Disney World Ranks as #1 Rip-Off
I’m not going to tell you that Walt Disney World is not a rip-off. What I am going to tell you is that the recent survey ranking Walt Disney World as the #1 rip-off of United States tourist attractions is, itself, a rip-off. That’s right, the survey is the rip-off.
It’s possible that you’ve seen reference to this survey on social media, as disenchanted Walt Disney World fans have been sharing it, feeling vindicated in their disappointment with the company. And it’s fair to be dissatisfied with what you experience (or don’t experience!) at the parks. But not everything that confirms your priors is instantly valid, even if it feels validating.
Enter the recent survey ranking Walt Disney World as the biggest rip-off tourist attraction in the United States. Again, it’s a conclusion that feels satisfying for many WDW diehards, especially those still airing their grievances about the demise of Disney’s Magical Express, end of free FastPass, erosion of Extra Magic Hours, and so forth.
According to this survey by Casino.org, the top three generalized rip-offs in all of society, I guess, were college textbooks, credit scores, and movie theater snacks. I agree in principle with college textbooks and movie theater snacks, even if both of those are essentially optional. Not sure how credit scores are a rip-off in the traditional sense of the term, but whatever.
Honorable mentions here included hotel mini-bars, airport food and drink, cable television, brand-name products, specialty coffee, alcohol and desserts at restaurants, travel deals, and landline phones. Again, agreed with several of these, whereas others are a bit confusing. Categorical inclusion of brand-name products or desserts is quite a choice, and travel deals as a rip-off is a head-scratcher. Then again, I’m pretty sure I’ve heard several Disney fans say, “Free Dining is a rip-off” so I guess that checks out.
But let’s fast-forward to the top 10 list of destination rip-offs in the United States…
Glacier National Park – Ranking as the #10 biggest rip-off tourist destination in the entire United States, this was the very moment I realized the list is complete and utter garbage. First of all, there is not a single U.S. National Park that’s a rip-off. Even if you disliked a certain destination or think it fell short of expectations for whatever reason, that’s a you problem. For another thing, the entry fee at Glacier National Park is $35 per vehicle for 7-days. Meaning that a family of 4 could do Glacier National Park for about $1 per person per day.
Finally, Glacier National Park is awesome. It ranks #2 on my list of the Top 10 U.S. National Parks. I cannot wait to get back and am really excited to take our daughter there. If you asked me whether you should take a year off from Walt Disney World or Disneyland to visit Glacier National Park, I’d answer an emphatic yes. It’s one of the most incredible places I’ve ever visited.
I cannot even fathom what people would dislike about it. Are they upset that they didn’t see an iceberg? Too much incredible wildlife? Were the historic lodges frustratingly stunning? The lakes too clear? The huckleberry everything too delicious?! Make it make sense.
Old Faithful Geyser – Watching this geyser erupt is a Yellowstone National Park tradition, and people from all over the world have made the trek to see Old Faithful since it inspired the establishment of Yellowstone as the world’s first national park in 1872. I cannot fathom this being even “overrated” let alone a “rip-off” for all of the same reasons as above. Maybe this was a bunch of Wilderness Lodge fans saying, “I’ve seen the one at Walt Disney World, why bother taking the trip to Wyoming?!”
Statue of Liberty – A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States that’s recognized as a universal beacon of freedom and democracy. I guess in a world where those qualities are taken for granted, the Statue of Liberty has lost its luster for some. But that’s ludicrous. Nothing symbolizes the idea and ideals of America better than Lady Liberty; she is in no way, shape or form a rip-off.
Okay, I’ve had enough. I’m not even going to get through the rest of the list, which includes Seattle’s Space Needle, Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Navy Pier in Chicago, and Hoover Dam in Nevada. Not to mention the Alamo at #2 (I’ve never been, but am highly skeptical of this ranking) or the National Mall at #1. The National Mall is free! It’s incredible! Did a bunch of dummies all mistake it for the Mall of America, get annoyed that they were forced to learn against their will, and all respond to this survey?!
