Cost is definitely the reason. Paying more money for less time in the MK, a few treats, hot cocoa, fake snow, and 1 parade? I live in MN and could have most of those things (except the MK of course…and we also have real snow) if I just stay home for the holidays. Also, considering Genie+ and IAS will roll out soon, you’ll be able to hit up all the popular rides with reduced wait time by just paying for those services during normal park hours, which is a lot less than the After Hours Party.
Actually the genie+ is a more money option when it use to be free to book fast passes had 30 days to book reservations on fast passes for 3 rides once used you can book more throughout the day now its like a mobile pay to win scam
Been Annual passholder for many years. They are pricing everything up so much, can’t afford it now. Not sure I will renew my annual pass when time comes. Hate they did away with fast pass and pay extra for rides after you pay to get in park, not to mention resort cost, spending money for food and merchandise. And this doesn’t even count flying or driving if out of state. Making it so only the rich can afford it. Not what Walt would have wanted. Families will suffer. Shame on Disney.
People are wising up. Getting less for more money formula Disney has been pushing since reopening is starting to turn people off. I don’t plan to pay for special nights anymore.
Like I said DISNEY GOT GREEDY
they make money on merchandise, food, hotels along,
Don’t understand why they closed their disney shops in Europe as London stores & rest of UK was booming the disney stores was always busy in our city centres, charging for everything is just greed
No No,, Walt Disney didn’t get greedy. Greedy man Chapek is very greedy and has totally ruined anything Disney that Mr. Walt built. They should be required to stop using Disney family name can call it Greedy Man Chapekland.. Walt would never have done this.
I’d have considered going on our scheduled trip in December but the time is just too late for my family. If they’d start earlier and end at like 11pm we would try it out. I just can’t see paying the cost and going so late. It won’t be enjoyable.
There is one reason for the cost. The reason it cost so much is because people pay it. The event will completely sell out and cost 20 more dollars next year. If you think this is high, check pricing on other food and experience tours.
I agree Chad. It would be most helpful if Americans would stand together and say “No more” to greedy man chapek. Americans are very spoiled and will pay the price once Christmas gets closer. This first yr. in 10 years I didn’t buy Halloween tickets. Money just to insane for 5 people.
Exactly this! We have toddlers whose bedtime is usually 9:00. In the event that you could keep them awake and happy then the next day would be unhappy due to ill moods lol! Hard pass for us too.
I am going an the 2nd day of the party and I cannot wait. If I’m disappointed then I will learn for the next time but I’m ALL about the magic of Disney and can’t wait to see what it has to offer. I was just there in January celebrating my 50th after the last time stepping foot in the parks was 40 years before. 🥰
There is one reason for the cost. The reason it cost so much is because people pay it. The event will completely sell out and cost 20 more dollars next year. If you think this is high, check pricing on other food and experience tours.
I agree with you. If people would not pay it then they would have to decrease the price or not have it. I’ve been going to Disney for years and every year they are offering less but going up in prices. The quality of the food has gone way down. Just cafeteria food. Walt definitely would not like what’s going on here.
I find it amusing that this article is actually questioning whether or not the price is Too high?
Obviously it’s too high.
The pricing is absolutely an unacceptable price.
When a standard Christmas or Halloween party was just under $100 for 8 hours.
Now the 3 hour halloween event is $130+ and the Christmas party is 4 hours at $169+
That’s $30 more than a full day ticket but for only 4 hours.
Have they lost their collective minds!?!?!
I just give up on trying to figure out their logic.
I was looking at Ride wait times on the Boo Bash nights and many were in the 25 to 45 min range. Which is unacceptable for a 3 hour event.
The problem with these after hours events is that when they first started years ago, they would only sell like 500 tickets and they were around $300.
And were TRULY after hours. Like 1am to 4am.
Not 10-1.
I would pay for that.
But this is certainly not this.
You seem to only want the well to do to share in what DW offers, you forget who helped you build who you are today. I am very very disappointed in you. I mean 250 to park at the resort, 6 to 8 thousand to stay at the star wars resort. I’m sorry you have gotten greedy and have become a park for the rich. Our last visit we also went to Universal and loved it. I will miss you sadly you won’t t miss me.
We are looking forward to the party during our December trip as another reward for working hard & saving & investing our money conservatively all our lives to become “well to do”! You sound unhappy with yours. It’s ok, you still have time ! Pull up the ole bootstraps & go out & get a 2nd job if need be, there are plenty out there ! Save, Save, Save !
Congratulations to you! But the rest of us might be more interested in enjoying our time at WDW while our kids are young, making precious family memories and not after “saving… our our lives”.
Maybe if you didn’t spend all your money on worthless merch you’d have enough for the party and wouldn’t be crying about not being able to afford it. I’d say a huge percentage of People who go to Disney couldn’t afford it before either.
Been Annual passholder for many years. They are pricing everything up so much, can’t afford it now. Not sure I will renew my annual pass when time comes. Hate they did away with fast pass and pay extra for rides after you pay to get in park, not to mention resort cost, spending money for food and merchandise. And this doesn’t even count flying or driving if out of state. Making it so only the rich can afford it. Not what Walt would have wanted. Families will suffer. Shame on Disney.
