Castle Dream Suite For A Fee

[WEDWDW]

I NEVER thought Disney would consider "renting out" the Castle Dream Suite,but it appears they are,at least,"entertaining" the thought.

I understand there is a survey for DVC Members asking what future Perks they would be interested in "IF" Disney were to ever offer them.

One of the choices is a night in the Castle Dream Suite for a fee!

Very interesting.:)

[MomofKatie]

I'm sure lots of people would pay BIG bucks for a chance to stay there. They aren't really using it now, are they? I haven't heard of them giving it as a special prize or anything... it would be a shame to let it just sit empty.

[mickaholic4077]

Nope,I would be opposed to people renting it. It should stay as a prize or a Make-A-Wish perk.

[wehavesix]

I NEVER thought Disney would consider "renting out" the Castle Dream Suite,but it appears they are,at least,"entertaining" the thought.

I understand there is a survey for DVC Members asking what future Perks they would be interested in "IF" Disney were to ever offer them.

One of the choices is a night in the Castle Dream Suite for a fee!

Very interesting.:)

Yep. I took that survey so I do think it's being considered. It's something I might be interested in doing for a very special treat at some point. Of course winning the priviledge as a prize would be even better than paying a fee. Talk about feeling like a VIP!

[PearlySwan]

I don't think this is a good idea. I believe offering it as a prize, as they did during the Year of a Million Dreams is the way to go. That way everyone who enters MK will have an equal chance at spending the night there.

[nytimez]

I don't think I would ever be able to afford it, but it would be pretty awesome as far as perks go.

[ntikos]

You can rent it out for a fee AND offer it as a prize.

[Bell30012]

I think the fee for this one will be a bit high...
http://dsmedia.ign.com/ds/image/article/764/764195/blog-2007-20070515005319245.jpg

[Yngpreacherman]

I think the fee for this one will be a bit high...
http://dsmedia.ign.com/ds/image/article/764/764195/blog-2007-20070515005319245.jpg


hahaha! I love this one! Maybe if all of us on DIS would put our money together we MIGHT could rent it out for one hour?:woohoo:

[Disney DieHard]

Just to make sure that I'm remembering and hearing correctly ... the room you are all talking about is actually inside Cinderella's Caste in the Magic Kingdom ... correct?

If that is the case then how would they do that? You'd be talking about having guests inside the park when it's closed. What stops you from wandering around the park in the middle of the night? Are the going to lock you in the room or the castle? Does that mean you couldn't leave after park closing?

I think they'd have a hard time maintaining that as an ongoing thing ... however ... something that COULD be done and my family and I have said it for years and I even think I saw it brought up in a few Disney magazines.

Discovery Island! It's defunct ... plow it flat and build a SUPER PREMIUM and SUPER LUXURIOUS hotel for a few guests that are willing to pay an astronomical price. The only way on and off the island would be by your private watercraft. THAT has major potential I think!

Who's with me on that one???:woohoo:

Frank
Disney DieHard

[nytimez]

I think the fee for this one will be a bit high...
http://dsmedia.ign.com/ds/image/article/764/764195/blog-2007-20070515005319245.jpg

A gold-colored box of tissues to promote a Nintendo DS game? I would totally pay that!

[mmtska]

Just to make sure that I'm remembering and hearing correctly ... the room you are all talking about is actually inside Cinderella's Caste in the Magic Kingdom ... correct?

If that is the case then how would they do that? You'd be talking about having guests inside the park when it's closed. What stops you from wandering around the park in the middle of the night? Are the going to lock you in the room or the castle? Does that mean you couldn't leave after park closing?

I think they'd have a hard time maintaining that as an ongoing thing ... however ... something that COULD be done and my family and I have said it for years and I even think I saw it brought up in a few Disney magazines.

Discovery Island! It's defunct ... plow it flat and build a SUPER PREMIUM and SUPER LUXURIOUS hotel for a few guests that are willing to pay an astronomical price. The only way on and off the island would be by your private watercraft. THAT has major potential I think!

Who's with me on that one???:woohoo:

Frank
Disney DieHard

They had to do something like this when it was used as a prize. I remember reading that they basically DID lock you in, and they also had CMs to help you if you needed it, and keep you in so you weren't wandering around the park at night.

I'm surprised that this hasn't been brought up before, but since I can't afford it, I'd love it if they would keep it for prizes. And then award me the prize :thumbsup2

[jesster64]

keep it as a prize

[cbg1027]

I don't like the idea. Then any Joe Millionaire can join DVC and stay in the Castle Suite. I think it would lose some of the mystique and specialness if anyone with money could stay there.

I think they should keep it as a special sweepstakes prize or for Make-A-Wish kids and such.

[Doc CW]

I like the idea of it being a gift or special surprise rather than something that somebody could just shell out money for, although thats not a good business plan on my part. I guess to me its more special if its a surprise winning.

[Allison]

If that is the case then how would they do that? You'd be talking about having guests inside the park when it's closed. What stops you from wandering around the park in the middle of the night? Are the going to lock you in the room or the castle? Does that mean you couldn't leave after park closing?



They've already been doing it for a few years now so they've got the logisitics figured out. They just haven't charged guests directly for it.

[torsie24]

That would be SO awesome!!

I wonder what they would charge....

If they decide to do it before next March and it costs less than our Main Building Floridian stay I am willing to sacrifice a longer stay at the Floridian for one night there....

Something tells me it'll cost more than our GF stay plus the other 20 WDW honeymonn nights, plus airfair and probably our whole wedding cost on top though! :rotfl:

[mommy4]

I really hope they just keep it as a prize and give everyone a chance. If not, it's just another thing for the rich people out there.

[RMulieri]

I think they should continue to give it away as a prize.If they set the price too high, only the very rich and well off would be able to afford it.Set it too low and the wait list would be 30 years long.

[ntikos]

Comrades,

Most people in the world can't afford to take a Disney vacation and stay in a Deluxe Villa.

Why don't we just make them all "prizes" so that everybody has a chance to stay in them.


That way it would be "fair".

[torsie24]

Comrades,

Most people in the world can't afford to take a Disney vacation and stay in a Deluxe Villa.

Why don't we just make them all "prizes" so that everybody has a chance to stay in them.


That way it would be "fair".


