oregon.
A sibling is a pilot, and they rack up airline miles getting to their plane (they fly a private plane for a particular customer.)
They used their airline miles to provide free flights to my kids and I. Dh had a conference at Disney World so his flight and the hotel room were covered. We got a suite. My sibling gave us four multi day passes for Christmas the previous year so pretty much the entire vacation was free except for our food costs.
Id never go back. It was fun but not so fun that Id want to spend my vacation time and money going there again. Id rather fly our bikes and ourselves to Europe and bicycle/camp for a few weeks.
dawg day
(7,947 posts)9 and 10. At that age, they much preferred Universal Studios park.
But back then, you could get one of the lesser Disney hotels cheaply. We stayed in the baseball-themed hotel, and that was fun for the kids.
I think there's probably a perfect age for this trip. We couldn't afford it till the kids were older. I remember one kid wanted to go on that logride, and the other didn't, so I stupidly told the older one to just sit on that bench and don't move and we'll be done soon.
There didn't seem to be much of a line... because everyone was crammed into this underground tunnel leading to the boats. After a half hour, we were still waiting, and I was so worried about the kid outside that I feigned that I was sick-- that was the only way I could get us out of that tunnel and back out.
My fault-- but boy, that was a dangerous situation, probably 400 people crammed into this tunnel for 30 minutes.
We did love Universal.
csziggy
(34,119 posts)Merritt Island National Wildlife Reserve and Canaveral Sea Shore are wonderful spots and are near to the Kennedy Space Center with a great museum of space technology. In Lake Wales Bok Tower (aka Mountain Lake) preserve has the cultivated gardens at the top of the highest natural elevation in Peninsular Florida, the wonderful tower with a fantastic carillon, and down on the lower parts, original Florida habitat.
Florida also has lots of state and county parks - I love the Circle B Bar Reserve just south of Lakeland, the Lake Kissimmee State Park with a recreated 1880s cow camp, and so many other places in Central Florida that are not theme parks or artificial crap.
I grew up down there before Disney destroyed the habitat and will never go to Disney World - but I have found so many alternatives that are real, I don't miss it at all.
Casady1
(2,133 posts)next year. demand is very high this year. i was there at a conference n 2019 and rooms were $250. food was normal ad I have gone 6 5 times an stayed everywhere from the value rooms to Boardwalk. I think it is great. The magic did not go out with Walt.
ZonkerHarris
(24,155 posts)hatrack
(59,439 posts)I don't think I'd pay that much to see Mickey raise the dead.
Happy Hoosier
(7,069 posts)They must be providing a product a lot of people want.
Dial H For Hero
(2,971 posts)Kong Kong once, Shanghai once, Paris twice, Tokyo twice, Disneyland four times, Disney World half a dozen.
Hugh_Lebowski
(33,643 posts)I see ... it's over on Lantau Island.
The only way to Lantau Island when I lived there 1979-1981 was a ferry boat. The whole island was SUPER rural. Now there's the airport there, and a freaking DISNEYLAND?!?
What a trip!
I gotta get back sometime ... and not just for that.
Was their Disneyland cool?
Dial H For Hero
(2,971 posts)My rankings:
1. Disney World
2. Tokyo
3. Disneyland
4. Paris
5. Hong Kong
6. Shanghai
Hugh_Lebowski
(33,643 posts)You say it's better than Disneyland? Solid accolades.
But Japan is BANK!!!
Dial H For Hero
(2,971 posts)The food isn't expensive (by Disney standards) either. A set meal at a counter service restaurant is around $13.
Hugh_Lebowski
(33,643 posts)Then there's the actual 'staying in Tokyo' part which cannot be cheap.
Dial H For Hero
(2,971 posts)Its an official Disney hotel, and close enough that the monorail goes right next to it. I stayed there on points, my diamond status with Hilton gave me free breakfast there which is normally quite expensive ($50, but its a truly impressive buffet). Rooms there normally run in the ballpark of under $125 a night or so.
Happy Hoosier
(7,069 posts)ChubbyStar
(3,191 posts)I thought everyone knew that!
flying_wahini
(6,513 posts)The sooner, the better.
Klaralven
(7,510 posts)Dial H For Hero
(2,971 posts)It opens next Summer. Cant wait!
LetMyPeopleVote
(143,998 posts)I love Galaxy edge and Rise of Resistance. I understand that you are not supposed to leave this hotel and want to know more before we stay.
jimfields33
(15,450 posts)I live 40 minutes from Disney. Its packed everyday. Parking alone is 25-30 dollars a day. Parking lot is filled. People adjust to prices.
