Biggest ripoff at WDW?

[captainkidd]

Right, because anytime someone is even vaguely critical of something about WDW, it's "whining."

And given that the thread is on its 5th page of responses, I'd say it's far from a "fail."

To me, the whiners are the ones that can't accept that we don't all see things the same way they do, and don't mind talking about it. You never see anyone jump on a positive thread (of which there are many) and say "Oh great, another Disney is perfect thread."

 

[Skippy's Pal]

Bottled water is something I don't worry about paying for. I know a lot of people think it's overpriced, but I'd rather pay $2.50 than drink Florida tap water.:hurl:

Go to a concert or ball game and see what a bottle of water costs. Disney is cheap by comparison in that category.

You are soooooo right! Not just water at a ball park - everything. Been to 2 major league parks in last few weeks, and each of them made Disney food prices seem like a bargain.

 

[Magenta Panther]

I am SOOOOO glad my daughter never really wanted to do this so I never had to go up against that unstoppable force. :lol:

To me the biggest ripoff is the food. Most of it is so over priced and over rated its not even funny. Things likethe beef tacos at Mexico, $10 for 3 tacos (about 3in long) with nothing really on them and about 12 chips, it looked like a kids meal. Chef Mickey breakfast, cost us $100 for food about half as good as Dennys and characters that dont spend the time they should considering the cost. There are some meals and places t eat that are worth the money but all in all its a joke in my opinion. I know a lot of people will disagree but living in Chicago land we have so many A+ places to eat maybe Im just spoiled.

Well, the food at WDW is pretty variable, that's for sure. I've had some very nice meals there, especially at the Rose and Crown and the Brown Derby, but I've also had the worst burgers I've ever tasted in my life (Cosmic Ray's) and the worst ribs (Sci-Fi Diner). And I actually got sick after eating at Tony's - I think it was the mushroom soup. As to cost, I always get the dining plan, so that's one factor that doesn't distress me too much. It's nice to have the meals all paid for upfront - it kinds of adds to the magic of the experience for me, NOT to have to think about how much a meal is going to cost me when I make my selection from the menu. I think I'm always going to use the dining plan when I visit WDW; I really like it.

 

[Magenta Panther]

All the plastic imported crap they call souvenirs....

Especially when it features non-Disney characters like the Hulk.

 

[Just A Big Kid]

If you compare Disney's prices verses say Six Flags on admission, food, and other things.. For the money, Disney is much more worth it. Six Flags is expensive to get in, their food (which isn't very good) is usually high, and the quality of the park and number of attractions there isn't even a comparison. For example, if you get a seven day pass with park hopper added the cost is 46.00 per day for adults verses 39.00 if you buy SF online or 54.99 at the gate. So if you buy their tickets online you save 7.00 or if you buy them at the gate it's cheaper to go to Disney. I could go on but I'm sure you see my point. While Disney isn't cheap, the quality of the purchase is worth it to me.

 

[captainkidd]

If you compare Disney's prices verses say Six Flags on admission, food, and other things.. For the money, Disney is much more worth it. Six Flags is expensive to get in, their food (which isn't very good) is usually high, and the quality of the park and number of attractions there isn't even a comparison. For example, if you get a seven day pass with park hopper added the cost is 46.00 per day for adults verses 39.00 if you buy SF online or 54.99 at the gate. So if you buy their tickets online you save 7.00 or if you buy them at the gate it's cheaper to go to Disney. I could go on but I'm sure you see my point. While Disney isn't cheap, the quality of the purchase is worth it to me.

Six Flags food is a HUGE rip-off. Admission wise, they always have special deals. Their version of a ride express system I'm sure by some is considered a ripoff. I didn't mind shelling out a little extra dough to have immediate access to all the rides though.

 

[DisneyDadof5]

Was at the F&WF in 2010, and I completely agree with you. On the positive side, it leaves you room to sample all the countries.

I did have a manager insist that I try one of his country's dessert though, and brought the wife and I out one for free. (We had ordered a couple of drinks and snacks from the booth)

My only complaint I really have is the Food and Wine Festival food booths.
The portions are way too small for the price you pay.

 

[erasure fan1]

Yet another Disney _________s thread. :brick:

A lot of people agreed with you but you posted first so Im quoting you. Why does it have to be a bashing Disney thread? Just because I think somethings a rip off doesnt mean I hate them. I am a gamer. Do I think a lot of games are a rip off? Heck yea I do. Do I still love gaming? Yea. I think its kind of a funny thread.