::yes::

But..

popcorn::

[Figment632]

The most I would drop is 1000 for the night.

[torsie24]

The most I would drop is 1000 for the night.
I think you need to times that by at least 6. All $1k will get you is a night in a Floridian CL room.

A GF suite is $2,625.00 during Peak season, so you at the very least need to double that I'd say. Plus maybe double it again just because it's the castle!

[sorahl]

I'd gladly sacrifice my children's college funds, future, and my retirement for one night in the castle!!

say nay.. keep it as a prize. they should continue to give it as a prize.. why wouldn't they continue to do that???
or as someone suggested..make a wish recipients...even cooler

[Bell30012]

Here's something funny... My aunt worked for the park the first 10 years it was open and she says what is now the suite used to be the room she worked in answering telephones with a bunch of other ladies in the early years.

So they paid her to stay in the suite. :worship:

[SnowWhite33]

I know that Disney is a business and profits mean a lot. But aren't they making enough already? There are just some things that money shouldn't be able to buy.

Are they going to start renting out Walt's apartment over the firehouse at DL too?

[stichy]

I'm selfish so I would like them to rent it out. I'm sure it would cost a fortune but if I begged enough DH would eventually give in to shut e up.

[mariepapa]

I say keep it for Make-A-Wish only and forget the rich. Those kids deserve it!

[shellybaxter]

I know that Disney is a business and profits mean a lot. But aren't they making enough already? There are just some things that money shouldn't be able to buy.

Are they going to start renting out Walt's apartment over the firehouse at DL too?

Guess what - Disney is a business and they have a legal responsibility to their shareholders to MAKE MONEY, so I'm guessing their is no such thing as "making enough already". Personally I'd be fine with them renting out the Castle Suite or Walt's Apartment; both belong to them not me and I really should have no say in what they do with their property; except being able to "vote with my wallet" if their prices are too high.

[torsie24]

TBH we don't know for a fact that they don't already do rent out the Castle/Apartment to people who can afford it.

If you're a billionaire and $50k is small change, and you know it'd make your childs biggest dream come true, why wouldn't you phone them up and just enquire?

The best way they could make the castle chargeable would be to say add on extra $1k/$5k/$10k whatever a night to the price, and give that extra to Make a wish and other charities.

I don't see why it's unfair that rich people spend their money how they want, most wealthy people I know, and most super rich people who you hear about in the press do realise how fortunate they are and are more than happy to be generous to those who need it.

[sjs314]

From a business point of view I can see that offering the Castle Suite beng available to DVC owners as a "perk" a good incentive for future sales in this sluggish economey.

[sjs314]

From a business point of view I can see that offering the Castle Suite beng available to DVC owners as a "perk" a good incentive for future sales in this sluggish economey.

[mrbghd]

Comrades,

Most people in the world can't afford to take a Disney vacation and stay in a Deluxe Villa.

Why don't we just make them all "prizes" so that everybody has a chance to stay in them.


That way it would be "fair".

:thumbsup2

Even with America in the position it is today money still talks. A Disney vacation is not a guranteed right it is something you can do if you can afford it. I say charge as much a night for the suite as someone is willign to pay!

[Feralpeg]

TBH we don't know for a fact that they don't already do rent out the Castle/Apartment to people who can afford it.

If you're a billionaire and $50k is small change, and you know it'd make your childs biggest dream come true, why wouldn't you phone them up and just enquire?

The best way they could make the castle chargeable would be to say add on extra $1k/$5k/$10k whatever a night to the price, and give that extra to Make a wish and other charities.

I don't see why it's unfair that rich people spend their money how they want, most wealthy people I know, and most super rich people who you hear about in the press do realise how fortunate they are and are more than happy to be generous to those who need it.

When I worked for the Disney Florist, I processed orders from Guest VIP Services to send flowers to the suite. I did this approximately three times in a six month period. On one of the occasions, I was told that the family were frequent visitors and VERY large spenders. The little girl wanted to spend a night in the castle, so it was arranged. I googled the dad and he is a big real estate tycoon. So, if you spend enough at Disney on a regular basis, it can be done.

[d1gitman]

IMHO they should keep it as a Make a Wish exclusive. That would produce lots of positive PR.

[debsters41]

Count me in for leaving the castle for the Make a Wish children and Discovery Island for the current inhabitants, the natural wildlife. They are more in need than we are.

[d1gitman]

... A Disney vacation is not a guranteed right...

:scared1: then we need a constitutional ammendment:laughing:

[torsie24]

IMHO they should keep it as a Make a Wish exclusive. That would produce lots of positive PR.
As would making it available for paying guests with some of the profits going to MAW allowing more kids to stay there.

I can't imagine it's in use 7 nights a week.

[mrbghd]

:scared1: then we need a constitutional ammendment:laughing:

:rotfl2: I needed that laugh today!

[christinec68]

There's no reason this beautiful suite should sit empty most of the time and I am surprised that charging a fee to stay there hasn't come up sooner. I think it should continue to be available to Make A Wish but when a wish is not being granted and there's money to be earned, why not?

ETA: Are they still offering a night there as a prize?? I thought that promotion ended.

[princesskayla]

I like it as a prize. Then I have a small, tiny, itty bitty chance to stay there and I can still dream. If it has a price tag on it - it will be so out of my range that I could save money until I retire and still not have enough to go. I think keeping it as a prize retains the magic of Disney that they try so hard to make.

[marius97]

And we thought it was tough to get a CRT ressie at the 180 day mark. Can you imagine the rush of people that would be trying to reserve the ONE room available. Even if it was $20,000 a night, I'd be willing to bet that there would be dozens of people trying to get each night available.

[PIRATEGIRL007]

I don't like the thought of offering it for a price either, that makes it less special and unique. It would never be available to average joe that way and would be booked for months/years in advance by millionaires and celebrities.

I don't think Walt would have wanted anything not open to all his guests at an affordable price. An ultra exclusive super $$ room would blow that founding principle out of the water.

[morecowbell]

What's the big deal? Rent it out for a nightly fee for people that can afford it and want to spend the money and also use it for Make a Wish or other charitable organizations. :thumbsup2 It doesn't need to be an either/or situation.

[elaine88]

comrades,

most people in the world can't afford to take a disney vacation and stay in a deluxe villa.

