Do You think DISNEY has gone down hlll the last few years?

[KellyNY]

Boy I sure hope so kelly!

To be honest I think the only thing that can possibly change situation is less profit. When people stop spending money, then they will listen. I believe it is difficult to say right now if profit is less due to economy or disapointment. When economy hopefully will go up again, but profit will not increase, then they will move their behinds.

 

[smidgy]

Just back second year in a row and 4 in total. The title of this thread is has Disney gone down hill in the last few years and I say the answer is a definite NO! I think people that make such comments are looking for something to complain about because if are looking to pick at every little thing you will find it anywhere. I think you have issues if you can't have the time of your life at Disney and should not return. As far as this pricing comment from UG states for the price we paid for 4 that includes two children you can't go anywhere and get what you get at Disney. All of these islands are more expensive and what are the kids going to do there plus Disney is offering discounts everywhere. I have a good job but wife stays home with kids its called saving for trips like these. The price they charge for everything that is at the park from fireworks to details and themes of rides and all of the costs involved in running them and staffing which they sure do not cut back on from what we saw even in low season. What should they do take a loss give it away its still a business. These six flags parks are not much cheaper

UG should be careful of biting the hand that feeds them

you must not have read the whole thread. these are not people looking to pick at every little thing. these are mostly people who LOVE Disney, and most of us have gone a lot more than 4 times. therefore, we have witnessed firsthand the slope downwards. we are NOT comparing Disney with Islands, of six flags.
we are comparing Disney with Disney. and while mnay things have slipped, the price still rises.

and please do NOT say if we have issues we shouldn't return. baloney! we have issues, and are posting them on an unofficial discussion board. a travel planning board. becuase we love disney and want things to get better. because we want to warn others so they can plan for things they might not be aware of. because we want to "discuss" on a "discussion" board.
and, once again I state, we are not "whining" or "complaining" we are making observations, most of us from a position to have noticed the many changes.

 

[Planogirl]

I like the comment of comparing Disney to Disney. I never have understood it when people compare Disney to Six Flags. Six Flags is what it is and has never even tried to be like Disney.

As for vacations, we always found plenty to do with DS when he was younger that was less expensive. National parks, zoos, museums, smaller waterparks, beaches, Ripley's and such smaller attractions (when we found discounts) and so on were alternatives. The kid saw plenty of Disney and other fun things too.

 

[Tiger926]

Does Disney care comment is interesting to me for several reasons:

1. Corporations do not care - they are in business to make profit. You don't normally mix business with personal feelings, but alas, Disney was a company that did that very thing, but can they survive like that?

2. Disney's profits - I believe that last quarter, Disney made a staggering amount of profit, which was up from the previous quarter. Now, this is made up of multiple divisions, but on a whole, they are doing well. Theme Parks not so well, but they are still profitable.

3. Parks/resorts are pretty full - Disney has figured out a way, with multiple discounts and promos, to fill up the parks/resorts most days of the year. Even with DVC, we don't see any slow periods anymore. The parks are busy, so something is working for them. People are still buying crappy merchandise, spending money on character meals, and staying at Deluxe resorts that cost upwards $400.00/night.

4. Disney as playground for rich - I honestly don't believe this to be true. I look at costs for other vacations, museums, amusement parks, etc. and some of them cost more than Disney. So, I do think ticket prices are high for many, but I believe you get a good amount of entertainment for that ticket. Disney is more expensive overall, as there is transportation, food and lodging to consider. But as a whole, I honestly don't find Disney to be a playground for the rich only. There are some good priced items, events and foods to be found at Disney, but Disney is an all-encompassing experience, which makes the costs go up for families.

As always, this continues to be a great thread! There are a messages on other boards about removal of prime rib at CRT, and a few other things that Disney has removed as of late.

Happy Sunday to all - it's Thanksgiving here in Canada, so a long weekend for us!

Tiger

 

[flicx]

Does Disney care comment is interesting to me for several reasons:

1. Corporations do not care - they are in business to make profit. You don't normally mix business with personal feelings, but alas, Disney was a company that did that very thing, but can they survive like that?

2. Disney's profits - I believe that last quarter, Disney made a staggering amount of profit, which was up from the previous quarter. Now, this is made up of multiple divisions, but on a whole, they are doing well. Theme Parks not so well, but they are still profitable.

