Family of 6 (5 adults and 1 child) 6 nights at Port Orleans, including meals, tickets and airfare was a little over 6k 3 years ago. My kids and I love Star Wars, (I even have a Star Wars themed office), but not that much
It seems as if Disney has lost all site of what the average person in America can afford. In the last six months EVERYTHING in Disney has gone up anywhere from 20 to 100 percent. Food is unbelievably priced. I realize they lost money last year but so did everybody else. To try and throw all of the loss on Disney customers is not only unfair but totally unreasonable. You are pricing a large section of your customers. Frankly, it breaks my heart and is NOT what Walt would have done. Stock holders shouldn’t expect to gain back their dividends from the people who live paycheck to paycheck.
Stop trying to be dramatic with the !% only accessibility. Everything everywhere has going up considerably in the last year.
Walt, behind the carefully crafted public image, was a ruthless businessman. He had to be to get everything done and it wouldn’t have been much different if he were alive today. Nobody actually likes price increases, it just looks bad, but he’d see the situation and act accordingly because he’d know the consequence of not doing so.
I wouldn’t do it however, look at what people pay for a wedding… one day… thousands of dollars for one day. Put this whole thing into perspective. I know it’s ridiculous but when you start to look at what people are willing to pay for experiences, they will do it. $25k for one day(wedding average) for memories…. And here is something that a die hard Star Wars fan is going to do…. I still think it’s outrageous but if they want to blow their money on this then go ahead. I understand the value of enjoying life. I also understand the value of a dollar. Retirement is around the corner, plan wisely.
I’d venture to opine that infact, MOST “die-hard Star Wars fanatic” would NOT say “it is the perfect all-inclusive getaway.” At THAT Price.
Not to mention,it is unlikely that the price includes resort fees, minimum mandatory gratuities for staff, or local taxes..ect.ect… the actual cost undoubtedly higher than the advertised 5k
So true about all those hidden fees that only show up when it’s too late to cancel or properly budget. But I disagree with due hard fans. Those that fit the 1% will be there in droves, it’s nothing to them. The haves and have not, not fun!
These prices are absurd. You could literally fly to Europe and stay for several days for these prices.
No way in hell is it worth $2,500 a day for a couple. And, if the main experience is staying at the hotel, shouldn’t there be so many adventures and experiences that you wouldn’t bother with the parks for those 2 days? If they can’t keep you fully entertained at the “cruise-style” hotel, you absolutely are being ripped off.
Disney used to be a reasonably affordable vacation spot. We used to regularly stay at a WDW hotel for 10 to 12 days so we could soak it all in and enjoy ourselves.
We always thought that was the problem with Universal. It was more a forced March for teens and young adults to just ride every roller coaster. They didn’t have the whole package that made you just enjoy being in the park and doing whatever floated your boat.
All these changes and outrageous prices are going to do these amazing places in.
We don’t want to spend our vacation with the super wealthy people who are willing to pay anything to get in line ahead of others and change the whole atmosphere.
They may as well switch to tiered pricing where platinum ticket holders walk right on rides, Gold get to Fastness and Silver gets you in and you just wait in line hoping the other two groups don’t show up en masses at the least desirable rides.
I’ve been going to Disney since I was in high school in the late 70’s. I used to go 2 or 3 times a year.
I haven’t been since the pandemic and I truly doubt I’ll ever go again.
It is just shedding everything Magical for everything Monetary.
You said it all. Just like everything else in the US Disney is now for the 1 percent. The hell with all of us 99 percent who made it what it is. It is sad that the current Caste system that has taken hold is the US has made its way to Disney. It’s called GREED.
It’s comical that the author tries to justify the cost when you know they’re going to get a free trip just to show it off and say how AMAZING it is.
I’m sure this will be great, but it’s impossible to defend the price.
I booked an 8 day/7 night trip to Orlando via Costco Travel for $3800 (2 adults 1 child). It came with single day tickets to all 4 parks, rental car, round trip flights, and a 2 bed/2 bath condo at the Sheraton Vistana resort (5-10 min from all parks). Even as a die hard star wars fan, I would never pay the prices for what is included.
You said it all. Just like everything else in the US Disney is now for the 1 percent. The hell with all of us 99 percent who made it what it is. It is sad that the current Caste system that has taken hold is the US has made its way to Disney. It’s called GREED.
I totally agree with every single one of you.
I have been visiting Disney since my teen years in the mid 80’s. When I moved to Florida in 2004, having 2 kids I would visit up to 8 – 9 times per year as an annual pass holder until 2018.
Everything was about the families and their magical experiences at Disney and how to make it better.
Now everything is about making the 1% happy and forget about the other 99%. I do not think that is what Walt Disney himself stood for. FAMILY EXPERIENCE NOT RICH OR POOR
Your comparison to the Grand Floridian has a minor flaw. The period of 8/27-8/29/2022 is a Saturday-Monday stay. The sample pricing for the Galactic Starcruiser is for a midweek stay. It’s “only” $1,346 midweek.
