Ticket Price Disgrace

[Nancyg56]

I don't know that I would call increased prices greed. I went to Six Flags NE and in comparison to a one day ticket to Disney did not provide the value to my family that Disney does. That did not include the $20 a day parking price. While the park was clean and there were characters around, the parade lasted about 7 minutes, there were no fireworks, there were game booths everywhere, and very few shows. The food was expensive and there was not a lot of variety. Absolutely no food was allowed int eh park unless there was a food allergy so unless you want to make the long trek back to the car you must pay high prices for food and water.

I think that if consumers want "magic" they must expect to pay for it. Theme parks are expensive and families make choices every day how much of their entertainment budget can go towards any one experience. Dinner out, the theater, concerts or sporting events are now more than when my children were young but so is everything else.

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

I also agree that the rising prices sucks. But it is inevitable in life. Let's face it, you can't get a loaf of bread for 10cents anymore. Just like you can't get a Disney ticket for $20 anymore. Everything is going up nowadays...not just Disney admission. But, you know, I will keep paying the price because my family loves Disney and for me, you can't put a price on great family memories.

 

[utahkennedys]

Look around and nothing is cheap anymore. The price of ski lift tickets has risen (and is VERY expensive, especially in Park City), the cost of a 90 minute show in Vegas such as "O" is $154/each, our local (gross) amusement park is like $38/day. We only pay about $30/day at WDW by buying a 10 day non-expiring tickets with 6 water park days -- a BARGAIN. We are on our 3rd trip and counting with that!

 

[jakenjess]

fyi.. rooms and lights in the rooms have nothing to do with the costs of running the parks. The room costs are covered from the room rates, not the theme park rates.....While inflation has taken it's toll on many things, other than electric (gas & oil), and maybe hospitalization, what else has gone up cost wise for the theme parks? I know Disney doesn't increase the CM salaries that much every year... You can't say food because that cost is passed on to the guest thru the cost of the food in the theme parks...

True, the room costs are borne by the resorts, not the parks, but there are many expenses involved in running the theme parks. I'm sure the rising energy costs are a big factor. Read threads on the other boards and see how much people complain about run-down attractions and how such and such a park needs a new attraction, or there's too much trash, on and on. These things cost money, and that's where the rise in ticket price comes in. Do I like it? No, but it's my choice to spend my money at Disney, because I feel I'm getting good quality for my money.

 

[jenm2878]

Yes, rising prices suck BUT Disney is a business first and foremost. It is not a non-profit organization, and people aren't automatically ENTITLED to go. I'd love to go to Europe, but I am in no way ENTITLED to go. When I can afford to go, I'll go. I don't see how Disney is any different then that.

 

[shortbun]

I think the OP is correct about the greed. All of these things: ski lift tickets, shows in Vegas, admission to WDW, pro sports tickets are unnecessary items. Wanna talk about gasoline and milk prices? THAT I could complain about. The others things I can choose to ignore quite easily. Haven't been to WDW in a while because they're prices are getting outrageous and there are so many other places on the earth worth seeing. I might return and I might just head to Universal where you can ride for loads less. Consumers drive demand and I'm driving the other way. Join me??

 

[MrsPete]

Why shouldn't Disney charge whatever price the market will bear? The Walt Disney Company is a business -- they are not a benevolent charity. Believe it or not, even Walt Disney himself was not above making money.

The last time I checked, making a profit for a corporation's shareholders was not a crime -- in fact, it's why shareholders invest in a company.

I think many people today have such a sense of entitlement that they misunderstand the concept of business. Of course Disney's out to make money! As one of their shareholders, I want them to make money!

A trip to Disney is a pretty expensive vacation, and many families will never be able to afford it. That's just the way life is. I can't afford everything I want -- right this minute I want a new sofa, some new bookshelves, a new stove, tennis shoes for myself, and some back-to-school clothes for my oldest daughter. That's doesn't mean businesses should feel sorry for me or hand over items at a discounted price.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

Where should they cut? Salaries? Services? Staff? Energy Usage? Laundry? Busses?

This is a company that is in the business of making a profit by distributing goods and services that we, the consumers are willing to pay for. If we are willing to pay these prices, then that is what they like to call in the business world, demand. As long as we demand it, we are at the mercy of the price increases.

Looks like you are reducing demand, so maybe prices will go down.

Gotta love capitalism!

I just returned a couple of days ago. My husband has a saying about Disney, " If it is a value, and a success they will either downgrade or up the price of the product." Check the parks it is true. If I am reading the information correctly, you now cannot purchase advance tickets for 4 days or over on through Mousesaves (undercover tourist). If I am correct they zap us AGAIN(if I am wrong and please let me be, tell me)! Whenever there is the slightest chance for a gouge Disney does it. I am betting that the parking goes up and how long till they charge for fast pass? While I love WDW many of the attractions need to be overhauled and updated. Their age is starting to show and even the new Nemo ride at Epcot was done on the cheap.

