Disney's Price Increases are obscene....

[Edgehopper]

Disney will increase prices to what the market can bear...part of the problem is that WDW is so huge that the addition of, say, five major rides, a huge expansion at most parks, gets a "Meh" from Disney fans.

What's changed in WDW attractions since 2005? Well,

* Expedition Everest opened.
* Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor opened.
* TSMM opened.
* American Idol Experience opened.
* Star Tours 2 opened.

And in the next few years we're adding Voyage of the Little Mermaid and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. That's 2 roller coasters, 2 E-ticket rides (TSMM and Star Tours 2), and 2 major shows (possibly 3 depending on what Storytime with Belle ends up looking like).

By comparison, in that time the only major new ride at Cedar Point was Maverick. For all we talk about Universal, other than WWoHP (which consisted of one fantastically innovative E-ticket, a reskinning of an already built coaster, a new kids coaster, and a lot of theming), the only other new recent rides at Universal are the Rip, Ride, Rock-It roller coaster and the Simpsons reskinning of Back to the Future.

So that doesn't seem quite so bad. Expanding is expensive and takes a lot of time, and Disney isn't quite as far behind as it seems.

 

[theaslip]

Do you have a sign in your yard also? "Look at me I am in the top 1%"

No - If you saw my house, you would realize that no sign is necessary.....

 

[Phatoomch]

No - If you saw my house, you would realize that no sign is necessary.....

Touche

 

[Waltgirl]

Apologies. About to fly a plane to Providence filled with WDW vacationers...

And consider that in my arrogant, wealthy opinion - 3/4 of my kids prefer the attractions at Universal. Get it?

I'm an airline pilot based at MCO. I fly people to wally world every time I go to work...

No - If you saw my house, you would realize that no sign is necessary....

Please Google Narcisstic Personality Disorder. IMHO, You might have received a better response if you had just posted about the price increase rather than bragging about your financial status in each of your postings. Just saying.

 

[Phatoomch]

Please Google Narcisstic Personality Disorder. IMHO, You might have received a better response if you had just posted about the price increase rather than bragging about your financial status in each of your postings. Just saying.

I don't think he was bragging - he was mentioning that just because he could afford it, it didn't mean he was willing to pay it. Since then people have jumped on that comment so he has answered with sarcasm, not bragging.

 

[EMAW_KSU]

I don't think he was bragging - he was mentioning that just because he could afford it, it didn't mean he was willing to pay it. Since then people have jumped on that comment so he has answered with sarcasm, not bragging.

There is a difference between saying I can afford it and saying I make more than 99.2% of you.

 

[WDSearcher]

Apologies - Don't have time to create a line-item matrix comparing the value of Universal to WDW. About to fly a plane to Providence filled with WDW vacationers...

If you go back and re-read, I wasn't asking for "a line-item matrix comparing the value of Universal to WDW". I was asking for a simple comparison. Once someone decides that Disney too expensive and so they're headed off to Universal or wherever ... does that new destination give them the value they were seeking? Or do they find out that it's not greener over there after all? Doesn't seem like that taxing of a request. You could probably answer the question in fewer sentences than you have in most of your responses so far.

Here is the deal kool-aid drinkers. I'm not selling Universal over WDW. I will say we enjoy both. Universal has done a great job with some things and getting better IMO. Look at how successful Harry Potter has been for them. Anyway, I realize that on this board hardly anyone has a problem with any kind of price increase because, after all, hey that's life! I do have a problem when the same passes this year would cost me $330.00 more than last year. That's not a small increase. Sorry, even by this arrogant rich guy's measure. Last year's Universal's FL resident AP cost me $169.00. This year it cost me $169.00. I understand this is an extremely difficult concept to grasp.....You said you don't understand, I'll explain in mathematical terms. ($169.00 X 6) < ($299.00 X 6). And consider that in my arrogant, wealthy opinion - 3/4 of my kids prefer the attractions at Universal. Get it?

