Children's Birthday Parties are a Rip-Off!

I haven't written in the longest time, but I've been angry about this since Isabel's birthday almost a month ago.
She insisted that she wanted to celebrate her birthday in "The Little Gym" and well, it seemed like a good idea because the house looks like a war zone and I don't think people would have enjoyed washing their hands in the kitchen since it is the only place where we currently have a sink. (That is a whole other topic).
It was a very nice party. Everyone had lots of fun, Isabel was thrilled and the photo ops were priceless. So, why am I complaining? When everything was said and done, we spent almost $500 on a party that lasted ONE HOUR AND 30 MINUTES!!! It is not that I am cheap and I don't want to spend in making my daughter's 5th birthday memorable. I just truly don't think it is a good price/value ratio. After the food and cake, the kids were playing, the adults were chatting and I was finally relaxed and having fun, when the "hostess" pretty much kicked us out. The nerve!!!
For the same money, we could have gone to Disneyland for a long weekend and really create some great memories. We could have thrown a even bigger party at home, invite more people and have it go way into the night.
Patrick and I have decided that from now on, we will make sure the kids know their birthday is very special, but we won't fall for the rush-rush commercial type cute little birthday party.
DISCLAIMER: I reserve the right to change my mind and let the status quo prevail if desperation takes over me (or if my children ask very nicely) ;).