another ticket price increase? really?

[robinb]

January 2, 2004, price $60.00 now $99.00 that is a 60% Disney increase.

Not to mention the other things I pointed out.

AKK

Not according to All Ears:
http://allears.net/tix/tixincrease.htm

January 2004 tickets were $52.00 and they increase to $54.75 in March. So, if you compare the price for tickets in February 2004 with February 2014 it's a 90% increase. Which, in my book, is indeed "nearly doubled".

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

And if Universal does a price increase I will gladly pay it with no complaint because with that price increase they are giving me a new product. The same can not be said for Disney doing the same.

With a price increase at Universal comes an increased product to off set it. An entire new land with 2 E-ticket attractions, an entirely new themed environment which includes new street shows, interactive experiences, and themed shopping and dining. Not too mention the other park additions such as Springfield, Transformers and Despicable Me. And in the other park they will be starting work on yet another new E-ticket attraction with Kong.

Over on the Disney side of things we have another price increase with nothing new except for NFL(which was opened already, with a price increase already put into place for it) and a new well themed kiddie coaster at the MK and nothing new at the other parks which also were price increased. Then of course you have MyMagic/FastPass + which is not exactly an attraction by any stretch of the imagination and to some is actually a negative and not a positive.

That is the difference right now. A price increase is expected and easy to swallow if with it comes with a product that justifies it. If Universal does raise their admission prices, then at least they are delivering a return for it.

As for the new Cabana Bay resort, yes it does not come with unlimited Express Pass but it is going to be much cheaper to stay in, and you still get early admission. You have to make the choice on whether Express Pass is worth the added expense to stay deluxe or not, which in my opinion was smart of Universal. This way they can get the families who were staying in their partner hotels to at least stay in a Universal hotel. At the partner hotels you could get early admission but not EP, and many did this. Now Universal gets those families onsite for the same cost.

If things like Springfield/Simpson which I would never have my kids watch, its rude and crude. The only thing that I find good is HP. the rest in basically a thrill ride park, except for ET and Dr. Seuss, now that is a personal choice.


Frankly we find WDW and Disney attractions classics and never loss their magic, which apparently park attendance proves, which is steadily raising.

You are totally correct on Iger messing up by holding back on new attractions at WDW, however to new building is on its way, aviator, Star wars which is a given, The new DTD, the new AK night shows, the MK new parade, etc.

Have you checked on the UNI hotel prices?, They are slowly raising with little fan fair.

The bottom line is still all companies will charge what the market will bear. Uni is finding they are going to continue to raise their prices and will.


To each their own opinions

AKK

 

[poppinspenguins]

I didn't read all the posts so I apologize if this has already been said.

People around here are complaining that parks are too crowded leading to long wait times and the eliminating of some FP perks however they are now also complaining that Disney is raising their prices which is the only real way to combat overcrowding of their parks.

What do you really want Disney to do? This is supply and demand and when demand is too high (i.e. overcrowding) then you raise prices to bring supply down and find the equilibrium.

Everybody is comparing the Disney of today vs. their memories of Disney from a few years ago but other people have seen the value and theme park admissions continue to climb. So Disney can either allow the parks to get more and more crowded or raise prices. Since Disney is a business it isn't surprising that they will try and raise prices to get the parks back to that sweet equilibrium.

----Edit----

Looking at this chart you can see Disney has had to battle overcrowding at the park. They have risen their prices significantly over the last five years (after inflation) yet attendance continues to go up. This means that it is under-priced.

If disney is worried about overcrowding...how can you explain that they were practically giddy that FP+ allowed them to add 3000 to the MK per day over the holidays. There are not trying to stop it, they are bragging about it in earning reviews.

Regarding 1 day visits....i have done it lots of times...thats why I bought a non expiring ten pack a few years ago...We popped over if we were visiting family, or did a one or 2 days before or after a cruise...I think its more common than people realize.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

delete

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Not according to All Ears:
http://allears.net/tix/tixincrease.htm

January 2004 tickets were $52.00 and they increase to $54.75 in March. So, if you compare the price for tickets in February 2004 with February 2014 it's a 90% increase. Which, in my book, is indeed "nearly doubled".

Please note below:

http://themeparks.about.com/b/2004/12/02/walt-disney-world-prices-go-upand-down.htm

I did re read this and its January 2, 2005 it went to $60.00 (my error, the article was from Dec 2, 2004 noting the price going up Jan 2, 2005), but it is 9 years the same as the posters time line and the uni price increase of 58%.

Still 60% for Disney

AKK

 

[faneuil]

Have you checked on the UNI hotel prices?, They are slowly raising with little fan fair.

The bottom line is still all companies will charge what the market will bear. Uni is finding they are going to continue to raise their prices and will.

