Snack price increases?

[Pi on my Cake]

Actually, that's a good suggestion to split a QS meal with someone in your party, to help defray the prices. Problem is, that won't work for all park guests, and I'm not just referring to the people with hearty appetites.

I go to WDW once a year and travel solo. I'm stuck with the full price of a QS meal, because I can't split it with anyone. I just glanced at the menu for Pinocchio Village Haus. It was $11.49 for a chicken parmesan sandwich (which comes with apple slices or fries) and a low-fat milk is $1.99. That's $13.48 plus tax (I don't know what the tax percent is). I hardly ever eat French Fries, and apple slices don't exactly go with chicken parmesan. So I always plan on about $15.00 for just a QS lunch or dinner, that I don't finish. (I don't order dessert either.) I bring enough money with me on a trip, but the latest price hikes are really discouraging to me.

I go with kids meal when I'm solo. Good enough portion. And it includes a cookie and a drink (at least at electric umbrella, I don't go solo often so i can't remember if that's the case everywhere). If they say only kids can get the kids meal (which has only happened once) I just say my little brother ran to get a seat and i packed food for myself. My whole family has done the kids meals before. Doing it this way, QS is actually pretty reasonable, but it does limit your options. Luckily, I enjoy burgers and chicken nuggets, so I'm ok lol.

 

[flynnibus]

Supply and demand isn't managed

There is a reason you are on ignore.. and everytime I take a peek, you prove it. Not managing supply? Someone fire up the double facepalm meme...

 

[flynnibus]

I'm not the take it slow type, not day to day and not on vacation.lol

The point regarding Discovery Cove is.. it highlights how much of this WDW vacation you count on.. planning, special events, direct transit, etc is a CONSEQUENCE of something... not something you would set out to seek if you didn't have to.

Discovery Cove was highlighted because its an example where instead of figuring out how to stuff and timeslice what they have to cycle more people through a fixed commodity, they prioritized a customer service experience and capped sold capacity at a level that maintains the customer experience. It's not that DC is some charity... its that they prioritized an experience. You pay a premium.. but you get a premium experience.

There is no rush to get the best seat.. or rush to find a wet suit.. or need to pre-pay to get your size easily.. because they remove the overcrowding aspect as part of their service.

Plus, the snorkeling there is better than any natural habitat I've ever been in for seeing the creatures

 

[xdan0920]

Edit to add- Like I said earlier, no one likes price increases. Does it make sense to constantly complain about them though? Or would it make sense to adjust accordingly?

Uh. How about both?

I complain because, even though WDW has always been expensive. I never felt like I was being fleeced. Or that I was missing out on something by refusing to be shaken down for extra cash. That's changed. My last trip, I still had a good time, but I felt like I was being fleeced far too often.

I'm dvc. I used to go yearly, if not more. I've scaled that back to every other year now. And if this trend continues, I'll probably just sell my points to the next "mark".

 

[Luxe]

Yes. You are correct in that. When I go on a vacation I think like a customer. I choose what benefits me, within my budget, and what doesn't...and then I plan accordingly.

Reserved seating and things like Early Morning Magic are amazing enhancements on my trip. Especially when traveling with a child, on adult only trips I probably wouldn't do them. They save time. Time is money, that saying is true. The more efficient something is the more I can justify it. Given that all of these events seem to sell out, it doesn't look like I'm alone in searching for a maximization of time management.

Would you say the same if the parks had enough capacity, attractions and draw at each one to spread and disperse the crowds? That way you wouldn't need your upcharge events to experience the parks like they were meant to be experienced. Sounds crazy, doesn't it?

 

[Goofyernmost]

There is a reason you are on ignore.. and everytime I take a peek, you prove you. Not managing supply? Someone fire up the double facepalm meme...

