Disney's Price Increases are obscene....

[flicx]

The place is usually packed. There was a time where certain times of the year you could count on low crowds, not so much now.

IMO, WDW could increase prices another 10%, I would not be surprised to see this in the next 6 months or so.

Packed? According to TEA attendance has been basically flat in 2010 and 2011.

 

[mom2rtk]

Packed? According to TEA attendance has been basically flat in 2010 and 2011.

My theory is that crowds have shifted and evened out. Because of the price increases, those who used to go during peak times have shifted to what used to be the slower months because of deals like free dining. That makes it seem far busier to those of us who never have traveled during the peak seasons anyway.

 

[flicx]

My theory is that crowds have shifted and evened out. Because of the price increases, those who used to go during peak times have shifted to what used to be the slower months because of deals like free dining. That makes it seem far busier to those of us who never have traveled during the peak seasons anyway.

Yes it sounds like a reasonable theory. I just wonder how long people will comprimise on things before they get fed up. Before long the value season rates will be the old peak season rates!

 

[larryz]

DVC was prob not a wise purchase anyway if people use the 11% interest they try to get you into! I hope most are smart enough to use other options!

Some people pay cash, some people financed thru home equity loans, and some people are buying on the resale market. But even if they pay the Disney plan, they're "saving" money in years 8 thru 45...

 

[GadgetRick]

Some people pay cash, some people financed thru home equity loans, and some people are buying on the resale market. But even if they pay the Disney plan, they're "saving" money in years 8 thru 45...

Only saving money if you'd normally stay in a condo when vacationing. Most of us do not.

Also, search on the Internet, you can easily find deals where you'd spend less than what you're spending on your annual maintenance for the same amount of time. Many times--especially when compared to DVC--they're nicer places. Factor in what it cost to buy the place (resale or retail) and the savings are even harder to come by.

I was a DVC owner and have owned other TSs so I understand very well how they work.

 

[larryz]

Only saving money if you'd normally stay in a condo when vacationing.

Or deluxe.

But I see that you don't seem to understand what "quotes" indicate when used to highlight a particular word.

Putting "saving" in quotes means they aren't really "saving" anything -- they're still spending a huge amount of money each year just to be DVC members, committed to visiting WDW at least every other year, and they still have to pay admission, eat, travel to get there, etc.

 

[TLSnell1981]

DVC was prob not a wise purchase anyway if people use the 11% interest they try to get you into! I hope most are smart enough to use other options!

Well, we paid cash and bought resale. I can't see financing or buying direct. We stay on property and in villas or deluxe (except twice with a group). We also visit frequently, so the accommodation end has worked out. Other expenses (ie dining and admission) are out of control...crazy.

 

[missesdisney]

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.

I have to agree with you on this one. I travel for a living - stay at full service Marriott a few nights a week. Just regular Marriott most of the time, but what I get at Marriott, that I really don't get at Disney, is amazing hotel service. Don't get me wrong, we have DVC and I love that we can stay at Beach Club and walk to Epcot, or Wilderness Lodge and boat to MK or if I can ever get in there to Bay Lake and take the monorail on my same points. The best is the Treehouse Villas which are amazing. But those are good on points. I would personally NEVER pay for those rooms retail. You are paying for atmosphere and location and not for the room. They are small hotel rooms, even the 1BR are tiny.

No question the Ritz Carlton is a nicer hotel than the GF. Location not as good maybe but I'm sure the rooms are nicer Probably cheaper too

 

[missesdisney]

It depends on what type vacation you want. I think I get a lot of bang for my buck at WDW. I love US/IoA, and have stayed there in the past..and really enjoyed it. BUT..if I want to spend more than 3 days (total) someplace, then US/IoA isn't going to get it done for me. I find it hard to spend more than 2 days at US/IoA...even then, I'm done by 2ish on that second day. So, sure..there is less to do. But, by that same token, there is a ton more to do at WDW for your vacation dollars.
You don't have to stay at a deluxe resort at WDW..you can choose a value resort. You get to choose from only three onsite resorts at US/IoA...and they are all pretty upscale. I think the least I've paid is about $170 a night....I can get a moderate at WDW for that. No, the two don't compare but if US/IoA had a lesser priced resort, I would stay there. I don't need deluxe.

