Why is Disney so expensive?

Mulfinator:

Dude, your math is off by a factor of 10. There are 342 million people in the US. 17/342*100 = ~5, not 0.5.

You're right.

Point remains. In a worst case scenario, they still only have to scrape the cream to fill the park.

I just got back from a 3-day Disneyland. They are pushing a ridiculous deal for CA residents ($249 for 3-day hoppers) which, judging by the reservation calendar is selling very well.