Disney's Price Increases are obscene....

[dwight16]

Here is what i think i LOVE the price increases i think it should cost more to get in to the park and i would gladly pay for it. First can you even fathom how many people it takes to make this operation going? they all need to be paid now granted they dont make a ton of money but they are working and have access to benefits. Second it keeps the riffraff out who tend not to respect things we have all seen it. there is no LAW saying you need to go if you cant afford it oh well get a better job and work harder. i have to fly commercial and cant afford a private jet should i complain and demand them to lower there prices? NO they shouldn't i know my place is this world and what i can afford. this drives me nuts when people complain like they have a right to walk around these parks. its a privilege not a right.

 

[andrews_dad]

Here is what i think i LOVE the price increases i think it should cost more to get in to the park and i would gladly pay for it. First can you even fathom how many people it takes to make this operation going? they all need to be paid now granted they dont make a ton of money but they are working and have access to benefits. Second it keeps the riffraff out who tend not to respect things we have all seen it. there is no LAW saying you need to go if you cant afford it oh well get a better job and work harder. i have to fly commercial and cant afford a private jet should i complain and demand them to lower there prices? NO they shouldn't i know my place is this world and what i can afford. this drives me nuts when people complain like they have a right to walk around these parks. its a privilege not a right.

wow.

 

[disney_bob]

The income level is moot. The fact is really simply. No matter what you make if you spend more than you earn, you are in fact broke. If I make a million dollars annually and then start pissing away money even if it's only 300 bucks at a time, then my income isn't the problem.

If not, how then would one keep what ever salary they make? KWIM. If you're broke in a mansion how is that possibly any better than being broke in a small house (see: Terrel Owens) except for you have more room? either way the bank is coming after you.

So once again, the way high wealth folks stay high income and keep their wealth is that the scrutinize every dollar for the value. at least the ones I know do, if their purchases don't match up with their sense of value no matter if it's 3 bucks over the line or 300 dollars over the line they don't purchase it.

NO matter what my income, I no longer stay at a deluxe unless it's with my dvc points. Deluxes imo are a rip off and at best are 3 stars, so yeah I'm definitely the type if that even if I made Oprah Winfreys salary you will not see me staying at the Grand floridian on a cash basis. that's a waste of my money and this gal tries very, very hard never to waste money. Especially when there is a Ritz Carlton in spitting distance.

Income level is not irrelevant. You can't be wealthy without meeting a specific level of income regardless of what you spend. Someone earning $40,000/month and spending 75% of it is still wealthier than someone who earns $4,000/month and spends 20% of it.

I understand what you're saying about spending money wisely and it makes sense but you seem to be missing the idea that spending money wisely doesn't make you wealthy if you don't earn a lot to begin with.

In a more hypothetical mindset.. would you consider someone who is worth $1,000,000 after 50 years of being frugal wealthy? I'm not so sure I would.

 

[andrews_dad]

Shocked by how many folks embrace a big price increase to child AP's. I think Diz could employ a new policy where every 10th child through the gates slapped in the face and people on this board would embrace the new policy as genius. Diz can do NO wrong to so many of this board it is sickening. You guys have bought into the magic. Good for you. Get to know some veteran cast members and your perfection view of the company might change. Don't fool yourself into thinking the big influx that comes with teh price increase will line the pockets of the hard working low level folks at the parks and behind the scenes.....

 

[Don Disney]

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!

Hooray for you Big-Timer....not one for humility are you? Don,t break your arm patting yourself on the back!! In a time when many people are struggling to jusk keep afloat,you feel it necessary to"flaunt"your means?A wise person once said"He who thinks he has the world in his hands today,Could wake up tomorrow,and find them empty".Corporate greed is alive and well....Still gonna try to take my family to WDW this year...hopefully....According to my IRS tax return,we'll be thankful if we can maintain employment!!!!

