Disney parks costs, crowds, and categorizations

[OhioStateBuckeye]

One idea Len mentioned that I think would be a good, albeit small, thing is to lobby the schools in the North East to go to year round school schedules so there are more breaks, people can come when it isn't 120 degrees and the crowds would be more spread out

That isn't a bad idea...but according to popular opinion on the boards Disney doesn't really have slow times anymore. And if there are slow times they are often random and unable to predict, like this past summer.

The hotels certainly don't seem to have down times.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

That isn't a bad idea...but according to popular opinion on the boards Disney doesn't really have slow times anymore. And if there are slow times they are often random and unable to predict, like this past summer.

The hotels certainly don't seem to have down times.

There definitely aren't truly slow times like there used to be - and pushing things like F&WF and the holiday parties has really made the Fall no longer a slow time

but there are times that are "slower" than others. I do think summer has gotten slower and the expected crowds (they might be down, but still pretty crowded), peak season pricing, and heat all plays a role - if that was able to be balanced out I think it could help

Definitely not the be-all-end-all idea, but things like that I think can help (plus, as someone who lives in the NE, I would love to travel down without having to take my kids out of school or dealing with peak prices and higher crowds)

 

[Roxyfire]

It would have to be more of a locals park. I am not sure if population comparisons are fair in this discussions. Look at the comparison of DL and WDW for example. WDW is a World destination, whereas DL isn’t so much. While a higher population means more people in the work force it doesn’t always mean more visitors. I just don’t see them building another stateside park anytime soon. Overseas could be a different story.

While I don't think they would either, it's still an interesting discussion. Texas is a pretty business friendly state and would love a tourism boost that a Disney Park could bring. Even if it did start as a locals park, others (including myself) would go there just to see it. My thought though is, how would it look? They'd almost have to have another magic kingdom type park but that would put three in the US which would be kinda weird. But you also can't have a Disney park, imo, without a grand castle. They would definitely need to work with other hotel brands to do a partnership, I can't see them trying to replicate the whole WDW compound in another location.

 

[rteetz]

One idea Len mentioned that I think would be a good, albeit small, thing is to lobby the schools in the North East to go to year round school schedules so there are more breaks, people can come when it isn't 120 degrees and the crowds would be more spread out

Well, that works but also doesn't I think people today are more willing to take their kids out of school and we have seen over the last year that summer attendance is less than it used to be and attendance has gone up in times when its historically slow.

 

[rteetz]

To add to the food and beverage discussion talked about I find it interesting to compare costs of the that at the parks and at sporting events or shows.

For example: At the Bradley Center where the Milwaukee Bucks play it is $5 for Soda and Water. At Lambeau Field is it $4.50 for Water and $5.50 for Soda.

At Disney is is $3 for Water and $3.50 for Soda.

Now sure you are spending less time at the sporting events but that is still $1+ more than Disney beverage costs.

Also, I didn't stress too much about the costs of food before this. Now at a place like Six Flags I have always thought their food and beverage pricing to be insane.

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

While I don't think they would either, it's still an interesting discussion. Texas is a pretty business friendly state and would love a tourism boost that a Disney Park could bring. Even if it did start as a locals park, others (including myself) would go there just to see it. My thought though is, how would it look? They'd almost have to have another magic kingdom type park but that would put three in the US which would be kinda weird. But you also can't have a Disney park, imo, without a grand castle. They would definitely need to work with other hotel brands to do a partnership, I can't see them trying to replicate the whole WDW compound in another location.

I thought they could eventually go for 2 gates. Your typical MK park (I want it to have Rapunzel's castle). I think they could do a heavy emphasis on Frontierland here, since it is Texas after all. The second gate could eventually be a more action oriented park with Marvel and SW.

Just think of the DVC division salivating at the thought of a whole new park to place DVC at.

To add to the food and beverage discussion talked about I find it interesting to compare costs of the that at the parks and at sporting events or shows.

For example: At the Bradley Center where the Milwaukee Bucks play it is $5 for Soda and Water. At Lambeau Field is it $4.50 for Water and $5.50 for Soda.