Great that you are spending money the way you want. However, it is not just that some are not ABLE to pay…some of us don’t see the VALUE in this cost. I’ve paid $300 for a night in a hotel room at Universal that gave my entire family express passes for two days, plus early entry on both days. No need to schedule the times to go on the rides, just enter the shorter line whenever you feel like it (and the lines were never more than 15 min). So, 3 people, 2 days of express passes could be seen as $50/express pass and then the hotel is free or $25 an express pass and a $150 hotel room, which is more in line with the going prices. Then, as a premier AP at UO, you automatically get Express Passes from 4 pm til closing EVERY park day! WDW gives their APs no free fast passes or lightning passes….even if they pay for the $800/night rooms. Perceived value is everything.
Literally nobody cares what your experience at Universal was. Universal isn’t even in the same ballpark as Disney in terms of quality… AND they nickel and dime you in the same way Disney is now doing. You clearly don’t realize that an a la carte price model will save you more than the former all-inclusive model.
Jeez Joe, who pissed in your Cheerios this morning? Michelle was only showing the comparison between two of the largest theme-park destinations , in the country. And for the record, I and many others, enjoy reading about the experiences from others. You have your opinions, and so do others. Don’t be a douche-canoe.
Mike, I’m laughing that you mention being conservative with money, yet are throwing dollars up in the air for this party scam. I say this as someone likely far more well off than you!
We’ve decided to cancel our December trip. Our airline tickets are purchased and Disney Resort hotel is paid in full. The high prices for this event are a significant part of the decision. Our plan was to purchase tickets on opening day for resort guests, but the price for non-refundable tickets gave us reason to pause. I contacted Disney to see if we could cancel tickets due to COVID and they said they are non-refundable. Our primary concern is the high rate of COVID in Orange County. Genie+ was kinda the icing on the cake. We’ll likely regroup and try for next year.
We were just at DL and after we got back we heard about the price for front of the line. This is NOT OK. people can barely afford to get into DL and now your being greedy and want more money. This is the reason my husband wont come anymore. I think this was our last trip there. Our family can find cheaper places to have fun. Seeing the characters was even hard for the kids. i understand why. but if anything the prices should be lowered for what your receiving. just my take on it
That’s an absolutely ridiculous price for 4 hours. There’s nothing magical about wasting money in that way. Unfortunately, people keep doing it which is why the prices keep escalating!
Shame on you Disney !!! Who can afford these prices and then if you have a family to buy for. No thank you my husband and I will be going to Cirque du Soleil at Disney Springs instead.
Yes…we will be going! I’m nearly 80 yrs. old and this will be my last trip there. I know it’s too expensive, but none of it will ever get any cheaper, if that’s what you’re all waiting for. Plus the fact you can get in at 7pm still gives us 6 hours in the park. And we have tickets to go during the day and that’s more than enough for this old gal!
LMW at 80 you have earned the right to go wherever, whenever you want! Enjoy your trip! (Although I sincerely hope this isn’t your last time with the Mouse)
Way too expensive! I wanted to treat my family to a special event, but when I saw the cost, immediately changed my mind. It would cost my family of four over $800 for four hours and doesn’t even include a meal! Ridiculous!
If people keep complaining wait times are high, that just means prices are not high enough to deter the crowds, resulting to unsatisfactory exeperience. Basic law of supply and demand here.
Another way to look at it is that there isn’t enough capacity (rides, shows, street entertainment) to support the number of people admitted to the parks on a regular basis.
It’s getting ridiculous. I am a huge Disney fan and I buy the lounge flies and I buy the ears and I buy the mugs. I even have a week trip planned in November and April. But just to let Bob chapek know I’ll be canceling those trips. This is gotten ridiculous and Walter E. Disney is rolling in his grave. I have stopped buying all things Disney I’m just turned off, disgusted, and disappointed.
I Agree with you, am totally disappointed with Disney. My Disney Magic Bubble has burst. I just can’t do Disney anymore. Plus, with the rising costs and getting less, and Disney going WOKE, I don’t even look forward to another trip. I am Disney Done!! Going to start to selling my Disney items, I don’t even enjoy looking at them anymore.
Lol no wonder you don’t have enough money to go, you waste your money on incredibly stupid merch. We don’t buy any of that crap and because of it we get to go to this event. People are clueless
It’s way too over priced. That’s almost 1000$ for my family of four, that’s a few days at a resort like All Stars or Pop. I am so disappointed in the way Bob Chapek has handled things, he has stripped the magic and the ease of a vacation away from us and replaced it with dollar symbols. Removed the live performances on Epcot, no early morning magic hours or after hours for resort guests, Minnie vans are gone, no magical express, no parades, value resorts aren’t value anymore, the special events tickets are astronomical for a family already spending so much money. (And don’t even get me started on the money grab that is Genie + and lightening lane situation)
You used to be able to justify the money previously because the experience you were going to have, but they’ve stripped down the experience to bare bones and expect people to pay more money. We’re over it.
Walt would not be happy with this new money grubbing CEO and his underlings. As long time Disney fans and DVC members we knew that profit was a key aspect but it was never shoved in our faces like it is now. We won’t go to this event because of the price gouging and we’re going in October using our DVC points and going to Universal for the first time ever. We used to be able to buy reduced cost annual passes through DVC and that has been eliminated. Things need to change so we feel we are getting some value for our highly invested DVC membership.