Literally everywhere I’ve been to on this list is a great destination, belonging on a ‘best of’ list rather than one of rip-offs. (We spent a lot of time in Chicago during college and didn’t love Navy Pier, but tourists should absolutely do a pass to cross it off their lists. The same could probably be said for a couple other spots. Like Times Square, none are downright bad, even if they are touristy. They’re touristy for a reason!)
It’s also worth noting that not a single casino or gambling destination made the list of rip-offs. Which is not to say that they are rip-offs, but the house does always win (statistically speaking). You’d think that maybe places that popularized the “resort fee” and are on the bleeding edge of charging higher parking rates would make the list. Probably just a convenient coincidence that their indirect competition–National Parks and theme parks–are deemed rip-offs instead. (Okay, the Sphere is a national treasure that needs to be protected at all costs–America’s next big infrastructure project should be building Spheres in every major city. But I digress.)
Which brings us to Walt Disney World, ranking as the #1 rip-off. According to the survey, 60% of respondents concluded that Walt Disney World is the biggest rip-off for US attractions. Knowing how many of you have become jaded by the company, I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a lot of agreement with that ranking. I’d counter that methodology matters. That a survey that’s clearly garbage should not be touted just because it validates our preconceived beliefs. Confirmation bias is a helluva drug, and one that’s already caused plenty of problems for society.
I know I’ve already identified a bunch of reasons why this survey is junk, but the final thing I can’t get past is Walt Disney World ranking #1 and Disneyland not even being in the top 10. Assuming, for the sake of argument, that Walt Disney World is the worst–and claims that spot according to 60% of respondents–it follows that Disneyland should be #2. It not making the top 10, and instead a free destination in Washington D.C. being #2 is just the chef’s kiss on this list.
(For what it’s worth, we recently addressed value for money in Are Walt Disney World & Disneyland Good Per-Hour Values Compared to Other Entertainment? There’s a lot of rambling towards the beginning, so maybe scroll past that to the list of per hour costs of Disney vs. other attractions and entertainment options.)
Ultimately, my goal with this post was mostly to call your attention to the other conclusions reached by this same survey to cast doubt on its methodology, potential biases or conflicts of interest, and maybe give people pause before mindlessly sharing it or being emboldened or whatever by Walt Disney World being deemed the #1 rip-off. As should be obvious, this list is pretty far from authoritative, and most of the destinations on it shouldn’t feel ashamed, but rather, have a sense that they‘re in good company.
Our response to this mindless list isn’t just a mindless defense of Disney, either. (After all, if a Disney fan site ranked Walt Disney World as the #1 value-for-money tourist destination, you might give a little side eye and question the bias!) We’ve been critical of the company, with Is Disney Ruining Its Reputation? and Disney’s Reputation Falls Further covering this type of survey and why it really matters. The difference is credibility. The surveys that are the subject of those posts have it and this one doesn’t.
And for the record, these types of surveys do concern me and I hope they concern the company. Goodwill earned over generations is at risk of being irrevocably lost–Walt Disney World needs to make more positive changes to improve satisfaction and undo brand damage. We’ve been over all of this many times–but things needing fixing doesn’t make some suspect survey valid.
Finally, you know what, I do disagree with the ranking of Walt Disney World as the #1 rip-off. I’ve visited tons of roadside attractions, tourist traps, and regional amusement parks in my day. Even if Walt Disney World costs more than all of them (and it does!), it still delivers a better experience–and more commensurate value for money, by extension.
While we point out the problems at Disney, that comes from a place of love and wanting the parks to be their very best. We don’t think Walt Disney World is a rip-off at all, let alone the worst offender. Being expensive or arguably overpriced is not the same as being a rip-off. And it honestly surprises me when (former?) fans claim that it is.
Some of that, I assume, is venting or frustration about the experience and price as compared to 2019 or some other date in the past. Walt Disney World competing with former versions of itself, as it were. I get that and there’s a lot that I miss. I also think most of those people wouldn’t be on a site like this if they didn’t still hold love for Disney buried somewhere in their hearts and also want it to be better–they have good intentions, for the most part.
