Sorry, the people have already spoken, and apparently you don't agree. It's OK, you can just go to Six Flags or the local Firemen's carnival, I'm sure they give a stronger entertainment value.

Join our facebook group: Disney Boycott

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=143290645699257#!/group.php?gid=143290645699257

Good luck with that.

wow...looks like Coronado High School vs. Disney Corp for the facebook boycott.

'wonder who'll win that one.

Jay See,

I agree. I have been taking our kids since 1974 to WDW and now we get the privilege of yaking our grandkids. No, we aren't rich by any stretch of the imagination, but we watch our budget carefully and make a way to go every couple of years. The memories we have made will last a lifetime! Some people don't seem to mind spending $4-5 a pack for cigarettes, $25-50 a week for booze, and untold amounts on fad trinkets, yet they gripe about spending a few more dollars on great family entertainment.

I'd rather take my family to Disneyland than to Las Vegas - at least there's entertainment for the money you blow!

Thank you, CasualObserver!

I went to Las Vegas for THREE days, and I spent the same amount as I did on my last EIGHT day Disney Vacation.

You go to Disneyland we don't want you and your smelly brats in Las Vegas. it's for adults.

Plant, any time i see someone with the words Magic or its a Magical place has been a plant. Low and Behold, Joined Today only posted this one topic.

Hey, up-keeping those smiling robots costs them money. You try getting parts flown in from Japan overnite. ;P

Have you looked at the bottom line for Disney? How much more of your hard earned paycheck would you be willing to pay for this so called entertainment value? Disney has no prgram in place for seniors or the disabled and are charged full entrance price. Look around Disney or any other area thesm park, they are loaded with every flag waving country in the world. They are enjoying entertainment value at your expense. They are offered far better deals than Florida residents. Live and work in FLorida and see how many times you take the family to the parks for entertainment value. It's time the American public wakes up and follows the words of - D Lock - Boycot for 30 days

I have been several times, and the last two times (2009) the workers were extremely rude. Not to mentions plenty of people without manners running into my mother in a wheelchair. I would rather go to universal or Busch Gardens. The staff is so much better.

Since you decided to do it, that's your choice, has nothing to do with them.

I was there on Monday with family, hadn't been in 20 years-lines are way too long, resulting in way too long of a wait of for a 2 minute at most ride. Ate at a restaurant, food is too high and not very good quality, but they gave a 20% discount on merchandise bought at the park, bad news is that the discount is no good if you got to the park after 12 noon. It is only good from 9am to noon. When I pointed out that this would do me no good since I did not get there until 3pm, they said I could come back anytime in the next week and still get the discount, of course that would mean buying another Admission Ticket. I will be back in a few months to take my grandson, and probably in another few year to take grandson #2. Sea World and the San Diego Zoo and Universal Studios way better deals.

I was just in Disney World last month; we never waited more than 20 minutes for a ride and we went on almost every ride in the 4 parks. You just need to be strategic about it and do some research before time.

We never wait for rides....ever. We go during off season, get up early, get fast passes, and do a little.....planning. Longest I've ever waited for an attraction was 30 minutes at 3pm when all fast passes were out. Normally I wait about 0-10 minutes. If you go when everyone else in the world is there, SURPRISE, you're gonna have to wait! It's amazing how people go to these places that are just massive in their scope and don't do the slightest bit of research then complain about it later.

Steve K,

You are exactly right! Almost everyone knows someone who has been to WDW so you should draw on their expertise before ever leaving home or at least buy a Birnbaum's Guide to Disney World. Fast Passes and avoiding peak times will solve most of the waiting-in-line problems. Eating at food courts or counter service meals don't cost any more than fast food restaurants outside the parks. There are a few who are complaining on here, but WDW doesn't stay #1 for no reason. It is the experience of a lifetime!

You got to the park after noon? No wonder you waited in lines. Anyone who's been to Disney World/Disneyland can tell you that getting to the park when it opens is the best way to beat lines. Are you aware of Fast Pass? It's a free service that limits your wait time greatly (and it's not free at places like Universal.) You stick your park ticket in a special kiosk and come back to the attraction at an appointed time w/minimal or no wait. You can only get one at a time (basically), but by the time you wait in a standby line for another attraction you can hop on your next ride almost immediately.

I agree w/those above that doing a little bit of research before you go will greatly enhance your experience. There is no need to wait in lines at WDW!

Back off the guy, not everybody has the luxury of going at a specific time.

