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

[tink1978]

Even though the prices are increasing, there are still ways to go.
1) Stay onsite at a value resort during the value season.
2) Stay offsite.
3) Share meals at counter service restaurants.
4) Make reservations for sometime in the future and plan out how much you will need and start saving. FYI- I put $60 out of every paycheck and $1000 from my tax return to pay for my trips with my son. We go every January. I start saving as soon as we return. A lot of times, I still have money left over. We always have plenty, but you should adjust for the needs of your family.
5) Bring your own breakfasts and snacks, so you spend less in the parks. Also, bring your own bottled water.
6) Limit the amount of souvenirs that you buy to say 3 per child/per person.
7) Consider having a yard sale once or even twice a year to gather some extra money.

I am sure that other people have some ideas to on how to still do WDW even with the increased prices.

 

[mking624]

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.

I doubt it will be weighed by many. You're comparing it to Kings Island. Your username states you're in Kentucky and your location states you're in Georgetown. KI is located near Cincinnati. If you're only paying $15 in gas, I'm assuming you're in the Georgetown of Scott County which is only about 75 miles away from KI. Sure, when you look at it that way, it's cheaper to go there. But not everyone is in your position. People who live pretty close to WDW can pay only $15 in gas too...but spend more to get to KI. Plus you're comparing a 2 day trip to a vacation at WDW that is typically longer. With the exception of locals and maybe those whose primary target is not WDW, most Disney travelers are not buying the 1 day ticket. They are buying them for longer stays...which then winds up dropping the price per day. The reason why I say it won't be weighed by many is because for people who are looking for vacations, they're not going to consider KI as a typical vacation. KI appeals to more locals than anything else. And if they are looking to go to KI...then depending on where you're coming from, the cost can be just as much...i.e. gas or airfare, accomodations, tickets, etc.

 

[marlynnp]

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.

Also, depending on which index you use, the value of the 1992 dollar compared to 2005 (most recent year for which there is data) ranges from $1.31 - $1.97. Therefore, your $34.85 daily price is the equivalent of $45.66-$68.66 in today's (2005's) dollars.

 

[ScottOKW2K]

My family and I recently returned from a 5-night trip to WDW that was immediately followed by a weekend stay in Atlanta to watch the Drum Corps International regional competition. This took place a week ago saturday in the Georga Dome.

Let me say this - when looking at the food options available I was wishing I was at Disney ! When one is at a venue like a stadium/theater/etc. one expects higher prices - you are a captive audience. Needless to say I found the options available less in quality and selection than WDW, but with higher prices.

And these prices some quote for staying at the beach - outrageous ! 'Taint happening in this family. We had a 12 night trip to WDW this past June staying in a Old Key West 1-bedroom and I think the whole trip was less than $2K. BTW, we're DVC members, paid for the weekend nights (2) in cash, ate out on property, bought groceries and souveniers and in general had a grand time without breaking the bank.

 

[Laurajean1014]

To the OP:

No. However, I do think that Six Flags, Universal and Cedar Point admission and food prices are way too expensive.

 

[mmmcq]

Most of this thread has focused on how we "feel" or react to the price increases or WDW vs other vacation choices. But the reality is that given the recent fuel price hikes Disney is likely not just raising prices because the market will bear it. If their margin is squeezed then they have to raise prices to cover the cost to run the rides that we all love so much. It takes a lot of juice to keep those rides running!

 

[TENIA66]

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

we spend 600 to 800 per year on hotel at disney, i still think that DVC is higher than that at even a minimal investment of 25 points but i'm not sure..

 

[mking624]

we spend 600 to 800 per year on hotel at disney, i still think that DVC is higher than that at even a minimal investment of 25 points but i'm not sure..

I thought the minimum points you could purchase was 150? Then it's $101 per point...making the minimum at $15,150. This is not counting annual fees. On top of that, you have to figure in the cost of tickets and food.

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

We go to Disney every year but buying into DVC does not make sense to us. We typically go for less than $1000 total and the cost of DVC doesn't justify it...we'd wind up spending more per year. DVC only works out if you are already staying a the type of resorts that would generally cost that much anyway.

 

[pepperw23]

I have not read this whole thread (only the OP).

I have always thought that everyone should be able to enjoy the magic at least once in their life...there is little else like it.

With the prices these days, Disney is totally out of reach for a lot of people. I think it would be neat to have a week where the prices are dropped, admission is lower etc.. I know the crowds would probably be unbearable, but they could come up with something. If I ever get rich I am going to start a fund for not just underprivelaged kids, or handicapped (Although these are GREAT organizations and I applaud all the donators and volunteers), but something for the "average kid" that just can't afford it. I would call it "share the magic" or something like that.

 

[minijeanie]

I believe the one day ticket price is a great value for what you get. It is hard to compare this to a amusement park Normally your total time spent in a local amusement park is one to two days. In the case of WDW, most people try to stay at least 4 days which equates to around??? $200 pp for the four days if you are over the age of 9. So yes this does seem somewhat expensive. But in actuality you are not only getting great rides but superb attractions coupled with a clean wholesome image and great CM's.

As far as hotel prices, I believe they are way too high!!! Other than getting a good deal of one of the values the other resorts are way overpriced.

I understand you get free service to the park and there is great theming but quite honestly, I do not believe a moderate room, which does not have inside corridors should be well over a $150 a nite.

