Is it just me, or has Disneyland Hotels gotten ridiculously expensive?

[dshimel]

Yes; this is how economics works. I don't believe the-powers-that-be are following current economic trends, though. I think there is something else in play.

And that "something else" would be????

Annual Pass prices are 3x what they were a decade ago. 1-day tickets are 2x what they were a decade ago, and you used to get hopper. Now, a 1-day hopper is within $50 of a Premium Annual Pass was 15 years ago.

And the parks are more crowded than ever! And hotels are experiencing that same demand increase!

Demand is up. Prices goes up until demand at that price matches capacity.

 

[HydroGuy]

Disney stuff gets more and more expensive each year...

Disney is offering more stuff each year. At DLR - CarsLand, World of Color, Star Wars Land. Guardians of the Galaxy

In Florida, Pandora: World of Avatar (opening next month - I will be there! ), Star Wars Land, Toy Story Land, New FantasyLand.

They could charge lower prices and keep the parks frozen in the 1980s. That would sure keep customers away! You could have the parks to yourself!

 

[Westcoastwild]

And just to add to that, I would say from many children's point of view Disney (whether cruise or resort) is the MOST premium thing in the whole world! Disney has mastered decades of research making an amusement park magical to little people (and big people ). So yes, it is a premium experience.

I just feel that the amount of money/resources/experience that goes into WDW and even Disney cruises are so much greater! There are more restrictions in CA (land, for starters) But the price for what you get at WDW is so much better than DL! Disneyland's price hikes themselves must be due to supply + demand. If it was strictly based on premium experience opportunities, WDW would certainly cost much more than DL.

From a kid's perspective, I will definitely say that's true. If a kid is talking to me about pixie dust, I will smile and agree. When an adult does, I'm more likely to roll my eyes. I guess as an adult, I see the engineering and design and appreciate it for what it is.

Don't really agree with you about WDW. I had this fight with a friend recently. If you look at park experience, DL is better. It's cuter, more compact, more interesting. WDW has four parks but there's a lot of stuff there that is just...lacking. Dinosaur Land. The tangled bathroom. Many of the facades. I actually loved 7 dwarves but there are definite design weird stuff there. Most of Epcot. BUT I will say that unlike at DLR the bubble experience does exist for me at WDW. I adored fort wilderness and the sheer variety of food and restaurants.

But y'know, I'm not one of the people who will be priced out ever simply because I don't hit the parks on a regular basis. It's a whim thing... more than anything based on boozy orange slushies and illuminations at Epcot vs Indiana jones and blue bayou at DLR.

 

[azdisneylover]

I really enjoy staying onsite, but it's a splurge. A splurge that is hard to talk some of my family members into. Luckily we got a 40% off pin code so I was able to score our next stay at DLH for $243/night, which I think is totally reasonable. There's been rates I've paid that are a little over $600/night. That's a bit too steep. I do think staying onsite should come with more perks. It would add to the value. I think early entries should be for onsite guests only, and maybe something else...not sure.

I agree!!! Some perks I think Disney could give hotel guests are: EE/MM should be for hotel guests only. Parking should go back to being free for hotel guests, one car, second car, charge $10 per night. Option to purchase a mug (like they have in WDW for $10) to get unlimited drinks free in the hotel you are staying. 2 Fastpass for any ride, per person per day. Coupons for half off one item, ANY ITEM NO EXCLUSION. Rice Krispie Mickey Heads waiting for you in your room when you arrive first day. Discounted room rate for next visit (50% off if returning in 3 months, 40% off if returning in 4-6 months, 30% off if returning in 7-10 months, 25% off anything after that. Discount on Halloween Party tickets, Discount on World of Color dessert package. 15% off all purchases including food. That is what I could think of spur of the moment. I know once I post, I will think of more.

 

[Westcoastwild]

OK, this is a different line of discussion so I would like to respond.

First, you are right that everyone defines entertainment differently. Some people can be highly entertained with a cheap fishing rod and a nearby lake or stream to put it in.

But I will argue that Disney theme parks are premium entertainment. The point is not the pay rate of the staff. If we are talking the cost to deliver the entertainment experience, well things like CarsLand cost between $0.5 and $1 billion. The new Pandora (i.e, AvatarLand) at WDW cost $500 million. Sure they can get low paid staff to operate them. The entertainment value is not the staff, it is in the overall experience. And that costs a lot of money not just to build but to design by very creative people.

