Some Disney surprises in my junk drawer....
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Some Disney surprises in my junk drawer....
I now know why we haven't gone to Disneyland or DisneyWorld in the past twenty years or so.
I was cleaning out my junk drawer, actually I was looking for some Disney collectible pins that I have had for over 40 years, and I ran across some ticket stubs for Disneyland dated 1965, 1967, 1968, 1972, and 1975. I was shocked at how inexpensive it was to go this great attraction back then. Compared to today's prices, which I believe are some of the most inflated I have ever see, we didn't have to worry about bleeding our bank account dry to go to the "Happiest Place on Earth".
Some of you will not really know what I am talking about, but back in the days when the park first opened, you could buy a daily ticket book that had 15 A, B, C and D tickets for the rides. The Main Street area was actually "free", there was nothing there but a 'penny candy' store on one corner that required a financial transaction. All of the characters could be found on Main Street in the center park, during the daytime hours. This ticket book sold for $19.99 for adults, and $11.99 for kids 6 to 12, and 5 and under were free.
They also had special three-day passes, if you stayed at one of the Disney-affiliated Hotels and Motels in the area, that cost $35 for adults and $19 for kids 6 to 12. These passes were good on all rides and you weren't limited to how many times you could go on any certain ride. Of course, the lines for most of the rides were 1 to 2 hours long, so you had to really plan your day if you were only there for one day.
Today's prices are ridiculously high, and I now understand why we don't go to any of the parks any more. Hotels start at $99 per person per day with a minimum of three days. You have to pay a fortune to ride most of the rides and still have those awful long lines to stand in.
Anyway, I found a few of the Disney pins I was looking for, but the real eye opener was finding those Disneyland ticket stubs and receipts.
I was cleaning out my junk drawer, actually I was looking for some Disney collectible pins that I have had for over 40 years, and I ran across some ticket stubs for Disneyland dated 1965, 1967, 1968, 1972, and 1975. I was shocked at how inexpensive it was to go this great attraction back then. Compared to today's prices, which I believe are some of the most inflated I have ever see, we didn't have to worry about bleeding our bank account dry to go to the "Happiest Place on Earth".
Some of you will not really know what I am talking about, but back in the days when the park first opened, you could buy a daily ticket book that had 15 A, B, C and D tickets for the rides. The Main Street area was actually "free", there was nothing there but a 'penny candy' store on one corner that required a financial transaction. All of the characters could be found on Main Street in the center park, during the daytime hours. This ticket book sold for $19.99 for adults, and $11.99 for kids 6 to 12, and 5 and under were free.
They also had special three-day passes, if you stayed at one of the Disney-affiliated Hotels and Motels in the area, that cost $35 for adults and $19 for kids 6 to 12. These passes were good on all rides and you weren't limited to how many times you could go on any certain ride. Of course, the lines for most of the rides were 1 to 2 hours long, so you had to really plan your day if you were only there for one day.
Today's prices are ridiculously high, and I now understand why we don't go to any of the parks any more. Hotels start at $99 per person per day with a minimum of three days. You have to pay a fortune to ride most of the rides and still have those awful long lines to stand in.
Anyway, I found a few of the Disney pins I was looking for, but the real eye opener was finding those Disneyland ticket stubs and receipts.
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Re: Some Disney surprises in my junk drawer....
Just a thought but perhaps a mod could move this to the Disney Theme Parks
And yeah these Parks will keep getting expensive. I heard that recently they just raised prices again
I was at Disneyland 10 years ago and Roy Disney got us our tickets for free
And yeah these Parks will keep getting expensive. I heard that recently they just raised prices again

I was at Disneyland 10 years ago and Roy Disney got us our tickets for free
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Re: Some Disney surprises in my junk drawer....
I have always wanted to go to Disney Land but the prices are as you say outrageous. Would be a fun trip though someday, have a co-worker he gets the family pass thing every year and he and his wife take their kids there a few times a year. It's fun hearing how much they enjoy it great way to make memories.
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Re: Some Disney surprises in my junk drawer....
Looking at the website of Disneyland and DisneyWorld Parks and am absolutely shocked at how much it would cost a family of four to go to either one of the "Happiest Places on Earth'.
Disneyland offers packages for three days and two nights with passes to the park starting at $1400 for a family of 4. Disneyworld offers three days and two nights with passes beginning at $1900 for a family of 4.
