Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer (Post 685629)

Yesterday, Disney followed Universal's recent price increase and is now the most expensive park in Florida. At $95.00 plus tax, it will now cost a family of four (over 10 years old) over $400.00 just to get into the Park. Add food to that cost and you have a very expensive outing for sure. My last trip to Disney cost three of us nearly $300.00, stood in lines for hours and hours and was only able to ride four rides and watch the parade. The entry fee to Disney has doubles since 2000. This price increases concerns me because I believe there are many average families with children who might never have the funds to attend either of the parks.

Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer (Post 685629)

Yesterday, Disney followed Universal's recent price increase and is now the most expensive park in Florida. At $95.00 plus tax, it will now cost a family of four (over 10 years old) over $400.00 just to get into the Park. Add food to that cost and you have a very expensive outing for sure. My last trip to Disney cost three of us nearly $300.00, stood in lines for hours and hours and was only able to ride four rides and watch the parade. The entry fee to Disney has doubles since 2000. This price increases concerns me because I believe there are many average families with children who might never have the funds to attend either of the parks.

Originally Posted by Ragman (Post 685987)

Food prices are absurd but it's no different than a sporting event. We went to a Rays game and a 12 ounce beer is $10.00. If I recall correctly, hot dogs were
$8.00.

Some food prices are high but much of it is affordable.

Sushi combo at Japan is about $ 1 or more than Publix.

Seasons at Epcot has fresh (veggies are raised on site) meals priced around $ 10.

Flame Tree BBQ and Yak And Yeti at AK are reasonable. Large portions. Adult couples split the entree.

Most counter service items can be split and combos can be reduced to sandwich only. Ice water is free at counter service outlets with or without purchase.

Character dining is IMO a ripoff, but if you're one a once a generation trip with kids or grand-kids, go for it.

Liquor is expensive; no Villages 241 happy hour there.

Disney is a resort and priced accordingly. You can go cheaply by cutting corners or have the lavish vacation of your life, but not both.

We have seasonal weekday passes and love going anytime we would want to go (wouldn't be caught dead there at busy seasons) and since everyday is Saturday at the Villages the weekends don't matter.

I'm just glad there is a Walt Disney World to entertain the world.

:a040:

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr (Post 686073)

We ate at Yak and Yeti last week. I had a burger and fries for $18.99. It was an excellent burger and very large, but $18.99?

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr (Post 685652)

No matter what the price there will always be families that can't afford to bring their kids there.
Millions of people come from all over the world to experience these parks. The price doesn't seem to be driving anyone away. It's, like everything in business, simple supply and demand. If the price was too high, people would stop coming. As long as the parks fill up, the prices will increase.

The other thing is that there seems to be thousands of discount programs available. It seems that every time share operation gives out Disney tickets. I'm sure they are not paying full price. If you stay in the resorts you get a reduced price. Florida residents have numerous options to pay very low prices to vist the parks. The entrance fees are also bundled into vacation "packages" which I assume that most people visiting from out of state are buying. If you vist more than one park over a few days the price is reduced. I have to wonder how many people actually pay the $95.00 advertised price. It may be a case of marking it up so that they can offer discounts.

I also wonder what the cost is of running and maintaining these parks. They are always beautiful and clean. There seems to be constant expansion going on. Operating costs must be huge. I wouldn't want to see the quality reduced.

What was the cost of the parks when they first opened and what is the cost today adjusted for inflation? Also what are you getting today in terms of technology and experiences that you weren't getting 25 years ago.

People will always complain about prices, but we need to look at all of the factors when it comes to setting a price.

And, Disney made the Orlando area what it is today. The other parks and attractions wouldn't exist today if not for Walt's vision, Orlando would be the sleepy little horse town it was before The Magic Kingdom opened. When people hear the name Orlando, they immediately think Disney World. They are the biggest, and most famous park in the world. They should have the highest prices compared to other parks in the area. If it wasn't for Disney, Universal wouldn't exist. Or it might exist in Los Angeles.

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr (Post 685880)

I hope that you didn't take my post as an attack on you or your post. You said that you didn't know and I provided the answer. My comment was aimed more toward the poster who claimed that we have a 50% poverty rate.

Originally Posted by DougB (Post 686022)

Each year many, many schools send their students on field trips to the theme parks. The school I worked at is 80% free or reduced lunch because of their families economic status. For the past 17 years I have conducted fund raisers each year to send anywhere from 75 - 100 students. Many schools do this. So for those of you who feel like Warren (who I believe has his heart in the right place) and genuinely are concerned about those whose families cannot afford to go, I am asking, no I am challenging you to seek out a school and step up and help. If you do not have the time because it may take away your tee or pool time, the schools will gladly accept monetary contributions.

OK, let the tomatoes start flying this way.

Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer (Post 686173)

Absolutely wonderful post !!!!! You have hit dead center the reason for my original posting. It's not a child's fault he is born to less financially successful parents. I do know that poorer children hasve the same wishes and dreams of affluent children, but will usually be divided throughout his childhood of not seeing those dreams fufilled.. Doug, you took on this disparity in children and made a difference. I applaud you !!!!