Disney Prices - Do you have a breaking point?

[Planogirl]

My breaking point will ultimately be when we can no longer afford it. Even though the experience has slipped, I still find it worthwhile. However we usually stay offsite now and eat way fewer FS meals. We never seem to be able to go when free dining is offered.

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

Wilderness isn't exactly roughing it!!

Future trips will be a family of 3 only needing 1 BR as opposed to a family of 5 needing 2. Based on that criteria we will save a snizz load, lol.

 

[DisneyGuy]

When I can't stay at a Deluxe hotel or the Swan/Dolphin without going into serious debt. That will be when I stop going - as much. Right now we go once a year - but sometimes we skip a year depending on other trips thrown in.

I still see great value in what Disney has to offer for a 5 day park hopper. Could the deluxe resorts spruce up a bit? YES! but the park tickets are in my opinion still reasonable considering everything that is included (rides, shows, parades, fireworks, transportation - for onsite and offsite guests) - it's a good deal for us.

 

[luisov]

It's cheaper to sit on the beach for a week but Disney offers a completely different experience. I've been going every 3 or 4 years and never really questioned ticket prices. They buy a lot of entertainment.

I agree with others who find it comparable to big city costs. We've recently taken vacations to San Francisco, Chicago and NYC. If you think Disney is expensive try pricing comparable hotels and restaurants and tickets to premium entertainment in those cities.

That's true. 30 dollars to enter Madame Tussauds, 15 to use an elevator to the top of the Empire State, 15 to tour a gothic church and 20 to ride a boat. Go to Las Vegas and it's the same. Go to Europe, and yeah, it's the same.

Tourism is expensive in most places. And for a ticket that includes two parades, fireworks, theater shows, a magical environment, character meetings and lots of wonderful rides you won't find at your local fair, I think Disney is a good deal. It is expensive, sure, but a good deal nevertheless.

 

[denisecolby]

I have a strict budget for vacation. It doesn't matter where I decide to go, I have X amount of dollars and no more. I'd rather go to Disney and have been lucky so far that I can. If I happen to come under my budget, I can add on a tour or a hard ticket even. If I go over, I am working my numbers to cut it down to the bare necessities in one or more areas to make it happen.When Disney can no longer fit in my budget , then it will have to go. Funny thing is, it doesn't seem to be Disney putting it out of reach, but the ever increasing airfare which is even beyond Disney's control.

 

[Bilierka]

I think I reached it this trip, air fare was significantly more then I have ever paid before, I live to far away to drive so flying is the only option.

I can live with the ticket prices but food and souvenirs have just gotten way out of hand and hotel prices are through the roof!!!

I am not rich so saving for disney is a multiple year project.

After this year I may have to look for closer and less expensive vacations.

But who knows, things do change and I will probably be back

 

[tndisneyfan]

I haven't reached my breaking point yet, but we have cut back some. Last October we didn't go to a MNSSHP for the first time, we just couldn't justify close to $200 for threee people for one night. We used to do the DDP every trip, now we only do it as a treat, we can generally eat cheaper than the DDP. Also we've found we enjoy staying offsite. I guess I've been enough that I don't feel the need for alot of extras that I'm sure other people are willing to pay for.

The thing that amazes me the most is for the last several years all you hear on the news is how bad the economy is, unemployment is high, The Great Recession, blah blah blah. We were in Disney in October a few years ago and it was crazy busy, especially for October. I told DH that apparently there's no recession in Disney.

 

[stantoneileen]

I thought the same before I went but when you get there you realize it's like no other place. Not even close to anything in northeast!

 

[hawkeyesparks]

I've been here a while and this subject has been here off and on since day 1.

For me: there is a breaking point. I don't know what it is, but I'll know it when I see it.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Over the past few weeks, I've seen numerous threads pop up about how Disney isn't what it used to be, Disney is greedy, Disney is charging too much while not being innovative. However, the same people who are complaining are still visiting the parks which is totally cool. But that means that Disney is doing exactly what they should be doing.

So the question is, is there a price at which you would no longer go to Disney World? And I don't mean cut back on food or souvenirs. I just mean, flat out, not going to WDW anymore.

Alot of people are locked in with DVC and in our case, we have to plan and book out more than a year in advance. This year yes we are going, next year will be a different story.

My pricebreak is when whatever Disney is charging and offering ( excluding park entry) reaches a point where we can take that money and do something just as exclusive And get alot more. Disney reSorts and dining is pricey but try a weekend in any major city with food and you're at the same or more price range. Try a museum weekend in Manhattan for a family, Disney is not too far off If disney comes to the point of one week disney or a club Med for the same, we might give disney up. If a weekHawaii is cheaper than a week Disney by by disney. I know it's apples and oranges but it's comparing a week vacation time and cost.

We spent a few days before Christmas at the Ritz Central park and then Easter at BC, both Club level. They were almost EXACTLY the same price/night, however, the Ritz was far superior accomadtions and offerings. Same with the restaurants, all signature upscale places usually steakhouses all similiarly priced, so price is really not relavent.

