Walt Disney World Voted #1 Ripoff, Guest Falls in Disneyland Wishing Well

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#WaltDisneyWorld #DisneyParks #DisneyNews
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
02:03 - Stage 89!
03:33 - Walt Disney World Ranked #1 Rip-Off Attraction in Country
04:50 - Tom Discusses the Cost of Entertainment
08:12 - New CommuniCore Hall Mural Appears at EPCOT
09:08 - Two Interactive Areas Closed in Journey of Water
10:28 - Scrim Comes Down from Around Jupiter at Mission: SPACE
11:35 - beourguestvacations.com/wdwnt
12:05 - Kali River Rapids Reopening One Day Early
13:11 - 2024 Easter Displays and Grand Cottage at Walt Disney World
14:58 - Discounts on Hotel Rooms at Disneyland Resort for Spring 2024
16:58 - Guest Falls into Snow White’s Wishing Well at Disneyland Park
18:27 - ParkCandy! Gertie Plush!
19:18 - Dress Code Changed for Palo Steakhouse and Brunch
20:00 - Tom Discusses Cruise Dress Codes
22:14 - Outro
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[@jljtheraven]

WDW used to warrant the premium. That is no longer the case. They've put so many of the perks behind a paywall. I'm old enough to remember when park hopping was free, packages were sent to your room on the SAME DAY, and paying to skip the lines didn't exist. The value is no longer there compared to where you can travel and what you can do for the same amount of money.

[@koalateamagic]

You can go to Hawaii for 10 days vs staying at the poly 😂

[@princessmarlena1359]

Well said.

[@scottferris6309]

I agree that the value is no longer there compared to other places. I live 45 minutes from the Disney World parks, but I don't go. Fernandina Beach, Florida, Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, will be getting my vacation dollars.

[@mondenkindqueen]

That reminds me of Disneys California adventures original intent. “Why visit actual California when we have a knock off version here?” Well, it’s cheaper to visit the state I’m in than your park, that’s why.

[@rickpontificates3406]

Disney has STRIPPED AWAY (or cut back) on every perk of staying at a Disney resort

[@user-qr7xk4fz7t]

Tom is making a case for "cost/expense" but the survey is about "value for money spent." When something is a "ripoff" it does not mean that the cost is or is not similar to other similar experiences. A "ripoff" is a judgement of the "value for money spent." Disney promotes a top tier experience but does not deliver top tier value for the money spent.

[@jasonmenard4687]

💯

[@janett253]

Disney is ripoff right now BECAUSE no matter what you pay to go or what resort you stay at you don't get the full experience. You waste most of your day waiting in line, rides are down, maintenance is non existent, (resorts and parks) so you're not getting your monies worth. Tom, you compare Disney to other places in the country you can go and pay a lot but you pay a price and you get what you pay for. Like you compared a super bowl to Disney. AT the super bowl you actually got to watch a football game. What you payed for. At Disney you pay to go to a park and pay for Genie + and you still spend your day waiting in lines. And pay for expensive food, drinks. You aren't getting what you paid for.

[@EEvtg]

Price wise, I think things got insane at the parks around 2015 / 2016. Hotel prices, especially at deluxe resorts started to shoot up (way beyond inflation). You could stay at the Grand Californian for around $300 a night back in 2010, and tickets were like $60!... They started bumping their margins on certain food/snack and merch too. It's really more the nickel and diming that makes it feel like a rip off though... As everyone knows: -Magical Express used to be free -Fastpass used to be free (now you pay a ton for genie+ for a family, then *ON TOP* of that individual lightning lanes are often necessary.) -Magicbands were free -less free benefits from hotels now Disney *NEEDS* to bring back Magical Express once Epic Universe opens. It's a cheap way to keep people on property. They should also bring back a certain amount of free fastpasses to people staying for a certain number of nights on property.

[@user-qr7xk4fz7t]

Agreed. What is the incentive to stay in the "bubble" anymore? My family are mercenaries now... we just pop into a park for a day but stay elsewhere and do other things. The value isn't what it was the last time we spent a week on property around 2016

[@Mercurywaxing]

The National Mall is FREE. The museums on the mall are all free. Where, exactly is the ripoff there? Not exactly a great survey.

[@Mike__B]

Maybe the gift shops is where they really stick it to you? i.e. you want a replica of the Constitution and it ends up costing you like $50 or something! I seem to recall in the movie National Treasure Nick Cage's character complains about how much it cost 🤣

[@UmmYeahOk]

When I read the WDWNT article, I figured it was the literal mall itself. …the area within all that. The area between the Lincoln memorial and the Capitol building, with the Washington monument in the middle. Not the free museums. Not the gift shops. Not the rows of food trucks. I went to that specific area, and forced my family to walk from the midpoint, to the Lincoln memorial. We’ve done Disney, so this shouldn’t’ve been an issue, especially on our first full days but the amount of complaining about the walk was incredible! Like how out of shape was my family? It’s good that we got to see it, but I think the issue was the cost of flying there and the cost of the hotel, then ride shares, combined with walking. Can’t fault the mall for that. You don’t fault WDW because the flight to Orlando cost too much, and your feet hurt at the end of the day. I dunno, maybe they thought the National Mall would have better shopping. It’s supposed to be a mall after all.

[@mattdaaamon]

@@tjtennisicmroll2k what the hell was so great about the 80s? Air and space just did a complete overhaul and is the most visited museum in the USA if not the world.

[@mattdaaamon]

Yep I didn't even make that point in my comments that what he pointed out as expensive like Disney actually is even cheaper for similar quality not in the US.@@MichaelEdrupt-hk4lo

[@martelvonc]

Not only the museum's, but with planning, you can tour the Capital bldg, White House, and Library of Congress all for free.

