Ahh, why is it so expensive

[Coldwarclassic]

My family and I enjoy Disneyland. We generally make it there once, sometimes twice a year.
Over the last six/seven years we have noticed a dramatic increase in not just prices, but the attachments of fees to services that once would be complementary, for example, the sewing of the name on to a set of ears. Itis unfortunate, but these little things accumulate into a big thing. I understand that it costs money to run the parks, but this display of outright blatant corporate greed and shareholder bottom line is eroding the magic we once felt. The original premise of the parks conception has vanished from something that Walt would no longer recognise.

In 2006 it was possible for a family of five to do the parks on $100 dollars a day, now we find that for similar services this has risen around 500% in 2013.

 

[dadofnicholas]

I have not stayed off-site as an adult but I'm sure I (and my son) would enjoy our Disney experience even if we did.

Right now, I choose to stay on-site because (1) it's in the budget because I save by spending less on other variable expenses in life, (2) the early entry is a big plus, (3) proximity (mainly GCH) is great with little ones until they get older, and (4) in-room celebrations are nice if you need them.

I have friends who would never stay on-site and some who will only stay on-site. To each their own situation and reasons. For our September trip, we used the Gay Day rates - a big savings from what I would have paid. For our December trip, since it's Christmas and close to my son's birthday, the in-room celebrations are very nice to have. Flights are always covered by my many points programs. But again, as stated in a different thread, I know as the kids get older, we will probably stay off-site and use the vacation money to visit Universal or other nearby attractions and cities.

I hope no matter where anyone stays, that you have a wonderful time! When I walk through the parks, I just see a bunch of people like me - Disney fans, parents making Disney dreams come true for their kids, or both

 

[sherilaine]

This is entirely a matter of supply and demand, sure it's gotten more expensive, but so have the offsite hotels - everything has gone up in price because more people have more money they are willing to spend - and Carsland has pushed demand straight up the chart.

For every holiday a family takes they should set a realistic budget - unless money is of no object - and make sacrifices as they see fit to remain in that budget - or give up in other areas of their lives to increase the budget.

For us it has not been a matter of not affording to stay onsite - we just don't think it's worth it and would rather spend the money on something else - and our kids are older so they do not need to be onsite for afternoon naps etc, they quite enjoy staying off site and the walk is a piece of cake. We also go in the off season where the EMH is not as much value as it is during peak times.

I think you have gotten some great advice on here - especially to DVC - and especially if you are going to be doing this every year for a long time to come.

I am sure your trip will be great, regardless!!