Disney Raises Theme Park Prices
Yesterday, I noted that the theme park business is booming and suggested that, based on how crowded the parks are, Disney should raise their prices. It turns out that they had done just that the night before.
Yesterday, I noted that the theme park business is booming and suggested that, based on how crowded the parks are, Disney should raise their prices. It turns out that they had done just that the night before.
the company raised the prices for single-day and annual tickets — something it typically does each year. It now costs $92 (+5.7%) for those over 10 to enter Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park, and parking costs $16 (+6.7%). If you want to visit both parks then it will cost $137 (+9.6%). An annual ticket usable almost any day runs $669 (+3.1%). And it takes $95 (+6.7%) to experience the Magic Kingdom at Orlando’s Walt Disney World. The increase there comes about two weeks after Universal Orlando raised its one-day price to $92 (+3.4%) for either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure, or $128 (+3.2%) for both. Disney Premier Passport — which offers anytime admission to any of its parks in California or Florida — now costs $979 (+15.3%).
My guess is that the increase is small enough as to deter approximately no one who would have bought at ticket at the previous price point, meaning this will be pure profit and, alas, not alleviate the crowding one iota. But at least Disney—and Universal—continue to invest in making their parks better rather than resting on their laurels. The Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland was under serious renovation on my previous visit and greatly refreshed when we went last week—and they were building major new exhibits next to it on that visit.
Another aspect of raising prices for places other than Disney is the decrease in the dependence on discount or coupons. Places like Busch Gardens, Cedar FAir, and Six Flags has supposedly cut back on the discount coupons and put more effort into getting people to purchase season passes.
However, Disney was never big on discounts and has realized long ago that the demand for Disneyworld/Disneyland experience is inelastic.
Jesus christ, I knew they were expensive, but I had no idea it was that crazy. A hundred bucks a day per person just to get in? Add in flights and hotels and meals, and we’re talking a small fortune just a few days vacation. I can’t believe so many families can afford to do that every few years. I’ve spent that much money on a vacation once in my life (my honeymoon).
@Ben:
What do you think that families are doing to do that will be cheaper? Fly to Europe. Drive to Yellowstone? purchase camping equipment?
@superdestroyer:
When my family took vacations, it was usually a road trip to visit family or to go camping (in tents, not a camper). We couldn’t drop 5 figures on a vacation. I guess I just was never exposed to how the other half lives.
@Ben:
The internet and particularly the blogosphere seems to be filled with the trials and tribulations of the mid to upper middle class. Story after story on the terrible lives of the 36% of 18-24 yr olds enrolled in college with few words for the 64% who are not, the bulk of for whom college is alien. And let’s not forget the horror of having to work a job outside their college major for so many of the 30% of Americans with college degrees. At least, the 70% who don’t have a degree are saved from that ignominy.
America, we suck….just look at how crowded Disney World is at $100/day.
Just a bit of perspective. Now back to the regular program. I’ll start… Have you heard apparently there is a growing shortage of old-growth, organic arugula…..Discuss.