Some people spend all of their vacation/entertainment dollars on Disney parks - which I find strange but it is the case. I am fortunate to be able to travel a lot and I spend more money on travel abroad than Disney. This morning I was pricing out a trip to Africa to go on a safari. I have done that before, but this is a new part of Africa for me and I have some family members who have never been there who want to go this time. A cost of $500 per person per day is typical. That is 2-3 times higher than a Disney visit if one wants to compare. But it is a premium experience and that is what it costs. And they sell out their safaris most of the time in my experience.

Anyways, bringing all of this down to earth, folks take their entertainment and vacations in all kinds of ways. And hopefully they do things other than Disney. Some of those things may be relatively inexpensive and very satisfying (I do those things too ), some may cost a lot more and offer a much more premium and unique experience. I will argue that Disney experiences are premium. They charge a lot of money for them and their parks and hotels are mostly full. To my mind that is what defines a premium entertainment experience.

P.S. I am glad to hear you like to kayak and go into caves and such. Too many folks do not get out enough and see the world.

Hey Hydroguy-

I was just wondering where you've been in Africa, and if you did a safari that trip as well. Or if you've been to Asia or India yet, and if so, what you thought of those areas in terms of adventure travel! Safaris are a bit beyond my price range right now, but definitely on the bucket list. I went to Europe this past year and now I'm getting itchy feet for Asia/India/Africa, but can't choose- it's such a big, exciting world out there.


(Apologies to the rest of you for the off topic. Could not figure out how to send message, plus website keeps freezing on me. Has that been happening to other people or is it the ghost in my iPhone?)

 

[dshimel]

I agree!!! Some perks I think Disney could give hotel guests are: EE/MM should be for hotel guests only. Parking should go back to being free for hotel guests, one car, second car, charge $10 per night. Option to purchase a mug (like they have in WDW for $10) to get unlimited drinks free in the hotel you are staying. 2 Fastpass for any ride, per person per day. Coupons for half off one item, ANY ITEM NO EXCLUSION. Rice Krispie Mickey Heads waiting for you in your room when you arrive first day. Discounted room rate for next visit (50% off if returning in 3 months, 40% off if returning in 4-6 months, 30% off if returning in 7-10 months, 25% off anything after that. Discount on Halloween Party tickets, Discount on World of Color dessert package. 15% off all purchases including food. That is what I could think of spur of the moment. I know once I post, I will think of more.

Why would you want them to offer more perks? To push demand even higher, to raise prices that much more?

To make it worth it to you? They are going to raise prices until enough people decide it is not "worth it" to reduce demand down to capacity.

More people want to stay there than "fit". So prices go up until you decide to stay somewhere else, then the demand is in line with supply.

 

[HydroGuy]

Hey Hydroguy-

I was just wondering where you've been in Africa, and if you did a safari that trip as well. Or if you've been to Asia or India yet, and if so, what you thought of those areas in terms of adventure travel! Safaris are a bit beyond my price range right now, but definitely on the bucket list. I went to Europe this past year and now I'm getting itchy feet for Asia/India/Africa, but can't choose- it's such a big, exciting out there.


(Apologies to the rest of you for the off topic. Could not figure out how to send message, plus website keeps freezing on me. Has that been happening to other people or is it the ghost in my iPhone?)

We are definitely going off topic and I will answer here and take this to a PM if you want to discuss further.

Until my early 30's I had virtually zero international travel except for Mexico and Canada. My work turned into an international reach after that so I have traveled a lot over the last 20 years. I have been to Africa twice on business and went on two awesome safaris in South Africa. Kruger Park is really awesome and one of the top things I have ever done. I could do that every year for the rest of my life if I had time.

I have been to India but not on a safari. India was not my cup of tea and I do not plan to go back. China on the other hand is and I have been there 3 times and want to go back there again and do a lot more touring. I am excited about the new DisneyNature film coming out tomorrow and hope to get some additional ideas on places I want to visit next time.

Africa though was something special to me. We are looking now at a safari in east Africa in the Serengeti park during the Great Migration period. It is pricey but I am usually doing some business along the way and get my air fare paid for by a customer - so that makes it a bit easier to manage.

