As a 15 yearish annual pass holder, I can say that I am not priced out. It's just that the value for my money has decreased significantly. I earn around 10x more than I did the first 10 years, but having a pass is not worth it to me anymore. I don't like being there buying a $19 beer, $30 dinner, and getting on like 4 rides. I loved the days when there were shows and experiences and fast passes for all. With that being said, for the first time I'm letting my pass go and becoming a once a yearer.
Thr current fast pass is such a downgrade as well, the max pass let me get in the same ride as many times as I wanted in one day. Meanwhile for the same price The LL only let's me fast pass a single ride once per day.
Way ahead of you! We let our passes go in 2020. We have only been back once for my birthday and that’s it. I still don’t feel the need to go back again.
As a SoCal resident with decent disposable income who loves Disneyland, I'm priced out. Keys aren't worth it for me anymore, I had the Enchant for two years and just wasn't worth it at all. I've gone fully Magic Key celibate. I'll only go on special occasions, waiting for a discount ticket maybe once or twice a year. It's literally not worth it anymore for me.
Honestly same. Regardless though I feel like going more than 4x per year ruins the magic and amazement that is Disney and all theme parks for that matter.
I'm not "Priced Out", I'm just tired of being Herded and Scheduled. I go to Disneyland to be on Vacation. They've made it a JOB... and not just while you are there, you have to reserve everything weeks before you even go. They are out of control and have no respect for their guests.
Exactly, if it's expensive it's expensive, it's a luxury not a basic human right. But if it's a luxury experience, I want it to be a luxury, not what they have now.
The new Haunted Mansion gift shop kills any forced perspective that Disney had going on there. Tiana's and the mansion look so much smaller now. Even the Harbor Galley across the way is dwarfed. The gift shop stands out like a sore thumb.
Tiana's is fake. Splash Mountain is still running. However I intend to remove the Haunted Mansion gift shop and everything in the park that opened after Indiana Jones because that's when Disneyland was completed.
I went to Disneyland as a kid. That's the only reason I went as an adult - I had good childhood memories. And I wonder how many kids won't get those memories and therefore won't feel the need to spend thousands of dollars of hard earned money on a Disney vacation as adults.
I never went as a kid... well ok not true, before elementary school parents took us but I have no memory of it. But as an adult, first time I went a 1 day ticket cost $33! And yeah it was good, later in life my wife and I would go in mid January as soon as kids were all back in school and the park was enjoyable with wait times of less than 30 minutes on even popular rides unless a ride broke down or was running at restricted levels. Now that same January day it's wall to wall people, Lightning Lane overbooks every ride it's available for, and a line length of what used to be a 10-15 minute wait now takes 45 minutes... again thanks to LL.
The new gift shop doesn’t kind of suck, it totally sucks and it’s complete. They’re not working on it anymore. The walls are down. That’s the finished product in all its Home depot shed glory.
Thanks again for the video, David. I was a 5-year passholder when I lived in OC, kept my passes for 13 years when I moved to Las Vegas, Kept my passes for 4 years when I moved to NorCal but it looks like I've finally been priced out. Not living in the area, I can't justify the cost of a magic key any longer. I would still try to go 2-3 times a year after not renewing my passes but as of now I haven't been in over a year and no trip scheduled anytime in the future. It's really sad the direction the parks have taken and I refuse to play their game. I hope to see a big decline in park attendance and that people start doing other things besides Disneyland. It may be the only way Disney gets it, but I doubt it. I do miss going but the price of going to DL now puts other types of trips in the conversation. I watch your vids to see the parks and stay current so thank you. You're the best!
Priced out. It’s not just the park tickets that have gotten more expensive it’s also the hotels around the park. Wife and I were going 2-4 times a year from Seattle and last couple years the prices of the park and hotels are just too much. To justify a long weekend like we used to.
I’m priced out completely. The Magic Key is nothing like the Annual Pass was. Fast Pass is gone. The $400 lightning lane is a greedy money grab. We can’t get on any ride with a virtual queue. I don’t mind reservations if it kept the park a little less crowded, but it doesn’t. I love the parks and I would get a pass if it made sense for us. I miss being able to go.
I was an AP holder until they switched to Magic Keys. Everytime I went in 2018 2019 and even early 2020 before the shutdown, Gadgets was 5, Rodger Rabbit was always 20, Small world 5, Matterhorn 60-75, Autopia 5-25 35 on a crowded day, Space Mountain average 45, Astro Orbiter 10, Buzz 15-45, Star Tours 35, Big TM 35-55 average, Haunted M 13-45, POTC 5-30, Pooh 5-25, Splash 5-45, Indy 50, Jungle 5-20, Peter 45, Toads 5-15 30-35 on a busy day, Snow 10, Pinocchio 5-10, Carousel 25, Dumbo 30, Alice 30, Teacups 5, Story 30, Casey 20. Just saying the times were shorter and I had Max Pass and could ride over and over. Those were the best days. Disneyland had FULL entertainment shows which pulled crowds as well. Imo, Josh DAmaro needs to bring back entertainment. That would help alleviate crowds.
So funny seeing David laughing about a sweet $180 one day ticket. Less than 15 years ago you could get an 8 day park hopper for $179. We are priced out. Sad times 😎
180 is a pretty wild price to pay for a one day ticket. Disney is now becoming a premium item that not everyone can afford. I don’t know what their overhead cost is? Disney is a business and needs to make a profit for it’s investors. I wonder if it would operate the same is it was a private company?
I would also add that when I talk to my wife she says her coworkers will easily pay over $400 in a weekend on alcohol going out to dinner. Everyone has their desires and will allocate money where they want.
@@frostyjcole24 Its large the result of surge (crowd) pricing, you want to go when a lot of other people want to go it'll cost you more. You want to go when it's not predicted to be crowded, it'll be considerably less, a quick look mid-January when kids are back in school one day tickets during the weekdays for $104.
I've been priced out for a long time. There is no way I am going anywhere that will cost more than $150 for ticket, food. Psychological limit. I stopped going to concerts and eating fast food as well.
This is a rational response and I wanted to recognize it as such. You decided that entertainment is too expensive for your personal tastes and you stopped going. No whining. No blaming. Just “it’s more than I want to pay, so I don’t go anymore.” Nicely done. 😀
The construction, breakdowns, greedy lighting lane and ticket pricing, I think it’s hard to justify paying $200 a day for Disneyland. And that’s from a hardcore fan.
After visiting with my boys last June and having multiple rides under construction and break downs, the “value” isn’t there. Plus visiting with my teenage son who is handicapped, he didnt get approved for DAS even though I went through the process with an incompetent staff member outside the park. Universal has a third party confirm medical diagnosis and is adding more to their park. Looks a better “value” for the money. Did we like our trip, yes. Will we be able to come back soon, no.
With ride breakdowns, shows canceling, all the stress with booking genie plus and being on the phone the whole time you’re there. Disney has lost its value.
Exactly when I go on vacation I like to put away my phone! Disneyland cannot be done now without constantly using a phone-they have killed the magic and any desire to go.
