I emailed Disney....DO YOU AGREE WITH MY COMMENT

[fav's=mets&mickey]

Below is the email that I sent DISNEY read away and let me know if you agree

HOW MANY SHARE MY STATEMENT THAT I MADE TO DISNEY.....below is the email that I sent to GUESTSERVICES.

FIRST AND FOREMOST, I will like to apologize to the person that will read this that had nothing to do with this outrageous increase.....

NOW.....WHAT THE HE** ARE YOU THINKING. $10 to $15. $8 to $13. $16 to $27 and $18 to $31. This is insane. Nothing can justify the increase. I mean it will cost the same to rent a car as it would to rent a Double stroller from WDW. This is absolutely nuts. THis really has to go back to the board who decided this and rethink it logically. You want to increase it $4 or $5 dollars on a double and maybe $2 on a single that would be a little easier to swallow.....ALL this I hear about Disney doing well during the bad state that the economy is in and that your number in attendance have actually risen compared to that of 06 and Disney turns around and DECREASES the value of the DISNEY DINING PLAN. RAISES ROOM RATES ON WEEKENDS to get another $10 to $15 per WEEKEND NIGHT on Value and Moderate Resorts. Raise ticket prices in August of 07 and now turn around and nail the families who rent strollers with a 60% to 70% increase on stroller rentals.

Can't you people see this is going to eliminate the family who is already on a budget from renting strollers.

This is what will happen.....more families will be bringing strollers into the parks. Then when the mad rush comes at the end of the night to leave the parks like Magic Kingdom........they will be less space on the Monorail, Boat, and Buses because more seats and space will be taken up by Strollers...........You guys are crazy for increases such a high amount. I know that the rate has stayed the same for 3 or 4 years but thats your fault not ours.......and TO HE** WITH YOUR $40 Umbrella Stroller......Don't think that you guys are going to make a killing on that either........you guys are totally going against what is supposed to be a World that Walt Disney vcreated for families to enjoy.......The nightmare scenerio that you guys are going and probably have already created is STUPID. No one really thought this one out totally. It seems as if you will continue to nickel and Dime us as much as you can until we stop going.......thats not the way to go about things..........that is not good business.....you promote on TV how a family of 4 can go to DISNEY for $1600.00 but then once you add on the STROLLER RENTAL it becomes more like $1750........Its Crazy and you guys should be ashamed of yourself............I am very disappointed in this decision and someone has to do something about it. IMMEDIATELY!!!!!

Different Internet boards have everyone up in arms and you as a business need to listen to the people who help drive you business........You may think the increase gives you a better revenue stream but with the decline in stroller rental you will actually see a decrease.....MARK MY WORDS you will not win out on THIS ONE!>>>>>>>>>>GOOD BYE

[checkwriter]

I think you should have just come right out and told them what you thought about the price increase.

None of this synonym-for-cat-that-the-board-thinks-is-a-bad-word-footing around . . . .

KIDDING! I'm just KIDDING!

:thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

[fav's=mets&mickey]

I think you should have just come right out and told them what you thought about the price increase.

None of this synonym-for-cat-that-the-board-thinks-is-a-bad-word-footing around . . . .

KIDDING! I'm just KIDDING!

:thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

HAHAHAHA:rotfl2:

[tinkbutt]

Good job just the right amount of pissed off intelligence to kick them right in the butt!!!!!:cool1: :thumbsup2

[todd222222]

While I'm very annoyed with the price increase I personally think it's they way to try and reduce the total number of strollers in the park.

I could be wrong, but mark my words, I think there will be a general reduction in the number of strollers you see in the stroller parking areas and thus a smaller number in the parks.....maybe I'm wrong.

I don't know....if this does in fact reduce the number of strollers....maybe it's worth it. :)

[tinkbutt]

if anything this will just encourage people to bring there own. So there will be less of Disney's strollers in the park but more personal strollers

In my opinion ??

[nurse.darcy]

While I'm very annoyed with the price increase I personally think it's they way to try and reduce the total number of strollers in the park.

I could be wrong, but mark my words, I think there will be a general reduction in the number of strollers you see in the stroller parking areas and thus a smaller number in the parks.....maybe I'm wrong.

I don't know....if this does in fact reduce the number of strollers....maybe it's worth it. :)

I actually think you are wrong on this. Families will just figure that it costs too much to rent from Disney and decide to bring their own strollers. . .besides its easier to park hop with your own stroller. So, we will probably see a decrease in Disney owned strollers, but personal strollers will increase. . .especially the umbrella style that one can purchase at WalMart for 10 bucks. That type is a leave behind. No one would think twice about leaving it because it is so cheap. . .

