Disney's Price Increases are obscene....

[asianway]

Don't give them any ideas!! Hahaha But seriously it ALWAYS has surprised me they allow this.

If they cracked down them at least I wouldn't be subsidizing some cheap skate picnickers ticket....

 

[fla4fun]

I've read through a lot of the threads about the price change, and it makes me wonder . . . .am I the only one who budgets for a price increase every year? The new price for renewing my AP is almost exactly the amount I've budgeted for renewing the pass and I set my budget up for 2012 last summer. So it doesn't seem like a big deal to me. I understand the "child paying the same price as the adult" is something we couldn't really foresee, and why that would upset people who buy their kids AP's. But a lot of the arguments have been about adult pricing, not child.

I guess I just take it for granted that everything will be going up in price, whether it's gas, groceries, or vacations (and then I keep my fingers crossed that my income does as well ). If something doesn't go up, then I've got a little leeway in the budget, but if it does, I'm prepared.

 

[JCH]

Comments above...but would like to know besides HP, what other shows/attractions does Univ. excel in. We've never been.

If you like thrill rides and coasters, Universal is great. My 8th graders generally prefer it to Disney because of this. If you don't like thrill rides, you will find yourself pretty bored at Universal, while at Disney, there is a still a ton of stuff to do.

The thing with Universal is you can pretty much do it in 2 days and not feel like you missed anything. It's fine for a three day weekend sort of trip, but just doesn't have the amount of stuff for a weeklong vacation like Disney does.

Just my opinion.

I thought the price increases were pretty much to be expected. However, I am still so confused about price bridging and why in the world Disney would punish those who didn't buy at a discount. It seems like they are discouraging ticket window sales, which seems bizarre to me.

 

[Planogirl]

Disney tickets are expensive and multi-day Universal passes are cheaper but that doesn't matter IMO. The only one we should be comparing Disney to is Disney itself. Disney's product is not as good as it once was. Everyone can argue about that over and over again but in my eyes it's the truth. Again I'm not sure that that really matters either.

I have to ask myself if Disney is worth what they charge. They must be because we have a trip planned for August. I am thinking that we finally need to get out there and explore the rest of the world though.

I also have to ask myself if we can afford to pay what they charge regardless of value. Without getting into income (that's crass) I will only say that I think that each person has to determine that for themselves. Crowds show that plenty of people are still paying those prices so why should Disney worry about charging too much. If attendance drops then they can worry.

As for Universal itself, we love the place. We love it more than Disney - there I said it. That doesn't mean that we don't also love Disney. I fail to see how Universal really has any place in this conversation though. The OP can go there all he wants of course but again to me Disney just has to meet its own standards. Does it?

 

[VickiVM]

see that's not true. I took my family to Paris, France for 7 days for $3100 including airfare from philly. apartment rental, gourmet dinners and a 3 day paris museum pass.

Now you really didn't stay at disney so you can't compare your spending.
Every part of your trip was a bargain. Your trip was a bargain because you did not pay disney prices. You didn't even pay full price for your park tickets.

Yes passes just now open up to most of the general public and you have to sit through a class to qualify, not exactly how I want to start off a vacation. If you really wanted to save money you could have done an time share presentation and got tickets for free. how many onsite dining did you do? I mean I can find some ridiculous cheap cruises. I found a 7 dayer on carnival for 500 bucks per person, 7 nights all food included and I don't have to cook.

You're result go more to "what's the cheapest way to do disney"

I think the point is that there is still value in WDW in that a lot is offered. We didn't stay on WDW resort, but were in WDW property, we didn't pay full gate price for tickets, but we received the equivalent value as they were WDW tickets. That one doesn't want to sit for a class doesn't mean the WDW experience is diminished...and really wasn't a class room setting, btw.

This was our experience and we enjoyed every minute of it and think we got a huge value for it. For theme parks and resort experience, WDW is still among the very best.

I am impressed, though, that your Paris trip was so relatively inexpensive. I know that 5 of us flying out from Texas could definately not match that value...maybe several years ago we could.

 

[eliza61]

Comments above...but would like to know besides HP, what other shows/attractions does Univ. excel in. We've never been.

Universal does have "live" shows but disney definitely excels at this. they have such a pool of recognizable movies that are musical thus translating well to "live" shows.

They did have this Voyage of Sinband stunt show that I took to be the equivalent of "lights motor action" but we didn't do it.

And Barney had a live show but you've got teens. they might revolt on you if you try Barney.

 

[eliza61]

I think the point is that there is still value in WDW in that a lot is offered. We didn't stay on WDW resort, but were in WDW property, we didn't pay full gate price for tickets, but we received the equivalent value as they were WDW tickets. That one doesn't want to sit for a class doesn't mean the WDW experience is diminished...and really wasn't a class room setting, btw.

This was our experience and we enjoyed every minute of it and think we got a huge value for it. For theme parks and resort experience, WDW is still among the very best.

I am impressed, though, that your Paris trip was so relatively inexpensive. I know that 5 of us flying out from Texas could definately not match that value...maybe several years ago we could.