That said, I believe the pricing for the experience is fine. With a capacity of around 70,000 customers per year (the Magic Kingdom does that many in a single day), it needs an exclusive price.
The very first photo (by the entrance sign), the guy’s other hand is hiding the bill from the wife.
Seriously, though. In disgusting avarice, Disney unmasks to reveal its alignment with the Galactic Empire.
I love the fake outrage. The last 40 years has been a steady march to these two Americas. The haves and the have nots. When John Edwards spoke about it they ran him out of town in a rail. Yet the Reagan revolution is what brought you this lock stock and barrel.
This is capitalism and what Disney is made to do, to make money for its stock holders. It is not about guests, or employees, but stock price and dividend.
Oh Manny, are you still riding that Reagan train? Reagan must have really pooped in your corn flakes. And are you referring to same the John Edwards who cheated on his wife while she was battling cancer (and subsequently died) while fathering a child with his mistress during his campaign for President in 2008? The same Edwards that was indicted on 6 felony charges but through legal maneuvering got a slap on the wrist? The same Edwards who made his million$ as an ambulance chasing lawyer, settling most of his frivolous lawsuits just to receive his 30% cut of the settlement money whether or not it was in the best interest of the client? What a model citizen (and still a millionaire, one of your “haves”). I suppose you’d rather have socialism vs. capitalism? Look how well that work out for the Soviet Union and still working for those thriving socialist countries like Cuba, Venezuela, North Korea and Laos. Manny, take a deep breathe, put away a little cash each month from your Social Security check so you can purchase a Park ticket, and I’ll buy you a beer (albeit an expensive beer) at The Rose and Crown in Epcot. Our way boosting Disney’s stock price while infusing some cash into the economy, capitalism at it’s finest.
It has always been that a visit to Walt Disney World was expensive. However, I have always considered it a very good value. A seat for a live production at our local community college has been in the $30-$40 price range. A high quality live play in Chicago would easily cost $130-$150 for a good seat and the price of a Broadway show can go through the roof. A visit to one of the parks includes not only the rides but the live shows like “Beauty and the Beast”, “Finding Nemo”, and “Festival of the Lion King”. Add in the street entertainment, parades and just the beautiful landscaping and ambiance, you have a terrific value. The Starcruiser will be a focused experience with a significant number of cast members being “on stage” and interacting with visitors almost 24 hours a day. The cost of paying the talented people putting on the performance as well as the cost of developing and maintaining the technology will be enormous. I believe the price reflects what visitors will be receiving.
Price breakdown to try and separate the cost of the room from the cost of the experience per person.
Looking at the price differences from 2-3-4 people the cost per person is $700. This leaves the room cost at $3200 (or $1600/night)
Looking at the $700 per person cost:
– 1 day ticket to Hollywood studios (~$150)
– ~$215 for food (1 quick service lunch at Galaxy’s Edge – $15, 2 character breakfasts – $35 each, 2 character dinners – $65 each)
– the Experience cost per person that covers the rest of this ~$335. Consider this a hard ticket event price, not too bad so far.
Hotel room is $1600/night (with an additional $200 cost added for only having 2 people in the room). From what I can see the room sizes are closer to value resort size, but there is a sit down restaurant so this bumps it up to a moderate. This resort foes not have the amenities of a deluxe, but the cost is priced at some of the highest on property…
Walt would be rolling over in his grave if he knew how cost prohibitive and had become to enjoy the park that he said “all are welcome”, when so few can now afford to go.
$1200 per person, per night, is ridiculous, and completely unjustified by what they are providing. When cruising (which the author thinks is comparable,) a good rate is $100, pp, pn, though anything up to $250 pp, pn is acceptable. $1200 pp, pn is crazy out of proportion.
Figure $500 pp/pn (generously) for the room, maybe $200 pp/pn for food and $100 pp/pn for theme park tickets, and so maybe $800 pp/pn would be in line.
I think it’s more appropriate to compare the Star Cruiser to a typical 2 night cruise on a cruise line.
Still, Disney is becoming the playground for the 1%. They have no problem with all the money grabbing going on like Boo Bash – less fun for more money and Genie, the new pay system for Fast Pass. Disney did NOT to make these changes. They did it because they knew people would pay it even if they go in debt to do so. That’s just wrong! We feel taken advantage of.