Here is a project plan for the HM gift shop: 1. Install four Gothic Revival dormers (with integrated lighting) to the roof (two each side) plus a cupola with Rolly Crump "Museum of the Weird" weathervane. 2. Add artificial ivy to cover 30% of roof. 3. Remove the lower 3 feet of siding, install cement board and flashing and stone wainscot/foundation. 4. Scenic-paint structure to give it shadowing and aging. Does not need to be decrepit, just "themed." Replace dark green paint for corbels with light color as they can't be seen. 5. Remove front facade porch lights and replace with small, mysterious stained glass windows as in concept art. These can be a faux windows (not widows inside) and have rear-lighting at night. 6. Replace pendant lanterns at front with custom round (so they look better when rotated) Madame Leota inspired lanterns with mystical colored stained glass aesthetic. Add modulation units to give lights a fading-in-and-out firelight look. 7. Frost all glass on all other lanterns and add modulation units to give lights a fading-in-and-out firelight look. 8. Remove all recessed lights from eaves, remove plastic boxes, junction boxes, and other modern distractions visible under all the eaves/soffits. 9. Add all the exterior props, statues, potted and hanging plants as seen in the concept art. 10. Later, replace all walkway paving in this area (and throughout New Orleans Square) to remove gridded walkway and add more thematic textures and materials. In front of the "carriage house" add use-worn carriage ruts and horse hooves going in and out of the door area.
@@outlanderfrog Agreed. But this is a practical plan for spending a reasonable amount to achieve significant improvement -- with a scope of work that would take weeks, not months. By adding the roof details and features, reducing the wood siding by adding an additional stone material, and creating more variation and dimensionality to the siding through scenic painting, the perceived scale of the structure will go down, and the perceived quality will go up...to Disney standards.
Nobody knows what it was like going to the parks in the 70s 80s and 90s lots and I mean lots could afford to go and you would not break the bank. You did not need a stupid cell phone if you only got on 4 rides the first day you could go the next day without being ripped off. Parking was cheap food was cheap tickets were cheap and park hopper tickets at Disneyworld were cheap and could go to all parks in one day if you wanted using the monorail system. No jacked-up prices then the fast pass machines came out you did not have to pay for them just pull tickets out and go to that ride with the time on the ticket really simple. The kids are grown now we don't go anymore. We laugh at what the parks have become nothing but a cash grab. We are just so happy we grew up back in the day of no rip offs. To see families with 4 kids going to the parks and not coming out broke like now. The USA has become nothing but a country full of greed.
Disney after I take over is going back to those days. I'll know I've done my job when shareholders abandon ship over it and Iger loyalists declare Disney headed for bankruptcy because of me like Waternoose did after being exposed by Sulley. Of course we all know Waternoose turned out to be wrong thanks to laughter.
I'm just grateful that when I was a dad raising a family we could visit maybe once a year. I'm a grandpa and great grandpa now and it's just not going to happen.
I'm priced out of Disneyland. The last time we went was years ago when Disneyland gave you free admission on your birthday. I still had to pay for my wife, but that ment we both got in for half-price!
I was an annual pass holder(lowest tier) and I brought my friend on his birthday. I knew the ropes so after he he got in free I took him to the office and we converted his free ticket to an lowest tier annual pass for some crazy low amount. it was only 20 dollars or something ultra affordable like that. Then we went all year. Disney was our thing we did for several years but we got priced out too.
Haven't watched the whole video but from your intro/title, I can tell you that many people just simply can't afford Disney. There are many, like me, who can only go every 5 or so years, and now even that is pushing it. It really is an expensive vacation and many families don't really like the Disney company anymore. Whether you agree or not, it's true. So many people would rather spend their money elsewhere.
As a former AP holder, we were priced out. When you factor in hotel, airfare, meals and transfers it just made it too expensive anymore. Hate to admit it because we loved coming down a few times a year. With retirement just around the corner, saving is the name of the game now. Disney, had your chance and muffed it.
Very few people have figured out that Disney's goal is to make attending the park so miserable that those who can afford it have no choice but to purchase add-ons to deal with the lines. Even fewer people have publicly stated this. Well done.
Which is why after I take over I will undo every Iger era decision while saying "Make Disney Great Again." That means removing all add-ons. Like Disney would lose billions and fall into the red?
Yep. Done. Tired of getting pick pocketed. This will be the first year in almost 2 decades we are not visiting a Disney park. Crooks. We can afford it. But seriously. Alaska cruise 2025 instead and other small trips.
You're right, Dave. Unlike yourself, who's revenue relies on access to the parks and who can right off any expenditures to and in the parks, I let my annual passes (my wife and I) lapse after fours years. My utils, unit of satisfaction, have dropped with all the price increases. Many blessing to those still able to attend.
My family and I got priced out this year (passes ended on Nov 25th). Wife and I had passes for over 14 years, but $7000 so 4 of us can go on weekends is insane.
We had an interesting thing happen with the tip board when I was there last weekend with my husband and daughter. When all three of us were looking at the tip board (with our passes linked), the wait times showing varied by as much as 30 minutes. For example, Indiana Jones on my phone showed 35 minutes but 55 minutes on my daughter’s. The posted time at the attraction at the same time showed 45 minutes. We think the algorithm is doing it on purpose to try to spread out the crowds. So, I am not sure if you can trust the tip board. Also, the tip board and posted wait time was way off on the Haunted Mansion. When we got in line it said 40 minutes (and was shorter than when we had waited 45 minutes the prior weekend); however, it took us 75 minutes because they seemed to only be taking lightning lane for quite a while.
They just need to go back to the way it was. Passes, free fastpass or max pass . Just feels like a job trying to reserve all this stuff at a theme park
I was an annual pass holder since they started selling them. Just before Galaxy’s Edge opened I made reservations for one of the preview days. I specifically made sure to make the reservations for a day when my pass was good. A week later I went back and double checked the blackout dates and ALL of the Galaxy’s Edge dates were now blackout dates. When I called to complain the woman said “ well, it does say blackout dates are subject to change”. No apology for the inconvenience. No offer to honor the original dates. That was the last year I had an annual pass. Originally, pass holders got perks and special days. We got to ride on Space Mountain with the lights on (far scarier than in the dark!). We got to walk through some rides and see things up close. For the past decade or so being a pass holder just means they can offer more “exclusive” junk to spend money on. I used to love Disneyland. I used to go all the time. Not any more.
Just wanted to thank you for all your recent videos! I'm going to DCA/Disneyland on the 25th/26th and even though I'm prepared for the crazy,, you've taught me how to look at queues and maximize everything. Going to let the Disney winds guide me and have the most magical Christmas. Thank you!!
Funny you post this the day after our MK's expired. Our family chose not to renew not specifically because of Disney's prices, but because EVERYTHING has gotten so expensive and our income hasn't kept up. We decided there are better ways to spend our money this next year.
For me, it's not the price. Yes it's too damn much, IMO, but honestly unless you're a local for us who need to travel to get there the cost to enter is one of the less painful things to deal with. For me it 100% is Lightning Lane, that has absolutely ruined the park for me. My last trip there was over 3 years ago, it wasn't during the summer or a holiday (other than "Chinese New Years" week) and ride wait times were so long, even though the queues were relatively short, and the reason why is LL. I could see guest after guest just getting scanned in and walking into the merge point and CMs let through 5+ LL for every standby guest on average for quite literally every ride (Spiderman was a bit harder to judge because of the big wall separating the two areas). Then the realization hit, if for ever 6 guests on the ride 5 of them were LL guests that means 83.3% of the ride's capacity is being reserved for LL. That realization was the final straw and we never went back again. Now granted this was before DAS became more restrictive, and I'm not going to comment on that, but that level of tiered experience is fundamentally wrong for me, and regardless of "it's just a little bit more" that mentality by Disney hurts to the core and I refuse to participate. I was actually happy about LL Premier, aka VIP experience Lite, but it seems that isn't replacing the standard LL, it's simply adding another tier and so we have everyone from LL being given priority on all rides, and then the random person who plunked down an extra $300 just walking onto a ride. Sorry Disney, you're not worth that. Get rid of LL, and charge $250 and I'll go, keep LL and charge $50 and I won't go.
