Disney is fighting to be viewed as a producer of family-friendly movies and known as the “happiest place on earth.”
According to Bizpac Review, one “Disney fanatic,” Jake Williams, has complained that the Disney corporation has rejected the values upon which it was built and has become “anti-consumer.”
Restore the Magic is a movement that presses Disney executives to return to their roots and protect stockholders. Representative Nelson Peltz argues the historically strong brand name is deteriorating.
Trian’s Nelson Peltz believes all Disney shareholders – from large institutions to individuals who own a few shares – deserve better stock performance in exchange for $DIS’ big board fees and management paydays. #RestoreTheMagic: https://t.co/Gjq2ZyDaN0 pic.twitter.com/zHMbEltway
— Restore The Magic (@RestoringMagic) February 14, 2024
According to an MSNBC report, Williams documented that the cost to visit the Orlando, Florida part has jumped more than 44% since 2017. The Daily Mail characterized the “price hikes” as “insane.”
The once-Disney fan shared of a recent trip to the classic Magic Kingdom Park in Florida—his first return visit in approximately four years.
Profiling the cost of his trip in a video post, Williams shared that a trip to a Disney park could be more expensive than a trip to Europe.
His expenses included:
- A modest hotel at “a discounted rate…that turned out to be $280 a night…”
- An off-site modest dinner for $27.24 per person plus tax” and gratuity.
- Entrance to the park at $154 per person, a price which, Williams noted, rose to “$184 a person” depending on the day.
Williams reported that finding his smile at the “happiest place on earth” was made difficult by “long lines [that] were insane,” with many lines taking “over 90 minutes” to navigate.
Some long wait times could be mitigated by purchasing a “Lightning Lane fast pass,” for a fee of $20.
Adding to William’s ire was the recently imposed bus fees from the resort to the park. The once-free service is now $23/person. Williams also noted that the Disney app (Genie+), which one must purchase to download, often directs the user to rides and events requiring extra fees.
Dinner in the park was expensive, reported Williams. Their economical choice, dinner at the Skipper Canteen, exceeded $100 with tax and tip.
“It’s frustrating to see Disney make something that used to be free, generate tens of millions from it , and give no extra value in the parks,” Williams told the Daily Mail.
After reviewing his expenses, Williams projected the typical cost for a family of three to spend the suggested “six days at a resort and four days at the parks” would exceed $4000.” The price includes food but not souvenirs, Williams clarified.
Williams, an annual pass holder for many years, documented his frustrations in a YouTube post that has garnered more than two million views in two weeks.
“I really do love the Disney parks but I’m not willing to put up with the huge price hikes and this convoluted system where I know there are better places for my money to be spent,” he said.