We are a family of 5. Pricing is just too high for what you actually get. I can’t justify it for the short hours of the event, and what you actually get. Sure it’s a “special event” that would be cool to experience, but I just can’t see the value at these prices. We will catch the parade on YouTube if we want to see it.
So you work for the Walt Disney company, Joe? You know about what’s been “in the works” for years? Riiiight. No need to try and mansplain something that you really know nothing about.
As soon as inflation hits in the coming months, these prices will be more in line with the cost of everything else in our lives. Too many dollars chasing too few of goods. The difficult issue to overcome is their cancelation policy. No refund even if THEY decide to shut down the events for any reason. It would be nice to share in the outrage of overpricing but money becomes no object every time we attempt a grand trip to Disney. Pancakes are $20. Nothing has changed in that regard since we started going back in the 1970’s. It’s a costly adventure.
Too expensive, Iger, Chapek and the top shareholders need their multi-millions and dont care about the average joe looking for fun and some magic, we were there the last week in july, other than being blazzing hot, the magic had faded for all of us, we love Disney and were excited about going, but too many people and way high prices pretty much killed it for us, this was probably our last trip to WDW, thanks for the past memories, they were awesome
I’d absolutely love to attend the event. Just cannot afford it, or rather not willing to pay the exorbitant price. The measly $10 dvc discount, which isn’t even available in December, is a slap in the face as well
Even as a cast member I never did the after hour events. They gave us a SMALL discount and even with that I could never afford it. I could also never get the time off because I was treated like a robot slave.
I was so looking forward to the Christmas event and saw the price and said heck No. I did discuss it with granddaughters and the said Nann that’s crazy there is so much more we can do with $1000 the week we are there. So NO we won’t be going. But the real moral of this story is even my twelve and nineteen year old young adults realized how crazy that’s price is.
Disney seem to be pricing families out of attending these events. I always thought that Walt’s vision was to create a place where families could spend quality time with each other in a carefree happy environment. The current executives running Disney only care about making as much money out of people as they can and if this prices out families then so be it. So no I will not be attending this event and think it’s time for Disney to get back to their original core values instead of ripping people off
We will not be going. The prices are definitely too high. I paid $100 a ticket ON Halloween for MNSSHP last time we went and we could enter the park at 4. Not cool at all. And we really wanted to go. 🙁
We are staying in WDW Resort for 3 weeks including Christmas & New Years. There are over 8 of us going (all on my expense) and several more paying their own way. With the Genie+ which is a real buzz kill for the holiday I will not be doing the party. I had planned on doing the party as an extra holiday surprise for everyone until the prices were revealed. I can afford it but can’t justify it, spending that much for what you get. It’s already costing a massive amount for the trip. We have gone to WDW many times at Christmas time but always home by Dec 23rd. This was suppose to be a special treat for the family to forget all the difficulty of this past 2 yrs. Yes, Disney is a business to make money but I feel they’re pushed the pricing too high too fast. Time will tell if others will pay these prices or if there isn’t enough demand they will go back to regular holiday party style and more reasonable pricing. It’s all economics.
Can I be part of your family now? Lol! In all seriousness, though, I’m feeling the same. I’m taking my wife on her dream trip (we live in SoCal so WDW has been on her bucket list forever) during the same time period and I really thought about including the party. But the limited amount of return on the sheer cost is just too much. It may be a “no expense is too much” kind of trip but, well, apparently that expense IS too much!
Have a trip planned ahead of time for November. Then news released about this new holiday after hours event. I was excited and marked the date on my calendar for when tickets went on sale, even stayed up till midnight when they dropped. Then did a price compare and what I’m willing to pay for MK, and realized this is not worth the price being as high as it is. If they come down to boo bash $129 range then would consider it. Also had to factor in that I will be using Genie and paying extra for that on my trip and also probably going to pay extra for a top tier lightning pass, and it made the decision not to do the Holiday event even easier. I’m going to have the enjoy Disney now because soon truly it will be too expensive in general for any regular person to go to, super sad.
Going to Orlando Informer instead on Dec 3 which was cheaper, longer access, and more food options (actual meals). There are also many other options now to celebrate thru Give Kids the World, SeaWorld, Legoland (to name a few) that are affordable for people to go to other than Disney.
Its not about weeding out the riff raff, its about the customers paying for Disney losses during the pandemic. They are going to take a pay hit ya know. America needs to stand together and no go or continue to allow greedy man Chapek to bleed you dry. Halloween tickets says it all. American’s are too spoiled to stand against the unfair man.
DEFINITELY too high pricing for less time … to run around for freebies, on no wait, you paid for all of that too! Disappointing, and, having done the Very Merry Christmas Party in the past, wouldn’t consider paying double the price of a one-day admission.