Why don't we just make them all "prizes" so that everybody has a chance to stay in them.


That way it would be "fair".

counterrevolutionary!

[torsie24]

I don't think Walt would have wanted anything not open to all his guests at an affordable price. An ultra exclusive super $$ room would blow that founding principle out of the water.

Plenty of those exist already!

[BuzzBiteyear]

No, no, no people. The fee would be very reasonable. During YOMD we learned the the Fair Market Value of a night in the Castle Suite, along with being the Grand Marshall of the parade, and having dinner at the castle was ONLY worth $599. Hmm wonder if that value had anything to do with the IRS 1099 issuance requirement for amounts of $600 or more? Nah, not that, so the nightly rate for the castle should be around, let's see:

FMV of package...............$599
Price for Castle dinner.......$170 (approx.)
FMV of GM for parade........$79 (to make the rate a nice round number)

FMV of stay in Castle Suite........$350

Call now, Suite is booked through the year 2476 at this rate.

[dheinz]

I would shocked if the REALLY big & famous rollers aren't already staying there now. Sure they aren't advertising it, but really!
Could I be totally wrong?

[morecowbell]

The Walt argument "he wouldn't have wanted that" is hogwash. Walt Disney was a businessman who wanted to make money. I'm sure he loved children and all that happy stuff, but he didn't create his cartoons for charity and he certainly didn't create Disneyland so people could get in free.

Life isn't fair. Not everyone is entitled to stay whereever they want and get whatever they want "just because." If you want a night in the castle, then go out and work and earn the money to stay there. :)

[TheTXTaylors5]

I don't think Walt would have wanted anything not open to all his guests at an affordable price. An ultra exclusive super $$ room would blow that founding principle out of the water.

Not true. Case in point ... Club 33

It was initially created for VIPs of the Companies that sponsored attractions at Disneyland. Now for a price and a long long wait, you can become a Member. Also, Walt had envisioned a train car to take VIPs around Disneyland Park (The idea was scrapped until after his death. A caboose was refurbished and later named The Lilly Belle after Lillian Disney.) Walt did build a "park" for the everyman. But, it will always have VIP perks. It is a business afterall.

Both the Cinderella Castle Suite AND Disneyland Dream Suite have been used for sweepstakes/contest winners, celebrities and still random guests have been asked to stay in them (This information was from our Disneyland Dream Suite Host/Tour Guide last month). You could probably do a Bing or Google search right now and find a contest where the prize is a stay in the Suite. I agree, it would lose some pixie dust if people could buy the perk. The celebrities that have stayed in the Suites don't pay a dime. Them being in the parks is great press for the parks. Tom Cruise and his family stayed in the Cinderella Castle Suite while in FL for the Daytona 500.

Being DVC Members, the only "major" perk we've gotten so far is the Annual Pass discount. More and "better" perks would be nice and well deserved. Being a DVC Member is NOT cheap!!!! :scared1: I am curious how many points it would take for one night. One point is around $10. The most I saw is 241 points A NIGHT for a Grand Villa Magic Kingdom View at Bay Lake Tower during peak season. So, I think one night in the Cinderella Castle Suite would be equal to ...

$2,500 (or more) A NIGHT!!!!!!!

Just a guess.

If this ever comes to fruition ... we're out. :rotfl: That's almost all our points for the YEAR!!!! :confused3

:goodvibes Jennifer

[flicx]

:thumbsup2

Even with America in the position it is today money still talks. A Disney vacation is not a guranteed right it is something you can do if you can afford it. I say charge as much a night for the suite as someone is willign to pay! Where is the disney magic doing that?Sounds like a scrooge McDuck ploy to me! Keep it a prize!

[torsie24]

The more profit Disney make, the more new attractions, resorts, restaurants and shows 'normal people' like us can enjoy.

Charge away Disney! If I win the lottery/get a mega promotion any time soon, I'll be asking about the Castle Suite, that's for sure!

[Figment632]

Where is the disney magic doing that?Sounds like a scrooge McDuck ploy to me! Keep it a prize!

No way charge 10K a night because someone will pay it and put the money into the parks. MI or BK anyone :cool1:

[Commando2319]

I say keep it for Make-A-Wish only and forget the rich. Those kids deserve it!

I'd say it depends on how many Make-A-Wishes they have. I can't imagine that they have so many to keep the room occupied every night of the year. Unless they let them stay for a long period.

Since is it so special and unique, I'd say a limit of one night per stay is reasonable. Start with reserving specific nights as prizes. Then let the Make-A-Wish people book the room 10 months out. Then the DVC people 7 months out. Then the general public 5 months out.

That way, hopefully the room would be occupied every single night of the year by a different family.

[AmberHeartsDisney]

i guess i can dream about one day staying there.

[cmcinc]

I say both...keep it as a prize and rent it out from time to time.

[morecowbell]

I say both...keep it as a prize and rent it out from time to time.

But that would be too logical. People would rather argue. :lmao:

[TheTXTaylors5]

I say both...keep it as a prize and rent it out from time to time.

:thumbsup2 Jennifer

[ibela]

The most I saw is 241 points A NIGHT for a Grand Villa Magic Kingdom View at Bay Lake Tower during peak season. So, I think one night in the Cinderella Castle Suite would be equal to ...

$25,000 (or more) A NIGHT!!!!!!!

Just a guess.

If this ever comes to fruition ... we're out. :rotfl: That's almost all our points for the YEAR!!!! :confused3

:goodvibes Jennifer

241 points for a 3br, so this shouldn't be more than...150 points per night. I could possibly talk dh into this! :rotfl2: If you count the maintenance on it only, it's about $650 for the night. :thumbsup2

[mrbghd]

[QUOTE=flicx;36852930]Where is the disney magic doing that?Sounds like a scrooge McDuck ploy to me! Keep it a prize![/QUOTE

Really? So because someone can afford to do this while others cannot it is a Scrooge McDuck ploy? Again, a Disney vacation is not a right, people are not entitled to it. Some people cannot afford to go and some can. Some people can only afford to stay at a Value resort while others can stay at a deluxe. Is that a Scrooge McDuck ploy? Are all of those (me included) that have stayed at a deluxe are then Scrooge McDucks?