 

[Westcoastwild]

I agree!!! Some perks I think Disney could give hotel guests are: EE/MM should be for hotel guests only. Parking should go back to being free for hotel guests, one car, second car, charge $10 per night. Option to purchase a mug (like they have in WDW for $10) to get unlimited drinks free in the hotel you are staying. 2 Fastpass for any ride, per person per day. Coupons for half off one item, ANY ITEM NO EXCLUSION. Rice Krispie Mickey Heads waiting for you in your room when you arrive first day. Discounted room rate for next visit (50% off if returning in 3 months, 40% off if returning in 4-6 months, 30% off if returning in 7-10 months, 25% off anything after that. Discount on Halloween Party tickets, Discount on World of Color dessert package. 15% off all purchases including food. That is what I could think of spur of the moment. I know once I post, I will think of more.

I guess I just don't see the point in those: I mean they'd be nice, but they don't make good business sense.

EE is pretty much only for hotel guests anyway. You can get entrance into one if you buy a 3 day pass, but only one. I buy it just in case but use it maybe 50% of the time, so they're making money off me for that. What do they charge for parking these days?

 

[azdisneylover]

Why would you want them to offer more perks? To push demand even higher, to raise prices that much more?

To make it worth it to you? They are going to raise prices until enough people decide it is not "worth it" to reduce demand down to capacity.

More people want to stay there than "fit". So prices go up until you decide to stay somewhere else, then the demand is in line with supply.

I was responding to the post about making staying on site worth it.

 

[azdisneylover]

I guess I just don't see the point in those: I mean they'd be nice, but they don't make good business sense.

EE is pretty much only for hotel guests anyway. You can get entrance into one if you buy a 3 day pass, but only one. I buy it just in case but use it maybe 50% of the time, so they're making money off me for that. What do they charge for parking these days?

I was just responding to the post on what perks would make staying on site worth it. I didn't see anything listed as to whether or not it made good business sense. I was answering solely as a consumer. Magic Mornings isn't just for hotel guests though. Disney charges $20 per night per vehicle for parking. It used to be included in the price of the room.

 

[Westcoastwild]

We are definitely going off topic and I will answer here and take this to a PM if you want to discuss further.

Until my early 30's I had virtually zero international travel except for Mexico and Canada. My work turned into an international reach after that so I have traveled a lot over the last 20 years. I have been to Africa twice on business and went on two awesome safaris in South Africa. Kruger Park is really awesome and one of the top things I have ever done. I could do that every year for the rest of my life if I had time.

I have been to India but not on a safari. India was not my cup of tea and I do not plan to go back. China on the other hand is and I have been there 3 times and want to go back there again and do a lot more touring. I am excited about the new DisneyNature film coming out tomorrow and hope to get some additional ideas on places I want to visit next time.

Africa though was something special to me. We are looking now at a safari in east Africa in the Serengeti park during the Great Migration period. It is pricey but I am usually doing some business along the way and get my air fare paid for by a customer - so that makes it a bit easier to manage.

Just curious what you didn't like about India? And did you do China by yourself or in a tour the first time? Where have you been in China? I would love to go to China, primarily for archaeology and culture, but I'm a bit worried about language barrier and political stuff. Europe was a lot less scary than I had imagined, but the alphabet is the same so at least I could recognize words. I also tend to be a solo traveler as my interests tend to be on the scholarly side of things, so a bit concerned about safety. (But tons of people warned me about crime and danger in Europe, and then it turned out to feel safer than LA and Chicago, so who knows).

I suspect Japan is going to end up next on my list, really, but I was considering adding either Hong Kong or Shanghai onto that.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and yes, feel free to move to PM. I know how to answer those I just can't figure out how to start them

 

[Westcoastwild]

Disney charges $20 per night. It used to be included in the price of the room.

Wow. That's a bit steep for even downtown LA, so a bit on the price gouging side for sure! Especially since park parking is 17 isn't it?

I've got to admit, that's not making me want to stay on property again. Might as well stay somewhere for 1/4 the price and park at the parks each day like last trip

 

[dshimel]

I was responding to the post about making staying on site worth it.

And, it is already "worth it" to enough people to keep the rooms full. It they add more perks, to make it "worth it to you" at the current price, then they would have to raise the price again until it is no longer "worth it" to enough people to bring demand back down again... because more people want to stay there then can.

 

[Westcoastwild]

I was just responding to the post on what perks would make staying on site worth it. I didn't see anything listed as to whether or not it made good business sense. I was answering solely as a consumer. Magic Mornings isn't just for hotel guests though. Disney charges $20 per night per vehicle for parking. It used to be included in the price of the room.

