Does anyone else feel that Disney prices are getting OUTRAGEOUS!!!!

[tina&jefffromtoronto]

I've actually always been surprised at how not expensive Disney is. We drive down to Florida from Toronto, Canada so we save on the flight and last year and this year we've been lucky enough to time our trips with the free dining.
Plus the CAD to USD exchange rate is the best its been in years so we're taking advantage of it. Almost anywhere else I'd want to go on vacation I'd have to fly and/or swallow the CAD to EUR exchange rate which is really bad so overall I'm quite happy to pay Disney prices Plus if you stay at a value the hotel price is really reasonable IMO.
Now I do have some ethical objections to Disney rising its prices 2x in 1 year but since I turn a blind eye to the blatant marketing to children and the fact most of the toys and clothing its sells are made in 3rd world countries I don't really feel I'm in a position to comment on it.

 

[vacationwoman]

We go to Ocean City in NJ numerous times a year, both winter and summer. Just 2 of us.
In the summer I pay about $2,000. a week (or more) for a nice condo for 1 week.(no pool)
Then we spend at least another $1,000. on meals, boardwalk, etc.
Total for 7 nights at least $3,000.
At the shore I can go to the beach and boardwalk.

A trip of 9 nights at POR just cost me $1,000. another $900. for 2 AP's (that I will use for more than one trip) Allow another $1,000 for food, etc.
Total for 9 nights $2900.
At WDW I can go to 4 Theme parks, 2 Water Parks and have various other choices of entertainment, pools, beaches, etc.

Except for the travel cost to go to WDW as opposed to an hour or so drive to the shore WDW is clearly more bang for my buck.

 

[clonetothebone]

If people are willing to pay it I say go for it as long as they are putting the money back into the parks or toward increasing pay for employees(and I don't mean the boys at the top). If I hear of any big bonuses for the people at the top of the ladder that are already paid more than they are worth then I might scream.

Overall, I say that WDW is and continues to be a great value for what you get.

 

[justkeepswimmin]

You know, we are such a penny pinching family but when it comes to Disney, I guess I still see it as a value, even at current prices.

This spring we went to the county fair w/ kids (ages 6 & 1). We had to pay OOP for parking and admission (About $20 ttl) but then we also had to pay for EACH ride, even for the 1 year old, who would be free at Disney. The ride prices ranged from $2.25 (3 tickets) for the Merry Go Round to as high as $6.00 (8 tickets) for the thrill type carnie rides. That means for just me & the baby to ride the Merry Go Round (and yes, they make you pay just to stand next to her) while DH and other dd ride a really unstable looking and lame carni-coaster would cost $16.50! That is just for everyone to do ONE ride! We spent over $100 at that fair and did very few rides and were only there for 3 hours.

When we left, even my DH was remarking on what a great value Disney was. It really makes you appreciate the all in one pricing not to mention the amazing theming, cleanliness and customer service of Disney.

 

[Fitswimmer]

We go to Ocean City in NJ numerous times a year, both winter and summer. Just 2 of us.

We spent 10 years going to OCNJ every summer. We took 4 adults and 2 small children, stayed on or near the beach and paid THOUSANDS just to rent the house! We loved it, but we were priced out.

I just bought into DVC this year and I am SO glad that I did. Now I can go to WDW at least once a year. That's going to help with the lodgings, but food, airfare and tickets still are pricey. However, WDW vacations are important enough to me that I will cut expenses in other areas in order to afford them. Disney is the world's best at understanding people and what makes them tick. They study their guests, take surveys, watch trends-and as soon as they see the slightest dip in attendance, they offer something new and exciting or a deal like the free dining.

 

[mking624]

I don't have an issue with what Disney charges. For everything they have to offer, I'm amazed their prices aren't even higher than what they already are. I grew up in Chicago and would go to the local Six Flags park from time to time. The price is cheaper than a WDW park, but there's not as much to do unless you like roller coasters. I don't, so the park is useless to me. They have added a new water park, but I haven't been...so I can't tell you the value on that. However their food alone is way more than a CS at Disney. DH & I would leave the Six Flags to drive over to a nearby fast food place just to save some money. WDW is a much better value IMO.

There are always ways you can save money. Don't like the cost of the TS? Eat CS instead. Maybe not as "fun", but if money is the issue, you have to make the necessary choices. Or join the Dining Plan...I think it's $37 per adult per day will get you one CS, one TS (appetizer, entree, dessert, and drink), and one snack for each person. Go during a value season, be on the look out for codes, join AAA so you can get discounts through there, keep a watchful eye on each month's Mousesavers newsletter for more discounts, stay offsite, etc. Disney World can be as expensive as you want it to be, but you can also make it a really good budgeted trip.

 

[cdpa4d]

I'm going to take another angle on this price increase. I not so concerned about the current increases; however, I am very concerned at the rate to which increases are happening.

