Actually I could name many businesses and products for which profits and markups are extremely more percentage wise and dollar wise, than those things you think you are being "gouged" for.

But I won't, because it will make no difference to those who have this Disney hate thing going on. Nor to those who don't understand the economics of products and services.

If you think profit gouging is obscene, you certainly would never wear jewelry or use a lightening fixture.

You can do Disney a lot cheaper. Just like you can do European cities cheaper if you opt for a smaller room, or one that is not in the city center.

We did Disney about 10 years ago with our 12 & 14 year old sons. We rented a house and a car (split with my sister)- $550 per family total. Each couple had their own bedroom and bath. Each couples kids had their own bedroom and shared the kids bathroom. We had out own kitchen, washer and dryer and a pool right outside the sliding doors to the living room.

It's not for everyone, but it was half the cost of a Disney hotel. The house was brand new and beautiful. It took about 10-15 minutes to drive to any of the parks - other than Universal.

We shopped for groceries when we got there and were home for dinner every night. Everyone had a bag that held their tickets, snacks and water. We ate only lunch at the parks and saved a ton.

I didn't think this was a sacrifice. Frankly, after a day at a park it was nice to come back to our own place. The kids would go swimming and we could relax and spread out. We could get away from the crowds and rejuvinate.

None of the kids complained - they were at Disney!

We also researched - as an above poster mentioned and went at a less busy time. The kids got to do and see everything the wanted with quite a few bonuses thrown in.

I also bought the tickets ahead of time through AAA.

Our airline tickets totaled less than $900.00 for the 4 of us. So now we're up to $1450.00 for 4 flights and 7 nights lodging for 4 adults. It was not our most expensive vacation.

The boys still talk about that trip. They call it their best vacation ever.

And to me that's priceless!

Personally I've always found WDW to be a reasonably priced vacation. I research, find the discounts, limit souvenier spending all to keep to a budget. Last year this family of 4 (including a teenager who was charged adult prices) went to WDW in Aug(low season) on a package that included airfare, 5 nights at a moderate WDW hotel, park passes, and meals/snacks (all at WDW restaurants) - for about $2500. Rental car and other expenses put us at about $2900.

There is no way I can get my family to Europe for that kind of money. Or if there is someone please tell me how because I'd love to go. Now, I'm not comparing a European experience with WDW - certainly Europe would be worth the money but when you are on a budget you have to make choices.

Well, karens, I guess we need to define "gouging," and I don't think Disney meets the definition.

Gouging takes place when people have no other choice but to purchase the product or service (ex.: gasoline, home heating oil, or water during an emergency).

I hardly think anyone is forced to go to WDW or pay the prices. It's really pretty simple: Don't like the prices? Don't go. And I just don't get this "I hate Disney because it's fake (and successful)" mentality. Of course it's fake. So are movies. So is Olive Garden.

And I'm not criticizing the OP. Seems like he/she was just making a simple observation that in many ways was informative to potential travelers.

Karens, where did I get the idea that you think Disney should be a charity? Easy. You said, they don't raise prices because they "need to". Of course, not. I repeat, good business is charging what the public will pay. Do you want to tell all the Disney stockholders that they shouldn't be allowed to make money on the stock? Obviously you don't like Disney. Fine, for you it is NOT good value, and you'd be silly to pay those prices for something you don't appreciate. But thousands -- no, make that millions DO appreciate it and are willing to pay those prices.
I know people who pay $1000 or far more for superbowl tickets --a game you can see for free on TV. To me, that's really price gouging -- but hey, it's big business. If people didn't want to pay that, they wouldn't charge that. Get over the idea that businesses should just make the minimal profit. No GOOD business whill charge less for their product than they can because they don't want to make MORE money. What a silly idea.

I also know people who compain about the high cost of movies. They complain bitterly because a ticket is maybe $11 or $12. But then they walk up to the refreshment stand and pay $6 for a tub of popcorn and $6 for a jumbo drink. Hey, should the theatre only charge 35 cents for the popcorn because that's all they "need to"? They'd be idiots to do that, while people line up willing to spend the current prices for the product.

JJ5 has it right. It's really pointless to argue this, because those who hate Disney are convinced it isn't worth it to them -- and that's fine. But please don't suggest that a business shouldn't charge what the public is willing to pay because they don't "need to".

The thing that kills me about Disney is that by paying their hyperinflated prices, you are essentially helping pay salaries for talentless hacks like Tim Allen to keep making his stupid Disney movies, and Regis and Kelly who get paid obscene amounts of money to yammer on about nothing, etc. My kid's only exposure to Disney has been some Baby Einstein videos and a black market DVD of Song of the South (SHHHHH), so he doesn't ask to go. He doesn't even know there is a Disney World.

