A Canadian dad-of-two, Mario Zelaya, recently shared his harrowing experience of visiting Disneyland in Paris, shedding light on the exorbitant costs associated with a family trip to the iconic theme park. In a viral TikTok video that has garnered over 130,000 views, Mario expressed his dismay at the overwhelming expenses he and his family incurred during their visit, labeling Disneyland as a “money-grabbing machine.” His candid account serves as a cautionary tale for prospective visitors, revealing the staggering financial burden that comes with a trip to the magical kingdom.
Mario’s journey to Disneyland in Paris with his wife and two children quickly turned into a financial nightmare. His initial shock came when he disclosed that he had spent a jaw-dropping $1,200 on tickets for his family alone. This substantial sum served as a stark reminder of the theme park’s steep entrance fees. Each ticket cost $120, but the family decided to upgrade to premier passes at an additional cost of $173 per person. These premier passes promised an expedited experience, allowing guests to skip the regular lines and access rides more swiftly.
In the video, Mario lamented the extensive queues and overcrowding at Disneyland. He emphasized that these issues were not unique to the Paris location but plagued all Disney parks, including those in Orlando and California. His frustration was evident as he showcased a line for a seemingly lackluster ride, revealing a daunting wait time of “an hour and 15 minutes.” To access an alternative line, visitors had to endure an even longer wait of “an hour and a half.” Fortunately, Mario’s family could bypass these lengthy lines due to their premier passes, which, despite the additional cost, seemed like a more reasonable option than waiting in endless queues.
Summing up his experience, Mario advised against visiting Disneyland, dubbing it the “biggest money-printing machine on Earth.” He underscored the impracticality of waiting hours for rides and suggested opting for the Disney access pass, which allows visitors to skip lines, over purchasing a three-day park pass. His viral video contained a clear message: Disneyland may be magical, but it comes at a steep price, both financially and in terms of time spent waiting in queues.
The comments on Mario’s video echoed his sentiments, with numerous individuals branding Disneyland as a “rip-off.” One commenter reminisced about visiting the park in the early ’90s when it was more affordable, highlighting how prices had soared over the years. Another lamented spending two hours waiting for a mere five-minute ride, underscoring the disappointment of their visit. A common theme emerged in the comments, with many expressing disillusionment and frustration with the high costs and long waits associated with Disneyland.
Mario’s video resonated with a broader issue: the soaring price of admission to Disney parks. Data revealed that admission prices have surged by a staggering 3,871% over the past fifty years. In a move that further exacerbated the financial burden on visitors, Disney announced price hikes for park tickets in the preceding year. These escalating costs have left many families questioning the value of a Disneyland experience and whether it justifies the substantial financial outlay.
In conclusion, Mario Zelaya’s candid account of his family’s trip to Disneyland in Paris serves as a stark reminder of the eye-watering costs associated with a visit to the iconic theme park. His viral video, which garnered widespread attention and resonated with many disillusioned visitors, shed light on the exorbitant expenses, long wait times, and overcrowding that have become synonymous with Disneyland. While the allure of Disney’s magic remains undeniably strong, the financial toll and time investment required to experience it raise important questions about the true cost of making memories in the happiest place on Earth. As Disneyland continues to evolve and adapt to changing times, prospective visitors must carefully weigh the benefits of the experience against the substantial price tag it carries.