Post detail
715.1 #140 (DL Qual #109)
May 21, 2012 11:37 AM
I'm getting a little tired of the complaints about the AP price increase. I went 200 times in one year. If I paid at the gate it would have been over $18,000 for park hopper and $3000 for parking. I paid $450 for the privledge of being able to go as many times as I wanted. After just 5 visits I was already ahead. Not to mention being invited to special AP events and AP only pins. And a 20% discount on shopping and 15% for food that is not available at the ticket booths.Yes, the new increase of 30% is crazy high and for families a difficult increase. But if Disneyland did NOT offer an Annual Pass ( and the rumor was DL was going to end this) then going to DL and DCA would be only a dream for me.
Disappointment isn't an easy pill to swallow. So for some of us its just disappointing that the magical land we thought we could visit anytime or as much as we could, just got cut by making it harder to make that magic happen. - mochamistie
272.8 #801 11:43AM
I agree! And am in same boat! It's the name calling and Disney bashing that bugs me! Your statement is heartfelt and not negative. - Zipitydoodahdad 258.1 #923 1:57PM
It's BECAUSE AP holders go so often that they increased the price, so I yes, I too am tired of the complaining. Personally though, I do feel that something needs to be done about the crowds; maybe only have a limited number of Premium and deluxe APs available, cut capacity, increase the amount of block out dates: SOMETHING!
My guess is that Eventually they'll make APs so expensive that people won't come out ahead and they'll just go back to day trips a cpl of times a year; which (and this is JUST my opinion, don't bite my head off) is how it should be. End if rant... - rebray10
245.1 #1052 12:00PM
Your comment was almost a reality. The increase was a gift! - SUUZinOC 715.1 #140 12:03PM
lol if someone had an AP they shouldn't go often? Is that what you are saying? - madsdad 1123.8 #73 12:04PM
It is great that there is a board where people of all different opinions get a chance to view theirs. I understand that for some the cost increase is not a big thing. It isn't for me. But for others here it may be the difference between getting an AP and not. I think that it is important to respect all for their views and realize that we can disagree and still be friends. - sr citizen space ranger
48.3 #3782 1:18PM
agreed! - mochamistie 272.8 #801 1:20PM
^this! I do have to tell you we have been without a pass for about a year. We sure to appreciate our visits more (if that is possible) when we are treated to a visit. :-) - PrincessDuckie 586.9 #187 1:22PM
To each there own... this is a public forum and people are going to complain or celebrate. I for one have bigger things to worry about than price increases of disneyland annual passes.. even though I don't agree it is what it is. It wont stop me from going lol. - mralexv
306.5 #577 1:19PM
In the late 90s, there were fewer than 100,000 AP holders. In 2012, it has skyrocketed to over a MILLLION. The biggest reason for this massive increase is due to SoCal residents having the option to buy the APs on a payment plan. The year after this was introduced as an option, Disneyland crowd levels began to increase by leaps and bounds. Now-4 years later, the parks have become overly crowded. I have been going to Disneyland for 40 years and loved being able to go in the off season without crowds. But thanks to the AP payment plan, those days are over. I would love it if they got rid of the payment plan-attendance would return to normal levels. Sadly, that will most likely not happen. - Manybugs
4.4 #11755 2:24PM
I think this post is selfish. It's great for you that you get to enjoy those things but I feel that people who are effected by this change have a right to complain. I always felt it was Walt's dream for EVERYONE to be able to enjoy the parks and this will prevent that from happening. But rather than whining on MW we should be proactive and calling Disney and filing complaints. Enough people complained about Ariel's hair for them to make a change so why not this? - tiggertwin
317.8 #530 2:31PM
It was not guest complaints that changed her hair, it was the imagineers decision for a fact. - SkellyMouse 501.3 #237 2:37PM
@mrsstrawberryguy no worries ^_^ - SkellyMouse 501.3 #237 2:41PM
It was also Pixar's John Lasseter who didn't like her hair who had some input on the change. - SUUZinOC 715.1 #140 3:26PM
