Ticket prices! UUGGHH!

[keylime359]

Ok I know that Disney is great and I love going I never thought anything would stop me. HOWEVER, I just looked online and Florida annual tix are going to cost us a grand even with my 10% discount. We are going in July (4 nights), October(4 nights), November(Thanksgiving weekend) and maybe December at Christmas (Topsail is calling my name.) I know I will get use out of them, but those times are likely to be busy. Now, on the other hand you can get Universal or Sea World tix for a lot less. Universal is cool esp for my now 12 year old, but it is a hike from the Fort. What to do what to do! Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[cjalphonso]

I would discuss with your 12 year old, make them happy and everyone is happy. Personally I love Seaworld, but it is a one day park pretty much. We just went to Aquatica and loved it, they had all the latest and greatest slides and not outdated like Typhoon or Blizzard. The trek to Seaworld or Universal is easy, you don't even have to get on the interstate. I guarantee you could get to those parks using your car before you could get to any of the Disney parks using Disney's transportation. It took me 20 min. from campsite to getting out at Seaworld and Aquatica, you could wait for one bus that long if you don't catch it right.

Personally I look at it from a value standpoint, and I find the "other" parks to be a better value.
But if your kids love Disney and that where they want to be, then go to Disney.

Oh, and correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the Florida ticket have blackout dates for the busy times of the year...Like the ones you posted????

 

[OK GRUMPY]

I've been going every year an renewing my pass and seeing the price hike. But this year I decided differently and I'm determined to wait a year before I get another pass. However it did not stop me from going to the Fort for a week and enjoying myself! I still have 7mths to go before I get a new pass.(I hope I can wait that long and I don't cave in) LOL!

 

[stacktester]

It seemed like there was a big price hike in premium annuals this year. I need to look back at last year and see what I paid. I never renew when they send the coupon and take off a few bucks especially if it's going to be a while before we're coming back. They sit for a few months and it's not worth it.

We used to only do the seasonal which yes, they do block certain dates off like 2.5 months of summer, easter break and about 2 weeks around Christmas but we go in the summer now and want the prem's so we can go to DQ and the water parks.

 

[keylime359]

That is where this year is different. We used to be able to get by on the the seasonal with blockout dates.We would then make sure our last trip was right before the expiration date and get a long break before renewal. DD is going into middle school and I won't be able to take her out. We will travel with the rest of the world from now on. Truth be told I would be happy as a clam parkin in at the Fort and not moving at all. In July I would like to go to a water park, but not if I buy the annual passes. While Sea World may be a one day park you get the whole year for $79 and that is attractive. Then we could go to the water parks, I would love to try Aquatica! I TIVOed a special on travel channel and it looks like a blast!

 

[Shan-man]

You think the FL resident passes are expensive at $380, check out the non-resident passes at $500! Ugh!

DISCLAIMER: This is not anti-local hate speech. I have no axe to grind regarding locals. I want to be a local myself. So if you are a local-hater, please don't post on the coattails of my post assuming to be expounding on my sentiment! LOL

Ok, I know I'm treading on thin ice here, but I don't quite understand Disney's rationale for discounting FL resident annual passes (crashing sound as the fat guy dives for cover). It seems to me that if they were going to discount an annual pass they would discount it more the further away you live. I mean, locals generally won't be staying on site and eating on site since most will have their own cars, and a good chunk of them live close enough to just do day trips. Yes, I know this doesn't apply universally... my parents are Floridians and always get a room, and eat on-site, but I suspect they are part of a relatively small minority. And I do understand that locals are a stabilizing force because they use their passes during low-attendance times (due to Disney's shrewd use of blackout dates). But wouldn't a family from Oklahoma, Pennsylvania or Alaska do the job just as well if they were given a big discount to travel during off-season? Not only would they fill the park, but they'd likely fill a hotel room, and more than a few tables, and quite a few bags of souvenirs.

Just me thinking out loud... probably about things better left un-said, but I just really don't quite understand the rationale. I have never had an annual pass to Disney, so I 'don't have a dog in the fight', so please don't flame me for wondering aloud. Many of my favorite people, in the world and on these boards, are Floridians and I don't begrudge anyone their discounts. (Is that enough backpedaling and down-playing yet? LOL)

 

[stacktester]

I think the reason they do it in FL Shan is because we will go more often if given the chance. Somebody from far away isn't going to make multiple trips.

Even before we had the camper and had seasonals we ate on property and sometimes stayed as well. Someone may leave for dinner after their day is over but they will eat lunch and snacksin the parks. From what I hear they give AL and GA a neighbor rate now. Not sure how good it is but all helps right.

Let me also add that WDW probably predicts some people only come a couple times on those tix therefore they bank more money. I can tell you this, they didn't come up with this feature in a dream lol. It makes money.