After years of holding a magic key pass next year will be the first I don’t renew. I usually spend thousands a year at the parks but feel Disney does not value its customers anymore and the experiences have drastically declined. It feels more like a hassle and not a vacation
We are priced out. Cut our Enchant keys in this last renewal cycle. We are putting our dollars into DVC and going to WDW once every couple of years. I feel the value is much less for what we are paying, closures and walls oh my. Food costs are about the sameish IMO, parking keeps raising. The hotel prices are just crazy... I used to be able to stay at the Disneyland hotel for a relatively good price. Now... crazy.. We can stay at a 5 star property in Napa for half the cost of the Grand Californian.
We were pass holders for years. It’s not the price it’s the fact we have to do everything on our phone now instead of living in the moment. So now we pay to be on our phone all day. Not as fun anymore
Comments like this make me wish that I could spend the day at Disneyland with you and see how much time you spend on your phone. I’d love to see how much of that time is required and how much is optional. I’m willing to bet that the required amount is less than 30 minutes in a 16 hour day. Even less if you don’t mobile order your food.
@ comments like this??? That’s the best thing about living in America. You get to express things without people badgering you for what you say. It is exactly how I said it is. Too bad if you have a problem with it. Move on. Get a life.
Right!! I think if they would have made the Gunner and engineer controls some sort of console in front of you instead of the side it would make it a much better ride.
Went two or three times per yr for a decade or two, from NorCal, so that’s a lot. Annual pass holders for a few yrs while my daughter was in college near by. Def was my favorite place to vacation, nostalgia and all helped (been going since 1969, minus a couple decades while I grew up & didn’t have kids) but I’d say we’ve now been pretty much priced out for a few years, balancing what’s been closed in the park. It’s looking a lot better now, and we may return soon, but man it is very expensive! Whatever, will always watch Fresh Baked 😉
I think most people are being priced out. Look at it 20 years ago. Annual passes at the top tier was all year for cheaper. Fast passes were free and now they're lighting lane and costs money now. Arguably the only things added was Galaxy's edge and re theme of star tours (added content) and splash mountain. It's true DCA changes a lot but is that worth the price increase. Let alone the loss of some shows within the park
David, it looked like you were really close to sharing something with us regarding the new HM gift shop. Any chance you will be able to share it? I am so curious. I think that building is a disaster, in looks and location. Thanks again.
My gf and I were there on Tuesday and as you know, it was such a gorgeous day. We were surprised at the crowds not only at Disneyland but more at DCA. It was quite interesting. Either way, we had a blast. Neither one of us is "priced out" but I guess it's because we really utilize our keys as much as we can and enjoy lol. I really couldn't get over the wait times either.
They have an entire revenue management dept as there are so many more inputs then price / tix in both the debit and credit columns. staffing, maint costs down merch f&b revenue down. knowing disney they probably have condensed it all into an index of rev per turn style turn for each ticket type.
For me it’s not so much the ticket price yet, it’s the value attached such as entertainment offerings, shows, streetmosphere etc. As for Disney been nervous, I don’t think so. In Sales and marketing there’s a simple formulae that says for every 5% you discount, you need 20% more sales to make the same amount of profit in dollars (not margin). Same works in reverse but all depends on what the gross profit margin is. The lower the GPM, the more customers you can afford to lose. Plus you can reduce costs by servicing less people although costs do increase over time of course.
man Disneyland is doing us dirty. I have the Imagine Key and we had days open for the first 2 weeks in December. As of last year and this year, we can't go in December at all. Starting the week of Thanksgiving, we can't go until January. we can't enjoy Christmas at the park anymore like we used in the few days in December we were able to go prior to last year.
@@jdmkutz Yes I noticed that., so I bought Nov 6th but considering not activating it till next 0ct -Nov 25 after it's all paid for. That way I won't be as stressed paying for the airbnbs. i can barely afford even this and have been priced out for 16 years now.
@@josep2807 directly on the Disneyland website under the Magic Key Calendar section. Pull up imagine key blockout dates and look at Dec 2025. Imagine keys will have Dec 1-4 and 8-11.
Raising the price and thinning out the crowds can only pay dividends down the line. What’s the number one complaint people post online about visiting the park? The lines are too long for everything. They didn’t get value for what they paid. It was too overwhelming, too frustrating. And they run to the message boards and social media to loudly complain that Disneyland isn’t worth it. Other people read that and think maybe they shouldn’t plan a trip there and look elsewhere. Raise the prices and yes, people will complain, but they won’t complain about “only getting on 4 rides the whole day.” Quieting that complaint doesn’t deter other guests. Everyone has their own threshold and tolerance for price which is different for everyone. Waiting in long lines is universally hated by all.
You keep referencing $164 tickets, but you’re not adding Genie+ or Lightning Lane costs which weren’t a thing until recently. They make the day considerably more expensive.
Honestly my favorite part of these videos are when you're recognized and people flip out 😅 I still haven't seen you when visiting the park, but maybe I'll catch ya for a selfie when I'm there in February.
@FreshBakedDisney David, I thought you might be interested to know that I was there the day before you on Monday, the last day of Tianna’s virtual queue and the line pattern for Pirates was QUITE different. At 10:30am it looked like a midday crowd. The queue was completely filled, the line was on top of the bridge and it looked crazy for that early in the day. So, maybe there is something to virtual queues affecting other rides, because we did see a ton of people just hanging around Hungry Bear and New Orleans Square just waiting for their times to be called.
I am definitely priced out.. $700 for 2 people for 2 days 1 park per day not even with a hotel yet. I am ok with not going but my husband has never been and it stinks we can't afford to go.
I'll also add that a lot of diehard pass holders that I know have been priced out making it so I go alone to the park when it used to be a group experience.
Regarding HM and Tiana’s, estimates say those 2 can handle about 3600 to 4000 guests per hour (2400 HM, 1300 to 1600 Tiana’s). So a 1hr wait at both equates to around 3500 to 4000 people not in other attraction lines.
Premier Key currently costs $4,800 The Inspire Key (the top-tier Magic Key) currently costs around $1,749 plus tax. Number of Usable Days: Approximately 350+ days per year, with about 10-15 holiday blockout days. Per-Day Value: About $5.50 per available day, assuming daily visits. @ $200 average per blockout day x 15 = ~$3K + $1,800 = ~$4,800 Per-Day Value: About $13.15 per day, assuming daily visits.
I can't afford to go there anymore so I watch your channel and save money. I remember I was there once about 15 years ago and they had a new parade and I think it was Fantasmic or something and the place was so jam packed people couldn't move. We were stuck over by Pirates and they had to open up a pathway that went behind the shops on the west side of Main Street where they park the Jungle Cruise boats and dump the trash. It stunk like hell, and it was the most UnDisney like experience I'd ever had at the park. After that, I stopped going.
Ran up to meet you on this day. Thank you for being so kind. Fan girling at 60 is embarrassing but you gave me time and it's appreciated. I wanted to yell at people, "don't you know who he is?"😂
I had a similar thought in Sept. when HM was VQ, Tiana's wasn't open yet, Jungle Cruise, Small World, and the Railroad were down. It was very busy on the walkways and open attractions, but when you think about it, Small World is a huge people suck, as is the HM queue, and to a lesser extent, Jungle Cruise.
I was a AP and magic key holder for many years. Now I just save for a trip to WDW every so often. I felt that the "Disney magic" was dying for me, but once I started taking trips to FL it came back. So it just became a question of where I'd rather put my money.
As for the wrap/sandwich deli meat selection is very salty, pita bread is quite dry. The spread is obviously to add texture and moisture. I bet the wrap would be more enjoyable with the addition of an oil based addition and maybe switch to a less seasoned salami. I’m a bit of a foodie 🤣🤣
Both times I have waited for Haunted Mansion, starting at the opening of the garden with the round lights on top, were 55 minutes (timed with stopwatch) and we stopped the timer when we entered the first holding room before entering the elevator.