No, not everyone can go during a slower time of the year, but everybody does have the luxery of setting their alarm clock and getting up early. Everyone does have the luxery of getting a fast pass. Everyone does have the luxery of buying a book about strategies for getting the most out of the parks, to avoid lines, etc. And those who stay on property have the luxery of gettint into parks an hour early, or staying later after others leave. All of these options exist.

sig,

As a "Disney veteran" I somewhat agree. Although I have bought Park Hoppers many times, I do agree that a single ticket for one park a day is the best plan. I was in WDW in June with only 2 days available so I bought a two-day Hopper which allowed me to ride all of my favorite attractions. Also, there are some parks where I don't want to spend an entire day, such as Animal Kingdom. Hollywood Studios is also a stretch to spend an entire day in. Magic Kingdom and Epcot could easily take more than a day, so Park Hoppers are sometimes justified.

You seem to be a "veteran" also and I liked your insights.

A few corrections to your incorrect/incomplete info:

1) The Universal front-of-the-line (Universal Plus Pass) varies in price depending on the day you buy it for. (At least in Orlando, never been to California's) It can range from $20 to a whopping $60. (It's cheaper on days when Universal thinks there will be lower crowds) It also does NOT give you unlimited access to the front of the lines. It only gives you front-of-the-line one time for each attraction. And it's not good at the new Harry Potter ride.
People staying at a Universal hotel (or buying a MUCH more expensive VIP ticket) *do* get unlimited front-of-the-line privledges, but still not for Harry Potter.

2) Disney water parks are $49 per day, not $79. You can add on the Water Park feature to your ticket for about $54, which gets you the same number of water park admissions as there are days on your theme park ticket. Obviously not a value if you're only going to a water park once, but for a couple of water park visits over a week or longer, it's a better value.

3) While Park Hopper at Disney is often not a good investment on a short trip, it can come in handy on a longer week-long trip. If a park closes earlier than others, you can hop to another park to extend your day. For example, if Animal Kingdom closes at 5PM (which often happens in the winter months) it allows you to go to another park (like Epcot) for a few more hours for dinner and fireworks. And if you stay at a Disney hotel, you get Extra Magic Hours, where sometimes a park opens an hour early or stays open for 3 hours after official closing time for Disney hotel Guests only. Park Hopper would allow you to hop over to a park that's open late.

Rob: Thank you.

1. I re-checked and you are correct that front-of-the-line only allows 1 ride per pass. You are also correct that there are exclusions, but actually 3: the Forbidden Journey Ride within Harry Potter; the Tricamedon Flyers within Jurassic Park; and Hollywood Ride Ride Rocket Ride--but subject to change (inclusion) when these "NEW" rides have had "exposure" (date not yet announced), so a fair number of general attendees have an equal chance to experience them for awhile. The website is not clear on these details and policy.

The cost of the front-of-the-line varies--in the low season (Sept-mid December)-- different entire months are are for instance mostly $26, $25-$31, or $32-$50. There is a two-park pass (Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios) with front-of-the-line, tax included, for example $146. The advantage is: going early and doing the "excluded" 3 early (depending on geography and different parks), a family can do both parks in 1 day--cutting down on transportation time and expense, and still less costly than 2 days at Disney (even under the old pricing). There are numerous hotels near Universal that are not as expensive as the 3 "Universal" hotels.

2. The Disney website lists Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach each at $79 for one day. It might be lower with a package, different season, if purchased for multiple-day use.

3. You are correct that park-hopper can be good for longer stays and night attractions, or as Casual Observer noted above your comment, for experienced Disney-goers who return for select favorite (or new) rides. My thought--for first- or second-time visitors--was too limited. A park-hopper to first- or second-timers encourages running between parks--not ideal.

4. LA NOUBA. Disney Village night life is so-so. It’s better to go to bed early. The exception is the La Nouba Cirque de Soleil show under its own “tent” (sizable, not huge). A circus without animals—kids love it—GO! Consider the $69 tickets (adults), $56 (kids) in Section 202 on the aisle just across from Section 203. It is near the back—good, you can best see the aerial acts from there. Perhaps a discount with a package. I was a hero to my kids!

Have a great trip!

Insane (appropriate), you can't "gouge" customers for entertainment. It's completely optional. They aren't telling you of any favor. If people want it they will pay, and they are. Don't like it, don't go.

The rest of your rant simply described all business on the planet, no just Disney.

