1998 Prices vs. 2005 Prices

[aka-mad4themouse]

I'm cleaning out an old file cabinet so that I can make better use of my storage space and I came upon an envelope from a trip we took to WDW in 1998. At the time, my new SIL was starting out in her travel agent business and we wanted to "keep it in the family". So here's the rundown of the Resort Magic Plan package we had:

• Airfare for 2 adults & 2 children via Delta Airlines PHL to MCO via ATL
• 1 week +1 day intermediate-size car rental from Alamo
• 7 nights Coranado Springs during value season
• Unlimited Magic Passes for 2 adults & 2 children
• One Flex Feature per person (which we used for a character breakfast at Chef Mickey's)

Total Cost for that "Jesey Week" in 1998: $3651

Pricing it out on disneyworld.com for a MYW Package in 2005:

• 7 nights at CSR
• 8 day MYW Premium Passes (expiry) for 2 adults & 2 children
• airfare via Airtran (nonstop) PHL/MCO
• intermediate-size rental car from Alamo for 8 days
• One free 5"x7" photopass photo

Total Cost: $3339

It looks like the cost of going to Disney has actually gone DOWN since 1998. And that doesn't even take inflation into account! I could just kick myself for paying what we did back then. Thank goodness for the DISboards. I am now an educated Disney consumer. Okay, now back to cleaning....

 

[Luv2trav]

Wow,,, Interesting stuff!!

Since finding this board I have always felt Disney has been a VERY affordable vacation spot for our family. We have tried and looked at other vacations (Beach vacations etc) and to be honest they have all turned out to be just as expensive if not more than Disney. With Disney we get a lot more for our money!!

 

[GPALANGE]

Well that deflates some air out of my balloon. Was thinking about buying some non-expiry 10 myw tickets for future trips at todays prices. Now what???

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I chose to go ahead and buy the ticket now. Inflation is kicking up a bit and I can't quite see the price of tickets remaining as low as they are for the 10 day passes.

 

[DianaPrincessofWales]

I'm surprised! Was thinking the later vacation date would have been more. I too have gleaned many money and time saving tips from the DIS! I also agree other vacation spots can be even more expensive than WDW and disappointing. We definetely get MORE for our $$ at Disney!!

I also have kept Disney information from past trips (not neatly organized though, I confess)and it's interesting to see how some things have changed and some things not.

I still have a year to plan for my next trip and will be buying the MYW ultimate 10 ticket. I'm sure I'll use it no matter if I decide to purchase a package or not.

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

In 1998, AK had just opened. CSR had opened the year before. There were no value resorts. Universal was not competing with Disney on the scale that it does today. There were fewer hotels and condos around I-4, I-Drive and Kissimee/St. Cloud was just beginning to market their tourist areas as an alternative to the Mouse. Air travel was also more expensive than it is today.

I think that competition has kept the prices down at Disney. With so many more opportunities for entertainment outside of the World and the recovering travel industry in general, Disney has got to maintain an edge. I just wish that I knew then what I know now.