Beyond the fans–former and current–there are the casual visitors who obviously often have a different perspective. The proliferation of “Most Expensive Day Ever” and other such Etsy shirts is certainly concerning. But at the same time, it represents what I’d call a skill issue. You’re complaining about cost…by spending more money on a t-shirt?
Putting aside the paradox of that decision, there’s a certain tone that’s set by the premeditated act of buying that shirt before the trip, and then wearing it on the day of the visit. The person has made the purposeful decision to resist having a good time and–surprise, surprise–probably won’t have as much fun as someone who goes in with an open mind!
Even stopping short of this type of guest, there are tons more who are “dragged along” and have a negative mentality, bringing down the vibe of everyone else in their party. And beyond those people, there are others who want to have fun but don’t do their homework or put even a modicum of effort, but expect amusement to simply thrust itself at them upon stepping foot on Main Street. These are the same people, I would imagine, who are surprised that Glacier National Park is a long drive from Bozeman or Calgary, and are upset that they can’t see any glaciers from the roadside.
Sure, Walt Disney World planning is way too complex and maybe the National Park Service should pack up and relocate the park and its many glaciers to be closer to Salt Lake City. But people who decline to do their due diligence or put in any effort also shouldn’t be surprised when they don’t get as much out of the experiences. If you open your wallet and dump it out on the ground, you weren’t ripped off–you’re just dumb.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What’s your take on a casino company ranking Walt Disney World as the #1 rip-off of tourist destinations in the United States? Do you agree or disagree with the list and WDW’s place on it? Think that maybe there’s a bit of a methodology issue with this survey, or are you just happy and vindicated by Walt Disney World ranking so poorly? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback—even when you disagree with us—is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
“rip-off” is very vague. A Disney trip was always pricey, but after visiting and being knocked off your feet with the VERY high bar that Disney set. You left feeling the price paid that it was worth every penny. We would go back year after year just asking Disney to take our money. We were spoiled, I will give Disney that. Spoiled for years. Now we have a noticeably larger trip price and question if the price was worth the experience. We just arrived back from our trip the end of January. I had the feeling that I was let down. “rip-off” no not technically but maybe more “ripped off” of the usual “Disney magic” experience. It was the first year we discussed places to go next year for vacation instead of everyone in my family planning what to do at Disney when we came back. Unfortunately customers are like toddlers. Take away something we feel is “ours” or even just notable changes and we will throw our temper tantrums.
You hit the nail right on the head! For many of us long term fans, it’s not so much that it’s a rip off today as that it’s a rip off compared to what we are used to! Previous to 2020, the prices were still high compared to many other vacations, but look at what you got when you stayed on site: Magical Express, luggage handling, free magic bands, free fast passes, resort airline check-in, etc. In other words, you got the Disney Bubble. Once you booked a vacation, they took care of you every step of the way. Yes, some of these things still exist if you pay for them, but in a far inferior form. And that’s why those of us who have been coming for many years think it’s now a rip-off. For us, it is! If everything in the Disney Bubble was still intact in it’s original form but you had to pay for it, we wouldn’t be as upset (well, no AS upset!).
Yup! Ripoff. I’m a travel agent and I was in Disney World at their convention center; and WDW’s speaker told us flat out that Disney World is no longer for everybody, that at the end of the day they are a business, and that they did better during covid with less people in the parks and higher prices, and that they are now considering themselves an upscale resort, pricing out certain families.
That doesn’t equate to rip off. Something not being for everyone is not a rip off if the people who can afford it get a good experience for the money.
Specifically, how does that equate to “rip-off”? Expensive does not equal rip-off.
Speaking of Rip-off’s, see “Travel Agent”
Some people relish the notoriety of displaying a personality of contrarian bitchiness, thus this foul list. They are not to be taken seriously, and shame on anyone who gives them a “like.” The best antidote for them is to ignore.
Absolutely. Great response!