Well ... if 3/4 of your kids prefer the attractions at Universal, then go to Universal! They may well have "aged out" of Disney .... but IMO, that's not Disney's fault. I'm thinking that at one point in time, Disney was their preference, otherwise why keep taking them there. Have your kids said WHY they prefer Universal? Disney and Universal have always appealed to different audiences. It could be that your kids are simply part of Universal's target, not Disney's. If Disney HADN'T raised its prices this year, would you have bought APs again, even though 3/4 of your kids would rather be at Universal?

I love WDW. I'm an airline pilot based at MCO. I fly people to wally world every time I go to work, and enjoy talking with folks heading to WDW, especially first-timers, sharing ideas, etc..

Making a comment or observation on this board that is contrary to Disney's profit financial goals is clearly the equivalent of criticizing the Pope in The Vatican. With the passion for Disney I see on this board, I'm glad I'm a Disney stockholder....Peace out.

Blah ... blah ... drama ... drama. No one is "criticizing the Pope in The Vatican". You're on a Disney FAN board, for gosh sakes -- what do you expect? You are currently miffed at Disney for price increases or for not having things your kids like or for whatever reason. You posted that, and so of course you have lots of people telling you why they don't agree. What did you think was going to happen? In case you hadn't noticed, you've got plenty of people on this thread who agree with you too.

Just because someone hasn't reached that "I don't think Disney does it for us any more" threshhold yet doesn't mean they're drinking the kool-aid. It just means that Disney still works for them -- for whatever reason. If it doesn't work for you any more, then there are certainly lots of other options out there. It's not that you're "right" and they're "wrong".

 

[fan1080]

First rule of sales.....

Never sell something for what you think it is worth, sell it for what people are willing to pay.

People are continuing to pay, so why wouldn't Disney raise prices? They would be losing revenue if they didn't.

 

[shalom]

Have your kids said WHY they prefer Universal? Disney and Universal have always appealed to different audiences.

I think there's more overlap in people who like Universal and Disney (and SeaWorld) than you realize -- if nothing else, maybe Disney's higher prices will encourage people to explore other options.

My kids all like SeaWorld better, or at least think they do -- and with a couple of my chowhounds, it is solely and entirely because SeaWorld offers an "all you can eat" dining deal. Only one of them has actually been to a Disney park, because our last two trips were run as a democracy, and I got outvoted. I've decided I'm running the next one as a dictatorship. Have to see what they think after they've actually been to a Disney park.

It just means that Disney still works for them -- for whatever reason. If it doesn't work for you any more, then there are certainly lots of other options out there. It's not that you're "right" and they're "wrong".

Disney only sets the price; we decide on the value. With very rare exceptions, everyone here can technically afford the new prices, in the sense that they could still pay for food and shelter and other needs if they chose to pay that much to go to Disney. "I can't afford it" generally says less about a person's income than about their values.

For some people, with the new prices, Disney is no longer worth it. But at what price Disney is "no longer worth it" varies, not according to income but interest. My parents had a much larger income than we do, with fewer kids, yet somehow they "never could afford" a Disney World vacation. When we get out there again, it'll be the third time in four years. They had a nicer (or at least newer) house and moved every couple of years; we get vacations.

 

[DonaldTDuck]

NOw let's see if i've got this right. Disney is going to helk in a handbasket with no new attractions, the ones there not working right and character m 'n gs disappearing. They've hjacked the prices to ridiculous levels, making a Disney vacation out of everyone's reach. Yet more people go every year. Many return every year or even more often. I think I now understand what they mean when they say 'Disney Magic.'








I go nearly every year and find it to be an amazing bargain.

 

[maxiesmom]

NOw let's see if i've got this right. Disney is going to helk in a handbasket with no new attractions, the ones there not working right and character m 'n gs disappearing. They've hjacked the prices to ridiculous levels, making a Disney vacation out of everyone's reach. Yet more people go every year. Many return every year or even more often. I think I now understand what they mean when they say 'Disney Magic.'