[@ericgee198]

The amount of the disrepair, the elimination of benefits that used to be free for guests (let alone guests staying on property), and the price gouging (Genie Plus - elimination of Dining Plan) has earned Disney this lousy reputation. Pretending it's only the park ticket cost that has people upset is beyond disingenuous , and stating these people shouldn't go "over 5 dollar increases" is gross. But hey, congrats on securing the media access.

[@David-sr3tz]

Not Tom’s best moment for sure

[@user-qr7xk4fz7t]

Tom's take is flat. I'm not prepared to agree with several comments about Tom's newfound media access... but Tom's defense of Disney's value lacks substantive support@@David-sr3tz

[@jasonmenard4687]

Yes, I used to appreciate Tom's honest opinions and "takes" as a KZbin Disney news source (most others are too far in Disney's pocket to be honest) however since getting media access, he's definitely been...different. To think, Tom used to make fun of those KZbinr's. 😢 I don't want coverage to be all negative and "get-off-my-lawn" but saying Disney isn't a rip-off is the biggest sign they are too far down the rabbit hole.

[@bootseycloverdale7371]

When we moved to Florida and were 3 hours away from WDW we would visit 4 to 5 times a year usually have 3 days in the parks. The pricing then was reasonable. 3 day park pass was $139. Our favorite moderate hotels was usually around $150 to $200 What seemed like a short time later we couldn't get the same rooms for under $500. The parks became incredibly crowded even on the times of year that were suppose to be slow. Then with the changes to fast pass and restaurant reservations made it difficult to make a last minute trip. We noticed all the little things we loved about the parks were disappearing mostly the live entertainment. Citizens of Hollywood, Mainstreet,and the trolly show.. We missed the Stacy videos in the resorts. We reassessed what we were spending at Disney and realized how we could use that money better. Cruises, european vacations, Airbnb beach house vacations. We decided Disney did become a rip-off and we didn't want to spend all of our vacation money at a theme park when we could get so much more.

[@nedve]

I don’t think the cost is the ripoff, what turn people off is paying those prices and once you are indeed the park, everything is broken or closed for refurbishment, more than one attraction at a time.

[@RayBcv1030]

Or has a rediculous wait due to lightning lane

[@sodorflubbs5000]

@@RayBcv1030Yah boo sucks to you. People use it and you have to wait longer. What a shame. You go to places like this when it’s busy and you want to do all the popular rides, what do you expect

[@AndrewPriester]

@@sodorflubbs5000 Agree

[@RayBcv1030]

@sodorflubbs5000 I mean. That much is a given lol. But you cannot deny that the current price of lightning lane is MUCH lower than what it should be. And that other parks do the system so much better At universal. It's significantly more expensive. But not only does that mean less people use it so the standby lines go faster. But they also split the lines by 50/50 so standby is never stopped completely. With Disney however. Lightning lane is significantly cheaper. So it's more accessible to everyone. And they get 95:5 when it comes to priority. There is a video of buzz Lightyear where the advertised wait time was 25 minutes. But it took people 70 minutes to get on because they let a whopping 350 people from the lightning lane line go before a single stand by person. Yes lightning lane should wait less HOWEVER it should be more expensive and they should make it have 50/50 priority with the stand by line.

[@sodorflubbs5000]

@@RayBcv1030 Why should it be more expensive? If it’s not that expensive why don’t you buy it and use it? I’m sorry you’d still have to wait just as long. It wouldn’t make things go any faster because people would just go from lightning lane to the standby lane. It’s just that on certain days and at certain times there are longer queues than others. That’s what happens on popular rides.

[@68great]

It's amazing they can't fix a water curtain but they can make a wall to fit the exact contours of rock work.

[@WDWNT]

I mean, they may be fixing the ground and it would need time to set

[@68great]

I think you missed my not so subtle point.

[@moemoe513]

A ripoff is something that’s not worth its price not something that too expensive. Something can cost $10 and be a ripoff. Of course Tom chalked it up to people on a “$5 budget” just complaining about things 😂

[@nzjonty]

You make a good point on pricing but it’s not the $5 a ticket, it’s the $5 every quarter on the tickets, the small percentage increase on food, merchandise, hotels etc. The up-charges on previously free services amongst a reduced service and entertainment environment. That all adds up! It’s not fair to say if you can’t handle a $5 change that you maybe shouldn’t be going. You’re usually so fair but that’s an unfair take

[@user-qr7xk4fz7t]

And the value has decreased! If Disney consistently delivered an top tier experience, the price increases would be easier to justify. The Disney experience is going BACKWARDS!

[@ralphpootawn6772]

I think whats egregious is the astronomical price hikes for a worse experience vs what you used for get 5 years ago.

[@user-qr7xk4fz7t]

Generally, people who have been to Tokyo Disney say it is by far the best Disney parks experience in the world. If WDW operated like TD, I doubt I'd be complaining that WDW was a ripoff. WDW--for me--is a ripoff.

[@ralphpootawn6772]

@@user-qr7xk4fz7t yes TDR is by far the best + OLC is constantly investing in new things for their parks AND maintaining high standards unlike Disney

[@ReddOchober]

@@user-qr7xk4fz7tTokyo Disneyland isn’t operated or owned by Disney. It is operated by OLC, part of one of their large railroad companies.

[@user-qr7xk4fz7t]

Is that fact preventing Disney from operating WDW in a similar manner as OLC operates Tokyo Disneyland?@@ReddOchober

[@mondenkindqueen]

@@ReddOchober well doesn’t that say something about Disney’s current management?