 

[kfeuer]

We only pay about $30/day at WDW by buying a 10 day non-expiring tickets with 6 water park days -- a BARGAIN. We are on our 3rd trip and counting with that!

No offense intended, but have you bought tickets recently? With the recent price increase Undercover Tourist has 10-day non-expiring tickets with water parks for $458.95 which equals almost $46/day. The 10-day non-expiring tickets aren't the bargain they used to be, unfortunately. We bought our last set of tickets before the last 2 price increases and they were $1279 for the 10-day non-expiring tickets (this was about a year and a half ago). Those same tickets today would run us $1603.80, which is about a 25% increase. I know our income sure hasn't increased at that pace!

After our current set of tickets are used up I don't know when we'll make it back. My boys are finally getting old enough to appreciate other types of vacations, and we will likely explore new options.

I just hope that DW doesn't get as expensive as Disney Cruise Lines. Almost a year after our cruise my kids still talk about it and ask when we can go back, but there's no way we can afford it without saving up for several years without any vacations which is not a sacrifice I'm willing to make.

 

[patsal]

I agree it is expensive; however, salaries are expensive, electricity is expensive, pyrotechnics are expensive, cleaning products are expensive, etc. Look at the damage done by some people in the parks and at resorts--that costs $$ to repair. By setting a price point that some will not touch you may avoid that a bit. A one day admission ticket is very expensive a 10 day not so much.
What I want when I go to WDW is a clean park with friendly, happy employees and lots of things to do and see. I do not want to see water bottles and gum and grafetti--I have unfortunately seen a lot of that in the more recent years. If raising the price helps to keep the damage in check then I guess that is the price I have to pay if what WDW offers me is something that I want.
There is nothing wrong with only affording a WDW vacation every 2, 3, 5 years rather than every year.
Most people have only been going to WDW yearly since the downturn in the tourist industry caused by 9/11. The reality is WDW is expensive, prior to 9/11 it was and in an effort to remain solvent and encourage tourism prices went down, resorts closed up and lots of things were cut. Now tourism is back on its feet and more and more people are travelling. Like anything else in a free enterprise system people have a percieved value and price point--if they are busier than ever and have so many sold out dates then I would think raining prices would be in order--they will only go up so high as people are willing to pay. I have no idea what that pricepoint is, but for me, right now I still consider it fair for what I get. The idea, don't go for a day go for a week and your personal value may increase.
My plan between AP's: I have two trips to go on--both will not include any parks except a day at F&W (one day convention rate) and one day at the Halloween party. September was not something I planned for, but since DH has a conference and it falls on DS's birthday we will join--family time, most especially for special occasions is important to us. In April I am going on a cruise, and the three days after will be spent at WDW with no park time. When I return in July I will have a new AP and enjoy the parks. Point is WDW is more than just theme parks and I know I can enjoy my time there without the added cost of a few one day passes. Four one day passes is nearly the same as one AP--not in my budget and not worth it for me. BUT that does not mean it wouldn't be worth it to someone else.
Value and perceived value are an individual choice--check the restaurant board and see how people twist value from a $70 per day food plan. If you want something you can easily justify it, if you don't want it you can easily justify that--the brain is a wonderful thing in that respect.
Decide for yourself what you are willing to pay and what things you value.
For me I'd rather pay more for clean parks and friendly people, and things that work than for filth, trash and unhappy, overworked people and broken things.

 

[CarolA]

Breaking news

WALT IS DEAD!

Sorry, but NONE of us know what Walt would do today. Unless he is speaking directly to you, you don't know. For ALL we know Walt would be completely out of the Theme Park business and off to something new. (And if you actually look at his history I would say that is likely!)

Walt did not make the parks to "gurantee" children a visit. While it may be shocking to the DIS LOTS of kids grow up prefectly NORMAL and happy without EVER stepping foot in a Disney park! It's not required for a good childhood LOL!

(And I still think the OP is a troll. Sorry but if your first and only posts are things like this then...if the shoe fits....)

 

[mrsltg]

Breaking news

WALT IS DEAD!

Sorry, but NONE of us know what Walt would do today. Unless he is speaking directly to you, you don't know. For ALL we know Walt would be completely out of the Theme Park business and off to something new. (And if you actually look at his history I would say that is likely!)

Walt did not make the parks to "gurantee" children a visit. While it may be shocking to the DIS LOTS of kids grow up prefectly NORMAL and happy without EVER stepping foot in a Disney park! It's not required for a good childhood LOL!

(And I still think the OP is a troll. Sorry but if your first and only posts are things like this then...if the shoe fits....)

MTE! Not to mention, if Mr. Disney didn't care about how much things cost he would have done things differently. First, there wouldn't have been made up companies to purchase the Florida land on the cheap, and second, everything would have been free - of course, that's no way to run a business.

 

[jakenjess]

Walt did not make the parks to "gurantee" children a visit. While it may be shocking to the DIS LOTS of kids grow up prefectly NORMAL and happy without EVER stepping foot in a Disney park! It's not required for a good childhood LOL!