For perhaps the very first time, I must agreee with jorr.
M

In 50+ years of travel I've visited hundreds of destinations, some have been inexpensive, some have been mid-priced and others have been pricy (so much so that they stretched my budget). In that same time period I looked into visiting hundreds of other places that for one reason or other (mainly budget considerations) I decided not to visit. In each instance the choice was mine. In that same vein no one is forcing anyone to visit WDW. While WDW is a popular destination it is by no means a "required" vacation spot and no one should think they have to take their family there.

The cost for visiting WDW is set by market conditions (Economic 101 - basic supply and demand) and it is either with your budget or it isn't. WDW is a theme park not an entitlement. Simple, really!

Having been to a number of conferences there, & essentially 'trapped' on the property, I was mad paying prices for things that I wasn't even paying for...One morning my breakfast cost $25 because the characters were wandering around, & that was my only option at my hotel. You'll never see me willingly go to Disney, I take my kids to Europe where they can learn something...

jorr - that's why we rented a house. We only paid Disney prices while at the parks - 8-6. The rest of the time, not.

Like many others, I figure that Disneyworld can charge whatever people are willing to pay. I wouldn't choose it for my vacation, but if others do, then it is their choice and their money. If it is too expensive, then don't go. Or come out to California and go to the original within the context of a larger vacation. Disneyland is not exactly cheap, but from what I understand, by virtue of its proximity to plenty of other things, you don't get the same "trapped" atmosphere you get at Disneyworld so it is easy to keep the spending reasonable.

Mikemo, You actually agree with me for the first time. I must be onto something. History has been made on Fodors! I'm freaking out.

angethereader, good idea.

Patrick, calm down.

I will be the first to admit I don't see the attraction for 'theme parks' in general anyway...I have a co-worker who is a major Disney freak, we made a little wager regarding costs. Roughly speaking - you could spend a long weekend @ Disney or a week in Europe for the same $$$.

I don't think it's OK for ski resorts to be expensive, I just don't see the comparision b/w skiing and a Disney theme park. They are totally different kinds of vacations. I would not choose to ski at Vail b/c of the inflated prices - we go to Utah.

Of course people have different values on how to spend their money. I'm not judging people on that - I'm sure people judge my travel budget. Who cares? No where did I say that people who pay to go to Disney are wasting their money. I do feel like *I* am not spending my vacation wisely at Disney.

My comment about the "needing to" charge money was based on the poster somewhere in here who said

"I imagine that Disney needs to charge so money to keep going."

I disagree that Disney is charging such high prices b/c that is what they "need" to just to operate. That is where my comments originated.

Patrick, I wont' respond anymore to your comments, b/c NO WHERE did I say businesses should only charge minimal profits. I do not believe that, and no where did I say that. You are way overreacting to what I said.

C'mon now, karens. You did say Disney was "gouging." Fess up.

Uh, j9, what's your point?

Yes, I did say gouging, it's in my reply. I use the term to mean charging over-inflated prices. That's my opinion on Disney's prices. Some people agree, like I said, some people think Disney is a good vacation value.

If I am not using gouging in the strict, dictionary term (I have not looked it up), I stand corrected. In that case I confess I have not used the word gouging in its proper, legal form.

Sigh.

>>Patrick, I wont' respond anymore to your comments....You are way overreacting to what I said.<<

Who's the one overreacting here? ;;)

Karens, I remember back in 1975 Vail Charged $8 for an all day ski pass!!!!
In recent years I too have skied in Utah. Park City and Sundance. Sundance is beautiful and the last time I was there was on a Sunday and only $35 for all day. We had a fantastic time.

Just remember the next time you come to Florida, "Walking on the beach is still free." There are no lines and if you go to Hallover Beach in Miami, "You won't have any tan lines, either."

As DVC members we go once, maybe twice, a year. Our room is paid for and all we need to budget for is food and gifts. I think we average $1200 per trip. We grocery shop so we can eat a full breakfast in our room daily and 3-4 full dinners. That alone will save you a bundle. I have told many people that you cannot go to WDW on a budget. That is not the place to worry about saving money. Yes, you can cut corners on your accomodations but you will pay for it when you have to eat out every meal.

Yes, we saved on eating breakfast at our motor inn, and only one meal on WDW property a day. It's tricky but can be done. Remember, sharing entree's, appetizers, big bowls of soup, etc. And power/ snack bars, fruit leathers, etc.