With the new FP+ we did less, more days by pool which I would rather do in South Beach.

Great question. I fell in love with Disney while nursing my firstborn. The incredibly excellent customer service blew me away. I found the Baby Care Center and was hooked; same trip a lovely young CM emptying trash cans - smiling the whole time - carried all our trays to the table at The Pinnochio restaurant above Small World. (sorry cant remember proper name). Fast forward 13 years and many, many DW vacations later. We've stayed all resort levels and had perfect vacations. This Jan we went for our 15th anniversary during FP+ rollout. I realize it was still in testing, but for the first time ever, we spent time bored wandering around. Completely underwhelmed with New Fantasyland expansion. And felt the poor CMs extreme frustration. I realize our kids aren't in the magical 3 to 12 year range perfect for MK, and even my oldest still asks about DW. After The Jan trip, and reading about people's MB experiences -especially when there seems to be no way to screen shot or otherwise prove that you really did have those reservations- we'll be taking a multi-year break. Will we ever go back? Probably, but FOR US - AT THIS time...the cost does not justify the (IMO) diminished service and experience.

Our last two trips were like that, hurry up and wait.

The restaurants in particular seem to be missing the teen crowd. My DD LOVED the Mac and Cheese at California Grill, which they removed, however, the waiter was really insistent it was for only 9 and under. I don't care! Make an adult sized portion, it is a restaruant, and she wanted the $26 dragonroll too. It isn't about the money rather getting what you want.

Does not include airfare. I work for an airline, there are costs ( not free !!). But us flying orlando, or denver for skiing, or anywhere is usually ballpark the same. For us airfare is a fix cost and rarely influenced by destination.

I've noticed no matter where we fly, it costs the same.

My breaking point will ultimately be when we can no longer afford it. Even though the experience has slipped, I still find it worthwhile. However we usually stay offsite now and eat way fewer FS meals. We never seem to be able to go when free dining is offered.

We can no longer go during low season and that seems to be our breaking point. We used to be able to manage the crowds with FP+. We did less at the parks for the same price.

 

[shanethesaint88]

Tbh I can't imagine the price ever coming to a breaking point. I just love Disney world to much. I'm 21 years old and currently in college and since I've been out of high school Ive paid for tickets, hotel, and dining plan for 2, twice. And I only work part time. Its worth it to me. Its extremely expensive especially for someone only working part time. But the joy me and my gf get from the trip is priceless. I can't wait to actually graduate and start my career so I can go two or three times a year. Of course if the price gets extremely outrageous then I'll have to reconsider. But for now I couldn't imagine not going to Disney because of price.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Disney attendance keeps steadily rising, and they continuer to provide a excellent product as always.

Other entertainment venues are raising their prices often faster then Disney.

Off sire prices are going up much faster with the better economy.

Compare a WDW trip with a major sports event, or stay in a city for a concert or play or vacation.............they are extremely expensive!

No the WDW value is still right there and the Disney experience is unmatched.

AKK

 

[MillauFr]

The only thing that discourages our family from going is the crowds. We still go though as we always have a great time when we go. I don't like paying more but if continued price increases keep the crowds under control I will happily pay what ever they are charging.

 

[Planogirl]

Disney attendance keeps steadily rising, and they continuer to provide a excellent product as always.

Other entertainment venues are raising their prices often faster then Disney.

Off sire prices are going up much faster with the better economy.

Compare a WDW trip with a major sports event, or stay in a city for a concert or play or vacation.............they are extremely expensive!

No the WDW value is still right there and the Disney experience is unmatched.

AKK

I've been told that a lot of that crowd increase is due to foreign visitors who get special deals. If true, that doesn't help people like myself who have flat salaries and mortgages and other expenses to deal with. We live comfortably but we're not rich and unfortunately other expenses have to take priority.

I can find great deals offsite...so far. We don't attend sporting events or concerts and such things so those aren't factors luckily.

 

[mmcguire]

We reached our breaking point on buffet restaurants and most table service restaurants a few years ago. We've gone to WDW almost annually since 1991, and up until about 5-6 years ago, we always went to one or more of the popular buffet restaurants -- Chef Mickey's, 'Ohana, Crystal Palace, Biergarten, Hollywood & Vine or Boma -- and also frequently dined at nicer table service restaurants like Tutto Italia, Le Cellier, etc.

The food quality has declined noticeably over the past 10 or so years, but the prices continue to climb at a ridiculous pace. Couple that with the fact that our 11-year-old daughter who doesn't eat much is charged as an adult, and it was a no-brainer. We simply cannot justify spending $200+ several times in a week for mediocre meals. This time we are having one "splurge" dinner at Be Our Guest, and two somewhat affordable sit-downs at Beaches and Cream and Sci Fi. The rest of our meals will be CS, pizza delivery, or food we prepare in our room.