 

[Rip]

For the first time in many years we are forgoing our annual fall trip to WDW and staying the extra at Universal. While I understand that opinions vary, for us the additional cost wasn't worth the product anymore. We used to have APs for both Disney and Universal, but Disney has effectively priced us out - and like the OP, it isn't because we can't afford them, it's just that to us they aren't worth the cost anymore. For those that have pointed out the prices of Universal's single-day admission, I'd counter that, as with the OP, we look at the AP prices and Universal gives you much more bang for the buck. At roughly $250 for an initial purchase (and the renewal rate is only $157), you get better perks and nicer resorts. I'm sure we will visit WDW again at some future point, but it likely won't be for a number of years.

 

[BeerMe]

Anyway add 15 a game for parking

Good grief! Which NFL team only charges $15 for parking?????

As for Disney, prices will go up as long as people pay the price.

 

[TDC Nala]

Shocked by how many folks embrace a big price increase to child AP's. I think Diz could employ a new policy where every 10th child through the gates slapped in the face and people on this board would embrace the new policy as genius. Diz can do NO wrong to so many of this board it is sickening. You guys have bought into the magic. Good for you. Get to know some veteran cast members and your perfection view of the company might change. Don't fool yourself into thinking the big influx that comes with teh price increase will line the pockets of the hard working low level folks at the parks and behind the scenes.....

Not going to embrace it but not going to condemn it either. Doesn't affect me, I don't have children; but I don't think raising the price is akin to physically slapping children in the face. Sorry it's going to cost more to get APs for your kids, but from reading your post it looks like you may forego the APs this time.

Good grief! Which NFL team only charges $15 for parking?????

Not the local one, it's at least twice that.

 

[Art 1]

Shocked by how many folks embrace a big price increase to child AP's. I think Diz could employ a new policy where every 10th child through the gates slapped in the face and people on this board would embrace the new policy as genius. Diz can do NO wrong to so many of this board it is sickening. You guys have bought into the magic. Good for you. Get to know some veteran cast members and your perfection view of the company might change. Don't fool yourself into thinking the big influx that comes with teh price increase will line the pockets of the hard working low level folks at the parks and behind the scenes.....

I love how Disney works as a company. I am a business owner and admire companies that really know what they are doing. Disney can raise their prices at will during these tough times and the place is busier than ever. A trip to WDW is a luxury. That's what some people are forgetting. Like buying a Mercedes Benz.

Why should companies who sell luxury worry about pricing as long as they are selling out product or filling the parks?

I am into wrist watches, big time as a hobby. I will give you two examples. A basic Rolex dive watch has increased in price in the last 8 yrs from$4250 to $8500, and you know what? They can't keep them in stock. A basic Rolex chronograph has gone up from $6550 to $12,000 during the same period. These sell so fast that upper management has to approval the sale of one, usually. Most places want a history of buying over $100,000 in the past to be "allowed" to purchase one. Lucky for me, I have one. Again, nobody is forcing anyone to buy one. Luxury is the key word here. A trip to WDW is not food, water or shelter.

 

[North of Mouse]

Then you're quite mistaken. A job is worth what the market will bear. You could be a cashier at Disney and only be paid the going rate for cashiers as long as you hold that job. If you're there for 20 years doing the exact same job as someone fresh off the street, you haven't contributed any value that isn't easily replaced. Therefore, you aren't OWED a pay increase.

It's silly to think that the amount of time you've spent doing a job is worth more money just because you've hung around. If you want more pay, add more value.

What's so silly about being owed a pay increase after working several years with the same employer? You don't consider a PROVEN loyal, steady, capable person in a position worth more than someone off the street? Sure glad you weren't our employer Our son now has a business for several years and he definitely pays a PROVEN loyal person lots more than some newbies doing the same job because he can leave the business for a whole week for a little time off knowing it's in capable hands. Think about it! THAT is adding more value!

 

[North of Mouse]

Shocked by how many folks embrace a big price increase to child AP's. I think Diz could employ a new policy where every 10th child through the gates slapped in the face and people on this board would embrace the new policy as genius. Diz can do NO wrong to so many of this board it is sickening. You guys have bought into the magic. Good for you. Get to know some veteran cast members and your perfection view of the company might change. Don't fool yourself into thinking the big influx that comes with teh price increase will line the pockets of the hard working low level folks at the parks and behind the scenes.....