Make it a triple face palm if you think that you can manage it other then when the public gives itself no alternatives. The problem with all the discussion about how awful Disney is stems from the mistaken thought that luxury expenditures are the same as live sustaining expenditures. If people can live without something it is completely controlled by them. When you talk about managing supply and demand you are talking about Disney limiting supply thus creating higher rates where demand is in the hands of the consumer. If the consumer doesn't demand it, the pricing will drop or they will stop selling. It is a two way street. Disney does manage demand by the method that was mentioned by me a few posts ago. If you found a way to make the public dependent on you completely (aka.. Magic Express) then you can control demand and supply is unlimited. There is no other control. They manage it exactly the way one would expect. They will charge whatever they can get for it. As long as the public decides that they need the full, brain washed, Disney immersion sales point, they will be at the mercy of Disney. The only thing, at this point that will stop that is prices getting to the point where people flat out cannot afford it anymore. Guess how fast those prices will fall then. It hasn't reached that point yet, but, have a real bad turn in the economy and watch what happens. Oh, and by the way... feel free to put me on ignore, if you don't have an argument it is best to not know that someone is challenging your statements.

 

[Daveeeeed]

Right, I get that. I don't think any consumer on earth is joyful about a price increase. Once it happens, though, what are you going to do? Buy it or don't buy it. Can't turn back time. At the end of the day, it's an ice cream. Now an ice cream that costs $1.25 more. Prices raise on items all of the time. Is it really a cause for outrage?

I think the main issue is because there is nothing to justify it. I am an ardent Disney Fan, but I realize that Universal has added so many things recently, it probably will be more accepted anytime they do it. Disney, on the other hand, is giving us Pandora next year, yet there has not been a true e-ticket since EE, and even then they basically trashed it. It probably has most to do with the disappointment of the loyal fans. I mean seriously... MK -- The most visited theme park in the world! -- hasn't gotten an e-ticket since Splash, and that was what... 24 years ago???

I still will go to Disney and will love it, but just like America, I will always love it, but may not always like who's running it, and making questionable decisions.
Thankfully we are getting new things to more or less justify it, but it is still in the best way put: disappointing. And yes we don't have to go, but you can still lament over the fact, as mega Disney fans, that these are disappointing moves by a company that needs to focus on the long term. And this is coming from a shareholder of TWDC.

 

[21stamps]

I think the main issue is because there is nothing to justify it. I am an ardent Disney Fan, but I realize that Universal has added so many things recently, it probably will be more accepted anytime they do it. Disney, on the other hand, is giving us Pandora next year, yet there has not been a true e-ticket since EE, and even then they basically trashed it. It probably has most to do with the disappointment of the loyal fans. I mean seriously... MK -- The most visited theme park in the world! -- hasn't gotten an e-ticket since Splash, and that was what... 24 years ago???

I still will go to Disney and will love it, but just like America, I will always love it, but may not always like who's running it, and making questionable decisions.
Thankfully we are getting new things to more or less justify it, but it is still in the best way put: disappointing. And yes we don't have to go, but you can still lament over the fact, as mega Disney fans, that these are disappointing moves by a company that needs to focus on the long term. And this is coming from a shareholder of TWDC.

I was disappointed in my phone carriers prices. I've been with them since the first iPhone. When it came time to get the 7 I switched carriers to save money, mostly because of reviews from coworkers who did the same.

It was a mistake. I hate the new one. I didn't realize that you couldn't talk and be on the web at the same time. Oops. Oh well. Maybe I'll switch back, who knows. Luckily I'm not under contract.

Point being- high prices stink. Sometimes they're worth it though.

In everything I've said I am honestly not trying to argue with people. It makes me sad to see so many focus on the negative.. there is still plenty to love about Disney. If it's no longer "worth it" for some then fine, but there's a lot of us who still see an overwhelming number of positives. We can see the positives and still say the prices are ridiculous, bc they are, but not feel the need to rant and rave when we are choosing to pay them.

 

[Luxe]

Even my local amusement park has VIP tours, fast lane passes etc. So yeah, I expect Disney World to offer choices as well.

