[Ragman]

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.

[TexaninVA]

Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer

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.

Wow .. .that's an eye opener. Has been a while since we've been there and you're right, a lot of money. But, OTOH, market seems to bear it thus working as it should I guess.

[DougB]

Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer

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.

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.

[Mack184]

I've never been to Disneyworld or the original Disneyland, and it's just not something that interests me. But...if you're going to a place like that, then I'm a believer that isn't the time to cheap out. Go there..eat the $9 Hot Dogs and drink the $12 Cokes and just have a good time. There are lots of times to save money, but if you're taking what may be a once-in-a-lifetime trip...dig into your wallet and just enjoy!

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by Ragman

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.

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?

[senior citizen]

..........

[Ragman]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

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?

Sorry,I meant the counter service cafe there, Anandapur,not the full service dining. All entrees under $11 and both couples had plenty to eat splitting. Cokes are $2.59.

Just saying a little research and planning can make things more affordable.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

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.

You nailed it, Dr. Boogie. That is how it works. Free enterprise. Prices at an amusement park are not always fair or for everyone, but if you want to go really bad and you don't have a lot of money you can save and sacrifice and give up other things. Many people do that here in this great U.S.. folks are NOT excluded. Sometimes you have to wait for things and plan for things for a very long time. One of the very first thing I was taught as a little child is save your money, even if it is a little bit, over time it adds up.

[stuckinparadise]

When our children were growing up we would save money to make the trip to Disney World. Back then, the price for admission may have been cheaper but our salaries were also much less than what we are paid these days. I feel that going to Disney World is not a necessity, so if you can't afford the price, then you don't go. We love Disney World and will probably buy the season pass once we are Florida residents. BTW, Disney offers the best running events I've ever participated in my entire life. The price for these races is about 4 times the price of any other I've been in but well worth it.

[Warren Kiefer]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

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.

Itg's OK Boogie. I love the banter back and forth. One learns a lot of things in the minor debates. I did get my hands slapped for coming back at you with the complainer complaint. I will take that in stride and not let it ruin the remainder of my short life ... LOL

[villagerjack]

"Nobody goes there anymore, it is too crowded",....Yogi

[Warren Kiefer]

Originally Posted by DougB

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.

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 !!!!

[villagerjack]

DIS Basic Chart | Walt Disney Company (The) Commo Stock - Yahoo! Finance

If we bought the stock in 'overpriced" compamies instead of complaining about the cost, we could have easily paid for our admission. Disney is up more than 50%. same is true for our cable and telephone companies and these comanies offer dividends as well.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer

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 !!!!

AND there are children who will be born into families that cannot afford certain things that will grow up to change the family they live in to be able to have the things they long for.

I grew up reading book after book after book on ballet and ballerinas and drew pictures of them and danced around our living room a lot..but our family didn't have the money for dance lessons, my friends families didn't either. I don't think the world lost a gifted ballerina in me, AND we were able to give our girls dance lessons and that made me feel better although they weren't too shot down with dancing in tutus.

I don't think it is a big deal. I don't. Dreamers will dream and plan to get where they want to go. There are things that are a right and things that are a privilege and doing without some of those fancy things as kids makes you appreciate them when you are able to get them for yourself.

I think Doug is a great guy and I applaud his efforts, but in the scheme of things, missing out on going to Disney as a child is not a huge, HUGE thing. Some parents are putting that money in a college fund and that is the choice they are making. Just think how much one of those big tattoos cost and how everyone can't afford them.

Be nice, Gracie.

[George Bieniaszek]

The best deal around is to take advantage of the discount yearly passes for Florida residents. My wife and I have renewed our passes for a second year now and enjoy our day trips to Disney. We chose the Weekday pass (Mon-Fri) and they do have blackout dates that basically correspond to school vacations and all summer, times that we wouldn't go anyway because of the additional crowds.

As far as food, we agree that the prices are outrageous, so we usually go to one park in the morning, then leave and go somewhere close to eat, i.e. Friendly's, Golden Corral, etc. and come back and go to a second park. We go at a leisurely pace and not rushed to do 4 parks in a couple of days like vacationing families.