Ticket price increase?

[okeydokey]

Crossing that $100 a day mark makes a big psychological difference for some people even if it is only a small increase from the previous price. However, there are still enough people who will pay it so prices will continue to go up.

 

[RadioFanatic]

So my season pass to all the six flags with parking included is almost $50 less than a one day ticket to disney. Wow.

 

[CluelessDisFan]

Ouch! Although, because we live so far away when we go, we go for more than a day. So the cost isn't $100 a day. I know many people who have family that live near by and will do a 1 day visit to MK. I can't see going all that way, and not enjoy it all. Maybe those people will finally catch on to "more you play, less you pay per day" that Disney wants everyone to live by. We certainly took that bait, and we love it! lol

 

[Shaden]

The current price is $ 94.79 (adult) and $ 88.40 (child) when you include tax.

The real sticker shock is when you add the tax to those new 1-day ticket prices. That $95 ticket jumps to $101.18! More than $100 to go into the MK for a single day!!! I think they may have reached a tipping point for a lot of people.

I think this is actually part of the strategy actually. First they up the price so that WITH tax, the actual price goes over $100, sort of like a soft way to break the $100 mark. Then in the future when they raise the base price over 100, it wont be as much of a shock...

 

[weinerranchers]

what if you have your tickets prior to the increase but had planned to make them hopper passes when you got there.... how would this play our?

 

[smitch425]

what if you have your tickets prior to the increase but had planned to make them hopper passes when you got there.... how would this play our?

You will want to use your ticket through the turnstile before adding the hopper option. That will lock in the ticket you have to the current rate. You will then pay for just the hopper add on at its current price.

 

[kimmyann]

I'm glad that we did go once because I can't say that I would be willing to pay that much to go again. I think the entire theme park industry is getting super money hungry & eventually people are going to stop paying the high prices. The only benefits I'm seeing are mainly with season pass holders. We opted for ezpay for our Busch Gardens Platinum passes 10 years ago & are locked in on price. The price has more than doubled since then. If they ever increase our price I will cancel our passes at that point.

 

[huskies90]

There have been tons of posts all over diboards about the price increases. I know on the budget board, we do watch our $$'s very carefully and I do not disagree that there are many of us that truly cannot afford the increases.

That being said, there are a few points that everyone seems to be missing or at least I have not seen it posted anywhere:

First, Disney has been increasing their ticket prices every year like clockwork and all other costs (resorts, food, etc) have also skyrocketted well above the rate of cost of living increases. Yet when you look at attendance rates, they keep going up and up and up at rate that shatters the price increases. Disney is a business, and if the demand is increasing, then it makes perfect sense for them to raise prices. If I was running a business like this, I would do the same thing as all of us would. It is economics 101.

Second, I have seen many folks say they will go to Universal instead. In my opinion, this is a knee jerk reaction because Universal is also raising prices at the same rate. The bottomline is while the two are competitors and Unverisal is a great destination, they cannot really compete with what Disney has to offer and they will continue to be a second fiddle. I guess, my point is that saying you will go to Universal instead is not really a resolution but an angry protest.

I think those of us on the board who can afford it (and some of us who can't) will continue to go as much as they did before. At some point, yes, Disney will outprice itself but we won't see that day until we start to see attendance figures dropping. My guess, they have a very good handle on that demand chart and it is still pointing upward!!

 

[kimmyann]

There have been tons of posts all over diboards about the price increases. I know on the budget board, we do watch our $$'s very carefully and I do not disagree that there are many of us that truly cannot afford the increases.

That being said, there are a few points that everyone seems to be missing or at least I have not seen it posted anywhere:

First, Disney has been increasing their ticket prices every year like clockwork and all other costs (resorts, food, etc) have also skyrocketted well above the rate of cost of living increases. Yet when you look at attendance rates, they keep going up and up and up at rate that shatters the price increases. Disney is a business, and if the demand is increasing, then it makes perfect sense for them to raise prices. If I was running a business like this, I would do the same thing as all of us would. It is economics 101.

Second, I have seen many folks say they will go to Universal instead. In my opinion, this is a knee jerk reaction because Universal is also raising prices at the same rate. The bottomline is while the two are competitors and Unverisal is a great destination, they cannot really compete with what Disney has to offer and they will continue to be a second fiddle. I guess, my point is that saying you will go to Universal instead is not really a resolution but an angry protest.

I think those of us on the board who can afford it (and some of us who can't) will continue to go as much as they did before. At some point, yes, Disney will outprice itself but we won't see that day until we start to see attendance figures dropping. My guess, they have a very good handle on that demand chart and it is still pointing upward!!