Whoa. Slow down champ. What’s with the uncalled for shot at the Mall of America? I live just down the road from the MOA and so I feel confident in proclaiming its general awesomeness. First of all-ripoff wise it’s free. Parking is free. Oh and it’s got amusement park inside the mall. Imagine tomorrow and fantasy lands…inside…and free (to look at).
Also, a person person could spend hours window shopping at the mall and not spend a dime. When my kids were toddlers we many a winter day walking the halls there. That’s just a public service right there.
I totally recommend folks check it out. It’s a short train ride from the airport and has attached hotels.
No knock at Mall of America was intended!
It was meant to be a throwaway joke about consumer confusion–expecting the Mall of America, but getting the National Mall. Wrong state, wrong concept. I’m actually a big fan of all malls (well, probably more like *most* malls–the point is that I like them, in theory/concept). I think they’re great quasi-public spaces.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this. When a survey lists THE NATIONAL MALL as a rip off, then it’s bogus. That is a free public space that is also lined with incredible museums that are also free. I don’t understand the logic at all.
I also appreciate your point that when you criticize Disney’s decisions it comes from your love of the parks and wanting them to be the best they can be. Is going to WDW expensive and have they eliminated some perks ? Yes. Does that make it a total rip off? No. The fact is, there are still perks that you get from staying onsite (free transportation within the resort, early entry), and the immersion of the parks just doesn’t compare to anyplace else. While you may pay quite a bit to get into the parks, once you are in you are free to experience as many attractions, shows, parades and fireworks as you want. You don’t need to buy another book of tickets to go on a ride a second time, which I think would feel like nickel and diming.
This absolutely seems like it was chosen by the same guy who bought an overpriced t shirt to wear to the parks complaining about the expense.
If Disney parks are not for you, don’t go. But to go and wear an obnoxious t shirt and try to dampen everyone else’s good time? Just stop.
End of rant!
That’s sort of ironic because Las Vegas would be #1 on my rip off list. As for WDW, I was there Jan. 20-23 and had a great time except for 2 issues. First, Cosmic Rewind made me motion sick but I knew that was possible going in and can’t blame Disney for that one. Second, they don’t enforce the quiet hours at Fort Wilderness like they used to. It’s supposed to be a family campground; I shouldn’t have to listen to vulgar, profane music and screaming until 1 am. That one is on Disney.
That struck me too. This is by casino.com? I would put slot machines at the top of the list of rip offs!
“That’s sort of ironic because Las Vegas would be #1 on my rip off list.”
I don’t gamble and have aged out of the club scene, but I can still appreciate what Las Vegas has to offer. I think even that is a similar story as Walt Disney World–it can be a disappointment if done a certain way, but it can also be a fantastic experience.
Personally, I have a hard time categorizing anything with artistic ambition, cultural value, or creativity as a rip-off. And I think both Las Vegas and Walt Disney World qualify. I’d reserve the “rip-off” categorization for things that are actually scammy or shady. To each their own, though!
My family did two rides in DCA over a 7 hour span 2/21/24 and paid $700 for our passes. Rides kept breaking or extending the wait time to double. we left 3 ques after 40 min not getting on the ride. Yes, it is a rip off stop justifying current circumstances. This company is on fire and customers are the ones getting burned
Wow!! The National Parks are a rip-off? That was very surprising and I must say I don’t buy into it. I think you are correct in making the distinction between “rip-off” and “expensive”. I believe a lot of the dissatisfaction is do to comparing the pre-covid Disneyland/Disneyworld and the post-covid Disneyland/Disneyworld. Sadly, I have to admit the parks are not back to the pre-covid experience. Great article!!
I heard about the “survey” but not who did it. Realizing it was conducted by Casino.org and mysteriously did not include the casino industry anywhere on the list pretty much explains everything.
The Alamo is actually pretty lame. That aside, I do agree that this survey is utter garbage.