3. Parks/resorts are pretty full - Disney has figured out a way, with multiple discounts and promos, to fill up the parks/resorts most days of the year. Even with DVC, we don't see any slow periods anymore. The parks are busy, so something is working for them. People are still buying crappy merchandise, spending money on character meals, and staying at Deluxe resorts that cost upwards $400.00/night.

4. Disney as playground for rich - I honestly don't believe this to be true. I look at costs for other vacations, museums, amusement parks, etc. and some of them cost more than Disney. So, I do think ticket prices are high for many, but I believe you get a good amount of entertainment for that ticket. Disney is more expensive overall, as there is transportation, food and lodging to consider. But as a whole, I honestly don't find Disney to be a playground for the rich only. There are some good priced items, events and foods to be found at Disney, but Disney is an all-encompassing experience, which makes the costs go up for families.

As always, this continues to be a great thread! There are a messages on other boards about removal of prime rib at CRT, and a few other things that Disney has removed as of late.

Happy Sunday to all - it's Thanksgiving here in Canada, so a long weekend for us!

Tiger

The only point I disagree with you about is the playground for the rich thing. I think UG was right on with that comment.With ticket prices fast approaching the 100 dollar mark and the increases that outpace almost everything else in the economy by a great degree, it is not unrealistic to make this statement.If current trends continue it is certain that disney will begin to price out some income groups.

 

[eliza61]

you must not have read the whole thread. these are not people looking to pick at every little thing. these are mostly people who LOVE Disney, and most of us have gone a lot more than 4 times. therefore, we have witnessed firsthand the slope downwards. we are NOT comparing Disney with Islands, of six flags.
we are comparing Disney with Disney. and while mnay things have slipped, the price still rises.

and please do NOT say if we have issues we shouldn't return. baloney! we have issues, and are posting them on an unofficial discussion board. a travel planning board. becuase we love disney and want things to get better. because we want to warn others so they can plan for things they might not be aware of. because we want to "discuss" on a "discussion" board.
and, once again I state, we are not "whining" or "complaining" we are making observations, most of us from a position to have noticed the many changes.

BRAVO!! Smidgy BRAVO! I love Disney, up until recently I was an annual visitor. up until recently I could have been the poster child for dvc.

Piratesforme, why shouldn't I complain. Sorry but if I pay 1000's of dollars for a product whether it's M&M's, a new car or a new vacation and I don't get what I paid for you better believe the company will here about it and I will write my experiences. Why do you think the internet has all these boards that allow people to rate and review.

I like the comment of comparing Disney to Disney. I never have understood it when people compare Disney to Six Flags. Six Flags is what it is and has never even tried to be like Disney.

.

I compare Disney to Disney. I compare them to what they were and what they advertise.

 

[Shelton123]

On an unrelated topic: The English teacher in me is cringing at this text - you might want to let them know of the following errors that I have bolded above (should be: lose, is, rise, to, a). Despite the fact that this might be true, they lose all credibility with me with errors such as this.

Thanks for posting - it's an interesting summation of what has been happening at Disney as of late.

Tiger

It's not the version sold in stores, it hasn't gone through all the editing yet. Unless I'm completely mistaken on what press release copy could mean which I may be! Almost all authors have mistakes like this before final editing.

*warning, tldr may apply here*

Anyways, I have been to WDW I think 4 times over the course of 5 years and, well, I was only 10 when I first went (I'm 15 now) and my main issue isn't with the service, because I can't tell that it's gone down since I haven't been going as long as others. But something I can back up is that ticket prices going up used to make sense. It seemed that a while back, maybe even way before I started going, they would have things being updated more often, new rides, new shows... but now it seems they don't add as much! So the ticket prices used to be going up because they would be doing renovations quite a bit and new things would be there. But I don't think we've gotten anything new since Toy Story Mania, and we won't get anything new until Fantasyland which will open in (late?) 2012. I mean yes it's a big project but even back then they wouldn't have increased ticket prices as much as they are now.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that a Disney vacation was always a bit of an expensive one, but almost anyone, even outside the DISBoards, would say it's definitely worth it. But now, with ticket prices going up and not much currently being updated, not everything's on the cutting edge so would it be worth it? Of course to me, and most of the DISboards it currently is because we're all big Disney fans, but if we're talking outside major Disney fans, then it probably isn't with the current, and future prices. Of course I won't be going at least until late 2012, because my family doesn't care quite as much as I do

But to play devil's advocate (I think I'm using the phrase correctly) I have to say that with ticket prices going up, they probably will offer more discounts so people aren't shuddering at the prices as much. So it may all come around if you can go at a specific time it will cost less than it would at a more convenient time even a few years ago, but we have to see if that happens. And it's very hard to predict things that no one knows, not even Disney!