"Truth Patrol" (puhleasse...at least I'm honest)

I don't go. If you want to be foolishly taken advantage of... go ahead. BTW- did you bother to read the whole message. ..."I happen to know first hand how much Disney (like all of corporate America) cares about its customers." It appears to me that you might benefit from going back to school and learning something.

My husband happens to have worked a few years as a carpenter, who is not personally hired but contracted by disney and not 'EVERYTHING" has been built on the cheap. Nothing that they have produced has been cheap or even looked cheap. I cannot speak for those who are personally hired by disney which yes I have heard some say it's the "happiest place on earth, except if you work there" but from my perspective, seeing how hard my husband has put his all into helping create alot of the on the scenes and behind the scense at disney, he is very proud of the quality of work his company has done. Yes, disney has required alot out of him and others there but it's not at all taken for granted. For him it's in the pride he puts into what he does and it's an extra bonus when he can show our kids and say look I helped build that and them react with such excitment and enthusiam knowing daddy helped build disneyland.

Momma Rox

I have known many artists and craftsman who have contracted for Disney and many of the theme parks. In my opinion, these people are the true heroes of the Disney and Universal theme parks because of the pride and quality they take in their work. However I speak the utter arrogance practiced by these companies and the way they unconscionably conduct business and treat their people. I have also watched them nickel and dime their vendors into bankruptcy without the slightest remorse. They are not worthy of the devotion that their fans bestow upon them.

Citizen In-Sane

"Truth Patrol" (puhleasse...at least I'm honest)

Honest and accurate aren't the same thing.

Citizen In-Sane

I don't go. If you want to be foolishly taken advantage of... go ahead.

Taken advantage of ......how?

Citizen In-Sane

BTW- did you bother to read the whole message. ..."I happen to know first hand how much Disney (like all of corporate America) cares about its customers." It appears to me that you might benefit from going back to school and learning something.

Yes, i read it. What's your point of reading it back to me again, let alone your unnecessary shot about going back to school. I simply said that the things you described are simply about business, not some Disney conspiracy or something.

I have also watched them nickel and dime their vendors into bankruptcy without the slightest remorse. They are not worthy of the devotion that their fans bestow upon them.

You mean, do business with them? No one is forced to do business with Disney or any company, let alone force them out of business. Supply and Demand. Supply and Demand. Repeat it over and over.

This doesn't make good sense from a customer standpoint or a business standpoint. The decreased revenue probably instigated the price increases to boost their bottom lines. If you read the commentary here, you see that people are getting fed-up with the costs of visiting. It starts with being unhappy about the cost. Then people STOP SPENDING they're hard-earned money at their parks. Now even fewer people will go. While they're gate revenue may sustain, all of their parks ancillary revenue streams will now decrease. Bad business management, especially in this economy. It ends with cut-backs in a vain effort to maintain the bottom line but sill decreasing revenue and stock values dropping. Hmm... doesn't sound like good business to me. I think I will sell my shares. Oh, that's right... I already did... AT A LOSS. Steve Jobs and John Lasseter or not, this company is run by Wall Street-worshipping buffoons lacking solid business sense.

This doesn't make good sense from a customer standpoint or a business standpoint

You're out of your mind. Raising a $78 ticket by $3 is going to bring down the company? Get real.

The decreased revenue probably instigated the price increases to boost their bottom lines

That's usually how it works in business. Costs go up, so do prices. Your point?

If you read the commentary here, you see that people are getting fed-up with the costs of visiting. It starts with being unhappy about the cost.

So what? You really think that after decades of millions of people returning to Disney and spending lots of money they will SUDDENLY stop doing this because a one day park ticket went up in 2010 by $3? Really?

People will complain about anything. If those people are complaining that loudly, I submit to you that they probably arent in the market for a Disney vacation to begin with.

I think I will sell my shares. Oh, that's right... I already did... AT A LOSS. Steve Jobs and John Lasseter or not, this company is run by Wall Street-worshipping buffoons lacking solid business sense.

Ah, yes, and the truth finally comes out. You're not qualified to discuss this because you DO have some sort of greivance on Disney...your stocks went down. Boo Hoo. I lost a lot on my funds over the last 18 months too. Doesn't mean the companies in those funds are run by evil morons that are trying to swindle people.

Clearly, you don't attend the parks. Or, pay attention to attendance. Disney, in an effort to keep attendance high, has been offering free dining plans, and various other extra hotel day deals for over a year. Park attendance has been very high to keep people energized about going. But, recession or not, costs go up no matter what. Daily operating costs for all Disney parks is astronomical. But I'm sure you read all about it in your prospectus.