That sandwich (Pijali Wrap), should be yummy! Probably needs another slice or two of Capicola (which usually has a bit of spicy heat to it). Burrata is Mozzarella Cheese, so should have flavor, though not strong. And the pesto should be a "flavor bomb". If it's not, they need to reformulate the pesto! FRESHBAKED!
David, we were there Tuesday too and rope dropped DCA. You should have been there. 6 attractions were down. RSR didn’t open till noon. Silly symphony and golden zepher were closed due to wind I am guessing then there was little mermaid, incredicoaster, goofy sky school and midway mania closed. We had to pivot pivot pivot! I give credit to the efficiency of the cast member running the boarding at RSR though because that was a sight to behold. We went through single rider in 20 minutes when the posted standby was 80 minutes after finally opening.
We were at DCA that morning. I spoke with cast members at each closed attraction. They each said technical issues, not wind related (other than Zepher and swings of course). Finally I found a CM who knew the true cause. High winds were causing power fluctuations, and many DCA rides' computers are sensitive to ANY voltage drops so they shut down the ride as a precaution. By contrast, much of Disneyland park is more analog-based, so not affected in the same way by power fluctuations.
I was there about 2 weeks ago and was shocked by how empty it was. This time 2 years ago was crazy busy! For the first time I didn’t feel the magic. The spirit is just different nowadays. People are still stressed in the park, cast members seem bored with their job, prices are insane. It was kinda sobering. I won’t be back for a few years.
People are stressed out because with the high prices (and high stakes), high-pressure "high tech" reservation systems, tiered levels of guests status (from lowly stand-by guests to VIP and DVC with their private lounges), multitude of line options (stand-by, Lightning, single-rider) that are so physically complicated they intertwine confusingly as at Tiana Bayou Adventure...a visit to a Disney park has a whiff of Squid Games in it. Yeah, it's stressful.
11:24 pre-Covid Disney had a Premier Pass. We had one. It gave us admission to every American park, CA and FL, incl. water parks. I think it was $2,500 each. I kept our physical card. I can send you a pic if you want. It was glorious!
The magic of Christmas music in Disneyland is due to it's rarity. However, It was always the music I heard when I was a kid because I only wen to WDW and DL at Christmas time to celebrate Christmas and my birthday.
I loved Disneyland for the nostalgia. Hadn’t been since 2021. I went this past October and the nostalgia is gone. Star Tours is terrible now, there were space whales. Splash Mountain is gone. It doesn’t feel the same to me anyways. I actually had a way better time at California Adventure
You won't know until... Spring? People are excited for the Mansion overlay (seasonal!) AND its new queue AND excited for Tiana's Splash Adventure (new!). Of course they're the most popular.
I hope we don't miss out on something special. We are heading out at 6AM and will be in Anaheim tomorrow afternoon. We may go out of our way and go through Sandiego so we can stop in Carlsbad and get lunch at Harbor Fish. It depends on Neal, and if he wants to do the longer drive. I'm so excited for Tiana's Bayou adventure. I might be able to sleep. I'm going to miss my kitten Salem. Liz helped me name him. 😊
As someone who has to travel from another state to visit the park it’s gotten over priced! The 3 day tickets for park hopper and adding lighting lane which is required now to not have to wait an hour for an ride costs more than the hotel! I just priced a 3 day trip for a hotel outside the park and including the least expensive airfare for a trip during the week and the total was 2750!! That does not even include food or souvenirs. It’s definitely the price if you ask me! Last year this same trip costed 2150 and that’s when I took a photo when seeing you at the park lol
I went like 3 sundays ago i got on most major rides 85% and went haunt mansion 2x u just got skip lines that are long then come back to them at night… but only bad thing they run out of treats at holly fast 💨
I have been going to disneyland for the holidays for the past 20 years. And this year's was the lightest I have experienced. The only time I felt overwhelmed was walking to space mountain right after the parade (rookie mistake). The longest we waited for a ride was Rise at 55 min and Indiana Jones 60 min. Everything else was 25-35 min.
Priced out and Disney...for some reason REFUSES to let more MK in Like if no one has tickets for the next week those dates should open up to more MK's but Disney seems to refuse to let more MK's in. I just got back from the parks there are people there but the lines tell you they aren't near capacity. So Disney seems to just want people to buy day tickets or don't come
I wanted to stay at grand Californian all my life. We finally had enough money for our little family of three to fly down and stay one night. I ended up crying in the room while my husband and daughter were out in the park. I was crying because I felt the waste. I felt overwhelmed by the enormous amount of money we were pouring out for a very average and stressful experience. The room was very pretty and I felt extremely sad, crying under a painting of Bambi and his mother. But the contradiction between the supposed message of “happiest place on earth and family fun” and the feeling of being exploited used and tossed out was painful. Add to that the lack of maintenance in the park, the fact that all the best rides are constantly breaking and the absolute destruction of splash mountain, New Orleans Square and even the Mark Twain, I will not be back.😢
I think there is pretty much a 100% chance that Disney will come out with a Premier Pass, with reservations not required or similar. I could see it being $2500. I hate the idea, but I can see greedy Disney doing it.
FreshBaked. David, there are some Disneyland traditional holiday traditions that seem to be going away. With none of us really noticing. Disneyland would plant 5,000 or more red Poinsettia's in the gardens at Town Sq and at the Hub and in hanging baskets on the lamposts around the Hub. Where are they this year? Sure we have some around the Partners Statue but thats it. Sadly one gets the feeling that Disney seems content to cut corners both large and small and they don't care about past traditions. Cheers, Chris Perry.
New Haunted Mansion Gates! Just noticed in the video the gates are new. When they added the fastpass arch back in the day they cut off the scroll work on the top of the gates. It’s nice that it’s been replaced
As a 15 yearish annual pass holder, I can say that I am not priced out. It's just that the value for my money has decreased significantly. I earn around 10x more than I did the first 10 years, but having a pass is not worth it to me anymore. I don't like being there buying a $19 beer, $30 dinner, and getting on like 4 rides. I loved the days when there were shows and experiences and fast passes for all. With that being said, for the first time I'm letting my pass go and becoming a once a yearer.
Thr current fast pass is such a downgrade as well, the max pass let me get in the same ride as many times as I wanted in one day.
Meanwhile for the same price The LL only let's me fast pass a single ride once per day.
agreed. This will be my last year i've had an annual year holder. After 6 years.
@agentmaine8126 Exactly. What I miss most.
Never renewed after 2020 and only buy those 3 day SoCal resident tix once a year.
Way ahead of you! We let our passes go in 2020. We have only been back once for my birthday and that’s it. I still don’t feel the need to go back again.
As a SoCal resident with decent disposable income who loves Disneyland, I'm priced out. Keys aren't worth it for me anymore, I had the Enchant for two years and just wasn't worth it at all. I've gone fully Magic Key celibate. I'll only go on special occasions, waiting for a discount ticket maybe once or twice a year. It's literally not worth it anymore for me.
Honestly same. Regardless though I feel like going more than 4x per year ruins the magic and amazement that is Disney and all theme parks for that matter.
You having the money and choosing not to go does not mean you are "priced out"
I'm not "Priced Out", I'm just tired of being Herded and Scheduled. I go to Disneyland to be on Vacation. They've made it a JOB... and not just while you are there, you have to reserve everything weeks before you even go. They are out of control and have no respect for their guests.
No respect for the guests - exactly! Just money grubbing now.
Totally agree. 👍
Exactly, if it's expensive it's expensive, it's a luxury not a basic human right. But if it's a luxury experience, I want it to be a luxury, not what they have now.