I just want to comment on this because I do agree that Universal is just as expensive as Disney, especially when you factor in the cost of their on site resorts. That being said, I do have to disagree with you on the rest. We went to Universal for the first time & in our opinion it totally blows away Disney as far as the resorts, customer service & especially the rides. Disney rides can't even compare with Universal as far as technology. I think the two parks cater to two different types of patrons though. Seems Disney is great for little ones, but Universal is great for older kids. Disney needs to step it up because I think with the opening of Transformers, The new Simpsons area & a new Harry Potter area, they will be just as popular, if not more. Of course we just got back from Universal so my opinion is biased.

 

[NemoMOm]

We just got back on Sunday. The parks were packed!! As in MK, we rode 3 rides and had to leave. Yes, it was that busy. I think they are not worried about attendance. It was insane. To the point where my hubby neverwants to pull the kids out of school said, no more; they will just have to miss a few days.

As far as Universal goes, we have not been in a few years and were disappointed when we went. The food was awful and the parks not as clean. We do not smoke, but I noticed the ash tray trash cans they had were full of butts. The restaurants were not very clean. Also, we have little ones and there was very little that either they could do or were interested in. We will continue to go to Disney.

I will say I have noticed the prices go up every June.

 

[goingtowdwwithkiddos]

If I buy say a 7 day water park ticket to day if I do not use for 5 years will they expire 14 days after the first day 5 years from now ??? seems like I can but 14 days almost cheaper than 10 day non expire

 

[huskies90]

I just want to comment on this because I do agree that Universal is just as expensive as Disney, especially when you factor in the cost of their on site resorts. That being said, I do have to disagree with you on the rest. We went to Universal for the first time & in our opinion it totally blows away Disney as far as the resorts, customer service & especially the rides. Disney rides can't even compare with Universal as far as technology.

I personally love the rides at Universal and I DO feel they are on par with Disney if not better in many ways. What I was referring to in my "compete" statement was simply the size and scale of Disney vs. Universal. With 4 parks, 2 water parks, the number of resorts, restaurants, activities, etc, they are not on the same scale.

I think the two parks cater to two different types of patrons though. Seems Disney is great for little ones, but Universal is great for older kids.

Not to get off on a tangent, but I don't agree with this statement and it is made very often. There are quite a few little kid areas at Universal. The entire Seuss area is catered to the little ones. Actually, where Universal really drops the ball is for the "tween" age group. The thrill rides are too big, and many have high height requirements so the Tweeners can ride them and the kiddie stuff they are too big for. The stuff they can do like Mummy, Twister, Terminator, etc have somewhat older kid/adult themes. I also want to note that I did a split stay between Disney/Sea World/Universal two years ago with 3 teenagers - my two daughters and my eldest daughter's friend. We finished at Universal staying on site at the Hard Rock and they hated it there and wanted to go back to either Disney or Sea World. On the last full day I couldn't even get them to leave the hotel and I ended up going to the parks myself. I guess that is a case of YMMV...

 

[huskies90]

If I buy say a 7 day water park ticket to day if I do not use for 5 years will they expire 14 days after the first day 5 years from now ??? seems like I can but 14 days almost cheaper than 10 day non expire

the 14 day clock does not start ticking until you use it once. So if you are asking if you can buy a 7 day ticket now and not use it until you go on a trip 5 years from now, the answer is yes you can assuming you do not go and use the ticket anytime before that. Until it is used, it never expires. And once it is used, unless you buy the non expiration option it will expire within 14 days of the first day it was used.

Historically, this has proven to be a pretty good investment. If you have a trip planned this year and you were smart enough to buy a 7 day hopper with water park option for your family of 4 five years ago, you would have paid $1256. Those tix will cost you (and thus worth) $1572 today. Not a bad return with today's interest rates...

 

[Shaden]

the 14 day clock does not start ticking until you use it once. So if you are asking if you can buy a 7 day ticket now and not use it until you go on a trip 5 years from now, the answer is yes you can assuming you do not go and use the ticket anytime before that. Until it is used, it never expires. And once it is used, unless you buy the non expiration option it will expire within 14 days of the first day it was used.

Historically, this has proven to be a pretty good investment. If you have a trip planned this year and you were smart enough to buy a 7 day hopper with water park option for your family of 4 five years ago, you would have paid $1256. Those tix will cost you (and thus worth) $1572 today. Not a bad return with today's interest rates...

I know that this is completely true, it really makes me think, "hrm, maybe I should invest in Disney tickets instead of an RRSP or stocks etc .... "

hahahaha

 

[kimmyann]

I personally the love rides at Universal and I DO feel they are on par with Disney if not better in many ways. What I was referring to in my "compete" statement was simply the size and scale of Disney vs. Universal. With 4 parks, 2 water parks, the number of resorts, restaurants, activities, etc, they are not on the same scale.