Clearly Citizen In-Sane is a better bubsinessman than the Disney Corp.

The point is, why raise the price when the economy is sooooo bad. People are speaking against Disney with their wallets, hence the down eight hundred and something million. They are not going to recoup that money by raising prices down to people who just don't have it this year. They should if anything reduce prices and encourage more working families to come and enjoy, not hurt the people who otherwise would have supported them.

Obviously, the economy isn't soooooo bad as you think. People obviously aren't speaking against Disney with their wallets, they are showing up in droves. The eight hundred million you speak of is not necessarily because of the parks being too expensive. They've been giving the place away (for those working families you speak of) for over a year, with FREE dining plans, and extra nights in hotels for FREE. Obviously they can only give away this stuff for so long to keep attendance strong, and now feel that they don't need to anymore. Perhaps Mercedes should lower their prices too? I'm sure there is somebody out there who is having a tough time and can't afford one. That's your logic, right?

It's not about what Walt would want anymore - it's a corporate conglomeration now and their only concern is making big buck$!!!

Local theme parks are about $50 per ticket.

They raised a daily park pass (the most expensive option) 3 bucks, about 2%. This is a drop in the bucket. Multi-day passes went up less. Seriously, you're acting as if the price went from $20 to $50. God forbid anyone raise a price once every few years. Thanks god they're finally doing it, since they've been giving away the place for over a year now with free dining and extra hotel nights, a lot of riff-raff has been filtering in. Maybe it will be just a wee bit more refined again.

Wow "truth patrol", you're a piece of work. Aren't you reading the comments here? Can't you see to message. It's not about raising the price a few bucks hare or there. It is the overall cost of this periodic attrition that people are getting fed-up with (did you understand this sentence?). This is, however, promising. Maybe people will start waking up to this "Snake Oil" company and quit throwing their hard-earned money away on their overpriced products and "world class entertainment" (oh, I forgot who I'm addressing- when I add quotation marks in the aforementioned context, I am being facetious and actually implying the opposite). As for your refinement comment, since when is an amusement park "refined"; and your commentary reads like musings written by the riff-raff instead of the readers you're attempting to insult here.

Yes it is only $3, but add that $3 to every item, which then adds up to your total cost. We talk about when the tickets increase, but no one seems to take in when you increase food prices, it adds up very fast. I know it is just not Disney increasing prices, however it seems the other theme parks in Florida have better all the time deals to help with the cost of getting in the parks. Disney had great deals in the past like $99 for four days and you can use those 4 days till December. I just think that if you keep the ticket prices down, you get more people in the park and then increase prices inside the park like charge for fast pass like the other parks do This way you get money from people that don't want to wait in lines. I have seen it done at other parks and it is a good way to get extra money with low cost. You can see the whole park without the fast pass, just need to plan it out, Just like the rest of the country, Disney is hurting too, so this is their way to keep the magic going, lets just hope Disney will lower prices when we (the country) are back on our feet.

Aren't you reading the comments here?

Yes, I write them.

Can't you see to message. It's not about raising the price a few bucks hare or there. It is the overall cost of this periodic attrition that people are getting fed-up with (did you understand this sentence?).

No, it's not. This story, and all of these comments that follow, ARE ABOUT DISNEY RAISING ADMISSION A COUPLE BUCKS. What did you think the story was about?

This is, however, promising. Maybe people will start waking up to this "Snake Oil" company and quit throwing their hard-earned money away on their overpriced products and "world class entertainment" (oh, I forgot who I'm addressing- when I add quotation marks in the aforementioned context, I am being facetious and actually implying the opposite).

Why do you care so much? You either don't go, or have and had a bad experience, or maybe have a personal grievance, all of which discount you from discussing the value of what they offer.

As for your refinement comment, since when is an amusement park "refined";

It depends on what you're comparing it to. It's refined compared to all other who attempt to sell something similar.

and your commentary reads like musings written by the riff-raff instead of the readers you're attempting to insult here.

I call 'em like I see 'em. Of course, if you actually were in the parks to see the changes to the crowds since they've been LOWERING THEIR PRICES a.k.a free meal plans, free hotel nights, etc, you'd see the Firemen's carnival crowd making it's way into a bit more upper level atmosphere....many of which are complaining about 2-3 BUCKS on a $78 TICKET. Seriously, things of high value cost money, get used to it.

I'll be thrilled when they stop all these promotions.