[patsal]

I think it may be to discourage otherwise healthy people from deciding that they want to use a stroller for a 10yo or a scooter just because they don't want to walk anymore. Neither of these groups of people would have one of their own to use in the parks and most 10 yo who dont want to walk around the park would not want to ride in a stroller to and from the resort.

I personally; however, agree that the price increase is totally insane!

[todd222222]

I actually think you are wrong on this. Families will just figure that it costs too much to rent from Disney and decide to bring their own strollers. . .besides its easier to park hop with your own stroller. So, we will probably see a decrease in Disney owned strollers, but personal strollers will increase. . .especially the umbrella style that one can purchase at WalMart for 10 bucks. That type is a leave behind. No one would think twice about leaving it because it is so cheap. . .

I agree, many people will use "throw away" strollers (we might even on our next trip) but I still think there will be a net loss for this reason...

I think it may be to discourage otherwise healthy people from deciding that they want to use a stroller for a 10yo or a scooter just because they don't want to walk anymore. Neither of these groups of people would have one of their own to use in the parks and most 10 yo who dont want to walk around the park would not want to ride in a stroller to and from the resort.

I personally; however, agree that the price increase is totally insane!

Personally it will be very interesting to see what happens...I only wish I knew what Disney's intentions were, I don't believe they would ever admit this.

On our next trip in Jan 09 I'll be on the look out for the number of strollers and will be comparing pictures from our Jan 08 trip.

maybe someone should ask the Freakonomics (http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/) folks this, this is right up their alley.

ETA: i sent an email to Dr. Steven Levitt (of Freakonomics fame) for his insight...but I doubt I'll hear anything, I'm sure he gets all kinds of crazy stuff.

[fakereadhed]

I think it may be to discourage otherwise healthy people from deciding that they want to use a stroller for a 10yo or a scooter just because they don't want to walk anymore.

Why would Disney care? They are trying to rent strollers. :confused3

Why do you care? :confused3

OP: I love the car rental analogy. :thumbsup2

[todd222222]

Why would Disney care? They are trying to rent strollers. :confused3

Why do you care? :confused3

I don't think Disney cares who uses them, but rather that there are so many. I've only gone during the "off season" and sometimes it takes me 5 minutes to find our stroller after getting off It's a small world. There are so many of them and the CMs have to keep moving them around.

if there were fewer total strollers this would be easier.....

But frankly this is their own doing. They have Great strollers and they decided how many to have available to rent.....

i could be completely wrong on this, maybe Disney is just wanting to make a cash cow...maybe they will

[todd222222]

Can't you people see this is going to eliminate the family who is already on a budget from renting strollers.

I don't agree with this either. maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think families on a budget who would spend $16 for a stroller wouldn't be able to rent one for $27....while it's a huge increase, my guess is they could if they choose too.

For those who couldn't afford it, my guess is that they were already bringing their own and couldn't figure out how anyone could afford $16......

[Chellymouse]

DH and I don't have children, but how in the world does Disney expect people to pay that much on top of what it already costs? We are planning a family trip next year and my DSIL was just going to rent a stroller for hers (who will be 4 and 6) simply so she didn't have to mess with a stroller in the airport, but I think she's better off to bring her own. I can empathize with the kids that are 4-7, those parks are huge and their little legs get tired quickly. I know how much walking we do. Walt is probably turning over right now! I don't think his vision was to see how much people could be gouged.

[SamIAm21]

While I'm very annoyed with the price increase I personally think it's they way to try and reduce the total number of strollers in the park.

I could be wrong, but mark my words, I think there will be a general reduction in the number of strollers you see in the stroller parking areas and thus a smaller number in the parks.....maybe I'm wrong.

I don't know....if this does in fact reduce the number of strollers....maybe it's worth it. :)

It's only going to increase the number of personal strollers rather than decrease strollers in general. Personal strollers are usually a little more streamlined and not as bulky, but it will in no way impact the actual number. It may however, actually, cause a big headache in the way of personal stroller thefts too. There will be plenty to choose from.

[*Robin*]

Why would Disney care? They are trying to rent strollers. :confused3


This is kind of my thought on it too. They aren't in the business of renting strollers. They probably are more of an annoyance and were offered as a convenience for park goers. At some point it became more of a hindrance than a benefit in Disney's eyes, so they're passing that on to us.

That said, I always got kind of creeped out by those things anyway. But I'm kind of a germaphobe. :scared:

I feel for you all with kids that really use them. Happily my son is out of all that.

[Stacy's a freak]

I know that I will be flamed for saying this, but the stroller thing in WDW has gotten out of hand. When I was a kid and first went to WDW, I was 4 and I had to WALK the entire day. Yes, I had to walk and, NO, it wasn't up hill both ways.

