Do you ever get sick of...

[EsmeraldaX]

people complaining about how overpriced Disney is?

This is not directed at anyone in particular. It's just something I have noticed on the boards frequently. Not just Theme Parks but also Resorts and other forums here and in real life.

IMHO, I don't really think WDW is overpriced. I think it is perfectly reasonably priced. The passes are expensive, yes. But you are often getting a multi day pass to 4 parks with lots to do that compares to nothing else. I don't compare it to cheaper prices at Universal and Six Flags because IMO, they are not even comparable parks. ETA : I don't think they are bad parks; they are just different.

The hotels are not that bad if you look around for good rates. I realize not everyone is going to buy an annual pass but there are also AAA discounts and general public discounts. You can often get rooms at the values for $49 a night. I just did a search on Yahoo for hotels in Boston and on the first page, 5 hotels had rates per night of more than I am paying for AKL in May.

Food does not have to cost you a fortune. Nor do you have to eat McD's every meal to save a buck. There are counter service places that you can get a turkey wrap, a salad, or other yummy non-burger meals at for under $10 per adult; often under $5 per child. Drinks in the parks don't have to be an issue - bring a water bottle from home.

WDW now offers the shuttle service from the airport. You don't have to rent a car when you stay at all.

There are souveniers to be bought at WDW for under $5. Pens, antenna toppers, memo pads, keychains, etc. You only have to buy as much as you want to buy.

There are ways to make WDW not "cost a fortune". Sorry for the rant, but I'm just getting kind of sick of hearing people complain about it.

[/rant over]

 

[oogieboogie]

I agree. In the beginning I thought Disney was very expensive, especially if you go on their website and run the reservation numbers - it boggles the mind. I didn't know at the time that Disney had discounts off their rooms and then I looked at the menu prices and thought, holy cow... that's pretty expensive. $70 for a character breakfast for a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids).

But then, as I started to compare per day costs, etc - Disney is a pretty good value IMO. Not only do you get 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 1 DTD, and gazillion other recreations, but the food portions are pretty big that it's pretty comparable to places like Fridays, Applebee's, etc.

I think about going to Six Flags that would cost me at least $50 per person, and the cost of soda at $3/cup compared to Disney at $2/cup and $60 per person (or cheaper depending what ticket you get) - doesn't even compare.

 

[winniedapooh]

Agreeing with you. I am going to a conference in VA. in three weeks and want to stay where the conference is being held and "special" conference rates are 179 a night! When I go away to school later this year "special" school rates at a nothing special hotel range between 99 and 159 a night. Have been to Six Flags twice, only because DH company paid for it and I agree no comparision.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

ITA.

 

[Luigi's Girl]

ITA.

I second that!

 

[Micca]

I'm with you Esmeralda. It's expensive, but it's not over-priced.

 

[caitycaity]

i agree. it's funny - we are so used to paying more expensive prices up here in dc that when we go to disney it doesn't feel expensive to me. meanwhile friends of ours from other parts of the country think it's ridiculously expensive.

 

[SleepingUgly]

IMO, if you must complain, then you should not go. That money can probably be better used somewhere else in your budget.

That is funny that people would complain about the high prices, but still go to Disney, thereby increasing demand, and thereby helping to justify any future price increases.

Yes, Disney is over-priced, as you all have said, but it's not impossible or out-of-reach. You don't have to stay at GF on all your visits and eat at Victoria & Albert's every night. The ticket prices are shocking, but like I said, the demand is there, so why not take advantage of it???

Linda

 

[danny1649]

To me is priceless and to me free.Walk up Main Street and look at that child confined to wheelchair then look at those eyes and that smile when Mickey comes up and gives that child a hug,wow it knocks my socks off look around and see those with no hair because of cancer look at those faces when they are in que for Pooh or Tea Cup attractions.Those looks of joy brings more joy to me than what I'm paying for a ticket,food or room.That feeling of joy is what I'm there for and it's something you can't buy,it's magic.

 

[golfgal]

For a group of 4 people or less, Disney isn't really any more expensive then any other destination type vacation place (not including the park tickets), however, add a 5th person to your group and your costs double for that ONE extra person. At any other hotel, destination, etc, your costs would not increase that much for one extra person.

 

[madthemouse]

It's too expensive !

It's too crowded!

It's too far!

It's too loud!

It' way too HOT!

BTW It's our 11th year of misery!!

 

[Kimickey]

I don't think Disney is over priced either. I'm a firm beliver in "you get what you pay for". WE pay for a great vacation and we don't think a dollar is wasted. Matter of fact I feel as if we get a lot of our dollar.