BTW, Ijust love Scrooge McDuck and hardly ever have a reason to type it, so I am doing it excessively hear. Scrooge McDuck :banana:

[Orsino]

I don't see the utility of using the castle for make-a-wish at all. A trip to Disneyworld in and of itself is a wish come true. Tacking on a stay at the castle is unnecessary. A nice room at the Contemporary with a view of the Castle would be just as wonderful.

So which do you think is better: sending one kid to stay in the Castle, or sending a dozen to stay at CR?

Rent it out. Make money.

[torsie24]

I don't see the utility of using the castle for make-a-wish at all. A trip to Disneyworld in and of itself is a wish come true. Tacking on a stay at the castle is unnecessary. A nice room at the Contemporary with a view of the Castle would be just as wonderful.

So which do you think is better: sending one kid to stay in the Castle, or sending a dozen to stay at CR?

Rent it out. Make money.
I don't know. I'm all for the rent out idea, but if anyone deserves to stay in a magic, famous castle it's a kid who's had a hard life that sadly may not get much better.

I don't want any of the MAW children to miss out on their stay, I just think renting it out on the available nights is a great plan!

[Uncleromulus]

I've been a Disney "fan" since the early 1950's. Saw all the old TV shows and almost all the old movies. Been going to WDW since 1975 and bought into DVC just a year after they became operational.
I'm just the kind of guy Walt would have wanted to get into the Castle Room!!

I'm finding it hard to believe that they haven't asked me yet.

[mariepapa]

I don't see the utility of using the castle for make-a-wish at all. A trip to Disneyworld in and of itself is a wish come true. Tacking on a stay at the castle is unnecessary. A nice room at the Contemporary with a view of the Castle would be just as wonderful.

So which do you think is better: sending one kid to stay in the Castle, or sending a dozen to stay at CR?

Rent it out. Make money.

Geez, that is nice of you. A kid might have a terminal illness and all they get is a lousy room at the Contemporary instead of a beautiful suite in Cinderella's Castle?

[disneymomma1978]

[QUOTE=Orsino;36854512]I don't see the utility of using the castle for make-a-wish at all. A trip to Disneyworld in and of itself is a wish come true. Tacking on a stay at the castle is unnecessary. A nice room at the Contemporary with a view of the Castle would be just as wonderful.
QUOTE]

:sad2:

[ndloewen]

I don't see the utility of using the castle for make-a-wish at all. A trip to Disneyworld in and of itself is a wish come true. Tacking on a stay at the castle is unnecessary. A nice room at the Contemporary with a view of the Castle would be just as wonderful.

So which do you think is better: sending one kid to stay in the Castle, or sending a dozen to stay at CR?

Rent it out. Make money.

Wow.

So sad...:sad2:

[ThanksForNoticingMe]

Geez, that is nice of you. A kid might have a terminal illness and all they get is a lousy room at the Contemporary instead of a beautiful suite in Cinderella's Castle?

I hope you are being sarcastic...the rooms at the Contemporary are hardly lousy. :confused:

[Melpuff]

I think everyone is making this out more than it it.

They already DO rent it out for money, it's just letting EVERYONE do it that is the real question. The VIP tour guides work in the club areas for the castle suite and give the families tours. You have to be a celebrity or big money name to ask to do this, but it's nothing new. Opening to DVC would just mean making it more "public" for normal people that have money to do.

I'm guessing the price per night would be around $25,000 - $30,000, because the mega ultra bridge suite in Atlantis is $25,000 and since it's Disney and a castle I would take that it would cost a little more than that.

[moepanz]

I don't see the utility of using the castle for make-a-wish at all. A trip to Disneyworld in and of itself is a wish come true. Tacking on a stay at the castle is unnecessary. A nice room at the Contemporary with a view of the Castle would be just as wonderful.

So which do you think is better: sending one kid to stay in the Castle, or sending a dozen to stay at CR?

Rent it out. Make money.

Do you understand what the Make A Wish Foundation is? I would hope not by your response.

[Dawson'sMom]

I say it should stay a prize. We won the night in the castle on 11/18/07 !!!!! We could never afford to pay for a night. Maybe the prize could be awarded to a guest staying on site.

[Buckeye Princess]

1) Make a Wish is not the only organization that sends kids to Disney. Lots of others do as well.

2) My sister went on a wish trip through A Special Wish and I think using the castle for wish trips is a terrible idea. The children all stay at Give Kids the World which is an amazing and magical place. If they let wish kids stay in the castle, that is only 7 a week. Give Kids the World hosts well over 140 kids at a time!!! How do you chose only 7? How do you tell all the others that they just aren't special enough? Many kids are pre teens and even teens. They are old enough to know what is going on. They are old enough to hope they'll get picked for the castle only to be disappointed. Instead ALL kids get to stay at this amazing place which is far cooler than any disney resort. They feel like prince and princesses there. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE the castle room should not go to this purpose.

[Buckeye Princess]

I'd say it depends on how many Make-A-Wishes they have. I can't imagine that they have so many to keep the room occupied every night of the year. Unless they let them stay for a long period.

Since is it so special and unique, I'd say a limit of one night per stay is reasonable. Start with reserving specific nights as prizes. Then let the Make-A-Wish people book the room 10 months out. Then the DVC people 7 months out. Then the general public 5 months out.

That way, hopefully the room would be occupied every single night of the year by a different family.

They have at least 140 kids stay at any given time. Children stay at Give Kids the World for 6 days.

[ambertides]

Wow, you know the economy is bad when a princess is having to rent out rooms in her castle.

[Liz]

My sister went on a wish trip through A Special Wish and I think using the castle for wish trips is a terrible idea. The children all stay at Give Kids the World which is an amazing and magical place. If they let wish kids stay in the castle, that is only 7 a week. Give Kids the World hosts well over 140 kids at a time!!! How do you chose only 7? How do you tell all the others that they just aren't special enough? Many kids are pre teens and even teens. They are old enough to know what is going on. They are old enough to hope they'll get picked for the castle only to be disappointed. Instead ALL kids get to stay at this amazing place which is far cooler than any disney resort. They feel like prince and princesses there. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE the castle room should not go to this purpose.

As the mother of a Make-A-Wish child myself (we had a Disney trip and stayed at Give Kids the World) I totally agree with this. There is no way only one family per night could be chosen out of the hundreds there each week.