Not to get off on a tangent, but I don't agree with this statement and it is made very often. There are quite a few little kid areas at Universal. The entire Seuss area is catered to the little ones. Actually, where Universal really drops the ball is for the "tween" age group. The thrill rides are too big, and many have high height requirements so the Tweeners can ride them and the kiddie stuff they are too big for. The stuff they can do like Mummy, Twister, Terminator, etc have somewhat older kid/adult themes. I also want to note that I did a split stay between Disney/Sea World/Universal two years ago with 3 teenagers - my two daughters and my eldest daughter's friend. We finished at Universal staying on site at the Hard Rock and they hated it there and wanted to go back to either Disney or Sea World. On the last full day I couldn't even get them to leave the hotel and I ended up going to the parks myself. I guess that is a case of YMMV...

It definitely boils down to perception, experience & preference. We didn't have a great time at Disney, but did at Universal. Lucky for us our 10 year old is used to thrill rides & loves them. I still do think that Disney compared to Universal as far as targeting audience would be for younger children over older. While I can say that my oldest DD loves, loves, loves Disney, she still likes to get her thrills. While my youngest DD prefers Universal as does my DS. Then again my oldest is more of the princess type while the youngest is a tomboy. I don't know what YMMV means, so ....

I do know that unless we plan to stay a week & take advantage of the ticket prices that way (the more days you have the less per day cost) we won't be going back to either one in the near future.

 

[Stitchfans]

The current price is $ 94.79 (adult) and $ 88.40 (child) when you include tax.

The real sticker shock is when you add the tax to those new 1-day ticket prices. That $95 ticket jumps to $101.18! More than $100 to go into the MK for a single day!!! I think they may have reached a tipping point for a lot of people.

I agree. They just overpriced themselves big time. My guess is their attendance has to drop due to greediness.
Sad!

 

[Marionnette]

I agree. They just overpriced themselves big time. My guess is their attendance has to drop due to greediness.
Sad!

Well, I'm not sure that attendance is going to drop precipitously. Disney has been actively marketing their brand in South American countries and visitors' visas for those countries have been increased. If you've noticed an increase in the number of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking guests on your recent stays, you weren't imagining this. It's not just about American families and their dollars. Disney is a global brand.

I do see a lot of American families being priced out of a Disney vacation. I don't blame Disney for raising their prices. As PPs have pointed out, they wouldn't do it if they didn't think that the market would bear it. However, you have to understand that the "market" is not confined to Main Street, USA. Disney doesn't care where the money comes from. It can be in the form of yens, reals or euros. It's all money where the Mouse is concerned.

 

[justustoo]

I personally love the rides at Universal and I DO feel they are on par with Disney if not better in many ways. What I was referring to in my "compete" statement was simply the size and scale of Disney vs. Universal. With 4 parks, 2 water parks, the number of resorts, restaurants, activities, etc, they are not on the same scale.

Not to get off on a tangent, but I don't agree with this statement and it is made very often. There are quite a few little kid areas at Universal. The entire Seuss area is catered to the little ones. Actually, where Universal really drops the ball is for the "tween" age group. The thrill rides are too big, and many have high height requirements so the Tweeners can ride them and the kiddie stuff they are too big for. The stuff they can do like Mummy, Twister, Terminator, etc have somewhat older kid/adult themes. I also want to note that I did a split stay between Disney/Sea World/Universal two years ago with 3 teenagers - my two daughters and my eldest daughter's friend. We finished at Universal staying on site at the Hard Rock and they hated it there and wanted to go back to either Disney or Sea World. On the last full day I couldn't even get them to leave the hotel and I ended up going to the parks myself. I guess that is a case of YMMV...

We just got back from BG/SW/WDW/then US two days ago, DSs 18 & 20- had almost identical experience. Thinking we were burned out by time we got to US/HRH- DSs spent verry little time in parks- hung out in room or saw movies at City Walk, while I went to the parks.I did not enjoy HRH- noisy, cramped room, no refrigerator, $25 a night for rollaway, $20 for parking, etc. The whole time we were there I was wishing I was back at YC!Did love the Express Pass though- thinking I will give US another try at a different resort. I loved the parks themselves: great theming and rides, the counter service we has was rather poor quality but table service was very good and pretty reasonably priced.

 

[Stitchfans]

Well, I'm not sure that attendance is going to drop precipitously. Disney has been actively marketing their brand in South American countries and visitors' visas for those countries have been increased. If you've noticed an increase in the number of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking guests on your recent stays, you weren't imagining this. It's not just about American families and their dollars. Disney is a global brand.

I do see a lot of American families being priced out of a Disney vacation. I don't blame Disney for raising their prices. As PPs have pointed out, they wouldn't do it if they didn't think that the market would bear it. However, you have to understand that the "market" is not confined to Main Street, USA. Disney doesn't care where the money comes from. It can be in the form of yens, reals or euros. It's all money where the Mouse is concerned.

Guess I have to keep it in the back of my head that yes, Disney is just a business out to make money. Puts a sour taste in my mouth after all the money we have spent there. Money is money as said. American or not. Really makes me think twice about Disney. Thank goodness there is still other places where middle class American families can go on a vacation and not have their budgets totally blown.