October 2025 Price Increases

[Chi84]

The people tossing it around here are, as far as I can tell, critical of Disney and looking for ways to pour further scorn on the company, its products, and the consumers of those products. To my knowledge, none of the consumers themselves (at least in our community) have posted anything to the effect that they regard their Disney trips as luxurious. Why would they?

They aren’t - at least not that I’ve seen.

It’s possible some people believe that nothing should cost as much as a Disney vacation without providing an extravagant or elegant experience far above the capability of a theme park.

More likely it’s a strawman that can be thoroughly demolished.

 

[Tom P.]

I agree. A Disney vacation is a luxury in the sense that not many people can easily afford it. That’s one definition of luxury. You often hear people say that something or other is “a luxury I can’t afford.”

But some posters seem to be taking issue with the second definition - something that is extremely comfortable or elegant. As far as I know, Disney has never characterized its vacations as “luxurious” in that second sense.

Walt Disney World has a few locations and services that would be considered "luxurious" in the sense of the second definition. Victoria and Albert's would probably fall into that definition. Maybe the spa at the Grand Floridian? But I don't think anyone is under the impression that a theme park is ever going to be luxurious in that sense.

But I agree with you on the first definition. A Disney vacation is a luxury item in the sense that it is (1) completely unnecessary and (2) something beyond many people's financial reach.

 

[Chi84]

Reading your response, yes, I am.

You’re not lost but you are taking the bait.

 

[LittleBuford]

You’re not lost but you are taking the bait.

It was worth it for his response. A rare moment of lighthearted humour between us!

 

[Jrb1979]

I agree. A Disney vacation is a luxury in the sense that not many people can easily afford it. That’s one definition of luxury. You often hear people say that something or other is “a luxury I can’t afford.”

But some posters seem to be taking issue with the second definition - something that is extremely comfortable or elegant. As far as I know, Disney has never characterized its vacations as “luxurious” in that second sense.

While Disney has never come out and said they are a "luxurious" and they likely never will. The issue is they have priced themselves like they are a "luxurious" place

 

[Tom P.]

You’re not lost but you are taking the bait.

It was worth it for his response. A rare moment of lighthearted humour between us!

Hey, @Sirwalterraleigh and I found common ground on a tangential Star Trek-related discussion. He's not all bad.

 

[LittleBuford]

While Disney has never come out and said they are a "luxurious" and they likely never will. The issue is they have priced themselves like they are a "luxurious" place

I know some here bristle at this comparison, but concerts are also wildly expensive today, and I don't think the high price point makes anyone think "luxurious". Luxury isn't all about the cost. A box at the opera is, by most people's definition, more luxurious than a seat at a pop concert, even if it's by far the cheaper option.

 

[Tom P.]

I know some here bristle at this comparison, but concerts are also wildly expensive today, and I don't think the high price point makes anyone think "luxurious". Luxury isn't all about the cost. A box at the opera is, by most people's definition, more luxurious than a seat at a pop concert, even if it's by far the cheaper option.

I think the issue here is that being "a luxury" and being "luxurious" are two separate things. A ticket to a Taylor Swift concert is a luxury but, for me, it is the exact opposite of "luxurious." Perhaps "torturous."

 

[Miss Bella]

I know some here bristle at this comparison, but concerts are also wildly expensive today, and I don't think the high price point makes anyone think "luxurious". Luxury isn't all about the cost. A box at the opera is, by most people's definition, more luxurious than a seat at a pop concert, even if it's by far the cheaper option.

I consider laying in bed all day watching Netflix a luxury. At least it would be if I ever had the time to do it.

 

[LittleBuford]

I think the issue here is that being "a luxury" and being "luxurious" are two separate things.

Oh, I realise that and have tried to make the same point myself. But some people here (again, mainly those critical of Disney) are conflating the two meanings in an effort, I think, to paint the company and its less critical customers in a bad light, as if somehow Disney is cynically selling the promise of luxury (in the second sense) to justify the price and the more gullible among us are falling for this ploy in order to feel better about spending so much.