Complaints do help. I complained to BBM-CM about the misspelling of ammunition on the sign in front of the Frontierland shooting gallery and the other "m" was added as he requested. They may need the money to make up for that bomb John Carter. They are a large corporation and can charge whatever they want. People have a right to complain. That is the what our freedom in about. I wouldn't trade it for anything. - sr citizen space ranger 48.3 #3782 7:48PM
Yes it's a lot of money!! This is something I do with my kids. (Going to the parks) When I go now, we don't spend more than $20 on our visits if that. We take our food, snacks and drinks. If you budget, you will adjust to the $ increase. I talked to my kids and explain to them and they understand. They do not ask me to buy them things. Maybe once a month we will eat there. This is a treat that we look forward too. My son is 12, he made a special bank for us to put our change. You would not believe how much change you can save in a month. We cash it out and that is our spending $. BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET!! - LizO™
470.0 #258 12:29PM
We do this too! It really is a miracle about the change! 😂 - Duchess_SMK 3259.2 #11 12:44PM
Totally agree. As with anything, no one likes to pay more for something they have already been doing, and I'm truly sad for those that this will effect adversely, there are a few ral cool MW'rs that I know of that are really concerned about being able to go which pains me to hear. But like in SoS's post a few days back, it's time to stop complaining and figuring out how we can keep going! the pass is still cost effective for this out of towner so I can't complain lol. - madsdad
1123.8 #73 11:56AM
I'm sure it would still be worth it of you live nearby and go a lot. We live in Las Vegas, so skyrocketing gas prices, hotel prices going up, and the ever increasing pass prices will mean the passes we have now will be our last. It's sad because our four year old daughter was able to enjoy Disneyland a lot, and our one year old daughter won't be able to have the same experiences and memories. - HatboxGhost13
8.6 #7265 11:59AM
Well, said, Suuz! I don't go near as much as you ( I have to consider gas prices in my budget..currently $60 per visit), but I know that even with the increase, if I make at least 6 visits per year, it's worth it. Yes, I don't like seeing the jump anymore than anyone else, but I am lucky enough to be able to handle it. As with everything else in life, it's all a matter of priorities. DL has and will always be my place of refuge. If I have to eat out less, shop less, travel less to afford, so be it. Granted, I only pay for mine and my daughter's pass (although I think she will drop down to So Cal now!). I understand how difficult it will be for some to pay these new costs...I was in your shoes once! As to why it was done, we can only speculate: less AP holders, more revenue, cover added costs and over budget lines, etc. Whatever the reason, it has happened and we must deal with it as best we can. - Gia
784.5 #119 12:26PM
I can't thank you enough. - SUUZinOC 715.1 #140 12:29PM
I think to because Disneyland offes monthly payments a lot of people getting passes... Maybe DL shouldn't offer monthly pmts?? Just saying... - LizzzyBelle
20.8 #4972 12:45PM
I agree with that 100 percent. - Mikemcl 229.9 #1242 1:48PM
That's a good point! I know I couldn't afford it if I wasn't able to do the monthly payments. - SassyKittyMeow 358.1 #393 4:39PM
I'm getting a knotts pass they got monthly payments and I'll be done in 3 months. HAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII - chris.
2507.3 #24 1:29PM
Knotts is more expensive because you will only go once. - MyPark 943.8 #91 1:31PM
Your camera will rebel against you and run away if you take pics there lol. - madsdad 1123.8 #73 1:31PM
Haiiiiiiiiiiiiii! Berrywait here we come! - PinkElephants 635.7 #170 1:32PM
It sure is a lot of money but when you break it down..... logically it really is a great deal still with the amount most of us folks go:) Really if you cut out one dinner out a month you can afford it too:) I agree any increase is a stab to the heart.... and I am not sure if I will be renewing yet or not because I really want to start saving for a house.... but in reality the amount of a pass is not a make it or break it for the house:) I still think when you break it down if you are going to be getting that fancy preimum if you visit the park 7 times you are golden right:) Not the mention the free parking, and the discounts. We are so lucky we are alive to be able to experience it. I agree a little stab to the heart but hey if i can afford an iPad i can go to DL for a year to right ;) - BooEve123
800.3 #115 11:39AM
Thanks Boo - SUUZinOC 715.1 #140 11:43AM
