Originally Posted By tashajilek "I kind of get a magical feeling thinking about all the money I am saving." That was probably the best line ever! That's how I feel about Disney hotels too.
Originally Posted By ni_teach Just went to the parks last weekend and had a wonderful time. It has not lost it's magic on me.
Originally Posted By 2001DLFan I think a lot of the burnout is happening to those who knew Disneyland when it was in it's prime and realize what the recent downward trends in park esthetics, quality and uniqueness are doing to the park. Many of those who are new theme park experiences, and compare Disneyland (and other Disney parks) to all the other theme parks available, are getting to the point where they don't see that much difference between them. They'll accept Starbucks in the park because they have experienced McDonalds there and similar establishments are available on other theme park environments. If Disney wants to continue to water down their exclusive theme park leadership position in this manner, then they will eventually reap the results.
Originally Posted By tashajilek "That was a great read hbquikcomjamesl." I agree, it was a great post! I think for me the biggest gripe is also the price increase over the years. I have saved old park hoppers from 2008 and wow have they gone up in price since then. I still feel the magic visiting DL and having a new Starbucks location isn't going to make me hate going.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip Disney is pricing their parks out of the market. For the first time in 20 years I'm not going to a Disney park this year. And I won't be going to one next year either. There are better options out there for less money. Even owning DVC, I would rather go on a Disney Cruise or go to Vero Beach than pay the outlandish current prices for tickets and dining at WDW.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip And it's not just the lack of new attractions in the WDW parks... there are plenty of attractions there now that I enjoy... a new one in each park wouldn't make me much difference. It is all about the money.
Originally Posted By tashajilek " a new one in each park wouldn't make me much difference. It is all about the money." That's kind of how I feel about Carsland. I love everything they have done at DCA, but with the pricing and the crowd increase I'm not sure it's worth it for me.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt "I still feel the magic visiting DL and having a new Starbucks location isn't going to make me hate going." Yeah, if Walt Disney saw fit to have a shop that sold women's underwear pn Main Street with a show featuring The Wizard of Bras it's difficult for me to get bent about a Starbucks in the park. The last time I went "the magic" was definately there for me. A four year break made all the difference.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 "DL's costs are even worse" If you stay at a Disney hotel, maybe. But one of the nice things about DLR is that, unlike WDW, you can stay literally across the street, easy walking distance, if you don't need a fancy hotel. We go infrequently enough that the last few times we've stayed on site. Saved up and splurged - decided it was worth it. But the cheaper option remains and, unlike WDW, doesn't involve more driving or buses. Me, I love DLR and it will always be special to me. But I also love going other places. I go infrequently enough that it retains its magic.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan >>But one of the nice things about DLR is that, unlike WDW, you can stay literally across the street, easy walking distance, if you don't need a fancy hotel.<< That is true, and it certainly helps with the overall cost, especially if you find a place with continental breakfast included. When I went every year, the price increase was just a cost of living expense, it went up each year but when it's kind of part of your budget, it's like a frog in a slowly heating pot -- you don't notice the change all that much. But when you stop going a few years, it's severe sticker shock. I am baffled at how we could ever afford it for so many years.
Originally Posted By CuriousConstance Not this year, but the two previous years, their prices increased much more than the standard cost of living increase. So it's no wonder it's such a price shocker for you K2.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip I know DL has low cost hotels off-site that are very close. But for me, probably because all the years I've been going to WDW, the Disney Resort experience is just as large a part of the overall experience as the parks are (which in the case of WDW is probably a VERY GOOD thing!). I wish DL had value or moderate resorts on-site. They would be a very welcome addition.
Originally Posted By CuriousConstance I do too, but I've been told countless times that that's not going to happen, lol.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt "I know DL has low cost hotels off-site that are very close. But for me, probably because all the years I've been going to WDW, the Disney Resort experience is just as large a part of the overall experience as the parks are (which in the case of WDW is probably a VERY GOOD thing!)." This. I go less often, but when I do go I splurge.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 Me too, at least recently, and when I go with my husband. When I went solo for a couple of days a few years ago when I was in LA for another purpose, I was fine staying on Harbor. It seemed less like a vacation than "oh, I can go to the parks for a couple of days." When it's more of a proper vacation, I haven't minded the splurge.
Originally Posted By Tikiduck I think the price increases have prompted a lot of people to take the budget approach. Choosing an affordable place to stay, having meals outside the park, or bringing your own food into the park, as well as eliminating trinkets can easily offset the new prices. My emotional side says splurge! But my reasonable side says budget! I know a very wealthy guy who drives a 2003 Honda with 200,000 miles on it. The car runs perfectly, and he has no reason to get rid of it. That's what this trip is for me, a 2003 Honda! Looking back, some of the best times of my life were those where I spent the least amounts of money.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt We're talking about Disneyland; a place that none of us NEEDS to visit. I figure that if I'm going to do it I might as well throw down the extra dollars and have a good time.