 

[Chi84]

Oh, I realise that and have tried to make the same point myself. But some people here (again, mainly those critical of Disney) are conflating the two meanings in an effort, I think, to paint the company and its less critical customers in a bad light, as if somehow Disney is cynically selling the promise of luxury (in the second sense) to justify the price and the more gullible among us are falling for this ploy in order to feel better about spending so much.

And it sounds every bit as ridiculous as it is when it’s set out in plain English.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Walt Disney World has a few locations and services that would be considered "luxurious" in the sense of the second definition. Victoria and Albert's would probably fall into that definition. Maybe the spa at the Grand Floridian? But I don't think anyone is under the impression that a theme park is ever going to be luxurious in that sense.

But I agree with you on the first definition. A Disney vacation is a luxury item in the sense that it is (1) completely unnecessary and (2) something beyond many people's financial reach.

…totally fair

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

Is there any evidence that they do

I don’t think Disney categorizes its vacations as “luxury.”

When things are marketed in tiers and with classifications like "Deluxe", that offer club level rooms and concierge services.
To go along with "Exclusive Bungalows" and "private fireworks shows" that supplement the "VIP Experience of a private all access tour" that is not accessible to the regular Joe without a hefty investment. And you can combine that with "Special Event Access", "Signature Restaurants" and "Exclusive Experiences"...on and on and on...

Sometimes when a skunk walks into a room, you don't need people yelling "Look. A skunk" - in order to be made aware of it's presence.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Oh, I realise that and have tried to make the same point myself. But some people here (again, mainly those critical of Disney) are conflating the two meanings in an effort, I think, to paint the company and its less critical customers in a bad light, as if somehow Disney is cynically selling the promise of luxury (in the second sense) to justify the price and the more gullible among us are falling for this ploy in order to feel better about spending so much.

You’re in the ballpark…

But be direct…don’t do the “some people” act. The last time I recall that it didn’t go well.

It’s beneath you…really is.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Hey, @Sirwalterraleigh and I found common ground on a tangential Star Trek-related discussion. He's not all bad.

…don’t ruin my Rep, man…

“You’ve manipulated the circumstances with the skill…of a romulan…”

 

[Jrb1979]

Oh, I realise that and have tried to make the same point myself. But some people here (again, mainly those critical of Disney) are conflating the two meanings in an effort, I think, to paint the company and its less critical customers in a bad light, as if somehow Disney is cynically selling the promise of luxury (in the second sense) to justify the price and the more gullible among us are falling for this ploy in order to feel better about spending so much.

I don't think that at all.
Here is what I'm saying. Disney is not a luxury vacation. It's luxury in price only. I know there is a difference.
Disney isn't selling the promise of luxury but at the same time they are pricing it like they are a luxurious vacation.
That's the point some are making. They people they priced out were the ones that liked the Disney product. Unfortunately those who they are trying to go after now, don't give a rats about Disney.

 

[Miss Bella]

I don't think that at all.
Here is what I'm saying. Disney is not a luxury vacation. It's luxury in price only. I know there is a difference.
Disney isn't selling the promise of luxury but at the same time they are pricing it like they are a luxurious vacation.
That's the point some are making. They people they priced out were the ones that liked the Disney product. Unfortunately those who they are trying to go after now, don't give a rats about Disney.

I would love to know what everyone's definition of a luxury vacation is?

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

But some people here (again, mainly those critical of Disney) are conflating the two meanings in an effort, I think, to paint the company and its less critical customers in a bad light

Everybody on this forum is a fanboi at heart (me included). Otherwise we wouldn't spend time here. Some of us still maintain higher expectations of Disney. Others like me have basically given up and realize that my expectations need to be tampered down a bit. Doesn't mean I still don't enjoy Disney. I just don't enjoy it as much as I once did.

Its one thing to be critical of Disney based on an operations standpoint. And yes. In those cases everybody can armchair imagineer and say "They should have done this/They should have done that".

What I'm more critical about is feeling that I and other loyalists (fanbois) are continually taken advantage of due to a lack of vision and in some cases utter greed on Disney's part.

 

[Jrb1979]

I would love to know what everyone's definition of a luxury vacation is?

IMO a luxury vacation is a river cruise, a week in the Maldives or the Mediterranean. A theme park is not even close to that and shouldn't be priced like that.

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

don’t ruin my Rep, man

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