 

[Tiger926]

It's not the version sold in stores, it hasn't gone through all the editing yet. Unless I'm completely mistaken on what press release copy could mean which I may be! Almost all authors have mistakes like this before final editing.

*warning, tldr may apply here*

Anyways, I have been to WDW I think 4 times over the course of 5 years and, well, I was only 10 when I first went (I'm 15 now) and my main issue isn't with the service, because I can't tell that it's gone down since I haven't been going as long as others. But something I can back up is that ticket prices going up used to make sense. It seemed that a while back, maybe even way before I started going, they would have things being updated more often, new rides, new shows... but now it seems they don't add as much! So the ticket prices used to be going up because they would be doing renovations quite a bit and new things would be there. But I don't think we've gotten anything new since Toy Story Mania, and we won't get anything new until Fantasyland which will open in (late?) 2012. I mean yes it's a big project but even back then they wouldn't have increased ticket prices as much as they are now.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that a Disney vacation was always a bit of an expensive one, but almost anyone, even outside the DISBoards, would say it's definitely worth it. But now, with ticket prices going up and not much currently being updated, not everything's on the cutting edge so would it be worth it? Of course to me, and most of the DISboards it currently is because we're all big Disney fans, but if we're talking outside major Disney fans, then it probably isn't with the current, and future prices. Of course I won't be going at least until late 2012, because my family doesn't care quite as much as I do

But to play devil's advocate (I think I'm using the phrase correctly) I have to say that with ticket prices going up, they probably will offer more discounts so people aren't shuddering at the prices as much. So it may all come around if you can go at a specific time it will cost less than it would at a more convenient time even a few years ago, but we have to see if that happens. And it's very hard to predict things that no one knows, not even Disney!

Yup, I am aware of the editing process, but despite this, our local paper is full of errors, so I figure it's always good to point the errors out, as sometimes, they still get overlooked in final editing stages. I just find it funny that people who write for a living, would make those kinds of errors in the first place...

Anyway, you do know that the cost of tickets is not just for attractions, right? Costs of tickets are also based on wages for CMs, maintenance, etc. In this regard, ticket costs encompass many areas. I do agree that they have been going up quite a bit, bit with more visitors due to so many promos, comes more upkeep and maintenance. As well, with so many rude and untidy guests in the parks some days, the maintenance costs are probably a lot higher than they used to be.

I do agree with your assessment that Disney will just keep using promos to make the parks more affordable - this is exactly why I don't agree that Disney is a playground for the rich. They are using promos to target regular families, and not millionaires who can afford the penthouse at the GF. They are in charge of this cycle, and are using it to their benefit. Increased menu costs, which overinflates the Dining Plans, is a great example of that cycle!

Thanks for your thoughts, Tiger

 

[Shelton123]

Yup, I am aware of the editing process, but despite this, our local paper is full of errors, so I figure it's always good to point the errors out, as sometimes, they still get overlooked in final editing stages. I just find it funny that people who write for a living, would make those kinds of errors in the first place...

Anyway, you do know that the cost of tickets is not just for attractions, right? Costs of tickets are also based on wages for CMs, maintenance, etc. In this regard, ticket costs encompass many areas. I do agree that they have been going up quite a bit, bit with more visitors due to so many promos, comes more upkeep and maintenance. As well, with so many rude and untidy guests in the parks some days, the maintenance costs are probably a lot higher than they used to be.

I do agree with your assessment that Disney will just keep using promos. They are in charge of this cycle, and are using it to their benefit. Increase menu costs, which overinflates the Dining Plans, is a great example of that cycle!

Thanks for your thoughts, Tiger

That's definitely true, I didn't think about that, and yes definitely there are more rude guests than there used to be probably. And more guests in general, I think there are more people travelling to WDW now than there were in the 90's, and more people means more maintenence, and more CM's. I could be wrong about the amount of people.

 

[disneymomma1978]

People are still buying crappy merchandise,

Tiger

hey, I like their crappy merchandise!!