You know what really has me concerned? Dreamgirls. They are doing one showing per day for a week prior to the actual opening of the movie, and charging $25 per ticket. I have begged everyone I know NOT to do this. If the studio execs see that there is a market for this, then every single blockbuster that comes out is going to start doing the same thing. Next thing you know, $25 will be the standard price of a ticket for mainstream.

bugswife, I can see that there would be a market for this with one of the big franchises, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, superhero (Superman, Batman, Aquaman, etc), Harry Potter etc but I don't think too many people will be flocking to the theater to see Dreamgirls early.

Especially with the divalike bitchy attitude of Beyonce because she isn't getting all the kudos. It is going to the unknown former American Idol contestant.

Forgot to add, also because there are so many really good movies out right now.

Didn't Walt Disney intend to keep the prices modest so that a family could afford the trip to WDW?

In fact, I believe that he kept a watchful eye on expenses so that he could pass the savings to families. He wasn't running a charity. But, it made good business sense to provide a solid vacation value for prospective visitors.

Maybe, WDW has been overcharging visitors because the enterprise has been mismanaged lately. I have also read reports where maintenance has been rather sloppy in the park.

Disney does not stop you from bringing in your own snacks, food, and drink. Last year, my family members each carried a small backpack with food & a water bottle inside. Even when they search your bags as you go in, they don't mind if you bring these things in. This was probably a big money saver for us although the main reason we did it was to save time from having to stand in food lines.

Flying Maltese, I remember the early days of Disney World, when you paid to get in, but mainly had to buy various tickets for everything you did. I seemed to only like the E ticket (most expensive) attractions, and the prices really added up. I wouldn't swear to it that I did, but it was possible to spend more that way than a full day ticket costs today. When the only two hotel options at Disney World were the Contemporary and the Polynesian, I thought they were the most expensive hotels in the world. Clearly they weren't, but considering the rate of inflation, I wouldn't say they are any more expensive now than they were then.

Conversely, NeoPatrick, in 2006 those neighborhood "rides" carnival venues with little that resembles anything Disney quality ride-wise or show-wise, do the same thing to you today. They do a "per ride" thing or else bracelets for a certain amount of time. It becomes SO expensive.

But regardless of expense, and I have heard the same thing about MLB games, the options are there to do it with an entire family. I don't buy my lunch outside/restaurant food on workdays either, I bring it etc.

No one needs to go to Disney or is forced to go. I don't understand the vitriol over even mentioning the name.
And some of the same will be knee deep in commercialism in every other aspect of their lives re entertainment.

National parks are wonderful, overseas is wonderful, but still some of the best 1 on 1 memories I have with my pre-teen kid and grown kids, happen to be Disney ones. That sight of an Electric Light Parade coming at him with Prince Charming giving him a salute- I still remember the look in his eyes.

Patrick, I remember the ticket books at Disney, Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, etc.

All the good rides (Space Mountain, Matterhorn) were E-Ticket Rides.

Disney has E-Ticket nights during the summer where guests staying on site can purchase a bracelet for $15 in addition to the regular park fee. The Magic Kingdom stays open until 1AM or something and only keeps the "E-Ticket" Rides open.

It is limited to the first 5,000 people or something like that.

bugswife -
Curious what you think of "premium" seats at Broadway shows. As a pretty regular theater goer, it always ticks me off that the best seats in the house are now priced ridiculously out of my price range. I wonder who it is that is buying these seats and suspect it is tourists willing to pay more than top dollar for what they see as a once in a lifetime experience, or corporate customers giving away the tix to their best clients. Of course the producers have the right to price the seats as they see fit. As has been stated in so many of the posts above - let the free market prevail. It just doesn't make it any easier to swallow for loyal customers like me sitting off center or in the upper mezz.!

What really ticks me off about those premium seats (which I think started with The Producers?) is that originally it was maybe one or two rows in the center of the orchestra. Now they seem to be holding back half the center of the orchestra for "premium". Meanwhile, the vast majority of every Broadway house is all the same price otherwise. You have to get way back in the mezzanine or balcony to find cheaper seats -- and even the back row or extreme sides of the orchestra are still top price.

I still remember years ago, however, at the Marquis theatre for Me and My Girl, when you could only get "best available" by phone and had no way of knowing what seats you had until you got the actual tickets. We had the most expensive seats and I was shocked to find our seats in the very back row of the top of the balcony! I told an usher there must be a mistake, and she informed me that because they were in the middle of that row, they were still top price tickets. Wish I could have seen the show for the price we paid!

