Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Progresses with Major Concrete Pour

[lockedoutlogic]

I don't understand why people would think that Disney would just give something away for free, especially something as expensive as dining. They are making you pay for it some how. You just don't realize it.

they are doing it to supplement lower attendance than they'd like in what has been a pretty awful travel environment for the last 5 years...

and they are doing it to make sure that the discretionary spending during a trip for your average vacationer goes almost exclusively to giftshops...where the profit margins are off the chart.
everybody still shows up with a "piggy bank" to spend while they're there...even if the up front cost with a paid dining plan is much higher...

but its higher months or even years in advance...not at the time of the trip. and the dial resets.


That is the evil genius behind the dining plan. they've haven't been able to implement it fully because that pesky "free dining" is still around and cuts into the cash a little...but if they manage to eliminate it and still get most people to bite on the dining plan - i would bet that aggregate spending for the average vacation will probably be up somewhere at or above 20% from what their pre-dining plan levels were...

Operation Vulcan has commenced!

 

[DCTooTall]

Just curious...those of you (mainly Locked Out, DCToo) who have mentioned lack of services at the resorts - deluxes in particular - exactly what type of services are you looking for? One of you mentioned holding back ADRs for guests staying at that resort, and that's fine. But what else?

I agree that overall, WDW resort prices are borderline ridiculous. however, I attribute the premium to those things already mentioned - location, package delivery, transportation, ME, etc.

It's probably just who I am, but I don't look for some hotel staff member to wait on me hand and foot. I'm the type who prefers to do things for myself. Just as an example, on Long Island, there are these 'Dairy Barn' stores. They're basically a chain of small drive-through only grocery stores (that look like little red barns). You tell the person what you want...milk, egss, whatever. The worker gets them and bags them and gives them to you and you never get out of your car. I know plenty of people who love it. I hate the idea and have never went to one. I like to pick out my own products, thank you very much. And my mentality doesn't really change when on vacation.

Just because a hotel offers something, doesn't mean that everyone will need to take advantage of those offerings.

As for other services they could provide? It's tough for me to say. I'll freely admit that the four Seasons and other true "deluxe" hotels are out of my normal price range. Hell.... I actually prefer to travel in Timeshare type units where I don't even get daily housekeeping. But my point is simply that the location and other "perks" of staying at the Boardwalk or the Pop Century are not worth the $300/night difference in price. Most of the Disney perks and offerings are the same between the two hotels, so even you use the Value pricing as a baseline, the Deluxe resorts STILL seem overpriced because you actually aren't getting a whole lot extra in those hotels. Improving the basic service levels would ultimately be the quickest, easiest, and "cheapest" way for Disney to truly add value to a Deluxe stay over a stay at the Values.

 

[mcd2745]

Just because a hotel offers something, doesn't mean that everyone will need to take advantage of those offerings.

As for other services they could provide? It's tough for me to say. I'll freely admit that the four Seasons and other true "deluxe" hotels are out of my normal price range. Hell.... I actually prefer to travel in Timeshare type units where I don't even get daily housekeeping. But my point is simply that the location and other "perks" of staying at the Boardwalk or the Pop Century are not worth the $300/night difference in price. Most of the Disney perks and offerings are the same between the two hotels, so even you use the Value pricing as a baseline, the Deluxe resorts STILL seem overpriced because you actually aren't getting a whole lot extra in those hotels. Improving the basic service levels would ultimately be the quickest, easiest, and "cheapest" way for Disney to truly add value to a Deluxe stay over a stay at the Values.

Understood. Just because I may not be likely take advantage particular services, it doesn't mean they shouldn't offer them or that no one else would take advantage of them. I just don't ever find myself thinking "I wish they had offered this service or that service" while at the resorts. Who knows...maybe someone would mention something that is done at other hotels/resorts that I never thought of that I would totally want to take advantage of if WDW offered it.

I'm by no means justifying the price tag of the deluxes....but as to the bolded, some of the things you have at a deluxe that you don't have at the values (although admittedly I've never stayed at a value) include TS restaurants, larger rooms, better pools (with slides), waiters going around the pool taking drink orders, room doors that don't open to the outside, many (if not all) have some type of balcony or porch, and generally better locations with varied transportation options. Are those things worth the price difference between the two? Depends on the indivudual I guess.

 

[jade1]

But my point is simply that the location and other "perks" of staying at the Boardwalk or the Pop Century are not worth the $300/night difference in price. Most of the Disney perks and offerings are the same between the two hotels, so even you use the Value pricing as a baseline, the Deluxe resorts STILL seem overpriced because you actually aren't getting a whole lot extra in those hotels. Improving the basic service levels would ultimately be the quickest, easiest, and "cheapest" way for Disney to truly add value to a Deluxe stay over a stay at the Values.

I would stay at Allstars over the BWI if they changed locations, even if the pricing switched, and the perks switched.

