[LittleMissMagic]

Disney is expensive. Overpriced, in some areas (such as dining and maybe even park tickets). But no matter how expensive, I will continue to visit.

However, the Everest-high prices make it very difficult for the families making lower income - even most middle-class families - to visit. I don't believe anyone should be deprived of the Disney experience. Wouldn't it be wonderful if it was all free?

[Nastory4]

Greedy? Maybe. I do believe that they are indeed a business. I know that gasoline, oil, natural gas, and electric costs more today. I feel that their attitude is if the people are going to come anyway, why not charge more. You will still go, I will still go. I truthfully don't spend that much more in Disney then visiting the Jersey Shore. I do not like the proposed DP changes and I wish I knew how busy the on property restaurants were before the DP started. I will not take an option for three sit downs a day, or spend $70. per person. I just wish that Disney remembers that after 9/11, they were hurting for business. Maybe they will find that again, but I don't believe they are greedy, they are trying to get an extra buck.

[Dopey]

First of all, what Experiment 6-2-6 said, plus--
The park and resort guests are expecting new things, better things, free food, etc. all the time. There are a lot of changes going on in the parks right now, they cost money. I can just hear some people whining, if no improvements or additions would be made for a few years, can't you?

I voted for " This is business just like any other, you get what you can get "

[Daisee]

No I do not think Disney is greedy.

I think they are running a fantastic operation. An operation as GRAND as Disney costs big bucks!

No, I do not like the price hikes, but I do understand that for a destination that Disney offers, not to mention the fine merchandise... I am going to pay a premium for it.

I can go to another distination, maybe spend more, maybe spend less, but I am not going to get the same service.

Just sayin!

[ddoll]

It's one thing to say ticket prices go up as inflation rises. But that doesn't account for all the changes going on at Disney.

The total soaking of parents to get to the Princess meals, the removal of one "perc" after another, outrageously priced special experiences.....these are all examples of greediness, IMO. They see something people really want and they gamble that they will pay outrageous prices for them. That becomes elitist. Only those of above average income can pay for those things for their kids. Or, on the flip side, people can pay more than they can really afford to make their vacation "magical".

The workers don't make more money, only the people at the top actually see a real increase in money.

I don't think the magic is going away, I think it's just coming with a larger pricetag (percentage-wise) these days.

As much as I love my trips to Disney, I'm starting to look at better value alternatives for our family trips.

[MissDisney]

No.
Just buy some Disney stock, and it will take a little of the sting out of that sticker shock!!

[XQIXX]

It is a business and I think we all feel so attached to it that we take it personally when things change.In a few weeks, after this has all settled in, we will all be back to normal...a little poorer but still Disney fans!

[dancing4disney]

I have always visited Disney on a budget. We eat very little at the park and we stay off property. I would love to stay on property but the increase is too much. My three kids are all now considered adult and the price for us to stay on property with a food plan is just too much.
I have only gone once and traveled to the parks by the bus service. If you know the right place to rent you can be at the park gates in about 20 minutes. It is also nice to have your own car when the kids have that late night meltdown.

[joseph3947]

Originally Posted by MissDisney

No.
Just buy some Disney stock, and it will take a little of the sting out of that sticker shock!!

I do own Disney stock, for many years now, and it does take a little of the sting out, but very, very little. I figure you would have to own about (at todays rate) over a half a millon dollars in Disney stock to go on 1 paid for vacation a year.

[joseph3947]

Originally Posted by ddoll

It's one thing to say ticket prices go up as inflation rises. But that doesn't account for all the changes going on at Disney.

The total soaking of parents to get to the Princess meals, the removal of one "perc" after another, outrageously priced special experiences.....these are all examples of greediness, IMO. They see something people really want and they gamble that they will pay outrageous prices for them. That becomes elitist. Only those of above average income can pay for those things for their kids. Or, on the flip side, people can pay more than they can really afford to make their vacation "magical".

The workers don't make more money, only the people at the top actually see a real increase in money.

I don't think the magic is going away, I think it's just coming with a larger pricetag (percentage-wise) these days.

As much as I love my trips to Disney, I'm starting to look at better value alternatives for our family trips.

I couldn't have said it better!
I have been an AP holder for several years and have watched 1 perk after another taken away.

[Dana]

It's a business. I get what I pay for and am happy about it. When it's to expensive for me to handle, I won't go.

[MissDisney]

Originally Posted by joseph3947

I do own Disney stock, for many years now, and it does take a little of the sting out, but very, very little. I figure you would have to own about (at todays rate) over a half a millon dollars in Disney stock to go on 1 paid for vacation a year.

Joseph... that's a perfect idea! Now, I just have to figure out how to get my hands on half a million bucks...

[Caseys Corner]

Yes I beleive the theme parks are paying for everything.

[LittleMissMagic]

Originally Posted by ddoll

It's one thing to say ticket prices go up as inflation rises. But that doesn't account for all the changes going on at Disney.

The total soaking of parents to get to the Princess meals, the removal of one "perc" after another, outrageously priced special experiences.....these are all examples of greediness, IMO. They see something people really want and they gamble that they will pay outrageous prices for them. That becomes elitist. Only those of above average income can pay for those things for their kids. Or, on the flip side, people can pay more than they can really afford to make their vacation "magical".

The workers don't make more money, only the people at the top actually see a real increase in money.

I don't think the magic is going away, I think it's just coming with a larger pricetag (percentage-wise) these days.

As much as I love my trips to Disney, I'm starting to look at better value alternatives for our family trips.

Agreed.

On the way back home from Universal, I was doing a little compare/contrast. US and IOA are great parks and have a lot of special theming and such... so how are they different?

There were many differences, but Dad pointed out this one - there isn't as much need to buy stuff there. At Disney, everything is cute... awesome... adorable. You see someone wearing Mickey Mouse ears, and you have to have them. A little girl sees another girl wearing a princess dress, and suddenly, she needs one. See someone eating Mickey Mouse ice cream, and then you need some. Disney understands wants and needs, and they push it to the limit with exceptionally high prices and great marketing. Business? Most definitely. Greedy? Maybe a little... okay, maybe a lot.

But then again, Disney takes the money and puts it back into the parks. They give it back. Like Walt Disney once said, "I don't make films to make money. I make money to make films."

Greedy or not, there's one thing we can all agree on - Disney is expensive.

[Jen]

Honey has gone up $8 a case in the last six months. Tomatos, $11 a case, Milk ~ $1 a gallon in most parts of the country. Let's not even talk about fuel.

I honestly do not see how anyone is surprise at these increases. Food costs are skyrocketing, transportation costs increasing....why would Disney be any different for all other major US corporations and NOT raise prices?

IMO, Disney is still a great value. There is no where else that I can take a family of 6 for 10 days full of attactions, shows, fine dining and resort ammenites for less than $500 a day. Not for the same quality of service you receive at Disney.