Ticket Price Increase [Merged Threads]

[DisneyAndRedSox]

In 2006 and 2007 the ticket prices went up on the first Sunday in August. Has anyone heard anything yet about any 2008 increase?


PolyGirl 40; UPDATED TO ADD: Ticket prices went up today, Sunday August 3rd. You can check the theme park tab shortly for the changes. This includes Annual Passes.

[scoot241]

Haven't heard anything, but with all the cutbacks they've been announcing, I wonder if they're not going to raise them. Probably just wishful thinking though.

[Daisy'sMom]

Hope not!:mickey:

[Young@Heart]

I'd be surprised if they didn't go up. :( Everything is going up, and everything is getting 'cut back'.

[Mousemates]

Not sure, but August (and February sometimes) seem to be months when ticket hikes happen.

[chrisb26]

I really hope they wouldn't do this. But I dont think it would be the smartest thing if they did.

They are cutting back on so much that people love to do and then if they were to raise more prices would it really make people to want to keep going as much?

[tundramom]

hhhmmm.....not taking any chances. We went and got our parkhoppers today at the Disney store for Oct..

[Ed]

Big article in today's Orlando Sentinel about the area's tourism gurus being worried about the possible effects of the economy on local tourism, which, of course, is this area's lifeblood. I suspect WDW will consider long and hard before upping admission prices, although it really won't surprise me if they do.

Some time ago, we had a little extra $$$, so we bought several 10-day Park Hoppers with the no-expiration option. Since we did that, there have been three increases, so we're gradually recouping some of the cost. And so far, we haven't used even one day on them. Kinda like a "savings account"....

[Speedy1998]

Tough call, I am sure Disney is being hurt by fuel cost just like everyone else, but they are also worried about falling attendance.

My guess is that the ticket prices will go up, (if not now, before the end of the year), but that if attendance drops off, the hotel/package rates will go down.

[brad817]

How much have the prices gone up in previous years?

We're planning a long weekend in December, but I haven't booked anything yet.

[Flower]

I just received a newsletter indicating there is a strong rumor that ticket prices ARE going up August 3rd.

[tys_mommy]

I just received a newsletter indicating there is a strong rumor that ticket prices ARE going up August 3rd.

I got the same one.

[Crow]

I got the same one.

so did I
my AP expires in Sept...not really planning on renewing since I might take a WDW break for a bit. I will have a 1 day pass to save, as I had to get 1 for the free dining in Sept. guess I will have to put my Key to the World card somewhere safe when i get back, as the 1 day will be tied in to that.
Maybe all the cutbacks are instead of raising ticket prices.....naw.
Now an interesting study might be to guess what prices may be in future years. Which would affect my decision to return to WDW sometime in the future.

[shadowden]

...my guess is they will raise individual park admission prices, but offset it with reduced or no increases when bought at part of a package deal.

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Room rates have to be out by the 2nd week in August.
2) This is so DRC can start to sell 2009 packages.
. . . room rates
. . . dining plan rates
. . . dining rates for prepaid meals (CRT, etc)
. . . cirque prices
. . . ticket prices
3) Typically ticket increases are also made at that time.
4) However, there is precedent for ticket increase at other times.

[NJGIRL]

I just called my local Disney store and he said that he is pretty sure that they will go up on Sunday. He also said that they usually get about two days notice when this happens so he told me to call back on Friday and that he would know for sure by then.

[RedSoxFan]

I got a newsletter too that prices are going up on August 3rd.

[Dsnygirl]

Does this affect those of us who already booked a package, but may change the package when the specials come out in August?

We are going in December and have a package set, but are hoping for some good specials to drop the rates a bit.

If the new ticket prices go into effect before the specials are announced, could it change things for those of us who are already booked? :(

[Polynesian Dweller]

Does this affect those of us who already booked a package, but may change the package when the specials come out in August?

We are going in December and have a package set, but are hoping for some good specials to drop the rates a bit.

If the new ticket prices go into effect before the specials are announced, could it change things for those of us who are already booked? :(
It never affects a currently booked trip. Every year the prices go up after we've booked and we've never been charged extra.

However, it can affect specials. The specials will be based on the new pricing scheme. So the specials will be reductions on the new scheme so may or may not be a deal on your current package. But then, your current package is already a savings on the new prices so you are starting out ahead anyway.

[Tekneek]

Disney is under pressure to keep making bigger profits. Since they usually beat Wall Street expectations, it is now disappointing to some analysts if Disney doesn't beat those profit targets by increasing margins each time. I had hoped that Iger would be about long term vision and less about beancounting and pleasing Wall Street analysts. Ho hum. Same old thing happening at the Disney company, IMO.

I expect rates to increase. I also expect Disney to not admit it will have a negative effect on attendance, even if it clearly appears to.

[Daddy Mouse]

I would expect a slight increase in there tier costs of going to the parks, but not an increase in a single day admission. Disney also has rising costs especially fuel. I wonder if thet are going to change over from fuel to som other form of energy for transportation.

[TINKERBELL_82]

Shucks. Now I'm wondering if I should just renew our APs now. I was going to renew them in August. :confused:

[I take the Ferry]

Funny, it's like deja-vu all over again, again...

