Yes, they raised the prices...

It was announced on Friday that Disney would be raising the costs of tickets at Walt Disney World effective yesterday. These increases were across the board, and include Annual Passes and the Premier Passes. Since the announcement, there has been LOTS of discussion about how people feel about the price increase. Well, here is my two cents on the topic- and please realize this is simple MY opinion on the topic.

I am amazed at people who appear to be shocked by the fact that Disney increased ticket prices. I don't understand this. Every year, if not twice a year, Disney raises their ticket prices. Yes, the increases are more than the cost of inflation increases, but come on- this doesn't shock you does it? If you really expect Disney to keep the cost of tickets the same every year, then I want to live in whatever Fantasyland you live in.

Disney is a business. The purpose of a business is to make money. Yes Disney also talks about dreams and memories and magic, but they do this to encourage you to visit and spend your money. The marketing team at Disney is one of the best in the world. They come up with taglines and jingles and promotions that make you want to visit The Happiest Place on Earth over and over and over. And let's be honest, people are going to keep doing that no matter how much Disney charges for a ticket.

Disney is also trying to keep up with places like Universal, and also their own overseas parks. This requires money. And I know, Disney probably has plenty of money to accomplish all of this without raising ticket prices, but they have to answer to stock holders who want to see a profit being turned and increased year after year.

Does this mean I like that Disney raises ticket prices? Not at all... But it isn't going to change the fact that I have an Annual Pass, and will be renewing my AP in August when it expires. I won't be renewing as a Premium Annual Pass, but that's due more to the fact that they have cut back the benefits with that pass. I also hate the fact that they charge as much for a child AP as they do an adult AP, but again, it's not going to stop me from going.

For the first time, Disney separated out the cost of a ticket to Magic Kingdom, making it more expensive than a day at the other three parks. I think this stinks, but it makes sense. They have been pushing experiencing New Fantasyland and Storybook Circus- every ad or commercial makes sure to mention these new areas. But I think it's simpler than that- my thought is when most people go to WDW for a single day, they will head to the Magic Kingdom. It's what people think of when they think of Disney World- I mean, how many times have you heard someone refer to the Magic Kingdom as Disney World? It's like fingernails on a chalkboard for me, but that's a huge perception out there.

My Precious (aka my Annual Pass)

In fact, because of my AP, I end up going to Disney more often, even from Pennsylvania, than I would without it. Over the course of several years, the way my family and I visit Disney has changed, but that's a whole different topic. I love Disney and what it means to me. Yes, it's a business, but it's also a place that is near and dear to my heart. Disney has turned their business into transporting you to a different place when you are there. And can you really say that an additional $35 a year is going to stop you from going to your happy place? I can't... I'll gladly give Disney my money- year after year.