[@kentslocum]

I think the reason why domestic Disney parks feel like a ripoff is because reality so often falls short of expectation. So many attractions are closed or broken down, so many upcharges and complicated technological intrusions, so many people crowded into such a small spot, such long waits for rides, etc. The reason the Statue of Liberty is disappointing is because you wait an hour or more to climb up a narrow staircase and walk past a handful of tiny windows before heading down again. The Seattle Space Needle, on the other hand, though expensive, is not a ripoff in my opinion, because it exceeded my expectations and delivers exactly what I hoped for. 😊

[@DS-pe8tt]

Wait Disney World only feels like a rip off when they higher prices but they're not doing the maintenance. That's when it feels like a rip off because Disney does so much better than that and they're charging you more and still not maintaining their rides. Otherwise, no you're paying for cleaner parks, you're paying for magic, you're paying for so much more than you can get anywhere else.

[@FLgurl100]

I agree. I went to UO and the trash cans were overflowing, spilling onto ground and it gives a cheap amusement park “feel”. That’s why I’m a Disney fan, because you don’t get that cheapy feel but lately …. This rides down, that rides down, etc etc etc. Hmm com’on Disney, do better

[@koalateamagic]

During covid the parks were less crowded and so clean I think it really spoiled us. CM spacing guests out to enjoy the rides in peace was top tier for sure

[@jacobdean2502]

I love Disney world but for me and my family it has gotten too expensive. My family has been about 6 times with the last time being in 2018. To get the same things we got then, now, it will cost us over $1500 more. Unfortunately can't afford it anymore.

[@theauldgaffer]

Professional sports didn't make the rip-off list? How about casinos? Anything you might gamble on? I find their data suspect...

[@TheLingerers]

The entire epcot rehab is a complete joke.

[@user-qr7xk4fz7t]

I feel lucky to have experienced EPCOT Center twice in the late 80s. Even back that it had the reputation as the "educational" park--which I never understood. as a pre-teen/teen, EPCOT was my favorite! Horizons is the best attraction ever produced!

[@STSGuitar16]

Soooo many people here coping hard right now lol. Guys, Disney is not what it once was. It’s ok to criticize the bad stuff, no matter how much you love Disney.

[@k1llerraven]

Literally what I'm saying

[@UmmYeahOk]

C’mon Tom! You aren’t comparing experiences correctly! You need to be comparing your memory of past WDW, to that of modern WDW. What you now get for your money, you don’t feel like you’re being ripped off? Of how about comparing it to say, Tokyo Disney, and their prices. What you get for the money. How can you experience that, and then come home and not think domestic Disney is ripping you off?

[@kingdoo21]

"We're sending our love down the well (down that well!)" - Krusty the Clown and Sting after this lady fell in.

[@ImmortalJman]

That Stage 89 ad was AWESOME! Thank you Mark Silverman and WDWNT for the work.

[@alextirrellRI]

For me, it's not just the higher prices -- guests just seem to be getting less for their dollar than they used to, especially with overcrowding and things in disrepair.

[@user-qr7xk4fz7t]

💯

[@genialgigi1800]

Bingo

[@alex64gaming]

I hope their wish at least came true 🥁 😅. Thank you for laughing at my corny Tom Corless themed joke lol

[@michaelschroeck2254]

I love Disney world. I will never quit going…. But yes, upwards to $180-200 per day to visit one park is just wrong. The value for THAT dollar is just not there. On top of it some people are willing to pay an additional amount up to $35 per day to try to get on rides quicker. And Disney is not going to stop all this. It is the only outlet they have that is making money at all.

[@WDWNT]

I don’t believe in charging for FastPass but I just don’t think the day tickets are an obscene price, and based on crowd levels they must not be.

[@mattdaaamon]

@ are you not at least pissed off that Disney hasn't invested more in expansion when prices are this high? ? This is the Disney bogyman "well if prices were lower it would be even worse!" But the reason crowds are high is because the market has expanded and Disney CHOSE to raise prices over actual expansion. This is the reason universal is building an entire new park.

[@tulinfirenze1990]

The fact that you won't stop going makes you part of the problem.

[@user-qr7xk4fz7t]

Employee costs are a big expense, but I would derive more value from those prices if the parks opened earlier and closed later. Rope Drop and the last hour are where I experience the most value.

[@redtiger7268]

@@user-qr7xk4fz7t Same when I rope drop Disneyland I can usually blow through Indy, Space and Big Thunder while I am waiting on my friend and his family (he is married with a 3 and 5 year old) to meet me for a Disney day.

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

I don't think I'd feel like I'd be getting my money's worth if I took a trip to WDW now. I'm sure I'd have a fun experience, but at those prices and the crowd sizes (and the way some people behave), I think I might come back feeling underwhelmed.

[@shavanogummigoo657]

Or maybe you can visit Universal to compare the differences!

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

​@gentlejosh7625 I'd even be happy seeing small theme parks or going on a tour of roadside attractions. I've always wanted to go to that Wizard of Oz park that opens seasonally

[@Katesaprincess]

@@shavanogummigoo657I visited universal but it was no Disney. I go to Disney like once every few months and universal couldn’t hold up for me.😅

[@SafetySpooon]

The National Mall is FREE!! How can it "rip people off"?

[@CJSmith1998]

I completely disagree with Tom on Disney World Prices. Bright Sun Travels just did a great video on how expensive a trip to Disney is and found it comparable to a trip to Europe.

[@vectorwolf]

I don't think it's the raw ticket price so much as all the ways you get dinged for more and more... buses to the hotel, magic bands, genie+, stuff you really can't do without, but is still an ever increasing upcharge. When I went to WDW last, all that was included, but those days are long gone.