[Melpuff]

Wow, you know the economy is bad when a princess is having to rent out rooms in her castle.

:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

[Sammie]

If Disney decided to offer this to DVC members as a perk, since the survey was sent to members for their opinions as to whether this would be something members would be interested in, I am sure it would only be offered to someone that has a large amount of points.

Many members have anywhere from 1000 to 2000 points. That alone is a $5000 to $10,000 a year commitment in maintenance dues alone. Much less the cost to buy into DVC, even if they bought in at the beginning of DVC in the 90s they spent easily over $100,000.

For those who have invested the big bucks then yes I could see Disney let them pay an additional nightly amount to stay there.

It is very possible the nightly rate would be based on how many DVC points you have.

[Pixie Princess]

What's the big deal? Rent it out for a nightly fee for people that can afford it and want to spend the money and also use it for Make a Wish or other charitable organizations. :thumbsup2 It doesn't need to be an either/or situation.

My thoughts exactly!

[rcq925]

:goodvibes:goodvibesMy daughter will be going on her Make A Wish Trip in November. Her actual wish was to sleep in Cinderella's Castle (after seeing the inside of the suite on the travel channel special a few years ago).

We were told that it is not possible, so we will be eating breakfast in the Castle and staying at Give Kids the World (and we are very excited about that!) So I don't think that they use the castle suite for Make A Wish children or if they do it is only a select few.

I think they should use it for MAW kids if their specific wish is to stay in the castle. That is not the wish of all MAW kids that go to Disney, but some kids really do wish to stay there and if it is available, I think they should use it for that purpose.

I think that a lot of people probably stay there and pay for the perk (i.e TOm Cruise's family mentioned in another post)

Just my 2 cents!:goodvibes:goodvibes

[mariepapa]

I hope you are being sarcastic...the rooms at the Contemporary are hardly lousy. :confused:

It certainly is compared to the beauty of the castle suite. Especially for a terminally ill child.

[Ron from Michigan]

I Love , Love , Love WDW. I think they should let me stay since I have been visiting since opening day. It's only fair. :)

[Cee]

Maybe they could hold a lottery once or twice a year for someone to win the privilege of staying there. It does seem a shame to have it sit there unused.

[lucyem]

Personally I think that only allowing famous people use it is not fair. I think it should be open for anyone to rent.

[torsie24]

Personally I think that only allowing famous people use it is not fair. I think it should be open for anyone to rent.
I don't think it's anything to do with fame or not, just money.

[2005s4]

I would say for me personally, no matter what the cost I would be interested

[mrbghd]

Personally I think that only allowing famous people use it is not fair. I think it should be open for anyone to rent.

Why because they can afford it? It is about money not fame. So by your logic it is not fair that some people can afford a million dollar home or a 50,000 car.:confused3 The "it's not fair" argument is a huge problem in this country today. Remember a vacation to Disney is not a right...at least until we get that Constitutional Amendment.

[torsie24]

It's my fault I don't earn $3m a year, not a rich persons fault for earning a good wage.

If others can afford it lucky them. I wouldn't be a very nice person to begrudge someone who works hard spending what they earn.

I personally admire those who could afford a night in the castle if it does become available for a ridiculously high price. And no amount of me saying "it's unfair" will make me richer, them poorer, or Disney less of a world class business!

[PAcpl]

I would have no problem having it rented out at an overly inflated rate during the slower seasons. Myself much like the rest of you thought it would be an amazing experience to stay in the castle........until I read this:

I remember reading that they basically DID lock you in, and they also had CMs to help you if you needed it, and keep you in so you weren't wandering around the park at night.

Now I understand Disney can't have guests walking unattended through the park. But if I were to pay $25k+ to rent a room and I couldn't go and come as I pleased I would be a little annoyed!

[TheTXTaylors5]

:surfweb: DH corrected me ... To buy in we paid $110 per point. But, it is only worth $10 a point. So, $2,400 would be more accurate for a "per night" rate of Cinderella Castle Suite. :wizard:

:goodvibes Jennifer

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the Rumors and News board. :)

[Orsino]

Geez, that is nice of you. A kid might have a terminal illness and all they get is a lousy room at the Contemporary instead of a beautiful suite in Cinderella's Castle?

It's not a matter of nice. If you are actually of the opinion that staying at the Castle is a worthwhile dream, while staying at the Contemporary is 'lousy' then, well, we DO have very different views of the world as well as different opinions of what constitutes nice. Seriously, you think giving a child a trip to the Contemporary isn't nice? If a child, and I don't care how sick he is, turned his nose up at a free trip to WDW staying at the contemporary, I would not have a very high opinion of that child (well, more the parents, but that is a different rant tangent).

The Contemporary is hardly lousy. And my point is a deserving child will be just as happy at the contemporary as at the Castle. I can't imagine a child being disappointed at going to WDW by not being able to stay at the castle. This idea that being at the Castle will somehow be significantly better for him or her is ridiculous. Kids wish for a trip to DisneyWorld. The luxury and 'status' of staying at the Castle is an adult's dream. Kids don't care. A child will be just as happy (if not happier) staying at a resort that has an actual pool and other amenities that children enjoy.

Do you really think a kid would rather stay at the Castle with fancy bedrooms or at a full resort, with a pool and arcade?

[PAcpl]

It's not a matter of nice. If you are actually of the opinion that staying at the Castle is a worthwhile dream, while staying at the Contemporary is 'lousy' then, well, we DO have very different views of the world as well as different opinions of what constitutes nice. Seriously, you think giving a child a trip to the Contemporary isn't nice? If a child, and I don't care how sick he is, turned his nose up at a free trip to WDW staying at the contemporary, I would not have a very high opinion of that child (well, more the parents, but that is a different rant tangent).

The Contemporary is hardly lousy. And my point is a deserving child will be just as happy at the contemporary as at the Castle. I can't imagine a child being disappointed at going to WDW by not being able to stay at the castle. This idea that being at the Castle will somehow be significantly better for him or her is ridiculous. Kids wish for a trip to DisneyWorld. The luxury and 'status' of staying at the Castle is an adult's dream. Kids don't care. A child will be just as happy (if not happier) staying at a resort that has an actual pool and other amenities that children enjoy.