🎯💯🎯💯🎯💯🎯💯🎯💯🎯
For us it’s the price and the fact that we don’t like how the park is being run. Thats why we didn’t renew and won’t be back for awhile
The new Haunted Mansion gift shop kills any forced perspective that Disney had going on there. Tiana's and the mansion look so much smaller now. Even the Harbor Galley across the way is dwarfed. The gift shop stands out like a sore thumb.
Disneyland used to be so meticulous about sight lines. It's really odd they just dropped that building there.
Tiana's is fake. Splash Mountain is still running. However I intend to remove the Haunted Mansion gift shop and everything in the park that opened after Indiana Jones because that's when Disneyland was completed.
I went to Disneyland as a kid. That's the only reason I went as an adult - I had good childhood memories. And I wonder how many kids won't get those memories and therefore won't feel the need to spend thousands of dollars of hard earned money on a Disney vacation as adults.
I never went as a kid... well ok not true, before elementary school parents took us but I have no memory of it. But as an adult, first time I went a 1 day ticket cost $33! And yeah it was good, later in life my wife and I would go in mid January as soon as kids were all back in school and the park was enjoyable with wait times of less than 30 minutes on even popular rides unless a ride broke down or was running at restricted levels. Now that same January day it's wall to wall people, Lightning Lane overbooks every ride it's available for, and a line length of what used to be a 10-15 minute wait now takes 45 minutes... again thanks to LL.
The new gift shop doesn’t kind of suck, it totally sucks and it’s complete. They’re not working on it anymore. The walls are down. That’s the finished product in all its Home depot shed glory.
Absolutely agree, regular ticket prices keep increasing and most keys are blacked out. No wonder why crowds are lower than average
Thanks again for the video, David. I was a 5-year passholder when I lived in OC, kept my passes for 13 years when I moved to Las Vegas, Kept my passes for 4 years when I moved to NorCal but it looks like I've finally been priced out. Not living in the area, I can't justify the cost of a magic key any longer. I would still try to go 2-3 times a year after not renewing my passes but as of now I haven't been in over a year and no trip scheduled anytime in the future. It's really sad the direction the parks have taken and I refuse to play their game. I hope to see a big decline in park attendance and that people start doing other things besides Disneyland. It may be the only way Disney gets it, but I doubt it. I do miss going but the price of going to DL now puts other types of trips in the conversation. I watch your vids to see the parks and stay current so thank you. You're the best!
Priced out. It’s not just the park tickets that have gotten more expensive it’s also the hotels around the park. Wife and I were going 2-4 times a year from Seattle and last couple years the prices of the park and hotels are just too much. To justify a long weekend like we used to.
I’m priced out completely. The Magic Key is nothing like the Annual Pass was. Fast Pass is gone. The $400 lightning lane is a greedy money grab. We can’t get on any ride with a virtual queue. I don’t mind reservations if it kept the park a little less crowded, but it doesn’t. I love the parks and I would get a pass if it made sense for us. I miss being able to go.
I was an AP holder until they switched to Magic Keys. Everytime I went in 2018 2019 and even early 2020 before the shutdown, Gadgets was 5, Rodger Rabbit was always 20, Small world 5, Matterhorn 60-75, Autopia 5-25 35 on a crowded day, Space Mountain average 45, Astro Orbiter 10, Buzz 15-45, Star Tours 35, Big TM 35-55 average, Haunted M 13-45, POTC 5-30, Pooh 5-25, Splash 5-45, Indy 50, Jungle 5-20, Peter 45, Toads 5-15 30-35 on a busy day, Snow 10, Pinocchio 5-10, Carousel 25, Dumbo 30, Alice 30, Teacups 5, Story 30, Casey 20. Just saying the times were shorter and I had Max Pass and could ride over and over. Those were the best days. Disneyland had FULL entertainment shows which pulled crowds as well. Imo, Josh DAmaro needs to bring back entertainment. That would help alleviate crowds.
So funny seeing David laughing about a sweet $180 one day ticket. Less than 15 years ago you could get an 8 day park hopper for $179. We are priced out. Sad times 😎
I agree man. 160bucks is a price not every one can afford. I don’t think David understands that…
180 is a pretty wild price to pay for a one day ticket. Disney is now becoming a premium item that not everyone can afford. I don’t know what their overhead cost is? Disney is a business and needs to make a profit for it’s investors. I wonder if it would operate the same is it was a private company?
I would also add that when I talk to my wife she says her coworkers will easily pay over $400 in a weekend on alcohol going out to dinner. Everyone has their desires and will allocate money where they want.
@@frostyjcole24 Its large the result of surge (crowd) pricing, you want to go when a lot of other people want to go it'll cost you more. You want to go when it's not predicted to be crowded, it'll be considerably less, a quick look mid-January when kids are back in school one day tickets during the weekdays for $104.
I've been priced out for a long time. There is no way I am going anywhere that will cost more than $150 for ticket, food. Psychological limit. I stopped going to concerts and eating fast food as well.
This is a rational response and I wanted to recognize it as such.
You decided that entertainment is too expensive for your personal tastes and you stopped going.
No whining. No blaming. Just “it’s more than I want to pay, so I don’t go anymore.”
Nicely done. 😀
💯 SAME.
@@WindowtotheMagicglad you approve your magesty
@@TJHaynelol
The construction, breakdowns, greedy lighting lane and ticket pricing, I think it’s hard to justify paying $200 a day for Disneyland. And that’s from a hardcore fan.
After visiting with my boys last June and having multiple rides under construction and break downs, the “value” isn’t there. Plus visiting with my teenage son who is handicapped, he didnt get approved for DAS even though I went through the process with an incompetent staff member outside the park. Universal has a third party confirm medical diagnosis and is adding more to their park. Looks a better “value” for the money. Did we like our trip, yes. Will we be able to come back soon, no.
I’ve been priced out for a couple years, and I grew tired of the crowds
With ride breakdowns, shows canceling, all the stress with booking genie plus and being on the phone the whole time you’re there. Disney has lost its value.
Exactly when I go on vacation I like to put away my phone! Disneyland cannot be done now without constantly using a phone-they have killed the magic and any desire to go.
Here is a project plan for the HM gift shop:
1. Install four Gothic Revival dormers (with integrated lighting) to the roof (two each side) plus a cupola with Rolly Crump "Museum of the Weird" weathervane.
2. Add artificial ivy to cover 30% of roof.
3. Remove the lower 3 feet of siding, install cement board and flashing and stone wainscot/foundation.
4. Scenic-paint structure to give it shadowing and aging. Does not need to be decrepit, just "themed." Replace dark green paint for corbels with light color as they can't be seen.
5. Remove front facade porch lights and replace with small, mysterious stained glass windows as in concept art. These can be a faux windows (not widows inside) and have rear-lighting at night.
6. Replace pendant lanterns at front with custom round (so they look better when rotated) Madame Leota inspired lanterns with mystical colored stained glass aesthetic. Add modulation units to give lights a fading-in-and-out firelight look.
7. Frost all glass on all other lanterns and add modulation units to give lights a fading-in-and-out firelight look.
8. Remove all recessed lights from eaves, remove plastic boxes, junction boxes, and other modern distractions visible under all the eaves/soffits.
9. Add all the exterior props, statues, potted and hanging plants as seen in the concept art.
10. Later, replace all walkway paving in this area (and throughout New Orleans Square) to remove gridded walkway and add more thematic textures and materials. In front of the "carriage house" add use-worn carriage ruts and horse hooves going in and out of the door area.
Here here!
Unfortunately, you can't fix the real problem: it's just too big.