[@rock27272727]

The rip off survey is really not worth discussing at all. The national mall is 2nd? It costs literally $0 to go there and see the monuments or even go into the museums ...

[@christianaguilera1469]

I think Genie+ is the main thing about being a rip off. Like I gotta pay more just to ride?

[@gwenstaples4588]

Genie+ is a pressure point for locals/season pass holders; I get it. But for those of us traveling w/6-8 people once every 4-8 years, we want to maximize the time/minimize the stress. It’s worth it for us. When hubby & I go alone in between family trips, we might / might not get G+ depending on our vacation type - lots of fancy meals, experiences, enjoying premium resort (thanks to DVC Rentals) etc vs sweating it out in the parks 3-5 days in a row. I see the value and “traffic smoothing” G+ offers.

[@christianaguilera1469]

That's if you can afford it. For some of us just getting a ticket to Disney is too much@@gwenstaples4588

[@veronicareitherreese6671]

The ad for Stage 89 was awesome!

[@CAPTClOUDS]

The Alamo is a free attraction u can pay for a tour but it is a free museum lol

[@Adamp93]

I usualy agree with Tom opinions but I don't think he could be more wrong trying to justify Disney's high prices.

[@WDWNT]

What is your justification?

[@jeremyrichards7117]

Disney prices have increased considerably, but yet in return you get less ride maintenance, dirtier parks, less entertainment(night parade), no fast passes. The value keeps shrinking, but the prices keep going up

[@Adamp93]

When you buy a ticket to a show, concert or a game you're guaranteed to see what you pay for. With disney that's not always the case, with poor maintenance and crouds. They'll even ask for more money with Genie plus and I.L.L just to make an unmanageable park slightly more manageable. There's no way to justify it.

[@mattdaaamon]

@@WDWNT I saw queen with Adam Lambert for $25. Last minute there was a way for someone to sell me that ticket. That is a competitive market where someone had a seat that needed filled. concert tickets can be very expensive but also very competitive to fill capacity. Broadway is the same. Disney has much greater control on ticket prices and is a cartel vs a competitive market. Most of the people buying Disney tickets only have a choice to pay the high prices Disney has set at this point or not go at all. The average person spending money on entertainment actually doesn't just spend top end money all the time like Disney demands.

[@SpawnFromTheStars]

I absolutely love the intro! 💙 This is just fantastic! Very well done dear Tom and WDW team, thank you so much!

[@morganblenk4975]

If it was only $5 I don't think anyone would be complaining. You're being extremely kind to Disney by characterizing it that way.

[@kparcparc4230]

We just got off the WISH and we ate a brunch at PALO’s, everyone was dressed up. No shorts, no sport jerseys, no jeans, t-shirts.

[@lindamemo5224]

Never believe surveys or reviews. Companies try to sabotage competitors take info with a grain of salt.

[@ellepowers89]

The maintenance!!!

[@garypearson7938]

Disney World is much more expensive than it used to be.

[@maisler1]

While watching the ad in the beginning I was wondering if it was AI because it was so spot on. No wonder it sounds legit cause you got the actual guy

[@eclipsehorse8693]

this is absolute dedication! kudos!! :)

[@mh23hm]

Using other ripoffs to compare and downplay disney's ripoff ain't it. Stop ripping people off, companies.

[@user-qr7xk4fz7t]

I thought I was alone hearing Tom stating $184 for a one day park ticket without hesitation. ONE DAY! I'm a family of THREE! The thought of paying $550 just for tickets for just one day makes me pause. If I pay that, I expect a top tier experience. Disney does not deliver a top tier experience. Tom has an annual pass, so perhaps some expenses don't appear to be much of a ripoff to him.

[@Handles_suck_ass]

​@@user-qr7xk4fz7t it's because you actually get your money's worth with an annual pass

[@weatheredseeker]

185 for 14 hours of entertainment. That's a steal compared to most entertainment. Not everything is a ripoff. Just go do something useful in society and you will get paid and then you can go. If you can't afford it you shouldn't be focused on it you should be focused on improving your contributions

[@repboy1]

I can’t remember paying much for Hoover dam lol 😂 just parking

[@lavetaloca7790]

The National Mall and The Alamo are FREE!!! How is FREE a rip off?

[@eclipsehorse8693]

10:14 sooo now we're down to 'Moana the Journey of Rocks?! :) "Look kids, rocks! just like in the movie! you know what makes rocks?! Water!"

[@eclipsehorse8693]

well hey maybe things have changed since my last visit- it's been quite a few years ago. Point being, next to Hollywood, Philadelphia and LA, DC is def one place I won't be returning to- just my perception...

[@TuTuChief]

It's wild seeing anyone try and justify wdw prices. I've been a life long wdw fan but I will never set foot in those parks ever again. The reason wdw is a ripoff is because, plainly, you are not getting your moneys worth. For years and years Disney's strategy has been to use their major cash cows(the parks) to mitigate the losses of their straggling business (disney+, sports, games). When you buy a park ticket, you're not just paying to enter the park, you're paying for disneys attempts to keep their other ventures afloat. In and of itself, the parks will never be able to provide the experience worthy of what they are charging. The last major investment in wdw was when? 4-5 years ago?

[@thedjrhyno]

I just walked out of BTTF Musical. I paid $58 for front row. Flash sale

[@jeanbean8726]

That intro was amazing!!!

