The Thing About Disneyland Prices

Here's a subject that will really fire people up.

Disneyland costs a lot to visit.  No doubt about that.  If you add up the travel, lodging, ticket, food, drinks, parking, merchandise, it's not unlike a trip to Europe or Asia or just about anywhere else unless you go for luxury.  You need to do the math, because it can surprise you how much the total tab is.

Here are some one-line arguments, and we'll explore those in some detail:

*  I can't afford it.
Well, many people can't, and there's no argument there. I feel sorry for those people.  Then again, everyone in the world sacrifices something.  I can't afford a any car or house or plastic surgery or donations to everything I like.  But many people have it so much worse, that Disneyland is the furthest thing from their minds.  If you get the chance, then maybe it's worth sacrificing something else.

On the other hand some people spend enormous money on lots of things they could do without, and things that are nowhere near as fun as Disneyland.  Like football games, expensive clothes, smoking, jewelry, weddings, fancy food, brand new cars, funerals, liquor, Costco stuff, tattoos, and the list goes on and on.  Anyone with a lower middle-class income can probably afford a Disneyland vacation once in a great while.  It's not like you have to go there all the time.

Annual Pass Holders probably get a fantastic bargain if they live within an hour or two of the parks.  Other than transportation to the parks, parking and the ticket prices, it can literally be free for a whole extremely long fun day.

*  It's not worth it.
I guess that depends on who you are.  Millions of people disagree.  I do too.

*  Other theme parks are better.
Not a chance.  And they don't cost much less.

*  There are better places to vacation.
That's arguable at best.  If you want to just lay around and do nothing, which many people do, Disneyland isn't the best place for that.  If you want variety on your trip, there's nowhere on earth that has more stuff to see or do in a small area.

*  It's too crowded.
Yes, it is.   But without those crowds, this incredibly imaginative, fun, ultra-clean, very safe place wouldn't exist.  There are plenty of ways to avoid the crowds, and even feel almost secluded at times.  At least people behave surprisingly well there, except for those with strollers or who stand in the middle of the walkways.  Not many smokers or hoodlums, at least.  They're at other parks.

*  Disney makes too much money.
No.  Whenever they quit making money, quality and options suffer.  You should hope they do very well.  And no, I'm not a Republican.

*  Food costs too much.
Nope.  First, you can bring in your own sandwiches or granola bars or grapes or carrot sticks and stuff.  You can get water for free out of the dispensing machines.  And most of the food is no more and maybe less than other theme parks, stadiums, movie theaters, and concerts,  and certainly some restaurants.  And food's a lot better and more interesting in most cases, especially compared to second-rate theme parks.

*  Hotels cost too much.
You can get plenty of nearby motels that are pretty nice for under 100 bucks a night.  Try that in Manhattan.

*  Merchandise costs too much.
Don't buy it, or get it on e-Bay.  Or use napkins as souvenirs.  Or take lots of pics.

*  My feet hurt.
Get some good, New Balance shoes.  You might walk 10 miles or more in a day.  And you get exercise.  You need it.

I will admit that like most people,  I see some things as overpriced.  Nobody forces me to buy anything.

I think the inequal value between Disneyland and DCA is a problem that could be easily fixed.  Just make DCA less expensive or give guests perks for going there.  They won't quite get proper attendance until they do more at that park or make it closer in value to Disneyland.

Overall, unless you have plenty of money, you need to calculate the costs for ANY vacation before you commit.  Just don't forget that food costs you money at home, so factor in the difference.

Your comments are welcome.