MM is for hotel guests plus a relatively few number of ticket holders, and then number is cut by the people who choose to sleep in. If it became solely an onsite guest thing, they'd get more onsite demand, higher crowds at MM and you'd be back to the current lines as they are now.

If we're dreaming as consumers, put me down for a tangled ride, a complimentary princess outfit and hair style, a water park, a fort wilderness, mini golf, and a pirates themed hotel. With a complimentary captain jack sparrow masseuse.

And a food and wine event. I could really get into that, especially if it was western regional specialties.

Also, one suite in which you can stay in with your dog and that dog can ride the rides with you. Mine would particularly enjoy meeting the princesses and riding Columbia

 

[azdisneylover]

Wow. That's a bit steep for even downtown LA, so a bit on the price gouging side for sure! Especially since park parking is 17 isn't it?

I've got to admit, that's not making me want to stay on property again. Might as well stay somewhere for 1/4 the price and park at the parks each day like last trip

Parking is now $20, up from $17. The hotel parking is the same price as the regular parking (for hotel guests).

 

[SMD]

Wow. That's a bit steep for even downtown LA, so a bit on the price gouging side for sure! Especially since park parking is 17 isn't it?

I've got to admit, that's not making me want to stay on property again. Might as well stay somewhere for 1/4 the price and park at the parks each day like last trip

Parking for the parks is $20. Parking at a DTLA hotel is typically $35 per night. Even the convention center area hotels charge $24.

 

[Westcoastwild]

Parking for the parks is $20. Parking at a DTLA hotel is typically $35 per night. Even the convention center area hotels charge $24.

Got lucky, then. Paid a max of 15-20 last trip. But I parked in public garages and not hotel valet, and maybe that's the difference.

No idea why I had 17 stuck in my head for park parking though...hmmm.

Ah, editing to say I realized the above poster said it used to be 17. That's why.

 

[HydroGuy]

Just curious what you didn't like about India? And did you do China by yourself or in a tour the first time? Where have you been in China? I would love to go to China, primarily for archaeology and culture, but I'm a bit worried about language barrier and political stuff. Europe was a lot less scary than I had imagined, but the alphabet is the same so at least I could recognize words. I also tend to be a solo traveler as my interests tend to be on the scholarly side of things, so a bit concerned about safety. (But tons of people warned me about crime and danger in Europe, and then it turned out to feel safer than LA and Chicago, so who knows).

I suspect Japan is going to end up next on my list, really, but I was considering adding either Hong Kong or Shanghai onto that.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and yes, feel free to move to PM. I know how to answer those I just can't figure out how to start them

Sent you a PM.

 

[onlyoneash]

We are definitely going off topic and I will answer here and take this to a PM if you want to discuss further.

Until my early 30's I had virtually zero international travel except for Mexico and Canada. My work turned into an international reach after that so I have traveled a lot over the last 20 years. I have been to Africa twice on business and went on two awesome safaris in South Africa. Kruger Park is really awesome and one of the top things I have ever done. I could do that every year for the rest of my life if I had time.

I have been to India but not on a safari. India was not my cup of tea and I do not plan to go back. China on the other hand is and I have been there 3 times and want to go back there again and do a lot more touring. I am excited about the new DisneyNature film coming out tomorrow and hope to get some additional ideas on places I want to visit next time.

Africa though was something special to me. We are looking now at a safari in east Africa in the Serengeti park during the Great Migration period. It is pricey but I am usually doing some business along the way and get my air fare paid for by a customer - so that makes it a bit easier to manage.

I haven't traveled near as much as Hydroguy (jealous!) but I do think it's cool with all your worldwide travels/experience you still enjoy good ol' Disney! Makes me feel a bit better spending hard earned/saved vacation money on it.

 

[onlyoneash]

How far out are you booking? I think that makes a big difference, though not always. We have a short trip booked at HOJO in July and got a good rate (around $125/night). This was with an AP discount and booked back in February for July. We also have a trip for late September at Desert Inn and the room for 5-6 people was $119/night (plus fees); the room for only 4 was $109. I just looked at May for Desert Inn though and the only rooms they have are closer to the $250 range. Booking early helps. Though we could get the same size room we have booked for HOJOs in July for May for the same rate, so it must really depend on hotels.

Booked out 5 months ahead (sept) I guess that is not enough to get advanced rates anymore. We had to get a little bit bigger room, but I think their base room was $179 (over 200 factoring fees and taxes) HOJO was a bit cheaper, but a longer walk. Next time, I will definitely plan further ahead!