 

[beer dave]

I would stay at Allstars over the BWI if they changed locations, even if the pricing switched, and the perks switched.

So what you are saying is you would prefer the allstars buildings and grounds to the boardwalk? Even at Boardwalk prices?

 

[jade1]

So what you are saying is you would prefer the allstars buildings and grounds to the boardwalk? Even at Boardwalk prices?

No, but I am saying if you leave the BW perks (Luna & Quiet pools, the BW and its shopping and dining, the deluxe queen beds, concierge, room service) but replaced the buildings locations including the goofy look of it all-yes I would choose the Allstars-mostly because of the location.

I would find it odd of course, but my point is its the location I am willing to pay for.

Now it if was a wholesale swap-just lift the Allstars and drop on the shore where BW is-then put the BW where Allstars is. I would for sure still choose Allstars over BW at current prices. If they were the same price I would choose Allstars as well. If it was $400 Allstars and $150 BW-then I would choose BC for location at $400 because of location and deluxe.

 

[beer dave]

No, but I am saying if you leave the BW perks (Luna & Quiet pools, the BW and its shopping and dining, the deluxe queen beds, concierge, room service) but replaced the buildings locations including the goofy look of it all-yes I would choose the Allstars-mostly because of the location.

I would find it odd of course, but my point is its the location I am willing to pay for.

Now it if was a wholesale swap-just lift the Allstars and drop on the shore where BW is-then put the BW where Allstars is. I would for sure still choose Allstars over BW at current prices. If they were the same price I would choose Allstars as well. If it was $400 Allstars and $150 BW-then I would choose BC for location at $400 because of location and deluxe.

My apologies, but I'm having a hard time making heads or tails of this--

Do you hate boardwalk for some reason? Or do you love the feel of Allstars? (many people do) Does any one else get this? Not trying to be rude, just trying to understand.

 

[jade1]

My apologies, but I'm having a hard time making heads or tails of this--

Do you hate boardwalk for some reason? Or do you love the feel of Allstars? (many people do) Does any one else get this? Not trying to be rude, just trying to understand.

I am using the BW as an example, feel free to use the BC or BLT.

The point is I am one of your problems I think. I go to central FL for WDW-otherwise I would go the FL beaches. Hence its "location" that matters. Yes, the closer the better. Same as ski resorts in Colorado. We pay way more to be on the slopes ski in and ski out-not take buses everywhere. Same as NYC-we stay on times square not in New Jersey and we pay more.

Now "deluxe" is important, but does not trump location to the parks for us. Build all the Four Seasons and Waldorf Astoria's "nearby" that you want. We will never even price them.

My Allstars point was to show that same thing.

My response was to DCTooTall that its not worth it-I say yes it is::

Originally Posted by DCTooTall
But my point is simply that the location and other "perks" of staying at the Boardwalk or the Pop Century are not worth the $300/night difference in price. Most of the Disney perks and offerings are the same between the two hotels, so even you use the Value pricing as a baseline, the Deluxe resorts STILL seem overpriced because you actually aren't getting a whole lot extra in those hotels. Improving the basic service levels would ultimately be the quickest, easiest, and "cheapest" way for Disney to truly add value to a Deluxe stay over a stay at the Values.

 

[jade1]

But my point is simply that the location and other "perks" of staying at the Boardwalk or the Pop Century are not worth the $300/night difference in price. Most of the Disney perks and offerings are the same between the two hotels, so even you use the Value pricing as a baseline, the Deluxe resorts STILL seem overpriced because you actually aren't getting a whole lot extra in those hotels.

It is worth that much more, to the point we won't make the trip without the BW or BC available. Now we do a lot of EPCOT evenings though, dining and drinks as well as on the BW. We can leave our room 10 minutes before an ADR, we would need to leave our room an hour before from Pop, same for a return FP time, or a rope drop. We can walk back for a swim/rest and be there before we can get to the bus line at EPCOT. The pools are way better at BC and BW. EPCOT dining is just a quick walk along with all the BW dining. The deluxe queen beds are much nicer than Allstars fulls. Room service.

I can be in my BC room after Illuminations before an Allstar guest can get to the EPCOT exit, much less the walk to the bus, ride the bus if not full, make the stops, and then walk to their room yet.

Improving the basic service levels would ultimately be the quickest, easiest, and "cheapest" way for Disney to truly add value to a Deluxe stay over a stay at the Values.

What service levels are you talking about? Especially when compared to what I listed above?

 

[beer dave]

I am using the BW as an example, feel free to use the BC or BLT.

The point is I am one of your problems I think. I go to central FL for WDW-otherwise I would go the FL beaches. Hence its "location" that matters. Yes, the closer the better. Same as ski resorts in Colorado. We pay way more to be on the slopes ski in and ski out-not take buses everywhere. Same as NYC-we stay on times square not in New Jersey and we pay more.