IMO (notice that I left out the "H" for humble), parents need to get a grip and have their kids walk around. I honestly think that 1/2 of the strollers in WDW are for crazy parents who feel like they need to bring the kitchen sink to the parks in their backpacks but decide that the backpack is too heavy. So perhaps WDW is trying to cut back on that?

I brought some newbies in 2006 with a 4 year old boy. They rented strollers each day and the boy didn't even want to ride in it. He wanted to push it! So I can attest to the fact that parents tend to get the strollers just in case the kids want to nap. However, maybe if the child is too tired to walk and starts flailing around, you should take that as a hint that you should go back to your resort and have a nap.

*dons flame-retardant suit*

[aldango]

I agree with the folks who are saying that this is an effort to reduce stroller rentals as they are a burden in the parks. Certainly. It's exactly like a toll road.

Those of you who are saying that people will just bring their own (rendering the price increase useless) are also correct, but I think to a lesser extent. I think the number of people who choose to bring their own strollers will not equal the number of people who choose not to rent from Disney; this results in a smaller total number of strollers in the park (the income & substitution (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumer_theory) effects at play). That's my guess.

People who casually need them will not rent them when they show up and will probably just forget about it and forge on without. Those of us who need strollers for our children will bring our own.

[GBShorts]

While I completely agree with your complaint and agree that the price increase is completely ridiculous, I would have gone about this letter a different way.

I'm of a mind that you catch more flies with honey. I know that if I got a complaint letter filled with yelling (caps), minor insults, and mild curse words, I would probably pass it off. If, however, I received an email with calm arguments for why a person disagrees with a change, I'd take the time to read it and do something about it.

Don't take this wrong. I agree the price increases are crazy.


I also agree with the person above who said something about too many people getting strollers to lug their c'rap, too though. It makes it very hard for those without strollers to "get through" sometimes when they're stuck in a herd of wheels.

[disneyholic family]

I actually think you are wrong on this. Families will just figure that it costs too much to rent from Disney and decide to bring their own strollers. . .besides its easier to park hop with your own stroller. So, we will probably see a decrease in Disney owned strollers, but personal strollers will increase. . .especially the umbrella style that one can purchase at WalMart for 10 bucks. That type is a leave behind. No one would think twice about leaving it because it is so cheap. . .

we always used umbrella strollers when the kids were very little (the double kind, so they both could sit)..
we only started renting the disney strollers when they were bigger (and didn't normally use a stroller).

[Tissa]

In my own personal opinion this has nothing to do with them wanting to rent less strollers. They know it doesn't matter how much they jack up the price because people will still pay. Sure there is an outrage right now but it will die down and they will still be renting plenty of strollers. Look at how much they can get for CRT.

[otisandmaggie]

It's only going to increase the number of personal strollers rather than decrease strollers in general.

I'm not so sure - I think that most people will get there without having a clue what stroller rental costs (think about what a tiny percentage of DW attendees read boards or even guide books for that matter) Some will decide it's too much and won't rent, but I imagine most will just chalk it up to a cost of being in the park.

I think an awful lot of people with strollers don't really need them. When we took our then five and seven year olds we took umbrella strollers in the car but didn't let them know we had them. We decided to go to a park and see how they did. I logged between 10 and 14 miles a day for 7 days on my pedometer (which they walked right along with me) and never heard a complaint from them. Sure, they were tired, but stroller wasn't an option so they hung in their and walked. The strollers never left the car and we had two less things to struggle with (or look for after rides) Healthy kids of that age, with some preparation ahead of time, can do far more than we give them credit for!

[amyhughes]

I tend to err on the side of the average Disney going parent balking at that price. Now granted, if you are a newbie and have never been to Disney you may get a little miffed (Darn Disney milking me fore very penny grumble grumble)but you will swallow the cost and move on. Where they are running into problems is their loyal customer base.

What I cannot fathom is biting the hand that feeds you with such frequency and ferocity. Ticket increases, DDP changes, now this.

Also I am sure the outcome will be: higher ticket prices as the transportation costs will increase due to the number of bus runs increasing due to the average number of carry on strollers increasing. So eventually we all will end up paying for it.

**And yes my 4 year old and 3 year old use a stroller still for times when we will do lots of walking. We find it creates less meltdowns, keeps them closer and in a secure location so there is no wandering off to be afraid of, and also they have a much more enjoyable time than hoofing it. We don't bring everything but the kitchen sink, I wear a backpack that has a change of clothes for them in a gallon ziploc (still have the occasional accident); bubbles (to pass the time when we are waiting for parades etc.), and snack bags. For my DH and I, bottle water, camera, and id/tickets/money. It weighs no more than the traditional diaper bag, and this is all we bring into the parks. The only time we have used our stroller for a pack mule is that last day in the parks for our shopping bags.