It makes me wonder how so many families can afford to go to either of these places, and how about families with three or more kids. I could never afford that, if I saved for 10 years. Almost $2,000 for a weekend at Disneyland or Disneyworld - c'mon, that is utterly expensive and ridiculous.
Disneyland offers packages for three days and two nights with passes to the park starting at $1400 for a family of 4. Disneyworld offers three days and two nights with passes beginning at $1900 for a family of 4.
It makes me wonder how so many families can afford to go to either of these places, and how about families with three or more kids. I could never afford that, if I saved for 10 years. Almost $2,000 for a weekend at Disneyland or Disneyworld - c'mon, that is utterly expensive and ridiculous.
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Re: Some Disney surprises in my junk drawer....
I just came back from my WDW experience, and based on what I saw, rising prices and all, A LOT of people can apparently afford these trips. See, the thing is that...
- In WDW's case, it offers several options when it comes to hotels and tickets. Most people go with the economy resorts, which lack the luxury of a deluxe resort, but still has the same basic services.
- Most people stay outside of property, and take a bus from their resort to the park
- People can obtained tickets at discounted prices for all the major theme parks
- There is also the fact that many families save up for said trips and thus go on them when the time is right
Disneyland is a whole different beast. It lacks any value resort, its resorts are of the deluxe kind and those can truly cost an arm and a leg.
- In WDW's case, it offers several options when it comes to hotels and tickets. Most people go with the economy resorts, which lack the luxury of a deluxe resort, but still has the same basic services.
- Most people stay outside of property, and take a bus from their resort to the park
- People can obtained tickets at discounted prices for all the major theme parks
- There is also the fact that many families save up for said trips and thus go on them when the time is right
Disneyland is a whole different beast. It lacks any value resort, its resorts are of the deluxe kind and those can truly cost an arm and a leg.
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Re: Some Disney surprises in my junk drawer....
Except there's thousands of "off-site" hotel rooms there within a short walk or bus ride of the resort, many of whom are partnered with Disney under the "Good Neighbour Hotel" program. Finding a cheap hotel is not an issue when visiting Disneyland.pap64 wrote:Disneyland is a whole different beast. It lacks any value resort, its resorts are of the deluxe kind and those can truly cost an arm and a leg.
I'm not sure where Junkie is getting his numbers as WDW value resort rooms start at $100/night so for 2 nights + 3-day tickets for a family of four (2 adults + 1 junior + 1 kid) = around $1300. I guess if you bought hoppers and slapped on a meal plan it'd be more, but as Pap says there's no shortage of options to save on expenses.
Any vacation is expensive if you pay rack rate. Disney frequently offers deals like 30% off, free dining or something else to entice people who would otherwise not book to do so. Their rack rates are set at a high figure so that when they discount it they still make lots of money.

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Re: Some Disney surprises in my junk drawer....
Sometimes, I wondered if I could have taken a trip for spring break, to Europe instead of Disney World, because the total costs seem to be about the same. Even if I stayed at a hostel off-site, the admission prices are still there, not only to the theme parks, but also DisneyQuest as well. Plus I do get hungry and thirsty, and the water from the fountains tastes like metal, making me wanting to buy bottled water instead.
And it's just not Disney that is expensive. The other theme parks in the Orlando area are equally expensive as well.
And it's just not Disney that is expensive. The other theme parks in the Orlando area are equally expensive as well.
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Re: Some Disney surprises in my junk drawer....
Buuuut many off-site affordable hotels are walking distance away, and there are only 2 parks, which make everything much more affordable. AND you can make it a long weekend trip.pap64 wrote:
Disneyland is a whole different beast. It lacks any value resort, its resorts are of the deluxe kind and those can truly cost an arm and a leg.
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Re: Some Disney surprises in my junk drawer....
We stay off the resort hotels but at a hotel that has transportation to WDW and we paid I think $75 per night. Our travel agent gets us a deal where we can get the WDW tickets, hotel, flight and anything else we want. When we get to WDW, all we need is money for food and souvenirs.
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Re: Some Disney surprises in my junk drawer....
Our trip to DL next month is costing my boyfriend and me over $7000. (8 nights at the Grand Californian Hotel, 2 Annual Passports, and 2 round trip tickets from Philadelphia to LA). And that doesn't include meals and shopping! But we feel it's worth it and we consider ourselves blessed to be able to afford it.
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Re: Some Disney surprises in my junk drawer....