We definitely still enjoy ourselves, we just see the price vs. value ratio disappearing. I'm just saying if we want to compare to other venues we have to keep it apples to apples (like I said, I don't compare disney to other places)

For example, you're absolutely right staying offsite is cheaper. Now do you think you would have gotten the same value if you had to pay the 300 bucks a night that disney wants for a deluxe?

Or would you still consider the ticket prices a value if they discontinued the yes program? would you still think the park offerings were a good value if you had to pay over 300 bucks a head (1500 min) for a family of 5 adults (and disney does that age 9 is adult thing)?

That's why I mentioned my paris trip, we got every thing at a pretty good discount, which made it as good a value as a disney vacation and why we jumped on it.

Look at it like this, When they first introduced the dining plan, the value was tremendous for me and many others.
Tips were included and so were appertizers (which my family much perfer over desserts).
Now they have raised the prices to an astromonmical 51 bucks a head and they've gotten rid of the tips and appertizers plus the food has been watered down.

Now, many, many folks say they do it, if it's free or they do it simply for the convenience (sp) of not having to count pennies.

 

[TDC Nala]

I thought the Sinbad show at Universal was awful.

With the exception of a bird that flew onto the stage and perched on a prop and wouldn't leave no matter how many explosions went off. When Sinbad leaves his sidekick alone on the stage at one point, the guy yelled "Don't leave me out here alone with this bird!"

 

[maxiesmom]

Look at it like this, When they first introduced the dining plan, the value was tremendous for me and many others.
Tips were included and so were appertizers (which my family much perfer over desserts).
Now they have raised the prices to an astromonmical 51 bucks a head and they've gotten rid of the tips and appertizers plus the food has been watered down.

After the main course, I barely have room for dessert. So I don't mind that they cut out appetizers, as that would just be more food going to waste. Sure I would take a taste, but most of it would end up in the garbage. What a waste!

Plus they have added the mugs to all of the dining plans, which I think is nice. I get more out of the mugs than I ever would out of appetizers.

 

[theaslip]

I've read through a lot of the threads about the price change, and it makes me wonder . . . .am I the only one who budgets for a price increase every year? The new price for renewing my AP is almost exactly the amount I've budgeted for renewing the pass and I set my budget up for 2012 last summer. So it doesn't seem like a big deal to me. I understand the "child paying the same price as the adult" is something we couldn't really foresee, and why that would upset people who buy their kids AP's. But a lot of the arguments have been about adult pricing, not child.

I guess I just take it for granted that everything will be going up in price, whether it's gas, groceries, or vacations (and then I keep my fingers crossed that my income does as well ). If something doesn't go up, then I've got a little leeway in the budget, but if it does, I'm prepared.

Yes - I actually budget for everything in my life...however....same passes this year will cost $330.00 MORE than the same APs last year.....That's quite a golf ball to swallow......$30.00 per pass increase AND no more child prices on APs (family of 6 - 2 adults/4 children). Sorry, but a $330.00 price increase is more than I even would have expected the profit monsters at Disney to command. As I said in my original post - only my opinion - and everyone's value equation is unique and should be respected. I'm sharing my thoughts, but certainly respect all who feel it's still a great deal and love the magic. If I didn't love the experience as well, believe me, I wouldn't lament....

 

[theaslip]

You have your personal limits, does that mean you are going to judge everyone who buys them even though you wouldn't? Not everyone's limits are the same as yours.

They're expensive, yes. My DH asked earlier this year if we were going to renew our passes (or at least one). I thought about it, but we're not planning on being in Orlando as much as last year (conference money for DH's work has dried up), so it doesn't make sense. Plus, we're not taking our main vacation there this year.

Also, there were at least two other threads lamenting the increase and some pointing to Universal as a better option. Again, Universal raised their ticket prices twice in one week, both times to meet Disney. Better value? I thought the food was more expensive and sucked a little at Universal compared to Disney. They do have some other things going for them that are different but not enough for me to choose them over Disney.

No, I don't judge anyone. I'm sharing my thoughts only, and am in no way attempting to impose my opinion on anyone. This is a forum to share thoughts and ideas, right?

 

[Dr.Girlfriend]

Being local to Orlando - I have kept Annual Passes for my family of 6 for at least 10-years. When visiting the parks, we spend a whole lot more - drinks, food, we somehow manage to buy merchandise on almost every occasion (go figure...)!

The price increases that I read about today are absolutely ludicrous. I enjoy Disney, but there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the quality of the product has declined since the the early-90's pinnacle. The only thing you know for sure about next year at Disney is that you will pay more and get less (despite slick marketing to the contrary). Of course it's only my opinion, and we all have our own unique value equations, but for me it just doesn't add up. An 11.2% price increase this year AND they no longer offer CHILD 3-9 pricing??? Come on?!? DL in CA raising APs around 30%, and Jay (Disney CFO) suggesting a similar increase next year at WDW? The arrogance is astounding.

Could I afford 6 APs - you betcha! According to my IRS tax return, I guess I am blessed with an income that is greater than 99.2% of the US population, but again, from a value perspective, I think that Disney has surpassed the gouging level.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...-disney-california-adventure-park-price-hikes

Universal hear we come!