I have my ticket Solo for the Disney very merry Christmas party on November 8th and staying at the Fort Wilderness Resort, seen the after party on youtube and wanted to go from Kalifornia, try to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mk, my 58 birthday, until the 10th
Disney prices are RIDICULOUS. Not only the parks but ALL their merchandise prices are ridiculous! Perhaps if they didn’t pay their execs so much they could charge reasonable prices that everyone could afford! The current CEO has a ‘base’ salary of $2.5 million PLUS a ‘target’ BONUS of $7.5 million and an ‘incentive’ grant of $15 million. The sin of greed has this country in a choke hold!
We do it every year. But we will pass this year. That price and for the time your get to stay in the park is a rip off. We love disney but not that price for tickets.
If the admission price is too much and I want to take my fam (we went this summer,, we will be going back next May), I’ll cut costs somewhere else honestly. Maybe stay off site. But it’s really about the message it sends to keep raising prices. The magic will of going will become a business transaction where it’s barely worth it, until it’s not.
No, definitely not going to Disney for this or any other events again. The company has gotten too greedy. Their park tickets are outrageous and out of reach for a family of four. Walt would be turning over in his grave if he could see what has happened to his “Happiest Place On Earth”. It is just not a financial source for family entertainment especially in these difficult times. My days of going to Disney are done.
Been Annual passholder for many years. They are pricing everything up so much, can’t afford it now. Not sure I will renew my annual pass when time comes. Hate they did away with fast pass and pay extra for rides after you pay to get in park, not to mention resort cost, spending money for food and merchandise. And this doesn’t even count flying or driving if out of state. Making it so only the rich can afford it. Not what Walt would have wanted. Families will suffer. Shame on Disney.
Just bought our tickets today! I deleted a park day from our reservation so the day we are attending the Party we will sleep in and relax. We will then head to the Magic Kingdom for 7:00 PM to enjoy the night.
It is over priced for sure but this is our first and probably last time going at Christmas time so we are sucking it up and going. Prices are definitely getting out if hand which is so sad. The average family can not afford it anymore unless they save for years! Like me!
We’re going to be there in December! We’re beyond excited to not have to wait in line and enjoy the park without all the complainers. If you people can’t handle a small price increase to ride some rides, then you couldn’t afford it before either. But we all know you’re all going to keep going and you will all buy Genie+! History repeats itself, always. This happened at DLR and EVERYONE said they wouldn’t buy into Maxpass…. And guess what? All those people bought into it and loved it.
But by all means please stop going and don’t go to this event or buy G+, I’ll wave to you from the front of the line
Bob Chapek is going to run Disney into the ground. $200+ for a four hour event is absolutely the epitome of greed. Who wants to pay that much money to see “snow” on Main Street? Perhaps if each guest received a collectible only available at the event, then maybe. Even with that it is maybe. Thinking of everything else Chapek has done, it seems to all revolve around money. The magic of Disney is rapidly disappearing. Bob Iger needs to retake the reins.
$169?! Are they insane? I’m not going to the Halloween party because it was too much money for too little entertainment. Definitely not going to the Christmas party. This annual passholder will spend my hard earned dollars elsewhere.
Unfortunately, things are getting too expensive and Disney seems to be losing it’s magic. I’ve been an annual passholder for years, but I am saddened to see how the almighty greed is taking over and my AP days may be also coming to a close. . I was there recently and a simple Mickey shaped vanilla ice cream bar was about $7 and looking at the scaled down Christmas event cost, there is no way I’d pay that. The magic is getting to be unaffordable for the average family. I don’t think this is quite what Walt had in mind…
We loved the very merry Christmas party that Disney had in the past and it was affordable then. We WILL NOT be doing the Christmas party this year as the prices are sooo out of proportion.
No No,, Walt Disney didn’t get greedy. Greedy man Chapek is very greedy and has totally ruined anything Disney that Mr. Walt built. They should be required to stop using Disney family name can call it Greedy Man Chapekland.. Walt would never have done this.
Comments for Disney Holiday Event Remains WIDE Open, Is Pricing Too High?
Ashley
Cost is definitely the reason. Paying more money for less time in the MK, a few treats, hot cocoa, fake snow, and 1 parade? I live in MN and could have most of those things (except the MK of course…and we also have real snow) if I just stay home for the holidays. Also, considering Genie+ and IAS will roll out soon, you’ll be able to hit up all the popular rides with reduced wait time by just paying for those services during normal park hours, which is a lot less than the After Hours Party.
Noon
Its only August. Parties dont begin for four months. Why do you expect any dates to be sold out yet?
Todd R Hudson
Actually the genie+ is a more money option when it use to be free to book fast passes had 30 days to book reservations on fast passes for 3 rides once used you can book more throughout the day now its like a mobile pay to win scam
Jeanette L Lewellyn
Been Annual passholder for many years. They are pricing everything up so much, can’t afford it now. Not sure I will renew my annual pass when time comes. Hate they did away with fast pass and pay extra for rides after you pay to get in park, not to mention resort cost, spending money for food and merchandise. And this doesn’t even count flying or driving if out of state. Making it so only the rich can afford it. Not what Walt would have wanted. Families will suffer. Shame on Disney.
beautiful gorgeous
People are wising up. Getting less for more money formula Disney has been pushing since reopening is starting to turn people off. I don’t plan to pay for special nights anymore.
Frank
Total rip off. More $$ for less service. Peple will wise up..