I don't know your age, but when I was a kid I remember waiting in long lines at WDW (no FP old or new back then). Those lines are even longer now, or would be without FP. Offering people the option to go on 3 rides, 2 of which typically have long waits, over and over until their heart's content..for a fairly reasonable price, is ok with me. Guess what? On all of the other days that we did not do EMM the presence of the people who did had no effect on us at all. It's doesn't hurt anyone.
All of the people who chose dessert parties that we did not do, also no impact on me.

It's not as dramatic as so many are making the upcharge options sound. You can choose to pay more or you can choose to do what's "included". Either way you'll have a great time.

So you think that FP+ makes the lines shorter?

 

[Daveeeeed]

I was disappointed in my phone carriers prices. I've been with them since the first iPhone. When it came time to get the 7 I switched carriers to save money, mostly because of reviews from coworkers who did the same.

It was a mistake. I hate the new one. I didn't realize that you couldn't talk and be on the web at the same time. Oops. Oh well. Maybe I'll switch back, who knows.

Point being- high prices stink. Sometimes they're worth it though.

In everything I've said I am honestly not trying to argue with people. It makes me sad to see so many focus on the negative.. there is still plenty to love about Disney. If it's no longer "worth it" for some then fine, but there's a lot of us who still see an overwhelming number of positives. We can see the positives and still say the prices are ridiculous, bc they are, but not feel the need to rant and rave when we are choosing to pay them.

Disney has a loyal fanbase; though, unlike carrier networks. It's essentially a knife in the back when you are so loyal and they raise it super high. Airlines reward you, so we've stuck with Delta & SouthWest, but Disney has the courage to go and raise something up that already was overlay raised meanwhile cutting down service & quality. Yes, you don't have to go, but that's why we are going to SeaWorld too now, and probably Volcano Bay too. We stay at the Shades of Green, so prices are locked through the year while being walking distance from Poly's monorail. Other people don't have that luxury and I feel for them, and personally believe that that is bad business practice. There's nothing wrong with a price hike as long as it is not greed. I see what you are saying, but I wouldn't defend them so much -- even when it's within our power not to go.

 

[Bandini]

Discovery Cove was highlighted because its an example where instead of figuring out how to stuff and timeslice what they have to cycle more people through a fixed commodity, they prioritized a customer service experience and capped sold capacity at a level that maintains the customer experience. It's not that DC is some charity... its that they prioritized an experience. You pay a premium.. but you get a premium experience.

There is no rush to get the best seat.. or rush to find a wet suit.. or need to pre-pay to get your size easily.. because they remove the overcrowding aspect as part of their service.

Plus, the snorkeling there is better than any natural habitat I've ever been in for seeing the creatures

This is a perfect example of where Disney is falling down on the job. They seem incapable of providing a great product for everyone to enjoy.

 

[alphac2005]

While food is indeed a necessity, dining in Disney World is absolutely not. Why does everyone constantly whine about it. If you don't want to pay that, don't go. If you still want to go, stay offsite and eat at reasonable prices and stay in reasonably priced accommodations. They may not have a 5 foot mouse running up and down the halls, but, you can still enjoy the parks without having to worry about if they charge $100.00 for a potato chip. Grow up folks you are paying for an experience. One that you can do without, trust me. You do not have to pay any of those outrageous prices, it is in your control completely. So pay what they charge and be quiet or don't pay for it and you can still enjoy it differently. Disney does not owe anyone dumpster rates and they are not forcing you to do so. Choices you make dictate that, you don't have to deal with it. If you deal in economics like you say, you should also understand supply and demand. That is what is allowing the, what you call, "price gouging" to happen.

You simply laid out excuses. Go look at their financials, the parks have seen a decline in attendence and gouging is what is keeping their profit margins up. Clearly, an attendence drop shows that there people voting with their wallets to go elsewhere.