 

[keylime359]

I agree with Donnie some suit has calculated that they will make money with people like my family. I would love to go to Dollywood, but the drive is too far. In 3 hours I can be up to Orlando and with the money we "saved" on tickets we go to Cirque or a Halloween party. You all know my thoughts on Disney once they get you in the bubble you can't get out until they have sucked out your last dollar. The kicker is that I do it happily! (well, until I saw this years prices)

 

[Tri-circle-D]

You think the FL resident passes are expensive at $380, check out the non-resident passes at $500! Ugh!

DISCLAIMER: This is not anti-local hate speech. I have no axe to grind regarding locals. I want to be a local myself. So if you are a local-hater, please don't post on the coattails of my post assuming to be expounding on my sentiment! LOL

Ok, I know I'm treading on thin ice here, but I don't quite understand Disney's rationale for discounting FL resident annual passes (crashing sound as the fat guy dives for cover). It seems to me that if they were going to discount an annual pass they would discount it more the further away you live. I mean, locals generally won't be staying on site and eating on site since most will have their own cars, and a good chunk of them live close enough to just do day trips. Yes, I know this doesn't apply universally... my parents are Floridians and always get a room, and eat on-site, but I suspect they are part of a relatively small minority. And I do understand that locals are a stabilizing force because they use their passes during low-attendance times (due to Disney's shrewd use of blackout dates). But wouldn't a family from Oklahoma, Pennsylvania or Alaska do the job just as well if they were given a big discount to travel during off-season? Not only would they fill the park, but they'd likely fill a hotel room, and more than a few tables, and quite a few bags of souvenirs.

Just me thinking out loud... probably about things better left un-said, but I just really don't quite understand the rationale. I have never had an annual pass to Disney, so I 'don't have a dog in the fight', so please don't flame me for wondering aloud. Many of my favorite people, in the world and on these boards, are Floridians and I don't begrudge anyone their discounts. (Is that enough backpedaling and down-playing yet? LOL)

Shan- No flames from me, my friend. As a Floridian, I am thankful that WDW gives such great discounts to Florida residents. But I agree it isn't fair. I, too, wonder, why they don't extend the same benefits to residents of other states who are willing to pay. But, the folks at Disney are masters at separating folks from their money, so I am convinced that there is a method to their apparent madness. With respect the the Fort, I think the local folks who visit on weekends keep the place afloat during the off times, and Disney throws the locals perks such as discounted annual passes to keep them coming.

The Florida Resident's Seasonal Pass is a genius move on Disney's part. I imagine they sell a lot of these. These passes keep folks coming during the off times, but leaves room in the resorts and parks for Disney to make money off the folks who come at peak times.

What I would really like to see Disney do is come up with a meaningful rewards program for their loyal customers. Like the casinos do. That would go over well, and would be a win/win for everybody.

TCD

 

[liv luvs disney]

I agree with Donnie some suit has calculated that they will make money with people like my family. I would love to go to Dollywood, but the drive is too far. In 3 hours I can be up to Orlando and with the money we "saved" on tickets we go to Cirque or a Halloween party. You all know my thoughts on Disney once they get you in the bubble you can't get out until they have sucked out your last dollar. The kicker is that I do it happily! (well, until I saw this years prices)

Speaking of Dollywood, I just posted on another thread about not being able to take coolers in Dollywood or Splash Country.
Well, regular season passes for your family of 3 (daughter is considered adult) would be $261. Gold passes for your whole family would be $294. (Actually just one of you would need a gold.) Gold allows you to park for free at the park and 20% off ANY purchase. A super pass for your whole family would be $408 and a gold super pass would be $441! A super pass allows admission to both Dollywood and Splash Country. The gold super is free parking at both parks and 20% off ANY purchase at both parks.
I think I need to call Dolly and apologize about my ranting of the "no cooler rule"! Plus, my family pays way more than $441 for MYW base tix for just 5 days.

 

[Sinclare]

Another option is to stretch an AP out over 2 years (only buy every 3rd year). We take 2 1/2 weeks each trip, first year in late June/early July, and the next in early June.

Granted those, the prices are really getting out of hand considering the state of the economy and there really isn't much of a benefit to a PAP anymore other than park admission. AAA rates for the Fort are much better than AP rates and what little other discounts there are (World of Disney, some eating discounts) isn't really worth it. If it wasn't for the fact that I just love having unlimited access to go where ever and when ever I want...I'd just get regular tickets.

It's something I might consider next time because lets look at how the regular tickets work now:

10 park visits + 10 extra magic visits = ~$289 / 14 days = $20 or so a day.

PAP = $599 / 28 days (2 years) = 21.39.