If Disney raises ticket prices at $8 per year (like this year) guess how much a one day ticket will cost you in 2016? Let's see, currently it cost $71 and change to get in to a Disney park (I know hardly anyone buys a one day ticket) 8 X 10 = $80. $71 + $80 = $151 YIKES!!!

Almost, if not worse, than going to a professional sporting event. It maybe that only corporate America will be able to afford going to WDW! What do you think? Mattel's Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT: Presented By Siemens, Pedigree's Animal Kingdom Park, Clorox's Blizzard Beach! Could this really happen!? Only time will tell.

 

[mmmcq]

We go to Ocean City (NJ) each summer to visit my aunts and cousins for at least a long weekend and for 3 nights the rooms alone costs $1000 at a minimum. Each summer I think about renting a place in OC instead of a house at the RI shore or on Martha's Vineyard, but honestly the prices are higher per week in OC than the other two locations. The price per night for us (family of 5) is also higher at OC than at WDW because we own at DVC.

We cancelled a trip to WDW this past April in order to visit my husband's parents who had just moved to the west coast. We spent twice as much flying from Boston to San Fran and AZ and 10 days checking out colleges than we would have at WDW.

We can't afford to go every year, but we try to make good choices in airfares and lodging and enjoy our trips. This year we are making this is an early xmas gift for our kids (and a surprise so far). We just need to make sure that we hold back on the xmas spending after we get back from WDW.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Everyone can see the ticket price increases.
2) I agree that 12% ticket increases in one year does seem excessive.
3) However, no one seems to notice food, merchandise or resort increases.
. . . some restaurant prices went up more than 16%
. . . souvenirs prices are jumping with several increases in a year
. . . hotel rates climb quickly
4) Unfortunately, the parks are cash-cows for Disney and its companies.
5) As long as people pay, increases will continue.

 

[roadtripper]

Yep the prices are very high. But I'm still going. I swear they put something in the water.

So THAT'S why it costs so much!

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

I have an old guide from 1992: This was the prices for a park hopper for 3 parks- no expiration

one day ticket was $34.85 adult $27.45 child

four day passport $117.20 adult (equals $29.30 per day) $92.90 child


now compare that to a 10 day hopper in 2006 (expires 14 days after use) =$280 (equals $28 per day) + you have the AK park on these too

or 10 Day hopper with no expiration =44.50 per day.

or a 7 day hopper that expires in 14 days = $38 per day.

Considering you get an extra park and that its 14 years later the prices are not that bad for what you get. In fact I just paid $27 per person to go to a local amusement park. 80% of the rides are the "Dumbo" circle rides. Disney gives you so much more.

It does pay to buy more days if you can. Buying a 1 day ticket is outrageous!!
the base cost of a 4 day compared to a 10 day is only $20 extra. So for people who can go for a week only pay $38 per day.

 

[DaisyD]

We were just talking to some friends about this. This past weekend. I just comfirmed what I had always been saying. Atleast my point of veiw. I live in Pa so the closes beach to us is either Ocean City MD or Rehobeth Beach in Delaware. My friend just told us that hotel rooms down there are going for about $200 a night. So for 6 nights down in OC MD you would pay around $1200 just for hotel room. For $500 more going to WDW (free Dining) We are staying at ASMO for 6 nights, Airfare, dining, 2 6day hopper passes and using ME, and WDW transport.So I still think Disney is a good deal. keeping tickets to use later have APs. ( Going Aug 16th)

We are also DVC members as well (going in Oct DVC). So our APS are still good on this trip need ticket for my son. Using a 6 day ticket for his admission.Only thing we need to pay for is our DDP and gas because we are driving down. ABout 500 dollars for gas and 800 for DDP. So our Oct trip is 1300. Once you get past a certain point in owning DVC resort rooms are sortof free in a round about way.

Total $3000 2 trips to WDW (8/16 to 8/22 and 10/15 to 10/22) Need money for souvies also but. Most of the major expenses are paid.

2 Weeks in OC MD just for hotel $2800.

I still think WDW is good deal.

We just spent a week in OC, MD last week. I paid over $400 a night for a Holiday Inn room! That is more then I generally pay for a GV room at the Poly. Factor in the constant expense of things to do in OC and it always comes out to be more then our WDW trips. WDW is truly a bargain whether you stay in deluxe rooms or value rooms. I don't mind the increases a bit. After visiting other parks I am amazed at what all you get at WDW for such a small price!

 

[DaisyD]

I totally agree! Makes it kinda silly to NOT buy into DVC.. especially if you know you are going every year.

We go twice a year and I still have no interest in DVC. I prefer the deluxe resorts, namely the Poly. I will pay what it takes to spend my 30 days a year there! LOL!

 

[Daxx]

Check this out - I posted this on the CB b/c someone was talking about Disney costs:

Just took a look at prices to stay at the local theme park (Six Flags) hotel. They consider summer rates as June 23 - August 26 and the price per night for a room is $244.