[@laurynnnsmith]

i dont think disney is a worse deal than a lot of places, however i think people are just frustrated that everything is more expensive. also disney keeps hiking the prices up and taking stuff away, which is definetly frustrating lol

[@DimitriyMykhaylovDisneyFan]

But I Am so Sure it will Grow Better Eventually

[@JayHelms]

You're paying for one person. The cost of tickets for individuals is fine, but for a family of 3 to go 2 days is over $1,000 (with Genie Plus). If I'm paying that price, I'm going to Hawaii or Europe.

[@user-qr7xk4fz7t]

Disneyland Paris! We had a blast. Less expensive than WDW!

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

@@user-qr7xk4fz7t Personally, Hong Kong Disneyland is my favorite. I was able to ride the rides until I was sick of riding, and by that time the city was starting to wake up and I could go and experience the cultural things that could be experienced in the city.

[@weatheredseeker]

Why are you watching this channel then? Seems masochistic

[@JayHelms]

@@weatheredseeker I support Tom. He does excellent work.

[@dario15]

For me to go to with just 2 of us for 5 days with cross country flight, hotel, transportation food, tickets and minor essentials it would be close to 7000.00 how is that reasonable?

[@user-qr7xk4fz7t]

According to what I watched, my assumption is that does not sound like a ripoff when you live in the Disney bubble, have an annual pass, and are in the parks almost every day.

[@nish221100]

Just looked at the "patch" behind Kali River Rapids. It's huge. It can fit 2 or 3 more Kali Rapids back there.

[@ChrissyDee3]

That intro is amazing

[@bessannkushner]

My jaw just dropped when I saw this new ad!! Sooooo cool 😎

[@writerpatrick]

I think many consider landmark attractions to be rip-offs is because they aren't all that impressive and don't justify the expense involved in seeing them. When it comes to the cost of Disney, it varies greatly for locals who can get park passes and visit frequently. And since they're local they don't have to pay for hotels, so their overall costs are lower.

[@wetasaurus]

That intro….*chef kiss*

[@MrKarmapolice97]

I have never done Palo brunch but every time I have had dinner at Palo or Remy I do follow the dress code.

[@LiquidSteel_04]

12 seconds ago i saw this was uploaded. nice

[@knottynumbers44]

Spend the money for a flight and go to Japan, that was the best value vacation I've had in years. Food, lodging, transportation, entrance fees are all cheaper, plus no tipping, and the quality, safety, cleanliness, and service are all about as good as it gets. The United States is unbelievably expensive across the board with the cost/benefit ratio not making it worth it.

[@davidfitzsimmons2451]

While i do consider the WDW to be a huge ripoff in recent times, one thing to keep in mind that list has the Tabernacle for Utah's biggest ripoff. The Tabernacle is FREE, 100% FREE. So one really has to consider how exactly they came up with their list. Sounds like they go off chatter about the attractions. The more chatter the more you will get comments of it being a ripoff, so they likely are going for raw numbers and not measuring ratios. So the true biggest ripoffs go super low on their measuring simply because they are such huge ripoffs almost no one goes to them, thus almost no chatter.

[@xboxboba1]

The National Mall in DC is free as well as are the Smithsonian museums that are scattered around the Mall. Doesn't cost anything to go to the Lincoln Monument either. That list of "ripoffs" was just a clickbait article.

[@mattdaaamon]

I think all the ex Mormons who paid a portion of their salaries would disagree.

[@davidfitzsimmons2451]

@@mattdaaamon I have honestly not yet met an ex mormon express dissatisfaction the Tabernacle exists. Heck its rare I see one upset they use the tithe money to build temples. The disgruntlement over tithing almost always is directed to beliefs of how much the leaders may or may not be pocketing that money for themselves.

[@stevee8260]

Tom, I'm impressed by the number of corporate theme park experts your site attracts.

[@dawnmerz6723]

Tom & Team… thank you so much for reporting on the DL Spring Sale. We had booked GCA Su-Th end of March. We called today. Rebooked, saved $500 and upgraded room view for no additional charge. You guys are the best!

[@Peanutheaddoll]

Unfortunately a lot of kids will never get to experience the magic of Disney because their parents cannot afford it.

[@user-ts5ce2ri3h]

My family of 4 used to go to Disney every other year but now it’s way to expensive to justify going

[@jeffhaddox2239]

Did her Wish come true 😂

[@eclipsehorse8693]

she got more of a wish than Disney did with it's latest movie- question is, was it granted?! lol

[@CharmingSamRay]

The Alamo would be more worth it if there were a basement 🚲

[@user-qr7xk4fz7t]

I heard that if you're on a tour they won't even take you to the basement. If you ask about it, they just laugh at you.

[@rayyezefski973]

Five-dollar Breaking Point did you really say that oh that's right you are now going to all there media events

[@WDWNT]

Funny because I said this on the episodes about ticket price increases before we were on the list.

[@jeffreese7623]

I would say what Disney is charging for WDW on property hotels is not worth the price tag for what you get.

[@user-qr7xk4fz7t]

It shocks me that Disney does not offer great perks to stay on property. Back in the 90s it seemed like a good deal to pay a bit higher prices. Maybe it's just my feelings of nostalgia.

[@rodakscreens]

I'll tell you the Alamo is a ripoff, they don't even have a basement!

[@cthulhu5101]

Casino…OMG laughing so hard…yea save your money and come to our casino and lose all your cash, car, house and clothes…..so who the hellcares what they have to say.

[@00M_undercover]

The Stage89 preview is FIRE!

[@dudeatmars]

If you go to see the same back tot the future show here in London you can get tickets for £30. Even front row is only £100

[@danmccord4510]

Hey Tom, Great show as always!!!! i wanted to support one of your sponsors (Park Candy) because i really did love a few of the shirts!!!! The bad news is that EVERY size is sold out but XS and 4X!!!!! are they going to resupply??? i wish they had a website link to "let me know when more sizes arrive"!!! Anyway, i tried to help! Keep up the good work! My wife reminded me she was going to get some legging too but they were sold out of ALL sizes.