At Disney is is $3 for Water and $3.50 for Soda.

Now sure you are spending less time at the sporting events but that is still $1+ more than Disney beverage costs.

Also, I didn't stress too much about the costs of food before this. Now at a place like Six Flags I have always thought their food and beverage pricing to be insane.

This comparison always kind of fell flat for me. When I go to a sports event, I will get a snack or maybe one meal there. When I go to WDW I need to eat every meal for an entire week (or however long you stay).

Speaking of food costs at Disney though...

A table service meal is beginning to be out of my reach. I ate at Boma a year ago and it was a little over $120 for 2 people, and that was before tip. Only thing I can say to that is ***...I love the food there, but I cannot be paying $120 for 2 people before tip. Maybe once or twice a trip, but the prices are out of control! Imagine paying that much per meal each night of the trip.

I know it is a buffet price, but let's look at another place. Sci Fi is one of my favorites, and I feel everyone thinks it is one of the cheaper table services because people on the restaurant boards are always recommending to pay out of pocket for that if you have too many table services for your dining credits.

The cheapest entree is $15. And there are only 4 at that price. Most are closer to $20. And that isn't terrible by any means.

I think it's just all the costs add up very quickly when you are on a vacation. Especially if you go to some of the more expensive places like Boma or Ohana.

I'm excited because I'm doing a free dining trip in December so I get to eat at Ohana again. For the prices they charge I cannot justify eating there. My stomach is just not large enough to even eat a fraction of what I'm being charged for.

 

[rteetz]

This comparison always kind of fell flat for me. When I go to a sports event, I will get a snack or maybe one meal there. When I go to WDW I need to eat every meal for an entire week (or however long you stay).

Speaking of food costs at Disney though...

A table service meal is beginning to be out of my reach. I ate at Boma a year ago and it was a little over $120 for 2 people, and that was before tip. Only thing I can say to that is ***...I love the food there, but I cannot be paying $120 for 2 people before tip. Maybe once or twice a trip, but the prices are out of control! Imagine paying that much per meal each night of the trip.

I know it is a buffet price, but let's look at another place. Sci Fi is one of my favorites, and I feel everyone thinks it is one of the cheaper table services because people on the restaurant boards are always recommending to pay out of pocket for that if you have too many table services for your dining credits.

The cheapest entree is $15. And there are only 4 at that price. Most are closer to $20. And that isn't terrible by any means.

I think it's just all the costs add up very quickly when you are on a vacation. Especially if you go to some of the more expensive places like Boma or Ohana.

I'm excited because I'm doing a free dining trip in December so I get to eat at Ohana again. For the prices they charge I cannot justify eating there. My stomach is just not large enough to even eat a fraction of what I'm being charged for.

That is true however I think it could work from a Disneyland perspective. Many of those people are locals and do not spend more than a day or two there at a time. I think with that Six Flags could be a valid comparison. I was also more or less comparing drink costs. I would think most people going to a theme park or sporting event are buying a beverage at some point unless you bring your own of course. IMO $3 isn't terrible for water compared to the many stadiums or show venues I have been to.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Not sure if this totally works, but just thinking that there are the main full Lego Lands, but then they have Lego Discovery Centers all over (we have one near us) which contain rides and actives and shops, etc.

I wonder if Disney could do something like that - be they smaller parks or fully indoors - that would contain some rides and some Character meets and some dining locations. Set them up 1-2 hours outside of major cities and you could do a hotel as well

Just a way for people to get to Disney when they can't get to Florida or CA

 

[rteetz]

Not sure if this totally works, but just thinking that there are the main full Lego Lands, but then they have Lego Discovery Centers all over (we have one near us) which contain rides and actives and shops, etc.

I wonder if Disney could do something like that - be they smaller parks or fully indoors - that would contain some rides and some Character meets and some dining locations. Set them up 1-2 hours outside of major cities and you could do a hotel as well

Just a way for people to get to Disney when they can't get to Florida or CA

Imagine if the DisneyQuest plan had worked out. You could then have something like that.

