It’s fortunate that Tammy and I have grown children now.  I’m sure there is no way we could have afforded to go to Disney and Universal Studios in this day and age.  I think both of these venues are out of touch with the average Americans income.

Back in 1988 the ticket to get into Disney for a day was $25.00, now it is $109.00.  Even adjusting for inflation the cost of the ticket would be $52.00 in todays money but you will pay over twice that now.  So, you have to ask yourself, how can a family with more than one child ever afford that kind of ticket price;  and remember you are not going to be able to see everything in one day (so you better plan on two admission charges).    This is true for both Disney and Universal Studios.

Add to that the extremely high price of staying somewhere if you visit Orlando.  We were lucky because back when we took the kids to Disney we were able to lock into some very reasonable campgrounds in the Orlando area.  Today I see that the prices are going up again – so hang onto your hats and see where this lands!

Now just jump over to Universal Studios and you might as well just empty your pockets.  Tammy and I just bought a two day pass and it cost us almost $600.00 with tax.  Add to the fact that there is a place for a promo code on the website, but none are available.  As a result,  you wont be getting any discount (I called directly to find out).

I struggle to see how this is affordable to anyone.  Sure it’s entertainment, but put in perspective compared to other forms of entertainment and I think this is outrageous.  Sure you can stay longer and get a better deal the more days you visit the park;  but of course that means more time in a campground or hotel.  Please also remember there is no such thing as a rapid move through the park.  It is an hour wait on most rides….so you may be trying to cram 4 hours of fun (or less) into a 8 hour day.  Of course you can add another $100.00 onto your ticket to move to the front of the line – ridiculous.

I feel bad for young parents today.  Just like my kids;  they are trying to raise a family and take their kids somewhere special.  Disney and Universal Studios have forgotten who their real customers are; the children.  It makes me wonder how much longer the average family will have a shot at taking their children there.  Maybe once the attendance drops the prices will too.  Pricing is, after all,  driven by what the market will bear.  Rant over!