Heaven, Valhalla, Nirvana, Eden, Elysium, and Disneyland – they’re all the same in my book – places you want to go in the afterlife. However, I’m a little perturbed about some of the modern-day Disney business practices. Disneyland is supposed to be a ‘happy place,” but you pay dearly to get there. Is there really a need to suck any more money out of me?

I went to the official Disneyland site to buy tickets, avoiding what I thought was any chance for a sleazy scam. For this “peak” weekend it was $135 for one adult admission to one park. A second option offered a 3-day pass for $70/day. I ended up buying two 3-day tickets, that also offered early entry for one day, seeing the savings practicality. However, when I got the confirmation e-mail, the “deal” was restricted to next year, not this weekend. I guess I should have read the small print, but certainly they’d sympathize with my mistake – probably happens all the time with this bait-and-switch tactic. No problem – it’s Disney – and they will want to make me “happy.” I’m also a senior citizen who often makes stupid purchases when it comes to crafty on-line deals. Mickey will understand – he’s 90!

“Sorry Sir, no refunds” explained the cheerful guest services representative. My reply:  “Even the greedy airline giants allow you to change a purchase within 24-hours – isn’t this Disney?” “Please hold sir, I will check on the possibility of upgrading your purchase.” “Yes, at the ticket window, you can redeem this package for admission this weekend (at current inflated holiday prices).” DI$$$$$$NEY! Oh, the ongoing hassles of being a retiree!

I was originally only going to buy 2 one-day passes for $170 or at the most two days for $420. Instead, I got suckered into the 3-day plan for $420, thinking that I had hit the discount jackpot. Thanks to Disney’s unwavering generosity, I’m unfortunately now stuck paying $558, or $138 more than I planned on spending in the first place, on a package that I really can’t take full advantage of using. I took the small print bait and got tricked into spending more. Is this the Disney magic and goodwill that they project in their advertising and publicity?

It was senseless to argue over the phone, but I will raise a fuss today face-to-face. It’s a waste of time and a very stressful way to start a Disney weekend. I had already misbooked my hotel reservation, but that’s a whole other story in my growing saga of senility and senior moments.  That was my first $300 mistake in this Magic Kingdom California adventure. Almost any other company would have allowed me to change my credit card purchase. I’m just surprised that Mickey has turned so hardhearted in his golden years, feasting on the misfortunes of fellow senior citizens. I may have to strike this greedy old mouse with my cane!