Tom, I think you are spot-on with all of this. I hope for the best for the parks, and in this hyper politicized era, when there’s so much “go woke, go broke,” negative PR, it’s going to be a long slog uphill, and clickbait surveys like this don’t help. I’m a proud liberal, so I have zero issues with the content of the material that everyone clutches their pearls over, but the movies lately HAVE been kind of dour duds. Lightyear, Soul, Raya, Onward, Strange World, Wish. They weren’t BAD, but they weren’t super GOOD, either.
The one movie I and the kids LOVED and almost choked from laughing so hard was “Turning Red,” and I couldn’t believe the hysteria and hostility that movie got in the comments/reviews when it came out. All over oblique references to a tween getting her period and hitting puberty? Liking boys? Saying “crap” once? Sheesh. As a Gen X girl, the references were after my time, but I certainly was aware of the boy band/Brittney/Christina era of pop, and they nailed it. So funny. The bucket hats, the friendship bracelets, the mother being part of the Uncommon Denominators — come on! This is comedy gold, LOL.
Anyway, as far as being a ripoff, yeah, for sure there’s stuff WDW/DL is a ripoff on, but our local multistate fair costs the same as WDW for beer, drinks, and carnival food, and it’s not as good or large as WDW. For us to go to the movies and each get a slushy and split one large popcorn, movie on a 3D screen for the action blockbusters, that’s well over $100 for a three-hour movie, and our local 6 Flags is a dump with incredibly limited food and drink options. Guess what, they’re charging a fortune for nuggets and fries — and parking, and fast passes, and access to the water park, and the refillable cup, and the merchandise, and the Dippin’ Dots and craptastic pizza — and the tube rental at the water park! Don’t forget an upcharge for renting a cabana, preferred parking, preferred sun chairs closer to the pool, and each carny game to win a crummy oversized plush stuffy.
WDW is not cheap, ever, and it’s not the same value proposition it used to be, but we’re paying $2,000 for the two of us to see the Stones, missing a day of work, eating out, grabbing beers at the stadium, have to get a hotel room and babysitter for the kids since it’s hours away — we’re looking at $2500 just in direct costs, never mind lost income from work, for one event on one night. I’m not humblebragging — we wouldn’t go if so many of our favorite artists weren’t dropping dead from age or overdoses, LOL, and Mick and Keith are getting up there. But Taylor Swift, no WAY we could afford a family of four to see her and do tickets at the stadium, lost time from work, food and drinks for all of us, hotel room — that would have been easily $5,000 for ONE NIGHT as a family.
When the Superbowl cheap seats are $11,000 before scalping and a crappy hot dog at our local fair/amusement park is $12+ — everything is killer expensive!
Maybe I missed it somewhere but I never saw a meaningful definition of a “Rip-Off.” Classically it has to do with lack of value for money, but that, in my opinion isn’t the only way one can be “ripped-off”. As you mentioned, some people think “Old Faithful” is anticlimactic. Would an over-hyped build up to an ultimately disappointing event, ANY event, be considered an emotional “rip-off”? Are the compilers of that list using lack of fulfillment as part of their equation? We old Disney hands know by now what to expect of a trip to WDW. Has it become dissapointing? In many ways, yes, but if we considered it a “rip-off” would we continue to go? Perhaps they’re speaking of Disney Newbies, people who’ve saved for and are anticipating the trip of their lifetime only to be disappointed in what they get, both in monetary and emotional value. Oh, BTW Tom, according to Casino, DisneyLAND was indeed voted as the number one tourist “rip-off” in California. One of the survey tools used was TripAdvisor, a travel site I use on almost every business trip to find highly rated restaurants, hotels and the like. As I understand it, for this survey 5000 people were asked their opinions of the biggest state, local and national “rip-offs” and Disney World came in at number one with over 60%! I don’t think this opinion can be totally dismissed by characterizing the survey itself as a “rip-off”. Whether or not I agree with its results us immaterial. Apparently a lot of people feel that way and, as a for-profit corporation, whether we agree ir not, Disney can’t afford to dismiss them. I also agree with your analysis of many of the other sites referenced as “rip-offs”. Glacier National Park is a favorite, but it’s OUR favorite, and if others don’t like it, just don’t go. More room for me. I’m in the “business” of enjoying my vacations, not trying to convince others that they should think as I do. The less people who crowd a national park or campground the better I like it. Take the Great Wall for instance. If you go to the “touristy” locations to see it you’re going to feel you’ve been “ripped-off” because all you’re going to see is a seething horde of tourists and vendors and very little wall. Luckily we were also able to go to an out of the way place where we and a very few others were present and we could walk it and see the majesty and sweep of the wall just like in the photographs. We even picnicked on it in total peace and quiet.