He thought, and was right, that the story is a look at the increasing of a theme park in an extremely bad time in the economy. As far as your refined comment, I bet that you do not have a family of your own, if you do, you miss the point of a family fun vacation. Leave refined to the holier than thou attitude you carry.

Family fun and "refined" have nothing to do with each other. You keep trying to imply that any family has a right to a specific price point, as if Disney is a national park. It's not. Get over it.

I certainly don't miss the point of a family fun vacation.....that's exactly why I GO THERE!

If you interpret me seeing a change in the level of customers at Disney as "hollier than though", fine. But there is an effect. When you lower the price for anything (yes, I said lower the price, which is what Disney has been doing) then you always see a change in those who show up to buy it. But it sound like you've been in business a long time and certainly understand this. ;)

True that!!

No, please stay away. Disney, and the guests willing to pay for what they offer, don't want you mucking up the place. Please stay home and go to the fireman's carnival or something. 1/3 of the rides closed? You've completely discredited yourself. During off season there might be one attraction or two in all the parks combined that is being renovated. Please, stay away.

I was in Disney World last month and none of the rides were closed for repairs, so you are completely wrong.

I live in Florida and visit Disney often. While most rides are open they make sure that they create long waits in line so that the people have to return because they were not able to experience all the rides. We use to have a camper, we stayed at Fort Wilderness (with campfire settings, sing-along and a movie every night and also a visit from Chip and Dale) and I brought my own food from home. We had breakfast before we hit the parks returned for lunch, a swim in the pool and much needed rest then return in the evening after we had dinner. You can enjoy Disney on a budget, you just have to get creative.

I agree Steve. I was there about two weeks ago for a whole week and all the rides were open.

We stayed at one of the resorts that offered suites with a full kitchen, laundry, etc, saved a bundle on food.

I do not know how they are not making money, the parks were all crowded and yes there were several groups of kids from all over the world there. If you are going to go, you have to do the park hoppers pass, not just a one day admission.

FAST PASS is the way to go.

Truth patrol,,,,my my my. A little bitter are we? As for your behavior, I bet your the guy who, if anybody has a different opinion or experience than you, has to berate that person until you feel like a big man. Muslim are we?

Also My husband and I went to Aruba and stayed at an all inclusive resort,included EVERYTHING, BLD and snacks, motel, all drinks, and entertainment for a little over 2 grand. Airfare was about 500 for both of us round trip from SD. We also stayed in New York for a few days. All of that cost us about 3500. The place we stayed at included children under 10 in the all inclusive price, so as a family of 4 we could go to another country and enjoy another culture plus take my kids to one of the best cities in the world for cheaper than 6 days @ Disneyland, now that is sad

You have blown the cost all out of proportion if you are going to WDW in Florida. Staying in the park is your best option. A Value Resort is $82 per night or less for a family of 4. The transportation is free all over the park so no parking fees. If you drive your own car and stay at a resort the parking is free in every park. Counter service is very reasonable and good food. I have gone with my wife, my son & his wife and 4 kids and footed the bill (no, I'm not rich) and have never spent anywhere near $5,000. You are unnecessarily inflating the figures to prove your "point".

What is REALLY funny is I just went onto disneyland.com and found that EXACT vacation for 4 adults, staying at the Marriot Anaheim (1 mile away from Disneyland) with dining, transportation, and airfare (from Denver) included for $3,400. Since you don't need gas or snacks (which are included in the dining plan) you can drop your spending money to about $300. So your whole vacation completed is $3,700. Compare that to other week long vacations around the world.

I am not a Disney employee. But I do vacation with Disney alot. The reason being that if you really look at FULL expenses and book packages with Disney, you will see that vacations at Disney are MUCH less expensive than anywhere else. Even after raising prices by three bucks.

Absolutely. People just see dollar signs, or the words "raising prices" and don't bother to do the math. First, you don't need to go the parks every day you are there. If it's you're first time, you may need at least 4 park days to do one per day, but 5-6 days per trip is unnecessary and, exhausting. There's so much more to do that just go to the 4 major parks during your time there...people don't seem to know that. Go shopping, see a show, rent a boat, golf, take a tour, have a drink, go to dinner, hang by the pool, etc. Enjoy your hotel room, read a book....relax a little. This is all without renting a car using free Disney transport. And, Orlando is serviced by all of the discount airlines. The most I ever paid for a Disney trip was my first...16 years ago. Since then I've realized there are more efficient ways to spend money and enjoy everything there is to offer....much of which I still haven't gotten to yet even after going 18 times since. I now have DVC and spend (other than my original investment and maintainence fees) a grand total of nothing for a 1 bedroom villa, next to nothing for airfare, nothing for rental cars. They give you way too many options to meet any budget there, it's really a silly argument to suddenly complain about a 2-3 dollar park day increase.