Comments for How Pricing For Disney’s ‘Star Wars’: Galactic Starcruiser Compares to Deluxe Resorts
Switcher Monkey
Family of 6 (5 adults and 1 child) 6 nights at Port Orleans, including meals, tickets and airfare was a little over 6k 3 years ago. My kids and I love Star Wars, (I even have a Star Wars themed office), but not that much
Christine Robertson
It seems as if Disney has lost all site of what the average person in America can afford. In the last six months EVERYTHING in Disney has gone up anywhere from 20 to 100 percent. Food is unbelievably priced. I realize they lost money last year but so did everybody else. To try and throw all of the loss on Disney customers is not only unfair but totally unreasonable. You are pricing a large section of your customers. Frankly, it breaks my heart and is NOT what Walt would have done. Stock holders shouldn’t expect to gain back their dividends from the people who live paycheck to paycheck.
Casey
I guess its only accessible to the 1% now
Nick
Stop trying to be dramatic with the !% only accessibility. Everything everywhere has going up considerably in the last year.
Walt, behind the carefully crafted public image, was a ruthless businessman. He had to be to get everything done and it wouldn’t have been much different if he were alive today. Nobody actually likes price increases, it just looks bad, but he’d see the situation and act accordingly because he’d know the consequence of not doing so.
Cameron
I wouldn’t do it however, look at what people pay for a wedding… one day… thousands of dollars for one day. Put this whole thing into perspective. I know it’s ridiculous but when you start to look at what people are willing to pay for experiences, they will do it. $25k for one day(wedding average) for memories…. And here is something that a die hard Star Wars fan is going to do…. I still think it’s outrageous but if they want to blow their money on this then go ahead. I understand the value of enjoying life. I also understand the value of a dollar. Retirement is around the corner, plan wisely.
Capt'n nowhere
I’d venture to opine that infact, MOST “die-hard Star Wars fanatic” would NOT say “it is the perfect all-inclusive getaway.” At THAT Price.
Not to mention,it is unlikely that the price includes resort fees, minimum mandatory gratuities for staff, or local taxes..ect.ect… the actual cost undoubtedly higher than the advertised 5k
SG
So true about all those hidden fees that only show up when it’s too late to cancel or properly budget. But I disagree with due hard fans. Those that fit the 1% will be there in droves, it’s nothing to them. The haves and have not, not fun!
Chris Kinney
Absolutely ridiculous, and I’d wager, unattainable for most.
Sheryl Donnell
These prices are absurd. You could literally fly to Europe and stay for several days for these prices.
No way in hell is it worth $2,500 a day for a couple. And, if the main experience is staying at the hotel, shouldn’t there be so many adventures and experiences that you wouldn’t bother with the parks for those 2 days? If they can’t keep you fully entertained at the “cruise-style” hotel, you absolutely are being ripped off.
Disney used to be a reasonably affordable vacation spot. We used to regularly stay at a WDW hotel for 10 to 12 days so we could soak it all in and enjoy ourselves.
We always thought that was the problem with Universal. It was more a forced March for teens and young adults to just ride every roller coaster. They didn’t have the whole package that made you just enjoy being in the park and doing whatever floated your boat.
All these changes and outrageous prices are going to do these amazing places in.
We don’t want to spend our vacation with the super wealthy people who are willing to pay anything to get in line ahead of others and change the whole atmosphere.
They may as well switch to tiered pricing where platinum ticket holders walk right on rides, Gold get to Fastness and Silver gets you in and you just wait in line hoping the other two groups don’t show up en masses at the least desirable rides.
I’ve been going to Disney since I was in high school in the late 70’s. I used to go 2 or 3 times a year.
I haven’t been since the pandemic and I truly doubt I’ll ever go again.
It is just shedding everything Magical for everything Monetary.
What a shame!
Em
Agreed
Christine Robertson
You said it all. Just like everything else in the US Disney is now for the 1 percent. The hell with all of us 99 percent who made it what it is. It is sad that the current Caste system that has taken hold is the US has made its way to Disney. It’s called GREED.
Thomas
It’s comical that the author tries to justify the cost when you know they’re going to get a free trip just to show it off and say how AMAZING it is.
I’m sure this will be great, but it’s impossible to defend the price.
Jason
I booked an 8 day/7 night trip to Orlando via Costco Travel for $3800 (2 adults 1 child). It came with single day tickets to all 4 parks, rental car, round trip flights, and a 2 bed/2 bath condo at the Sheraton Vistana resort (5-10 min from all parks). Even as a die hard star wars fan, I would never pay the prices for what is included.
Christine Robertson
You said it all. Just like everything else in the US Disney is now for the 1 percent. The hell with all of us 99 percent who made it what it is. It is sad that the current Caste system that has taken hold is the US has made its way to Disney. It’s called GREED.
LM
I totally agree with every single one of you.
I have been visiting Disney since my teen years in the mid 80’s. When I moved to Florida in 2004, having 2 kids I would visit up to 8 – 9 times per year as an annual pass holder until 2018.
Everything was about the families and their magical experiences at Disney and how to make it better.
