Theme park slams Disney’s eye-watering prices and offers $7 alternative an hour away

Theme park slams Disney’s eye-watering prices and offers  alternative an hour away

Disney World used to be ‘the Most Magical Place on Earth’ – but now families say it’s become an exclusive retreat for only the wealthy.

A small family often has to fork out thousands of dollars just to spend a day or two in the theme park, draining parents’ bank accounts in uncertain economic times.

Now, a rival Florida park has promised to deliver a day filled with the same fun and excitement for a fraction of the cost.

Logan Stafford, the sales and marketing coordinator for Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, suggests his park as an alternative for parents who want an authentic Florida experience without having to spend a pretty penny.

‘There’s no doubt that Disney has become a premium experience, and for many families, the cost has reached a level that feels out of reach,’ Stafford told the Daily Mail of his attraction, located in Kissimmee less than an hour’s drive from Disney World.

‘Between park tickets, hotel stays, food and extras, a typical trip can easily total thousands of dollars, even for just a few days,’ he added. 

Although you can’t eat your way through every nation at Boggy Creek, or say hello to Mickey and Minnie there, adults and children alike can get a taste of what Florida really is: a wetland full of alligators and hidden gems. 

‘Boggy Creek isn’t trying to replace Disney,’ Stafford acknowledged.

Families say Disney World has become an exclusive retreat for only the wealthy. For a weeklong visit, the average cost for a family of four comes in at a whopping $6,000

'There's no doubt that Disney has become a premium experience, and for many families, the cost has reached a level that feels out of reach,' Logan Stafford of Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures told the Daily Mail

‘There’s no doubt that Disney has become a premium experience, and for many families, the cost has reached a level that feels out of reach,’ Logan Stafford of Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures told the Daily Mail

The two parks are less than an hour apart from each other

The two parks are less than an hour apart from each other 

‘Experiences like Disney and Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures are incredibly valuable to children, each in their own way.’ 

An hour-long airboat trip costs up to $58, and visitors can see alligators up close, explore Florida’s marshlands and more. 

The adventure park also offers a gem-mining experience and a butterfly house for a maximum of $50 per person. 

For a weeklong visit to Disney World, the average cost for a family of four comes in at a whopping $6,000, according to NerdWallet. 

Even if families stick to pretzels and other light bites from vendor carts, the average price to eat comes out to around $20 per person. 

For a fancy dinner, parents can expect to pony up between $60 and $100 per person, Nerd Wallet found. 

With a family of four making an estimated median salary of $78,000 in the US, according to CNBC, Disney World is quickly pricing out even middle-class families. 

‘These experiences should be available to all children,’ Stafford said.

Although you can't eat your way through every nation at Boggy Creek, or say hello to Mickey and Minnie there, adults and children alike can get a taste of what Florida really is

Although you can’t eat your way through every nation at Boggy Creek, or say hello to Mickey and Minnie there, adults and children alike can get a taste of what Florida really is 

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures offers airboat tours as well as gem mining and a butterfly house for a fraction of the price of Disney World

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures offers airboat tours as well as gem mining and a butterfly house for a fraction of the price of Disney World

Kids can see alligators and wildlife up close just an hour away from the Orlando theme park

Kids can see alligators and wildlife up close just an hour away from the Orlando theme park 

With tickets as low as $7 – Boggy’s lowest gem-mining experience tier – it’s a far cry from Disney World, which can cost up to $200 just to get in for a day. 

And that’s not including the Lightning Pass (an extra $35 per person) to skip the lines on three rides.

A three-day pass not including a visit to the Magic Kingdom costs $267, according to Disney’s website. 

‘While I wouldn’t discourage anyone from visiting Disney, as it offers a truly unique experience, I would recommend considering Boggy Creek as a valuable alternative, especially for those whose budgets only allow for a limited number of days at the theme parks,’ Stafford explained. 

Disney’s Chairman of Disney Experiences, Josh D’Amaro, said during a recent panel discussion that the park is still trying to ‘invite as many families as possible.’ 

He acknowledged that the park’s prices have peaked, but that his team is looking for ways to make the price match the value.  

‘There are very few places in the world where you can have a 10-, 12-, 16-hour experience. Attractions, Broadway-style entertainment, food, fireworks, character meet-and-greets – it’s all there,’ he said, according to WDW Magic. 

‘What I’m trying to do is give as much flexibility, as much optionality as I can to our guests,’ he continued. 

Florida small business owner Craig Stowell took his three kids and wife to Disney World and quickly found out just how expensive it was. By the end of the day, the father spent $1,394.91 on the outing

Florida small business owner Craig Stowell took his three kids and wife to Disney World and quickly found out just how expensive it was. By the end of the day, the father spent $1,394.91 on the outing

‘Costs are increasing. We know that. And I have a responsibility to our investors to be thoughtful about that. But the frame is always the same: deliver great value.’ 

Last week Craig Stowell, a Florida small business owner, explained in an Instagram post how he spent nearly $1,400 on a day trip to Disney World with his three kids and wife. 

Stowell said it cost him $30 to park, $974 for tickets (including a discount for Florida residents), $145.64 for snacks and drinks, and $245.27 for dinner.

They opted out of the Lightning Pass, as Stowell ultimately decided it wasn’t worth the extra money.

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