The AP Price Hike Blues

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I think it was Chernabog who posted on FB saying that this is the moment when the old Disneyland gang finally calls it quits and I think he's right. It's a shame, though I guess nothing lasts forever.

We'll all be ok without Disneyland. I'm more worried about the local low-income families who used to be able to afford to go once in a while. My family wasn't able to go more than once every 3 years or so, and when we did, my mom reminded us not to ask for any toys or treats while we were there, because she knew my dad would buy them for us, and that we really couldn't afford to be going in the first place.

I pulled up an inflation calculator. The prices they had in the 80's and 90's for day passes end up being about $50 in today's money. Apparently they think they're worth double what they used to be. With effing Legoland charging $80 I guess they have some sort of point, though at least discounts and BOGOs for Legoland are plentiful.

I guess families will still go, and will empty their bank accounts to do so, because it's Disneyland. But the APer demographic is on track to change drastically.

[RStar]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

But the APer demographic is on track to change drastically.

It seems to me that this is a large part of the point. Al and Kevin Yee has been harping on that for years. Because of the low price pass (when I first got mine it was $99 for the year- almost what a day ticket for a single park is today!) low income families could go, bring food, and never spend a dime while there. The sheer number of APs and lack of spending was taxing the park. This includes parents who dropped off kids for a low cost summer baby sitting.

Now they are weeding out the low income families (and problematic summer baby sitting kids), replacing them with people who can afford to pay for the high price pass, and still spend while there. I wonder what all of this will do to the MP and MC games, though....

I have had a premium AP for many years. My kids are grown and moved out, and my wife still can't go to the park so I only need to buy one. After the price increase last year, I was forced to go to monthly payments. And with the $20 increase this year came another surprise, if you renew before the expiration, the $20 discount is now $40, cancelling the price increase! This is for premium only. I go to the parks with my mom and aunt, and any visiting friends and family, though that has been more and more infrequent the past few years due to the economy.

So, I still enjoy going enough that the $53/ month is still worth it for me. And I do buy food once in a while, and I'm a collector, so I make the occasional purchase. Just the way Disney likes it, I suppose.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

I think it was Chernabog who posted on FB saying that this is the moment when the old Disneyland gang finally calls it quits and I think he's right. It's a shame, though I guess nothing lasts forever.

That makes me sad.
I understand it, but don't like it.