Character meals are also over priced beyond belief. Come on how much does a child under 7 eat? especially when he is excited seeing his favorite characters. Never mind the kids, the parents never really get to eat because they are either taking pics or helping their kids.

okay that is my take

I am just glad that my kids are well into their teens and way, way back when they were little... I got WL for $119 a nite preferred view and my character breakfast only cost us $45 for 2 adults and 2 kids which included tip.

I can't imagine paying those exhoribinant prices for the pirate cruise, teas or the bibbidity bobbidty boo salons.

Good Luck to all you young parents...save your pennies

 

[EEyorelover22]

First, does DVC expire? Forgive my ignorance, but I thought it ended in some year or did I dream that?

Second, we went to Six Flags for 34.99 with an internet special in July which was $20 off the regular price. This included Hurricane Harbor which was PACKED. We went when there was a heat wave. It was just icky. There were not many rides that interested the non thrill riders. Just coming off of a Disney trip there is just no comparison. Disney is more expensive for only one day, but not over a longer vacation for their tickets. I will say though that the workers were all very pleasant. A really expensive place to visit is the Wisconsin Dells. YIKES!

I get annoyed with the price increases and move on and go anyway
I'm a teacher so we aren't rolling in the dough, but it's the only place I can go and forget about the world. DH and I work hard and we all love it.

It's the Mouse water...that's the story I'm going with.

 

[polkadotminnie]

Due to the Disney cost increases recently, we have cut our trips from three times a year to once (for cheerleading). We are now spending more time traveling to all those tropical places I have always wanted to go.

 

[MosMom]

Considering we were at a Holiday Inn and the buffet was $25, I don't think Disney is that bad.

 

[cdrn1]

In Dec 2004 we spent roughly $3500 for 5 nights/6 days at AKL. We had two rooms, four adults and a baby. We did what we wanted, ate what we wanted, and went to parks every day. In May 2006 we spent roughly $3500 for 5 nights/6days at POFQ. Did what we wanted, ate what we wanted, went to parks every day. We stayed at a mod intstead of a deluxe, two rooms, four adults and a 2 year old. This time we included Richard Petty driving, renting watercraft for 2 days, and did TS restaurants every night, compared to only twice in 2004. We had every bit as much fun as we did on our trip in 2004. I think that value for the money is the key to the whole experience.

 

[msgrimm23]

it is cheaper then universal. i was going to book universal cause well disney is booked and for 5 of us it was going to be 6000 last year it was 3000 with the meal plan at disney. that is with out flights

 

[annaaidan99]

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.

This is exactly how we plan ours!

It's funny, we get two vacations a year, and we went to WDW in February. My DH was pining to go back, but I was thinking we should broaden our horizons, and find somewhere less expensive for big trip #2. I sat down doing research. I priced out everywhere I could find- within driving range and beyond... and ultimately the best deal out there was Disney. And then they gave us free food on top of that! So, we're going back, and we plan on going at least once next year.

 

[Chuck65]

Disney is a business and that business must show a profit. There are a lot of different factors that can drive the price increases: heath care costs, cost of living, shipping costs, etc. It is now costing Disney more to have their products shipped to the parks, due to high gas prices, than in previous years. Unfortunately, we are the ones who wind up footing the bill.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

I have not read all the responses, but IMHO, i don't think it's very expensive. DH works and i am a SAHM, we go every year and the least amount of time we spend is a week. We do the parks, table service and counter service and come home with tons of souvies!!

We book our trip the minute our last one ends and that gives us a yr + or maybe a wee bit less depending on when we go, to save for our next trip! it's fabulous! And we keep a coffee can on the counter that we toss all our change into AND our singles! it all adds up! at the end of the month we go and put it all on the WDW gift card (used to be Disney Dollars). it's the best way to save for vacation and we're able to go!

I think the prices are TOTALLY reasonable compared to other vacation spots!

 

[TSM1993]

First, does DVC expire? Forgive my ignorance, but I thought it ended in some year or did I dream that?



Yes DVC does expire but not for about another 40 years +.

DVC does have a min of 150 points to buy which is about $15000.00 and about $600(based on amt of points you bought) for dues every year.

We are going down in Oct (10/16/06 - 10/22/06 ) To be exact Home resort SSR.(One bedroom villa)

$16000.00 rounding higher on just the points for DVC(try to make a little easier)

$16000.00 DVC purchase price We get to use DVC till the year 2052
- $3,189.48 One bedroom villa SSR for same week no discounts (year 1)off
WDW website (atleast when I did it) for same amount of people
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$12810.52 to go to break even with DVC which is another 4 trips to WDW (for us any way) after that we only have to pay dues every year of $600

So we will be getting a $3000 hotel room after a total of about 5 trips give or take a trip or 2 because of when we might go down. For $600 a year.And of course dues will go up.Lets say we dont take a WDW vacation every year so buy 2012 we will have gotten our $16000 worth of stays then for the next 40 years all we would pay as of now are the dues of $600. Plus you can will it to your family members if you should die.

Hopefully makes sense. Remember this can change at any time.

 

[Stitchfans]

I didn't read all the responses. For us personally, if this continues it will just mean we will have to go just once in a great while. We'll have to take a few years to save us thats all.