 

[Planogirl]

I don't think that what you get for the price will matter once prices get to a certain point. A Rolls Royce might be worth the price but that's irrelevant if you can't afford it. I agree that Disney will continue to raise prices and offer discounts to get people in the parks. I bet that merchandise and incidentals make a lot of money for the company.

 

[brunette8706]

BRAVO!! Smidgy BRAVO! I love Disney, up until recently I was an annual visitor. up until recently I could have been the poster child for dvc.

Piratesforme, why shouldn't I complain. Sorry but if I pay 1000's of dollars for a product whether it's M&M's, a new car or a new vacation and I don't get what I paid for you better believe the company will here about it and I will write my experiences. Why do you think the internet has all these boards that allow people to rate and review.






I compare Disney to Disney. I compare them to what they were and what they advertise.

*
Hi Eliz61!

Good to see you here again! I hope all is well with you!

Tiger-

Happy THanksgiving!!! Now, do you serve Turkey and dressing, cranberry and all the fixins up there in Canada? Have a wondeful holiday.

brunette

 

[disneygirlmass]

I can't say Disney has gone downhill. Yes, prices have increased, just like at most places. Disney has always been expensive, just like any theme park is. Every year their prices increase, but that does not stop me from going back.

 

[Donut23]

It's not the version sold in stores, it hasn't gone through all the editing yet. Unless I'm completely mistaken on what press release copy could mean which I may be! Almost all authors have mistakes like this before final editing.

It is the completed book....bound and finished. Publishers send advance copies to the press so they will have time to read and review before the official date of release to the public. Some of the books are immediately devoured...and some sit and wait for someone to notice. This books was sitting there .... looking quite lonely when DH found it.

This book is done.

 

[Tiger926]

That's definitely true, I didn't think about that, and yes definitely there are more rude guests than there used to be probably. And more guests in general, I think there are more people travelling to WDW now than there were in the 90's, and more people means more maintenence, and more CM's. I could be wrong about the amount of people.

After all my trips, I can attest to the fact that there are many more people at WDW then ever before, but, they are also discounting more than ever before, so it would be interesting to see their financials.

hey, I like their crappy merchandise!!

Sorry, I didn't mean it as an insult at all. Their merchandise is vastly different than what they sold 10 years ago. Park merchandise used to be the best quality, but now it's the same bad quality that is sold online at Disneyshopping. We don't really buy much at all anymore...

*
Hi Eliz61!

Good to see you here again! I hope all is well with you!

Tiger-

Happy THanksgiving!!! Now, do you serve Turkey and dressing, cranberry and all the fixins up there in Canada? Have a wondeful holiday.

brunette

Hey Brunette: Thanks! Yup, our Thanksgiving dinners are pretty much the same as US Thanksgiving dinners. We had the Canadian/US turkey dinner tonight with hubby's family (French Canadian), and tomorrow night (it's actually Thanksgiving tomorrow) we'll have Italian Thanksgiving with my family: lasagna, turkey cutlets, prime rib, salad, bread, mixed veggie platter and dessert. Yummy!

It is the completed book....bound and finished. Publishers send advance copies to the press so they will have time to read and review before the official date of release to the public. Some of the books are immediately devoured...and some sit and wait for someone to notice. This books was sitting there .... looking quite lonely when DH found it.

This book is done.

Oh, dear...I can only imagine the amount of spelling mistakes in that finished copy as I've found many in the Unofficial Guides over the years (haven't purchased a copy in years).

Tiger

 

[BigGreen73]

I see tons of focus on 1 day tickets approaching $100 in forums and even news articles etc. OMG, a one date WDW is $84, couple more years it'll hit $100!!

If I was paying $100.00 admission per day for a park during my trip, they yeah, I too might be a little more nit-picky about things (probably would stop going at that price). But in reality how many guests actually buy only a 1 day ticket at a time?? It probably does happen, from what I am guessing most buy multi-day tickets or use annual passes etc.

We usually go on a 9-10 day base ticket which comes to less than $30 a day for park entrance. Which is less than my local "amusement" park. So unless something radically changes at the parks, and attractions start falling apart and WDW discontinues shows, I think it's well worth the $30 a day. Yes, I know it doesn't include resort & food, but that's another story.

 

[KellyNY]

I see tons of focus on 1 day tickets approaching $100 in forums and even news articles etc. OMG, a one date WDW is $84, couple more years it'll hit $100!!