Do you really think a kid would rather stay at the Castle with fancy bedrooms or at a full resort, with a pool and arcade?

Well said

[ThanksForNoticingMe]

It's not a matter of nice. If you are actually of the opinion that staying at the Castle is a worthwhile dream, while staying at the Contemporary is 'lousy' then, well, we DO have very different views of the world as well as different opinions of what constitutes nice. Seriously, you think giving a child a trip to the Contemporary isn't nice? If a child, and I don't care how sick he is, turned his nose up at a free trip to WDW staying at the contemporary, I would not have a very high opinion of that child (well, more the parents, but that is a different rant tangent).

The Contemporary is hardly lousy. And my point is a deserving child will be just as happy at the contemporary as at the Castle. I can't imagine a child being disappointed at going to WDW by not being able to stay at the castle. This idea that being at the Castle will somehow be significantly better for him or her is ridiculous. Kids wish for a trip to DisneyWorld. The luxury and 'status' of staying at the Castle is an adult's dream. Kids don't care. A child will be just as happy (if not happier) staying at a resort that has an actual pool and other amenities that children enjoy.

Do you really think a kid would rather stay at the Castle with fancy bedrooms or at a full resort, with a pool and arcade?

:thumbsup2 :worship::worship:

[Scrappy_Tink]

Do you really think a kid would rather stay at the Castle with fancy bedrooms or at a full resort, with a pool and arcade?

I don't think my son would have even cared about going to the parks, as long as he could chase the lizards around all day! :rotfl:

[sjs314]

1) Make a Wish is not the only organization that sends kids to Disney. Lots of others do as well.

2) My sister went on a wish trip through A Special Wish and I think using the castle for wish trips is a terrible idea. The children all stay at Give Kids the World which is an amazing and magical place. If they let wish kids stay in the castle, that is only 7 a week. Give Kids the World hosts well over 140 kids at a time!!! How do you chose only 7? How do you tell all the others that they just aren't special enough? Many kids are pre teens and even teens. They are old enough to know what is going on. They are old enough to hope they'll get picked for the castle only to be disappointed. Instead ALL kids get to stay at this amazing place which is far cooler than any disney resort. They feel like prince and princesses there. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE the castle room should not go to this purpose.

You made a very valid point that I totally agree with :thumbsup2

[Lewisc]

I thought the idea was Make A Wish, maybe other charities, would be given a few nights for fund raising. Either a raffle or auction.

I've seen a couple of contests with a night at the Suite being a prize.

Would DVC be offering a night for a lot of cash or for a lot of points?

I could see a wedding night at the Castle being part of a very expensive Disney wedding.

[hushupu]

I think it should remain a prize very few could afford it

[JoShan1719]

I don't like that idea. I think keeping it as some sort of reward maintains the magic of it. If anyone with enough money can just pay for it it wouldn't be quite as special anymore.

[jlewisinsyr]

I'm glad someone brought up Make-A-Wish and Give Kids The World. Make-A-Wish doesn't use Disney facilities in terms of the Resorts and DVC resorts because they are not equipped with facilities that are sometimes needed for those being granted wishes.

I found this out personally because my partner and I were going to donate our points for a Reservation to a Make-A-Wish child for a stay for a week, and Make-A-Wish couldn't use the points/reservation. The reason is the facilities are inaddequate for their purposes. They could use the reservation for a silent auction or a raffle prize at the local level, but other then that, no.

So in essence the only way Make-A-Wish or other similar organizations could really use the Suite is if it was auctioned off for money. Understand though Disney incurs a quite a bit of costs maintaining the Suite because of the staff needed to monitor the Suite at night, etc. So if Disney donated the Suite to charity for raffle/auction, Disney would also need to set aside capital/budget to maintain it and I doubt the charity write-off would offset the cost of former.

Personally I'd rather see them rent the room and use the revenue for other purposes, including charity donations, I think in the end this would be more benefitial in the long run.

[christinec68]

I'm glad someone brought up Make-A-Wish and Give Kids The World. Make-A-Wish doesn't use Disney facilities in terms of the Resorts and DVC resorts because they are not equipped with facilities that are sometimes needed for those being granted wishes.

I found this out personally because my partner and I were going to donate our points for a Reservation to a Make-A-Wish child for a stay for a week, and Make-A-Wish couldn't use the points/reservation. The reason is the facilities are inaddequate for their purposes. They could use the reservation for a silent auction or a raffle prize at the local level, but other then that, no.


So in essence the only way Make-A-Wish or other similar organizations could really use the Suite is if it was auctioned off for money. Understand though Disney incurs a quite a bit of costs maintaining the Suite because of the staff needed to monitor the Suite at night, etc. So if Disney donated the Suite to charity for raffle/auction, Disney would also need to set aside capital/budget to maintain it and I doubt the charity write-off would offset the cost of former.

Personally I'd rather see them rent the room and use the revenue for other purposes, including charity donations, I think in the end this would be more benefitial in the long run.

I think it's awesome you tried to do that!

[Bell30012]

To my seven year old daughter would give up a week in the resort for a night in Cinderella's suite. She says we can do a resort any day ending with a "y" but the castle once in a lifetime.

I think it should go back the way it was during the year of a million dreams. Make it a prize you can't buy no matter how wealthy you are. The right time, the right place one lucky family per day.

[Dismagic1]

To my seven year old daughter would give up a week in the resort for a night in Cinderella's suite. She says we can do a resort any day ending with a "y" but the castle once in a lifetime.

I think it should go back the way it was during the year of a million dreams. Make it a prize you can't buy no matter how wealthy you are. The right time, the right place one lucky family per day.

I actually think choosing one lucky family isn't as fair as the money aspect. Why? Because Disney is going to look for a family with kids. What if I'm there with my girlfriend? Why aren't we entitled to get chosen?

If they rent it out, everyone has a chance. If you really want to stay there, you can go out and get a second job and put all that money towards a dream stay if you want.

[Bell30012]

Dismagic, Disney already did this for two years during the "Year of a Million Dreams". There were single people chosen as well as married with kids. The computer picked a spot and time in the park... For example, the person in the front row left on Splash Mountain coming into the station at 9:18 AM.

My daughter and I were at Splash Mountain when we saw an older couple win it. We didn't know that is what was happening at the time. The Dream Team gave everyone else around plastic FastPasses that were good for all the FP rides in MK.

