Capitalism

[goose]

Am I the only one that tries to explain capitalism to guests? Don't get me wrong. I only tell them about it if they ask.

A few days ago a 13-year-old kid came up to my cart.

kid: Excuse me. I was wondering...don't you think these prices are kind of high? Why are they so high?

ME: It's called capitalism.

kid: capitalism?

ME: Yep. Look it up.

kid: I was being serious...(walks away)

ME: So was I!

[felinefan]

Used to get that occaisonally at Knott's. People don't understand that the price is comprised of your salary, your bosses' salary, the cost of the merchandise, which in turn includes the cost of transporting, packaging, manufacture, and advertising. But when you realize that people today don't know half the things they did even 30-40 years ago (like how to behave in public), that's not surprising. Of course there's the older folks who remember when a newspaper or a phone call from a pay phone cost ten cents, gas was twenty-five cents a gallon (and typewriters had cent symbol keys on them, but word processors and computers don't *sigh*), and parking at Disneyland was fifty cents, admission was free for under three year olds, seventy-five cents for ages 3-11; $1.25 for 12 and up, and I think there was a special discount price for seniors 65 and up, plus military in uniform. Some check and see how accurate my memory is. I don't think I've been a guest at Disneyland since 1979 or 1980, so.... Anyway, it's always a bit of a shock. But remember, people are accustomed to shopping at Wal-Mart, Target, and other discount stores, so of course they're not used to paying normal prices. When you're used to buying discount, full price is always a surprise.

[darph nader]

Could also be called supply and demand.

You supply what they demand.

No law says you HAVE to buy it.


p.s. i remember when i could'nt fit $3.00 worth of gas in my moms Karman Ghia(it has a 10 gal tank).

[BirdMom]

It is definitely capitalism at the park, considering that sponsers practically donate goods so their product is sold at Disneyland. I'm not sure what Coca-Cola charges Disney now, but a few years ago they were charging .03 per syrup box for fountain drinks, and they were giving canned sodas FREE to Disneyland for the privilege of being a sponser. Orville Reddinbacher was providing free popping kernals. So the prices that Disney is charging the guests and CM's is pretty much pure profit after your take away the ODV/foods overhead. Sad, huh? Well, for guests on a budget it is.

[SoarWhoreCoCo]

Even better....Today while strolling thru the U-Door I saw a merchandise stocker taking swords out of their packaging to be put on stage. Then I noticed it was the same packaging from swords sold at the DOLLAR TREE for $1...Our Price $7.00! Remeber when the Squeeze Breeze Fans first appeared at Disney they were $5 (battery included) now they are $20.00 (Batteries still included, now filled with tap water & Chilled on Ice...damn I guess water and Ice are reallly expensive cause the unit is the same) ;)

[BirdMom]

Ah yes, let's make the guests pay for the A) atmoshpere (it's more Disney if the pirate sword is sold at a Disney park B) lack of foresight (what - forgot to pack the cooling device in your tote bag?) C) commerical arrangements (gotta please the shareholders first)...

[Wizard69]

Ah yes, let's make the guests pay for the A) atmoshpere (it's more Disney if the pirate sword is sold at a Disney park B) lack of foresight (what - forgot to pack the cooling device in your tote bag?) C) commerical arrangements (gotta please the shareholders first)...

LOL I'm a stupid guest today :) I paid for the atmosphere at the Blue Bayou cast previews LOL.

[Main Streeter]

I'm not sure what Coca-Cola charges Disney now, but a few years ago they were charging .03 per syrup box for fountain drinks, and they were giving canned sodas FREE to Disneyland for the privilege of being a sponser

I was told by an ODV manager in 2000 Disney & Coke almost ended their relationship, Walt was still in control at the time, until Disney's lawyers stepped in & promised never to sell any other products but Coka-Cola's. In return the agreement was free Coke to D L for life. Think about this profit :clover:

[Main Streeter]

LOL I'm a stupid guest today :) I paid for the atmosphere at the Blue Bayou cast previews LOL.

We paid for the prime rib, frameable (sp) Blue Bayou Menu & edible chocolate desert treasure chest last night. Oh yes, & the crowded heel toe shuffle to The Blue Bayou. Then I was a SG & went shopping - CM discount in hand of course!!

[BirdMom]

The Coke thing is interesting, because Pepsi was a sponser at the Horseshoe for the longest time. Even when I was working there in the 80's, you could get Pepsi in the Horseshoe and everyplace else in the park sold Coke. Then of course - Coke Corner on Main Street and Coke Terrace in Tomorrowland. If you can find some old photos of Frontierland, look at the signage on the Horseshoe, and in red letters it will say something to the effect of, "presented to you by Pepsi Cola."

Not that I care who the sponsers are, and I'm resigned to the profits at this point, but I prefer the taste of Pepsi anyway...