Cost increases

[DisMike]

Ok, I've been trying to plan a trip for the family (6 of us) to WDW. I was finally getting to the point where I might be able to swing it and now Disney raises prices on me. For a week, if we do it on the cheap, it's still going to cost about $6,500.

So I start thinking, "well, we can always go to DL". At least we can drive there. However, with the new increases, it's still going to hit us for about $2,000 for 4 days. And that's if we don't eat too much on site and we all jam into my cousin's house in Ahaheim.

We took the kids there in 2006 and ticket prices were about half what they are now. I'd love to stay at the GCH but it would run us about $300 - $400 per night.

Disney has always been a bit on the expensive side but this is getting a bit ridiculous. My family loves Disney but they're killing us. How on earth do you raise prices during a recession and expect to make more money? Disney's already offering discounts that they've never offered before to bring more people in and now they raise prices? Reminds me of NYC a few years back before Guiliani was mayor. Hotel tax revenues were down because the prices were so high. They were staying in Jersey and commuting over. What was NYC's solution to increase revenues? Why raise the hotel tax of course!

Idiots.

 

[I'm mikey]

If your trying to plan a disney vacation on a budget, try http://www.getawaytoday.com. We've been using them for over ten years, never had a problem, and their pricing is quit
reasonable.

 

[Funball]

yeah id go with what im mikey said or use one of hydroguys suggestions...

 

[Funball]

maybe cut out having to stay at pricey GCH, and do something affordable like hojo, at least you be saving some money there--and you can get bread and cheese and mayo an have it on hand in the mini fridges and use it for sandwiches for lunches or even dinners..so right there you are also cutting cost of food in the park--anoher thought that came to my head, buy a huge pack of water--i have read that other travelers bring like huge water packs to where ever they stay and use the bottles and then refill during the day in the park-that will save you from the $4 dollar water they sell in the park--anoer cost cutting thing, get one souveneer for the whole family, like a nice 5x6 photo of everyone in front of the castle via photo pass, that way you'll not only remember your trip as a family buy you will be cutting the cost of purchasing a souvenier for EVERYONE!

 

[DisMike]

Thanks for the suggestions.

We've done DL on a budget. My cousin lives about 5 miles away so we can stay with her. We pack lunches and leave them in the car and go eat there. What costs a bunch is the travel to and from (not Disney's fault or problem) and the cost of the tickets.

The GCH is a wish, not a plan. And I will try getawaytoday.com.

 

[kailuagirl]

I agree it's getting expensive. I figured out how much it is going to cost us for our 3 nights and ouch!! and that's across the street at Harbor. Even though there is absolutely no comparison, I tell myself, Disneyland is a deal compared to say a state fair or carnival where it 's like $5+ to ride 1 ride (at least that's what it costs here). I guess we can't really think of the money and how much it is going to costs us, just have to think of the fun family lifelong memories we are creating. But it still hurts..... alot

 

[blackjackdelta]

Thanks for the suggestions.

We've done DL on a budget. My cousin lives about 5 miles away so we can stay with her. We pack lunches and leave them in the car and go eat there. What costs a bunch is the travel to and from (not Disney's fault or problem) and the cost of the tickets.

The GCH is a wish, not a plan. And I will try getawaytoday.com.

We drive about 2400 miles rt and it costs us less than $500, cheaper than flying. Guess I need to check the gas prices, we leave next Sat.

Jack

 

[tallpkb]

You know, depending on your travel dates, you might want to consider Paradise Pier. We did that early December last year, and even got concierge because it was SUCH AN INEXPENSIVE add-on! It's not GCH, but it does give you the 'Disney feel', and the walk is not a big deal at all. In fact, it's a much nicer walk that Ho Jo's, cuz you can walk through Downtown Disney!

 

[mdsd8700]

Not sure if you would still consider the WDW trip if you could get the tickets at the "old" prices, but if you go to Mousesavers and follow the link to a ticket broker (we have used many times, very reputable) the broker still has some tickets at the "old prices". However you would have to purchase the tickets now so not sure if that is an option. I totally understand not wanting to pay the difference between the WDW and DL trip, but just thought I would post just in case you didn't know. On either coast Disney is a Magical Trip Good luck with your planning and I hope all works out well for you.

 

[pinktink83]

I just read about this yesterday, but there are lockers right outside the DL entrance gates that you can store lunches in, and there is a whole picnic area with tables, etc. I thought that was pretty neat! You can find out more on the DL website. Better than trekking back to the car!

 

[Littleprincess2010]

We drive about 2400 miles rt and it costs us less than $500, cheaper than flying. Guess I need to check the gas prices, we leave next Sat.

Jack

This is what Gasbuddy.com is saying for our trip in Nov. too so I think you are good

 

[blackjackdelta]

This is what Gasbuddy.com is saying for our trip in Nov. too so I think you are good

I always check stations along the route and current listed prices and each year I budget real close. Hope the prices do not escalate.

Jack

 

[Littleprincess2010]

I always check stations along the route and current listed prices and each year I budget real close. Hope the prices do not escalate.

Jack

Here in the "Great White North" they usually go up in May and then come back down in September/October. Is that the trend in the US as well?

 

[Funball]

I just read about this yesterday, but there are lockers right outside the DL entrance gates that you can store lunches in, and there is a whole picnic area with tables, etc. I thought that was pretty neat! You can find out more on the DL website. Better than trekking back to the car!

Yep.. The thing about the lockers is.. if you bring things to make a sandwich with you cannot store them inside the lockers inside the parks(even if it’s a cooler) as we have discussed this in another thread and was told my Disney dreams, BUT the locker prices inside or out are the same.

Moral of the story is, that if you want to save a buck try staying at an off-site hotel, and store sandwich items in the mini fridge’s that are provided in your room..i am sure a lot of the hotels near Disneyland(carousel inn, candy cane inn,hojo.) have the mini fridge’s ,besides what's better then to be able to go back to your off=site hotel and rest for an hour or so and have a nice relaxing lunch that doesn't cost an Arm and a Leg!

 

[skiingfast]

Here in the "Great White North" they usually go up in May and then come back down in September/October. Is that the trend in the US as well?

Kind of. Up in Late may down in september. Up in December down in March. It's not just where you are or I am. Gas prices are related to oil prices and they are the same everywhere in proportion.

 

[Littleprincess2010]

Kind of. Up in Late may down in september. Up in December down in March. It's not just where you are or I am. Gas prices are related to oil prices and they are the same everywhere in proportion.

That makes sense, I never realized the December increase but with people travelling for Christmas I can understand it. Gas prices here are really high all the time anyways, so going to the states is going to be nice for us