 

[Hakunamatata]

A lot of people agreed with you but you posted first so Im quoting you. Why does it have to be a bashing Disney thread? Just because I think somethings a rip off doesnt mean I hate them. I am a gamer. Do I think a lot of games are a rip off? Heck yea I do. Do I still love gaming? Yea. I think its kind of a funny thread.

It's not just this thread. There seems to be an element to the boards that seem to focus on the negative with Disney. I suspect it's due to a self serving agenda. Not all the dissenters mind you, but you can see patterns.

I am honored you chose to quote me. :ROFLOL:

 

[captainkidd]

It's not just this thread. There seems to be an element to the boards that seem to focus on the negative with Disney. I suspect it's due to a self serving agenda. Not all the dissenters mind you, but you can see patterns.

I don't think so. I think what you have here are the most ardent and dedicated WDW fans on the planet. As such, we've come to expect the best because Disney has always delivered on the best. As of late, the sad fact is, they've started resting on their laurels a bit, and it's more noticeable to the die-hards.

 

[xdan0920]

Not even close.

In 1992, the average US household income was around $40,000. In 2010, it was around $50,000. That's about a 20% increase. If you factor inflation in, people actually make less now than they did in 1992.

Minimum wage has gone up, yes. But salaries overall have taken a hit. Granted, there's a lot factored into this such as unemployment, but from all census reports, it's the best we have to go by.

The better question would be, has Disney operating costs risen 100%. what the average American makes has zero impact on Disney's pricing. I'm not saying your wrong about the prices being out Of whack. Just not sure your using the right numbers to prove your point.

 

[Dad 2 M & M]

Staying on property is the most out of whack with reality. You can easily get a nicer room, similar amenities, and shuttle transport without paying Disney resort prices.

I would disagree wth you here. To me it is worth it to stay on property and use the transportation system. I do not stay anywhere other than the value resorts and my preference is Pop Century. Staying in a Moderate or above is what I consider a rip off.

 

[draybook]

I'm amazed at the people posting about this being a "bash Disney" thread. Do your underwear really get that tight over it? Good or bad, I like reading threads on this site. If you don't care for the "bashing" thread, then why post in it?:hammer:

 

[captainkidd]

The better question would be, has Disney operating costs risen 100%. what the average American makes has zero impact on Disney's pricing. I'm not saying your wrong about the prices being out Of whack. Just not sure your using the right numbers to prove your point.

That's actually a very good point. In a way, it really just goes to show how everything in this country is out of whack. The rate of inflation is outpacing the increase in salaries by so much, in time, people will be lucky if they can afford to go on vacation at all.

 

[Spike-in-Berlin]

Staying on property is the most out of whack with reality. You can easily get a nicer room, similar amenities, and shuttle transport without paying Disney resort prices.

If you want to use EMH to full extent there is no alternative. Only the Swan and Dolphin and Hilton as none-disney hotels (but on property of course) offer EMH to their guests, no hotels off-property. And EMH are about 29 hours! of additional park time EACH week with less guests.

 

[jlevis]

3-A batteries from the kiosks. I paid $15 for a 4 pack a couple of years ago. I paid it so it was a voluntary rip-off but I've never forgotten batteries since. :lol:

 

[TRIFORCE89]

DisneyQuest. I don't know why I give that a shot every time I go. I try it and I'm more disappointed with it than I was with my last attempt.

It's boring, it's dark, it's smelly, it's dirty, stuff doesn't work, it is just really really lame.

 

[PhilharMagician]

Bottled Water

 

[hrcollectibles]

I recently met someone who went to WDW for a week and her husband is military. Not only were they unaware of MYW tickets, but were unaware that he qualified for a military discount. So, they bought full priced tickets each and every day of their trip. Now, it's not WDW's fault that she didn't do her research, but I think they count on people like this when it comes to pricing.

When you are at the ticket windows aren't there signs that have the different prices for multiple day Magic Your Way tickets? You would think that if someone is spending money on a vacation, especially as much as some people do on a Walt Disney Vacation, they would do research. It just baffles me that in this day and age with the information on the Interwebs, people do not do their research. :shrug:

I'll agree the food is expensive and the 85 dollar entry fee is steep, but there is no place else like wow, thats why we continue to go back.

I think a lot of guests take advantage of the multiple day tickets and are not paying $85 per day to visit one theme park.

 

[Communicore]

The "latte" at Main Street Bakery oh my goodness that is like 5 oz. I swear and it was for $4 what a ripoff!!!! Also another ripoff would be the antenna Mickey ear decorations!!!