Disneyland AP price increase?

[goodeats]

Does anyone have a historical price chart for the APs? I just paid $458 and $329 for two SoCal passes (one with parking and one without). I'm trying to figure out how many years ago those prices correspond with the premium passes. I remember paying $199 for a premium pass (maybe 10 years ago?). That $458 is pretty close to the premium price before the last price hike, right?

I have a 17mo and an almost 4 yo. Once the younger one hits 3 I can't imagine spending over $1,100 dollars just for DL passes that are blocked out a lot. I LOVE DL, but maybe it's better to be a once in a blue moon, super special activity. The difference in funds can be better spent I think.

 

[Malcon10t]

When DCA opened, it was $189. In Jan of 2003 is was $225. Mar 2004 - $279. There was another increase in here, but I can't find it. Sept 2005 $349. Aug 2006 - $359, 2007 -$379, 2008 -$399, 2009- $429, Aug 2010 $459, July 2011 - $499, May 2012 -$649

 

[goodeats]

Thanks Malcon. Yeah, to think you could get no blackout days for the same price less than 3 years ago is astonishing to me. I don't even disagree with raising prices since obviously people will pay it. But for us we're definitely getting close to our limit. Will be curious about how many of the more "casual" Disney fans will be keeping their passes. In my suburban OC world it feels like almost every other family has SoCal passes

 

[Dolf]

I live in Garden Grove, am a Disney Fanatic, and have carried an AP on and off for the last 20 years. I think after this last price increase, my mind has shifted from visiting Disneyland a few times a year to maybe just going once every 2-5 years. I love Disneyland, and will continue being a fan, but I think the time has come that I just don't feel it's worth it. I know people might try to justify the value of the cost of the entertainment, but in the end, I can't see myself purchasing a ticket or AP unless it's a special occasion, a friend is visiting town and they really want to go (even then I might just drop them off at the gate), or purchase a premier pass on the same year I go to WDW. I feel it's kind of a sad day, but things change. If Disney wants to charge more, I can choose not to pay for it. Every time I go, it's been so crowded that every line is so ridiculously long that you just say "not this time" to every ride. Then you're just wandering around aimlessly. Don't get me wrong, it is fun to just look at the theming and architecture around DL, but you can only do that so much. Eventually it feels like wandering around your local mall. It gets to the point that when you have an AP, and have a day free to do whatever you want, going to DL is not even considered because you have to deal with the crowds. It's become like that gym membership that you pay for but don't use. Speaking of monthly payments, the prices are so high that you have to finance your AP. Soon it'll be to the point where you have to secure your loan against your house. Parking for one day is $16. That's the price of 2 matinee movie tickets. My AP is up for renewal this month and I won't be renewing. However there is a slight chance I may be going to WDW next year, that being the case, I will most likely purchase the premier pass. :hopeful: :fingers crossed:

 

[Pinup Mommy]

I feel they are trying to price out the local SoCal pass holders since the park always seems to be crowded with them. I know this will sound mean, but I really do wish they did away with them and just kept only the Deluxe and Premium APs.

 

[sherilaine]

I feel they are trying to price out the local SoCal pass holders since the park always seems to be crowded with them. I know this will sound mean, but I really do wish they did away with them and just kept only the Deluxe and Premium APs.

I am sure you will get some feedback on that comment. I on the other hand think if you want to thin the crowd, taking away the monthly payment plan would see that kind of result. People can easily afford an extra few dollars per month but if all of a sudden every pass holder had to pay for their pass in full, that would see a lot of passes non-renewed.

Especially since Disney introduced monthly payment to increase crowd size during down times at the park - now it seems they are looking for the opposite appoach.

 

[starshine514]

I feel they are trying to price out the local SoCal pass holders since the park always seems to be crowded with them. I know this will sound mean, but I really do wish they did away with them and just kept only the Deluxe and Premium APs.

I don't feel this is their intent. The local passes are valid during slower days. You will have some people drop off if they were no longer offered, but you'd also have a lot of people move up to the Deluxe passes instead. I think this would make semi-busy days become super busy. I know it sounds bad, but I'm glad they raised the prices some on the SoCal APs. It seems like they started at less than 200 when I bought my first Deluxe a couple of years ago, which is crazy cheap.

 

[starry_solo]

In 2003/04, a premium AP was $235-275-ish. I remember because the office I worked at had their summer party at DLR and our one-day, one park tickets were sold at the discounted rate of $34.