See, our AP anniversary is 9/6. I was expecting a renewal letter by now. Just like I was last year.

Last year, literally the day after the price increase, I got our renewal letter. With the new prices, of course.

I expect nothing less this year.

We will not be renewing this year, tightening the old financial belt. We were considering the issue, but after hearing about price increases, it's a done deal.

I think they're going to keep raising prices until they see a large drop in numbers. Fortunately and unfortunately, I think this year will be the year when they see that drop.

Geez, gonna have to change my sig. *sigh*

K, Slater!
I take the Ferry!

[Terk24]

Renew your passes before Sunday and you get this years prices. It doesn't matter when your renew date is, you can always buy in advance. You will also keep youe same AP renewal month/date. We just bought two and they don't expire until Feb. '09

[Maleficent's Dad]

I just posted in the DVC Forum - the price increase *appears* to be imminent as the increased DVC price is already on the official website.

[NJGIRL]

I was told today by the Disney Store that tickets prices are going up on Aug 6th. They just got in their new displays and tickets. If you need tickets get them this weekend!

The ticket prices at the actual parks ARE going up on Sunday!

[disneymom15]

Thanks for the heads up.

[r4kids]

Do you know what they are going up to?

[NJGIRL]

You could call your local Disney store for the increases because it depends on how many days and what kind of tickets you are buying. If I waited until after the increase to get tickets for my family it would be an extra $50.

[Catzle]

How much are they going up? Wondering whether to buy now or not. If it's only a few dollars than not a big deal.

[Maleficent's Dad]

How much are they going up? Wondering whether to buy now or not. If it's only a few dollars than not a big deal.
I only know the new DVC price; the average increase in price is about $20 per AP.

[KAJUNKING]

read the same thing on touring plans web site in the news section

[MadisonvilleMouse239]

If I book our trip tomorrow (Aug 2nd) would I still receive the current ticket price? We are going in May 2009

[DizneyRox]

According to another thread, the AP rate for DVC will be $368, which I think means the new price is $468. Not a huge increase really, however, this too will hit attendence levels believe.

[Maleficent's Dad]

The Orlando Sentinel is now reporting the increase. :noway:


Get ready to pay more cheese to see the mouse with price increase at Disney World

Scott Powers | Sentinel Staff Writer
5:42 PM EDT, August 1, 2008

A basic theme-park ticket at Walt Disney World will cost an added $4 a person starting Sunday.

Disney announced increased ticket prices Friday afternoon that push the cost up 5.6 percent to $75 for the basic one-park, one-day ticket for adults and children age 10 or older. The old price, $71, is still in effect today. The price of a basic ticket for children ages 3-9 will rise Sunday to $63, up 5 percent from $60.

Disney also raised the price of its "Magic Your Way" multiday-ticket packages, by 3 percent to 8 percent. The top deal, a 10-day adult Magic Your Way ticket, now costs $237, or $23.70 a day, up 5.3 percent. The Park Hopper add-on, which allows ticket holders to move among any of Disney's parks, will cost $50 for up to 10 days, a $5 increase. The Water Park Fun & More add-on option remains $50.

Florida residents may buy advance tickets from participating agencies, by phone or over the Internet, starting at $67.50 for one day. That also reflects a 5.6 percent increase from the current base price.

The price increases were no surprise to Dennis Speigel, president of International Theme Park Services, who said Walt Disney Co. executives had indicated the parks were doing well despite the soft economy. The $75 mark is a bit of a consumer milestone, he noted. And it might be hard to leave it behind, he added.

"The difference between $74, $73, $75 -- there's not that much difference. Once you reach that level, you might as well go to $75," Speigel said. "But I think that puts their increases away at least for a couple of years."

Central Florida theme parks used to announce price increases near the end of the year or in early January. Disney and Universal Orlando switched to late-summer adjustments in 2006 to meet the publication deadlines for annual, independently produced guidebooks. SeaWorld Orlando and other Busch Entertainment Corp. parks joined the trend this summer, announcing price increases on June 30.

SeaWorld now charges $69.95 for a basic ticket.

Universal has not yet announced a price increase this year, though it and Disney have been in lockstep on ticket prices for several years. Universal's base ticket as of Friday still cost $71.

[pink]

I'm not happy. :mad:

[CleveRocks]

If I book our trip tomorrow (Aug 2nd) would I still receive the current ticket price? We are going in May 2009No.

Disney is smart about all of this. They aren't accepting reservations for PACKAGES until some time later this month. And packages, by definition, include tickets.

Right now, the only reservations they are accepting for 2009 are room-only reservations. You can reserve park tickets as part of a room-only reservation, but you've only reserved them, not ordered them, and thus they will still be subject to any price increases.

So even if you book a trip tomorrow, you won't be insulated from a ticket price increase that might be implemented the day after tomorrow.

Sorry for the bad news, but I'm in the same boat ... about 2 weeks ago, I just booked for February 2009, and I can't yet know what the resort and tickets will cost me.

Not yet.

[DizneyFreak2002]

It doesn't seem like much, but, in fact, it is...