BunnyMcGee
(460 posts)jimfields33
(15,450 posts)Im sure there are many things people buy that would be stupid to others.
BunnyMcGee
(460 posts)to a place with capacity crowds 360+ days a year with lessened attractions? People who were lured to spend their money by Disney fantasy were not cogent in their decisions, if so much was taken from their yearly income. My family finds things that are fun for a tenth of this cost. It's like a con to put out a fantasy to get your $.
Happy Hoosier
(7,069 posts)I know people who spend thousand in stuff that mystifies me. Like golf. Or going fishing. Or high dollar gym memberships. Or expensive wine. Or diamonds. Those things hold no value for me, so I spend money on other things. To each his own.
ProfessorGAC
(64,413 posts)One point of disagreement is the cost of golf.
Outside of highly congested areas, golf can be surprisingly cheap if one doesn't want the country club scene.
I belong to a club for $1,200 a year, which is unlimited golf & the cart. Being retired, I'll play over 200 rounds. That gets me to under $6 for each 3+ hours of entertainment. That's way cheaper than a movie.
But, as you said it's people's money & they can prioritize their spending.
I've got 13 guitars, a bass & a mandolin. Do I need 13? Nope. Did I NEED a mandolin? No. Do I need 4 amplifiers? Nope. I basically spent every dollar I made playing in bands on musical equipment. A self-sustaining hobby, if you will.
I'm in an income range to be a Benz, BMW, or Jag owner even in retirement. We have a Buick & a Chrysler. We bought both used. We didn't prioritize expensive cars.
Given we couldn't have kids, there was never a reason to move out of our 3 BR cape cod, just because we could have afforded bigger.
So, if a big Disney vacation is someone's priority, it's their right to indulge themselves.
Like you said; to each his own.
LetMyPeopleVote
(143,998 posts)We enjoy our trips. My son was born 9 months after our first trip. There was a while when I was making frequent trips to get onto the hot seat at Who Wants to Be A Millionaire Play It (you competed to get onto the hot seat against 600+ guests). Due to a lady who was getting on the hot seat several times a day, they changed the rules so that you could only get onto the hot seat once every 30 days. I was on the hot seat 16+ times and kids could get on anytime they felt like it. We were there for a taping of the TV syndication version of the show. My middle child was in the pool but was not selected.
Again, I was at WDW during January of 2020 and my kids were there in March just before the parks shut down. I had fun there in May and did not mind wearing a mask. My kids are headed there in July. Right now, you only have to wear a mask on the transport. While I was there you had to wear masks inside and outside except when eating. I had no problem with these rules. I even got good at ordering food using mobile app in that much fast food locations did not have cashiers.
Again, we enjoy our trips and I have managed to get onto The Rise of Resistance twice now (you have to get on using a virtual que).
The Avengers Avenue in California looks neat and I am curious to see when this attraction is duplicated in Orlando
BTW, we know other Disney fans. There was a former associate at my firm who has been at every Disney park in the world and a good friend who is the dean of a law school who just got back from a trip. While Who Wants to Be a Millionaire was opened, we had a friend who was a past million point winner who we met and played with. There would four to six of us sitting in a row and we will have a number of the high scores each round.
Takket
(21,421 posts)we still remember the question she went out on. "Who was the sidekick of Mandrake the magician". Let's see if anyone here knows it lol.
There were probably 3 or 4 times i was 2nd or 3rd on the fastest finger, then first at the end of the show so i didn't get to go up on stage. I had it down to where i would sort of pulsate my thumb on the right answer lol hard to describe but it worked lol
that was such a fun attraction i was sorry it was so short lived.
my wife also got to sing in the American idol experience but alas she took that trip solo and i didn't get to see it.
LetMyPeopleVote
(143,998 posts)My son got onto the hot seat when was 15 and the rest of us followed. My son has been in the jeopardy contestant pool three times (twice after he graduated from law school) and he and my next oldest child went to nationals in quiz bowl twice. My middle child had a quiz bowl round moderated by Ken Jennings. I won my university college bowl competition twice (once while in law school) and my son won his university college bowl competition once
Quiz bowl and college bowl both use a buzzer system that is similar to the pads at this attraction.
As for speed on the pads this skill may help in the virtual que for Rise of the Resistance. The available slots are claimed in three or four minutes. My son is fast and has been on this ride three times One guy showed a trick and I got on again on my May trip. The old system required you to be in the park when the park first opened which is how I got on the first time
We re a family of nerds
Dial H For Hero
(2,971 posts)Whats stupid about paying for such an experience if its worth it to you?
