Disney executive Josh D’Amaro recently addressed the company’s high prices.
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Josh D’Amaro, the Chairman of Disney Parks, has been vocal about his dedication to customer experience, particularly in light of escalating costs associated with Disney vacations. He acknowledges that the prices for park admission and related expenses have risen, but emphasizes that his commitment is to provide as much value as possible to families looking to create magical moments. Every day, he considers the affordability of a visit to the parks, reiterating that Disney wishes to invite as many families as possible to partake in its unique offerings.
Guest satisfaction is paramount in D’Amaro’s vision for Disney Parks. He regularly reviews customer feedback to gauge whether the entertainment, attractions, and overall experience meet their expectations. This proactive approach ensures that Disney aligns its offerings with guest desires. D’Amaro has stated, “We know we’re delivering value because that’s what our guests tell us,” showing that he takes their insights seriously as they shape the future of the parks.
One of D’Amaro’s goals is to facilitate memorable experiences that extend beyond just the rides. He highlights that many guests spend an entire day enjoying various aspects of the parks—from attractions and live entertainment to character meet-and-greets and parades. For D’Amaro, Disney is an unparalleled platform for families to bond and create cherished memories that last a lifetime.
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Disney Parks have always prided themselves on offering unmatched immersive experiences. Each park is designed to transport guests into fantastical worlds filled with iconic attractions and engaging live shows. While many agree that the quality and detail justify the premium price tag, there has been growing concern that increasingly high costs might be pricing families out of experiencing these beloved destinations.
Amid the price increases, D’Amaro has insisted that accessibility remains a crucial part of Disney’s mission. He mentioned that despite cost changes, a visit to Disneyland can still start at around $104, the same price as in 2019. This pricing point aims to keep the magic within reach for many families. However, as add-on services like Lightning Lane emerge, which provide expedited access to popular attractions at additional costs, the overall affordability of a Disney vacation is being scrutinized.
Although guests now face an array of expenses beyond the standard admission ticket, D’Amaro is focused on ensuring that the enhancements and experiences introduced add substantial value. He has conveyed Disney’s intention to maintain a balance between operational needs and guest satisfaction, but it remains to be seen how effectively this balance can be achieved.
In an effort to maintain the park’s allure, Disney has steadily introduced new attractions over the years. These additions, like TRON Lightcycle / Run and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, have expanded the variety of experiences available, attracting both new and returning guests. D’Amaro acknowledges the importance of innovation within the parks as it contributes significantly to maintaining guest interest.
High-tech attractions have become a significant focus at Disney parks. The company continues to invest in state-of-the-art rides, enhancing the thrill and excitement guests expect from their visits. D’Amaro believes these enhancements justify the rising ticket prices, as they offer unique experiences that set Disney apart from other entertainment options.
Disney is committed to ongoing expansion and enhancement of its parks. D’Amaro has hinted at future projects that promise to bolster the overall experience while making it more attractive to families in the long run. These planned expansions aim to create new stories and adventures that encapsulate Disney’s unique magic.s
The conversation around ticket prices is an ongoing challenge for Disney, particularly as the company strives to remain a beloved destination for families. D’Amaro has pointed out that while prices have changed, the Disney experience has evolved in tandem, with enhancements that aim to add distinct value for guests. He encourages families to view this higher cost in light of the experiences available within the parks.
Lightning Lane, Disney’s latest strategy for offering guests expedited access to rides, has gained both supporters and critics. This service allows guests to pay for quicker entry to popular attractions, offering a way to maximize their park day.
We use to bring our family to Disney world every spring. The last time we went was 4 years ago and brought our grandchildren for the first time. Needless to say we haven’t been back! The cost for a family of 4 and the additional charges for fast passes and trying to book them first thing in the morning, paying extra only for one of the little ones to have a meltdown and need to go back to the resort before our a lotted time, was nothing more than a waste of our money. Both my children refuse to bring their children back. They say it’s not the same anymore. And they are right. You lost the vision of Walt’s dream. A place where you can take your family pay one price, forget the world outside and make happy memories with your children. Unfortunately it’s not like that anymore and shame on the CEO and Board of Directors for allowing it to happen. I’m sure Walt is shaking his head knowing you missed his dream. It’s not about bigger new rides or thrills. Or useless noise and commotion it’s about spending time with people you love and laughing and enjoying each other. Stop it with the nonsense and go back to the basics and follow the real dream as it was intended. A ride doesn’t have to be crazy it just needs to be fun. And that my friends will bring down your costs, which in turn brings down costs for everyone.