Karen Taylor - Steward
Like I said DISNEY GOT GREEDY
they make money on merchandise, food, hotels along,
Don’t understand why they closed their disney shops in Europe as London stores & rest of UK was booming the disney stores was always busy in our city centres, charging for everything is just greed
jo
No No,, Walt Disney didn’t get greedy. Greedy man Chapek is very greedy and has totally ruined anything Disney that Mr. Walt built. They should be required to stop using Disney family name can call it Greedy Man Chapekland.. Walt would never have done this.
Sarah D.
I’d have considered going on our scheduled trip in December but the time is just too late for my family. If they’d start earlier and end at like 11pm we would try it out. I just can’t see paying the cost and going so late. It won’t be enjoyable.
Chad H
There is one reason for the cost. The reason it cost so much is because people pay it. The event will completely sell out and cost 20 more dollars next year. If you think this is high, check pricing on other food and experience tours.
jo
I agree Chad. It would be most helpful if Americans would stand together and say “No more” to greedy man chapek. Americans are very spoiled and will pay the price once Christmas gets closer. This first yr. in 10 years I didn’t buy Halloween tickets. Money just to insane for 5 people.
Sheila
Exactly this! We have toddlers whose bedtime is usually 9:00. In the event that you could keep them awake and happy then the next day would be unhappy due to ill moods lol! Hard pass for us too.
Wack
Its early still. Plenty of dates will sell out. I got my tickets.
Jaime Smith
It’s way too expensive!!!
Diane
I am going an the 2nd day of the party and I cannot wait. If I’m disappointed then I will learn for the next time but I’m ALL about the magic of Disney and can’t wait to see what it has to offer. I was just there in January celebrating my 50th after the last time stepping foot in the parks was 40 years before. 🥰
John Hamberg
Have fun Diane!!
Chad H
There is one reason for the cost. The reason it cost so much is because people pay it. The event will completely sell out and cost 20 more dollars next year. If you think this is high, check pricing on other food and experience tours.
Kathy
I agree with you. If people would not pay it then they would have to decrease the price or not have it. I’ve been going to Disney for years and every year they are offering less but going up in prices. The quality of the food has gone way down. Just cafeteria food. Walt definitely would not like what’s going on here.
Joe
That’s absolutely hilarious, the quality of the food has absolutely not gone way done. Lay off the tantrum Kathy.
brandon
I find it amusing that this article is actually questioning whether or not the price is Too high?
Obviously it’s too high.
The pricing is absolutely an unacceptable price.
When a standard Christmas or Halloween party was just under $100 for 8 hours.
Now the 3 hour halloween event is $130+ and the Christmas party is 4 hours at $169+
That’s $30 more than a full day ticket but for only 4 hours.
Have they lost their collective minds!?!?!
I just give up on trying to figure out their logic.
I was looking at Ride wait times on the Boo Bash nights and many were in the 25 to 45 min range. Which is unacceptable for a 3 hour event.
The problem with these after hours events is that when they first started years ago, they would only sell like 500 tickets and they were around $300.
And were TRULY after hours. Like 1am to 4am.
Not 10-1.
I would pay for that.
But this is certainly not this.
CINDY Smith
You seem to only want the well to do to share in what DW offers, you forget who helped you build who you are today. I am very very disappointed in you. I mean 250 to park at the resort, 6 to 8 thousand to stay at the star wars resort. I’m sorry you have gotten greedy and have become a park for the rich. Our last visit we also went to Universal and loved it. I will miss you sadly you won’t t miss me.
mike
We are looking forward to the party during our December trip as another reward for working hard & saving & investing our money conservatively all our lives to become “well to do”! You sound unhappy with yours. It’s ok, you still have time ! Pull up the ole bootstraps & go out & get a 2nd job if need be, there are plenty out there ! Save, Save, Save !
Apryl
Congratulations to you! But the rest of us might be more interested in enjoying our time at WDW while our kids are young, making precious family memories and not after “saving… our our lives”.
Joe
Maybe if you didn’t spend all your money on worthless merch you’d have enough for the party and wouldn’t be crying about not being able to afford it. I’d say a huge percentage of People who go to Disney couldn’t afford it before either.
Jeanette L Lewellyn
Been Annual passholder for many years. They are pricing everything up so much, can’t afford it now. Not sure I will renew my annual pass when time comes. Hate they did away with fast pass and pay extra for rides after you pay to get in park, not to mention resort cost, spending money for food and merchandise. And this doesn’t even count flying or driving if out of state. Making it so only the rich can afford it. Not what Walt would have wanted. Families will suffer. Shame on Disney.
mike
Been going w/ entire family since they were young kids at minimum once a year and live in the northeast part of country .Planning, planning, planning
Michelle D
Great that you are spending money the way you want. However, it is not just that some are not ABLE to pay…some of us don’t see the VALUE in this cost. I’ve paid $300 for a night in a hotel room at Universal that gave my entire family express passes for two days, plus early entry on both days. No need to schedule the times to go on the rides, just enter the shorter line whenever you feel like it (and the lines were never more than 15 min). So, 3 people, 2 days of express passes could be seen as $50/express pass and then the hotel is free or $25 an express pass and a $150 hotel room, which is more in line with the going prices. Then, as a premier AP at UO, you automatically get Express Passes from 4 pm til closing EVERY park day! WDW gives their APs no free fast passes or lightning passes….even if they pay for the $800/night rooms. Perceived value is everything.