So true! My first visit to a Disney park was when I was 26 years old, and, other than my Disney OCD, I'm a fairly normal adult!

I remind my children OFTEN how lucky they are to be able to go to Disney as much as they do, but it certainly wouldn't be the end of the world if we went less often. In fact, it would probably be great for our bank account!

 

[myAAbatteries&aTD]

I took my girls to a Six Flags park last week (free tickets through a reading program) and it's hard to not compare everything to WDW..... I didn't even check to see how much a ticket would cost, but I'm guessing somewhere around $45 or more.... even my girls kept saying how much smaller it was than WDW, there weren't as many rides, etc.... Like someone mentioned, there are carnival games EVERYWHERE (that cost $3.00 for one chance - we didn't do any of them), you can't bring food into the park, parking was higher, a fastpass costs an extra $15.00 for 5 turns, no parade or big fireworks show, much shorter hours, etc.... We did have fun and we will go back (esp. w/ free tickets), but it just doesn't compare to WDW!!! The kids working didn't seem (as a whole) as happy or as friendly as CMs at WDW either....

That being said, there are a few things they do there that I'd love to see at WDW - buy a souvenier water bottle for $11.99 plus tax and get FREE refills all day (just that day) w/ any kind of drink. We all split ours, but lots of people had one per person..... You had to wear a wrist band w/ the date on so there wasn't any cheating. I think you could get it refilled on other days for $1.00, but I'm not sure. They had similar deals for cotton candy and popcorn, but we didn't do those...

 

[myAAbatteries&aTD]

I didn't say in my previous post that while ticket prices have gone up and I'm not crazy about that, for what you get I think WDW is still worth it and not out of line w/ other theme parks/entertainment.....

 

[Fintastic]

Disney World is a business. Businesses want to make money. As long as people are willing to pay, they'll charge whatever they want. If you don't want to pay it, go somewhere else. This is the reason we haven't been in 5½ years and likely won't go again for another five years after this trip!

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

I have to say, "I just can't quit Disney"..... LOL!!!!!!!!

 

[kaytieeldr]

It is a disgrace that Disney has raised the ticket prices three times in 2 years. Greed..nothing else

Of course. Not like other businesses that raise their prices the INSTANT their costs increase. For the record, while yes, Disney did raise ticket prices twice in 2006, they only increased ONCE a year in all other years since and including 2000.

There are always ways to reduce overhead rather than empty the pockets of others

Which might garner some sympathy if Disney was a necessity. It’s not.

There is nothing wrong with only affording a WDW vacation every 2, 3, 5 years rather than every year.

What? Blasphemy, I say!

Walt did not make the parks to "gurantee" children a visit. While it may be shocking to the DIS LOTS of kids grow up prefectly NORMAL and happy without EVER stepping foot in a Disney park! It's not required for a good childhood LOL!

Absolutely! I’m a shining example of that. My parents could never afford to take us to Disney World (or anywhere south of Hackensack, for that matter). I went for the first time at 29… and 32… and 35… and 36… and 38… 39… 41… 42… 42… 43… 444... 45... 47... 47... 47...

 

[kate0305]

(And I still think the OP is a troll. Sorry but if your first and only posts are things like this then...if the shoe fits....)

Then I hate to see what shoes you are wearing. I find your attitude most un-Disney like. Nothing magical here.

 

[CarolA]

I took my girls to a Six Flags park last week (free tickets through a reading program) and it's hard to not compare everything to WDW..... I didn't even check to see how much a ticket would cost, but I'm guessing somewhere around $45 or more.... even my girls kept saying how much smaller it was than WDW, there weren't as many rides, etc.... Like someone mentioned, there are carnival games EVERYWHERE (that cost $3.00 for one chance - we didn't do any of them), you can't bring food into the park, parking was higher, a fastpass costs an extra $15.00 for 5 turns, no parade or big fireworks show, much shorter hours, etc.... We did have fun and we will go back (esp. w/ free tickets), but it just doesn't compare to WDW!!! The kids working didn't seem (as a whole) as happy or as friendly as CMs at WDW either....

That being said, there are a few things they do there that I'd love to see at WDW - buy a souvenier water bottle for $11.99 plus tax and get FREE refills all day (just that day) w/ any kind of drink. We all split ours, but lots of people had one per person..... You had to wear a wrist band w/ the date on so there wasn't any cheating. I think you could get it refilled on other days for $1.00, but I'm not sure. They had similar deals for cotton candy and popcorn, but we didn't do those...

Heck, you were lucky. At Six Flags over Atlanta the "employees" recently nearly beat a guest to death 2 feet outside the parking lot. (At the city bus stop) Six Flags response "Not our problem" they were off property and "we don't do background checks on seasonal employees" (which would be almost ALL of thier employees LOL!)

(Trust me "off property" so close to the parking lot that if the teen had fallen the right way he would have been "on property'" but the truth is they don't really worry about the parking lot, once you are OUT the gate it's "not thier problem" LOL!)