[DestinationWDW]

We went over the 4th for a quick trip and supprised our son for his birthday, we are going again in Oct for a 8 days. I sure am glad we purchased season passes. They now will pay for themselves.:thumbsup:

[doodleboy]

Has anyone heard about ticket prices going up on Sunday August 3rd? Reservation specialist told me AP and Magic Your tickets were going up.

[pooh0601]

There's an article in the Orlando Sentinel...it doesn't mention annual passes though?

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/orl-disney-price-increase-080108,0,286532.story

[doodleboy]

I thought that there would be something here, so I called back to verify because the first reservationist seemed a little flakey. The second told me the same, but was not sure how much they would be going up. Could they both be clueless? I was going to wait to buy my AP's for October, but went ahead and did it tonight.

[doodleboy]

There's an article in the Orlando Sentinel...it doesn't mention annual passes though?

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/orl-disney-price-increase-080108,0,286532.story

I'm not sure what is going on with AP, but I get DVC AP discount and the DVC site lists AP's at $369/adult & $326 child and when I put the tickets in my cart they only charged me $348 & $307 respectively before tax.

[CleveRocks]

The new ticket prices are out, and are effective Sunday.

Park hopping increased from $45 to $50 (an 11.1% increase).

Water Park Fun & More is $50 (unchanged!).

Including tax:

the 10-day base ticket increased from $239.63 to $252.42 (a 5.3% increase)

the 10-day non-expiring ticket increased from $431.33 to $465.41 (a 7.9% increase)

[BMan62]

I'm not sure what is going on with AP, but I get DVC AP discount and the DVC site lists AP's at $369/adult & $326 child and when I put the tickets in my cart they only charged me $348 & $307 respectively before tax.

The new prices don't go into effect until 8/3 - Sunday. You're still getting the 2008 prices.

[Maleficent's Dad]

The Sentinel's article doesn't mention AP prices. The thinking, however, is that the prices are going up this weekend - including AP's.

[Maleficent's Dad]

Do you know what they are going up to?
I posted the article in the News & Rumors forum. The article lists prices.

You can read it here. (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=139189)

[dizknee531]

Any word on annual pass increase??

[CleveRocks]

Including tax, the regular AP went from $477.12 to $499.49, a 4.7% increase.

[Kisobel]

thanks for the info. i wish my salary went up 5-6% a year as well.


kate

[wonderalice23]

Now I'm even more upset. I hold a Premium AP and was upset over the closing of Pleasure Island - basically losing part of my pass. Now the renewal price is being increased as well - without any real substitution/addition. Jeesh - gotta email Disney again.:confused:

[TheRustyScupper]

thanks for the info. i wish my salary went up 5-6% a year as well.


1) So do the hourly CM's at Disney.
2) Of course, Oger's (I mean Iger's) salary rose 7% this year to $27.7 million.

[Dopey's Girl]

I know that Disney is a business and that they need to make money too but very soon (if not now) they are going to price the average family right out of trips. Just getting to FL without having to give up your first born is hard enough without paying 12% more for a ticket just to get in!

I will continue to plan trips, but I think I may be finding things to do outside of the 4 parks!

[ToDisney]

:jaw:AGAIN!!!????
What is this like the 4th time?

[AmandaChan]

I'm assuming it probably has something to do with the rise in gas prices? However everything has to do with the rise in gas prices. I can only imagine how much dough they shell out just to run the Disney transportation. They need to invest in a monorail expansion, perhaps?
:beat:

[kakn7294]

It makes a difference of nearly $88.00 in our AP prices for our trip next week for 3 adults and 1 child. Good thing I already bought them!

[Vito]

They need to invest in a monorail expansion, perhaps?
:beat:

I always felt like Disney had a unique opportunity to design a high tech transportation system that would connect all the resorts and parks. Similar to the monorail, but smaller cars that would hold 10-15 people who were all headed to a particular destination. All the resorts and parks would be connected, and the high-speed vehicles would split off the main track when they arrived at the desired destination.

Think about how the Dinosaur or Toy Story Midway Mania attractions work with the dual track loading station where vehicles are branched onto different tracks.

There are a few places that have experimented with a similar system, but I'm not sure if there are any large-scale systems like that in operation right now.

But really - how cool would it be to request a mini-monorail at your hotel by pressing a button, then ride that vehicle to your selected destination? It would be really something to see these mini-monorails zipping around the entire resort.

The initial investment would have been huge, but the savings long term would probably pay for itself before too long. You'd save on fuel costs and bus maintenance, and while some bus drivers would lose thier jobs, you'd still need cast members to assist people with "calling" the transports and dealing with related guest assistance.

I guess probably the concerns about breakdowns and the chaos that would ensue is what would hold them back from such a system. The buses are independent and if one breaks down, the whole system still works. The monorail (or mini-mono system) is in serious trouble if one breaks down, and if your entire resort is dependant on that type of transportation, you've got mega issues.