I go nearly every year and find it to be an amazing bargain.

You missed the fact that all of the park updates, well, they are to be expected! Disney should change all the queue lines every year, just to keep them fresh for those of us who go at least once a year!

 

[goofy4tink]

Is it expensive?? Yep. BUT....as of right this moment...
a 2 park, 1 day pass at US/IoA is $123. A one park/one day pass is $88.
A one day park hopper at WDW is $124, a one park/one day pass is $89.

With WDW, you get 4 parks to choose from, as well as a myriad of resorts to check out. US/IoA gives you two parks, 3 resorts.

Personally I don't see the prices as all that different, and you do seem to get a lot more for your Disney dollar.

Yes, many of us like to go to WDW frequently..we love it there. But, we also realize that we are very lucky to be able to do so. Disney is not a 'right', it's a luxury thing. No one 'has' to go there. And as long as Disney feels that their resorts are full and there are plenty of guests in the parks, spending money, they will continue to raise their prices each year...as they've done for a very long time. Nothing new happening.

 

[Momtomouselover]

Actually this site was started by a complaint, I am not really complaining but stating a fact. Basically that we cant have our cake and eat it too. Which is what alot of people on here seem to want. I dont think people should not complain but on this site they seem to do it about everything and quite frankly they take the magic out of Disney for some of us.

The point you are missing is that it is not about " having our cake and eating it too". It is about a question of value. Many of us, maybe not all but many, would not be complaining if the value was still the same. IF the parks kept up maintenance, if rides weren't down and I'm not talking scheduled refurbs, if they weren't cutting length and creativity of parades and firework shows (think DHS and Illuminations), if the food quality wasn't hit and miss while prices increase, if there were still as many characters and photographers and "magical" extras, if you could count on a clean and well kept room, if you could have some of the specialties and variety back in the Concierge lounges, if the fast pass lines weren't so variable (presuming this is temporary though), and so on so forth then I would happily pay an increase. I may even be willing to shell out more if the value and quality were there and consistent. What takes the "magic" out of it for some of us is experiencing a trip full of the above issues all the while being asked to pay more for less.

 

[maxiesmom]

The point you are missing is that it is not about " having our cake and eating it too". It is about a question of value. Many of us, maybe not all but many, would not be complaining if the value was still the same. IF the parks kept up maintenance, if rides weren't down and I'm not talking scheduled refurbs, if they weren't cutting length and creativity of parades and firework shows (think DHS and Illuminations), if the food quality wasn't hit and miss while prices increase, if there were still as many characters and photographers and "magical" extras, if you could count on a clean and well kept room, if you could have some of the specialties and variety back in the Concierge lounges, if the fast pass lines weren't so variable (presuming this is temporary though), and so on so forth then I would happily pay an increase. I may even be willing to shell out more if the value and quality were there and consistent. What takes the "magic" out of it for some of us is experiencing a trip full of the above issues all the while being asked to pay more for less.

What exactly are you complaining about with regards to Illuminations? It hasn't changed for years and years.

I agree though that what has value is totally the perception of each individual. You seem to perceive a lack of value, a downgrade of what the parks offer. I don't. During my trip this past March we had no issues at all with ride breakdowns, or with a messy room, or with horrible fast pass lines. And for me, those things have always been that way, way more often than not. Nothing in the parks or resorts will ever be perfect 100% of the time, as it is a park that is run by humans who sometimes make mistakes.

 

[CandleontheWater]

NOw let's see if i've got this right. Disney is going to helk in a handbasket with no new attractions, the ones there not working right and character m 'n gs disappearing. They've hjacked the prices to ridiculous levels, making a Disney vacation out of everyone's reach. Yet more people go every year. Many return every year or even more often. I think I now understand what they mean when they say 'Disney Magic.'