Well said Boo 😃 - Missymoo 392.3 #342 11:47AM
And when your ready to buy let me know Iam a real estate Agent I will give you a $500 gift card once I sell you house to spend on anything you want.:-) - Tron2012 12.4 #6148 11:49AM
Well said. It's all about what's important and where you chose to put your money. - MyPark 943.8 #91 11:49AM
@Tron no advertising. This kinda info should be DMed next time. If we all tries to "advertise" our buisinesses, it would take up lots of post. You can also, put it in your profile (I think). - Minnis2Society 360.0 #388 12:01PM
A house is a great priority! 😊👍 - LizzzyBelle 20.8 #4972 1:08PM
HELLO SUUZ!! My wife & i
Met u on the boardwalk by WOC. Wantd to say thanks for the info & your video was amazing. - seventwentytwo
7.7 #7780 11:45AM
I was so happy I met you both and that you recogized me!!! And YAY you posted. - SUUZinOC 715.1 #140 11:50AM
I am also sure it is easier for SoCal people to buy the passes as they can pay for it over a year's time. For my family it is $1407 all at once for deluxe passes. - HatboxGhost13
8.6 #7265 12:20PM
Same boat my friend, but i will sacrifies for the reason the all things disney relieve my stress - seventwentytwo 7.7 #7780 12:24PM
They extended the payment option to all of Cali. - SassyKittyMeow 358.1 #393 4:43PM
That's nice, but I'm in Nevada. - HatboxGhost13 8.6 #7265 4:54PM
One thing about the prices too, it's not the renewal price. If you renew within 30 days of expiration, you don't pay full price. If you renew before experation, it's even less. A premium will be about $80 less than full price. - Tom
3841.0 #7 12:29PM
Thanx Tom. - SUUZinOC 715.1 #140 12:32PM
Oh really? We only got a $20 discount for renewing before we expired. Still, a discount is a discount and I'm grateful! - Duchess_SMK 3259.2 #11 12:46PM
I would spend 1000.00 a year to go whenever I wanted to bad I live to far away:( - dl811
125.0 #2647 12:43PM
Hey. How about them Padres? Huh? Smile. - Bigdisneykid
264.2 #878 12:46PM
yes! :) - BaseballMickey_CM 2826.3 #16 12:51PM
Booooo! Halo's all the way! - nickb92 69.6 #3405 1:25PM
Yea, the Padres won yesterday! - PrincessDuckie 586.9 #187 1:36PM
I'm getting a little tired too, but not of the same thing - SupremeLeader
393.9 #339 1:32PM
It seems to me like it would have been a better idea to get rid of the SoCal passes and get rid of the monthly payments. That would slow the crowds down and many of them would end up getting deluxe or premium passes instead which would bring in some extra cash. I remember going just 4-5 years ago in January and walking straight onto every ride, that hasn't happened in quite a while, even on week days. - HatboxGhost13
8.6 #7265 2:41PM
This!!!👍 - AvidDisneyThrifter220
847.8 #107 11:51AM
Thank you Suuz!! Most people have such a hard time seeing things in the big picture, but we see the bright side of things! :) - dlmickeymouseCM
2350.4 #27 11:57AM
We CMs must stay positive! - SUUZinOC 715.1 #140 12:00PM
I completely agree!!! Even though i am not an AP holder, only because i live far and cannot commit to come that often. This place is a magical place that offers so much entertainment and there is something new every time I go. The park is clean and they are well organized. Cost of things go up (electricity, food, gas, etc) so does everything else, clear math. I wish their money grew on tree so that way they could keep the admission the same but that is not realistic. We are so in love with this magical place but in the real world it's not free. Just saying. - adventurerEnDisneylandia {AED}
278.5 #741 12:01PM
I could less how much it costs. Pricey yes, but I'll make it work. It's such a magical place. Busy or slow, rain or shine! My pass always ends up paying for its self. - fairyshley
467.5 #261 12:05PM
👍👍👍thank you suzie!! - Zipitydoodahdad
258.1 #923 12:07PM
Your welcome. Wanna split the cost for Club 33?!? - SUUZinOC 715.1 #140 12:09PM
Ok, 90/10! Would that be fair! ( you pay the 90 of course!!!) - Zipitydoodahdad 258.1 #923 12:14PM
Wait, I work at DL so you know I can't afford the 90%. Hey let's get 10000 of our friends to chip in and then we can add the new 1901 club too! - SUUZinOC 715.1 #140 12:36PM
I'm in!!! ( can we hide the 59 park entries from the rest of the group though?) - Zipitydoodahdad 258.1 #923 1:14PM
We can RAK them - SUUZinOC 715.1 #140 4:12PM