[mulderxcoltrane]

They need to invest in a monorail expansion, perhaps?
:beat:


That wouldn't have any affect on ticket/hotel prices would it? :)

[Tekneek]

The issue here is not whether Disney is a profitable enterprise, because it most certainly is and very likely would continue to be without raising prices as much as they do. It is about INCREASING their profits, which is slightly different than the need to be profitable.

[DizneyRox]

The issue here is not whether Disney is a profitable enterprise, because it most certainly is and very likely would continue to be without raising prices as much as they do. It is about INCREASING their profits, which is slightly different than the need to be profitable.

Correct, in business it's NOT as much about being profitable, it's about being MORE profitable than last year. They are looking to show double digit growth year over year. So, 10 milion in profit this year needs to be at least 11 million in profit next year. It's a bad year if you are not as profitable as last year, even if you still make a boat load of money.

So much for the 2-3% ticket increases we used to see.

[Tekneek]

It's a bad year if you are not as profitable as last year, even if you still make a boat load of money.

So much for the 2-3% ticket increases we used to see.

The biggest problem is that it is really unsustainable. No one can guarantee that on a regular basis. Just look at the hilarity of Exxon Mobil posting yet another record profit, but investors being unhappy because this record profit just wasn't as big as they had hoped. To me, this is the dark side of capitalism. A business that can churn out at least 5% profit every single year, which might be sustainable until the end of time, is worth much more to me than one that will eventually crash by shooting for the moon.

[AmandaChan]

The issue here is not whether Disney is a profitable enterprise, because it most certainly is and very likely would continue to be without raising prices as much as they do. It is about INCREASING their profits, which is slightly different than the need to be profitable.

I understand this however I'm sure their expenses have increased within the past year due to rising gas prices and food prices. It's an easy way for them to compensate the effects that recession might have had on the company this year.

[Aero]

Thanks for the heads-up. Just bought our tickets today (pre-increase) for our trip next week. We were going to wait until we got there, so whoever posted the story first saved us a bunch of money (without switching to Geico).

[PittFan]

2009 AP & PAP Prices


Age 10+ / Age 3-9

AP 499.49 / 440.91
renewal 456.89 / 403.64

PAP 637.94 / 562.32
renewal 584.69 / 515.46

[dumbo ears]

I dont think they will raise them this year considering the economy right now

[Tekneek]

I dont think they will raise them this year considering the economy right now

They are going to.

It is already being reported by the news media.

[Dsnygirl]

:whew: I was on the fence as to whether or not I should buy an AP -- I will be in the parks over the next year 19 or 20 days, but really only wanted to spend the extra $$ now if it got me a discounted room rate for December.

But, seeing as after today, the price goes up $22 and I know it will save me on ticket prices for our next two trips regardless, plus the savings on golf, mini-golf and some specialty dining, I just decided to grab it and keep hoping for that discount, and not wait a week only to wish I'd bought it.

Yeah!! :woohoo: I'm an AP holder!!! :clappy:

[Cheloconnell]

I am very sad :(. I went to my local Disney Store this past Friday to buy annual passes for the first time since my family has recently started going so often. I had read all the rumor boards and wanted to save money. I went on to the Disney website today and the annual passes actually went down from $477 to $469. I guess I am stuck. It really isn't that much of a difference, but I drove 40 minutes to get them. Oh well.....lesson learned...

[Cheloconnell]

Now that I am a passholder for the first time, I have a question for anyone that may know historical information out there. I am trying to plan my trips for 2009. We are taking the kids in October 08 and my husband and I are going to celebrate our 10 year in December 08 without the kids. I am really anxious to get a discount on room rates. Like many things Disney, there seems to be predictable times in the year for everything. Does anyone know the timeframes around when annual passholders actually are offered special room rates? Is it a seasonal thing (once a season rooms are released)? How much lead time do they give? If I booked trips now and then an annual passholder discount is released on the room, can I get the difference back from the regular rate to the discounted rate? Any assistance for a newcomer would be greatly appreciated :mickey:

[Scar]

Any assistance for a newcomer would be greatly appreciated :mickey:The only assistance I can offer is that you should post this question in the "Accommodations" forum.

You should get better responses there.

[Cheloconnell]

Thank you - I will try that.

[mel]

I thtink Disney needs to wise up about raising theme park tickets. Many times I feel these guys are "out of touch" with those of us that do not make a million a year..." we went to disney this year... but maybe somewhere else next year.. its getting way too pricey...

[CaptainSad]

I said it once and I will say it again. Disney in the ten years will be only for the rich. Lower class are already out. Middle class is getting there. I think this is a huge mistake on Disney's part. I am getting close to where they won't see me again. Airline tickets are going up. Gas is going up. What other options are there to get there? Walking and Biking are out of the question for me.

[Beast_fanatic]

I am very sad :(. I went to my local Disney Store this past Friday to buy annual passes for the first time since my family has recently started going so often. I had read all the rumor boards and wanted to save money. I went on to the Disney website today and the annual passes actually went down from $477 to $469. I guess I am stuck. It really isn't that much of a difference, but I drove 40 minutes to get them. Oh well.....lesson learned...

Don't despair! You still saved. :thumbsup: The $477 price was the pass including tax. The $469 price on the Disney web-site is the pass not including tax. Tax isn't included until you get to check out. The new price including tax is over $499, so you save a bit more than $22 (per annual pass) by buying them in advance.