I, too, don't get upset with price increases. EVERYTHING is increasing. At least at Disney we can enjoy ourselves to the fullest once we have paid our admissions which includes all rides and shows (new ones too). How much further does a gallon of gas get your vehicle now that it's $3+ than it did when it was $1+?? It would be a lot different if they were the only ones increasing prices - been to the grocery store lately? We HAVE to eat, but we DON'T have to go to Disney. Yes, we have bought into the magic and love it whether it seems sickening to you or not. We all have a choice

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Shocked by how many folks embrace a big price increase to child AP's. I think Diz could employ a new policy where every 10th child through the gates slapped in the face and people on this board would embrace the new policy as genius. Diz can do NO wrong to so many of this board it is sickening. You guys have bought into the magic. Good for you. Get to know some veteran cast members and your perfection view of the company might change. Don't fool yourself into thinking the big influx that comes with teh price increase will line the pockets of the hard working low level folks at the parks and behind the scenes.....

Disneyland has never had a child AP...everyone pays the same amount.

 

[wbeem]

What's so silly about being owed a pay increase after working several years with the same employer? You don't consider a PROVEN loyal, steady, capable person in a position worth more than someone off the street? Sure glad you weren't our employer Our son now has a business for several years and he definitely pays a PROVEN loyal person lots more than some newbies doing the same job because he can leave the business for a whole week for a little time off knowing it's in capable hands. Think about it! THAT is adding more value!

Nonsense. You aren't owed a raise at any company, unless you are part of a collective bargaining agreement that specifies incremental annual increases to your pay. It's absolutely absurd to think otherwise.

Employment is an agreement. I agree to work for you to perform stated tasks in exchange for a given amount of money. That amount of money varies depending upon the value I provide to your business.

If I do the same job year after year, and I do it no better than a person who could start doing this job tomorrow - why would I be more valuable? Some jobs will benefit from years of experience and allow the employee to become more valuable to the employer. Other jobs are just repetitive and won't ever change.

If you want more money, you must find a way to provide more value. It isn't the time that makes a person more valuable. It's what they bring to the job.

 

[mesaboy2]

I, too, don't get upset with price increases. EVERYTHING is increasing. At least at Disney we can enjoy ourselves to the fullest once we have paid our admissions which includes all rides and shows (new ones too). How much further does a gallon of gas get your vehicle now that it's $3+ than it did when it was $1+?? It would be a lot different if they were the only ones increasing prices - been to the grocery store lately? We HAVE to eat, but we DON'T have to go to Disney. Yes, we have bought into the magic and love it whether it seems sickening to you or not. We all have a choice

Agree.

I learned a long time ago that, with few exceptions, prices go up over time. Some go up faster than others, some slower. Virtually nothing is immune.

 

[rgf207]

This is a Disney message board. Most people here are loyal to Disney. They spend their money year after year on anything Disney. What people need to realize is that the inverse does not apply. Disney is not loyal to you. They are loyal to their shareholders. They are a business whose sole purpose is to make money.

Disney has increased their prices every year and you know what, people still go to their parks and they will continue to go. I leave for Disney this Saturday and I'm going to bet the parks will be as crowded as they were last year, the year before etc.

As long as people are still going to the parks, they will raise the prices. Have they angered some people? Sure but you know what, this too shall pass and I guarantee that 95% of those that were angered will be angered all the way through the turnstyles in to the Magic Kingdom as they fork over the $89, $95 or $100 it will cost to get in. Disney is banking on it.

They have probably priced out a very small group of people who, in the long run, don't matter to Disney. Like it or not, it's the truth.

I'll continue to go to Disney every year and then I will bring my children when they are old enough.

 

[North of Mouse]

Nonsense. You aren't owed a raise at any company, unless you are part of a collective bargaining agreement that specifies incremental annual increases to your pay. It's absolutely absurd to think otherwise.

Employment is an agreement. I agree to work for you to perform stated tasks in exchange for a given amount of money. That amount of money varies depending upon the value I provide to your business.