I was merely going by the prices listed in the article, a quick search for hotels in the area, airfare and such, not by special packages. I did the hotel then car rental. Did not find an 89 dollar a night hotel close to DisneyLand. I suppose though you can find vacation packages. I did not go to the disney site for packages.

Frontier Airlines 1001
operated by REPUBLIC AIRLINES

Depart:

7:05am

Arrive:

8:26am

Denver, CO (DEN)
Los Angeles, CA (LAX)

Non-stop

Return

Sat, Aug 14

Frontier Airlines 402

Depart:

8:15pm

Arrive:

11:27pm

Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
Denver, CO (DEN)

Non-stop

From the Disney site for 6 days includes 2 meals. Hotel is similar the fabulous places we have stayed at in the past for less money. However you still have to include airfare plus the cost of transport to and from hotel. Where we stayed at in Aruba which was all inclusive that included transportation to and from airport and other various places around the island. We stayed 8 nights and a few nights in New York on the same budget you would use to go to DL.

The Disneyland® Hotel has a sprinkling of pixie dust in everything... including each of its charming rooms. Discover the superb service, imaginative design and attention to detail for which Disney is famous.
More Information

Arriving on 10/9/2010 for 7 nights; 2 Adults and 2 Children (ages 2, 5)
$4,091.64
Room Type:Upper Level Resort/Pool View
Package: Resort Hotel package
Tickets:6 Day Park Hopper® souvenir ticket
Dining:Mickey's 5-Day Dine in the Magic Meal Plan
Special Features:
Character Calls
Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness

The cheaper option which included 2 meals also. still have to figure in airfare and transportation to and from hotel.

Disney's Paradise Pier® Hotel
This towering hotel overlooking Disney's California Adventure® Park, vibrantly captures the breezy spirit of the sunny, California beach culture.
More Information

Arriving on 10/9/2010 for 7 nights; 2 Adults and 2 Children (ages 2, 5)
$3,104.50
Room Type:Standard View Room
Package: Resort Hotel package
Tickets:6 Day Park Hopper® souvenir ticket
Dining:Mickey's 5-Day Dine in the Magic Meal Plan
Special Features:
Character Calls
Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness

In the end it is all about the experience. Is it worth all the money? It all depends on the family/person. I know we have taken our kids to several zoos, national parks, museums and wildlife sanctuaries and they have had alot of fun. Plus in many cases we drove which is good family time in the car.
I went to DL several times growing up, and yes it was fun. But I also remember more the experience of driving through different states and seeing the homes of famous people and presidents. Going to national landmarks. Seeing the the Gateway to the west. Riding mules through the Grand Canyon. Camping in New Mexico, taking a boat ride along the coast of California and seeing the home of President Eisenhower. Cost about the same but I think it was well worth it. I was not dissing on Disneyland, just stating a fact that you can do alot more educational, fun things for the same amount. I am grateful my family thought taking trips to different states was important and I want to do the same for my kids. It is nice to see how others in the US live and what a beautiful country we live in.

Yes that would work if everyone lived so close to Disney world and didnt have to worry about motels, car rentals parking and such. Most ppl that go to those parks are from other states. I can say if I lived that close now (like I did as a kid) I would go too

You don't have to live local to purchase an annual pass. I live in Oregon and was a Disneyland annual passholder for years. My mom & I would take my niece & nephews there for a week every year. Rent a hotel room that has a microwave & fridge and head to the grocery store so you can eat lunch in your room. We'd get a week's worth of lunch fixings for less than $75 and only eat 1 meal in the park. It was a great way to save money.

How is $2000.00 for 5 annual passes (plus all of the other bloated costs per visit-even after discounts) a good deal for the typical American family?

My guess is that your annual household income well exceeds the typical American family's income.

Its a good deal when you consider it is less then $1 a day to get in for each of us. You can take frozen drinks and food into the parks so you don't have to pay for food if you don't want to and no one is forcing you to buy merchandise. No, my household income doesn't exceed that of the typical family but I budget for entertainment and our passes are a priority unless we all want to go crazy!