“Apparently a lot of people feel that way and, as a for-profit corporation, whether we agree ir not, Disney can’t afford to dismiss them.”
We agree as to this point, but not as to this survey.
As noted in the post, I think the reputation polls (Axios-Harris surveys that have been the subject of two other posts here) are very important and Disney ought to take them very seriously. But a survey finding the National Mall and Glacier National Park as top rip-offs? There’s no justification or explanation that I’m going to find satisfying–it’s a fatally-flawed survey.
Then again, I don’t have much use for TripAdvisor or most crowd-sourced sites of its nature. For one thing, they can be gamed by businesses (outside of the scope of this post, but worth knowing). For another, there’s no barrier to entry, so anyone can air their grievances for whatever reason.
Completely anecdotal, but a restaurant in our area has a mediocre score with lots of complaints about parking. But if anyone stopped to look up the address and think about where it’s located, issues with parking would be patently obvious. Remove those 1-star parking-centric reviews, and it has a great score!
Tom I agree with you completely. It’s amazing to me that people will read a survey like that and think it is a factual list. How can something that is free or almost free be a “ripoff”? Is Disney expensive – for sure. But like everything else in life, go in with realistic expectations instead of “entitlement” and you won’t be disappointed. Disneyworld is still the “Happiest place on earth” for some of us!
I mean, I love Disney World, we have been going every year at least once since 2017. That being said – it has changed for the worse since after covid and it definitely feels like you are being ripped off in place of being magical. A lot of the missing little things are what made it special- now it definitely feels more like greed IMO
You reminded me of one of my friends who are DVC members “to save money” and spent $30k in Diz resorts and parks last year. And how trapped in the Diz bubble they are – at the expense of seeing other great places in the US and around the world. This “trapping” makes Disney dangerous in a unique and interesting way. Add to this the fact that all parks are being made into Studio parks, with IP the only thing Imagineering is directed to work on, and the politicization and sexualization of poorly written Disney films, the destruction of Star Wars and the MCU, and heck yeah, I think we are justified in having huge beefs with Disney. I would personally not award them the #1 ripoff spot, but do see them heading in that direction because they deliver less value every year. You should not ignore that and be so casual and dismissive. It is reality for many Disney fans who are calling it what it is – decline with increasing costs. This makes it easier for Universal to compete.
By the way, you need to fix your typo above – there are no icebergs in Glacier Nat’l Park.
“By the way, you need to fix your typo above – there are no icebergs in Glacier Nat’l Park.”
I didn’t say they were! I questioned whether people are disappointed that they did not see icebergs in Glacier National Park (the subtext being that some people hear glacier and think iceberg).
Beyond that, I don’t think I’m dismissive of people saying that Disney is in decline. Several articles linked to in this piece that express precisely that viewpoint.
Can you explain the “politicization and sexualization” going on in Disney movies? Disney’s internal censorship of sexual material and always aiming to be centrist is far stricter than any other major studio.
Well said, Tom. Yes, WDW has a number of issues, and the rising costs are just one. But how do you explain the millions of people each year going there, many of them returning multiple times. Are they all stupid? I rather doubt it.
If you want a rip-off, look to the firm that that the survey – casino.org. If it has anything to do with casinos, then I think we can find the real biggest rip-off, gambling.
And we have to look at how the survey was done, and who was surveyed. A lot of surveys are biased by what they ask and who they ask. Can we say political surveys?