Park tickets are $35 -- that includes a kiddie park w/a few rides and the water park. Note that this place has one indoor Batman thrill show that knocks you out w/the amount of carbon monoxide you inhale from the motorcycles. There are barely any family-friendly rides (ie: Small World, Philharmagic, teacups, jungle cruise, POTC, etc., etc.). Our major complaint about 6 Flags is that it's geared for the teens or the 3-5 yo set. There's nothing inbetween or for families to do together.

I pounded out some numbers for a six night package with a 5 day pass for one person and here's what I got:

6 nights at 6 Flags hotel $1464. 5 Day park passes $175. Total of pkg. is $1,639.00

6 nights at WDW value resort $594. 5 Day pass w/waterpark option $251 (no parkhopper option b/c 6 flags doesn't have multiple parks). Total of pkg. is $845.

Difference in pkg -- Six Flags is $794 dollars more than WDW!!!! And, it's a crappier, smaller, dirtier, unfriendly park!

If you want to argue about plane fare, the extra $794 could pay for one person's round trip flight with having spending money left over!!!!!

So ... is Disney worth the price?!!? Darn right it is!!!!!

 

[GSDRescuer]

I just wish that I could afford to stay at the Grand Floridian, even for one day, yet alone a week!!! But if I win the lottery............

 

[scanne]

I think it's nice that Disney at least gives you options. You have your high end resorts - and a wide range of prices within. Then your mods and values and of course, DVC resorts. So if $100 per night is all you want or can spend on a hotel, Disney has you covered. If you're willing to pay upwards of $600 or more a night, they've got you covered, too.

The way we plan our trips may be backwards to some - we choose which resort and length of time, book it and make payments to the ressie throughout the year. Others have a set budget and have to fit what they can into it.

Yes, Disney is expensive - and we prefer the deluxe resorts. But we also enjoy other high end entertainment like Broadway shows and fine dining. The travel industry is a service industry with a high rate of turnover as far as employees go. Any trip I take anywhere, I keep that in mind and I treat the employees (CM's at WDW ) with respect. I can't tell you the number of times I've witnessed someone being less-than-kind to an employee in a hotel or restaurant. And I think THAT is more to blame than low wages in terms of less-than-magical CM's.

We enjoy our trips and planning them and we know that the cost keeps going up, but as long as we work and know what we're getting when we book our trips, we're happy to pay. I think you'd be hard pressed to find any other family friendly vacation destination that has as many options - price wise - as Disney.

JMHO.

 

[C U AT DISNEY]

Well I have just looked on Six Flags website, here in Jersey they charge $60 just to get into the park, that doesn't include hurricane harbor or the safari. Now that disney tickets are $67 for a day to one park I will still spend the $67 because disney blows six flags out of the water. I'm sorry to say but I think Disney Prices are just going to keep on going up.



James

 

[taximomfor4]

I am ever grateful that Cedar Point just reduced their prices to "keep it affordable for the average family." That said, I will save and take the family to WDW this year and then take quite a break from it for a while.

I don't think the prices at WDW are ridiculous in this market...a bottle of water last summer at WDW was $1.25. MY kids do Irish Dance competitions. At one this year a bottle of water was $2.75. I'll take WDW prices any day!!

 

[DrmWvr1299]

No matter what the cost for a trip to WDW I will continue to go and continue to enjoy it. I start saving from the end of one trip until time to go on the next one. I know what to expect from the resorts, parks and transportation. The last thing I want on vacation is surprises! I want a resort that I know is clean and safe in daytime and most of all in the evening. I want to go to parks that I know are clean and safe. I want to use transportation that I know is clean and most of all safe. I don't feel WDW takes advantage of their guests, and yes that is what I feel like...a guest. My kids are now 28 and 33 years old and I still take them (and spouses) to WDW for vacations at my expense. I can't even begin to put a price on the looks of their faces as we near the "Walt Disney World Resort" arch. Every time they look at me and say in unison, "Mom, we're here!"

 

[kydisneyfans]

I look at it 2 ways:

I get paid about $135.00 a day to work 8 hours, going to Disney for a 12+ hour day is now $67.00, or half of what I earn in a day. Not too bad in my book.

BUT...

Just in the Orlando area, I can get into Sea World at 20% off and go unlimited for a week, or I can get buy one day get one free at Universal. Now may be the time to take advantage of those offers and see what those parks have to offer. Sea World is a yearly stop anyway, and is our child's favorite park.

I can also spend 49.99 and get in to Kings Island for both the water park and amusement park. Is it Disney, not really. When it comes to finances though, I can spend 15.00 in gas to spend 2 days in a park, or I can spend 300.00 in gas and pay 67.00 a day for Disney. Given the economic crunches many of us are seeing, the latter option will be weighed by many.