Are Disney prices too high?

[3DisneyFanz]

You can't have it both ways. If you're not willing to look at the benefit to Disney the corporation, you shouldn't be looking at the cost to Disney the corporation.

If you're going to look at what Disney spent, you need to look at how Disney benefits, not how you benefit.

If you're looking at how many new attractions there are, you need to look at what your costs are, not Disney's. There is a legitimate argument there, as others have suggested about the admission rising more than inflation without a similar increase in attractions at the park (though I haven't been tracking that argument closely enough to be sure it's correct).

Well when someone can tell me what benefit Disney is getting from this investment then I'll look at it from their perspective. There certainly seems to be very little they are going to get out of this that they couldn't/shouldn't have been able to get before. At this point it's really just traffic patterns and cash transactions they can capture now and just because the Smiths skip Pecos Bill for Sleepy Hollow doesn't really mean much since the Jones are skipping Sleepy Hollow for Pecos Bills. They don't even need this to try and upsell anything to you either. I can look at your reservation detail and see you have two 2-10 year olds and offer you a A&E ticket plan at a cost without ever having to know you tried unsuccessfully for FP+.

Even if you want to argue they can schedule staffing better keep in mind you're primarily discussing people barely above minimum wage and I'd bet what you can cut will be far less than system maintenance and is being replaced by the people manning the roving kiosks and increased GS staff.

 

[3DisneyFanz]

It's not just that so many people are willing to pay the high prices. But people are demanding even MORE ways to spend... that Disney has to constantly keep up! Search for hotels during the supposed off-season and even the $300+/night rooms are frequently sold out. And Disney keeps offering bigger ideas on how to spend money: hard ticketed events where they can charge yet another admission fee, premium dessert experiences, table service dining plans, collectible pins, D23 memberships, limited edition lithographs, signature restaurants, etc.

There are so many add-ons. And yet the public's appetite is insatiable! In a world of supply and demand, the guests are speaking with their dollars: they demand more ways to spend and there is no end in sight. And it's not just rich people or foolish credit card spenders. People are choosing to buy these premium experiences because they like them and want more of them... even if they have to save up. This board is plenty of evidence of that.

So for each person who doesn't see the value, there are others who do feel they're getting a good enough value. Ultimately, that's how the market works... and the balance between the two are why certain offerings are set where they are.

This never ceases to fascinate me. Everytime the announce something that sounds more outlandish than the last thing there is a line of people waiting to hand over their cash. The Hallowished Dessert Party just kills me as people are already paying the ridiculous party fee then paying even more money for a cupcake and to watch the parade and fireworks.

It's clear Disney derives business practices from Thomas Tusser who wrote:

"A foole and his money be soone at debate: which after with sorow repents him too late."

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

This never ceases to fascinate me. Everytime the announce something that sounds more outlandish than the last thing there is a line of people waiting to hand over their cash. The Hallowished Dessert Party just kills me as people are already paying the ridiculous party fee then paying even more money for a cupcake and to watch the parade and fireworks.

It's clear Disney derives business practices from Thomas Tusser who wrote:

"A foole and his money be soone at debate: which after with sorow repents him too late."

Fascinating to me is somebody caring what others do with their money.

A lot of it makes no sense to me either, but who am I to say or care. We just say no to certain things.

WDW has so many options, you could stay Value or offsite and then participate in other things and better dining, or stay deluxe and avoid a lot of things. You could also avoid most everything and stay value or offsite if that's your budget.

These are rabid fans of something, just wait for Star Wars.

 

[3DisneyFanz]

You are correct. We will have to disagree. Back then, Disney had an entire resort called "The Golf Resort". It is gone now. If you want to argue that golfing is more of a focus today than it was back then...good luck. Back then, there was a vibrant tennis center and you had to make reservations for court time because court time was in such high demand. Now?...Not so much. Back then, you could rent watercraft at every resort. Now? They have closed half of the marinas. The focus has shifted dramatically toward theme parks. But that does not smack of "vacation diversity". The range of vacation options beyond theme parks was much more vibrant in the past. The very existence of the Golf Resort and the Buena Vista Club and vacation villas surrounding the Village is concrete evidence of that. People came to WDW for more reasons than going to amusement parks. Sure, the diversity in amusement park entertainment is far greater now. But that diversity resides in the margins. True diversity lies in a greater range of leisure options, and back when there was a Village and a Golf Resort and a tennis center and marinas all over the place, there was greater diversity. Again, when did you play more games of tennis, more rounds of golf, and rent more boats? 1978 or today?

