What gets me is how they can justify the price. Yes, they have to pay the CM to sell them and the one's who fill them, the custom Mickey shape, the Helium (and parts like string and weight), and make thier profit. But in the links I posted above they are $1.40 to $2.00 each with out the string or helium.

That sounds like the same margin that you will find in other items in the park.

What about the $2.79 (or whatever it is) cup of Coke you bought at Coke Corner? Total product cost (Coke, container [cup, lid, and straw], ice [the most expensive component BTW]) is probably only about $0.10-$0.15.

I would venture to guess that an Olszewski costs $5-$10 to manufacture, but you have to pay $300 for the privilege to own one.

Things are worth what people are willing to pay for them. If people are willing to pay $12.00 for the balloons, then they are worth it. If not, then Disney is stuck with a large supply of unsold balloons.

True, last night I paid $7.50 for a glass of wine from a bottle I'd pay $10 for.

And while the Olszewskis may cost that much to make, I'm sure the park pays a bit more than that for them. Olszewski himself may make $50 off each one....