Disney Debt!

[Sportypyro]

Disney definitely feels like it’s getting too expensive for a lot of people. With ticket prices, accommodations, food, and extra experiences like Genie+ adding up, it can easily cost a small fortune for a family trip. I used to think of it as a "must-do" vacation, but now I find myself looking at other options like cruises or theme parks like Universal, which sometimes offer better deals. It’s hard to say no to Disney, though, especially when you’ve had such great memories there! But yeah, the price hikes are making us reconsider.

 

[SuperBrandt]

I'll add this anecdotal point to the discussion. Sorry for the longer post.
I went to Disney World once when I was a kid; my parents spent a year building their house and this was the "reward" for us going through it with them. My wife had a few opportunities to visit the Land when she was growing up. We have always talked about taking our girls there.

Now that my girls at the prime Disney ages, we started looking into things a few years back and just couldn't make the math with Disney work for our circumstances (travel, time required, child personalities, etc. etc.). Take into consideration the crowd sizes growing year over year (excl. COVID and after), prices increasing year over year, the industrialization of the Disney Influencer Complex making the Disney experience something you needed a bachelor's degree in (my perception only) and it really became an exercise in futility. The math just wasn't mathing for us.

As a compromise, we did decide on a Disney Cruise to give our kids their first Disney experience, and I would say that scratched 60-75% of the itch. Granted, pricing was almost the same, but having complete freedom for food and so many other activities made it a very relaxed vacation. My wife described it as incredibly relaxing to have a vacation where she could say "Yes" to everything my girls wanted to do. You want to eat 3 bites of your nuggets? Fine. You want to eat the Salmon + Pizza for dinner tonight? Also fine (both real circumstances).

We are doing another cruise in 2026 with my extended family, but this time are thinking about doing a one-day blitz to MK. I can make the math work on that because its one day, we'll go hard, and then relax on the ship. But this is also a few years of planning for us to pay a premium to maximize our one day trip, including cashing in on quite a few discounts (discounted tickets through work, airline points, etc).

All that is to say: Business-wise, I get what Disney is doing. There is no incentive to reduce ticket prices if the demand consistently remains high. And even if demand dips, the margin on selling higher-priced tickets & add-ons offsets the lower quantity of tickets sold. (you make more selling 6 burgers @ $10 each vs. 10 burgers @ $5 each). Additionally, Disney might be looking at people like me, willing to spend more for that once-in-a-lifetime experience as their target audience, versus someone who can visit more often and not have to pay for all the bells & whistles to maximize their experience.

Unless you are someone who (seemingly) invests a lot of disposable income in all things Disney, or is in an upper income tier, or lives locally, it really feels like it will be a one-and-done for so many people. Which seems really sad, because so much of Disney (to me) is that legacy experience.

 

[DCLMP]

Disney definitely feels like it’s getting too expensive for a lot of people. With ticket prices, accommodations, food, and extra experiences like Genie+ adding up, it can easily cost a small fortune for a family trip. I used to think of it as a "must-do" vacation, but now I find myself looking at other options like cruises or theme parks like Universal, which sometimes offer better deals. It’s hard to say no to Disney, though, especially when you’ve had such great memories there! But yeah, the price hikes are making us reconsider.

Maybe its time to make some new memories. There's a great big world out there. I get the whole nostalgia thing, but eventually there will be a trip where it's just not worth it anymore. I've had that trip to WDW.

I have a lot of memories tied up with DCL , but their new ships, stale itineraries and locality perks are sub par. I think I'm not far off from making that break

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Maybe its time to make some new memories. There's a great big world out there. I get the whole nostalgia thing, but eventually there will be a trip where it's just not worth it anymore. I've had that trip to WDW.

I have a lot of memories tied up with DCL , but their new ships, stale itineraries and locality perks are sub par. I think I'm not far off from making that break

I agree completely but we’ve also sailed twice on RC and once on Celebrity. Each time, I end up longing for DCL.

 

[DCLMP]

I agree completely but we’ve also sailed twice on RC and once on Celebrity. Each time, I end up longing for DCL.

I have sailed Royal and Carnival and didn't long for DCL, but I still have kids under 21 therefore DCL is still the best fit for us. I don't think it will be hard to make that break when they are not traveling with us.

We are planning on a family trip to Epic Universe. I'm looking forward to seeing the new park.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I have sailed Royal and Carnival and didn't long for DCL, but I still have kids under 21 therefore DCL is still the best fit for us. I don't think it will be hard to make that break when they are not traveling with us.

We are planning on a family trip to Epic Universe. I'm looking forward to seeing the new park.

It does look amazing.

We sailed Carnival 3 times before we ever tried DCL and there was no going back. I’d rather go to work than waste precious vacation hours on a Carnival cruise. Jmho.

 

[DCLMP]

It does look amazing.

We sailed Carnival 3 times before we ever tried DCL and there was no going back. I’d rather go to work than waste precious vacation hours on a Carnival cruise. Jmho.