Surely you could find something in your plans that would lower the costs. Like driving, or finding a cheaper airline (they are out there), or staying at a different hotel that offers deals for the park. $7000 is a lot of cash to throw around for a trip to an amusement park.
I could even look for a better way to spend $7000. Maybe DisneyWorld would be cheaper. I don't know because I haven't been to either park in over 25 years and a lot of things have changed. If I were making this trip today, I would drive (because I like to drive), and I would find a very inexpensive place to stay for the few days I am going to be there (I am not living in that room, so why pay premium prices for a place to sleep), and then I would look into Disneyland park bargains that are all around the park. Even Knott's Berry Farm, which is just down the road apiece has Disneyland Super Savers that will save you money. They even have coupons to save on meals eaten at the park. One thing I remember, if you have an all-day passport you can leave the park and get something to eat off premises that won't bust your budget. I don't say that you go to McDonald's or some fast food, but I would look into setting a budget amount and not going over that amound, even if you have to cut your stay short. $7000 is a lot of money, and if you are paying more than $40 a night for lodging then you aren't planning this trip correctly. I can think of a lot of things to do with $7000 that doesn't involve paying $100 or more a night to stay in a hotel or motel just because it is close to the park. Think about it, and see how much of that $7000 you can bring back home with you.
I could even look for a better way to spend $7000. Maybe DisneyWorld would be cheaper. I don't know because I haven't been to either park in over 25 years and a lot of things have changed. If I were making this trip today, I would drive (because I like to drive), and I would find a very inexpensive place to stay for the few days I am going to be there (I am not living in that room, so why pay premium prices for a place to sleep), and then I would look into Disneyland park bargains that are all around the park. Even Knott's Berry Farm, which is just down the road apiece has Disneyland Super Savers that will save you money. They even have coupons to save on meals eaten at the park. One thing I remember, if you have an all-day passport you can leave the park and get something to eat off premises that won't bust your budget. I don't say that you go to McDonald's or some fast food, but I would look into setting a budget amount and not going over that amound, even if you have to cut your stay short. $7000 is a lot of money, and if you are paying more than $40 a night for lodging then you aren't planning this trip correctly. I can think of a lot of things to do with $7000 that doesn't involve paying $100 or more a night to stay in a hotel or motel just because it is close to the park. Think about it, and see how much of that $7000 you can bring back home with you.
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Re: Some Disney surprises in my junk drawer....
Thanks for the tips, junkie! We did spend a week at WDW in May. 8 nights at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Wilderness Lodge, 2 9 day park hoppers and 2 round trip tickets from Atlantic City to Orlando. That trip cost around $4000 not including meals so yes, WDW is a much better deal for us. We're going back to WDW for a mini trip in November because we are taking adavantage of the 30% off hotel room promotion. So we got 4 nights at the Boardwalk Villas, 2 5 day park hoppers and our flights from Atlantic City to Orlando for under $3000, not including meals. We can't wait for both our upcoming trips. My boyfriend and I both are employed full time and we have no children so we are able to afford the vacations we want. My family used to do Disney on a budget when I was growing up so I know what that's like. Again I appreciate your input and I enjoy your posts. California does cost us a pretty penny but we only do DL every 3 years or so. WDW is our "home park" and we try to get down there or Universal Orlando every year.
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Re: Some Disney surprises in my junk drawer....
My son and I went to DL this past May. We stayed at Paradise Pier Hotel and it was great. Not as elegant at Grand California, but we really liked it.
I do agree with DVDjunkies' point that you are just sleeping in your hotel room. And Hrand Californian is probably the most expensive hotel in Anaheim so staying somewhere else might be an option to consider if you want to reduce costs.
In terms of leaving to find cheaper food, that's not as simple as it used to be. I grew up in Southern California and we used to leave DL and jaywalk to McDonald's all the time. Now, however, there is a nice 6ft rod iron fence in the median to stop that sort of thing. Leaving resort property is exceptionally inconvenient and probably not worth the hassle. There are lots of options at Downtown Disney (which is adjacent to DL and DCA) but its not much of a cost savings from eating in the parks.
So my advice is to eat in the parks! I especially like the options at DCA . . . Lots of variety and its good. DL on the other hand is pretty similar food-wise to the Magic Kingdom.
One question - are you spending 8 days in the parks? That probably will be more than you need. They are substantially smaller than the parks in FL. And you are going in the slow season.
My son and I went in May and we only went 2 days - one in each park - and I felt like it was plenty of time. Well maybe we would have done one more day between the two but my herniated lumbar disc couldn't handle it.