BunnyMcGee
(460 posts)Dial H For Hero
(2,971 posts)Hardly. Disney World (for example) has many times throughout the year when crowds are light to moderate. Check out a crowd calendar.
lessened attractions
Er...which ones are you speaking of? While the attractions of early Disneyland certainly have a nostalgic charm, I'd rather go on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
than the Astro Orbiter!
As for cost: One knows what one is paying up front. There's no "con". If someone spends more than they can reasonably afford, surely that's on them, not the Mouse.
LetMyPeopleVote
(143,998 posts)Dream Girl
(5,111 posts)A manufactured corporate environment built by one of the slickest marketing machines ever. Somehow, they have convinced the masses that a trip to Disney is a rite of passage for ever girl and boy. Some people will take an 10 or 12 month old there because they seem to think its some kind of requirement. Nope, not my idea of fun or magic. Just cheesy, crass and fake. Like Las Vegas. It domes appeal to lots a people, but I have no clue why. They are exceptional marketers. I will give them that.
Yavin4
(35,354 posts)There are lots of things that the average American family cannot afford.
Happy Hoosier
(7,069 posts)It is routinely heavily booked.
Raine
(30,540 posts)Disney still crams people in to the almost bursting point.
Yavin4
(35,354 posts)A classic example of price inelasticity.
Bristlecone
(10,081 posts)For a family of 6 (when the kids were little).
To level set this article, I just looked at a Marriott property close to Disney and priced it for 1 room sleeping 4 ie two queens. $166 a night. I could rent a car and get RT flights from Denver for another $1k-1500. Parking is free at Disney. And this was for July 5th through the 9th - figuring that week would be pricey due to it being a busy vacation week. A 3-day pass park jumper for 4 would be another 1200k .
I have not seen the new marvel stuff and a 100$ sandwich sounds like it is something that wpuld be a Marvel Hero that feeds 6. Ill look it up to see what it is actually comprised of and I am not doubting that Disney is getting pricey, but I could do this trip for roughly 1/2 of what they are calling out here. I sense some hyperbole with this article.
Still not cheap, but what is when you need accommodations, transport, and entertainment.
LetMyPeopleVote
(143,998 posts)Raine
(30,540 posts)even though I live in Los Angeles County. It's just too expensive and for me way too crowded to have much fun. When I was a kid we went every year for our birthdays. I'm good with the Disney experiences I had and don't hunger for more.
BunnyMcGee
(460 posts)after High school graduation. I now have a son that is 14, and I think he will never see a Disney park. I will not feed the greedy monsters!
Dream Girl
(5,111 posts)Appeal. I didnt take my now 21 kid there and we live in California. He never had the slightest desire to go and I sure didnt volunteer. Meanwhile, we took him to Fiji, Mexico, Australia, Hawaii, Jamaica and all over this country. He never felt like he missed out and thinks its funny/cool that hes the only one of his friends whos never been to Disney. His claim to fame.
Solly Mack
(90,740 posts)with separate bedrooms and living room, private baths, all meals, go hiking, shopping, boating, and general sightseeing.
That's my idea of magic.
tanyev
(42,356 posts)It was a college choir tour and our concerts were in the evening, so they had stuff scheduled to keep us occupied during the day. I was totally meh the whole day at Disney, but had a great time the next day at Busch Gardens.
Happy Hoosier
(7,069 posts)Disney and Busch Gardens are not selling the same kind of experiences.
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)Disney is one of the most GLBT friendly business you will ever see. One of the first in the nation to offer benefits for same sex couples way back in the 90s. Many of their top executives are gay. They shrugged off boycotts by religious nuts.
Its not impossible or even all that difficult, unlike at many companies, to become full time with good benefits.
It one of the few Unionized companies in Florida and has good relations with their unions. Not trying to break them.
Almost everyone there makes $15 an hour and soon all will. Most make significantly more. House keepers start at $16 an hour and because unionized have guaranteed yearly pay raises.
Diversity in promoting is taken very seriously. Very.
We would be a lot better off if all companies emulated their polices in the way their employees are treated.
Perfect? Of course not. Its really expensive. But they use price to control the largest guest complaint
crowds. And it pays for many of the benefits listed above.
Oh, and they have exceeded CDC Covid recommendations.
Full disclosure: Im might be comprised. Certainly biased.
hunter
(38,263 posts)It's not at all comparable to outrageously expensive and frequently inappropriate medical care in the U.S.A. which everyone is forced to suffer one way or another -- by high health insurance premiums, illness, or accident.