I think the whole premium seat thing at the theater is disgusting. Maybe if they wanted to limit that to Saturday night performances or something it would be a good compromise. Or make the seats a premium SIZE. As it stands now, it is pretty insulting to call in at 10 AM on the day they go on sale and find out that no matter what date you want, the closest seat you are going to get for under $250 is row H on the side. Pissing me off every week (and we do theater 3 times per week on average). Our only saving grace is that as NY'ers, we can get subscriptions to so much off-broadway, that I could actually care less about all of these broadway revivals. I will not be running to spend $110 on yet another production of Les Mis, I can guarantee that.

Aw, comeone, bugswife, tell us how you REALLY feel.

LOL. I couldn't agree more!

But I'm really trying to figure out how I can get to NYC before March to see Kristen Chenowith do The Apple Tree -- perhaps one of my favorite musicals of all time, and one of my favorite performers. Damn the expense of tickets, if I could just get there!

We live in Dallas and I'm constantly on the lookout for decent community and high school productions of musicals to which I can take my family. Otherwise, the price is nuts....this summer we paid $85 per person ($425 for our family of 5) to see a traveling production of Mama Mia. (Our son wanted to see it really badly.) $85 a ticket for a just-fine-but-not-Broadway-quality-production that lasts 2 hours or so makes the cost of Disney tickets look pretty good.

The price of any type of entertainment (theme parks, water parks, major league sports, theater, etc.) while getting more and more outrageous has almost always been high compared to the average person's disposable income. The difficulty comes from our short memories as we to compare yesterday's prices in terms of today's dollars. When my kids were small it might cost me $100 to take the family of 4 to a major league baseball game (tickets, snacks, parking, souveniers, etc.). Sounds fairly reasonable until you remember that at the time my take home pay was only about $200 a week. Forget about taking a big vacation, it just didn't happen for us unless the gradnparents gave us a big gift.

I appreciate all your replies to my original post.
Most of us do agree that Disney is
too expensive. I expect to pay a premium at some vacation spots. But frankly Disney has gone way overboard
with there prices.
Maybe we should all boycott and not eat in the parks until the prices become more reasonable.
Also, I for one do not wish to food shop and cook on vacation. I can stay home and do that.

as, I guess what I don't get is that you say you've been going there for 10 years and the thing you seem most to be upset about is that it is "getting too expensive". Yet the costs have escalated far, far less than many things -- gasoline for one example, or most food products generally. If I'm not mistaken a vending machine at Disney is the first place I ever used a dollar bill (many years ago). I remember being shocked at the time that a soft drink could cost a dollar when it was something like 50 or 60 cents everywhere else. Sure their costs have gone up, but they were always high. When did you wake up to that fact?

Meanwhile, while their ticket prices have increased by something like 10% in the last few years, they offer more than 10% more attractions for that price -- so I think it's kind of hard to complain about that. The movie prices at our local cinema have gone up nearly 30% in just three years!!!

When you stop to consider how much it costs to take a family to the movies these days Disney doesnt seem that bad to me. The caliber of entertainment you get at the parks has risen with the price of tickets. Yes it used to be much cheaper but I dont find it to that bad. Even if you spend $100.00 a day per person at the park and average say 10 hours at the park its only $10.00 per hour. Compare that with a Broadway show which is over $40 dollars an hour. It doesnt seem so bad to me.

lol Patrick two movie comparisons at the same time....either great minds think alike or small minds dont run in small circles. =)

I thought about this last night. I haven't been to Disney for about 4 years now. But hearing from others what they have experienced, always something new, well just in comparison to the Sports events I go to- I just think it is priced almost exactly right at this time for what you receive and how long/many hours you can enjoy it.

Although, I have always gone in non-crowded times, and I haven't really factored into the mix of time wasted during those very crowded periods.

And ironically last night I happen to hit a program on tv while decorating. It was WDW with Samatha Brown at Christmas. 600,000 poinsettias at Christmas, guys. Planted, framed, hung in soil, entwined into the prime landscaping etc. And 28 full time workers just to Christmas decorate and garden while the park is closed at night. She highlighted at least 30 new Christmas related activities or show features alone. And the beauty of the gardening etc. Real flowers, real live greenery and 100s of very non-fake features. The underground tour, well it was worth seeing on tv. Yes- seeing the Christmas trees of the nations at our Mus. of Sc. & Ind. in Chicago can be an entrance fee. Here you are getting them while you walk. You are seeing something there everywhere you look actually that is an American experience and demonstration of art, in other words.

The quality is just so high is some aspects compared to what you pay for a few hours in other venues for less.