Now that I am a passholder for the first time, I have a question for anyone that may know historical information out there. I am trying to plan my trips for 2009. We are taking the kids in October 08 and my husband and I are going to celebrate our 10 year in December 08 without the kids. I am really anxious to get a discount on room rates. Like many things Disney, there seems to be predictable times in the year for everything. Does anyone know the timeframes around when annual passholders actually are offered special room rates? Is it a seasonal thing (once a season rooms are released)? How much lead time do they give? If I booked trips now and then an annual passholder discount is released on the room, can I get the difference back from the regular rate to the discounted rate? Any assistance for a newcomer would be greatly appreciated

We do keep a historical record of discounts (http://www.intercot.com/infocentral/discounts/historicdiscounts.asp) released in info central, but there's no guarantee that Disney will offer annual passholder discounts at any given time.

[JRocker]

I'm really quite disappointed that Disney chose to raise the ticket prices this year. It seems that in a year where the middle class on down keeps getting punched in the gut, there is always a new participant standing in line to throw another one.

Am I surprised that they did it....no. Disney is a public company, making them vulnerable to the shareholders. The shareholders ask that, no, they demand that a companies profits are not merely good. The shareholder demands that a companies' profits are better than they were a year ago. Regardless of economy, etc. If the company isn't doing substantially better than they were a year ago, they open themselves up for takeover.

Disney has been playing the shareholder game for years, and they know the dangers of not playing the game right. You know they didn't just pull a number out of their hat and raise the ticket prices by that much. They did research and determined what the market could bear. Regardless of how this increase affects you and I personally, you can rest assured that the overall market can bear this increase.

As for me, I'll just have to grin and bear it. Come Ursula or high water I am going to be at Fort Wilderness next summer!!

[starflyer59]

Disney is quickly pricing alot of families out of going to Disney. I have been trying to put together a quick 2 day trip and all the prices we are getting back from Disney is between $575 to over $2000 for two nights, two 2 day tickets and the meal plan.

I can't justify that kind of money anymore.

i am having a hard enough time buying groceries and putting gas in the car.

Thanks alot Disney for killing the magic and forcing the little guy out.

[WTDing]

Come on people. You can't look at this like well it used to be $45 a day for a one park ticket and now it $75. They raised the price $4. That's a gallon of gas.

Also going to Disney is a luxury. Many of you are acting like they are taking food off your plates. If you can't afford it don't go. I know this sounds harsh but we decide to go to WDW and pay the prices they aren't forcing us to.

I venture that next year despite the economy and the price increases Disney will see theme park attendance grow.

By the way show me one entertainment venue that is successful (by this I mean filling the seats) that is not raising prices. Price increaes are just a fact of life in our society.

[Tekneek]

Thanks alot Disney for killing the magic and forcing the little guy out.

I was always under the impression that Disney was headed in this direction since Eisner moved in. The only reason many of us were able to get in earlier this decade was because of the 9/11 fallout and the long time it took them to rebound. They were offering me deals to stay at Value Resorts for as little as $40 a night at times up to 2005. Now they have been able to resume their quest for making it a playground for the affluent. I'm not getting into whether this is right or wrong, but it simply appears to be the case.

In 1982, you could get a one-day ticket to MK or Epcot for $15. Adjusted for inflation, that is only $33.81 in 2007 dollars. Why have one-day tickets at WDW increased at nearly twice the rate of inflation over the years? While park attendance has surely increased tremendously... It's no wonder that the parks are profitable. They **** well ought to be, given the inflation of ticket prices.

[WTDing]

Supply and Demand. They can only charge what the market will bear.

If I had my own business I would want to make the largest profit possible while sustaining my sales. If I charge too much my sales will decline and I'll need to rethink the pricing structure. But if they don't I'll be making more money.

I recently saw a thread on another DIScussion forum and it was about how affordable a WDW vacation is compared to other venues ( in many cases local). You still get more bang for your buck at Disney than you do at many other vacation destinations.

[DisneyAddict62]

Why do they have to keep raising the Park Hopper option?! Enough already!

[magicman]

Supply and Demand. They can only charge what the market will bear.


Well said.

The question is, "What is the breaking point" (point of price inelasticity)?

My breaking point was reached in 2007 when the DDP was "altered" (which amounted to a double digit price increase).

At some point, even the most avid, hopped up on goof ball Disney fan will hit a breaking point. When this happens & folks start taking local vacations instead of traveling to Orlando, there will be hope & the magic might get rekindled.

Jimmy (the poster formerly known as magicman)

[DizneyRox]

Also going to Disney is a luxury. Many of you are acting like they are taking food off your plates. If you can't afford it don't go. I know this sounds harsh but we decide to go to WDW and pay the prices they aren't forcing us to.
Correct. A Disney vacation, or any vacation, is not a right... It's a luxury, and if some people can't afford it, that's just the way it goes. I can't afford a Bentley, and you know what, I don't have one.


I venture that next year despite the economy and the price increases Disney will see theme park attendance grow.