I've never been to an NFL football game, and I probably never will, so it would be silly for me to complain about ticket prices.
Maraya1969
(22,441 posts)They are rediculous!
And I wonder what is in this $100 sandwich.
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)But could not find many hotels and none I would stay in for under $235 a night. And we dont demand 4 or 5 start. Actually like clean Mom and Pops.
Pent up demand. Everyone wants to go and overseas is still dicey.
But it was a great trip. We dont mind some heat so most every meal was outdoors in the shade with a fan and sea breezes. So Covid safe.
There were places we would not have felt comfortable going, but they were easily avoided.
Being outdoors in the Keys is the goal and in Covid times it is working for them. There are many restaurants with no or limited AC options. But most have shaded areas with lots of fans.
For people still concerned but wanting to travel it is a good place. Plus, Monroe county has one of the best vaccination rates in Florida.
keithbvadu2
(36,360 posts)And the song that glues itself in your head::::
It's a small world after all.
Dial H For Hero
(2,971 posts)in the appropriate areas (Peter Pan in England, Belle in France, etc.). They're all in the style of the original dolls, so it's quite charming.
Maraya1969
(22,441 posts)TreasonousBastard
(43,049 posts)Doesn't lookk all that tasty, either.
But, food is merely another excuse to grab your money.
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)They know the prices before they go. Its a choice. No one is surprised when a beer at Epcot is $8 dollars. Or more.
Maybe not be my thing. But Im sure plenty of people on DU would find it crazy the idea of spending 50K on a boat to fish on the gulf for fish that could be bought much cheaper. And a couple of thousand a year in maintenance and gas to do so. Not to mention the hours spent waxing and keeping it looking new.
We all have our thing. I cant criticize others when mine is just as crazy in others eyes.
No lack of patrons at Disney. To many it is money well spent.
EX500rider
(10,517 posts)I fuel boats for a living and some of the newer bigger center consoles are now 1.5 million + dollars like the big yellowfins and Grady whites
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)T-top but no trolling motor. One of the better brands. A new one today would be around 80K.
I dont do the offshore stuff. On the west coast of Florida I go up to 25 miles but have to pick the day.
Mainly inshore and bay fishing.
The boat still looks new.
EX500rider
(10,517 posts)Cost me $450 incld the trailer and the 70 was $700
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)But the wife wanted bigger. Glad I went that way now. We often run 30 miles to the holes and running over 40 makes it faster. And have been caught in solid 2 foot waves with occasional larger. The added size and freeboard was useful then.
We do nothing but fish off it so center console was the only configuration considered.
BTW mine is a Key West.
But that trailer is a PITA. 2 axels, 4 hubs to grease and rebuild and 4 tires to replace.
Have a nice evening.
EX500rider
(10,517 posts)It's got a v-birth I can actually spend the night on it I put a little camping toilet down below also
I'm also use it for snorkeling trips around Tampa Bay or up to the springs
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)Not only is it the closest to us, it is nice to be in fresh water before landing. Flushes the engine and we wash down the boat and run all the pumps before landing.
Do you scallop?
EX500rider
(10,517 posts)....better being closer and less popular. No scalloping, just snorkeling and picnicking.
Yeah salt water is a PIA, I have 2 motors to flush (have a 3hp backup Coleman I got new on Amazon for $600) and then the trailer.
JI7
(89,172 posts)places away from there ?
Happy Hoosier
(7,069 posts)Just because you dont lime them doesnt mean no one does.
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)But they are super popular.
As are the parades. But Im with you there. Never saw the attraction, but people sure do.
Fireworks? Yeah, super cool. Especially when combined with a laser show. It do like that.
LetMyPeopleVote
(143,998 posts)My kids are looking forward to fireworks when they go to WDW In July
Beaverhausen
(24,466 posts)Very excited. Yes its pricey but this article fudges the numbers.
LetMyPeopleVote
(143,998 posts)My son is taking his siblings and brother in law there in early July. We have another trip planned later in December. We have been going to WDW for years and enjoyed it each time other than the time my son and I were trapped at WDW when Harvey hit Houston. We tried to cut the trip short but the airports were closed. We flew back when the airport opened and my son's car was one of five cars on that floor of the parking garage.
I had a great time in May and did not mind wearing a mask. WDW changed the mask requirements the day I got home. By the time my kids get there, fireworks will be back and more rides will be opened.
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)Well, being a couple. Anyone who objects verbally will get tossed.