If I do the same job year after year, and I do it no better than a person who could start doing this job tomorrow - why would I be more valuable? Some jobs will benefit from years of experience and allow the employee to become more valuable to the employer. Other jobs are just repetitive and won't ever change.

If you want more money, you must find a way to provide more value. It isn't the time that makes a person more valuable. It's what they bring to the job.

Likewise nonsense! Have you ever worked at the same job for years for the same pay? I've never known ANYONE to do so, and I certainly never would have. Some jobs require more knowledge as you go along, but I know plenty of people that do nothing different today than they did when hired (and have gotten steady raises) except they have proven loyalty, honesty and dependability. Those qualities in themselves, irrespective of additional duties, makes them owed pay raises.

 

[rdamer70]

Guess I don't see the problem (OP) if you have money. If I was rich I sure wouldn't stop spending what little money (compared to what I would be making) it cost to go to Disney..NEVER.
I am F A R from rich and, since I've had my own family, I have tried to go every 3-4 years if I can afford it.
Just sort of seems like it is like us "normal" folks complaining and refusing to buy a Snickers because the price went up
Just my $.02

 

[North of Mouse]

This is a Disney message board. Most people here are loyal to Disney. They spend their money year after year on anything Disney. What people need to realize is that the inverse does not apply. Disney is not loyal to you. They are loyal to their shareholders. They are a business whose sole purpose is to make money.

Disney has increased their prices every year and you know what, people still go to their parks and they will continue to go. I leave for Disney this Saturday and I'm going to bet the parks will be as crowded as they were last year, the year before etc.

As long as people are still going to the parks, they will raise the prices. Have they angered some people? Sure but you know what, this too shall pass and I guarantee that 95% of those that were angered will be angered all the way through the turnstyles in to the Magic Kingdom as they fork over the $89, $95 or $100 it will cost to get in. Disney is banking on it.

They have probably priced out a very small group of people who, in the long run, don't matter to Disney. Like it or not, it's the truth.

I'll continue to go to Disney every year and then I will bring my children when they are old enough.

I agree with most of what you have said. If we still enjoy going enough knowing it's costing us more, then why complain? Being angry hurts the person, and is NEVER going to affect Disney's actions on raising prices. We don't HAVE to go, so seems to me that if you complain and are angry - don't go. Just don't complain and be angry and still go. I wouldn't be able to enjoy myself in that frame of mind - just sayin Can you tell I really, really enjoy the parks, and we, ourselves, DO get our $$'s worth

 

[TLSnell1981]

Likewise nonsense! Have you ever worked at the same job for years for the same pay? I've never known ANYONE to do so, and I certainly never would have. Some jobs require more knowledge as you go along, but I know plenty of people that do nothing different today than they did when hired (and have gotten steady raises) except they have proven loyalty, honesty and dependability. Those qualities in themselves, irrespective of additional duties, makes them owed pay raises.

Actually, some have had the same job for years, but make less (or have no job at all). Many have reduced profits or have gone out of business.

I'm happy you know plenty, who have not been affected in this economy.

 

[theaslip]

If I made over half a million dollars a year, I wouldn't sweat it.

http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2011/10/19/what-percent-are-you/

Alas! I am so relieved - I just used your link to calculate my income percentage - and - gues what? I was wrong! I am only in the 96% category! I stand with you! I am one with you! We are all 99% -ers!

I take it all back! I love Disney! I love the price increase! How anti-American I was for challenging the capitalist sovereignty of The Walt Disney Company! I feel like such a fool!

I am telling my union tomorrow to remove the the pay raise provisions in my contract because I am not owed it! In fact, I will start flying airplanes for no pay, because, hey, how dare I encroach on the rights of my employer's share holders. I would never want my lowly 96th percentile salary to get in the way of a shareholdre dividend check!

This thread has been so enlightening !

Just keep drinking the kool-aid, and filling my airplanes to Orlando on your pilgrimiage to pay homage to Iger (don't think for a second it's the mouse). Good news, looking at my contractually guaranteed pay raises and upgrading to a new, higher-paying airplane type my company is rolling out, only 3 years before I become part of the 97th! ;-)