[@user-qr7xk4fz7t]

According to Tom's logic, just buy an XS or 4X. It's the same price and you're pretty much getting the same thing! 🤣

[@ellepowers89]

Will rock n roller coaster ever be open or win that just always be under refurb??

[@michaelsiebielec5554]

I'm sure they will say the new Meet and Greet at CommuniCore is an attraction, it isn't.

[@GangaKris]

I was just looking at resale concert tickets for a show in a couple of months. Most of the prices were pretty much on par with Disney World. And with Disney, you get a full day.

[@user-hq3ng6bm9u]

I went to WDW first time ever, starting my 4 days on 6FEB2024 MK I stayed on property, All Star Movies, $120 or so for one night, the following week, Sun/Mon night, on property was sold out, next cheapest was Pop Century, at $250 a night. So, I decided quality inn, just a few minutes out, $92 a night(that was the same price for the night before, MK) I did EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Next week, 20FEB2024 on property, all star was available, but $180 so I stayed at Quality Inn again, $92 that night before Animal Kingdom. Parking the three times, $30 each. So, still much cheaper to stay off property and park daily. I believe i payed averages $170 a day tickets. LL once for Flight of passage. Most waits i stood in line at 60min, some rides 20min. I did mobile orders for most meals, except EPCOT 9 dragons i think it was called, walk in at 2pm.

[@UmmYeahOk]

That’s the problem. Rooms cost so much now that people who’d normally pay to stay at a deluxe hotel are now staying at moderate, people who’d normally pay for moderate are staying in value, which means that the demand for value resorts are so high that even with raised prices, they still book up fast. That’s said, staying on property is no longer worth the price anyway since you don’t get the free airport shuttles, no free magic bands, no extra magic hours, (except for maybe deluxe, because now they’re desperate) and the complimentary park transportation is a joke as well 30-45 minutes to get a bus anywhere, and that’s at the moderate we stayed at! Had we known it was going to be an every day thing, and that 7 minute arrival board (they have ETA screens at the bus stops at moderate and up) was a lie, we would have just übered everywhere, which goes back to the point about there no longer being any point to staying on property. Even the good neighbor resorts have complimentary park shuttles every 30 minutes.

[@user-hq3ng6bm9u]

@@UmmYeahOk ya you're spot on, with the bus stuff. I ate breakfast, wasn't bad, food and prices, but then I got to the bus stop. 8am, one bus every 15min. 8:45 finally my bus. Had to stand, 15min to MK I believe. Same coming back that night almost, I think 30min at the bus stop. All Star Movies resorts. Outside kinda cool, but I got there at night time, really dark, even the courtyards and pool area. The lobby definitely felt like late 90s, around the hotel and all. Room was actually very comfortable. Cafeteria area, just all seem like late 90s, reminds of old movie theater or putt putt. And, the night I first got there, it took forever just to get to a security booth, to give them your name. Same lanes as the busses, you think busses would have their own dedicated way around all that. It really is worth finding a great price hotel, off property, some have free shuttle to parks, or just pay to park or uber. Ya, you might not get in 30min to an hour early, but heck, park open 12-13 hours anyways. You do that for a week, you probably are fine, just 10-12 hours in the park.

[@UmmYeahOk]