I do agree with DVDjunkies' point that you are just sleeping in your hotel room. And Hrand Californian is probably the most expensive hotel in Anaheim so staying somewhere else might be an option to consider if you want to reduce costs.
In terms of leaving to find cheaper food, that's not as simple as it used to be. I grew up in Southern California and we used to leave DL and jaywalk to McDonald's all the time. Now, however, there is a nice 6ft rod iron fence in the median to stop that sort of thing. Leaving resort property is exceptionally inconvenient and probably not worth the hassle. There are lots of options at Downtown Disney (which is adjacent to DL and DCA) but its not much of a cost savings from eating in the parks.
So my advice is to eat in the parks! I especially like the options at DCA . . . Lots of variety and its good. DL on the other hand is pretty similar food-wise to the Magic Kingdom.
One question - are you spending 8 days in the parks? That probably will be more than you need. They are substantially smaller than the parks in FL. And you are going in the slow season.
My son and I went in May and we only went 2 days - one in each park - and I felt like it was plenty of time. Well maybe we would have done one more day between the two but my herniated lumbar disc couldn't handle it.
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Re: Some Disney surprises in my junk drawer....
Thanks for the tips, Ryguy! We are spending 7 days in the parks and one day on a 10 hour bus tour of Hollywood/LA. We have made ADRs at the following restaurants: Carthy Circle/DCA, Blue Bayou/DL, Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen/DTD, Storytellers/GCH, Cafe Orleans/DL, Tortilla Jo's/DTD, Napa Rose/GCH and Steakhouse 55/DLH. For our other meals we plan to do Counter Service as needed. We like to take our time in the parks and do everything over 7 days while taking advantage of what our hotels have to offer (pools, spas, fitness rooms, special activities like the DCA Power Walks, etc.) We have never stayed at the PPH, but I hear the upper level park views of Paradise Pier are fantastic. Definitely on our to do list. We'll probably do 4 night at the PPH and 4 nights at the GCH (our favorite!) in 2015.
When we were at WDW in May we had ADRs at Fulton's Crab House/DTD, Boma/AKL, Tokyo Dining/Epcot, 'Ohana/Poly, Whispering Canyon/WL, Be Our Guest/MK, Narcoossee's/GF and Yachtsman Steakhouse/YC.
For our November trip to WDW we plan on eating at the Food & Wine Festival for 2 days, then we have ADRs for Boma/AKL (my boyfriend has to go to Boma every trip!,
Shula's/Dolphin and San Angel Inn/Epcot.

When we were at WDW in May we had ADRs at Fulton's Crab House/DTD, Boma/AKL, Tokyo Dining/Epcot, 'Ohana/Poly, Whispering Canyon/WL, Be Our Guest/MK, Narcoossee's/GF and Yachtsman Steakhouse/YC.
For our November trip to WDW we plan on eating at the Food & Wine Festival for 2 days, then we have ADRs for Boma/AKL (my boyfriend has to go to Boma every trip!,

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Re: Some Disney surprises in my junk drawer....
Sounds like a great trip!
Unfortunately (or fortunately?) I've lived in Ohio for the past 15 years, but still tend to treat DL like I'm a local. It can be a blessing and a curse.
Of the restaurants you mention, would you believe the only one I've been to is Tortilla Jo's? Maybe Cafe Orleans (can't remember). (I have been to Club 33 5 or 6 times though
In terms of counter service, DL and DCA have the world's best corn dogs. There's a car on Main Street and the Corn Dog Castle at DCA. Totally tacky, but I could eat there every day for the rest of my life and not care if I end up weighing 1,000lbs (ok just kidding. Kind of).
At DCA, I really like Cocina Cucamonga and the Lucky Fortune Cookery for counter service
You'll have to post your review of everything when you get back!
Unfortunately (or fortunately?) I've lived in Ohio for the past 15 years, but still tend to treat DL like I'm a local. It can be a blessing and a curse.
Of the restaurants you mention, would you believe the only one I've been to is Tortilla Jo's? Maybe Cafe Orleans (can't remember). (I have been to Club 33 5 or 6 times though

In terms of counter service, DL and DCA have the world's best corn dogs. There's a car on Main Street and the Corn Dog Castle at DCA. Totally tacky, but I could eat there every day for the rest of my life and not care if I end up weighing 1,000lbs (ok just kidding. Kind of).