 

[PaintsWithAllTheColors]

Here's a thought:

Assuming the mentality is "everyone should be able to do to Disney", what about having cheaper tickets and higher food/lodging costs to offset the difference.

I know this doesn't seem great but if families who have less income can stay offsite and bring in their food, then the only real deterrent is the high ticket cost. On the flip side, families who have more income would be staying onsite and eating in-park. Crowds would still go up but not AS much because maybe Disney families, like on these boards, who insist on staying onsite, would go less often with higher room/food costs? The idea being instead of having some go multiple times a year and others never get the chance, everyone goes?

Sure, some families who used to stay onsite might go offsite. But I think the more likely situation is that those more affluent families take vacations elsewhere every now and then instead of always Disney.

Of course, I realize this is all hypothetical and not ever going to happen, just an interesting discussion.

 

[Roxyfire]

I thought they could eventually go for 2 gates. Your typical MK park (I want it to have Rapunzel's castle). I think they could do a heavy emphasis on Frontierland here, since it is Texas after all. The second gate could eventually be a more action oriented park with Marvel and SW.

Just think of the DVC division salivating at the thought of a whole new park to place DVC at.

Yeah that's a great idea. Another thing I've heard, though just anecdotal, is that foreign travelers to the US really love the Southwest so a theming like that could be a big draw for something different. DVC is a great point too, considering how much the Grand Californian Villas are booked it would probably work out. Sadly, I think they'd see it as too risky and not worth the reward overall. Too bad really, sometimes you gotta take those risks like Walt did, and no one seems to have the gall to do it anymore.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Imagine if the DisneyQuest plan had worked out. You could then have something like that.

yeah, I had that in my head - but maybe something more that would be inbetween that idea and a regular park

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Here's a thought:

Assuming the mentality is "everyone should be able to do to Disney", what about having cheaper tickets and higher food/lodging costs to offset the difference.

I know this doesn't seem great but if families who have less income can stay offsite and bring in their food, then the only real deterrent is the high ticket cost. On the flip side, families who have more income would be staying onsite and eating in-park. Crowds would still go up but not AS much because maybe Disney families, like on these boards, who insist on staying onsite, would go less often with higher room/food costs? The idea being instead of having some go multiple times a year and others never get the chance, everyone goes?

Sure, some families who used to stay onsite might go offsite. But I think the more likely situation is that those more affluent families take vacations elsewhere every now and then instead of always Disney.

Of course, I realize this is all hypothetical and not ever going to happen, just an interesting discussion.

Honestly, to me the cost of the park tickets is the least overpriced. Yes it has increased a lot over time, but look what you get for your entrance price vs cost of other things.

Just one comparison - the average price of a non-premium seat to a NY Knicks game costs $123.22 per game. .... and the Kincks stink!

Ideally, yeah, they would be a bit lower - but it is really with the snacks and food and resort rooms (compared to off site) where they really kill you - and where they seem to be nickle-and-diming you the most

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Yeah that's a great idea. Another thing I've heard, though just anecdotal, is that foreign travelers to the US really love the Southwest so a theming like that could be a big draw for something different. DVC is a great point too, considering how much the Grand Californian Villas are booked it would probably work out. Sadly, I think they'd see it as too risky and not worth the reward overall. Too bad really, sometimes you gotta take those risks like Walt did, and no one seems to have the gall to do it anymore.

I always thought I good idea for a hotel/resort at WDW would be Mickey's Dude Ranch and Spa - like those high end spa resorts that have in Texas and the Southwest, etc. .... could definitely do something like that as one of the high end resorts for that property

 

[Roxyfire]

As far as food goes, I can say 'Ohana is on par with my local Texas de Brasil. Plus add in the fact that in Orlando sales tax is cheaper (and no beverage tax!!), with soft drink and dessert included. To add those (or any mixed drink) locally, it's extra to get both plus the dreaded sweetened beverage tax on top. I feel like that's a pretty good deal and I like 'Ohana more than Texas de Brasil hands down. Sure, fewer meat skewer choices but I was only really wowed by 1 or 2 anyway. If I'm gonna eat myself silly, might as well do it on vacation.