Joe
Literally nobody cares what your experience at Universal was. Universal isn’t even in the same ballpark as Disney in terms of quality… AND they nickel and dime you in the same way Disney is now doing. You clearly don’t realize that an a la carte price model will save you more than the former all-inclusive model.
Joey
Jeez Joe, who pissed in your Cheerios this morning? Michelle was only showing the comparison between two of the largest theme-park destinations , in the country. And for the record, I and many others, enjoy reading about the experiences from others. You have your opinions, and so do others. Don’t be a douche-canoe.
Jenny
Mike, I’m laughing that you mention being conservative with money, yet are throwing dollars up in the air for this party scam. I say this as someone likely far more well off than you!
Doug
We’ve decided to cancel our December trip. Our airline tickets are purchased and Disney Resort hotel is paid in full. The high prices for this event are a significant part of the decision. Our plan was to purchase tickets on opening day for resort guests, but the price for non-refundable tickets gave us reason to pause. I contacted Disney to see if we could cancel tickets due to COVID and they said they are non-refundable. Our primary concern is the high rate of COVID in Orange County. Genie+ was kinda the icing on the cake. We’ll likely regroup and try for next year.
Julie
So disappointing. I hope you have a wonderful trip next year. Greed has supplanted a lot of the magic, I think.
Doree
We were just at DL and after we got back we heard about the price for front of the line. This is NOT OK. people can barely afford to get into DL and now your being greedy and want more money. This is the reason my husband wont come anymore. I think this was our last trip there. Our family can find cheaper places to have fun. Seeing the characters was even hard for the kids. i understand why. but if anything the prices should be lowered for what your receiving. just my take on it
Joe
There’s no front of the line pass… That’s Universal, and you pay 10x what you would pay at Disney
Karen
No
Going to Universal Studios for the Orlando Meetup on November 19.
JT
That’s an absolutely ridiculous price for 4 hours. There’s nothing magical about wasting money in that way. Unfortunately, people keep doing it which is why the prices keep escalating!
Debby
Shame on you Disney !!! Who can afford these prices and then if you have a family to buy for. No thank you my husband and I will be going to Cirque du Soleil at Disney Springs instead.
LMW
Yes…we will be going! I’m nearly 80 yrs. old and this will be my last trip there. I know it’s too expensive, but none of it will ever get any cheaper, if that’s what you’re all waiting for. Plus the fact you can get in at 7pm still gives us 6 hours in the park. And we have tickets to go during the day and that’s more than enough for this old gal!
Apryl
LMW at 80 you have earned the right to go wherever, whenever you want! Enjoy your trip! (Although I sincerely hope this isn’t your last time with the Mouse)
Dora
Way too expensive! I wanted to treat my family to a special event, but when I saw the cost, immediately changed my mind. It would cost my family of four over $800 for four hours and doesn’t even include a meal! Ridiculous!
Angie
Yep!! I went on the day tickets were available and could not justify the price for my family. Especially knowing I now will be paying for genie+
Allure
If people keep complaining wait times are high, that just means prices are not high enough to deter the crowds, resulting to unsatisfactory exeperience. Basic law of supply and demand here.
Doug
Another way to look at it is that there isn’t enough capacity (rides, shows, street entertainment) to support the number of people admitted to the parks on a regular basis.
Joe
Disney has that optimized to the T.
Tiffany
It’s getting ridiculous. I am a huge Disney fan and I buy the lounge flies and I buy the ears and I buy the mugs. I even have a week trip planned in November and April. But just to let Bob chapek know I’ll be canceling those trips. This is gotten ridiculous and Walter E. Disney is rolling in his grave. I have stopped buying all things Disney I’m just turned off, disgusted, and disappointed.
DMD
I Agree with you, am totally disappointed with Disney. My Disney Magic Bubble has burst. I just can’t do Disney anymore. Plus, with the rising costs and getting less, and Disney going WOKE, I don’t even look forward to another trip. I am Disney Done!! Going to start to selling my Disney items, I don’t even enjoy looking at them anymore.
Joe
Lol no wonder you don’t have enough money to go, you waste your money on incredibly stupid merch. We don’t buy any of that crap and because of it we get to go to this event. People are clueless
Jenny
To each his own, Joe. Many would consider paying for the party “incredibly stupid” of you.
Tiffany
It’s way too over priced. That’s almost 1000$ for my family of four, that’s a few days at a resort like All Stars or Pop. I am so disappointed in the way Bob Chapek has handled things, he has stripped the magic and the ease of a vacation away from us and replaced it with dollar symbols. Removed the live performances on Epcot, no early morning magic hours or after hours for resort guests, Minnie vans are gone, no magical express, no parades, value resorts aren’t value anymore, the special events tickets are astronomical for a family already spending so much money. (And don’t even get me started on the money grab that is Genie + and lightening lane situation)
You used to be able to justify the money previously because the experience you were going to have, but they’ve stripped down the experience to bare bones and expect people to pay more money. We’re over it.
Tiffany
Tiffany H.