[maiziezoe]

Last year we ran to Target before we got to Disney and bought a stroller for DD. When we were done with it, we gave it to a family standing by the stroller rental place. We didn't want to drag it home with us and it was cheaper than renting one. The family said they would pay it forward. :)

Nice letter. I hope it gets their attention.

[disneycruise05]

I know that I will be flamed for saying this, but the stroller thing in WDW has gotten out of hand. When I was a kid and first went to WDW, I was 4 and I had to WALK the entire day. Yes, I had to walk and, NO, it wasn't up hill both ways.

IMO (notice that I left out the "H" for humble), parents need to get a grip and have their kids walk around. I honestly think that 1/2 of the strollers in WDW are for crazy parents who feel like they need to bring the kitchen sink to the parks in their backpacks but decide that the backpack is too heavy. So perhaps WDW is trying to cut back on that?

I brought some newbies in 2006 with a 4 year old boy. They rented strollers each day and the boy didn't even want to ride in it. He wanted to push it! So I can attest to the fact that parents tend to get the strollers just in case the kids want to nap. However, maybe if the child is too tired to walk and starts flailing around, you should take that as a hint that you should go back to your resort and have a nap.

*dons flame-retardant suit*

I have to agree with you, Stacy. While I don't have kids (Heaven forbid that happens in the next decade), I totally agree with you last paragraph.

While I completely agree with your complaint and agree that the price increase is completely ridiculous, I would have gone about this letter a different way.

I'm of a mind that you catch more flies with honey. I know that if I got a complaint letter filled with yelling (caps), minor insults, and mild curse words, I would probably pass it off. If, however, I received an email with calm arguments for why a person disagrees with a change, I'd take the time to read it and do something about it.

Agree here too. To the OP, was that the exact message you sent Disney? I know you're ticked off at Disney that they raised the prices, but that letter seemed very, VERY harsh. I would want to help people with the problem, but if I was treated like that, I would simply ignore it. As GBShorts said, writing a clear letter that states your thoughts in a calm manner will get you much farther in your quest.

[robertgp124]

Agree here too. To the OP, was that the exact message you sent Disney? I know you're ticked off at Disney that they raised the prices, but that letter seemed very, VERY harsh. I would want to help people with the problem, but if I was treated like that, I would simply ignore it. As GBShorts said, writing a clear letter that states your thoughts in a calm manner will get you much farther in your quest.

I'm a consumerist fan. They have a very good guide to writing letters of complaint here. (http://consumerist.com/consumer/howto/howto-draft-a-good-complaint-letter-205899.php)

Another favorite tactic of the Consumerist website is to launch an Executive E-mail carpet bomb. That might be an interesting tactic here.

[amyhughes]

You think a petition will do any good?:)

[checkwriter]

This whole thing is not about strollers. It's about hubris. To impose such a substantial price increase on a relatively low-cost item that directly affects Disney's smallest guests is nothing less than an insult. It is Disney holding up its four-fingered, white-gloved hand and extending the equivalent of a middle finger at its guests because it believes that those guests will just keep coming back for more. "Thank you sir, may I have another?"

That is why people are so upset. We've been insulted, even if our kids are well past stroller age.

[Diamondintheruff]

My kids are past the normal stroller age. Last August I got a double for them (aged 4 and 6 at the time). I swear that stroller saved us many a melt-down in the sweltering heat (and we were never in the park during the afternoon). I would like to rent my now 5 year old child a stroller this year but with the price increase I've looked into buying one. The problem is that he is a bit too big for your ordinary umbrella stroller. I hate to buy him a nicer one because I plan to ditch it. So I'm left in a quandry. I may have to make him walk and factor in numerous melt-downs as well as a reduced rate of speed which will affect our touring plan.

I found a place that sells used disney strollers on ebay. They fold up and are made of material not the hard plastic. I think I might just buy one and have it shipped directly to my hotel room.

[WaltD4Me]

This whole thing is not about strollers. It's about hubris. To impose such a substantial price increase on a relatively low-cost item that directly affects Disney's smallest guests is nothing less than an insult. It is Disney holding up its four-fingered, white-gloved hand and extending the equivalent of a middle finger at its guests because it believes that those guests will just keep coming back for more. "Thank you sir, may I have another?"

That is why people are so upset. We've been insulted, even if our kids are well past stroller age.

Where is the standing ovation smilie?!

EXCELLENT POST, Very well said and exactly right! :thumbsup2

[WaltD4Me]

I brought some newbies in 2006 with a 4 year old boy. They rented strollers each day and the boy didn't even want to ride in it. He wanted to push it! So I can attest to the fact that parents tend to get the strollers just in case the kids want to nap. However, maybe if the child is too tired to walk and starts flailing around, you should take that as a hint that you should go back to your resort and have a nap.