Now everything is about making the 1% happy and forget about the other 99%. I do not think that is what Walt Disney himself stood for. FAMILY EXPERIENCE NOT RICH OR POOR
Lloyd Lawrence
Your comparison to the Grand Floridian has a minor flaw. The period of 8/27-8/29/2022 is a Saturday-Monday stay. The sample pricing for the Galactic Starcruiser is for a midweek stay. It’s “only” $1,346 midweek.
That said, I believe the pricing for the experience is fine. With a capacity of around 70,000 customers per year (the Magic Kingdom does that many in a single day), it needs an exclusive price.
WH Plumber
It’s “only” $1,346 midweek.
Well, in that case, sign me up.
Justan Observer
The very first photo (by the entrance sign), the guy’s other hand is hiding the bill from the wife.
Seriously, though. In disgusting avarice, Disney unmasks to reveal its alignment with the Galactic Empire.
Manny
I love the fake outrage. The last 40 years has been a steady march to these two Americas. The haves and the have nots. When John Edwards spoke about it they ran him out of town in a rail. Yet the Reagan revolution is what brought you this lock stock and barrel.
This is capitalism and what Disney is made to do, to make money for its stock holders. It is not about guests, or employees, but stock price and dividend.
Evan
Oh Manny, are you still riding that Reagan train? Reagan must have really pooped in your corn flakes. And are you referring to same the John Edwards who cheated on his wife while she was battling cancer (and subsequently died) while fathering a child with his mistress during his campaign for President in 2008? The same Edwards that was indicted on 6 felony charges but through legal maneuvering got a slap on the wrist? The same Edwards who made his million$ as an ambulance chasing lawyer, settling most of his frivolous lawsuits just to receive his 30% cut of the settlement money whether or not it was in the best interest of the client? What a model citizen (and still a millionaire, one of your “haves”). I suppose you’d rather have socialism vs. capitalism? Look how well that work out for the Soviet Union and still working for those thriving socialist countries like Cuba, Venezuela, North Korea and Laos. Manny, take a deep breathe, put away a little cash each month from your Social Security check so you can purchase a Park ticket, and I’ll buy you a beer (albeit an expensive beer) at The Rose and Crown in Epcot. Our way boosting Disney’s stock price while infusing some cash into the economy, capitalism at it’s finest.
Walt
It has always been that a visit to Walt Disney World was expensive. However, I have always considered it a very good value. A seat for a live production at our local community college has been in the $30-$40 price range. A high quality live play in Chicago would easily cost $130-$150 for a good seat and the price of a Broadway show can go through the roof. A visit to one of the parks includes not only the rides but the live shows like “Beauty and the Beast”, “Finding Nemo”, and “Festival of the Lion King”. Add in the street entertainment, parades and just the beautiful landscaping and ambiance, you have a terrific value. The Starcruiser will be a focused experience with a significant number of cast members being “on stage” and interacting with visitors almost 24 hours a day. The cost of paying the talented people putting on the performance as well as the cost of developing and maintaining the technology will be enormous. I believe the price reflects what visitors will be receiving.
Brian O
Price breakdown to try and separate the cost of the room from the cost of the experience per person.
Looking at the price differences from 2-3-4 people the cost per person is $700. This leaves the room cost at $3200 (or $1600/night)
Looking at the $700 per person cost:
– 1 day ticket to Hollywood studios (~$150)
– ~$215 for food (1 quick service lunch at Galaxy’s Edge – $15, 2 character breakfasts – $35 each, 2 character dinners – $65 each)
– the Experience cost per person that covers the rest of this ~$335. Consider this a hard ticket event price, not too bad so far.
Hotel room is $1600/night (with an additional $200 cost added for only having 2 people in the room). From what I can see the room sizes are closer to value resort size, but there is a sit down restaurant so this bumps it up to a moderate. This resort foes not have the amenities of a deluxe, but the cost is priced at some of the highest on property…
Scott De Jack
Walt would be rolling over in his grave if he knew how cost prohibitive and had become to enjoy the park that he said “all are welcome”, when so few can now afford to go.
adjensen
$1200 per person, per night, is ridiculous, and completely unjustified by what they are providing. When cruising (which the author thinks is comparable,) a good rate is $100, pp, pn, though anything up to $250 pp, pn is acceptable. $1200 pp, pn is crazy out of proportion.
Figure $500 pp/pn (generously) for the room, maybe $200 pp/pn for food and $100 pp/pn for theme park tickets, and so maybe $800 pp/pn would be in line.
SG
I think it’s more appropriate to compare the Star Cruiser to a typical 2 night cruise on a cruise line.
Still, Disney is becoming the playground for the 1%. They have no problem with all the money grabbing going on like Boo Bash – less fun for more money and Genie, the new pay system for Fast Pass. Disney did NOT to make these changes. They did it because they knew people would pay it even if they go in debt to do so. That’s just wrong! We feel taken advantage of.
Comments are closed.