Oh, and those two seniors were beaming when they were riding in the 3:00 parade. I think she had a great story to tell her grandchildren.

Disney is very good at keeping their contests fair and impartial.

[Lewisc]

Some people are missing the point. Evidently Disney has already decided to rent the Suite to select customers. The question is if this opportunity should be extended to DVC owners.

[torsie24]

Some people are missing the point. Evidently Disney has already decided to rent the Suite to select customers. The question is if this opportunity should be extended to DVC owners.
::yes::

I'm certain they've been doing it for as long as the suite has been there (excluding when it was a prize). Would be crazy for them not to make the extra revenue.

Would be interesting to know if it's a set price, or if it's a case of calling and offering X thousand $ and seeing if they think that's suitable.

[DisMc]

That is so exciting! Although it would be a dream-fufiller for myself, I think it's better if it was kept as a surprise. IMO, I think it would be more special for a winner from the Make A Wish Foundation than someone who could afford to stay in the Cinderella Suite.

[Donut23]

Some people are missing the point. Evidently Disney has already decided to rent the Suite to select customers. The question is if this opportunity should be extended to DVC owners.


Oh come on......Disney has found another way to get their fingers into our pocketbooks. That trumps ANY ELSE they would possibly consider. I am sure they will be happy to extend the suite to the highest bidder.....DVC included.

[jlewisinsyr]

Oh come on......Disney has found another way to get their fingers into our pocketbooks. That trumps ANY ELSE they would possibly consider. I am sure they will be happy to extend the suite to the highest bidder.....DVC included.

And there is a problem with a For Profit business making a Profit on something they designed/engineered and funded out of their capital expenses?

[snowpixiemn]

I think that if you have read this thread closely you will have noticed that there are several people who have been involved (at one point or another) with the Make a Wish Foundation and Give Kids the World. If you the reader will have noticed it made more sense in these people's opinions (and mine) that the Castle suite was NOT used for this purpose. I want nothing more in the world for all children to feel as though their wishes were made possible, but imagine the world of hurt some of these children will feel if they were "given" that wish and had to be then turned away because the suite didn't have the adaptations for them to be comfortable and healthy. I love Give Kids the World and hope that one day I can volunteer for them (I don't have a lot of vacation as of right now). They give 140+ kids the comforts of being a kid in a magical world. Let Disney make a profit off the suite and let them continue to be generous in other ways.

[Family Fun Mom]

I am normally all about capitalism but the Castle Suite is so special, I'd hate to see it as just another dream most people can never afford. If they still gave it out as a prize every now and then it would keep that special magical quaility that it had when it was created. For dreams.

The Million Dreams promotion was so great because it was totally random. Anyone could win. It might have gone to a family, maybe to a couple, some ladies on a girls only trip, whatever. You just had to be in the right place at the right time. I'd like to see that continue.

I say let them continue to quietly rent it out to the folks who can afford it, you gotta pay for the upkeep somehow, but once in a while give the average person the thrill of a lifetime and award the prize of a night in the castle. Best of both worlds, right?

[Dismagic1]

I think that if you have read this thread closely you will have noticed that there are several people who have been involved (at one point or another) with the Make a Wish Foundation and Give Kids the World. If you the reader will have noticed it made more sense in these people's opinions (and mine) that the Castle suite was NOT used for this purpose. I want nothing more in the world for all children to feel as though their wishes were made possible, but imagine the world of hurt some of these children will feel if they were "given" that wish and had to be then turned away because the suite didn't have the adaptations for them to be comfortable and healthy. I love Give Kids the World and hope that one day I can volunteer for them (I don't have a lot of vacation as of right now). They give 140+ kids the comforts of being a kid in a magical world. Let Disney make a profit off the suite and let them continue to be generous in other ways.


This is a good post! :thumbsup2

[Donut23]

And there is a problem with a For Profit business making a Profit on something they designed/engineered and funded out of their capital expenses?



Not at all if you don't mind....YOU open your wallet wide. I will defer all the cost add-ons to you and your travel party.

What the folks in california have discovered the last year is ---- many of us have begun to say.....no thank you.

We buy FAR less merchandise while at WDW. Take a look at a 5 year old Tshirt and compare to a current one....far less quality but giant jump in cost.

We dine offsite when we can - quality of food is better and far less expensive.

Remember the days when different gift shops had different merchandise? . My old fight song....."all sidewalks lead to a GIFT SHOP". I bring home FAR LESS than in the past.

I have beautiful sweatshirts from Beach Club and Jacket from Yacht club.... quality merchandise long gone. One thing I DID notice is.....I bought my Beach Club sweatshirt during a chilly spell in December ..... for $38. The very next spring the same garment was priced at $54.....probably the same delivery of merchandise! Did they think we would not notice? My traveling companion decided it was too expensive.


Look at the Discounts they have to offer to fill their rooms....yet their profit margin is a memory of 3 years ago. Why? we have closed our wallets.

What to do? Dumb down the menu's, cheep cuts and quality of proteins....heck last visit we dined at Boatrights (We are Bobaholics and this is a must stop for us). The next night we walked out of the Castle when we discovered the EXACT same menu as the night before.....40% more. Know what the manager said...."you're right. Things are much different in the last few years." as she refunded our costs.

I'm sure Disney is thrilled you are willing to not notice.

We had a couple join us on our last visit...absolute beginners...had a GREAT time....they took advantage of our castmember discounts for room, food and merchandise. Their first comment when we asked about their impression (after discussing their favorite rides..Sorin and Splash Mountain, Illuminations and Spectro)....."Disney sure does know how to separate you from your $"

Don't get me wrong....we go to WDW and DL because we are long-time fans of these parks (all the way back to 1975 for WDW) < Talk about changes! We find our own magic there....but have found we simply don't fall into the Disney traps to spend more....for less quality.

Some of us notice.

[Dismagic1]

Not at all if you don't mind....YOU open your wallet wide. I will defer all the cost add-ons to you and your travel party.

What the folks in california have discovered the last year is ---- many of us have begun to say.....no thank you.

We buy FAR less merchandise while at WDW. Take a look at a 5 year old Tshirt and compare to a current one....far less quality but giant jump in cost.

We dine offsite when we can - quality of food is better and far less expensive.