As far as numbers go...I priced out a stay at WL, from Oct 13-17. 2 adults, 2 kids (6 and 12). I used a standard room, no special view. Added the DDP. 5 day passes (non-hoppers). Total came to $3431. I priced out the same stay at Hard Rock Hotel at US/IoA. Added their dining plan, which isn't nearly as good or all inclusive, as well as Mears transfers. The passes covered 2 parks for 3 days (not nearly the same as the Disney passes....5 days, 4 parks). The total for that was $2241.
The difference?? About $1200. Can't buy 3 MacBooks with that...maybe one. And again, you are getting four parks, with much more varied dining options, with your Disney stay.
But..perhaps you don't need those things. In that case, a US/IoA vacation is going to be perfect. I like to combine the two....5 days at WDW, 2 days at US/IoA.

Yes, it's expensive. Especially when you add in the costs to get there to begin with. For me..that's the killer. Not the costs when I finally get to WDW.

What I don't understand, is why most of the price comments on a "Disney Vacation" is only on site. There are amazing hotels in the area that are far cheaper (I am a DVC member so I do both on and off site). Yes you need a car if you stay offsite, but you also don't have to give EVERY single dollar you spend to Disney. Walmart has the same prices as in NJ and even in a regular hotel room you can manage to buy something for breakfast and with only a small fridge, some lunchmeat for sandwiches for lunch if you so choose. Soda, water, beer, etc.

I almost would compare an on site hotel package to an all-inclusive because that's what Disney is trying to push. Use the magical express....you don't need a car! Of course not - then your dollars go elsewhere.

I think for some on site is the way to go. But if cost is a major factor in taking the vacation or not, or a factor in what else can be done on the vacation, I would strongly say a "Disney Vacation" does not have to include a Disney hotel.

BTW - goofy4tink I meant to reply to the one you were also replying to

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

~I know and sadly enough I expect this trend to continue for years and years to come. In spite of all of the high price hikes, Disney continues to enjoy growth every year in park attendance.

~Honestly, based on my tastes and touring styles, the quoted prices I received when planning a trip to Universal was actually higher than Disney.

~I thought of this thread when I heard about the price increase.

~Disney Ticket Price Hike~

By Desiree Stennett, Orlando Sentinel

February 23, 2014

Starting today, Disney's Magic Kingdom guests will have to fork over a few extra dollars for single-day park admission.

The tickets will cost $99 for adults and children 10 and up.

This $4 price hike keeps Magic Kingdom the most expensive Disney park.

A one-day ticket for Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios will go from $90 to $94.

"Our pricing reflects the high quality and breadth of experiences we offer and our ongoing commitment to investing in our parks," Disney spokesman Bryan Malenius said Saturday. "We offer a variety of ticket options that provide a great value, and find that most guests select multi-day tickets that offer additional savings."

This is the second price hike in less than a year.

Universal Orlando also raised its prices last summer. A one-day, one-park ticket is $92.

For a full listing of Disney ticket prices go to disneyworld.com/tickets. New ticket prices will be reflected on Sunday.

dstennett@tribune.com or 407-420-5447

~This trend is still going strong and Disney shows no signs of slowing down. I wonder how many people Disney may have priced out? My guess is not that many.

 

[TLSnell1981]

~I thought of this thread when I heard about the price increase.

~Disney Ticket Price Hike~



~This trend is still going strong and Disney shows no signs of slowing down. I wonder how many people Disney may have priced out? My guess is not that many.

Well, the euro is quite strong, so it's still a good value for Europeans. Oh, it's now easier to travel from Brazil too.

 

[sonofanarchy]

Actually you may find aDisney parks prices are the same as universal, since universal raised there rates to wdw levels, and for a lesser park, with the exception of potter.

WDW =4 parks, Uni =2 parks

Not to mention your getting a year of admission for your AP.

But more to your point.......parks prices are alot cheaper then most other entertainment venues today. Especailly when you note that when you buy multi day passes it get cheap in a hurry!

1. A sports event.......easily $30 to $500 for 3 hours of questionable game play.

2. A concert..........easily $100 to hundreds for a few hours.

3. Dinner at a 3, 4 or 5 star...easily more then any park.

4. Nascar.........$50 to over a hundred, for 3 hours.

In any case. I hope you enjoy Universal.


AKK

Lesser park? Yeah, I think not.

Disney AP - $630.
Universal AP - $270.

Disney AP Renewal - $600.
Universal AP Renewal - $180.

Don't get me started on Disney resort rates versus Universal's.

 

[Cyrano]

There are new threads on the board regarding 2014 prices increases.
Therefore this thread from the history banks will be closed