@@outlanderfrog Agreed. But this is a practical plan for spending a reasonable amount to achieve significant improvement -- with a scope of work that would take weeks, not months. By adding the roof details and features, reducing the wood siding by adding an additional stone material, and creating more variation and dimensionality to the siding through scenic painting, the perceived scale of the structure will go down, and the perceived quality will go up...to Disney standards.
Nobody knows what it was like going to the parks in the 70s 80s and 90s lots and I mean lots could afford to go and you would not break the bank. You did not need a stupid cell phone if you only got on 4 rides the first day you could go the next day without being ripped off. Parking was cheap food was cheap tickets were cheap and park hopper tickets at Disneyworld were cheap and could go to all parks in one day if you wanted using the monorail system. No jacked-up prices then the fast pass machines came out you did not have to pay for them just pull tickets out and go to that ride with the time on the ticket really simple. The kids are grown now we don't go anymore. We laugh at what the parks have become nothing but a cash grab. We are just so happy we grew up back in the day of no rip offs. To see families with 4 kids going to the parks and not coming out broke like now. The USA has become nothing but a country full of greed.
Disney after I take over is going back to those days. I'll know I've done my job when shareholders abandon ship over it and Iger loyalists declare Disney headed for bankruptcy because of me like Waternoose did after being exposed by Sulley. Of course we all know Waternoose turned out to be wrong thanks to laughter.
Love your state of Disneyland reports. I have learned so much
I'm just grateful that when I was a dad raising a family we could visit maybe once a year. I'm a grandpa and great grandpa now and it's just not going to happen.
I'm priced out of Disneyland. The last time we went was years ago when Disneyland gave you free admission on your birthday. I still had to pay for my wife, but that ment we both got in for half-price!
I was an annual pass holder(lowest tier) and I brought my friend on his birthday. I knew the ropes so after he he got in free I took him to the office and we converted his free ticket to an lowest tier annual pass for some crazy low amount. it was only 20 dollars or something ultra affordable like that. Then we went all year. Disney was our thing we did for several years but we got priced out too.
Haven't watched the whole video but from your intro/title, I can tell you that many people just simply can't afford Disney. There are many, like me, who can only go every 5 or so years, and now even that is pushing it. It really is an expensive vacation and many families don't really like the Disney company anymore. Whether you agree or not, it's true. So many people would rather spend their money elsewhere.
As a former AP holder, we were priced out. When you factor in hotel, airfare, meals and transfers it just made it too expensive anymore. Hate to admit it because we loved coming down a few times a year. With retirement just around the corner, saving is the name of the game now. Disney, had your chance and muffed it.
Very few people have figured out that Disney's goal is to make attending the park so miserable that those who can afford it have no choice but to purchase add-ons to deal with the lines. Even fewer people have publicly stated this. Well done.
this
Which is why after I take over I will undo every Iger era decision while saying "Make Disney Great Again." That means removing all add-ons. Like Disney would lose billions and fall into the red?
Yep. Done. Tired of getting pick pocketed. This will be the first year in almost 2 decades we are not visiting a Disney park. Crooks. We can afford it. But seriously. Alaska cruise 2025 instead and other small trips.
You're right, Dave. Unlike yourself, who's revenue relies on access to the parks and who can right off any expenditures to and in the parks, I let my annual passes (my wife and I) lapse after fours years. My utils, unit of satisfaction, have dropped with all the price increases. Many blessing to those still able to attend.
My family and I got priced out this year (passes ended on Nov 25th). Wife and I had passes for over 14 years, but $7000 so 4 of us can go on weekends is insane.
We had an interesting thing happen with the tip board when I was there last weekend with my husband and daughter. When all three of us were looking at the tip board (with our passes linked), the wait times showing varied by as much as 30 minutes. For example, Indiana Jones on my phone showed 35 minutes but 55 minutes on my daughter’s. The posted time at the attraction at the same time showed 45 minutes. We think the algorithm is doing it on purpose to try to spread out the crowds. So, I am not sure if you can trust the tip board.
Also, the tip board and posted wait time was way off on the Haunted Mansion. When we got in line it said 40 minutes (and was shorter than when we had waited 45 minutes the prior weekend); however, it took us 75 minutes because they seemed to only be taking lightning lane for quite a while.
They just need to go back to the way it was. Passes, free fastpass or max pass . Just feels like a job trying to reserve all this stuff at a theme park
I was an annual pass holder since they started selling them. Just before Galaxy’s Edge opened I made reservations for one of the preview days. I specifically made sure to make the reservations for a day when my pass was good. A week later I went back and double checked the blackout dates and ALL of the Galaxy’s Edge dates were now blackout dates. When I called to complain the woman said “ well, it does say blackout dates are subject to change”. No apology for the inconvenience. No offer to honor the original dates. That was the last year I had an annual pass. Originally, pass holders got perks and special days. We got to ride on Space Mountain with the lights on (far scarier than in the dark!). We got to walk through some rides and see things up close. For the past decade or so being a pass holder just means they can offer more “exclusive” junk to spend money on. I used to love Disneyland. I used to go all the time. Not any more.
Just wanted to thank you for all your recent videos! I'm going to DCA/Disneyland on the 25th/26th and even though I'm prepared for the crazy,, you've taught me how to look at queues and maximize everything. Going to let the Disney winds guide me and have the most magical Christmas. Thank you!!
Funny you post this the day after our MK's expired. Our family chose not to renew not specifically because of Disney's prices, but because EVERYTHING has gotten so expensive and our income hasn't kept up. We decided there are better ways to spend our money this next year.
30:00 I love the Pulp Fiction reference 😂
lol ty. Wasn’t sure if anyone picked that up.
Ticket cost for those who live out of town are way too expensive when you add the cost with the hotel and cost of food. Families are priced out.
PRICED OUT FOR FAMILY'S!!! SPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE 3 OR 4 KNOW KID'S!!!!!!!😢😢😢😢😢😢
My wife & I will be there in 2 days for our 1st visit. We are staying at Grand Californian & can’t wait!!!
Have fun! Did you get lightning lane multipass?
@ Thanks, we did purchase the multipass
For me, it's not the price. Yes it's too damn much, IMO, but honestly unless you're a local for us who need to travel to get there the cost to enter is one of the less painful things to deal with. For me it 100% is Lightning Lane, that has absolutely ruined the park for me. My last trip there was over 3 years ago, it wasn't during the summer or a holiday (other than "Chinese New Years" week) and ride wait times were so long, even though the queues were relatively short, and the reason why is LL. I could see guest after guest just getting scanned in and walking into the merge point and CMs let through 5+ LL for every standby guest on average for quite literally every ride (Spiderman was a bit harder to judge because of the big wall separating the two areas). Then the realization hit, if for ever 6 guests on the ride 5 of them were LL guests that means 83.3% of the ride's capacity is being reserved for LL. That realization was the final straw and we never went back again.
Now granted this was before DAS became more restrictive, and I'm not going to comment on that, but that level of tiered experience is fundamentally wrong for me, and regardless of "it's just a little bit more" that mentality by Disney hurts to the core and I refuse to participate. I was actually happy about LL Premier, aka VIP experience Lite, but it seems that isn't replacing the standard LL, it's simply adding another tier and so we have everyone from LL being given priority on all rides, and then the random person who plunked down an extra $300 just walking onto a ride. Sorry Disney, you're not worth that. Get rid of LL, and charge $250 and I'll go, keep LL and charge $50 and I won't go.
After years of holding a magic key pass next year will be the first I don’t renew. I usually spend thousands a year at the parks but feel Disney does not value its customers anymore and the experiences have drastically declined. It feels more like a hassle and not a vacation
It'll forever be Gadget's Go Coaster in my heart. I love the Rescue Rangers!