I agree, my grandson's favorite place to go now is Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center, CA. He gets to feed the animals, buy his choice of loose barrel candy. He also loves going to Mission Beach near Sea World for a day in the water--cost is some gas, some box lunch and so much fun :)

PS-last time I was at Disneyland which was on Monday, I checked out how much of the merchandise is made in China, Honduras,

Yes, it's greedy to charge enough money to cover the services you provide. It's greedy to offer a completely optional entertainment product. Don't like it, please stay home.

It a lot cheaper and much more entertaining to read condescending replies to posts written by blatantly uneducated people who some how think they are superior to the people who they are replying to.

Citizen In-Sane

It a lot cheaper and much more entertaining to read condescending replies to posts written by blatantly uneducated people who some how think they are superior to the people who they are replying to.

Once again, you have no points, no facts, just a plan to stalk my posts with insulting comments and to push some agenda.

Uneducated? Check the spelling and grammar in some of your previous posts. I think someone needs an English tutor.

Truth patrol,,,,if you don't like the comments, dont read them, or better yet blog off.

I could say the exact some thing about your responses to me. Another pointless post. The simply stalks me but nothing to add, especially any facts or insight.

LOL, Disney Plant..Just joined Today to post to this one story. Only strengthens the point that Disney has fallen far from the tree.

Like I said in my earlier post "...how much Disney (like all of corporate America) cares about its customers... NONE!!! However, they DO care how much they can drain out of your pockets while telling you that they are doing you a favor." When they are draining all of the money out of your pockets, of course they're gonna "treat you like royalty". However, see how well they treat you after they've emptied your pockets.

If you think that Disney is a terrible place, don't go! If you can't afford the prices that they charge, don't go! I have been to Disney several times with my children, and we have always had a wonderful time.

I fail to comprehend what the people who deride Disneyworld are really complaining about. No one is forced to go, Disney deserves to make a reasonable profit--the regular maintenance to keep those parks in such great condition must be mind-boggling, and if they aren't making money, they can't afford to have great parks.

I can spend my money as I see fit, and if you think that I'm crazy to prefer that experience to camping, understand that, to me, vacationing with mosquitoes in the woods is torture.

The difference between me and many of the anti-Disney posters is that I'm not going to condemn someone for havinng different preferences than I do. There is room enough for all of us, but why waste time attacking people's preferences?

Sorry, dollar for dollar, Disney is about the best value you can get, especially if you stay on site and don't rent a car. For you what you get, it's a great deal. I realize this every time I decide to take a non-Disney vacation and realize how much you get for your dollar there.

"truth patrol" you are obviously a (poorly educated) disney scab. I think you should leave this forum and go back to school.

Citizen In-Sane

"truth patrol" you are obviously a (poorly educated) disney scab. I think you should leave this forum and go back to school.

Boy, you just don't quit with your insults do you? It just can't possibly compute in your brain that someone would have a different opinion than yours, does it?

As far as "poorly educated", I go to Disney several times per year, and personally know people who work there, and that even live within one mile. I own DVC. I know the value. It works for me. I don't get that level at most other places I go. It's worth it.

What's your excuse?

Your the one trashing everybody that thinks perhaps Disney should take the economy into consideration.

Because that's a ludicris suggestion. The only people saying that are the ones who feel they should do that purely for their benifit. They aren't considering that Disney is a private company that can set any price it wants for it's products, just like you can for your products at your business. You are in business, right?

OMG another Plant. Said Magical Place, checked..yup Only post, signd up today...

Hint...Real people dont talk like that, only Disney's PR department does......"Magic Kingdom" is thier shtick.

DRHunk (is that pronounced "drunk"?),

Who died and made you "Forum Sheriff"? If anyone disagrees with your opinion of Disney you want people to think those who posted are subversive. Continue going to Cousin Goober's Ferret Fest and enjoying all of the free entertainment there. The rest of us will enjoy the world-class entertainment of the Disney Parks.

do you work for Disney?

OMG another Plant. Said Magical Place, checked..yup Only post, signd up today...

Hint...Real people dont talk like that, only Disney's PR department does......"Magic Kingdom" is thier shtick.

So what if they signed up yesterday? Every one signs up at some point. Maybe this was the first place they felt compelled to post. And, when you go to Disney, the magical phrase is used a lot...so it's not uncommon to hear it repeated, not just in the PR department. Magic Kingdom is their shtick? That phrase has been around since 1971. Not exactly reserved for some people in a PR department anymore. It's amazing how you feel that Disney would actually have to create fake accounts to convince people who can't afford it anyway to come. Obviously, by raising their prices, the demand already exists. Enjoy cousin goober's Ferret Fest.

