That is correct! It has never been a "cheap" vacation, however, to me cost, when connected with value, was level. It is no longer the case. The two do not line up comparatively with the past. It is much more cost then value now.Disney raises prices every year and it has never been a cheap vacation.
There has been a lot of inflation all over the world (not just Disney World) in the past year and Disney prices are just another log on the fire.
If your budget is tight, or even if it isn't, you don't have to spend a penny on Genie+, lightning lanes, after-hours parties, dessert parties or deluxe resorts. And you can have a great time! It is also much easier to leave at parks close without a giant bag of expensive stuffed toys.
As for changes, a lot has changed for sure. There is a lot of new stuff to see if you haven't been in a few years. New fireworks shows, new attractions, new areas. Plus more stuff is returning as they scale up staffing.
There is a large cesspool of negativity out there on many fronts, but you don't have to swim in it.
If you are happy about going on vacation, you will have fun.
One of the saddest things I see in the parks are people stressed-out, overtired and miserable because they "must have fun and do everything" or they spent big bucks for a "perfect trip," and then a ride is down and all hell breaks loose.
Don't go to that place!
Everything has changed so much in the past couple years. Is it even worth going? Seems nothing is as good as it was. Prices are higher than ever before and quality and service is lacking. Why spend a small fortune? Just wondering everyones opinions.
My favorite answer! I have spent much less on trips I did not enjoy half as much as Disney.What I have found personally, is that if you still enjoy it, then it is still "worth it".
what is the rationale between waiting to go to 2024 because of price increases? prices won't go down. it will stay the same best case scenario, but almost 100% it will go even higher in 2024. unless you mean waiting longer to save more money??We had an absolutely wonderful 9 day trip at Saratoga Springs in a 2 bed villa in early August for our family of 5. We have averaged 1 trip a year for 15 years (and are Gold Castaway Club members as well). Even with the amazing trip, we have not booked a 2023 trip and will almost certainly wait until at least 2024 because of all price increases. Not being able to purchase Genie+ in advance and now having variable pricing is a big hit for five people. It was also stressful having to be on your phone by 7am to get the most out of Genie+ or get that ILL.
Food prices are what particularly hits hard. We do a lot of table service. More insanely priced buffets and prix-fixe dining is frustrating with three children (2 of whom are now charged as adults), a non-alcohol drinking vegetarian husband, and my petite 125 lb self that just doesn't eat that much. $35 just to get afternoon ice cream for all just feels ridiculous. Can we afford it? Yes. Does it feel like I'm getting even a remotely decent value even by historic Disney standards? No.