As I've said before, Disney saw a need to increase. Could be the expansions and refurbs went over budget. Could be the cost of good and the cost of shipping has increased (have to cover those gas prices to bring us out good some how). Could be Disney would like to hire more employees or afford to pay them their worth (yay! Helps the economy). Utilities are probably hitting a point the park could not afford to pay them at the old prices. Either way, the only choice we have is to pay or not pay. I will be paying because it's not a huge dent for me. If it means that much to people (I mean the locals) you will find a way. Look at all you splurge on and cut out what you can do with out. Maybe stop estimg out so much? Make your coffee at home? Maybe it's time to search for a better paying job? Disneyland is a luxury. It's not a necessity. - KissDclown
1088.1 #77 12:15PM
Wait, for some of us it is a necessity, it's my only vise. I work there and on my days off I still go there! - SUUZinOC 715.1 #140 12:19PM
You can find other ways 😃 vises arent really necessities. Just like getting my hair done is a luxury. I don't need to pay the money I do for it but it's one of the few luxuries I allow and budget for. Just like Disneyland. I budget for it and will continue to pay for a premium pass. I'm not saying people shouldn't go. I'm saying people shouldnt feel entitled. - KissDclown 1088.1 #77 12:25PM
Their overhead must be phenomenal. - happiestplace 44.0 #3880 1:36PM
Yep! Entitlement rubs me the wrong way. Back when I didn't have a pot to pi$$ in (hope that's okay to say), and could not afford Disneyland, I didn't blame Disneyland. It wasn't their fault. I considered it a "someday" thing. I didn't begrudge those that could afford it either. We come from all walks of life. Granted, it makes me especially grateful that my life has improved by leaps and bounds. It's why I cried when I walked in to DL for the first time last year. If we had never gone again, that would have been okay. - PeachKay 310.6 #556 5:58PM
Wow! This is a fiery crowd. Lol. Isnt this a Disney app? Did i get lost? Hate when i get lost - seventwentytwo
7.7 #7780 12:18PM
So true! 👆 - Duchess_SMK 3259.2 #11 12:42PM
SUUZinOC_CM I hope to meet you one day. I loved your MW story and you seem like a total sweet doll! With the price of gas going up and us purchasing a home. Even though the Hubs is a CM and Disney was wonderful enough to give our family the main gate pass. We cannot afford to visit the parks like when we had AP's. Our bills come first and even to SOME CM families Disneyland is a luxury. - UncoolBunny
70.9 #3388 12:30PM
That was so sweet of you to say. - SUUZinOC 715.1 #140 12:57PM
Way to go Suuz! This is exactly what I keep saying. You can't blame Disney for what they did. The grand reopening of DCA is a few wks away and I think that I they didn't raise ticket prices, DL and DCA will be a madhouse for years to come becaus of so many APs. I think if u want to keep renewing deluxe or premium passes, how about cutting those Starbucks drinks people get every morning? Or cutting down the pedi and mani's? Cutting out a fancy dinner once a month? Maybe dont go to the movies and dont spend an addition $20 on popcorn and soda? Thank you for this 👍 - MagicalLand
378.4 #358 12:34PM
Your welcome too. And thank you for the examples we may need to make! - SUUZinOC 715.1 #140 12:40PM
Don't tell the Disney execs, but I'd pay anything. - MyPark
943.8 #91 12:38PM
Shhh, we will all keep your secret! - SUUZinOC 715.1 #140 12:41PM
This reminds me of the last time prices went up and people of course were upset. I too don't necessarily like the price hike but I agree it's a luxury....and there are plenty of reasons I would rather invest in Disneyland than a lot of things. I love the memories I have had at the park...it was always my second home, schucks I even got engaged there! I don't think there is a price tag I can put on my most beloved memories.... - Mouseketeer.for.Short
335.3 #449 1:27PM
For me, it's not so much that they're hiking the prices again. We should know by now that they do it before every summer. But my thing is that it's so much at once. i was not expecting paying a whole $150 more for the same AP. We'll be at $1000 for a Premium in no time at this rate. I get that they're trying to make their money back from the expansions but we're not all made of money here. What about all the daily guests? Pretty soon it'll be too much for them, too. People already think it's too much for one day. It just seems like a harsh quick fix is what I'm feeling. At least I have till next March to see if I'm willing to pay it. Chances are, I probably will. - craziemutant
109.6 #2905 1:54PM
In other news, I just renewed and haven't seen you since last summer...now how do I go about stalking my first MW friend? 😃 - FindMeAtTheCove
237.3 #1138 2:01PM