If I was paying $100.00 admission per day for a park during my trip, they yeah, I too might be a little more nit-picky about things (probably would stop going at that price). But in reality how many guests actually buy only a 1 day ticket at a time?? It probably does happen, from what I am guessing most buy multi-day tickets or use annual passes etc.

We usually go on a 9-10 day base ticket which comes to less than $30 a day for park entrance. Which is less than my local "amusement" park. So unless something radically changes at the parks, and attractions start falling apart and WDW discontinues shows, I think it's well worth the $30 a day. Yes, I know it doesn't include resort & food, but that's another story.

I understand what you say but at the same time, price increase for all tickets not just 1 day admission. We used to do water parks and hoppers just to use those options once, now it is so high we skip those options and stick with regular tickets to keep price down. I know the longer you stay, the less you pay per day, but how many of us actually stay for 10 days, most people buy 6-7 day tickets, we have jobs and those tickets not as cheap as it seems.

 

[BigGreen73]

I understand what you say but at the same time, price increase for all tickets not just 1 day admission. We used to do water parks and hoppers just to use those options once, now it is so high we skip those options and stick with regular tickets to keep price down. I know the longer you stay, the less you pay per day, but how many of us actually stay for 10 days, most people buy 6-7 day tickets, we have jobs and those tickets not as cheap as it seems.

Yeah, we skip the park hopper, water park, and no expiration options as well. Those extra options are just not worth the extra $$$$. We stick with the base tickets.

 

[flicx]

Unforunately long stays of 10 days don't work for us.We can usually only get 3 or 4 days at parks.So to make it semi economical we have to get hoppers with no exp.These tickets went up over 7% this year alone.If you can't go and stay for long periods of time you never see the 30.00 a day.

 

[Tiger926]

Just wanted to put into perspective a few things about tickets:

1. Length of stay - I would guess that most guests average 5-7 days at WDW, and so most guests are not subject to the $87.00/day (tax included) ticket price. We all know that Disney discounts the longer you stay, but so do mostly all other entertainment venues: zoos, museums, etc.

2. Types of tickets - Adding extras brings the costs up, no doubt. But, for our purposes here, I think we need to compare apples to apples, so base tickets only.

3. Costs of tickets - Most guests are going to pay between $60.00-$38.00/day (base ticket only/tax included) for their tickets. There is a difference because as we know, Disney discounts the longer you stay. Is this expensive? It depends upon what you consider expensive - for what you get, I don't think it's expensive on a per day basis, but as we've already discussed, when you add in those costs for all family members, it does get more expensive. If you purchase a 10 day with no expiration option, you are looking at a bit of savings as well, as per day is approx. $50.00/adult (tax included).

I feel badly for those people who can't take advantage of 7-10 day tickets, or, Annual Passes like us, as they don't get the crazy savings that we get on tickets. Plus, don't forget, there are also discounted tickets available from Authorized Ticket Agents, such as Undercover Tourist or local Orlando hotels.

Bottom line, is that ticket prices have gone up quite a bit over the years, but as my hubby and I were saying, perhaps they were too low? Sea World, Universal and Disney, are all at close to $90.00/day adult for a 1 day ticket, but I'm sure they don't sell tons of 1 day tickets. Should Disney make all ticket days the same price? I'm not sure about that either?

I think expensive is very personal - I happen to think that paying $5.00 for a Latte at Starbucks is ridiculous, yet millions of people do it everyday. I happen to think that paying $100,000 for a car is crazy, yet there are many of those in my neighborhood. I happen to think that paying thousands of dollars to sit on a beach in Mexico and drink yourself silly is nuts, yet many people take part in those vacations each and everyday. I happen to think that paying for Disney's tickets, considering all of the entertainment value that is there, is good value for my money. My mileage may vary, but considering most of us on here love Disney, I would venture to say that most of us do still find value in Disney, but we might just see less of it, over the years.

Lots of interesting variables to discuss with this topic, but for me, seeing ticket prices as they are, it doesn't make me believe that Disney is going downhill. It tells me that there are serious expenses to pay, margins have to be made up, and Disney has to make up for heavy discounting the past few years. Where will the cut off be? I think since so many people purchases MYW packages, the 1 day ticket cost is not a huge deal, as it's not really a huge variable for many. Most people will package tickets with resort and food, so they don't even see a per cost per day price. Many of us in this discussion, don't purchase 1 day tickets either, so it's not really a relevant variable to use, and I would hate to see it cause people to go into a frenzy about it, IMHO.

Tiger