Now "deluxe" is important, but does not trump location to the parks for us. Build all the Four Seasons and Waldorf Astoria's "nearby" that you want. We will never even price them.

My Allstars point was to show that same thing.

My response was to DCTooTall that its not worth it-I say yes it is::

Originally Posted by DCTooTall
But my point is simply that the location and other "perks" of staying at the Boardwalk or the Pop Century are not worth the $300/night difference in price. Most of the Disney perks and offerings are the same between the two hotels, so even you use the Value pricing as a baseline, the Deluxe resorts STILL seem overpriced because you actually aren't getting a whole lot extra in those hotels. Improving the basic service levels would ultimately be the quickest, easiest, and "cheapest" way for Disney to truly add value to a Deluxe stay over a stay at the Values.

Thank you for the clarification. As it turns out we are in complete agreement. Staying at the BW, BC, and BLT (DVC member) in my opinion are so far superior to any other location on property, we won't stay anywhere else. As far as the pricing, when you have developed a "world" which is like nothing ever created anywhere else, regardless of the current levels of neglect , you can charge whatever you want for admission. The reason the pricing is not excessive is because there is no other place to compare it to. If you want the disney experience, you can't get it at universal, simply due to the size differences. Until another company buys huge acreage, creates better parks, resorts, transportation, dinning, and yes, people like the shopping, Disney will never have a real competitor.

 

[mvk]

My apologies, but I'm having a hard time making heads or tails of this--

Do you hate boardwalk for some reason? Or do you love the feel of Allstars? (many people do) Does any one else get this? Not trying to be rude, just trying to understand.

I understand completely what they are saying. They care more for the location of the Boardwalk Inn than the amenities. I think that is understandable. The location is exactly what the poster wants in staying at a hotel, being easily accessible to Epcot, and DHS as well. And similarly, people are willing to pay that money to stay on the monorail line, or even walking distance to the MK in the case of Contemporary.

To me, my family spends very little time at the resort anyway, so amenities and stuff like that mean very little to me. I'm much more interested in location (especially being on Disney property), transportation, Magical Express, etc.

 

[jade1]

Thank you for the clarification. As it turns out we are in complete agreement. Staying at the BW, BC, and BLT (DVC member) in my opinion are so far superior to any other location on property, we won't stay anywhere else. As far as the pricing, when you have developed a "world" which is like nothing ever created anywhere else, regardless of the current levels of neglect , you can charge whatever you want for admission. The reason the pricing is not excessive is because there is no other place to compare it to. If you want the disney experience, you can't get it at universal, simply due to the size differences. Until another company buys huge acreage, creates better parks, resorts, transportation, dinning, and yes, people like the shopping, Disney will never have a real competitor.

Good to hear-yes you summed up what I meant/feel as well. I get 10 days (with 2 weekend in there) to get out of these 80 hour year around work weeks and have found this "creation" as you say is far and away "THEE" place we are going. We do often split a few days at BLT so we can walk to MK as well. I don't think Disney's "Deluxe" has to be at Four Season levels at all.

Once Four Seasons builds next to EPCOT and has its own entrance-I will be glad to check pricing and amenities. But even then, the ease of ME regarding bags etc better be included. Right or wrong-I can't really improve on what we get there currently.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

Good to hear-yes you summed up what I meant/feel as well. I get 10 days (with 2 weekend in there) to get out of these 80 hour year around work weeks and have found this "creation" as you say is far and away "THEE" place we are going. We do often split a few days at BLT so we can walk to MK as well. I don't think Disney's "Deluxe" has to be at Four Season levels at all.

Once Four Seasons builds next to EPCOT and has its own entrance-I will be glad to check pricing and amenities. But even then, the ease of ME regarding bags etc better be included. Right or wrong-I can't really improve on what we get there currently.

It's own entrance? You have inside info?

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

It's own entrance? You have inside info?

~Oh pirate, you are just too funny, lol. Be nice.

 

[fr spodo komodo]

I would love if Disney made fast passes exclusive to delude resort guests like what is done at universal.

 

[twebber55]

I would love if Disney made fast passes exclusive to delude resort guests like what is done at universal.

Good idea or maybe resort guest get 6 fp and non resort get 3 in regards to MM+

 

[Don Disney]

I would love if Disney made fast passes exclusive to delude resort guests like what is done at universal.

That's nice for those who can AFFORD deluxe..... That's the problem today..everything for those who have the most.

 

[beer dave]

That's nice for those who can AFFORD deluxe..... That's the problem today..everything for those who have the most.

I'm not sure that is just today---I think it has always been that way.

 

[fr spodo komodo]

But for the price difference between a deluxe and a value you don't get much extra

 

[beer dave]

But for the price difference between a deluxe and a value you don't get much extra

As stated above-- for some of us the walk to the parks (location) is priceless ( almost)