Oh my, your right, it's been too long!!! Come visit me at WOC or TSMM. Although I try to go as a guest on my days off so I can relax and enjoy the park. - SUUZinOC 715.1 #140 3:22PM
that was so well said, after reading sooo many comments blaming local AP's for going so much, I was starting to feel a little guilty for being there, but I work 6 days a week, I go for a few hours on Sat and a few hours on Sun. I buy all my food there(been to Blue Bayou several times) French Market, and Cafe Orleans. I've bought more sweaters than I know what to do with and those are not cheap. I do it because I love Disney and all the CM's there, they work hard for what they get paid and without our support there is no Disney, so I'll pay for another year, and be grateful that I can because I know there are many who can't..... - vix@dizneeagain
231.5 #1221 2:02PM
To me disneyland is priceless. So I would do anything I could to make atleast one trip a year. - princessJordan
492.2 #241 2:10PM
So funny that I just saw this. My doctor knowing I'm a CM asked me about the price hike during my appointment. - lostgirl7988
541.3 #208 2:12PM
Ha gotta love being asked about controversial company moves out of work. best - Poisen_Ivy 257.9 #925 2:16PM
From one CM to another, your post put a lot of things into prospective Suzz. Even before hubby and I got hired on as CMs, we were AP holders. All of the little perks you mentioned as an AP holder are correct. It's amazing to actually sit down and figure out how much money would be spend at the gate vs. an Annual Pass. - CM_AndiMc
26.0 #4589 2:30PM
I agree!! Disneyland is a luxury not a right!! - Chadco
299.0 #614 2:34PM
I said that on my post in the "complaining thread." 😊 Disneyland is not a right. And consider this...my daughter was 16 before she had her first trip to Disneyland. I couldn't afford it. Did it warp her? No. Did she feel unloved? Nope. Of course, now she is hooked 😃 but if it got to where I was back to where I was, we would still have some precious memories. Oh, and we have plenty of other free memories we have made, too. - PeachKay
310.6 #556 4:37PM
I heard the discounts for merchandise is coming to an end in December for AP holders correct me if I'm wrong, I live in Tucson and this was going to b the first year to get AP passes for me and my family now I don't know what to do. - DOPEY13
8.3 #7414 4:57PM
I considered the discounts just a small reason to buy the pass. When I did the math, two visits per year at four days a piece was cheaper with the pass. That's why I did it. - PeachKay 310.6 #556 5:14PM
I have read all of the posts and thought about what I would like to say although it would not come out right I would probaly be evicted from MW. Like most of you I have grown up with Disney going often and now I live so far away that it is my escape, My happy place and now I all hear is its not a right I fully agree it is a luxurey and one that sadly I cannot no longer afford. I will call Disney and voice my opinion. I will go back to my once a year. - Dsnygrl64
153.3 #2245 5:26PM
Well said. I completely agree. This could also lead to more future rides and shows and also they need to be highly profitable to be very successful. - BrerRabbit
228.7 #1260 5:30PM
Ur absolutely rite u make an excellent point - arabianites22
25.9 #4592 5:52PM
I would feel blessed to be able to purchase an AP for my family. While Walt wanted Disney to be a place for everyone we also have to remember that the economy is changing and in order to keep the dream alive Disney had to do something in order to afford to pay the amazing CM's and keep the attractions running we all love. Sometimes we have to pay a little more for something we love to do, but at the end of the day the memories you make and the friends you gain from Disneyland are well worth the price of an AP any day in my book. - DisneyDreamer18
168.4 #2025 6:19PM
The price of nachos is getting crazy - Mouse4life
1045.5 #82 7:27PM
I agree. If less people ate them I could eat them more. - matildamouse 196.4 #1676 7:32PM
Disneyland is pure luxury! I say eliminate all passes except Premium and increase it to $800.00. Those who complain go to Knotts Berry Farm or Universal Studios. - snappy
272.6 #803 7:42PM
Heck
Yes
To
This
Post!!
You only live once why not live it spending each and everyday at Disney!!!! - MinnieMaddiesMommie
41.7 #3942 7:54PM
I spend $130 a month on passes for my family of 4. Some people like to go to dinner 4 or 5 times a month and some people like to go to Disneyland. As long as they keep making Disneyland and DCA better I will pay for it. - Dzny4Ever
172.6 #1968 11:05PM
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