Why is Disney so expensive?

I get the concern and angst, sort of. But the parks are not even remotely the same in terms of technology and attractions. Factor in demand, and the prices make sense to me.

I don't think I need to watch a 17-minute video (with five or six mid-roll commercial breaks) to know the answer: "Because people will pay."

Disney’s earnings report just came out, they performed better then expected for Q1 but are already warning that they only expect “moderate growth” due to a drop in international travel and construction costs. Maybe this is the year they finally hit the ceiling of what people will pay, maybe not. However it’s interesting that Iger is looking to step down, rumor has it, before Q2 results post and the company is warning about the rest of 2026. Again, we shall see.

Because billion dollar expansions aren't free. Oh, and people keep paying so... they'll keep raising the price.

All that said, looking back on our first trip back in 2014, it is crazy to see what it cost then vs now, even taking inflation into consideration.

The quote I saw was: "headwinds for international travel to domestic parks." I'm just spitballing here, but there might be reasons other than price why folks from outside the US might be curtailing travel to the States.

WSJ article indicated that CFO (who declined to go into details in terms of decrease in international visitors) said they would shift more of their marketing efforts for Disneyland and Disney World to domestic visitors. Not clear if they would expect those additional domestic visitors to spend the same amount as the international visitors they would be replacing.

Article is one in a long list of articles that have said the same thing: Disney is too expensive (hates poor people) over a number of years. All the while, Disney prices continue to increase and the parks continue to be fine. Aren't many businesses who can successfully follow that model.

So I wonder what the “theoretical” ceiling is for what the average person will pay? Disney has to be pushing against it already right??

I've been hearing that they are "pushing the ceiling" since the 90s. Still, today, a day in the park is comparable and often more of a value on an entertainment by the hour basis than a concert ticket, professional sporting event, etc.

Average price for an NFL ticket: $157. $52/hour (roughly).

I paid $55 for some nosebleed tickets to a hockey game last week. $18/hour (roughly).

Average price for a Taylor Swift Concert ticket was in the neighborhood of $1,500. $500/hour (roughly).

One day Disney ticket: $190. $19/hour (for a short, 10 hour day).

And yes, add parking, food, etc...but do the same for those other venues as well. Parking at the National Championship game a couple of weeks ago was going for $350!

Disney really isn't any more unaffordable than comparable activities.

The Disney ceiling out there somewhere and no one knows where it's at better than the Disney. You know how I know that? They haven't hit it. When they're scared that they're close, they pivot. They are offering discounts now and there's a reason for that.