Now its not fantasy fest in Key West! Appropriate dress and behavior is required! But the rules are no different for straight or gay couples.
And has been that way for a long time.
Admittedly, Im compromised in this discussion . My wealth, what exist, is due to Disney.
But no matter what you look like, no matter who you love, no matter anything like that, you will be treated with respect. For many people, that is worth a lot.
Ironically, Im not much of a theme park guy even though I could go every day. Rather spend my time on the gulf fishing.
But I certainly see the attraction for many people.
I have no inside info. But Im optimistic that with the 50th of the Magic Kingdom there is going to be some good stuff. And cant wait to see fireworks again. My favorite part of Disney.
Well not my favorite. But thats not for DU.
BTW Disney is a major shelter for our coastal residents when a hurricane hits or threatens. All the tourists are gone. So they have rooms. And dont Jack up the price and provide entertainment. Not just Disney, I must add. All central Florida hotels are vital for coastal evacuations.
If you are coming in December you will have an epic time. Enjoy. Ill be trolling for Grouper in the gulf!
Goodheart
(5,264 posts)For your $6000 you still get to spend most of your time there in long lines.
Disneyland sucks. All sections. And Mickey Mouse was never an entertaining character, to boot.
rownesheck
(2,343 posts)keeps asking to visit Disney World. I tell her she would hate it. I went there as a kid in 1986 and remember standing in long lines for rides. It was the same way every time I visited Astroworld in Houston.
She is much more impatient than I, so it would just end up being Gripefest 2021.
helpisontheway
(5,004 posts)Orangepeel
(13,933 posts)so they charge what they can charge. nobody has to go.
miyazaki
(2,220 posts)Unless you want it to.
Zeitghost
(3,796 posts)We just got back a two weeks ago. The last trip was a splurge and we booked two rooms at the Grand Californian to celebrate our return. But a normal 2-4 day trip for our family of four runs about $1,000/Day for tickets, offsite walkable hotel, food, transportation (we're a 4 hour drive) and souvenirs. You can do it cheaper if you get a budget hotel, plan your meals and keep the extra spending to a minimum. You can also easily double that cost or more with an onsite hotel and higher end dining.
To be honest, I'd pay double for half the capacity. Disney is underpriced right now, they could jack prices up higher and still fill the parks. It sucks for those who can't afford it, but demand is through the roof and lowering prices would mean turning people away at the gates due to capacity issues. That's one of the big reasons they killed the Annual Pass program during COVID. With locals only rates and monthly payment options they had more AP holders than they could manage and the crowds were getting insane year round. COVID gave them the ability to shut it all down and when it returns, the pricing and financing options are going to be much different. They would raise prices considerably on daily tickets if they could, but the public reaction would hurt the brand image and impact their non-theme park business.
Takket
(21,421 posts)hoping most of the good stuff like meet and greets and shows are back by then, because my loved one is disabled and does very few rides.
No doubt, it is expensive, but we have not had a vacation in two years by the time we go. It's a special place for both of us, we had our wedding there, and it is one of the few places out in public where my loved one feels at ease both from a physical and mental standpoint.
THAT being said, the prices have increased almost exponentially. I'm aghast every time I see the new price on something (the holloween after party this year has more than doubled compared to just two or three years ago. Not something we do anyway, since I rather detest Halloween.
There have been rumors this was coming for ages and a multi-billion dollar pandemic induced loss, coupled with people desperate to make up for lost vacationing time, has allowed disney to "pour fuel" on the fire of price hikes. When the Halloween prices came out I said to my wife. That's insane, how can they charge that much... and then "but honestly, they will sell every ticket they make available." And sure enough, they do. Most of the Halloween parties are already sold out.
I once heard a theory about selling ticket to sporting events. Someone said "if your stadium is sold out, you aren't charging enough for tickets." In other words you can keep raising prices until people stop showing up.
Disney has decided that selling to families willing to come once every few years is more valuable then selling to everyone. What that means is "Hey, if the average person is spending $500 per trip here now, and we can increase that to $1000 per person and still 75% as many people show up, we make more money AND reduce the crowds so people are happier." And the parks have been TERRIBLY overcrowded before the pandemic. I can attest to that.
Now... just because Disney is jacking up the prices for their rooms and tickets and food, does NOT mean you can't afford to visit there. It just means if you are on a budget you probably can't stay on their property. But there are still plenty of hotels off property, you can rent a car, you can eat at cost friendly family restaurants. Load up on continental breakfast, pack snacks for the park, and have a big dinner at the end of the night. They only thing you really HAVE to buy from Disney is the park tickets.