No flames from me, but honestly, you can't gauge the situation based your one experience with one child. Basically the only fact you can attest to, is that one set of parents rented a stroller "just in case." All children are different. You could have just as easily been with a child who really needed that stroller to make it through a long day that involves lots of walking in Florida heat.

[Diamondintheruff]

What about the child safety factor? I feel much better knowing my child is in the stroller and safely in my view than in the huge crowds after parades or fireworks. A stroller drastically reduces the chances of my child getting lost in the crowd.

In the August heat I thought of renting a wheel chair for me. What a minute.... maybe a wheelchair is cheaper? Could I rent one of those for my child instead?

[fav's=mets&mickey]

While I completely agree with your complaint and agree that the price increase is completely ridiculous, I would have gone about this letter a different way.

I'm of a mind that you catch more flies with honey. I know that if I got a complaint letter filled with yelling (caps), minor insults, and mild curse words, I would probably pass it off. If, however, I received an email with calm arguments for why a person disagrees with a change, I'd take the time to read it and do something about it.

Don't take this wrong. I agree the price increases are crazy.


I also agree with the person above who said something about too many people getting strollers to lug their c'rap, too though. It makes it very hard for those without strollers to "get through" sometimes when they're stuck in a herd of wheels.


I agree.....I as a little ventful.

[amyhughes]

I am not trying to light an already tender flame, but until you see a child go face down over a Mickey Bar, or that the ride they want to go on is on the other side of the parks and you are asking them to walk it, there is no way you can appreciate a FULL meltdown. Parents on vacation will go to any lengths to avoid them. For a variety of reasons, a few of which:

We deal with them all the time at home, and yes we are experiencing a form of Vacation delusion in that we have seen one too many Disney commercials. But truth be told we will do anything to avoid them while on vacation, b/c 90% of the time the last thing we want to do is deal with this in front of 15,000 strangers.

We have spent the equivalent to half a years mortgage payments on this vacation and guess what, we would like everyone to have a good time. A fit in the under 6 set can occur in the AM when the child is fully rested, through the 3 o'clock parade, to Wishes. ANYTIME. These are kids, and yes no matter how well behaved or raised they will meltdown on a dime. Even when you do take the aforementioned break, trying to get a tired child back to sleep after jostling them through mass transit, is a miracle that almost never happens.

A stroller is really not an option to parents when you have several :rolleyes1 (Yes, I know what makes that happen) under the age of 6 who will both go opposite ways in an instant. Sure, you can try and instill in them safety, stranger danger, etc. But this is DISNEY, to them it is one giant playground. Though as parents we can see every opportunity for our child to disappear.

[fav's=mets&mickey]

I have to agree with you, Stacy. While I don't have kids (Heaven forbid that happens in the next decade), I totally agree with you last paragraph.



Agree here too. To the OP, was that the exact message you sent Disney? I know you're ticked off at Disney that they raised the prices, but that letter seemed very, VERY harsh. I would want to help people with the problem, but if I was treated like that, I would simply ignore it. As GBShorts said, writing a clear letter that states your thoughts in a calm manner will get you much farther in your quest.

i will send an apology letter in the morning. still stating my anger but in a more civilized way.....................NOT....i apologized. ahead of time at the beginning and they deserve more in my opinion...they keep taking advantage.....when will it stop!

[miss missy]

maybe Disney is going to open a stroller rental place near by, but not use the Disney name... that way they make even more money when everyone turns to them :confused3

I would be VERY upset if I needed a stroller, that increase is pretty high :scared1:

[JustSayin]

I honestly think this is as much about reducing the Disney stroller fleet as it is about milking a few more dollars from parents. I can see strollers being a real pain to Disney in maintenance, liability and in crowd control during the day.

I strongly suggest that if you feel that Disney has overpriced stroller rental (I would agree with that), you should not use them. You can almost certainly buy a stroller for less than the cost of a week’s rental. The only problem is that I think that might be exactly what Disney wants in this situation.

On the flip side, which of Disney’s price increases/benefit reductions has had any of the negative impact that some here have predicted at various times? They continue to have great attendance levels despite the fact that it costs more and more each year. No matter how ridiculous the new stroller pricing is, it is certainly possible that the cost might get lost in the sea of overpriced items at Disney. You aren’t going to find too many things at Disney that AREN’T ridiculously priced by most reasonable standards. I can see a lot of people shrugging and paying for it because they EXPECT to spend atrocious amounts of money at Disney.