I go nearly every year and find it to be an amazing bargain.

You can enjoy something, but still be disappointed that it isn't living up to its full potential. I believe that Disney can do better, especially considering the increase in profits generated by the ticket increases. Maybe others think that Disney can't do any better, that a dueling dumbo and a kids play area is the best imagineering can offer. I find that thought rather depressing.

 

[maxiesmom]

You can enjoy something, but still be disappointed that it isn't living up to its full potential. I believe that Disney can do better, especially considering the increase in profits generated by the ticket increases. Maybe others think that Disney can't do any better, that a dueling dumbo and a kids play area is the best imagineering can offer. I find that thought rather depressing.

That is not all they are doing though. If you are expecting a massive amount of thrill rides, then I think you are doomed to disappointment.

To me, the new Dumbo and the whole themed area looks beautiful. As does the new Haunted Mansion queue. And the Pooh queue is pretty cool too. And I can't wait to ride the new 7 dwarfs roller coaster, or eat in the new restaurants, and shop in the new shops.....and that is just at MK.

I kinda have to wonder what they would do that could possibly impress you. You seem to be missing that so much of what make WDW special is the attention to detail, not whamming people in the face with new and bigger and better. Until next year, when you want something newer and bigger and even better. Plenty is new and improved but you can't seem to see it.

 

[goofy4tink]

The point you are missing is that it is not about " having our cake and eating it too". It is about a question of value. Many of us, maybe not all but many, would not be complaining if the value was still the same. IF the parks kept up maintenance, if rides weren't down and I'm not talking scheduled refurbs, if they weren't cutting length and creativity of parades and firework shows (think DHS and Illuminations), if the food quality wasn't hit and miss while prices increase, if there were still as many characters and photographers and "magical" extras, if you could count on a clean and well kept room, if you could have some of the specialties and variety back in the Concierge lounges, if the fast pass lines weren't so variable (presuming this is temporary though), and so on so forth then I would happily pay an increase. I may even be willing to shell out more if the value and quality were there and consistent. What takes the "magic" out of it for some of us is experiencing a trip full of the above issues all the while being asked to pay more for less.

Ok...I've been going to WDW since '99. For the past 10 years, it's been at least twice a year, sometimes more often if I'm lucky. I haven't seen the rides breaking down more often. Refurbished? Sure. But when you think of how many people are using these rides, every day, then it's no surprise that there are going to have to be times that the attraction is shut down in order to keep it safe. And Disney tries to do this at the less busy times of year.
Clean rooms?? I haven't really noticed that my rooms have been any less clean than in previous years. And dining??? Don't get me started on that one. Once the DDP got to be popular, Disney starting changing their menus. They got their guests attached to the DDP, then started taking away any originality from the various menus. We now eat in the park restaurants much less frequently than ever.
But, there are a multitude of guests that won't go to WDW unless they get free dining. Soooo, Disney gives them what they want. Of course, those of us that like the different offerings at various restaurants around the resorts and parks, suffered..it was all the same, with some few exceptions. And..they increased the cost of the DDP, while taking away from it. Go figure...guests had no problem buying it anyway.

Disney will charge what the market will bear.

 

[eliza61]

What exactly are you complaining about with regards to Illuminations? It hasn't changed for years and years.I agree though that what has value is totally the perception of each individual. You seem to perceive a lack of value, a downgrade of what the parks offer. I don't. During my trip this past March we had no issues at all with ride breakdowns, or with a messy room, or with horrible fast pass lines. And for me, those things have always been that way, way more often than not. Nothing in the parks or resorts will ever be perfect 100% of the time, as it is a park that is run by humans who sometimes make mistakes.

During the 2008/2009 season the length was cut. I know when I went in August of 2009 they entire end section when the big crystal ball was rolled out was left out. I remember it vividly because I would always try and see what faces I recognized on the ball.

