As springtime nears and families make their plans to visit the world’s most popular amusement parks, they can expect to be greeted by higher fees. This is getting to be an annual, in-your-face happening, and this year is no exception.

Of course, it isn’t just Disney that does it. Inflation, primarily because of the greedy oil and housing racketeers, has been strangling our economy for each of the past three decades. And Disney must do it to compete in today’s business and entertainment worlds. It all brings back memories of when your travel4seniors.com editor first took his kids to Walt Disney World when it opened in the early 1970s. Adult daily admission was $3.50 and $1 for kids. Rides were each 25¢. Hotel rooms were $25, snacks were $1 and a typical dinner was $5. Our family of four could spend three days at WDW for a total of about $300, plus airfare. Today, pumped by the new increases, the average three-day stay costs at least ten times as much, $3,000

Is there any way to cut the rising costs? When ready to make plans, consult frequently with your hometown travel agent and keep in online touch with WDW ads. When making your schedule, first be aware that prices of everything in the park go way up during heavy visit times, such as spring break, weekends and holidays.

Consider off-season package deals that include air, hotel and park attendance. You’ll still have to pay much more than it cost in 1972, but at least you’ll be able to chip away at the grossly-inflated prices.