On the Disney website, “Ruth” said: “We’ve been APs [annual passholders] for a few years, and we go Disneyland an average of once a month.
“Next year when our passes expire, we won’t be so quick to renew. For a family of five, the price increase hurts. Especially when you consider additional expenses like travel and food.” “Daryl,” from Washington State, added: “We’ll take the year off, I think.” John Gerner, a theme park consultant from Leisure Business Advisors, said modest improvements to the US economy had given Disney confidence that the price rises would not affect attendance figures.
He said: “Now that the economy has improved, that in itself justifies increasing prices.”
In a statement, Disney said of the price rises: “We periodically evaluate and adjust our pricing structure to ensure we are offering a great entertainment value.”
During 2010, the latest year for which figures are available, 16 million people visited Disneyland, making it the second most popular theme park globally after Disney World. Around 300,000 people have annual passes.
Last year, daily Disneyland tickets rose by only $4 (£2.55) a day, and the annual premium pass by $40 (£25.50).
Since then, Disney has invested millions in expanding the California Adventures section of the park, creating Cars Land, a 12-acre site with rides and attractions based on the Disney movie Cars. The new park opens on June 15.
David Koenig, who has written four books about Disney theme parks, told the LA Times: “If it wasn’t for Cars Land, the increase would be $4 or $5. Park-goers will go to see Cars Land.”
Some of Disney’s rivals are also putting their prices up. Universal Studios increased day passes from $77 to $80 in April, with annual tickets rising by 13 per cent to $169.
Related posts:
Views: 0