I guess my general rule of thumb is: If you don’t think it’s worth it, don’t buy it. It’s the only chance you have of actually getting any of these things to change. I think that the new DDP is a big ripoff. I, therefore, chose not to purchase it for my upcoming vacation. Strollers were a bit of a ripoff before, and it is substantially worse now. That is why I bought a stroller to use at the World. I do save money by buying an AP, but if that ever changes I won’t do that any more either. Complaining isn’t going to do much good if Disney sees that there are still just as many people (or more) buying the product. Those numbers mean far more to them than any email.

[SamIAm21]

This whole thing is not about strollers. It's about hubris. To impose such a substantial price increase on a relatively low-cost item that directly affects Disney's smallest guests is nothing less than an insult. It is Disney holding up its four-fingered, white-gloved hand and extending the equivalent of a middle finger at its guests because it believes that those guests will just keep coming back for more. "Thank you sir, may I have another?"

That is why people are so upset. We've been insulted, even if our kids are well past stroller age.


ding ding ding... we have a winner!! I couldn't agree more!

[rowan]

[QUOTE=Diamondintheruff;24320649]What about the child safety factor? I feel much better knowing my child is in the stroller and safely in my view than in the huge crowds after parades or fireworks. A stroller drastically reduces the chances of my child getting lost in the crowd.
QUOTE]

This is exactly how I feel. Sure my oldest, which will have just turned 5 on our next trip, will be able to walk. And no we wont need the stroller all day but I do need to have one sometimes. Have you ever tried to shop in some of the World Showcase stores with a 2 and 4 yr old running around. I feel like I have good parenting skills and my children are well behaved but I know I am excited for the whole 10 days and how am I going to expect toddlers to be calm and stand still while I look around. If I can put them in the stroller and tell them to sit still they are much less distracted. Also, a 4-5 yr old does not want to hold your hand for 10 days straight, but in crowds they can easily get seperated as you rush for Soarin with "the running of the bulls" at rope drop. It is undeniably safer to have them in a stoller at these times. ANd in the rain?!? if I spend 10-15% of our yearly income on our family vacation I want dont want to have to leave before fireworks because my chid cant stay awake any longer (and I can not carry my 5 yr old for more then a few min).
We took a sit and stand last year, but we all got the flu and on our last day the kids wanted to rest but DH and I had never been to the Food and Wine Festival (it opened on our last couple days). We rented a double stroller because it was more comfortable then our sit and stand for my oldest (the sit and stand doesnt have a back to the second seat) They loved it and it was soooooo much easier to push. So we decided we would rent on this next trip and save the hassel on the buses.
If they think they are going to save congestion I think they have it wrong because now we will probably rent 2 singles. That is cheaper then a double, seems like that will lead to even more congestion.

[WaltD4Me]

I've read several posts that say "If you don't like, don't rent a stroller. Hit them in the pocketbook." and I agree with that, but I also think you should email too. I think Disney really needs to see how many people are upset. I think they need to know that it isn't only people with small children who are upset. Maybe they won't care, but I still think an email can't hurt. I don't need a stroller in the parks anymore, so I can't "protest" by not renting one. I am still upset by this though and I want Disney to know it.

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Well I just sent an email too. I am a little slow but realized that our 2 ECV rentals from Disney will run us $780 for the week. Off site will be about $480 which is a huge difference. I guess they prefer us really clogging up the bus system with loading 2 ECV's on buses and now our gg cant ride together because I dont think the buses can hold 2 ECV's. This is really just making me a little nutso. Taking the grandparents is hard enough without having to deal with all this too.

[WaltD4Me]

Well I just sent an email too. I am a little slow but realized that our 2 ECV rentals from Disney will run us $780 for the week. Off site will be about $480 which is a huge difference. I guess they prefer us really clogging up the bus system with loading 2 ECV's on buses and now our gg cant ride together because I dont think the buses can hold 2 ECV's. This is really just making me a little nutso. Taking the grandparents is hard enough without having to deal with all this too.

Wow! $780 for the week??? Holy smokes that's unbelievable.

It's amazing to me that Disney has created this HUGE entertainment complex in a place that gets pretty stinking HOT and now they don't seem to understand that some people and children are going to need a little help getting around. :rolleyes:

In 2004 my mom got an ECV each day. For the 6 days it was like $200. It was definitely worth it because my mom has bad knees and basically just could not do the amount of walking required at Disney. No matter how slow the pace or how many breaks we took. She was able to go back and forth to the busses though. So now if my mom goes back, we will have to go with renting an ECV offsite, even though that isnt' really necessary, she will have the ECV the whole trip, including on the busses. I really hope Disney is prepared for this.

