Originally Posted By schnebs In my case, I'd say the bad taste in my mouth comes from the size of the hike. I've gotten used to annual Disney theme park admission price increases that outpace inflation, but a 25-30% increase for APs in one year is ridiculous. Let's be real - we all may complain for a while, but in the end, we'll pay it. And Disney will continue these price increases until enough of us finally decide they've crossed a line and we stop paying it.
Originally Posted By SuperDry ... and the price increase of the regular tickets is more along the lines of 9%. And, I'd say with all the new stuff coming online June 15, the resort is easily worth 9% more than it was last year. Unlike WDW, DLR has a significant issue with the AP population. Despite the tiered approach of various types of passes having various blackout dates, there is a huge impact on daily attendance based on what the AP base as a whole chooses to do. I would imagine that the relative prices of the passes with respect to each other, and with respect to the regular tickets, was carefully chosen based on certain assumptions of usage patters. As those patters change over time, it's not surprising that the prices change.
Originally Posted By Bellella I am very much aware that it takes a lot of dough to keep the park running perfectly and to pay everyone who works there. But this is ridiculous.
Originally Posted By disneylandfan8 A price increase is expected, but $150 more per year for a PAP is outrageous. That's the problem I have with it.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< $150 more per year for a PAP is outrageous >>> Then don't get the PAP. Especially considering that the regular ticket prices have gone up less than 10%, and that I think they're delivering far more than that in incremental value this year as opposed to last, it's not all doom and gloom. In the interests of transparency, let me state that I just renewed my PAP at the old price, including renewal discount. Furthermore, I'm not a local, so when I visit DLR, my costs are dominated by airfare and lodging, and not turnstile costs. And come next year, it's unlikely that I'll renew my PAP, as it will be cheaper for me to simply buy regular tickets for the days that I'll be there. Having said all of that, I don't think in general that the prices of a PAP, or other APs for that matter, needs to be "affordable." Now that a two-park DLR is soon to be more or less complete, I would like to think that a two-day, non-hopper pass (including any off-season, "locals" discount) is affordable enough that most families that set it as a priority can justify visiting once a year. Beyond that, I'm perfectly fine with Disney pricing the tickets at the price that the market will bear. In particular, I don't see why the price of a PAP can't be increased significantly.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros >>There is a price point where they will price themselves too high. But until they reach it, they will keep pushing.<< For me, they have reached that point. Could I afford it? Probably. Is it worth it for the experience I get in the parks? Not really. Some of the multi-day tickets seem okay(ish), but the one-days are just too much. The APs do have some value, but I often found myself feeling like I *needed* to go to get the value out of it. When I'm focused on going enough to make it "worth it", it's just not fun any more. It seems like these new prices would put me in the same mentality for a lot more levels of the ticket options. Similarly, I could spend over $100 for tickets to a sporting event, concert, theater show, etc., but it's just not worth it to me. There are other way that I can spend my money that will give me more bang for my buck. I could spend that same money to do a different type of leisure activity, and it would seem a lot more fulfilling to me. Lucky for Disney, I'm moving out of the area, so it's a non-issue for them. I'm coming back over Labor Day weekend for the Half Marathon; we'll see how badly I feel the need to get in the parks then!
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< Similarly, I could spend over $100 for tickets to a sporting event, concert, theater show, etc., but it's just not worth it to me. There are other way that I can spend my money that will give me more bang for my buck. I could spend that same money to do a different type of leisure activity, and it would seem a lot more fulfilling to me. >>> That, in a nutshell, is precisely the situation that Disney finds itself in with respect to pricing. Each person/family will have their own judgement to make when it comes to what each potential leisure activity is worth and how they spend their money. The people in charge of DLR need to figure out how to maximize profit, operating within the environment of the overall economy, other options available to people, and the future.
Originally Posted By CDF2 <<< Similarly, I could spend over $100 for tickets to a sporting event, concert, theater show, etc., but it's just not worth it to me. There are other way that I can spend my money that will give me more bang for my buck. I could spend that same money to do a different type of leisure activity, and it would seem a lot more fulfilling to me. >>> Exactly - people have only so much money to spend on leasure activities and they must choose how they want to spend that money. Disney is aware that a certain number of AP holders will either shift from a PAP to a lesser option or give up their APs altogether but won't that help make the parks easier to run and maintain this summer when DCA will be expecting increases in attendance due to its new Carsland attractions and Disneyland will have a few improvements like Star Tours II (that many guests have not experienced yet) or the new Matterhorn refurb? DLR folks pretty much know what they are doing with these price changes, who it will effect and what the impact of these changes will be on the AP holder population. Disney still is offering SoCal residents a two-day one-park each day ticket for only $99 good up through June 8 - so they know that after June 15th with the new Matterhorn and Carsland they will get heightened local interest so why not get full price from locals over a summer with these new draws?