I agree with everything you just said we also raised our children at the parks but now my children can’t afford to take there children with the nickel and diming of every little thing we need to go back to Fred fast passes!
Agree with you, great post!
I am an Avid park goer, started when I was 4 years old and have been to the parks roughly 24+ times in my life. So more than average, but not a local. With that said, yes it’s expected that costs will rise with the times as costs of materials, maintenance, employees, etc will go up. With that said, what once was “part of the experience” is now priced out al a cart! Fast Passes are at an all time high where it used to be free, airport transportation and luggage assist GONE, magic bands no longer provided, disney dining (when offered) cut way back and only offer 1 tier, DVC/ APH benefits minimized… all of this makes a big difference to the average household. The last new ride was Tron (in Orlando), everything else has been a “refurbishment” which translates to another ride unavailable to park goers. I LOVE the mouse, don’t get me wrong, but we are NOT getting the same bang for our buck as we did pre-CVD. Josh is crazy if he thinks the “changes” are keeping up with the increased costs!
We have been DVC since 96 and have seen prices rise and quality go down in almost every respect. The parks always looked new and sparkling clean. Now things are worn and shabby around the edges. Even back in the day it was expensive, but it felt like you got more than your money’s worth. Now, not so much. They have cut back on transportation. Busses are way too crowded. Waits are extreamly long for Monorail or skyline. Too many people and no place to put them. I think Disney is of the opinion to keep raising prices until attendance or spending decreases. Attendance may be good, but repeat attendance, I wonder.
They have done away with a lot of the little things such as paper FasPass, Resort delivery, Magical Express, etc. That set Disney apart from the competition. They are killing their cliental with a 1000 little cuts. Not good, Not good at all.
We were annual passholders for ten years. My husband has physical problems and we had DAS for years, then Disney changed their DAS POLICIES and now because of that we can no longer go. We did not renew our passes. They have no concerns for their senior citizens who still enjoyed going to Disney
GOOBYE Disney, you also out priced us with all your extra fees, Lightning Lane, Premium Ride fee and paying for pictures.
I’ve been dreaming of going to Disney for years, being a mega Star Wars fan i have dreamt of seeing Batuu, unfortunately the price tag on the dream made it just that , a dream. I spent a week in New Orleans and the cost didn’t come close to what I would’ve spent to go to Disney. Disney has become a place for the wealthy. It’s depressing to know that myself or my own children can’t afford to experience such a magical place due to cost, I don’t think Walt would be happy that all families couldn’t experience the magic. I’m pretty sure he didn’t build the fantasy for only the wealthy to enjoy.
How he can say he is keeping an eye on prices every day is beyond me! The prices have sky rocketed the last 10 years. Way more than inflation. If they had just gone up on admission I could understand, but it is every little thing. Meals, snacks, parking !, lightening lane, instead of fast pass, premium rides, hotels, upscale restaurants, no more Dining Plan that’s worth anything, tickets, souvenirs, and after all this you don’t get to ride everything even after a 5 day stay!! You say you want the park to be for everyone but just like society in general it’s for the rich only. I noticed when you compared 2019 prices you only referenced Disneyland and not Disney World. Also, you have evidently cut back on maintenance. The last three times we have been, there have been multiple break downs that cut us out of riding some rides. It is obvious that attendence is down. You would think that you would figure it out. It is now horribly overpriced. You may think the the rich can keep you going but you will eventually see that’s not true. The average Joe is who has kept you going. Remember the rich only account for 10% of the population. My family has been going since 1972. After we had children we went about every 2 or 3 years. Since my granddaughters we go every 1 to two years but not anymore. Our group of 9 will not be back until prices are reasonable!
I understand prices increasing but with that they need to give back. I know they have started giving free watermark tickets for your day of checking but let’s be realistic. Is it really something people can truly take advantage of? I think they need to do better than that. Why not a free quick service meal during your stay at a Disney resort. Why are we charging for pictures to be taken in the park? There is so much they can do if they just really look at it from the guest side of things.