We are priced out. Cut our Enchant keys in this last renewal cycle. We are putting our dollars into DVC and going to WDW once every couple of years. I feel the value is much less for what we are paying, closures and walls oh my. Food costs are about the sameish IMO, parking keeps raising. The hotel prices are just crazy... I used to be able to stay at the Disneyland hotel for a relatively good price. Now... crazy.. We can stay at a 5 star property in Napa for half the cost of the Grand Californian.
you want all of that and complain about prices? girl get real...
It may be just me, but that yellow and green tarp over tiana's place is hideous.
We were pass holders for years. It’s not the price it’s the fact we have to do everything on our phone now instead of living in the moment. So now we pay to be on our phone all day. Not as fun anymore
Comments like this make me wish that I could spend the day at Disneyland with you and see how much time you spend on your phone. I’d love to see how much of that time is required and how much is optional. I’m willing to bet that the required amount is less than 30 minutes in a 16 hour day. Even less if you don’t mobile order your food.
@ comments like this??? That’s the best thing about living in America. You get to express things without people badgering you for what you say. It is exactly how I said it is. Too bad if you have a problem with it. Move on. Get a life.
@@popawhelehe has no life other than harassing people in this channels comment section. I will always be here to give it right back tho
@@TJHayne This military man has told him many times to be quiet and stay out of my parks.
I LOVE it when you get in a line and time it!!!!
The reason the Mr Toad ride and Smugglers Run have the same wait time is because Mr Toad is a better attraction- Guilty!
Right!! I think if they would have made the Gunner and engineer controls some sort of console in front of you instead of the side it would make it a much better ride.
Thank you. That is all.
Hi David I love your State of Disneyland report and your having a great day 😊
Went two or three times per yr for a decade or two, from NorCal, so that’s a lot. Annual pass holders for a few yrs while my daughter was in college near by. Def was my favorite place to vacation, nostalgia and all helped (been going since 1969, minus a couple decades while I grew up & didn’t have kids) but I’d say we’ve now been pretty much priced out for a few years, balancing what’s been closed in the park. It’s looking a lot better now, and we may return soon, but man it is very expensive!
Whatever, will always watch Fresh Baked 😉
I think most people are being priced out. Look at it 20 years ago. Annual passes at the top tier was all year for cheaper. Fast passes were free and now they're lighting lane and costs money now. Arguably the only things added was Galaxy's edge and re theme of star tours (added content) and splash mountain.
It's true DCA changes a lot but is that worth the price increase. Let alone the loss of some shows within the park
David, it looked like you were really close to sharing something with us regarding the new HM gift shop. Any chance you will be able to share it? I am so curious. I think that building is a disaster, in looks and location.
Thanks again.
We come back down to Disneyland January 20th. And the Haunted Mansion will be back to its original form and I can't wait
My gf and I were there on Tuesday and as you know, it was such a gorgeous day. We were surprised at the crowds not only at Disneyland but more at DCA. It was quite interesting. Either way, we had a blast. Neither one of us is "priced out" but I guess it's because we really utilize our keys as much as we can and enjoy lol. I really couldn't get over the wait times either.
Im super interested in the idea that the crowds could be lower because of the higher tickets prices. Keep doing the recon! I love your videos.
They have an entire revenue management dept as there are so many more inputs then price / tix in both the debit and credit columns. staffing, maint costs down merch f&b revenue down. knowing disney they probably have condensed it all
into an index of rev
per turn style turn for each ticket type.
For me it’s not so much the ticket price yet, it’s the value attached such as entertainment offerings, shows, streetmosphere etc. As for Disney been nervous, I don’t think so. In Sales and marketing there’s a simple formulae that says for every 5% you discount, you need 20% more sales to make the same amount of profit in dollars (not margin). Same works in reverse but all depends on what the gross profit margin is. The lower the GPM, the more customers you can afford to lose. Plus you can reduce costs by servicing less people although costs do increase over time of course.
man Disneyland is doing us dirty. I have the Imagine Key and we had days open for the first 2 weeks in December. As of last year and this year, we can't go in December at all. Starting the week of Thanksgiving, we can't go until January. we can't enjoy Christmas at the park anymore like we used in the few days in December we were able to go prior to last year.
Imagine key will have the first two weeks of Dec starting in 2025!
@@jdmkutz Yes I noticed that., so I bought Nov 6th but considering not activating it till next 0ct -Nov 25 after it's all paid for. That way I won't be as stressed paying for the airbnbs. i can barely afford even this and have been priced out for 16 years now.
@@jdmkutz source?
@@jdmkutz can’t seem to find it
@@josep2807 directly on the Disneyland website under the Magic Key Calendar section. Pull up imagine key blockout dates and look at Dec 2025. Imagine keys will have Dec 1-4 and 8-11.
Raising the price and thinning out the crowds can only pay dividends down the line. What’s the number one complaint people post online about visiting the park? The lines are too long for everything. They didn’t get value for what they paid. It was too overwhelming, too frustrating. And they run to the message boards and social media to loudly complain that Disneyland isn’t worth it. Other people read that and think maybe they shouldn’t plan a trip there and look elsewhere.
Raise the prices and yes, people will complain, but they won’t complain about “only getting on 4 rides the whole day.” Quieting that complaint doesn’t deter other guests. Everyone has their own threshold and tolerance for price which is different for everyone. Waiting in long lines is universally hated by all.
You keep referencing $164 tickets, but you’re not adding Genie+ or Lightning Lane costs which weren’t a thing until recently. They make the day considerably more expensive.
Honestly my favorite part of these videos are when you're recognized and people flip out 😅 I still haven't seen you when visiting the park, but maybe I'll catch ya for a selfie when I'm there in February.
@FreshBakedDisney David, I thought you might be interested to know that I was there the day before you on Monday, the last day of Tianna’s virtual queue and the line pattern for Pirates was QUITE different. At 10:30am it looked like a midday crowd. The queue was completely filled, the line was on top of the bridge and it looked crazy for that early in the day. So, maybe there is something to virtual queues affecting other rides, because we did see a ton of people just hanging around Hungry Bear and New Orleans Square just waiting for their times to be called.
I am definitely priced out.. $700 for 2 people for 2 days 1 park per day not even with a hotel yet. I am ok with not going but my husband has never been and it stinks we can't afford to go.
I'll also add that a lot of diehard pass holders that I know have been priced out making it so I go alone to the park when it used to be a group experience.
Regarding HM and Tiana’s, estimates say those 2 can handle about 3600 to 4000 guests per hour (2400 HM, 1300 to 1600 Tiana’s). So a 1hr wait at both equates to around 3500 to 4000 people not in other attraction lines.
Premier Key currently costs $4,800
The Inspire Key (the top-tier Magic Key) currently costs around $1,749 plus tax.
Number of Usable Days: Approximately 350+ days per year, with about 10-15 holiday blockout days.
Per-Day Value: About $5.50 per available day, assuming daily visits.
@ $200 average per blockout day x 15 = ~$3K + $1,800 = ~$4,800
Per-Day Value: About $13.15 per day, assuming daily visits.
I can't afford to go there anymore so I watch your channel and save money. I remember I was there once about 15 years ago and they had a new parade and I think it was Fantasmic or something and the place was so jam packed people couldn't move. We were stuck over by Pirates and they had to open up a pathway that went behind the shops on the west side of Main Street where they park the Jungle Cruise boats and dump the trash. It stunk like hell, and it was the most UnDisney like experience I'd ever had at the park. After that, I stopped going.
Keep up the amazing work! How busy was it today?