I find this comment of saving for 3 years ridiculous! My husband and I are typical middle-class Americans and decided just last week to book a Disney trip (4night/5day) for right before Christmas!! Now you would think by all of these comments that this would be impossible --but not only is it happening, it was under $2000, for air, hotel & passes! And we do not live close, we live in Wisconsin! You just have to know how to plan! There are tons of savings out there, check into AAA! Check into hotels that offer FREE breakfast and that have FREE shuttles to the parks so you don't have to pay for parking! We don't even have to rent a car - we will take a taxi from the airport to the hotel for less $$!!!

We decided on a whim to go in four months and it is hardly breaking the bank! Do some research people!

awfully vague, mind giving specifics of what hotels you found or other discounts you found....Personally i dont think you planned a vaction at all or you would have said Hotels.Com has a deal that includes Air Fare and Hotel for X amount which saved us $400...just an example.

How about this for details:

6 night/7 day vacation for two. Staying at Disney's Pop Century Resort. 6 day park hopper passes. Disney Dining Plan Included. Transportation to/from airport, and anywhere you want to go on Disney Property. Round Trip Airfare from Baltimore (where I live) using AirTran Airlines. All included for only $1,772.92 - booked through the Disney Travel Company (www.disneyworld.com).

Anyone who has never been to Disney before, you have NO IDEA what you are missing. Disney is one of the best values in vacation you can find nowadays. Trust me, I have looked.

Not everybody finds planning and studying and plotting, very vacation friendly ideas. I don't know about the majority; however, when I want to relax and go on vacation,,,I just want to go. I don't want to worry about being ,and I say this very reluctantly, "raped," when going to a theme park. Yes, vacation is money, any vacation is money; the difference is being taken advantage of.

Not everybody finds planning and studying and plotting, very vacation friendly ideas. I don't know about the majority; however, when I want to relax and go on vacation,,,I just want to go

Which explains why you aren't very good at figuring out how to afford Disney. If you "just want to go" then a simple walk down a beach might be more your speed. Even going to another country to visit, Italy, Germany, even Canada, requires planning. Stick to your long walks on the beach if that's all you've got the energy to and gumption to work for.

I don't want to worry about being ,and I say this very reluctantly, "raped," when going to a theme park. Yes, vacation is money, any vacation is money; the difference is being taken advantage of.

If you feel you are being "raped" then you obviously aren't the target market of that theme park, any more that you might feel raped when you buy a Mercedes. You can't be taken advatage of if you willingly go there....you are actually taking advatage of what they have to offer you. Stop trying to portray this as if people have a gun to their head....

not a bad idea, I guess...

I agree!

It is a national travesty that experiences such as these are being priced out of the reach of too many people, especially our children. This trend is currently accelerating because of the Great Recession caused by Wall Street greed. There are now additional millions of people without jobs, people without homes, and people without their retirement savings who can no longer afford such "luxuries". People visiting from other countries have also increased demand at “Disney”, allowing Disney to exact a monopolist's premium.

I took my children to Disneyland and Disney World many times and I did not have to do any tremendous amount of planning or research, as is being touted as required now. The price of going to "Disney" has appeared to increase considerably more than the cost of living and it would be interesting to see if anyone could confirm (or refute) that with credible statistics. On the other hand, the quality of the Disney magic does not appear to have increased, although the quantity in one respect has, as there are now multiple parks. However, the quantity is also less because the lines are substantially longer during peak times now than they were. Of course one obvious reason lines are longer is that people with more money can pay to cheat in line, with Disney's blessing. That is an unfortunate sign of the times, i.e., cheating is ok, if you pay for the privilege.

State and national Parks originally were also priced so as to be accessible to the common person. That is rapidly becoming NOT the case.

What is most heartbreaking is that our previously revered culture is now such that those who can pay the price and have the luxury to travel to “Disney” during non-peak times seem to feel that there is something innately wrong with those who cannot do so and therefore deserve their fate. Reminds me of something Marie Antoinette said about letting them eat cake.

Disney is after all a for-profit corporation and magic is only illusion. Helping children of all sizes, ages, and income brackets pretend to believe in the good magic for just a little while doesn’t have a rightful place in the financial statements. Capitalism hasn’t advanced that far…yet?

So, the magic of Disney is not the only magic in danger of following the exit of elves to wherever they go to let mankind have its day on earth.

© 2010