I think the boats are a perfect example of "breaking point". I don't think people lost interest in the boats but they certainly lost interest in the rates they were charging to rent the boats. That may well have been intentional but essentially Disney priced the boat rentals out of rotation.

As for for the golf if you think prices for the parks are high have you priced a round of golf? I got a better deal at Harbor Town than I've ever gotten at Disney.

 

[DisneyPrince1982]

This never ceases to fascinate me. Everytime the announce something that sounds more outlandish than the last thing there is a line of people waiting to hand over their cash. The Hallowished Dessert Party just kills me as people are already paying the ridiculous party fee then paying even more money for a cupcake and to watch the parade and fireworks.

It's clear Disney derives business practices from Thomas Tusser who wrote:

"A foole and his money be soone at debate: which after with sorow repents him too late."

Hahaha so true. Disney should start hosting ice cream parties and cake parties and coca cola parties and charge everyone $100 per person. I'm guessing they'll make a killing.

 

[5kidsmommy]

I think the boats are a perfect example of "breaking point". I don't think people lost interest in the boats but they certainly lost interest in the rates they were charging to rent the boats. That may well have been intentional but essentially Disney priced the boat rentals out of rotation.

As for for the golf if you think prices for the parks are high have you priced a round of golf? I got a better deal at Harbor Town than I've ever gotten at Disney.

That's funny, we've rented boats at Fort Wilderness before and thought the price was pretty good. Everything is relative.

 

[Networth]

The idea of Disney lowering prices literally made me laugh out loud. Thank you OP

To answer the question supply I would like to introduce you to massive demand. If anything basic economics says their prices are too low.

However I do feel their merchandise has gone down in quality I remember the heft of the toy guns they used to sell at Ft. Wilderness in the 80/90's. The last time I picked one up in August you would of thought it was carved out of bamboo.

 

[Etherflyer]

I do not want to open that can of worms, but before FP+ there was a lot of complaining about the legacy FP. However, I think that the total cost of MDE is what you are referring to, and not that one aspect of it. There will be a lot of features that MDE offers, and after it is up and running to the potential it is intended, I am reserving judgement on that expense.

I never thought the old system was great for 1st time travelers but the new system in my experience is creating lines that last waaaaay longer than we ever waited in standby before. We actually waited over 2 hours in the soarin standby line in Jan on a Tues during our other yearly trips that would have been 30 to 40 minutes. The park was not that crowded but Disney was or is giving out too many fastpasses now.

 

[Etherflyer]

I don't think he'd mind the profits but he might not be a fan of how they're being achieved.

I also don't think he would mind the profits but I do think the lack of updates prior to the new fantasy land and the slow pace of construction would bother him. Empty buildings like Wonders of Life that would be an issue.

 

[Etherflyer]

I don't think anyone can say with a straight face that Disney isn't more expensive compared to income now then 1972. I think Disney is just a much different company with different goals then they were at the time.

I think a lot of people forget how bad the financial situation of the company was in the late 1970's and early 1980's before Eisner took over. Disney was so fixated on keeping prices low that they almost got the company taken over and split up. It was not very well run and almost ceased to exist because of it. Love or hate Eisner he saved the company from being taken over, stripped down, and sold for parts.

Disney is a luxury brand now when it comes to vacations, at least when talking about staying onsite at WDW. That wasn't always the case but it also wasn't always the case that Disney could splash out $10 billion dollars (even when adjusted to a 1970's era equivalent) on one project and two acquisitions either.

The Disney of Walt's era is gone and isn't coming back. I always see the "what would Walt think" meme on the Disboards and other places but, quite frankly, Walt would have been booted from his own company if he tried to run it the way he did while he was alive. The way founders ran companies and the way management runs them when they are a Fortune 100 company is very different. There were times when a single movie failure threatened the well being of the company, that is no longer the case.

Eisner certainly was booted and the park was a way better product under him. Of course the company itself is better off under Iger.

 

[maxiesmom]

I also don't think he would mind the profits but I do think the lack of updates prior to the new fantasy land and the slow pace of construction would bother him. Empty buildings like Wonders of Life that would be an issue.

Construction is one of those darned if you do darned if you don't issues. There are as many posts complaining about the construction as there are posters happy with it.

 

[maxiesmom]

I think the boats are a perfect example of "breaking point". I don't think people lost interest in the boats but they certainly lost interest in the rates they were charging to rent the boats. That may well have been intentional but essentially Disney priced the boat rentals out of rotation.