@@user-hq3ng6bm9u I don’t know when Movies was last renovated. I stayed at All Star Music before the refurb (2016), and this was my experience: Our room, well, despite how powerful the toilet flushes sounded, could not flush paper, unless it was thrown directly over the hole. Water pressure seemed impressive, as the shower definitely felt more pleasurable than back home. So I can only assume the toilet problem was by flawed design. The shower and faucet dripped water longer than it should, and you had to aggressively attack the dial, otherwise it would drip all night. The stained grout didn't really bother me, but the missing grout did. What cultures could be evolving beyond the tile was unknown to me. The blow dryer also did not work. I had to try a series of gfci resets and tests on both the outlet and the device to finally get it working. It would only blow on low because the switch was broken. The humidity had caused the painted textured bathroom wall to peel up, exposing what I can only assume was the original 90s wallpaper. But they somehow managed to get a large amount paint on the bathroom light. Room did not come with a DVD player. Ok, I suppose that's my own fault for assuming there was one, but it was 2016, how much would one of these cost Disney per room? I brought a power strip that everyone seemed to recommend doing. ...didn't ever need it. I would have brought my portable DVD had at least one of the forums I read mention doing so. And this leads to the other problems I had; from 6-10:15pm there were NO Disney cartoons, just dead air. So basically, coming back from the parks, there was no more Disney to enjoy as we wind down. Ended up watching Big Bang Theory and Family Guy instead. Thankfully my daughter had her iPad. Also thankful for the Disney Channels broadcast of Aladdin. But had I had a DVD player, I could've played one of the many Disney movies I brought. The dead air was puzzling, as the channel worked in the morning and late evening. The tech guy they sent was able to confirm that others in our building had the same issue, and apparently the CMs in the lobby didn't even notice that during that time, their TV, which stays on that channel all day, was dead air. A quiet All Star lobby just seemed eerie to me. We later realized that during that time, they broadcast a program block that not only includes the new Mickey cartoons, but one involving Duffy. We notified them so they could pass along the info that it's the stupid Duffy bear that's ruining it (don't quite care for his attendance at the parks either.) But since I'm on the subject of the TV, one night I came back and the TV wouldn't even turn on! I thought it was the remote, like maybe the battery was bad, but pressing the button directly on the TV didn't do anything either. The furniture was too heavy to move, so I couldn't unplug it from the wall, but luckily I was able to unplug it from the set itself. Once I plugged it back in, it worked. Since they sent out a tech to investigate channel 17s dead air, I told him of my problem with turning on the TV, and having to unplug it. He told me that it was common, and occasionally needs to be reset. I just thought, how many guests would know to do all this to get both the TV and the hair dryer to work? Had it not been for the channel, he would've been called out on two different days to turn on a simple TV or hair dryer. And those guests probably would've been pretty rude, as if it were his fault. I was also forced to share a room with my husband of all people, which means that the room must be at subzero temperatures at all times. It bothered my husband to return to a room that had the AC off all day. But once turned on, it got pretty cold. There were storage space where I'd assume extra blankets and pillows would be, but nothing. I ended up sleeping my first night in a buttoned up jacket, pants, socks, and a throw blanket that my daughter did not want to leave in the car. The following day, I requested extra blankets and pillows (which my husband wanted). Just like with the tech, they were quick to respond and deliver, it's just that, I'd expect this from a Motel 6, but not Disney. The busses weren’t too bad, because it was 2016, so in the peak morning, there was one about every five minutes it felt like. Magic Kingdom got that double extended bus. Every single day though, the driver would radio HQ letting them know they were full and wouldn’t be going to All Star Sports. A few years ago we stayed at Pop Century after their refurbishment. It was nice, and bus was similar. The Magical Express however was terrible. We waited TWO HOURS for the scheduled bus to pick us up. It hero coming to drop off guests, but no pick up. When asked, they always said the bus had to go to other resorts to drop off (though the busses were always empty, so who are they dropping off.) They eventually called MEARS (who always was Magical Express) and they finally arrived two hours after the expected time, with no bus wrap. Just the standard MEARS paint. The TVs inside still played the same magical express loop. The resort bus thing though… that was post COVID. 2022. Disney did not want to offer higher pay to get their crew back I feel. A canceled flight lead us to booking a last minute trip to universal. Not only was the hotel nicer and cheaper, but we NEVER waited on a bus. The busses waited on us. There was this one time on the last day when we waited 5 minutes to go back. They wouldn’t back us all in, so many were still stuck waiting. However, as we left, a second bus pulled into our spot. They didn’t have to wait after all, and they all got to sit down!

[@dwayitis]

Let’s not make excuses for Disney comparing to other places tourist visit. The fact remains WDW has become cost prohibitive and the nickel and dime’ing of things once inside the parks (and even parking fees, with extra to pay more to park closer to the front of the parks) has become ridiculous. But! Fanatics are willing to pay so Disney will continue to squeeze more and more while giving us much less. And yes I love Disney parks like anyone else but the only way I can afford it is by having an annual park, and when Disney hands out those passholder magnets and a million people show us for that, it’s obviously a sign of who is visiting the WDW parks now a day.

[@writerpatrick]

The problem with a dress code on a cruise ship is that the guests need to prepare before the cruise so they have something to wear. If they don't bring something with them they won't have anything. Dressing up to dine use to be standard in the past but is not as common nowadays.

[@greengoatranch3180]

My issue with the prices is for tickets and hotels is the swing in price depending on time of year can be 50% more and for no added value. An ice cream sandwich is going to cost you $6.25 all year long and only increased in price by 5% from the previous year. So it’s not $5 a ticket that is going to break my bank, it’s the $10 to $45 each per ticket that is going to break my bank for a family of four.

[@passholder_trav]

I thought that voice over sounded eerily familiar

[@salmoncakesremix]

Biggest issue imo is that most people can’t afford to do Disney the way that Disney advertises it should be done. There would’ve been a day that doing everything the way that Disney laid out your itinerary for you and your family was the cheapest and most efficient path. Now, it’s the opposite where guests need to be a lot more strategic in order to save money.

[@AJT607]

I completely agree with the argument that Disney's pricing is relatively competitive in the market. Compared to some major sporting event venues and even regional theme parks, Disney's food and parking prices are actually lower! What bothers me about Disney's current business trajectory is that the amount of 'nickel and diming' that has gotten out of control. I would rather see Disney raise park tickets and hotel pricing by XX% and restore the benefits they have taken away (e.g., included FastPass, complementary MagicBands, Disney's Magical Express). Disney used to feel like it was in a league of its own compared to all other entertainment experiences and today it feels less differentiated from competition than ever.

[@chibicheeks78]

I saw someone sit on a chain that was held together by a magnet who had the nerve to look offended when it inevitably came apart under their weight

[@LuvGokunut]

Ticket prices are based on demand. If Disney couldn't sell tickets at those astronomical prices, then they wouldn't--they'd lower the price. But they CAN sell them at those prices because they DO sell them at those prices. If tickets dropped in price enough to be significant on my wallet ($40 or more), then there'd be the problem of overcrowding, which the parks already have even with the sky-high prices. There's just too much demand and people willing to buy tickets at those prices. If and when those people stop buying, I expect prices to drop. I do get a bit salty about Fastpass though. I preferred the old Fastpass/MAXPass system because I hate having to pay for the "privilege" of having to be on my phone all day, and I think they need to bring back perks like the Magical Express and merch delivery to your hotel.

[@user-qr7xk4fz7t]

I'd be shocked if Disney ever dropped prices, but I could see them pausing increases longer than the nearly annual increases. I agree, Disney raises prices because they can. I'm one of those Disney folks that decided last year I won't be doing any "bubble" stays in the future. The parks are expensive enough on their own. Our Universal on property trip last year cost me 2/3 what Disney would have and we had a great time. Epic Universe could make a dent in Disney's armor.