I have had messy rooms, and for me it's not the messy rooms.Its what happens when I complained about the messy rooms (nothing). Yes I totally admit to having high expectations at a 300'/night resort. When I tell you there are cigarette butts all over my balcony, it should not take 3 freakin days for you to clean it up and call me a whiner but if I have to ask 3 straigt consecutive days for it to be cleaned I'm asking for money back or a room change.
We stayed at the GF for our anniversay, every night there was a huge angry crowd at the valet parking desk. Ok, 1 night there are issues with staff but sorry, if you are running what is supposedly your "flagstaff" hotel, it should not take 40 mins to get your car from valet and the excuse we were given was "the company is not disney employees". I don't give a rats patooie. You contracted them out, they are representing your hotel. get it together. That's why many people say disney deluxes are 3 star hotels at best. the quality just isn't there.

I'm glad folks are still very happy with the product they receive, why would I want some one who spends 1000's of dollars to not be happy but I'm not crazy either when I say disney leaves a lot to be desired for what they charge.

as a share holder I guess it makes me happy that they are getting more with spending less. As a consumer though, I'm happily taking my dollars else where and not recommending disney as much. if some one ask me about a vacation at the world I don't lie either, I tell them the good and the bad. If they tell me about the food, I tell them it's mediocre at best. Good value if it's free, not so good if you are paying oop. same with the hotels. You are paying for being on site. If you are in a deluxe and you think you will get real world deluxe ammenities, you will be sorely disappointed.

 

[DeaverTex]

I wonder if some of the perceived loss of value might be related to long and frequent exposure to Disney? After you've seen something often enough, you start noticing the smaller things. Like hidden Mickeys, or burned out light bulbs. You spend more time in your resort, so you notice that, "Hey! They didn't empty my trash!" when before you were so exhausted at the end of the day that you wouldn't have noticed if they'd removed the bed. You didn't notice those sorts of things before, so -- for you, the frequent flyer -- they weren't there before. Now you notice them so -- for you, the frequent flyer -- they're new.

I mean, if you watch a movie often enough -- for example -- you'll start picking up the little oopsies, like someone wearing a watch in a crowd scene in Gettysburg, or two X-wing fighters occupying the same space at the same time in Star Wars IV. They were there all the time, though.

I certainly won't make any claim that everything is just like it was one, two, five, or twenty years ago, since I haven't even been there yet. I'm certain that things are different, and that some of the changes are due to nothing else other than enhancing the bean counters' bottom line. But like the old saying goes, "Familiarity breeds contempt."

Y'all have a magical day.

 

[maxiesmom]

I wonder if some of the perceived loss of value might be related to long and frequent exposure to Disney? After you've seen something often enough, you start noticing the smaller things. Like hidden Mickeys, or burned out light bulbs. You spend more time in your resort, so you notice that, "Hey! They didn't empty my trash!" when before you were so exhausted at the end of the day that you wouldn't have noticed if they'd removed the bed. You didn't notice those sorts of things before, so -- for you, the frequent flyer -- they weren't there before. Now you notice them so -- for you, the frequent flyer -- they're new.

I think you are right. Most people don't notice if a part is missing from the fireworks because they had a technical difficulty. Only those of us who go time and time again do.

As much as we may like to believe everything runs on pixie dust and magic at WDW, nothing does. And everything mechanical is subject to a breakdown. Especially machines that are used 365 days a year. As much as we may like to the the mouskeepers are all Mary Poppins in disguise, none of them are. And they are bound to screw up a time or two, and miss a trashcan or some cigarette butts.

I do think though that the lack of a quick response to a guest complaint is unacceptable. Though I don't think that it means all of WDW is crumbling down around our ears either. It means you ran into a bad CM or 2, and that is it. When you make a lot of trips someplace you are bound to run into someone who isn't as invested in their job as they should be. Doesn't make it right or acceptable, it is just reality.