As for for the golf if you think prices for the parks are high have you priced a round of golf? I got a better deal at Harbor Town than I've ever gotten at Disney.

There are deals on golf, if you don't mind golfing early in the morning or late at night. Plus if you are staying on site they also throw in a free cab ride to and from the golf course.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Compared to the cost of other quality venues the park prices are not expensive........try concretes and sports games........over the top crazy!

AS TO GOLF< compare the high quality Disney courses with other top quality courses in high crowd areas no Disney in not more expensive!

AKK

 

[Nancyg56]

Compared to the cost of other quality venues the park prices are not expensive........try concretes and sports games........over the top crazy!

AS TO GOLF< compare the high quality Disney courses with other top quality courses in high crowd areas no Disney in not more expensive!

AKK

I think that part of the issue when folks discuss the cost and then determine that Disney is too expensive is that they are not comparing what is offered and is included in the price to what is included in the cost of a different vacation destination. If you look at th entrance fee into a park, you can be done. The shows, parades and fireworks displays are included. You can choose to bring in your food or not. You do not have to navigate games of chance (my DGD's only desire when we went to Six Flags, where I was told I had to make a purchase in a gift shop when I asked for a plastic bag to hold all the toys my DH won for her! A hundred dollars at least on that junk and they could not spring for a .02 plactic bag?????)

We vacation elsewhere, but when I track the total cost, it is at least the same amount. Yes, we can find lodging that is less expensive elsewhere, but then the cost of entertainment jumps. And car rental and gas. And food, both inside the park and out. My DH planned a "surprise" long weekend away a few years ago, and gave my DD a budget to work with. I do not do well with surprises so she let me know. Anyway, we went to Myrtle Beach, off season. SHe stayed within the budget for lodging and air. Great! Then we arrived. Car rental. Food and beverage. Chair rental on the beach!!!!!!! shopping. We started out even with WDW, btu for the length of time we stayed and the season we traveled, we could have had WDW in a moderate, and the same quality of food and beverage and shoppong. Now, we were not looking for a WDW vacation, but wanted a beach retreat, btu the cost was comparable.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

I think that part of the issue when folks discuss the cost and then determine that Disney is too expensive is that they are not comparing what is offered and is included in the price to what is included in the cost of a different vacation destination. If you look at th entrance fee into a park, you can be done. The shows, parades and fireworks displays are included. You can choose to bring in your food or not. You do not have to navigate games of chance (my DGD's only desire when we went to Six Flags, where I was told I had to make a purchase in a gift shop when I asked for a plastic bag to hold all the toys my DH won for her! A hundred dollars at least on that junk and they could not spring for a .02 plactic bag?????)

We vacation elsewhere, but when I track the total cost, it is at least the same amount. Yes, we can find lodging that is less expensive elsewhere, but then the cost of entertainment jumps. And car rental and gas. And food, both inside the park and out. My DH planned a "surprise" long weekend away a few years ago, and gave my DD a budget to work with. I do not do well with surprises so she let me know. Anyway, we went to Myrtle Beach, off season. SHe stayed within the budget for lodging and air. Great! Then we arrived. Car rental. Food and beverage. Chair rental on the beach!!!!!!! shopping. We started out even with WDW, btu for the length of time we stayed and the season we traveled, we could have had WDW in a moderate, and the same quality of food and beverage and shoppong. Now, we were not looking for a WDW vacation, but wanted a beach retreat, btu the cost was comparable.

Totally agree......no one is saying WDW is cheap, but when you look at everything included in a WDW vacations, including the many things that are free, (for a few: Disney transportation, boats and monorail, well themed resorts, fireworks as seen around the parks, movies, Chip and dale campfire sing along, water light show on the lakes, ETC.ETC,ETC) you cannot compare any other venue! Even those that cost much more!

 

[Tarheel girl 1975]

I think that part of the issue when folks discuss the cost and then determine that Disney is too expensive is that they are not comparing what is offered and is included in the price to what is included in the cost of a different vacation destination. If you look at th entrance fee into a park, you can be done. The shows, parades and fireworks displays are included. You can choose to bring in your food or not. You do not have to navigate games of chance (my DGD's only desire when we went to Six Flags, where I was told I had to make a purchase in a gift shop when I asked for a plastic bag to hold all the toys my DH won for her! A hundred dollars at least on that junk and they could not spring for a .02 plactic bag?????)