Remember the days when different gift shops had different merchandise? . My old fight song....."all sidewalks lead to a GIFT SHOP". I bring home FAR LESS than in the past.

I have beautiful sweatshirts from Beach Club and Jacket from Yacht club.... quality merchandise long gone. One thing I DID notice is.....I bought my Beach Club sweatshirt during a chilly spell in December ..... for $38. The very next spring the same garment was priced at $54.....probably the same delivery of merchandise! Did they think we would not notice? My traveling companion decided it was too expensive.


Look at the Discounts they have to offer to fill their rooms....yet their profit margin is a memory of 3 years ago. Why? we have closed our wallets.

What to do? Dumb down the menu's, cheep cuts and quality of proteins....heck last visit we dined at Boatrights (We are Bobaholics and this is a must stop for us). The next night we walked out of the Castle when we discovered the EXACT same menu as the night before.....40% more. Know what the manager said...."you're right. Things are much different in the last few years." as she refunded our costs.

I'm sure Disney is thrilled you are willing to not notice.

We had a couple join us on our last visit...absolute beginners...had a GREAT time....they took advantage of our castmember discounts for room, food and merchandise. Their first comment when we asked about their impression (after discussing their favorite rides..Sorin and Splash Mountain, Illuminations and Spectro)....."Disney sure does know how to separate you from your $"

Don't get me wrong....we go to WDW and DL because we are long-time fans of these parks (all they way back to 1975 for WDW) < Talk about changes! We find our own magic there....but have found we simply don't fall into the Disney traps to spend more....for less quality.

Some of us notice.

If you thought the parks were declining in quality, just wait till everyone takes your approach. Then we'd really have something to worry about. They'd start charging to use their buses to the park. You'd have to buy a week long bus card.

[jlewisinsyr]

Not at all if you don't mind....YOU open your wallet wide. I will defer all the cost add-ons to you and your travel party.

What the folks in california have discovered the last year is ---- many of us have begun to say.....no thank you.

We buy FAR less merchandise while at WDW. Take a look at a 5 year old Tshirt and compare to a current one....far less quality but giant jump in cost.

We dine offsite when we can - quality of food is better and far less expensive.

Remember the days when different gift shops had different merchandise? . My old fight song....."all sidewalks lead to a GIFT SHOP". I bring home FAR LESS than in the past.

I have beautiful sweatshirts from Beach Club and Jacket from Yacht club.... quality merchandise long gone. One thing I DID notice is.....I bought my Beach Club sweatshirt during a chilly spell in December ..... for $38. The very next spring the same garment was priced at $54.....probably the same delivery of merchandise! Did they think we would not notice? My traveling companion decided it was too expensive.


Look at the Discounts they have to offer to fill their rooms....yet their profit margin is a memory of 3 years ago. Why? we have closed our wallets.

What to do? Dumb down the menu's, cheep cuts and quality of proteins....heck last visit we dined at Boatrights (We are Bobaholics and this is a must stop for us). The next night we walked out of the Castle when we discovered the EXACT same menu as the night before.....40% more. Know what the manager said...."you're right. Things are much different in the last few years." as she refunded our costs.

I'm sure Disney is thrilled you are willing to not notice.

We had a couple join us on our last visit...absolute beginners...had a GREAT time....they took advantage of our castmember discounts for room, food and merchandise. Their first comment when we asked about their impression (after discussing their favorite rides..Sorin and Splash Mountain, Illuminations and Spectro)....."Disney sure does know how to separate you from your $"

Don't get me wrong....we go to WDW and DL because we are long-time fans of these parks (all the way back to 1975 for WDW) < Talk about changes! We find our own magic there....but have found we simply don't fall into the Disney traps to spend more....for less quality.

Some of us notice.

Okay...random rant...I don't think this conversation was about declining quality of the food or souvenirs, this was about the castle suite and the ability or desire for Disney to charge for it.

What does this have to do with quality, at all?

[simba20]

Just wanted to add to the logistics of staying in the castle suite overnight.

I took the KTTK tour last week, and asked our guide about what happens at night when guests stay in the castle suite? She responded that there is a Guest Relations person who stays int he castle with the guest(s) overnight, in a small office outside the suite. If a guest wants to get up at 3 a.m. and walk around the park/have a smoke break/etc, they may do so and the Guest Relations employee walks around with them. At night, there is so much going on in the park anyway -- as of last week there were parade rehersals for the new parade coming in. other things that occur are cleanign and maintence.

The rides are closed and obvisouly not running, so not much for the castle guest(s) to see. And no chance of them "sneaking" into anything, considering that a GR person is walking around with them.

Our guide says it's only happened a handful of times, but hardly anyone wakes up int he middle of the night to walk around the park.

And as a PP mentioned about her aunt, it was once a call center for ressies.

[Belle599]

I think it is ok to "rent" it out, only as a special fundraiser to raise money for a charitable cause, say GKTW. I hope it is used for a good cause only.

[maroo]

I think that if you have read this thread closely you will have noticed that there are several people who have been involved (at one point or another) with the Make a Wish Foundation and Give Kids the World. If you the reader will have noticed it made more sense in these people's opinions (and mine) that the Castle suite was NOT used for this purpose. I want nothing more in the world for all children to feel as though their wishes were made possible, but imagine the world of hurt some of these children will feel if they were "given" that wish and had to be then turned away because the suite didn't have the adaptations for them to be comfortable and healthy. I love Give Kids the World and hope that one day I can volunteer for them (I don't have a lot of vacation as of right now). They give 140+ kids the comforts of being a kid in a magical world. Let Disney make a profit off the suite and let them continue to be generous in other ways.

This is a great post.

With hundreds of families staying at GKTW - I am not sure how they would chose the child that gets to stay. And when they do stay - they won't have the roll-in shower they may need, etc.

Disney already donates MILLIONS of dollars to these families each year with free PhotoPasses, free Park Tickets, free Parking, etc, etc - it makes sense to keep it from being used as a possibility for a wish granting.

I agree...let the kids stay at GKTW - it is the most magical on place on earth and they are treated like royalty.

PS: - Help GKTW all the way until June 30th by voting EVERY DAY for them in Pepsi Refresh project.

You only have to register once (and it is limited info) - you can vote every day.