 

[afan]

To add to the food and beverage discussion talked about I find it interesting to compare costs of the that at the parks and at sporting events or shows.

For example: At the Bradley Center where the Milwaukee Bucks play it is $5 for Soda and Water. At Lambeau Field is it $4.50 for Water and $5.50 for Soda.

At Disney is is $3 for Water and $3.50 for Soda.

Now sure you are spending less time at the sporting events but that is still $1+ more than Disney beverage costs.

Also, I didn't stress too much about the costs of food before this. Now at a place like Six Flags I have always thought their food and beverage pricing to be insane.

To add, you can get a free cup of water st a Disney park and I doubt you can at a sporting event. I've never tried since I doubt they would. You're more captive and can't bring outside food or drinks in.

It's not just sports but the movies. Their prices are as bad or worse at least here. I can get a bag of popcorn at a Mariners game for 7/7.50. Went to an AMC theatre last month a bit south of Seattle last month and a small popcorn was over 8, it was nuts. At least at the movies I sneak my drink in

 

[TheMaxRebo]

As far as food goes, I can say 'Ohana is on par with my local Texas de Brasil. Plus add in the fact that in Orlando sales tax is cheaper (and no beverage tax!!), with soft drink and dessert included. To add those (or any mixed drink) locally, it's extra to get both plus the dreaded sweetened beverage tax on top. I feel like that's a pretty good deal and I like 'Ohana more than Texas de Brasil hands down. Sure, fewer meat skewer choices but I was only really wowed by 1 or 2 anyway. If I'm gonna eat myself silly, might as well do it on vacation.

It is definitely something to keep in mind that prices have gone up everywhere ... for example, I know we eat at Panera Bread a lot and it feels like their prices have really gone up recently ... when we eat there (family of, but 3 little kids) and lunch is like $45-$50

 

[Roxyfire]

It is definitely something to keep in mind that prices have gone up everywhere ... for example, I know we eat at Panera Bread a lot and it feels like their prices have really gone up recently ... when we eat there (family of, but 3 little kids) and lunch is like $45-$50

Oh man yeah, Panera is a great example. I live in a high cost area so if I'm going out, it's somewhere a little nicer, locally owned. Also we usually stick to breakfast because that can be a little less expensive.

 

[Aurora2017]

How about a "Frozen Park" with Elsa's castle?

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

To add to the food and beverage discussion talked about I find it interesting to compare costs of the that at the parks and at sporting events or shows.

For example: At the Bradley Center where the Milwaukee Bucks play it is $5 for Soda and Water. At Lambeau Field is it $4.50 for Water and $5.50 for Soda.

At Disney is is $3 for Water and $3.50 for Soda.

Now sure you are spending less time at the sporting events but that is still $1+ more than Disney beverage costs.

Also, I didn't stress too much about the costs of food before this. Now at a place like Six Flags I have always thought their food and beverage pricing to be insane.

My husband and I did find ourselves saying "well this isn't too badly priced for a theme park" at least on certain things.

$3 for water-That's amazing compared to places like county or state fares or other events were bottled water could be $4-$6. And at both Disney and Universal (though Disney's was a larger size) we found courtesy cups all over the place. Very easy to go get a cup of water with ice for free. And even though we brought crystal light packs we never used them. Honestly the water didn't taste awful to us.

And $3.69 for soda isn't that bad either. There are restaurants that you'll pay at least $3 and more- anything less than $3 to us at restaurants is a very good bargain. Heck AMC dine-in theatres used to be $4.50 for their soda but it's like mid $5 now (the concession stands are expensive too). I forget what the soda was at Universal (I think we may have gotten that once or twice there can't honestly remember).

This isn't to say all things are priced reasonably. There were a few items that we were like "hmm that wasn't quite worth the cost" but on average not that bad.