If we went more the PAP would be a better deal but it's just not in the cards right now. However, I won't have to decide until the year 2011 and we alll know the world's going to end in 2012 so I might just get a single year ticket for 2011

 

[cjalphonso]

Shan-the only reason I could think of is that I bet if you live in or anywhere near Orlando that after a couple of years most people wouldn't want anything to do with Disney especially at full price. However, at a discount price more people may think about going.

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

From what I hear they give AL and GA a neighbor rate now. Not sure how good it is but all helps right.

If they do give GA residents a discount, it must be something very new. The only discount I've seen for Georgians is the occasional Georgia resident special on resorts, and to be honest, I can't even remember the last time I saw one of those. We are DVC members, so we get a nice discount on that. It is a bigger discount if you buy a new one (instead of renewing), so we always just wait for our next trip and buy new.

 

[stpetedisneydad]

Not to rub salt in an open wound but I heard a Disney advertisement on the radio today promoting a reduced rate Florida resident 1 day MYW ticket with advanced purchase. I checked the site and it is $67.50 instead of $75.00.

 

[Gatordad]

Shan-the only reason I could think of is that I bet if you live in or anywhere near Orlando that after a couple of years most people wouldn't want anything to do with Disney especially at full price. However, at a discount price more people may think about going.

I live in Tampa and the passes were cool the first year, but after that I want nothing to do with the place. The reason they don't have annual discounted passes for the rest of the world is because they know that Joe Wabuzky from Wisconsin will save for 3 years, take his wife and 2.4 kids down to disney and blow a fortune, and brag to his friends....... Plus they make most of their money off overpriced sodas and popcorn, the pass money covers their fixed costs.

 

[AuburnJen92]

What I would really like to see Disney do is come up with a meaningful rewards program for their loyal customers. Like the casinos do. That would go over well, and would be a win/win for everybody.

TCD

Well said TCD. This would prove beneficial to everyone. I for one, am a local that spends more than I should at the mouse of house. I have become more frugal in the past years because I have had to, not really because of want. I agree that Disney is a master of separating people from their money. Chris and I even noticed this past weekend that they are even coding the fast passes on the bottom based on what kind of ticket you have. We used several people in lines for comparison. They don't employ the best of the best in statisticians for nothing. Disney is a business and it is there to make money, period. They would not offer discounts to a group of people in a region of the country unless it was profitable to them. I am not saying it is fair, I am saying it is only done because it makes them money in the end.

 

[AuburnJen92]

You think the FL resident passes are expensive at $380, check out the non-resident passes at $500! Ugh!

DISCLAIMER: This is not anti-local hate speech. I have no axe to grind regarding locals. I want to be a local myself. So if you are a local-hater, please don't post on the coattails of my post assuming to be expounding on my sentiment! LOL

Ok, I know I'm treading on thin ice here, but I don't quite understand Disney's rationale for discounting FL resident annual passes (crashing sound as the fat guy dives for cover). It seems to me that if they were going to discount an annual pass they would discount it more the further away you live. I mean, locals generally won't be staying on site and eating on site since most will have their own cars, and a good chunk of them live close enough to just do day trips. Yes, I know this doesn't apply universally... my parents are Floridians and always get a room, and eat on-site, but I suspect they are part of a relatively small minority. And I do understand that locals are a stabilizing force because they use their passes during low-attendance times (due to Disney's shrewd use of blackout dates). But wouldn't a family from Oklahoma, Pennsylvania or Alaska do the job just as well if they were given a big discount to travel during off-season? Not only would they fill the park, but they'd likely fill a hotel room, and more than a few tables, and quite a few bags of souvenirs.

Just me thinking out loud... probably about things better left un-said, but I just really don't quite understand the rationale. I have never had an annual pass to Disney, so I 'don't have a dog in the fight', so please don't flame me for wondering aloud. Many of my favorite people, in the world and on these boards, are Floridians and I don't begrudge anyone their discounts. (Is that enough backpedaling and down-playing yet? LOL)

I understand where you are coming from, however, I am trying to think like Disney here....so no flames...

There are many more Floridians like your parents than you think. Many of them are DVC owners in my area. (I think most of my son's private school is! (and we are just campers.....)) These people pay a monthly payment to Disney every month in addition to going quite frequently. Many of them will do close to what you and I do as campers, bring some food and eat out. This opens up disposable income to spend on merchandise, which most locals do. I see your perspective, but if you are from out of state, you are going to most likely plan a couple at the most trips a year. You are going to budget a certain amount of money for those trips and keep within your budget. Disney is COUNTING on the fact that Floridians will be impulse buyers. I equate it to the stinkin toys in the supermarket. I have to pass them with my son and see what kind of argument in sues on each isle. My thinking is that Disney is banking on that concept. If it gives discounts to the people who are most likely to go the most, they will spend more than they plan to in a year and the Disney profit margin will go up. It has definitely worked on me in past years. It sure seems like when Floridians have discretionary income, they give it to the mouse. This is just my perspective, but hopefully a different one to see.