AKK

I find Universal is still able to do things, "under the radar" much more than Disney. As big and popular as Universal is, they're still somewhat seen as a small fish in the Disney pool. Then, all of a sudden, someone's shocked that Universal charges the same (or more) for parking, or a soda or something.

I lived in Atlanta for years and then moved to the Orlando area. For me, Universal is a nice Six Flags. I go there for my thrill rides.
Disney is still the place I can relax and take things easy.

 

[drew64]

Not according to All Ears:
http://allears.net/tix/tixincrease.htm

January 2004 tickets were $52.00 and they increase to $54.75 in March. So, if you compare the price for tickets in February 2004 with February 2014 it's a 90% increase. Which, in my book, is indeed "nearly doubled".

But the 2004 $ and 2014 $ are not equal - you are not comapring apples to apples

This is the basis of a capitalisitc economy - charge what the market will bear - that is how you make profits.

With one day tickets, less opportunity to mak emoney from resort, food, etc. so they jack up the ticket price.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I didn't read all the posts so I apologize if this has already been said.

People around here are complaining that parks are too crowded leading to long wait times and the eliminating of some FP perks however they are now also complaining that Disney is raising their prices which is the only real way to combat overcrowding of their parks.

What do you really want Disney to do? This is supply and demand and when demand is too high (i.e. overcrowding) then you raise prices to bring supply down and find the equilibrium.

Everybody is comparing the Disney of today vs. their memories of Disney from a few years ago but other people have seen the value and theme park admissions continue to climb. So Disney can either allow the parks to get more and more crowded or raise prices. Since Disney is a business it isn't surprising that they will try and raise prices to get the parks back to that sweet equilibrium.

----Edit----

Looking at this chart you can see Disney has had to battle overcrowding at the park. They have risen their prices significantly over the last five years (after inflation) yet attendance continues to go up. This means that it is under-priced.

I don't think they are raising the prices to bring down the crowd levels..I think they want the crowds PLUS the extra $.

But I agree that they are raising the ticket prices because they can. The parks are jam packed.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

I find Universal is still able to do things, "under the radar" much more than Disney. As big and popular as Universal is, they're still somewhat seen as a small fish in the Disney pool. Then, all of a sudden, someone's shocked that Universal charges the same (or more) for parking, or a soda or something.

I lived in Atlanta for years and then moved to the Orlando area. For me, Universal is a nice Six Flags. I go there for my thrill rides.
Disney is still the place I can relax and take things easy.

I totally agree, but now that they are getting into the deep water, people are starting to find things are not as cheap as they think. Presented differently, but costing more then they realize.

Things like paying for FP/express pass, raises the park admission prices a great deal.

We will go to Uni to see the new HP, but the magic of the Disney experiences and characters, still out shines transformers and thrill rides.

Just my opinion

AKK

 

[TLSnell1981]

Not according to All Ears:
http://allears.net/tix/tixincrease.htm

January 2004 tickets were $52.00 and they increase to $54.75 in March. So, if you compare the price for tickets in February 2004 with February 2014 it's a 90% increase. Which, in my book, is indeed "nearly doubled".

 

[fairyprincess88]

If things like Springfield/Simpson which I would never have my kids watch, its rude and crude. The only thing that I find good is HP. the rest in basically a thrill ride park, except for ET and Dr. Seuss, now that is a personal choice.


Frankly we find WDW and Disney attractions classics and never loss their magic, which apparently park attendance proves, which is steadily raising.

You are totally correct on Iger messing up by holding back on new attractions at WDW, however to new building is on its way, aviator, Star wars which is a given, The new DTD, the new AK night shows, the MK new parade, etc.

Have you checked on the UNI hotel prices?, They are slowly raising with little fan fair.

The bottom line is still all companies will charge what the market will bear. Uni is finding they are going to continue to raise their prices and will.


To each their own opinions

AKK

But you are basing the product gain on your own opinions only, not factual evidence. You might not like Springfield, you might not like Transformers(which is no way a thrill ride) but the bottom line is Universal is adding new attractions constantly to actually justify a price increase and Disney is not. Avatar is no where near completion, Star Wars has not in anyway been announced, DTD is just new stores ect. There is nothing actually completed or near completed to justify this price increase at the moment. That is all I'm saying.

Just because you don't like new products Universal is putting out doesn't offset the fact that they are putting out new products for the money.

As for the hotels, well they are still cheaper than most Disney deluxe hotels, and heck even some of the moderates and you get unlimited Express, walking distance to the parks and they are truly deluxe. The product is worth the money.

For me the bottom line is this, if I am going to pay more for something, then I want something more in return. I too love the Disney classics but classic also means "been there, done that" why should I pay more for the same rthing every time I turn around?

 

[Rip]

January 2, 2004, price $60.00 now $99.00 that is a 60% Disney increase.

Not to mention the other things I pointed out.

