Originally Posted By raidermatt Since attendance came up... in the last quarterly earnings call, Disney said DLR attendance was flat quarter to quarter. WDW was up 4%. The recent comments made at a conference referenced record attendance, but that only means higher than last year. They didn't say by how much, nor were they specific about what was happening at each resort.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I personally don't have an issue with price hikes. The parks are too crowded, but I really think it should be the APs that are really hit. But even the one day at DL is awesome value compared to other entertainments out there (I mean that's why people travel across the world to visit). I remember when a trip to DL was a treat or privilidge, not a right. I do think at WDW, the prices should go up and the extra revenue should go on better casting and maintenance. Also, the sub prime crisis is actually driving up running costs in the UK, so I imagine it is the same on the US (lending is tightening - so capital investments are becoming more challenging too). But Disneyland is still much better value than most other parks, or a sporting event or a concert IMHO. The day people treat DL as an equal to going to a movie or bowling, we will also see people littering and misbahaving more (ooops, too late, that's already happening). Using the laws of supply and demand, if quality goes up and crowds go down, then I am willing to pay more, even if it means longer stretches between trips.
Originally Posted By kmovies The price increases DO need to be more than INFLATION. A dozen eggs is a dozen eggs - so those would expect to increase at the rate of inflation. However, DL has two costs: general operation costs which would increase with inflation PLUS expansion, which has a cost. The daily costs for running Nemo were not there a year ago. So, you can't have a growing park have the same price increases as another business that is generally the same.
Originally Posted By Kayoss I also am among those that think the AP prices are ridiculously low. Those Southern California passes clog the park, and give too many benefits in comparison to the more expensive passes. They should give their expensive passholders more reasons to buy that expensive pass vs. a ‘cheapie ‘local one. ESPECIALLY when they know that market CAN basically go when they want, so could easily wager that being blocked out some days is no biggie vs spending around $250 more per family member a year.
Originally Posted By LVCajun <The prices for the passes, other than the premium are outrageously low.> and even that isn't bad when you figure all that discounts you get and the parking. I go at least 3 times a year for at least 3 days each time. I think I get more than my money's worth.
Originally Posted By KansasBorn Really the best value is the Premium Pass.. I get to California 3 times a year.. I use the the passport to get the discount on purchases & free parking. In few days you will have your money back.. Think about it.. Worth the buy..
Originally Posted By monorailblue Of course its economics, and trying maximize a market. Note: "a" market; not "the" market. Ruth's Chris Steak House and Taco Bell both engage in the same market maximization efforts. But they operate in wholly different markets. Disneyland is trying desperately to create for itself a premium-only market. This is why the price increases are so troubling to me--it's another step away from the typical-family dream or ability. Oddly, this comes not long after one of the premier, higher-end-high-profit locales in the Park (Disney Gallery) was shuttered for what is reported to be a profitless enterprise. So there is no consistent vision, no matter what else we observe. I realize the Disney Parks product is superior to all others--but the quality/immersiveness edge has slipped. Eventually, the resort will be an AP/DVC spot only--and no one else will even think of going. You'll have to have your rides reserved weeks in advance, your meals reserved months in advance, and your entertainment reserved also. All will cost $$$$ with cancellation charges. The days of a spur-of-the-moment trip are fleeing. Makes me sad.
Originally Posted By gadzuux I agree. They'll still get their same share of 'once in a lifetime' types, and they'll increase their AP population, but the "middleman" - me - the guy who comes a couple of times a year for a day - year in and year out - is the customer that gets the squeeze.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo As I said before, it's the APs that are really cheap. They could probably go up by 100% and still be a killer deal for most.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA <Why is the park a more expensive value for the guest today than it was yesterday?> Hey, why is my iPhone $200 less expensive than when I bought it July 29th! And why is this house worth $20,000 less than when I bought it in July 2005! The increase in prices at Disneyland I'm sure can be diverted back to either President Bush's supply-side economics, or the loss of the KUKA arm technology.
Originally Posted By 8 ilovemickey 8 <<I personally don't have an issue with price hikes. The parks are too crowded, but I really think it should be the APs that are really hit. But even the one day at DL is awesome value compared to other entertainments out there (I mean that's why people travel across the world to visit). I remember when a trip to DL was a treat or privilidge, not a right. I do think at WDW, the prices should go up and the extra revenue should go on better casting and maintenance. Also, the sub prime crisis is actually driving up running costs in the UK, so I imagine it is the same on the US (lending is tightening - so capital investments are becoming more challenging too). But Disneyland is still much better value than most other parks, or a sporting event or a concert IMHO. The day people treat DL as an equal to going to a movie or bowling, we will also see people littering and misbahaving more (ooops, too late, that's already happening). Using the laws of supply and demand, if quality goes up and crowds go down, then I am willing to pay more, even if it means longer stretches between trips.>> These are my feelings exactly! I would expand but you already said everything I wanted to say!
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 ^^ So, now that I held off on mailing the renewal for our PAP's (up Oct. 24th) can I still renew at the offered price of $339? Anyone happen to know? Maybe I should just mail a check and see what happens.
Originally Posted By Sport Goofy << Hey, why is my iPhone $200 less expensive than when I bought it July 29th! And why is this house worth $20,000 less than when I bought it in July 2005>> They were both overpriced at the time they were purchased. I'd expect by this time next year the value of both will be even less.
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 my smiley was for Jim's post, he never fails to make me laugh Not that I don't have a for 8ilovemickey8 too
Originally Posted By LuLu amazed, if you have a form with a price specified on it, I'm sure they'll honor it.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros In another thread recently, Darkbeer estimated that spending in construction for DCA would average about $20 per person per day. While I don't really think that this is directly for it, could that ba a part of it? Since the Park Hoppers are so much more expensive now, is that a direct consequence of the proposed construction?
Originally Posted By ShivaThDestroyer There seems to be 2 sides to every issue. I certainly don't mind *reasonable* price increases, especially if some of that money is directed towards improving wages and benefits for the CM's. I just don't want the park to be taken out of the reach of families or individuals who are not quite as fortunate as most of us seem to be. I also do not want to see the park become some sort of elitist club where only the very well off can afford it. I have had some very negative encounters watching guests who felt their money entitled them to special treatment or privileges. I also can't argue that the AP's are not a bargain, they obviously are. The thing about the AP's is that, you purchase them because they are a bargain but once you have them you tend to take advantage and visit more frequently. Amortized over a year, my AP costs me about $4.00 a day to get into the park but my DW and I also spend around $100.00 a day for food plus all the little "gotta have that's" that catch our eye. If the AP's were significantly higher in price, than what they are now, we might not purchase them and visit less frequently. Disney would definitely be losing money on us. If you wanted to carry that further, it wouldn't take much to picture a whole generation, who's parents seldom went to DL and raised them on other, more affordable theme parks, that had little interest in DL as they matured and started having their own kids. The locals may contribute to the crowds but they spend a lot of money too. A certain percentage drop in attendance could severely affect Disney's profits. I'm also curious if it's a generational thing that makes some feel that extreme price hikes are okay because that would lessen the crowds and add to their own enjoyment. I grew up watching first runs of the Mickey Mouse Club and The Wonderful World of Disney and have been going to DL for 40 years. My generation seems to have slightly different values than those who were born even a decade or so later. Maybe the park means something different to us too.
Originally Posted By LuLu The price increases seem pretty typical compared to what I can remember in recent years - with the possible exception of the 1-day park hopper going up $8. The longer multi day tickets and APs are getting the best deal - Disney certainly has a reason for this! Look at how cheap a 5 day pass is compared to a 2 or 3 day! I'm guessing they know what they're doing...
