Part 6/9:
The community response to these ever-increasing prices is palpable. A Harris poll indicated that 74% of respondents believe that experiences like Disney vacations have become financially out of reach. As attendance figures reflect this sentiment—a modest 1% increase in attendance juxtaposed with a 6% drop from the previous year—it becomes evident that many families are reassessing their priorities and opting out of Disney vacations.
Interestingly, while attendance at parks may not have decreased dramatically, the demographic of park-goers appears to shift towards adults who are nostalgic from childhood visits. This has allowed Disney to continue raising prices, all while alienating families with children who may once have been their core audience.