Ran up to meet you on this day. Thank you for being so kind. Fan girling at 60 is embarrassing but you gave me time and it's appreciated. I wanted to yell at people, "don't you know who he is?"😂
i was there from 12\7-12\10 and it was slammed busy everyday
I had a similar thought in Sept. when HM was VQ, Tiana's wasn't open yet, Jungle Cruise, Small World, and the Railroad were down. It was very busy on the walkways and open attractions, but when you think about it, Small World is a huge people suck, as is the HM queue, and to a lesser extent, Jungle Cruise.
I was a AP and magic key holder for many years. Now I just save for a trip to WDW every so often. I felt that the "Disney magic" was dying for me, but once I started taking trips to FL it came back. So it just became a question of where I'd rather put my money.
As for the wrap/sandwich deli meat selection is very salty, pita bread is quite dry. The spread is obviously to add texture and moisture. I bet the wrap would be more enjoyable with the addition of an oil based addition and maybe switch to a less seasoned salami. I’m a bit of a foodie 🤣🤣
Both times I have waited for Haunted Mansion, starting at the opening of the garden with the round lights on top, were 55 minutes (timed with stopwatch) and we stopped the timer when we entered the first holding room before entering the elevator.
That sandwich (Pijali Wrap), should be yummy! Probably needs another slice or two of Capicola (which usually has a bit of spicy heat to it). Burrata is Mozzarella Cheese, so should have flavor, though not strong. And the pesto should be a "flavor bomb". If it's not, they need to reformulate the pesto! FRESHBAKED!
David, we were there Tuesday too and rope dropped DCA. You should have been there. 6 attractions were down. RSR didn’t open till noon. Silly symphony and golden zepher were closed due to wind I am guessing then there was little mermaid, incredicoaster, goofy sky school and midway mania closed. We had to pivot pivot pivot! I give credit to the efficiency of the cast member running the boarding at RSR though because that was a sight to behold. We went through single rider in 20 minutes when the posted standby was 80 minutes after finally opening.
We were at DCA that morning. I spoke with cast members at each closed attraction. They each said technical issues, not wind related (other than Zepher and swings of course). Finally I found a CM who knew the true cause. High winds were causing power fluctuations, and many DCA rides' computers are sensitive to ANY voltage drops so they shut down the ride as a precaution.
By contrast, much of Disneyland park is more analog-based, so not affected in the same way by power fluctuations.
I was there about 2 weeks ago and was shocked by how empty it was. This time 2 years ago was crazy busy! For the first time I didn’t feel the magic. The spirit is just different nowadays. People are still stressed in the park, cast members seem bored with their job, prices are insane. It was kinda sobering. I won’t be back for a few years.
People are stressed out because with the high prices (and high stakes), high-pressure "high tech" reservation systems, tiered levels of guests status (from lowly stand-by guests to VIP and DVC with their private lounges), multitude of line options (stand-by, Lightning, single-rider) that are so physically complicated they intertwine confusingly as at Tiana Bayou Adventure...a visit to a Disney park has a whiff of Squid Games in it. Yeah, it's stressful.
11:24 pre-Covid Disney had a Premier Pass. We had one. It gave us admission to every American park, CA and FL, incl. water parks. I think it was $2,500 each. I kept our physical card. I can send you a pic if you want. It was glorious!
The magic of Christmas music in Disneyland is due to it's rarity. However, It was always the music I heard when I was a kid because I only wen to WDW and DL at Christmas time to celebrate Christmas and my birthday.
I loved Disneyland for the nostalgia. Hadn’t been since 2021. I went this past October and the nostalgia is gone. Star Tours is terrible now, there were space whales. Splash Mountain is gone. It doesn’t feel the same to me anyways. I actually had a way better time at California Adventure
The Bob Iger company is soulless and driven by worthless IPs
Did they hire Tuff Sheds to build that Haunted Mansion gift shop? That thing is 99% not Disney. LOL
The coast to coast premiere key does exist for Club 33 members. So they have the ability to make it happen.
You won't know until... Spring? People are excited for the Mansion overlay (seasonal!) AND its new queue AND excited for Tiana's Splash Adventure (new!). Of course they're the most popular.
I hope we don't miss out on something special. We are heading out at 6AM and will be in Anaheim tomorrow afternoon. We may go out of our way and go through Sandiego so we can stop in Carlsbad and get lunch at Harbor Fish. It depends on Neal, and if he wants to do the longer drive. I'm so excited for Tiana's Bayou adventure. I might be able to sleep. I'm going to miss my kitten Salem. Liz helped me name him. 😊
School is still in session. Once Christmas break begins it will be bonkers. Pretty simple.
was just there today and it was very pleasant. 15 minutes for roger rabbit. Tianas was 45.
As someone who has to travel from another state to visit the park it’s gotten over priced! The 3 day tickets for park hopper and adding lighting lane which is required now to not have to wait an hour for an ride costs more than the hotel! I just priced a 3 day trip for a hotel outside the park and including the least expensive airfare for a trip during the week and the total was 2750!! That does not even include food or souvenirs. It’s definitely the price if you ask me! Last year this same trip costed 2150 and that’s when I took a photo when seeing you at the park lol
Good morning, fresh bake happy Friday
I'm.with you on the gift shop! Some Tuff Sheds look nicer than that! Why couldn't they make it more haunted or psychic looking.
I went like 3 sundays ago i got on most major rides 85% and went haunt mansion 2x u just got skip lines that are long then come back to them at night… but only bad thing they run out of treats at holly fast 💨
I have been going to disneyland for the holidays for the past 20 years. And this year's was the lightest I have experienced. The only time I felt overwhelmed was walking to space mountain right after the parade (rookie mistake). The longest we waited for a ride was Rise at 55 min and Indiana Jones 60 min. Everything else was 25-35 min.
Priced out and Disney...for some reason REFUSES to let more MK in
Like if no one has tickets for the next week those dates should open up to more MK's but Disney seems to refuse to let more MK's in. I just got back from the parks there are people there but the lines tell you they aren't near capacity. So Disney seems to just want people to buy day tickets or don't come
I wanted to stay at grand Californian all my life. We finally had enough money for our little family of three to fly down and stay one night. I ended up crying in the room while my husband and daughter were out in the park. I was crying because I felt the waste. I felt overwhelmed by the enormous amount of money we were pouring out for a very average and stressful experience. The room was very pretty and I felt extremely sad, crying under a painting of Bambi and his mother. But the contradiction between the supposed message of “happiest place on earth and family fun” and the feeling of being exploited used and tossed out was painful. Add to that the lack of maintenance in the park, the fact that all the best rides are constantly breaking and the absolute destruction of splash mountain, New Orleans Square and even the Mark Twain, I will not be back.😢
When does Big Thunder open again? I wonder if that will make a difference.
Moved from CA in 2020...This is the only thing I miss!!
The key - stay cool and enjoy the stand-by experience knowing you will be $400 richer when you leave the park.
lol, that is funny 😄
I think there is pretty much a 100% chance that Disney will come out with a Premier Pass, with reservations not required or similar. I could see it being $2500. I hate the idea, but I can see greedy Disney doing it.
No we have not called it Chip & Dale’s! We also still call MultiPass Fastpass 😂
FreshBaked. David, there are some Disneyland traditional holiday traditions that seem to be going away. With none of us really noticing. Disneyland would plant 5,000 or more red Poinsettia's in the gardens at Town Sq and at the Hub and in hanging baskets on the lamposts around the Hub. Where are they this year? Sure we have some around the Partners Statue but thats it. Sadly one gets the feeling that Disney seems content to cut corners both large and small and they don't care about past traditions. Cheers, Chris Perry.
NIce Pulp Fiction quote!
What?
I just don’t feel the magic anymore
New Haunted Mansion Gates!
Just noticed in the video the gates are new. When they added the fastpass arch back in the day they cut off the scroll work on the top of the gates. It’s nice that it’s been replaced