The sharpest increases are recent
Image: DisneyOnly four years later, the cheapest base ticket at Walt Disney World costs $109. That’s a nine-percent jump from the highest-priced ticket in 2015, but it’s not the jaw-dropping number. The most expensive ticket now costs $159…and that’s not including Park Hopper. Yes, the top end of Disney admission prices has gone up more than 50 percent in just four years!!!
Here’s the stat that will blow your mind. The Seven-Day Ultimate Park Hopper admission ticket in 2004 cost $326. You can’t buy a two-day Park Hopper ticket for that amount during the 2019 Christmas holidays!
Image: DisneyA two-day Walt Disney World admission without Park Hopper costs as much as $310. Disney’s steadily increased their prices over the past 15 years to the point that they can sell you one-third of their product for the same price.
Putting this in theme park terms, Disney has just slowly lifted your coaster cart all the way up to the top of Expedition Everest. And yes, the tracks are broken. This analogy applies to Disney just as much as it does to you. With the advent of Star Wars Land, the company’s found a pricing pain point that consumers have deemed too much. Let me explain…
The hidden cost of building a better themed land
Image: DisneyNo one denies that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is exceptional. This revolutionary new themed land redefines excellence in the industry. It’s simply the best thing in the business right now. And such quality comes at a high price.
Disney invested $1 billion in the development and construction of Galaxy's Edge. The company has to receive a return on that investment, and one of the plans involved raising rates. It didn't just stop at the fictional world of Batuu, though.
Image: DisneyIn the run-up to the debut of Black Spire Outpost, Disney increased prices on *deep breath* beverages, snacks, refillable mugs, restaurants, the Disney Dining Plan, all official resorts, souvenirs, theme park parking, wheelchairs and strollers, admission tickets, and even Minnie Vans.
The company even introduced new charges for hotel package delivery (!) and hotel parking, both of which had been free. Disney even raised the price of bottled water to $3.50 now. As a reminder, $3.50 was the cost of admission when Walt Disney World opened in 1971. Yikes.
At the same time, Disney canceled shows and attractions, replaced cast members with automated photography, and cut corners with meal preparations. Simply stated, guests pay much more for the same stuff from just a couple of years ago. Meanwhile, Disney has methodically reduced the value of the services provided at the parks.
Comments
We honeymooned at Disney, our daughter was well into double digits for visits by the age of 20, we went on our own again after she left for school. We haven’t been back in 6 years, the constant uptick of costs in food and accommodation and entry has made a month in Europe an equal value. We still have tickets but it’s going to be a hold your breath moment when we book. It’s notable that they didn’t even have the decency to lower prices when major parts of the parks were closed for refurbishment. All of our fan loyalty has been a one-way street to supporting the Mouse. So it goes.