Disney ups admission prices again!

Has someone in the Magic Kingdom been smoking magic mushrooms?

I ask that after learning today that for the second time in less than a year Disney is raising admission prices at its Disneyland (Los Angeles) and Disney World (Orlando) theme parks - as much as 11.1 per cent in some cases. At Disney World, prices for a one-day pass will now cost $85 U.S. (up from $82); a five-day pass will cost $251 (up 5.9 per cent); and a 10-day pass will cost $291 (up 11.1 per cent).

So, at a time when travellers are looking for vacation bargains to offset the lingering effects of a troublesome economy and higher fuel prices, the folks at Disney sock it to us - how Goofy is that?

"We regularly evaluate and adjust our pricing and continue to focus on providing one-of-a-kind entertainment experiences at a great value," Disney spokesman Bryan Malenius told msnbc.com. "Our research tells us that nearly all our guests agree that a Disney theme park experience is a strong value."

Does Bryan and the rest of the Disney brass not read newspapers? Do they not see that consumers can't afford higher prices for luxury items like vacations? Has the once proud operation brought to life by the late Walt Disney turned into such a Mickey Mouse operation that they can only come up with ways to gouge the public instead of cutting prices to help them in these times of need?

I sit here writing this blog with my mouth open in amazement that Disney has the balls to pass along its bad business practices onto us.

Walt Disney must be spinning in his grave - he's probably reached China by now, which, by the way, is where Disney will be building its newest theme park in Shanghai. Maybe the increase on consumers here is to offset the high cost the Chinese are making Disney pay for its new Shanghai venture.

I know a travel company in Toronto who has been trying to sell Disney products to consumers for the last three months and they have not had one sale - lots of inquiries but as soon as people see the admission prices and the on site hotel accommodation Disney charges, they quickly hang up, my sources tell me.

The arrogance of Disney is almost laughable if it wasn't so sad.