Actually, I think this is incorrect. Attendence IS down right now. And the changes in effect come January seem to indicate that bookings are down as well. This price increase MAY be a way of keeping profitability where it needs to be for the stock holders.

[locutus]

Tough call, I am sure Disney is being hurt by fuel cost just like everyone else, but they are also worried about falling attendance.

My guess is that the ticket prices will go up, (if not now, before the end of the year), but that if attendance drops off, the hotel/package rates will go down.

You would think Disney would use there heaeds and not be so greedy. Prices go up and then they decide to cut shows and services. Instead of goin to Disney this year I will go elsewhere (and im a DVC member). Have even considered putting my DVC membership up for sale. Hope they all Choke at Disney. Try lowering prices and im sure more people would go.:thedolls:

[locutus]

Correct. A Disney vacation, or any vacation, is not a right... It's a luxury, and if some people can't afford it, that's just the way it goes. I can't afford a Bentley, and you know what, I don't have one.


Actually, I think this is incorrect. Attendence IS down right now. And the changes in effect come January seem to indicate that bookings are down as well. This price increase MAY be a way of keeping profitability where it needs to be for the stock holders.

I think it depends what kind of vacation you take. A cruise around the world or a 1000 dollar a night suite including personal valets and such I would consider a luxury. A vacation to a theme park I would not. Granted you will have people go but I think if the prices werent so crazy many many more would go. Look at it this way..the parks will be open whether 1000 people or 10000 people come in. It would make more sense to charge 50 for 10000 ( 500000 dollars) people to come in then 100 for 1000 (100000). But no--Disney wants to squeeze every dollar out of every person. I just dont think they are doing the right thing by raising prices. I used to go to Disney at least twice a year. But the last few years as their costs have gone up so much each year it has been one trip a year--with less days per trip. Now it may come down to once every couple of years and that only because I have the DVC membership, which as I have said I may be selling. So instead of getting a reasonable amount of my dollars at least every year, they will now get less. You would think that the higher ups would see this logic as many of you do.

[locutus]

Well said.

The question is, "What is the breaking point" (point of price inelasticity)?

My breaking point was reached in 2007 when the DDP was "altered" (which amounted to a double digit price increase).

At some point, even the most avid, hopped up on goof ball Disney fan will hit a breaking point. When this happens & folks start taking local vacations instead of traveling to Orlando, there will be hope & the magic might get rekindled.

Jimmy (the poster formerly known as magicman)

Your right Magicman. It sure has reached my breaking point, and thats sad. My parents started taking me to Disney World when it first opened and we went twice a year ( summer and thanksgiving break) because we had family in Florida. I had hoped to carry that on with my children but unfortunatley I dont have that kind of cash--and i do have a decent paying job--it just cant be done at the way they raise prices. If enough people wrote to Disney's executive offices they may actually listen (thats why they say they are closing PI--due to guests feedback). Which brings another point Magicman made..people will start taking local vacations. I was told PS's new makeover would be resteraunts, gift shops and are you ready for this...a bowling alley where the Rock and Roll beach club was. WOW..I can stay home and go bowling. I dont need to travel 1000 miles to do it. And I know many of my co-workers who have DVC memberships feel as I do. One of them has already sold his membership. He had 400 points in Old Key West. He said Disney finally pushed him over the edge. He told me not counting his yearly dues, it was costing him about 2000 dollars per trip. Just on tickets and food--FOR JUST HIM AND HIS WIFE! When is enough going to be enough? I guess if your Disney that would be never.

[Tekneek]

Of course this isn't about life and death. None of it is. It doesn't mean anyone has to be happy about it, though. People are allowed to complain about price increases here as long as the terms of service for Intercot don't forbid it.

[BMan62]

locutus:
73-4-5-76Cntpry-77-8-9Polnsyn-80-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-90-1-2 Disney villas-93-4-5-6-7-8 Carbn Beach-99 Grnd Flrdin -2000 Animal Kngdm Ldg-01 Wldrns Ldg-02 Boardwalk-03Cntpry-04 Saratoga Sprngs-05 Saratoga -06 Saratoga -07 Grand California -07 Saratoga

Looking at your past trips -- You complain about minor increases in costs, but never stay at less than Deluxe accommodations???? :nopity:

Not trying to single you out personally, but I am reading more and more entries like this.

Take the silver spoon out of your mouth and join the rest of us who scrimp and save for an opportunity to completely forget about the real world for a week or so each year.

I feel bad complaining about costs when I have the opportunity to visit once a year, whereas others may only make it every few years or even once a lifetime.

Yes, prices are going up, but that just means you can't afford concierge every trip. Heck, I'd like to be able to afford it ONCE!

Sorry, off my soapbox now!!! :soapbox:

[doombuggy]

1) So do the hourly CM's at Disney.
2) Of course, Oger's (I mean Iger's) salary rose 7% this year to $27.7 million.

I'm wishing for #1, but would prefer #2....

:D

I know, I know....keep dreaming. If only I had the time, working 7 days a week...

[caryrae]

Disney beats forecasts with a 9% profit gain

The strong performance of ESPN and overseas expansion of the Disney Channel help buoy results for the entertainment company's fiscal third quarter.