So, I have three children and exactly how do I handle meals at least twice in a park day and snacks? I can't bring in that amount of food per their own policies. It's price gouging. I can't believe that some of you keeping making the same excuses. I notice how you guys always like to gloss over the fact that the prices have exploded and are way, way off the histotical norm. Up until Iger's full reign here, the pricing wasn't out of control and beyond sane. My goodness, how naive of some of us to think that three meals at a quick service at $40 is absurd and unacceptable?

I darn well know supply and demand and per their own numbers, visitor attendence is down in FL and per @WDW1974, we know that they're playing games with little they are reporting to make them seem better. Demand is down, prices are up to not only make up any loss in demand, but to further improve operating margins.

 

[Hakunamatata]

This is a perfect example of where Disney is falling down on the job. They seem incapable of providing a great product for everyone to enjoy.

Show me any example of something everyone enjoys. Try to lay off the grandiose comments that are not based in reality.

 

[RSoxNo1]

A 33% price increase on many snacks seems obscene. We complain when it's a 25 cent increase, these seems pretty drastic. What are the prices of bottled water and soda?

 

[Daveeeeed]

Show me any example of something everyone enjoys. Try to lay off the grandiose comments that are not based in reality.

That's simply a misguided comment that you made. You know that it not what he meant, but the vast majority that is not for a limited price point. For instance, Fantasmic! is enjoyed by nearly everyone. What @Bandini I believe is referring to is the nonsense Disney is doing like the Tiana dessert party that should be without desserts for the general people. Or the lack of additions/updates meanwhile we are getting extreme hikes in food prices. It seems that this may be a case of risk and reward with Pandora/Star Wars/Epcot getting added/overhauls, but it is stuff disappointing all the while prices are going up far above inflation and quality is going down.

 

[ToTBellHop]

Show me any example of something everyone enjoys. Try to lay off the grandiose comments that are not based in reality.

Those triple chocolate brownies at most of the resorts. If you claim you don't like them, you are lying to yourself and your soul is dead.

 

[21stamps]

Well, she made it a point to post pictures of it on a thread. I figured she wanted everyone to know how she spent her money on her vacation, since she posted photos and mentioned she was staying at the GF, and she mentioned the great value of Disney's up sells.

Yes, I have said repeatedly that I think MK EMM was one of the best experiences for the price point at WDW, and I highly recommend it.
We should have continuous rants about upcharges, but not any retelling of a good personal experience with said upcharge options? Hmm. That seems odd.

As for the cabana that you keep obsessing over- If you can't understand how watching your favorite football team (Win!!)with your child, and your closest friend (who lives 1000 miles from you), in 80 degree weather (while it's 45 degrees back home), with a monorail passing above you, Seven Seas Lagoon as the backdrop, and delicious food and drinks. how that could be a "magical day" for someone, then really you need to take a look not only at your attitude towards WDW, but in life in general.

 

[Hakunamatata]

Those triple chocolate brownies at most of the resorts. If you claim you don't like them, you are lying to yourself and your soul is dead.

I would argue the same about churros.

 

[Luxe]

I would argue the same about churros.

You mean sugar straws?

Personally, I prefer sugar bagels or donuts as most boring people call them.

 

[Sonconato]

Because it's not the price itself that is the concerning part... it's what the company is doing with prices, and how the company is approaching customers and their treatment of them.

It blows my mind that with all the changes in even the last 4-6 weeks people still don't see it. And the 'well it doesn't impact me' or 'dont buy it then...' responses.. do you really think these changes are going to stay isolated to things you DON'T cherish?

This pace of change is unprecedented... and people act like it's just normal inflation, or just things that don't directly impact them. Some people are just going to get slammed by a train because they refuse to open their eyes to what is actually going on around them. One day they are going to wake up and realize it's too late and they can't rollback all those little changes that added up to a boat load of change that fundamentally changes their net experience.

I really don't know what it will take before some people take the blinders off and look around.

It was bad enough when we started getting seasonal menu pricing.. soon we'll get congestion pricing at shows... or how about paying for that center section at F! or you can sit way over to the side for free..

^THIS^
This precisely!