 

[Peepster]

Interesting thread, OP, as we have recently hit this point after over 50 enjoyable trips to the World. We have dropped our AP's, TIW, D23 membership and will be selling our DVC membership next year.
We will occasionally continue to visit but our disposal income, in our opinion, can be better spent other places.
We used to enjoy dining at WDW when the quality and variety of food was good and we didn't mind paying a bit more for it nor for good service. Since the inception of the dining program we have seen a steady decline in the food and steady rise in the prices to a point we consider unreasonable. Not to mention being packed in like sardines...
And the amount of people allowed in the parks today is highly unreasonable and sometimes unsafe. It's no wonder tempers flare! Don't guests today realize they are paying much more money to ride fewer attractions per visit because of this overcrowding? Guess not. All hail FP+!
DVC has helped with our lodging costs because we are not people who could afford to pay $300-$500 per night for a glorified Comfort Inn room. But they are building so many DVC properties that everyone should be asking what all these new owners are going to be doing in the parks when no new attractions are being added. And it will be good not to have to pay those maintenance fees every year also.
Have we made a lot of wonderful memories? Absolutely! The CM's have been wonderful and are the primary reason we kept coming back. And we realize that this is a company that needs to make a profit to survive and thrive. But we don't appreciate management who tells us to our face that they are creating technology to "keep us in the parks longer" to "spend more money" because "we don't realize how much we are spending while using the magic band instead of cash". In our obviously inferior opinion, we find this approach greedy and insulting and we have decided to fight back by withholding our meager dollars.
Sorry to be so long winded. We certainly respect differing opinions.
Auntie Peep

 

[jcvalenti]

For me, the ticket prices alone will not be the determining factor, though I was watching a vacation video we did in 2009 where I filmed the "price board" at the Epcot Gate and when I saw the Annual Passes we always get were $300 cheaper.

I ask myself what I really get for that extra $1200 for my family when we get passes for our usual "twice in one year" routine. The lines are longer, the unruly South American tour groups almost completely ruin the "family" atmosphere for us, and the food & drink prices have skyrocketed while the menus have become more homogeneous with an almost cafeteria approach to high profit / low creativity menus. We did a 2 day onsite stay at Universal Studios in 2012 and I found the rides surprisingly innovative, the atmosphere fun and the food and drink both fairly diverse and more of a value.

I do love Disney, but choosing a Disney vacation is no longer an automatic decision for us - there are an awful lot of places that offer more for less for us these days.

 

[Minniesgal]

Our costs are actually going down. We bought DVC so we only have maintenance fees to pay for our accommodation. We have done the parks so most times we now do the resorts, mini golf and water parks. We have reduced desire for souvenirs as we have bought many in previous years and we have very few must do dining places now. We just go enjoy the resorts and eat in our room or offsite, we spend way less than we used to but still love going.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

I've been told that a lot of that crowd increase is due to foreign visitors who get special deals. If true, that doesn't help people like myself who have flat salaries and mortgages and other expenses to deal with. We live comfortably but we're not rich and unfortunately other expenses have to take priority.

I can find great deals offsite...so far. We don't attend sporting events or concerts and such things so those aren't factors luckily.[/QUOTE

Hi Plano!

Actually the foreign crowds, especially Brazil are going down especially the last3 years as the economies there are going down.

My point was that WDW not over the top when compared to .....say rock concerts...............easily in the hundreds.............even Streisand at her last NYC tour demanded a minimum price of $ 250.00 per tickets those seats are in the pigeon seats.

Yes I am sure their are cheaper off site, and that great if your happy with that. However we save and go to WDW and want to stay on property and with some planning you can get off the rack prices at a good rate.

The bottom line is that the WDW value is still right there and the Disney experience is unmatched.

What I don't understand is people complain about WDW prices but not all the other entertainment venues rising prices like UNi and not complaining !

AKK

 

[lustergirl]

I haven't reached my breaking point yet, but we have cut back some. Last October we didn't go to a MNSSHP for the first time, we just couldn't justify close to $200 for threee people for one night. We used to do the DDP every trip, now we only do it as a treat, we can generally eat cheaper than the DDP. Also we've found we enjoy staying offsite. I guess I've been enough that I don't feel the need for alot of extras that I'm sure other people are willing to pay for.

The thing that amazes me the most is for the last several years all you hear on the news is how bad the economy is, unemployment is high, The Great Recession, blah blah blah. We were in Disney in October a few years ago and it was crazy busy, especially for October. I told DH that apparently there's no recession in Disney.

You are right. I would never purchase the dining plan. If I can enjoy it for free during a promo then so be it. But it is a lot of food and it seems like you are centering your trip around your ADR's to take advantage of the dining plan. For my upcoming trip I have the quick service plan and that is enough food for me. I will plan on a couple of table service meals OOP and that is it. I don't need the extra because they are overpriced, such as the parties they offer.