By Dawn C. Chmielewski, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
July 31, 2008


Walt Disney Co. continues to defy economic gravity.

The Burbank entertainment company on Wednesday reported net income of nearly $1.3 billion, or 66 cents a share, for the fiscal third quarter ended June 28, up 9% from a year earlier. Disney beat analysts' consensus estimates of 60 cents a share, according to Bloomberg, even when excluding an accounting gain related to the acquisition of Disney Stores in North America and the sale of Movies.com, which added 4 cents a share.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR THE RECORD:
Disney earnings: An article in the Business section on Thursday about Walt Disney Co.'s third-quarter earnings said the well-received Disney/Pixar Animation film "Wall-E" did not compensate for Disney's underperforming movie "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian." "Wall-E" opened June 27, a day before the end of the quarter. Its performance will be reflected in Disney's fourth-quarter results. —

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Revenue inched up 2% to $9.2 billion, buoyed by the strong performance of ESPN and the expansion of the Disney Channel in overseas markets. Parks and resorts also saw a surprising 5% revenue bump, driven by increases at Disneyland Resort Paris, where the company benefited from a favorable currency rate.


Investors have been nervous about the effect of the deteriorating economy on Disney's theme parks. Pali Research and other firms have pointed to route cuts by domestic airlines into Orlando, Fla., that have reduced the number of seats by 15%. They said fewer flights could translate into lower attendance at Walt Disney World.

Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger told Wall Street analysts during a Wednesday earnings call that flight availability simply "has not been a factor." About half of the visitors to the park fly, he said, but they tend to book early, and account for only about 30% of the seats.

Operating income for parks and resorts, which are Disney's second-largest segment behind its broadcast network and cable channels, climbed 3% to $641 million on revenue of more than $3 billion.

Domestic park attendance was slightly below a year earlier, because the Easter holiday fell early this year and in the previous quarter, said Thomas Staggs, Disney's chief financial officer. Lower attendance was offset by increased spending by visitors to Disney World, he said, and by higher income from firms that sponsor attractions, as Microsoft Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Co. do for the Innoventions Dream Home in Disneyland in Anaheim.

Disneyland attendance, however, declined from last year. Spending at the park dropped 2%, and hotel occupancy was off 5% to about 91%, even though hotel revenue rose 5% because of higher room rates, Staggs said.

Seeking to ease investor anxiety about the parks, Staggs said reservations at the domestic resorts for the fall were "virtually on par" with a year ago and "modestly ahead" of last year for the December quarter.

"The outlook [for the parks] is holding steady," said Anthony J. DiClemente of Lehman Bros. Equity Research. "Investors are focused on whether the next leg of information is going to be a re-acceleration or a deceleration in the year-over-year growth."

Disney's cable networks delivered double-digit gains in operating income, up 14% to $1.2 billion, thanks primarily to sports juggernaut ESPN. Cable network revenue jumped 12% to $2.6 billion.

The Disney Channel, whose "Camp Rock" movie generated what Iger described as "near record" cable ratings and online traffic, also gained subscribers.

But the broadcasting group's operating income fell 11% for the quarter to $260 million, dragged down by lower ad sales at the local television stations. Broadcasting revenue was flat at $1.5 billion compared with the same quarter a year earlier.

Staggs told investors that the pace of ad sales for the local-station group, and to a lesser extent ESPN and the ABC television network, had slowed in recent weeks because of softness in the domestic auto, financial services and consumer electronics markets.

The big bleak spot in Disney's third-quarter results occurred at the movie studio.

Although the Disney/Pixar Animation film "Wall-E" performed well and received wide critical acclaim, it did not compensate for the underperformance of "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian." Studio Entertainment division revenue was $1.4 billion, a 19% drop from a year earlier, when Disney released "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End." Operating income plunged 49% to $97 million.

The consumer-products unit reported a 20% jump in quarterly revenue to $642 million, driven primarily by the acquisition of Disney Stores in North America and licensing revenue collected on "Hannah Montana" and "High School Musical" merchandise. However, its operating income fell 4% to $113 million from a year earlier, because of sluggish sales of video games and ongoing investment in development.

Shares of Disney fell 77 cents to $30.90 in late trading Wednesday after the earnings announcement. The stock had risen 75 cents to close at $31.67.

[joonyer]

Well I can complain about their prices, OR I can buy stock in Disney and be happy about my ROI.
If you don't like their price increases, I suggest you buy Disney stock instead of park passes.

[Ed]

Just a little "FYI"...

Universal's one-day ticket is going from $71 to $75 effective 8/6/08.

[Tekneek]

Just a little "FYI"...

Universal's one-day ticket is going from $71 to $75 effective 8/6/08.

Monkey see, monkey do. The increases almost always come together like that.

[1DisneyNut]

Well I can complain about their prices, OR I can buy stock in Disney and be happy about my ROI.
If you don't like their price increases, I suggest you buy Disney stock instead of park passes.