DonB
Walt would not be happy with this new money grubbing CEO and his underlings. As long time Disney fans and DVC members we knew that profit was a key aspect but it was never shoved in our faces like it is now. We won’t go to this event because of the price gouging and we’re going in October using our DVC points and going to Universal for the first time ever. We used to be able to buy reduced cost annual passes through DVC and that has been eliminated. Things need to change so we feel we are getting some value for our highly invested DVC membership.
Tami
We are a family of 5. Pricing is just too high for what you actually get. I can’t justify it for the short hours of the event, and what you actually get. Sure it’s a “special event” that would be cool to experience, but I just can’t see the value at these prices. We will catch the parade on YouTube if we want to see it.
Joe
You do realize this was inn the works for years right? Like… ALL OF IT.
Jenny
So you work for the Walt Disney company, Joe? You know about what’s been “in the works” for years? Riiiight. No need to try and mansplain something that you really know nothing about.
Acclimated
As soon as inflation hits in the coming months, these prices will be more in line with the cost of everything else in our lives. Too many dollars chasing too few of goods. The difficult issue to overcome is their cancelation policy. No refund even if THEY decide to shut down the events for any reason. It would be nice to share in the outrage of overpricing but money becomes no object every time we attempt a grand trip to Disney. Pancakes are $20. Nothing has changed in that regard since we started going back in the 1970’s. It’s a costly adventure.
Dis fan
Too expensive, Iger, Chapek and the top shareholders need their multi-millions and dont care about the average joe looking for fun and some magic, we were there the last week in july, other than being blazzing hot, the magic had faded for all of us, we love Disney and were excited about going, but too many people and way high prices pretty much killed it for us, this was probably our last trip to WDW, thanks for the past memories, they were awesome
Kevin
I’d absolutely love to attend the event. Just cannot afford it, or rather not willing to pay the exorbitant price. The measly $10 dvc discount, which isn’t even available in December, is a slap in the face as well
Lauren j
Even as a cast member I never did the after hour events. They gave us a SMALL discount and even with that I could never afford it. I could also never get the time off because I was treated like a robot slave.
Sara Curtis
We live in the area and would have totally gone one night but once we saw the cost we said not worth it!
Debbie
I was so looking forward to the Christmas event and saw the price and said heck No. I did discuss it with granddaughters and the said Nann that’s crazy there is so much more we can do with $1000 the week we are there. So NO we won’t be going. But the real moral of this story is even my twelve and nineteen year old young adults realized how crazy that’s price is.
Donna
Love your grandkids are so wise, enjoy your holidays. Our kids all feel the same way, and there are 8 of us
David A
Disney seem to be pricing families out of attending these events. I always thought that Walt’s vision was to create a place where families could spend quality time with each other in a carefree happy environment. The current executives running Disney only care about making as much money out of people as they can and if this prices out families then so be it. So no I will not be attending this event and think it’s time for Disney to get back to their original core values instead of ripping people off
Karen
We will not be going. The prices are definitely too high. I paid $100 a ticket ON Halloween for MNSSHP last time we went and we could enter the park at 4. Not cool at all. And we really wanted to go. 🙁
Donna
We are staying in WDW Resort for 3 weeks including Christmas & New Years. There are over 8 of us going (all on my expense) and several more paying their own way. With the Genie+ which is a real buzz kill for the holiday I will not be doing the party. I had planned on doing the party as an extra holiday surprise for everyone until the prices were revealed. I can afford it but can’t justify it, spending that much for what you get. It’s already costing a massive amount for the trip. We have gone to WDW many times at Christmas time but always home by Dec 23rd. This was suppose to be a special treat for the family to forget all the difficulty of this past 2 yrs. Yes, Disney is a business to make money but I feel they’re pushed the pricing too high too fast. Time will tell if others will pay these prices or if there isn’t enough demand they will go back to regular holiday party style and more reasonable pricing. It’s all economics.
Jaycee
Can I be part of your family now? Lol! In all seriousness, though, I’m feeling the same. I’m taking my wife on her dream trip (we live in SoCal so WDW has been on her bucket list forever) during the same time period and I really thought about including the party. But the limited amount of return on the sheer cost is just too much. It may be a “no expense is too much” kind of trip but, well, apparently that expense IS too much!
Darlene
No way would I ever spend the fee they are charging for a lesser experience.
A.W.
Have a trip planned ahead of time for November. Then news released about this new holiday after hours event. I was excited and marked the date on my calendar for when tickets went on sale, even stayed up till midnight when they dropped. Then did a price compare and what I’m willing to pay for MK, and realized this is not worth the price being as high as it is. If they come down to boo bash $129 range then would consider it. Also had to factor in that I will be using Genie and paying extra for that on my trip and also probably going to pay extra for a top tier lightning pass, and it made the decision not to do the Holiday event even easier. I’m going to have the enjoy Disney now because soon truly it will be too expensive in general for any regular person to go to, super sad.
Cheryl
Going to Orlando Informer instead on Dec 3 which was cheaper, longer access, and more food options (actual meals). There are also many other options now to celebrate thru Give Kids the World, SeaWorld, Legoland (to name a few) that are affordable for people to go to other than Disney.