At DCA, I really like Cocina Cucamonga and the Lucky Fortune Cookery for counter service
You'll have to post your review of everything when you get back!
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Re: Some Disney surprises in my junk drawer....
RyGuy,
It's always been my dream to eat at Club 33, but I haven't been able to do that. I did see parts of it on a tour once, though... lol!
I have had a corn dog from the Little Red Wagon at DL and while I agree they are delicious, being a Southern boy, corn dogs aren't that unusual to me.
I like Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, but Lucky Forune Cookery always seemed to be closed during my previous visits in 2004, 2006 and 2007. We'll have to check it out.
I also like Pacific Wharf Cafe with their soup and salad breadbowls. We have to have as much sourdough bread as possible whenever we visit the west coast! I'm also anxious to try all the new eateries in Carsland. The menus look unusual and intriguing.
I've never been to Ohio but I have relatives in North Olmsted.
It's always been my dream to eat at Club 33, but I haven't been able to do that. I did see parts of it on a tour once, though... lol!
I have had a corn dog from the Little Red Wagon at DL and while I agree they are delicious, being a Southern boy, corn dogs aren't that unusual to me.
I like Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, but Lucky Forune Cookery always seemed to be closed during my previous visits in 2004, 2006 and 2007. We'll have to check it out.
I also like Pacific Wharf Cafe with their soup and salad breadbowls. We have to have as much sourdough bread as possible whenever we visit the west coast! I'm also anxious to try all the new eateries in Carsland. The menus look unusual and intriguing.
I've never been to Ohio but I have relatives in North Olmsted.
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Re: Some Disney surprises in my junk drawer....
I am late to this thread, but just wanted to share how my family is able to enjoy Disneyland/Disney World. Of course, we prefer Disneyland - but we do go to Disney World and are able to afford it. As a reference point, I have five children and two step-children and my husband was laid off a year and a half ago, so I support our whole family on $35,000/year. Usually my step-daughters do not go with us, each of them went once but they are older now so they don't plan on going anymore. I was glad and proud to expose them to their first and only trip to Disney.
We drive. There is a Motel 6 across from Old Town in Kissimmee that charges $29/night. It is your typical Motel 6, but it is very safe and there is a nice well-kept pool. We need two rooms, but it is still affordable at that price. I get Disney tickets whenever I get a bonus at work or my tax refund. Sometimes I buy one daily ticket with each paycheck. We never get park-hopper or any of the extra upgrades. I bring food from home, or we eat from the dollar menu at McDonalds. Of course, the kids are always allowed a treat in the park - churros, ice cream, dole whips, etc. Souvenirs are bought from the Walgreens near the motel - not at the park. It's true that I've NEVER stayed on-site - but to me it's about being there in the park, not about where I sleep at night. I'm really not there for the hotel. We are going again in March and the kids are all getting their Disney tickets and a 2014 guide book for Christmas. My sister bought all of the kids Disney gift cards for Christmas that they can use for food or souvenirs when in the park. It is doable. It is worth it.
I can't wait until the summer of 2016 when we move to the Orlando area and I can go to the parks whenever my heart desires!
On another note, my children prefer our family trips to national and state parks above going to Disney. They enjoy Disney - but really those trips are for me
Our favorite family trip was to South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills area, including Custer State Park.
We drive. There is a Motel 6 across from Old Town in Kissimmee that charges $29/night. It is your typical Motel 6, but it is very safe and there is a nice well-kept pool. We need two rooms, but it is still affordable at that price. I get Disney tickets whenever I get a bonus at work or my tax refund. Sometimes I buy one daily ticket with each paycheck. We never get park-hopper or any of the extra upgrades. I bring food from home, or we eat from the dollar menu at McDonalds. Of course, the kids are always allowed a treat in the park - churros, ice cream, dole whips, etc. Souvenirs are bought from the Walgreens near the motel - not at the park. It's true that I've NEVER stayed on-site - but to me it's about being there in the park, not about where I sleep at night. I'm really not there for the hotel. We are going again in March and the kids are all getting their Disney tickets and a 2014 guide book for Christmas. My sister bought all of the kids Disney gift cards for Christmas that they can use for food or souvenirs when in the park. It is doable. It is worth it.
I can't wait until the summer of 2016 when we move to the Orlando area and I can go to the parks whenever my heart desires!
On another note, my children prefer our family trips to national and state parks above going to Disney. They enjoy Disney - but really those trips are for me

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