Originally Posted By Pollyana We have cut down our visits and are no longer APers....too much money! It is ok and maybe more special to visit Disneyland once a year. We will see just how badly I need a Disney fix!
Originally Posted By FerretAfros >>...and Disneyland will have a few improvements like...the new Matterhorn refurb?<< I've been away from the boards for a couple weeks, but everybody keeps talking about this like it's something huge. Other than the new cars, is there really going to be any huge difference to the ride experience? Yes, they painted the mountain and did a lot of work to the station area, but it's the same basic attraction, right? Or did they announce that this refurb is more along the lines of Star Tours 2, Pirates 2006, Matterhorn 1978, etc? While it's great that they're putting some love into the attraction (even if it requires being closed for several months), from what I've heard it really doesn't significantly enhance the experience. Yes, it's expensive and difficult to do, but I'm not sure that a paint job on a single attraction justifies a price increase for the entire park. They've been doing refurbs of varying lengths (including long ones on the Matterhorn) for years; I don't see why this one is suddenly being included in the recent improvements to the park. Unless, of course, I missed something while I was away
Originally Posted By fkurucz >>For me, they have reached that point.<< Me too. I'm known in my social circles as the Disneyland nut. When people learn that I haven't been back since 2008, they ask why. "The Price." I tell them. I like going to DLR (and WDW). But I just can't justify spending that kind of money on a theme park vacation. It was already pricey before. And it's not just the ticket prices. From what I have observed, off property hotels have gone up, meal prices have gone up, etc. Sure, we could stay at the Motel 6 and eat take out pizza for dinner to keep the cost down, but that's not any fun. And going the way were are accustomed to is just too expensive. So we will spend our money elsewhere.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt "I don't see why this one is suddenly being included in the recent improvements to the park. Unless, of course, I missed something while I was away." I guess if you one of those people who goes to DL once every few weeks new bobsleds might be a big deal to you. I read an article somewhere about a local couple who visits Disneyland every day.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan >>But I just can't justify spending that kind of money on a theme park vacation.<< That's where I'm at, too. It's been three years since I've been to DLR, and nothing planned on the horizon. People know I'm a Disney nut, and are surprised that my regular pilgrimages have ceased. I just can't justify spending that much money anymore, time for me to explore other destinations. Millions of people disagree, and the parks are more crowded than ever.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt I'm in the same boat. This summer will be my first trip in almost four years, and it will likely be another four before I return. I can't even remember the last time I went to WDW.
Originally Posted By Schmitty Good Vibes >>>According to the terms and conditions on the Disneyland website when buying a new AP, it expires 1 year from the date of your first entry into DL. I also confirmed this via online chat with a Disney customer service rep.<<< If so, this is a change in policy. My PAP expires in August and I never used it until last October, so I lost out on 2 months.
Originally Posted By TomSawyer I'm with you, Kar2oonMan. We went in March only because my wife had a conference near by and the hotel and flight were paid for. We have vague plans to go back in a couple of years, but when I think about the crowds it just isn't that attractive of a destination. I'd rather pay the same money and take my kid to Kauai for a week.
Originally Posted By Bellella My trips to D-land are most likely going to decrease after this hike. (Breaks my heart.) I have never bought a park-hopper or an annual pass, and now I never will.
Originally Posted By berol Admission for going once a month for a year $1044 single-day adult tickets $649 PAP (38% less) $469 DAP (55%) $329 SoCal AP (68%) $269 SoCal Select AP (74%) If there is any greed over AP's, the finger isn't pointing at Disney. Disneyland admission has always been a bargain until perhaps now. "How dare they not give us a bargain anymore" isn't anything I'll ever say. My last AP expired 3 or 4 years ago. I got a 5-day pass last year which was my only visit in the meantime. I'll mostly get 1-day tickets from here unless family is along. It was a great ride while it lasted all thanks to Disney's bargain admission prices.
Originally Posted By TomSawyer Good perspective, berol. On this and other boards I've seen people commenting on going several times per month and even $650 seems like a fair discount. If it helps to decrease the number of people in the park while maintaining or increasing in-park spending all the better.
Originally Posted By bravebrother Im glad I picked up my 6 day park hopper a few weegs ago.... seems they arent selling them anymore....