[Stacy's a freak]

Well I just sent an email too. I am a little slow but realized that our 2 ECV rentals from Disney will run us $780 for the week. Off site will be about $480 which is a huge difference. I guess they prefer us really clogging up the bus system with loading 2 ECV's on buses and now our gg cant ride together because I dont think the buses can hold 2 ECV's. This is really just making me a little nutso. Taking the grandparents is hard enough without having to deal with all this too.

I seem to recall that there are at least 2 ECV spots in the busses. However, if one spot is already full, then you may need to travel separately.

[eeyorethegreat]

i will send an apology letter in the morning. still stating my anger but in a more civilized way.....................NOT....i apologized. ahead of time at the beginning and they deserve more in my opinion...they keep taking advantage.....when will it stop!

Thing is you asked for opinions about what we thought. Personally I think the huge increase in stroller rentals is outrageous. Luckily we no longer need to rent strollers. As far as the email you sent is concerned, I had a hard time taking it seriously. I suspect that who ever was on the receiving end didn't take it seriously either. My theory is a well worded, well thought out letter will get more response than one that clearly is written off the cuff. Honestly you came off sounding a bit unhinged. I am all for people writing Disney about this- anyone upset by this increase should in fact- but at least take the time to write a quality letter.

[ittybittybabynurse]

This whole thing is not about strollers. It's about hubris. To impose such a substantial price increase on a relatively low-cost item that directly affects Disney's smallest guests is nothing less than an insult. It is Disney holding up its four-fingered, white-gloved hand and extending the equivalent of a middle finger at its guests because it believes that those guests will just keep coming back for more. "Thank you sir, may I have another?"

That is why people are so upset. We've been insulted, even if our kids are well past stroller age.


This is on the money, literally. While I know that adults love Disney too, which clientel is Disney mainly geared for - KIDS!
We have a 5 yr old son who will walk. Before the increase, I considered renting a stroller for Epcot beause of all of the walking, plus the Disney strollers are more heavy duty (no way could he fit into an umbrella stroller)and easy to get in and out of. I thought of a stroller as being a time saver. He could sit and rest in the stroller while we kept going, but now we're going to have to make rest stops. Just beause he is 5 doesn't mean he won't get as tired as a 3 year-old in the parks all day. I REFUSE to pay that ridulous fee now.

[EltonJohn]

I know that I will be flamed for saying this, but the stroller thing in WDW has gotten out of hand. When I was a kid and first went to WDW, I was 4 and I had to WALK the entire day. Yes, I had to walk and, NO, it wasn't up hill both ways.

IMO (notice that I left out the "H" for humble), parents need to get a grip and have their kids walk around. I honestly think that 1/2 of the strollers in WDW are for crazy parents who feel like they need to bring the kitchen sink to the parks in their backpacks but decide that the backpack is too heavy. So perhaps WDW is trying to cut back on that?

I brought some newbies in 2006 with a 4 year old boy. They rented strollers each day and the boy didn't even want to ride in it. He wanted to push it! So I can attest to the fact that parents tend to get the strollers just in case the kids want to nap. However, maybe if the child is too tired to walk and starts flailing around, you should take that as a hint that you should go back to your resort and have a nap.

*dons flame-retardant suit*

ITA

[lorax123]

I cerrtainly don't agree with the huge price increase for stroller rentals but I really don't get the animosity against strollers.

When you have young pre-school kids, they are a neccessity. It would be great if it were only a twenty minute walk back to your hotel or car to get that extra change of clothes (for those accidents, swim suits for water areas), snacks, juice, extra diapers, wipes, toys to pass the time during dinners... but it's not easy to leave the park, get what you need and get back in.

Personally, I'm not a fan of the big, plastic, tank-like park strollers. I like our little Maclaren. Pushes great, don't have to be hunched over to hold on to it, folds in 3 seconds, holds enough for a day at the park and can be folded up and slung over your shoulder for those tight shops or escalators. Might be pricey, but well worth it for our Florida trips.

[timandlesley]

I loved the podcast today.
My DH and I like many others are outraged by these prices. Not only did they gouge us for coming in the summer by increasing all meal costs and hotel costs but the WIFI isn't free like it is in every other hotel and now the strollers. I checked Universal , they only get seven dollars for strollers, Universal gets more and more tempting every year. Has ANYONE heard back from Disney on this issue. We haven't and it is getting frustrating.
Lesley

[JB2K]

Personally, I think emotionally-heated e-mails like that of the OP usually end up in the "Recycle Bin".

That said, the theme parks side of the WDC is what I have always considered to be a well-oiled machine. This stroller business is no exception.

I am guessing (as those strollers seem to be a special model specifically-made for Disney) that maintenance costs (replacement of rubber wheels, etc.) must be on the rise -- and though I will probably get flamed left and right for saying this...