As they say "What goes up must come down" and Disney can't sustain those numbers especially in this economy. IMO raising ticket prices in this market was a mistake. Take a look at what happened to Six Flags back several years ago before the previous recession. It almost put them in bankruptcy and now years later their admission tickets are still 40% less than they were then. I haven't been to six flags since either. Now I'm not saying this will send Disney into bankruptcy that isn't a concern but I do think they will start seeing a decline in bookings over the next 6 months to a year. It was posted that July 4 week wasn't near as busy as it usually is but I haven't read about the rest of this summer. It looks like foreign travelers are taking advantage of the weaker dollar and booking vacations to WDW but how long will that hold up and help sustain their numbers?

[locutus]

locutus:
73-4-5-76Cntpry-77-8-9Polnsyn-80-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-90-1-2 Disney villas-93-4-5-6-7-8 Carbn Beach-99 Grnd Flrdin -2000 Animal Kngdm Ldg-01 Wldrns Ldg-02 Boardwalk-03Cntpry-04 Saratoga Sprngs-05 Saratoga -06 Saratoga -07 Grand California -07 Saratoga

Looking at your past trips -- You complain about minor increases in costs, but never stay at less than Deluxe accommodations???? :nopity:

Not trying to single you out personally, but I am reading more and more entries like this.

Take the silver spoon out of your mouth and join the rest of us who scrimp and save for an opportunity to completely forget about the real world for a week or so each year.

I feel bad complaining about costs when I have the opportunity to visit once a year, whereas others may only make it every few years or even once a lifetime.

Yes, prices are going up, but that just means you can't afford concierge every trip. Heck, I'd like to be able to afford it ONCE!

Sorry, off my soapbox now!!! :soapbox:

The reason I stay in those accomadations is because I have the vacation club. Im not going to use those points for a value hotel. And I to scrimp and save for each trip. I financed the DVC to help save on future hotel increases. But as I have said..at this rate I may be selling the dvc membership because of the increases.

[locutus]

And believe me--no silver spoon here. Along with no week long trip to forget about things. Dont have an extra 3 grand lying around.

[fielin]

It looks like foreign travelers are taking advantage of the weaker dollar and booking vacations to WDW but how long will that hold up and help sustain their numbers?

As an international traveler who took advantage of the weaker dollar this year, I can partly answer this.

For a few months, the dollar was weak, and everything was well here. But now, while the dollar is still weak, the cost of life has increased to a never seen before peak.

Moreover, the airfare has increased so much that the weak dollar does not compensate for the cost of travelling to Florida from Europe. Imagine this : two years ago, I was able to book a trip from Paris to Orlando for 600 euros (about 929 dollars) for two persons.

Last year, it cost me 1000 euros (1550 dollars) for the same trip. Today, it would cost me 1150 euros (1780 dollars). That's nearly 100% more than what I paid two years ago.

During the same time, the dollar has decreased from 1$ = 0,83€ to 1$ = 0,64€, which is a 30% decrease.

Meanwhile, fuel and food have increased a lot (up to 40% depending on the products).

And while all this was happening, WDW became more expensive by increasing the price of the parks, decreasing the value of the dining plan (remember the tip is no longer included, which makes me spend up to 20% MORE for less food - appetizer is out of the dining plan), and of the waterparks and more (no more PI).

So to summarize it : yes, the dollar is 30% weaker, but the tickets and the meals are approximately 20% more expensive for a diminished value, the airfare is 100% more expensive and my disposable income has been severely decreased by the price of fuel and food.

So, sorry Disney, but I don't think foreign travelers will be able to fill your hotels much longer.

[1DisneyNut]

Excellent points fielin. I didn't know the specifics but know that foreign travel isn't going to hold up. Last night we were going over what our planned trip for this october is going to cost and it looks like we are going to cancel it. We are now looking at a less expensive trip to the Gulf coast beach instead. Haven't been to the beach in a while anyway so its sounding like a real possibility. I love WDW more than anybody and could go there everyday if possible but at these prices and this economy we just feel we aren't getting our money's worth anymore. We almost bought into DVC a couple of years ago and we are now actually glad we didn't. We now have the option to do other things at a lower cost.

[arsenal3]

What are all of the cutbacks they have been having at WDW???

[locutus]

What are all of the cutbacks they have been having at WDW???

Some of the cutbacks I know of are, eventually showing of Fantasmic twice a week from every night...eliminating character meals ( even though you pay the same)..and a real big one, closing Pleasure Islands clubs in favor of MORE GIFT SHOPS, resteraunts ( all of which would save money since these things would not have Disney employees working in these outside bussiness's). Yet with these cuts Disney elects to raise ticket prices. They should be lowered to attract more people...not raises. Some stategy there a Disney...and why was Eisner ousted??

[Tekneek]

and why was Eisner ousted??

Looking back, I am sure he was ousted primarily because of stagnation in share price. All the other management issues were red herrings designed to help them gain momentum. As long as the financial data comes in good for Iger, he will be protected. The trick is to not screw things up enough that the big shareholders want to show you the door. As long as they stay happy, nothing else matters.

[arsenal3]

Well that is lame, Fanstamic is one of my favorite things to see.

[BIGDOG]

Disney should be ashamed of themselves.