AKK

I used the numbers provided in the article you linked. You do realize that even with those numbers (60 vs 99 = 39$ increase, 39/60 = 65%) that is a 65% increase, yes? But again, before the price increase in 2004 the cost was 54 and change, that is over an 80% increase in price. Anyway, I said 'nearly' doubled - 55 x 2 = 110, so they are $11 shy of doubling, that's close enough to qualify a 'nearly doubling'

And as far as Universal goes, they have significantly increased the number and quality of their attractions, so you are at least getting more for your money.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

This type of thread really boils down to a single question - will you still go at this price point? If not, don't go.

But when you see crowd levels like we have seen the past few months, you have to understand that Disney clearly isn't charging too much. In fact, I would argue that they are not charging enough.

 

[ks-man]

I don't think they are raising the prices to bring down the crowd levels..I think they want the crowds PLUS the extra $.

But I agree that they are raising the ticket prices because they can. The parks are jam packed.

Fair enough. I was trying to keep it simple but realistically Disney wants maximum profits which is an equilibrium price between supply and demand or in their world ticket prices and admissions.

I'd guess I'd go further and say they want maximum long term profitability to their brand which probably means large crowds at their parks and some level of ticket attainability for the maximum number of people.

 

[crazyventures]

This type of thread really boils down to a single question - will you still go at this price point? If not, don't go.

But when you see crowd levels like we have seen the past few months, you have to understand that Disney clearly isn't charging too much. In fact, I would argue that they are not charging enough.

This. The price hikes suck but Disney will charge what the market will bear. To be fair (though I'm relatively new to the WDW side of things,) it does seem like WDW offers a lot of specials to fill up the parks and/or resorts at various times during the year. A lot of people take advantage of free dining, which has never been an option at DL.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

But you are basing the product gain on your own opinions only, not factual evidence. You might not like Springfield, you might not like Transformers(which is no way a thrill ride) but the bottom line is Universal is adding new attractions constantly to actually justify a price increase and Disney is not. Avatar is no where near completion, Star Wars has not in anyway been announced, DTD is just new stores ect. There is nothing actually completed or near completed to justify this price increase at the moment. That is all I'm saying.

Just because you don't like new products Universal is putting out doesn't offset the fact that they are putting out new products for the money.

As for the hotels, well they are still cheaper than most Disney deluxe hotels, and heck even some of the moderates and you get unlimited Express, walking distance to the parks and they are truly deluxe. The product is worth the money.

For me the bottom line is this, if I am going to pay more for something, then I want something more in return. I too love the Disney classics but classic also means "been there, done that" why should I pay more for the same rthing every time I turn around?

My point is I don't think Uni products are worth it to me and my family and apparently many more.If that is what your looking for, great..go ...enjoy UNI.
If WDW is not worth the money to you and the family, don't go!

The last few years UNI has added to their parks, but for many years they didn't and still raised prices.

I believe the WDW and classic Disney is worth the price raises to cover inflation and all the extras of just being on property, even just to visit. The many choices in the 16 hotels, unique theming, golf courses, 4 parks, 2 water parks, campground, boats, monorails, balloon rides, horse back and many, many other smaller attractions. Many of these attractions are free to explore and try, and are covered partially by parks tickets.

As to the hotels, yes, they are cheaper but they are going higher and limited choices. Uni does have walk to the parks, if they build more hotels, that will not always be the case.


As I said before the bottom line is all and every company will charge what the people will pay, and attendance at WDW in general, not just the parks, prove people want to be at WDW.

AS Uni grows their over head will as well, and their prices.

AKK

 

[ArwenMarie]

This. The price hikes suck but Disney will charge what the market will bear. To be fair (though I'm relatively new to the WDW side of things,) it does seem like WDW offers a lot of specials to fill up the parks and/or resorts at various times during the year. A lot of people take advantage of free dining, which has never been an option at DL.

The discounts (room discounts and free dining) are to fill up the 25,000 hotel rooms, which run at about 80% occupancy at best over the course of the year. They have lots of space in their hotels...not so much space in the parks

 

[ArwenMarie]

Fair enough. I was trying to keep it simple but realistically Disney wants maximum profits which is an equilibrium price between supply and demand or in their world ticket prices and admissions.

I'd guess I'd go further and say they want maximum long term profitability to their brand which probably means large crowds at their parks and some level of ticket attainability for the maximum number of people.

I agree.

 

[ArwenMarie]

AS Uni grows their over head will as well, and their prices.

AKK

I bet Uni will follow with a ticket price hike soon, before Diagon Alley opens this summer.

 

[robinb]

But the 2004 $ and 2014 $ are not equal - you are not comapring apples to apples

OK, I'll play. $52 in 2004 US dollars is equal to $62.17 in 2013 US Dollars (http://stats.areppim.com/calc/calc_usdlrxdeflator.php). That would be an adjusted increase of 59.24% in 2013 dollars (there are no values for 2014 $$).