 

[jswalker1981]

I know that I would just go to disney for one day at the one day price. My girlfriend works at Publix, and they have a deal for employees that for $63 a person you get a one day, one park ticket, free parking, $18 meal voucher. So it definitely saves money going that way. She is leaving to go to Ukraine for 4 months, and when she comes back, I am buying the both of us annual passes. We hope to go for a whole week (we have friends that live in Orlando that will let us stay there for free!), which will pay for the annual pass itself. Other times I go to Disney is for Night of Joy with my church youth group. Last year I got tickets to all three nights (thursday-saturday). Went to NOJ thursday night, DisneyQuest on Friday and then NOJ again, Magic Kingdom on Saturday followed by NOJ for a third night. The whole trip cost under $200! Each night of NOJ, all the rides are opened, and they have concerts playing all night long. So for the total price, it was awesome! Three nights and one day at Magic Kingdom, and a day at Disney Quest! I can only hope to do it again this year.

 

[Ilovestitch]

I agree.. WDW is worth every penny!

I never understand when people complain the food in the parks is SO expensive!

Its no more expensive then going out to lunch to a Quiznos, Panera, bagel shop/deli around here.

And the tickets to WDW are no more expensive than the horrible 6 Flags that I live near. I live 15 mins from 6 Flags and I haven't been there in like 10 years!

Just compare the calibur of attractions and size of WDW versus 6 Flags and tell me which is the better value.

 

[lsutigger2]

Another one agreeing here! SleepingUgly I agree with you also.

The thing to remember is that Disney is a company and as such, they want to make a profit.
I feel that some think of WDW as a "national treasure".
Everyone has their own opinion.

I enjoy my trips to Disney and that's what is important to me and my family!

 

[jswalker1981]

I agree.. WDW is worth every penny!

I never understand when people complain the food in the parks is SO expensive!

Its no more expensive then going out to lunch to a Quiznos, Panera, bagel shop/deli around here.

And the tickets to WDW are no more expensive than the horrible 6 Flags that I live near. I live 15 mins from 6 Flags and I haven't been there in like 10 years!

Just compare the calibur of attractions and size of WDW versus 6 Flags and tell me which is the better value.

Yea, I have been to six flags a couple of times, and it is boring to me. I love roller coasters but they have no magic! I had a seasonal pass to Busch Gardens, and it is fun, but it isn't laid out very well, you have to back track alot just to get to the other side of the park. It is as if you walk into a corner and have to back up to get somewhere else. I love the amount of Detail that is put into Disney. I used to be bored of Disney until I actually started to notice every detail (especially Hidden Mickeys!), and now I can't wait to go again, my next trip will be next friday! I am counting down the days!

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

IMHO, it is NOT overpriced. I have made 9 trips and have always gotten my money's worth and more. There is something I get there that I can't get anywhere else and so I feel it is worth it.

I don't understand others who will spend frivolously in other areas and then complain about a trip to WDW, BUT let them stay away and they won't be in front of me in line!

I see that it is not everyone's idea of a great time, but it isn't overpriced.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Thanks everyone for responding. Glad I'm not the only one who doesn't feel like it's overpriced!

The other question I pose to those who DO think it's overpriced is what do you all feel it should cost? None of the peole who ever complain about prices say what it should cost (outside of comparing it to other vacation spots which IMO are not comprable)

 

[jswalker1981]

Some people think that the annual pass should be a lower price because other parks have lower annual pass prices. But Disney World is FOUR parks!! I can go to Busch Gardens, ride all the rides I love twice, and still be done with plenty of time to spare. I can't do that at disney! There is soo much more at disney then at any other theme park, that just walking the streets is great, so much magic. I have to keep my head on a swivel the whole time. I am just glad that I am a FL resident, if I wasn't then I think I wouldn't be able to afford some of the higher prices. I can't see spending $60 for a one day, one park pass, but $350 for annual pass is fine, because it will pay for itself so quickly, it is amazing how fast it would get its value.

 

[Disney01]

Going to Walt Disney World is expensive. I think, Esmeralda, that you are coming from the perspective of someone who doesn't have kids. Kids add a lot expense, and until you have them you really can't appreciate the expense.

Besides, I seem to remember a post from you about a year or so back on the Community Board complaining about the cost of deluxe resorts, and crying about the fact that you could only afford a value. Well, Boo Hoo, we can only go once every other year, not the multiple trips that you and others take. So I think you could have a little sensitivity and look at things realistically before you agree that prices aren't so bad.