I too think the parks are fine the size they are. Right now anyway. My response has to do with the fact that no one knows what will happen in the next 10, 20, or 50 years. With a little foresight the possibility would have been there for them to add on but they have put themselves in a position that limits their options in that regard. Personally, I would want the parks to remain unchanged forever. I love being able to see things as they were when I was a child. However they are a business, and as such, things are going to change to stay current. As site planning is a big part of what I do for a living, I personally find it odd they wouldn't keep their options open for expansion, especially since they have mastered seemingly every other aspect of site planning. Oh well, more new parks for us in the future!!!... I hope

I can see the imagineers vision when planning Walt Disney World.. We'll create this park (Magic Kingdom), another park (Epcot), then another park (Hollywood Studios), then another park (Animal Kingdom), then maybe another part of the park (DT Disney), then maybe throw a twist (Bunch of Golf Courses), maybe throw in that (MacDonalds on the Corner), then a bunch of this (Resorts), in the future another park (Night Kingdom potentially).. The point is they always thought that could create something, not necessarily expand what is already there. So instead of 4 theme parks, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 theme parks? But the trend is to renovate, expand and improve what is there. And if something is as popular as Magic Kingdom which everyone is wanting to get into during special holidays, then my point really is that missed the vision and potential what Magic Kingdom could be area wise.. Magic Kingdom could add a few, three more lands.

Your post I agree with most parts.. The quote above simply is to point out that their initial capital outlay is becoming sunk costs, in the endeavor of creating bigger and better. My point is that the initial capital outlay doesn't have to be sunk costs, and in fact enhance the overall experience by putting the money to better use. Demolition costs money, replanning costs money, construction of infills add costs.. why not put the investment into expansion rather than re-creation?

Operating costs can be optimized and added, if the attractions draw more crowds to the park. If the park can fit more people then added operating costs will become less of a factor, build it and they will come.

it was tedious to be truthfull.
In chronological order -
$15 to park is ridiculous.
$82 for a day pass is a joke
It takes a while to get in from the parking - having to use either the boat or monorail skillfully wastes a load more time and both options include lots of walking from your parked car.
Lots of rides closed and whole chunks of the park closed off for redevelopment mean the few adult rides that are open are subject to long queues and lots of walking. Ok its not the summer season but the entrance price doesnt change...
I've been 3 times before and did'nt really enjoy this visit, it badly needs new rides and more of them imho if it is to stay at no.1
Still got a magic aura about it but disney needs to invest more I think.
Just my 2 penn'orth..

.......

Sorry to hear that low season is a bit of a jig.. It was bananas during Christmas week.. and didn't really seem all that busier to when we were down there on an October stint and late August stint. I noticed January 2nd rolled around and my favorite attraction Splash Mountain was out for the count for a major reno.

Interesting to hear that they upped the parking charge to $15.. or is that just a typo?

Well, the prices for parking and park entry are simple supply and demand. If you don't feel you're getting your money's worth, don't go.

And having more rides than usual shut down is common during slower times of the year. They have to do maintenance sometime, and wouldn't you agree it makes sense to do it when it inconveniences the lowest number of people?

On the other hand, the crowds are FAR smaller, meaning you can enjoy a lot more of the experience than during busier times of year. Things like the monorail and the ferryboat are considered by many to be an integral part of the Disney magic--a symbolic transition from the worries of the real world into the fantasy world of the Disney parks. If you're just trying to maximize time to ride roller coasters, then those experiences could indeed be frustrating. But then again, maybe Disney isn't the right place for those with that attitude...

IMO.. irritating to go during low season when some major attractions are shut down.. why not go high season? If planned correctly, minimal disruptions, and maximum times on the rides we found.

For us 20 days in a row to Disney World was awesome and will probably do it again.. The nice thing is that Mickey is out of my son's system.. he's asking to go back in a couple years same time. Disney Land is probably next on the list for us if we're in the SoCal area.