I can understand the price hikes. It's a little begrudging that I'll pay for it, but hey, it's Disney. The magic is invaluable. I have my own annual pass, and I've been saving up to get one for my kids when they come to visit. I hate that the Christmas break time is a blackout date. That's when I get them the longest, apart from summer. I'm kicking myself for not buying these earlier. Oh well. Getting the platinum since the gold has that blackout time.