TacoCat
Of course the price is high. Gotta weed out the Riff Raff.
jo
Its not about weeding out the riff raff, its about the customers paying for Disney losses during the pandemic. They are going to take a pay hit ya know. America needs to stand together and no go or continue to allow greedy man Chapek to bleed you dry. Halloween tickets says it all. American’s are too spoiled to stand against the unfair man.
Ilona Kane
DEFINITELY too high pricing for less time … to run around for freebies, on no wait, you paid for all of that too! Disappointing, and, having done the Very Merry Christmas Party in the past, wouldn’t consider paying double the price of a one-day admission.
Mike
I have my ticket Solo for the Disney very merry Christmas party on November 8th and staying at the Fort Wilderness Resort, seen the after party on youtube and wanted to go from Kalifornia, try to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mk, my 58 birthday, until the 10th
Barb
Disney prices are RIDICULOUS. Not only the parks but ALL their merchandise prices are ridiculous! Perhaps if they didn’t pay their execs so much they could charge reasonable prices that everyone could afford! The current CEO has a ‘base’ salary of $2.5 million PLUS a ‘target’ BONUS of $7.5 million and an ‘incentive’ grant of $15 million. The sin of greed has this country in a choke hold!
Rosaria Portelli
We do it every year. But we will pass this year. That price and for the time your get to stay in the park is a rip off. We love disney but not that price for tickets.
Matt
If the admission price is too much and I want to take my fam (we went this summer,, we will be going back next May), I’ll cut costs somewhere else honestly. Maybe stay off site. But it’s really about the message it sends to keep raising prices. The magic will of going will become a business transaction where it’s barely worth it, until it’s not.
Joe
No, definitely not going to Disney for this or any other events again. The company has gotten too greedy. Their park tickets are outrageous and out of reach for a family of four. Walt would be turning over in his grave if he could see what has happened to his “Happiest Place On Earth”. It is just not a financial source for family entertainment especially in these difficult times. My days of going to Disney are done.
Jeanette L Lewellyn
Been Annual passholder for many years. They are pricing everything up so much, can’t afford it now. Not sure I will renew my annual pass when time comes. Hate they did away with fast pass and pay extra for rides after you pay to get in park, not to mention resort cost, spending money for food and merchandise. And this doesn’t even count flying or driving if out of state. Making it so only the rich can afford it. Not what Walt would have wanted. Families will suffer. Shame on Disney.
Mike
We have our tickets and can’t wait to be there!! Between Christmas and 50th anniversary it’s worth it to my wife and I!
Sherri Tarr
Just bought our tickets today! I deleted a park day from our reservation so the day we are attending the Party we will sleep in and relax. We will then head to the Magic Kingdom for 7:00 PM to enjoy the night.
Melanie MARTINEZ
It is over priced for sure but this is our first and probably last time going at Christmas time so we are sucking it up and going. Prices are definitely getting out if hand which is so sad. The average family can not afford it anymore unless they save for years! Like me!
Nina
We were so looking forward to going. But the prices are ridiculous!! I hate we’re going to miss out but it is their 50th anniversary 😥
Susan
5 tickets at $249 + tax, outrageous. We were so looking forward to going, but that is too much.
Joe
We’re going to be there in December! We’re beyond excited to not have to wait in line and enjoy the park without all the complainers. If you people can’t handle a small price increase to ride some rides, then you couldn’t afford it before either. But we all know you’re all going to keep going and you will all buy Genie+! History repeats itself, always. This happened at DLR and EVERYONE said they wouldn’t buy into Maxpass…. And guess what? All those people bought into it and loved it.
But by all means please stop going and don’t go to this event or buy G+, I’ll wave to you from the front of the line
Jack S.
Bob Chapek is going to run Disney into the ground. $200+ for a four hour event is absolutely the epitome of greed. Who wants to pay that much money to see “snow” on Main Street? Perhaps if each guest received a collectible only available at the event, then maybe. Even with that it is maybe. Thinking of everything else Chapek has done, it seems to all revolve around money. The magic of Disney is rapidly disappearing. Bob Iger needs to retake the reins.
Diana
$169?! Are they insane? I’m not going to the Halloween party because it was too much money for too little entertainment. Definitely not going to the Christmas party. This annual passholder will spend my hard earned dollars elsewhere.
Mary Turnwald
Unfortunately, things are getting too expensive and Disney seems to be losing it’s magic. I’ve been an annual passholder for years, but I am saddened to see how the almighty greed is taking over and my AP days may be also coming to a close. . I was there recently and a simple Mickey shaped vanilla ice cream bar was about $7 and looking at the scaled down Christmas event cost, there is no way I’d pay that. The magic is getting to be unaffordable for the average family. I don’t think this is quite what Walt had in mind…
Sherri McConnell
We loved the very merry Christmas party that Disney had in the past and it was affordable then. We WILL NOT be doing the Christmas party this year as the prices are sooo out of proportion.
Lady_Krampus
At the end of the day, it’s $230/$250 to watch a parade….lol
jo
No No,, Walt Disney didn’t get greedy. Greedy man Chapek is very greedy and has totally ruined anything Disney that Mr. Walt built. They should be required to stop using Disney family name can call it Greedy Man Chapekland.. Walt would never have done this.
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