[@Mr17051963]

I still can’t imagine why they destroyed the Future World’s old hub and the Communicore to put in It’s place an ordinary urban garden and a wet path to nowhere (with effects that you already knew from the early days of Epcot Center in 1982). Oh, and now is coming a huge building to house a new… meet and greet space! Poor old Epcot Center! Once so fantastic and well themed and now a big bunch of disconected ideas. ☹️

[@MatecaCorp]

I’m sure a casino website is definitely a good source for finding scams lmao

[@ThemeparkNThings]

Tokyo Disney is cheaper than Disney world and looks way better than the us parks

[@frankcarney4882]

We live in NJ and restaurants here are more expensive than Disney world. I agree with you about the prices. People got to complain

[@kimbeutler1911]

Added cost matters when you have a large family and you are not rich but love Disney and live far away. You live and speak from the point of a single man who has been able to go to great places without having to take a loan. Disney is a priority for us and we save for it. I agree about prices. They are not much more than an amusement park or show or game. The quality needs to be worth the price

[@mikaross4671]

I didn't know you were from NYC!! Heck yeah, Harlem, born and raised. Some people don't get that Disney is expensive, but there is so much to do. I think the ticket price is absolutely worth it.

[@garykeselis]

My son went skiing at Okemo in Vt today. 174 .00 for a 1 day ticket. No lights, so last run at dusk. Kind of makes a park ticket look a little better.

[@omi_god]

3 tickets to a Broadway show do not normally set you back a thousand bucks. If you paid that much, something else is going on.

[@cosmicbludgeon]

While it's accurate to say that Disney isn't the only greedy corporate entity out there, I don't think that alone makes it not a rip-off.. As consumers, we're constantly being charged more in the interest of a better profit margin, and I feel like Disney might be one of the more shameless offenders. Also, as others have mentioned, we're often not seeing the same level of effort and investment these days that gave Disney parks their positive reputation in the first place. They're still better than Universal, sure, but we've aware of how much more is being achieved at some of the Disney parks overseas. With that said, I feel like most people know what they're getting into when they plan a Disney World vacation.. I don't think the current pricing trend is going to change unless visitors do stop showing a willingness to pay.

[@user-qr7xk4fz7t]

What specifically is better at Disney than Universal that provides greater "value"? I hear people say this all the time but I've been to WDW and UOR just about equally in the last 4 years and UOR is a better "value" in my experience.

[@kpl-CA]

Universal's Parks have been a MUCH more supportive, kind, amazing experience for Wish Kids over Disney since at *least* 2014. Sea World & Kennedy & Knott's Berry Farm all rank ABOVE Disney parks, too. Dolly Parton's park is likely the best. Disney USA Parks are abysmal. Universal has better accessibility, better support, more inclusion, more personalized service, AMAZING staff (my Harry Potter obsessed WK got an all-day private guided tour, free wands & robes for our kids, free meals & drinks, free wheelchair rental, and MUCH better alternative access!) Everyone in the Wish communities reports the same experience. In fact Disney has become worse, and VICIOUS. They *USED* Wish Kids to advertise their latest ship, the "Wish", then revealed the ship was an inaccessible nightmare with dozens of severe deficits and malicious exclusion of disabled folks.

[@Ziemziems]

Thanks for the news Tom ! You’re the best 🎉😊❤

[@cyndibanfi8514]

I agree with the broken down - too often these days

[@thisiswhatimgetting]

I agree with you. Last summer, I wanted a ticket for the tennis US Open. Tickets for the Quater Finals etc were not even an option. I was just wanted to go a qualifying round.Almost fainted at the prices for the qualifying rounds. The cheapest ticket was $700. Disney is expensive but so is everything else. For me, it's worth it.

[@rjohnson80100]

Ill take my last trip as a example. My GF and I just did a 3 day trip to Florida earlier this month. We were going to do Epcot one day and Universal for 1 and a chill day. When pricing tickets it was $189 for Epcot per a person and 109 one day park hoppers at Universal. We said no to disney and for only $115 more then the one day at Epcot we got 3 day park to park tickets for Universal. It was a no brainer. So not only did Disney lose money on me going to their park I also cancelled my hotel reservation with them and moved it to Universal. If anything Disney should be price matching or trying to stay in line with Universal on pricing. With Universal opening a whole new park next year. It is time Disney looks really hard at their pricing structure. I understand people pay it, but their are people that live and breath Disney and would probably sell their house to fund another Disney trip.

[@bigjohny8446]

One person's rip off is not everyone I think 6 dollars for a coke is a rip off But then the woods lunchboxes grilled cheese and water tots for 9 dollars seems reasonable

[@terrycole2407]

Get this, Disney: It’s not the principal, it’s the principle! For years now, admission prices at your parks have been rising uncontrollably, and you have avariciously swallowed every cent. The fact that you’ve “only raised your prices ten dollars or so at a time is not the salient point. No, it is that year after year you keep doing the same thing on a park that is offering less and less. “Downsizing” in the way that you have chosen, while raising the prices on the very dishes you are downsizing is a slap in the face to people with realistic expectations. Walt Disney never intended for Disneyland to turn into a rich peoples’ paradise, while thumbing its nose at families, which should be their core demographic. It’s gotten so out of hand that I don’t even feel welcome there anymore and until COVID, I had been a pass holder for years. You’re losing your shirts servicing all the debt that you took on to acquire these IPs from other companies, while giving your own Disney properties the short shrift. Maybe it’s your belts that could use a little tightening. Ours are about as tight as they’re going to get.