1) Thank you for bragging about your income. Rock on.

2) Here we come. Not hear.

 

[POOHsie]

Being local to Orlando - I have kept Annual Passes for my family of 6 for at least 10-years. When visiting the parks, we spend a whole lot more - drinks, food, we somehow manage to buy merchandise on almost every occasion (go figure...)!

The price increases that I read about today are absolutely ludicrous. I enjoy Disney, but there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the quality of the product has declined since the the early-90's pinnacle. The only thing you know for sure about next year at Disney is that you will pay more and get less (despite slick marketing to the contrary). Of course it's only my opinion, and we all have our own unique value equations, but for me it just doesn't add up. An 11.2% price increase this year AND they no longer offer CHILD 3-9 pricing??? Come on?!? DL in CA raising APs around 30%, and Jay (Disney CFO) suggesting a similar increase next year at WDW? The arrogance is astounding.

Could I afford 6 APs - you betcha! According to my IRS tax return, I guess I am blessed with an income that is greater than 99.2% of the US population, but again, from a value perspective, I think that Disney has surpassed the gouging level.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...-disney-california-adventure-park-price-hikes

Universal hear we come!

At your .8% level (you brought it up, not me) you could afford a ridiculously priced home(s), designer furnished and outfitted, with outrageous property taxes and huge operating costs, the latest snob appeal autos, fine food and wine, custom clothing and accessories of the best materials, and make enough money to buy annual passes for everyone logged in here from the change you empty from your pockets at night.

You might think you are making the case that Disney prices are ludicrous, but your family will laugh you out of your multi-million-dollar cottage for your audacious hypocrisy. "The arrogance is astounding."

 

[Art 1]

At your .8% level (you brought it up, not me) you could afford a ridiculously priced home(s), designer furnished and outfitted, with outrageous property taxes and huge operating costs, the latest snob appeal autos, fine food and wine, custom clothing and accessories of the best materials, and make enough money to buy annual passes for everyone logged in here from the change you empty from your pockets at night.

You might think you are making the case that Disney prices are ludicrous, but your family will laugh you out of your multi-million-dollar cottage for your audacious hypocrisy. "The arrogance is astounding."

If you read back the gentleman apologized for what he said, even though IMO there was nothing wrong with what he said.

 

[bytheblood]

I dont have any issues with the increases. What I have an issue with is that Disney keeps adding more and more places to stay, but not more places to play. I get that they want to pack the parks to capacity, but that is not the kind of vacation that DVC owners want.

And for those that want to throw out the expansion card....I realize they are adding onto Fantasyland, but that really does not qualify as more to do....it is just a few additional rides and places to eat. I hope there is a lot more in store for other parks that has not been announced yet.

 

[kathy884]

If they cracked down them at least I wouldn't be subsidizing some cheap skate picnickers ticket....

I love it that they allow food in the parks. It's not a matter of just saving money, though, for us. Some our family are picky eaters, some in our family are trying to watch their weight, some just prefer to eat more basic fruits and vegtables. Bringing our own food lets us do all this and save money and makes us feel very good about Disney in general. We love it that Cedar Point does allows you to bring your own food too. We hate Six Flags policy of none of your own food and beverages, so avoid their parks.

 

[bytheblood]

I love it that they allow food in the parks. It's not a matter of just saving money, though, for us. Some our family are picky eaters, some in our family are trying to watch their weight, some just prefer to eat more basic fruits and vegtables. Bringing our own food lets us do all this and save money and makes us feel very good about Disney in general. We love it that Cedar Point does allows you to bring your own food too. We hate Six Flags policy of none of your own food and beverages, so avoid their parks.

And some have food allergies. I am glad that Disney allows us to bring food into the parks; this allows me to have GOOD gluten free sweet treats aside from the Mickey bar.

 

[Phatoomch]

Thats life though. Its like TV's .... remember when your TV was 20+ years old and still working fine. Now you're lucky if you get 10yrs. Same with most large appliances.

My house .... its worth WAY WAY more than what I paid for it but it hasn't gotten any better, its still the same as when I bought it.

Most things get more expensive. Disney is more expensive but I don't think the worth is any less. I find it unbelievable how Main St looks brand new and yet was built over 40 years ago - that kind of maintenance isn't cheap.

At the end of the day, its personal worth. To me, there is no place on earth like Disney. There is nowhere else where I can completely escape from the outside world and feel the everyday stresses and daily grind totally wash away.

 

[Momtomouselover]

I have to agree with some of the others as well as the original OP. It is not the price (that is the point of his affordability/income statement) it is the price vs. value equation. Disney is letting the quality of things slip and taking away some of the "magic" IMO but yet still raising the price. I have only been going to the parks for the last 5 years (minus the years as a child) and I have seen quite a decline in that time.

Yes, we still have fun, and yes we probably will go back but now we are considering off site or staying at moderates, taking a car, eating elsewhere in part, etc. Oh, and probably only one trip so won't renew the annual pass.

 

[auntfrannie]

Yes, Disney is expensive. But I can honestly say that in the 20+ trips I've taken to Disney World, I've always had a great time and have never been disappointed. I can't say that about other places I've visited.