Bob Igor won’t like me saying this, but if someone thinks they are being ripped off, or that WDW is too expensive, don’t go. The (somewhat) smaller crowds will make it better for the rest of us.
If anything, that site is less a pro-casino site and more a pro-online casino site. The one thing that all of those places that are “rip-offs” have in common is that they’re all places that that you have to “leave your home to visit” rather than enjoy in the comfort of your pajamas and slippers like online casino “guests” can do.
I still agree with virtually everything everyone says here. Part of the reason I’ve followed the online Disney internet community for … over 30 years (!?!) is partially because, even when things were at my favorite point, I still thought knowledge/planning helps people “beat the Mouse.” On the other hand, , even today I know the All-Stars are competitively priced for Central FL motels on weeknights. There’s a wide range of possible experiences possible (at most of these places, not just WDW), and I like to join people in pointing out the good ones and the bad ones.
I agree with all of your analysis. I think Disney taking this top spot is due to two things: 1. News outlets are telling people Disney is a rip-off, expensive, woke… and people are repeating that back in the survey. 2. This is a reason I am not sure is clearly stated in this article… entitlement. I don’t mean entitlement in a bad way. Many people remember going as children and assumed they would be able to afford a Disney trip for their own children. With increases in wage disparities, many people are finding they don’t have the same lifestyle or disposable income as their parents and they can’t take their children. It is easier to blame Disney for this reality than the overall changes in society, which are harder to articulate.
I think there’s also a sense of entitlement in thinking, rightly or wrongly, “I spent $10k on this vacation, the red carpet is going to be rolled out for me.”
Only to find out that they still need to plan and do some ‘work’ to get the most out of the experience. Personally, I think the amount of work people have to do at Walt Disney World is excessive–and it’s also no surprise that people spend that much and expect WDW to be easy. It has gotten too difficult to have a carefree visit.
Wow. Just wow. How a national park or The Mall in DC can be on a list other than a “must do list” is ridiculous to me as well. And yes I think Disney is making huge steps in the wrong direction. I think they are alienating their core fan base over and over. Biggest rip off? I don’t think so. I mean have I spent tons of money over the years? yup. But looking back at pictures and thinking of the memories made with my four now adult children is priceless. I think they will take their (future-none yet!) children to Disney. But sadly it won’t be the yearly excursions we made as a family. It just isn’t a good financial plan for vacations anymore. Disney was always expensive but now it is exorbitant. At least in our opinion. We priced out a long weekend trip and when we got to $2000 before food or genie we were like nope. We can go so many other places cheaper and get just as much enjoyment for a long weekend. Sad really. I never thought I would ever say those words!
I love Disney World as much as anyone, but our last trip on January 21 2024 through January 29 was what I consider to he a rip off.
We stayed on property, we bought park tickets for each day of our stay, we bought Genie for each day, and we also bought after hours tickets for both Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios and this 2024 trip we couldn’t get any decent Genie ride reservations, when we did we experienced frequent temporary ride closures at our ride time and all rides had extremely long ride times each day we went to the parks.
The only time we did get to ride was at the after hours events, of course.
Compared to all our other trips, this one really felt like alot of money invested for way too little in return. The fun return on this investment was so bad, we really contemplated never going back.
I doubt we won’t ever return, we do love WDW, but I think we’ll have to think long and hard about what kinds of tickets we buy, as well as event tickets and Genie. This past trip we spared no expense to have the best opportunity to ride without horribly long waits, but it just didn’t work out for us, like it has in the past. If we were to experience the same thing again, on our next trip, sadly, I’m pretty sure we’ll be shopping for a new vacation destination.
I feel like the survey is purposefully misusing the term “rip-off” to generate clicks and shares. It sounds like it is working. It sounds like “disappointing” would be more accurate for what the survey is actually taking about – as you point out, a free attraction like the National Mall can’t really be a rip-off. Even then, I agree with you that it is probably a matter of unrealistic expectations
I agree. This list has no accuracy and never intended to – it was probably created for clicks only – just needed a good headline. $$$