We vacation elsewhere, but when I track the total cost, it is at least the same amount. Yes, we can find lodging that is less expensive elsewhere, but then the cost of entertainment jumps. And car rental and gas. And food, both inside the park and out. My DH planned a "surprise" long weekend away a few years ago, and gave my DD a budget to work with. I do not do well with surprises so she let me know. Anyway, we went to Myrtle Beach, off season. SHe stayed within the budget for lodging and air. Great! Then we arrived. Car rental. Food and beverage. Chair rental on the beach!!!!!!! shopping. We started out even with WDW, btu for the length of time we stayed and the season we traveled, we could have had WDW in a moderate, and the same quality of food and beverage and shoppong. Now, we were not looking for a WDW vacation, but wanted a beach retreat, btu the cost was comparable.

If you're looking at it that way, then it depends on how you typically vacation. A PP. said that their Disney trip with a CL room and VIP tours was comparable in price to their other vacations. If we aren't going to WDW, we're usually visiting family in WI or going to the beach. We can rent a condo at the beach for about $1200/week. When we're there, we don't have to pay a lot for entertainment because my kids are happy to spend most of their time in the water. We might go to a museum or aquarium and spend one morning shopping/sightseeing. For us, those vacations are much less expensive than WDW.

A lot of this has to do with value and that's pretty subjective. We stopped going to MNSHHP. It would cost ~$300 for my family to get tickets this year. They've removed characters, it's more crowded, and we just don't see the value. I don't know if we would go back even if they stopped increasing ticket prices.

Like most people, we tend to compare this year's vacation to our previous trips in terms of price and enjoyment. And I tend to compare the increase in cost to my increase in income. I'm lucky. I know that there are plenty of people who haven't had a real pay increase in years.

 

[flicx]

Now I know for sure I wouldn't go for free even.

But for us it's way more than the early MK, the 4 parks and the resorts areas, and the relaxing process are what brings us back.

You wouldn't go for free to the magic kingdom in the early 70's? WOW! The list entailed over half of the rides that are currently still operational today! Also many rides that are gone that much of the Disney faithful would give alot to have back! The magic kingdom is by far Disney Worlds number 1 park. It has the highest attendance and highest ratings in surveys! Lets not forget the two iconic hotels also available then too, the contemporary and the Polynesian. Lets not beat around the bush the magic kingdom is the anchor that holds Disney World together. To say I wouldn't go for free is a total disrespect for what started it all!

 

[10-4 Good Buddy]

I think 14 pages of good examples and meaty discussion from both sides simply illustrates the original question has merit.

I would have to say that Disney has gotten too expensive FOR US. We have had to cancel our plans to return for the foreseeable future because we simply can't afford to (1) go for the same period of time and (2) stay at the same resort and (3) do the same things and (4) eat at the same places we always have. Sure, we could find ways to cut costs by substitution or elimination but then it no longer feels like a Disney vacation for us and starts to feel like a weekend at Six Flags.

 

[flicx]

The idea of Disney lowering prices literally made me laugh out loud. Thank you OP

To answer the question supply I would like to introduce you to massive demand. If anything basic economics says their prices are too low.

However I do feel their merchandise has gone down in quality I remember the heft of the toy guns they used to sell at Ft. Wilderness in the 80/90's. The last time I picked one up in August you would of thought it was carved out of bamboo.

Here is the thing, Disney has never lowered prices they have raised tickets annually in good times and bad times, the same with rooms too. They also have found ways to increase prices without making actual raises ie taking away no expiration for free, then taking it away all together. How about hopping, it used to be free too. I also tire of the free magical express story too. This is a calculated move by Disney to make you buy all your food at the resort and leaves no car to drive outside for more affordable food. A bus ride doesn't cost that much especially when comparing it to the cost of Disney meals!

 

[Misha72683]

I just priced it out, it will cost my family of 4 around $550 day for hotel, food (dining plan but added in tip), park tickets, MNSSHP and that price is in CND and factors in the horrible exchange rate.

Last year one night at GWL cost us $425 for hotel + waterpark and food and we ate of-site (but Niagara Falls is ridiculously expensive foodwise).

It cost us $300 to go to the local amusement park for the day, just tickets, parking and food. A trip to the local zoo was $120 and we brought our own food. $170 for a day trip to the CNE without going on any rides (and there water ranged from $2.5-$4 a bottle).

This tyoe of entertainment is expensive all around, it's not just unique to Disney. We know to bring our own wqter (something we forgot at the CNE to our dismay) and take advantage of fill stations. We know when to buy food and when to pack our own. We look for deals (most of those prices aren't actually what we paid becausd I used points for admission, but it's what it would cost OoP plus our other expenses) and in the end, we feel thwt the memories and the experience are worth it.