Told someone about the price differences between now and then. Guess what their answer was?
"You're not becoming one of those old people that complains that burgers used to be 10 cents are you? Things increase in price."
My biggest issue is not the price, but the value. This is where consumers have to flex their muscle and refuse to pay increases for a lesser experience.
I don't mind paying for things, as long as I feel they're worth the cost. Price increases are inevitable, but people have to ask: what am I getting in return? Disney banks on the nostalgia, but eventually people will seek different much cheaper experiences.
I'm not a basher, more of an ambivalent pixie duster, and I just feel (like many obviously) that Disney should be investing much more resort-wide. Which isn't to say that they haven't or aren't (FLE, Disney Springs, Magic Bands, Avatarland), but they shouldn't wait until the next economic downturn to build up the Studios Park or figure out what to do with Future World in Epcot. Investments for long term gains are prudent. Stuff like Magic Bands, FP+, Disney Springs will probably yield lots of profits down the road. But will people still be interested in Epcot or The Studios then? It's a balancing act, running a business is hard.
The fans will probably always show up, but eventually the "magic" may be out of reach for most. And that nostalgia? Well if families stop coming, what connection will the younger generations have to the parks? What effect does that have on the brand?
We all look around and see the problem areas. Then, we argue about the extent and the causes. But attractions close, paint fades, trees go missing, admissions prices rise and most of us...still pay the Mouse. Maybe we don't stay at a Disney resort, or dont buy souvenirs, or eat before/after the parks, and maybe we don't visit as often...but we still walk through those gates.
We are enablers. And I type this as I get ready to renew my AP, which costs more than it did last year, nevermind way back when I first became a passholder. Honestly not sure how much longer I'll keep renewing...there are some things coming that I'm looking forward to, so at least another year or two...or three or....
Sorry for the long post.