 

[FlaFortCampster]

Interesting thread. I LOVE the Florida seasonal pass because I have been to WDW so much that I don't want to wait in line for much of anything. Hence the reason I've yet to see that Midway thingy ride at Hollywood MGM whatever it is now Studies. Last week I was at Epcot for a little over a hour and that was enough. BUT who is going to pay $75 and stay for only a hour. No one. Or if you have little ones in school or a job with set vacations, the dates on a seasonal pass aren't much good. For me, .
But, I have been to WDW 4 times now in the past 6 months and that's why they offer seasonal passes. If the locals were expected to pay full price, see ya Mick and friends.
The casino rewarding the loyal customer system....remember, loyal customers to the casinos are comped because they spend lots of money. Like WDW, casinos are a business and in to making money. Comps are based on level of play, so could you imagine the comps WDW would offer. I think only DVC folks would qualify. And then it probably would be a free soda with no ice from 8am to 9am at MK at the back of the HM.
I do use my Disney Rewards card and now have a gift card that will cover several meals next visit and I do have my BGC which will cover the cost of a golf cart for a day.....unless the rules change in which case I'm back to square one. I try to accumulate whatever I can so the trips are quite so pricey. If it wasn't for the Fort, I don't think I would venture over to WDW mcuh at all because of the cost.

 

[LORNADUCK]

I think the seasonal passes are to get us Floridians to go more offten. Our passes are paid for, and we spend money on other things, maybe not as much as someone coming from out of state, but we go so much more. We used to do this at our golf course with leagues, they pd in full at the beginning of the season, I thought that it would hurt us, but when they came out to play they spent more on food and beer, so our revenue was the same as when the were paying the greens fees weekly.
We eat almost all our meals in the MH, but I always give the mouse a ton of money and we go almost every month.

 

[Tigger0624]

What I would really like to see Disney do is come up with a meaningful rewards program for their loyal customers. Like the casinos do. That would go over well, and would be a win/win for everybody.

TCD

That would be awesome... let them track how much you are at the parks and give you comps based on when you go and what you spend It seems ike they know everything you are doing anyway, why not get rewarded for it? When I was growing up, we practically lived in the Atlantic City casinos cause my parents got comped meals, suites and just about everything else for as long as I can remember... imagine if Disney would send you a voucher in the mail for a free 2 day Sun-Thurs stay at the resort you most frequented or a meal on the Mouse... I know personally I would just end up spending that money in the parks anyway....

Before we moved to FL, I had been trying for years to figure out a way to do a Disney vacation... but we were never able to... now I'm making up for it! We got the Seasonal Passes this year, which so far have worked out fine and I'm finding that the boys mostly want to be at the Fort when we are there anyway... I'm the one who wants to go over to the Parks and see the shows etc... they could care less most of the time... but I still spend a fortune every time we go no matter what- wether its on ice cream, toys, pins- whatever... no matter where you look, what ride you go on- you are surrounded by gift shops, carts and strolling vendors for just about everything...

We also have Sea World passes... I love the way they work the EZpay option... for 2 year passes for all 6 of us its only 30 bucks a month that comes right out of my credit card. We get free parking, discounts on food and merchandise, no blackout dates, special events and all sorts of promotions... we could have added Aquatica, Bush Gardens or Islands of Adventure too, but my lil guys are too small to justify water parks and Tampa is too far for just a day trip for us... but we go to Sea World at least 3-4 times a month at this point... I'll go just for a day with the boys and let them play in Shamu's Happy Harbor, go see a show or two then stop at the Fort for dinner on the beach before heading home for the night... I never go to Orlando wo getting to the Fort... now if Matt would just get a trailer for the van so I could take the cart down with me on day trips....

Anyway... Back to the point I was attempting to make before I went off track... we have trips booked to the Fort during our park black out dates, but I'm not too worried about it. If the boys get antsy at the Fort and want to do something else- its about a 10-15 min drive to get to Sea World and they love sitting in the Soak Zone and feeding the dolphins etc... true you can see everything Sea World has to offer in a day, maybe 2 if you cant get to all the shows in one day- but since most of the shows are with live animals- they arent ever the same twice. I think I've seen Believe about 8 times in hte past 3 months (yes, I am addicted to Sea World almost as much as the Fort... ) It has never been identical... so its always a blast, for me anyway...

Shan- I wish they would give ppl out of state discounts just like they give us- when my parents were here it cost a fortune to get them tix for a week- if they were residents, I could have gotten them seasonal passes and saved just over 100 bucks

Oh well...thats enough of a novel for one post.... what can I say... it gets lonely sitting here talking to the Dog all night... she doesnt talk back nearly enough....