Why Disney World Doesn’t Want YOUR Money

Getting rid of free services, adding LOTS of upcharges, making hotels more exclusive, and making it harder for frequent visitors. Disney is definitely acting like they don’t want your money, but is that what’s really going on?

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[thomastedder]

I remember in 1998 or 99, parking was $2 at any park. And when annual passes started I payed $99 for a year pass with some black out dates but those dates were like the Summer and other days I would not want to visit the parks. I think the last time I went was around 2010 and parking was $20.
I'll never go to a place that gouges the middle and lower class to the point they need to take out a loan to visit.

[risingdough]

The idea that more people are going into debt in order to afford a Disney vacation is very sad. Families who have to travel to Florida or California for their Disney visit should consider skipping the theme park and travel abroad instead. It will be a much more genuine and enriching experience. And it can cost less.

[starrypunk]

I honestly was surprised that all those things were free to begin with. I visited for the first time in 2018 and was amazed that magic bands were free, free airport transportation, free fast passes etc. I realize Disney costs a bundle but no one gives you anything for free really. But as far as attendance goes, its been shoulder to shoulder during the depths of value season. I don't even want to know what it would look like during spring/summer.

[angd]

I wishDisney would stop investing in DVC. People need to realize that it's not a great buy. We had it and sold it as we found that it wasn't worth the money. We go every year and stay at different resorts. I feel like we are spending less money that way. Our monthly maintenance fee was higher than what I spend on my resort each year. I'd rather spend my money on things other than lodging.

[josephakesson]

Would you ever consider adding your video audio to something like Spotify or apple podcast?

[dherko]

I would always try to buy the hotel and tickets as far in advance as possible and have that paid off prior to the trip starting. I also plan my big purchases and make a payment at the end of the day to my credit card for the amount spent that day. Keeps me from overspending.

[blaster-zyxx]

AJ. Thanks for the overview on where we are now. All your suggestions on how to save money are the ones we have used for years.
If I could emphasize just one of them it is to NOT GO at peak times. It is just insane to spend peak dollars for most crowded times. If you can’t go on off-peak times, just don’t go.

[susanburg]

Love you AJ. But … it’s obvious Disney is catering to the rich.

[MononokeLynn]

With Epic Universe opening up down the street next year, where the hotels at Universal Studios are actually affordable…they are living in their own fantasy.
Time-shares are also becoming a thing of the past, with newer generations not having the money to take a time-share - most of us can barely afford to put a down payment on a house, or are still grappling with student loan debt.
I’m so glad I got the chance to experience WDW in Sept 2021, when the value hotels were still within price range, where we got free disney transportation to and from the airport, etc.

[Carla-hlfm]

We are going on our last Disney trip in Nov. We will visit one day and Magic Kingdom and Epcot, but our trips to Orlando will now be to Universal. Although... we actually are looking at skipping Orlando altogether for Dollywood or Silver Dollar City.

[tia-light]

I haven't been to WDW since 1983 and I am perfectly ok with that.

[crabbypapa]

Disney new rides not fully operational versus Epic Universe up and running. Good planning Disney!

[Denturehempcleanser]

Grew up never able to go to wdw . Way too expensive for family in the 1970’s. Finally went at age 34. Love it. You get what you pay for. Supposed to be special trip. Not every year.

[jasondavis]

We are going in 4 weeks this will be the first time we will spend more time at Universal than Disney world.

[michellekelly]

If everyone could avoid Christmas this year I would appreciate it 😂 Taking my kids for two days before a cruise.

[tylerchristian]

Kind of need to pay alot. The parks are as great as they are because the time, love, and creativity put into them and you need a lot of money to build and maintain it. Happily Ever After alone cost around 40k to do each night.

[deborah]

I'm glad you said the quiet part out loud. They are destroying their campground. Now I see it's also the other resorts. The disdain for the new DVC cabins is 90% polling they are awful and do not fit the theme. They have limited the decorations at holidays, so for those that go, it will not be the same. They are also, apparently dog haters. They are enforcing limits to dogs. So take that pup back to the shelter if you have 3. And, we won't, we will fight it or we won't visit. And that's your own camper, the one you pay for and repair, drive. It's sad.

[LoveStallion]

Corporate greed, corporate greed, corporate greed. And so much inflation over the past few years—certainly not all of it—has been driven by corporations jacking up prices because our public narrative about inflation gives them an alibi.

I'm a proud Disney shareholder, but Walt is turning in his grave.

[gohellgrl]

People are going to universal instead. This will continue. In due time Disney’s rep and good will that was earned in the 90’s will fade away from memory. Stay tuned for them to tank. It’s already happening.

[rachelrakov]

Should have called this video “Disney doesn’t want your patronage”