...the more 10-12 year olds we have riding-around in these strollers, the more the strollers are going to require maintenance on a more frequent basis.

Plus, the WDC is not a foolish lot -- they already crunched the numbers and know they will make the money. If anything, they are counting on it coming from those who are traveling from abroad to take advantage of our weakened U.S. dollar.

[EltonJohn]

FYI: Your ranting complaint to Walt Disney World will fall on deaf ears. The person who reads that letter will automatically trash it because how you come across. This letter will not be taken seriously.

i will send an apology letter in the morning. still stating my anger but in a more civilized way.....................NOT....i apologized. ahead of time at the beginning and they deserve more in my opinion...they keep taking advantage.....when will it stop!

:confused3 That's like me saying "I'm sorry that I'm going to ram you with my Disney rented big plastic double-stroller" and then do it anyway. That's not an apology. I can see the CMs laughing in the break room now LOL-at your expense :laughing:

[drakethib]

Below is the email that I sent DISNEY read away and let me know if you agree

HOW MANY SHARE MY STATEMENT THAT I MADE TO DISNEY.....below is the email that I sent to GUESTSERVICES.

FIRST AND FOREMOST, I will like to apologize to the person that will read this that had nothing to do with this outrageous increase.....

NOW.....WHAT THE HE** ARE YOU THINKING. $10 to $15. $8 to $13. $16 to $27 and $18 to $31. This is insane. Nothing can justify the increase. I mean it will cost the same to rent a car as it would to rent a Double stroller from WDW. This is absolutely nuts. THis really has to go back to the board who decided this and rethink it logically. You want to increase it $4 or $5 dollars on a double and maybe $2 on a single that would be a little easier to swallow.....ALL this I hear about Disney doing well during the bad state that the economy is in and that your number in attendance have actually risen compared to that of 06 and Disney turns around and DECREASES the value of the DISNEY DINING PLAN. RAISES ROOM RATES ON WEEKENDS to get another $10 to $15 per WEEKEND NIGHT on Value and Moderate Resorts. Raise ticket prices in August of 07 and now turn around and nail the families who rent strollers with a 60% to 70% increase on stroller rentals.

Can't you people see this is going to eliminate the family who is already on a budget from renting strollers.

This is what will happen.....more families will be bringing strollers into the parks. Then when the mad rush comes at the end of the night to leave the parks like Magic Kingdom........they will be less space on the Monorail, Boat, and Buses because more seats and space will be taken up by Strollers...........You guys are crazy for increases such a high amount. I know that the rate has stayed the same for 3 or 4 years but thats your fault not ours.......and TO HE** WITH YOUR $40 Umbrella Stroller......Don't think that you guys are going to make a killing on that either........you guys are totally going against what is supposed to be a World that Walt Disney vcreated for families to enjoy.......The nightmare scenerio that you guys are going and probably have already created is STUPID. No one really thought this one out totally. It seems as if you will continue to nickel and Dime us as much as you can until we stop going.......thats not the way to go about things..........that is not good business.....you promote on TV how a family of 4 can go to DISNEY for $1600.00 but then once you add on the STROLLER RENTAL it becomes more like $1750........Its Crazy and you guys should be ashamed of yourself............I am very disappointed in this decision and someone has to do something about it. IMMEDIATELY!!!!!

Different Internet boards have everyone up in arms and you as a business need to listen to the people who help drive you business........You may think the increase gives you a better revenue stream but with the decline in stroller rental you will actually see a decrease.....MARK MY WORDS you will not win out on THIS ONE!>>>>>>>>>>GOOD BYE

You rock :worship:

[disneycruise05]

i will send an apology letter in the morning. still stating my anger but in a more civilized way.....................NOT....i apologized. ahead of time at the beginning and they deserve more in my opinion...they keep taking advantage.....when will it stop!

I'm sorry you don't agree with my opinion. However, you did ask for it per your title. Being a PR major and working for a company that is prided for having excellent customer service, I like to think I would know how to handle this sort of letter. If I were to get a letter that was written in the heat of moment and contained grammatical errors (sorry, I'm a stickler for that sort of thing...blame my mother), I would delete it straight away.

I'm not saying that I agree with this ridiculous price increase for strollers and ECVs. It's disgusting how much Disney is charging now. As Pete said, the increase for strollers are as much as 72% for doubles. If the same sort of increase was applied to a 1-day MYW ticket, the cost would go from $75.62 to $96.79.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you were to write a second letter, still letting them know your thoughts but in clear style that doesn't insult the reader right off the bat, you will be leagues ahead of where you are now. Whenever I'm helping a customer who is polite, I go out of my way to make sure that whatever problem they have gets solved. I'm sure Disney is the same way. I'm not saying you should write a letter apologizing for you previous letter, just start over again.