Our carnival cruise was a 10 day med cruise from Athens to Barcelona on a brand new ship. It was great, but I have not experienced Carnival in the Caribbean. I’m sure it’s different.

 

[bmtta2003]

A Disney Vacation has definitely become very expensive, but that hasn't seemed to slow down the crowds. What price will alleviate the crowded parks? Am I standing shoulder to shoulder with the more affluent, or have the price increases had little affect on what those on the lower economic spectrum are willing to spend?

 

[OlliePop27]

A Disney Vacation has definitely become very expensive, but that hasn't seemed to slow down the crowds. What price will alleviate the crowded parks? Am I standing shoulder to shoulder with the more affluent, or have the price increases had little affect on what those on the lower economic spectrum are willing to spend?

Just because people are spending the money doesn't mean they are affluent...or have the money at all.

People make personal decisions about going into debt, charging trips on plastic, moving money from other areas like retirement saving, or one of many other reasons.

Of course, some people do have the financial means and prioritize trips to Disney parks.

I love Disney trips and am fortunate to visit somewhat regularly...on a low to moderate budget. I would never go into debt for any trip and I also wouldn't want to let Disney trips make it so I could not experience the myriad other amazing offerings the world has to offer.

I personally don't have an opinion about how others spend their time and resources- debt or not. I focus on what I can control but respect other people's opinions!

 

[Judique]

To me it has become to expensive from what I saw a few weeks ago. Expensive in $ sense excluding if a person finds value. - I will note we can afford the trips.
The parks were noticeably less crowded however to me this can be a sign of many things from Covid Credits combined with inflation for everyday items so no/less vacation etc.
The bigger picture was I saw in a number of lines people eating homemade sandwiches also saw this at tables. The restaurants were far less crowded reservations 1 hour before plenty available. CS Satuli canteen at AK at 12:30 was rather empty spend close to an hour there with eating and talking and there were less people with empty tables all around us. There were people sitting outside eating you guessed it sandwiches. Very few sodas at all CS a sea of water cups. This was a fairly common theme the entire week. People are definitely cutting back.... While this always was in Disney it was nowhere near the level we saw this year. Disney will need to adjust its pricing or it will lose customers to other vacations where one does not need to eat sandwiches in line or not order a soft drink with a meal. I will add yes the parks are definitely not as clean as they were in every sense but still clean just not in any way what the past was.

Happy to see people are not drinking soda and having water instead. Much healthier than drinking soda!

These boards always recommend cost saving measures such as packing food and water into the parks. I guess more people are taking advantage of that strategy. Perhaps sandwiches packed in for lunch means they can now buy dinner at a nice sit down restaurant later.

We have been going to Disney and spending for many years. Personally I get tired of the food options and may just want something simple, even a cheese or PB&J. Our last family visit with 6A&C in March 2024, topped out at $12k and we had ADR's every day. Got tired of Disney food. Normally on my solo trips I'll stick to simple meals such as Satuli canteen and I can only eat half of what they bring even though I love it.

Disney has had to offer deals in the past. I guess we will see what the future brings.

I think what will happen is more 1st timers will be one and done.

The other side of the coin is some of us are going to keep coming and we know what we value. Disney will just make extra effort to extricate more dollars from us.

 

[Willow Ufgood]

A Disney Vacation has definitely become very expensive, but that hasn't seemed to slow down the crowds. What price will alleviate the crowded parks? Am I standing shoulder to shoulder with the more affluent, or have the price increases had little affect on what those on the lower economic spectrum are willing to spend?

Attendance is down. Way down. Price, among other factors such as the lack of new attractions with lengthy build times, failed IP and an awakening by the public to alternative vacations that offer better value, is having a huge influence. And the need to have a PhD in Disney planning is enough to make people turn away.

 

[DCLMP]

Attendance is down. Way down. Price, among other factors such as the lack of new attractions with lengthy build times, failed IP and an awakening by the public to alternative vacations that offer better value, is having a huge influence. And the need to have a PhD in Disney planning is enough to make people turn away.

I think there's a lot of negativity surrounding Disney. Sometimes I have a hard time giving money to Disney, but I try to separate that because it's not the employees fault, and I still enjoy the cruises.

 

[johnparkhopper]

I have been going since 1972 and have been to WDW n=many times over the years. I have memories of what WDW used to be and what it now has become
and I don't like it. The last time we were there was in 2019 and sorry to say it will be our last

 

[DCLMP]

Happy to see people are not drinking soda and having water instead. Much healthier than drinking soda!

I have to laugh at this. Over the last several years on the cruise forum one of the justifications for choosing DCL over another cruise line is that DCL gives you free soda. Apparently Soda is worth a few thousand more. As someone that has cruised DCL 33 times{ not for the soda} this always gives me a good chuckle.

If they were giving out free wine.....I might have a different opinion.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I’m not much of a soda drinker but I think what people mean is that many of the things they’d want are included, and they won’t get that feeling of being nickel and dimed the whole time.
I doubt most people actually drink $1000 worth of soda on a cruise.

