Every week our writers get together and answer a Disney-related question.  Here are this week’s question and answers, please leave your answer in the comments!

Question of the Week: The news of the week was Disney raising annual pass prices at both resorts. It sounds like a regular ticket price increase won’t be far behind. What are your thoughts on the price increases, as they tend to happen once or twice a year?

Cassie – I think the (huge) price jump is actually pretty outrageous. I feel like it is making it almost impossible for the middle class to afford, making it only affordable for the wealthy. I personally don’t know if I’ll be able to afford to renew my pass next year. I am disappointed.

Kelsee – Considering I’ve never had the luxury of living by Disneyland or Disney World, I guess I have a more balanced opinion and see both sides. On one hand, I see where Disney is coming from. Pass holders don’t usually purchase hotel rooms, dining packages, etc. From a business standpoint, I see why they would raise the pass prices and “weed out” the lower spending bracket of park visitors. Do I think it’s ethically right? No. However, business is business and they have a lot of upcoming projects they need to find money to compensate for. I don’t think Walt would be making such drastic price changes such as these because his original vision was for the park to be for families, but that was more than 60 years ago. I have family that live in Southern California and I know they are not happy with the price increase, which I wouldn’t be either, as Cassie said. On the emotional side of things, I’m disappointed in the company for their recent changes, but as I stated previously I understand why they are doing it. I don’t see the regular admission jumping up too much more, maybe $10-20 at the most. I know that adds up, but I think it’s doable and it wouldn’t make me stop going.

As a Once Upon A Time fan, like Rumpelstiltskin says “All Magic Comes With a Price.”
As unfortunate as that statement is, it rings very true for the parks.

Andrew – I’m mainly with Kelsee here. I don’t really have a problem with them ever raising prices, specifically with annual passes. As other entertainment entities keep increasing their prices (movie tickets, sporting events, etc.) it’s not fair to expect Disney to just keep their prices the same because ‘it’s what Walt would have wanted’. The prices for the parks are high but businesses have to match prices with demand. 10-14 hours of entertainment is not cheap no matter where you are.

As far as this specific price increase for annual passes, it may be a little steep. The numbers look a little shocking if you just look at the big picture and that isn’t a good look for Disney. Still, I’d rather them raise prices here then pricing out families who are trying to save up just enough for their once in a lifetime trip.

In no way do I think Disney is cheap. And I don’t necessarily disagree with those that think their prices are too high, I just think there are two sides to the picture. There are other problems with Disney Parks that frustrate me more than their price increases.

Melissa L. – I agree with all the above. It stinks to have to pay more money, but at the same time, it’s not going to keep me from going.

What do you think of the Disney price increases?  Let us know in the comments.  If you like what you are reading here on Wandering in Disney, please subscribe to our blog and like our social media pages.  You can do both of those things on the right side of this page.  Also, send us any trip planning questions, post ideas, or anything else Disney-related in the comments or to our email (wanderingindisney@gmail.com).  Thank you for reading and have a magical week!