 

[SuperBrandt]

My parents love their soda (err...pop. I'm a Michigander we call it pop).
When I told them about free soft drinks on Disney, it was almost like that sold the deal for them.

It's not so much about getting the free soft drinks. It's more about not wanting to have to think about paying for it.
My big selling point to them about the cruise was customer service, cleanliness, and clientele. They had one negative experience in the past on a Carnival cruise and swore off all cruises until I took my family on one earlier this year.

If you were to go on a 5-day cruise with 5 people and everyone getting the $12.99 soda package, that only comes out to $324.75 total. But I think it's truly about the convenience and not feeling like you are getting nickel & dimed (even paying the mouse tax)

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

My parents love their soda (err...pop. I'm a Michigander we call it pop).
When I told them about free soft drinks on Disney, it was almost like that sold the deal for them.

It's not so much about getting the free soft drinks. It's more about not wanting to have to think about paying for it.
My big selling point to them about the cruise was customer service, cleanliness, and clientele. They had one negative experience in the past on a Carnival cruise and swore off all cruises until I took my family on one earlier this year.

If you were to go on a 5-day cruise with 5 people and everyone getting the $12.99 soda package, that only comes out to $324.75 total. But I think it's truly about the convenience and not feeling like you are getting nickel & dimed (even paying the mouse tax)

My brother and SIL have been cruising Carnival for years and have been reluctant to venture out and try other cruise lines. I haven't cruised with them since 2006. We finally convinced them to try DCL to cruise with the grandchildren next summer.
Not only is soda extra but if you want filet mignon, you have to book a special upgraded dining package. So if you’re going to be paying for a lot of extra packages, you might as well upgrade you whole cruising experience with a better cruise line.

 

[kathy884]

"So is Disney too expensive for you?"

I guess I have to say yes for this month / year lol.

I'm going to be in Tampa from Nov. 23-25 (just booked a last minute trip -- visit to see my cousin who has just gotten out of the hospital after more than a month long stay (we didn't know if he would make it even)), but it looks like he is doing better will be discharged to an ALF this week. It wasn't too expensive IMHO to use air points, do a two night hotel stay at the Embassy Suites near his ALF, and spend the other monies on this quick trip to see him as I really want to do that. We'll be doing low key nature activities and have some meals out on this stay.

Anyway as a Disney loving girl, I considered a two day add on to Orlando with one day Nov. 26th at the Magic Kingdom. My lodging there would even be free (my nephew lives there and he is joining me in Tampa too). But OMG one day tickets on that day are $184 pp and you have to leave by 6 p.m. too as it's a party evening (separate ticket). Party days are nice as lines are shorter, but not $184 pp nice to do things like the campy Tiki Birds and Carousel of Progress - these days we like it all but do a bunch of the campy ole time things (just a little too rich for my blood for a whimsical last minute add on). I do love the MK, but I don't quite love it that much. And I was just in Disneyland Paris for three days about a year ago. I'm guessing that a day at Orlando's MK will be a splurge I'll do again and take my nephew along, but I just said no for this year on this last minute trip.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

"So is Disney too expensive for you?"

I guess I have to say yes for this month / year lol.

I'm going to be in Tampa from Nov. 23-25 (just booked a last minute trip -- visit to see my cousin who has just gotten out of the hospital after more than a month long stay (we didn't know if he would make it even)), but it looks like he is doing better will be discharged to an ALF this week. It wasn't too expensive IMHO to use air points, do a two night hotel stay at the Embassy Suites near his ALF, and spend the other monies on this quick trip to see him as I really want to do that. We'll be doing low key nature activities and have some meals out on this stay.

Anyway as a Disney loving girl, I considered a two day add on to Orlando with one day Nov. 26th at the Magic Kingdom. My lodging there would even be free (my nephew lives there and he is joining me in Tampa too). But OMG one day tickets on that day are $184 pp and you have to leave by 6 p.m. too as it's a party evening (separate ticket). Party days are nice as lines are shorter, but not $184 pp nice to do things like the campy Tiki Birds and Carousel of Progress - these days we like it all but do a bunch of the campy ole time things (just a little too rich for my blood for a whimsical last minute add on). I do love the MK, but I don't quite love it that much. And I was just in Disneyland Paris for three days about a year ago. I'm guessing that a day at Orlando's MK will be a splurge I'll do again and take my nephew along, but I just said no for this year on this last minute trip.

Those hard ticket parties just irk me. Throw out your regular guests early so they can collect double the number of admissions in one day.
Grrr…

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Those hard ticket parties just irk me. Throw out your regular guests early so they can collect double the number of admissions in one day.
Grrr…

I specifically chose May for next year to avoid the parties. Last two trips were in November. Only having 2-3 days a week for MK fireworks makes it straight insanity to watch them. And party days overcrowds the other parks.

My daughter wants to do MNSSHP one day and we decided when we go it’ll be a 3-4 day trip specifically for the party.