Bye-bye Under 3 Free!!!

[bdklein]

~LOL. This is awesome! Anyway, thanks so much for the update and if your "friend" has any more info -- please don't hesitate to share!

Just trying to have a little fun.

 

[dadddio]

Oh ok, so I should just shut up and pay. Got it.

Some of you are such Disney's apologists, you just can't stand it when someone disagrees with Disney on something.

Actually, it wasn't Disney that you were disagreeing with. You were mad at Disney for an internet rumor that wasn't known to be true (and turns out wasn't).

As the father of a 3yo and a 2yo with a trip planned, it would be a bit of a bummer to pay a little more for the character buffets had the rumor been true, but it would only be an issue for such a limited number of experiences for a very limited amount of time, that I wouldn't see it as a deal breaker. I guess that view makes me an 'apologist'. Whatever.

 

[ChipnDale79]

Actually, it wasn't Disney that you were disagreeing with. You were mad at Disney for an internet rumor that wasn't known to be true (and turns out wasn't).

As the father of a 3yo and a 2yo with a trip planned, it would be a bit of a bummer to pay a little more for the character buffets had the rumor been true, but it would only be an issue for such a limited number of experiences for a very limited amount of time, that I wouldn't see it as a deal breaker. I guess that view makes me an 'apologist'. Whatever.

Actually the snarky comment from me was to another poster who basically said get over it, and pay for it.

 

[Reddog1134]

Actually the snarky comment from me was to another poster who basically said get over it, and pay for it.

I don't think he was saying that at all. I think he was saying "this is nothing new".

One thing that retailers consider when establishing price is "shrinkage". Meaning lost product due to damages, theft, etc. They make up that loss by charging more for their product. Which is not much different than Disney charging all toddlers to prevent abuse of the system.

So you're probably already paying more for any thing you've ever bought anywhere because someone decided to "beat the system" and steal.

 

[robinb]

I can't possibly imagine that the under 3 crowd could be costing Disney that much money at buffets. When I pay $35+ for an adult buffet I'm imagining they are more than making up for what my 2 yr old can eat.

Agreed. I also don't think the few 3-year old scofflaws are are breaking Disney's bank either.

 

[tjkraz]

Agreed. I also don't think the few 3-year old scofflaws are are breaking Disney's bank either.

Agree.

And even Disney couldn't justify charging for a <18 month old who is barely eating solid foods in the first place...certainly not chicken nuggets and pizza.

This one didn't pass the sniff test from the get-go.

 

[mm1971]

It's not my responsibility that someone else isnt following the rules, so why should I be punished to pay because of actions of others? That's not my problem, that's Disney's. By making it "my problem", Disney is passing the buck and taking money from the people that are actually following the rules.

Ahhh, but it is your problem and you pay for it everywhere. At restaurants, retail stores, Costco and everywhere else. The costs of spoilage, theft, maintenance, etc...are all factored into the overhead portion of everything you buy. And I mean EVERYTHING. Disney is only doing what everyone else is doing. I am not defending Disney, just explaining reality. It would be nice if the old ways could continue, but I don't fault them for trying to reduce the dishonestly of guests. I'm not sure if the rumor is true, either way it is passed on by a change in policy or increased costs elsewhere.

 

[ChipnDale79]

Ahhh, but it is your problem and you pay for it everywhere. At restaurants, retail stores, Costco and everywhere else. The costs of spoilage, theft, maintenance, etc...are all factored into the overhead portion of everything you buy. And I mean EVERYTHING. Disney is only doing what everyone else is doing. I am not defending Disney, just explaining reality. It would be nice if the old ways could continue, but I don't fault them for trying to reduce the dishonestly of guests. I'm not sure if the rumor is true, either way it is passed on by a change in policy or increased costs elsewhere.

I understand reality, I'm sure disney already includes shrinkage and spoilage in everything they offer as well.

My point was that I didn't think it was right to charge an additional fee to those who have young children, when we know that shrinkage is already included in the cost.

It doesn't really matter anyways considering this turned out to be false.

 

[Reddog1134]

My point was that I didn't think it was right to charge an additional fee to those who have young children, when we know that shrinkage is already included in the cost.

Good point.

 

[Lewisc]

I spoke to my "friend" and apparently I misinterpreted what was said. Scratch this one.

Did you completely misinterpret what was said? Is it possible Disney is going to try and "jog the memories" of parents who seem to have forgotten how old their kids are.

 

[dunnhorn]

Agreed. Blame your neighbors, blame your co-workers, blame your in-laws. It is Disney adapting to our culture, not Disney trying to bend everyone over.

No, actually I'll have to side with the OP on this one. This is TOTAL CRAP. If Disney charged a reasonable price for its table service buffets, folks with babies wouldn't try to beat the system. A 10 year old is charged $38 to eat dinner? PLEASE. No sympathy from me for Disney on the food prices.

If it chooses to "charge" guests under 3, this will be a sad day indeed.

 

[Adie's Mama]

That would stink! I went last December 2 weeks before my son's 3rd birthday and totally brought his passport just for proof cause he's a big kid (he was 40" tall and went on ALL the 40"+ rides before he was even 3, LOL! Tower of Terror was his fav...). I was never questioned, but I wanted to be prepared. I don't see why proof of age is such an unreasonable idea?

 

[eeyorepixie]

It's all about increasing profit, that is the driving force-bottom line. When my children became Disney Adults- we never booked another buffet. It will be the day I pay that price for a kid to eat at a buffet. I think they are slick, but, they are not getting my money. Use to stay on site- Now off site...Use to do Dining Plan- Now eat 80% off site. Use to just do Disney parks- now like going other places. I can not be the only one! My budget for family trips, is my budget! My boss is not giving raises out, if anything jobs are being diminished and work loads are heavier. I work hard for my money, so no Mr. Iger...do not need you inflated prices, and no longer am I a Disney hostage/sheep.

 

[dadddio]

Perhaps the thread title could be changed so that people wouldn't rant about this issue without knowing that the rumor was incorrect.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Don't some airlines require proof of age when children get in free? Like a birth certificate? I'd happy to carry around a copy with me to not have to pay because someone next to me is skirting the rules.

If they are a lap child, or if they are flying on an age-restricted fare (like an infant fare) - then they need a birth certificate. If they're just flying on a regular fare, they don't need one.

 

[ChipnDale79]

It's all about increasing profit, that is the driving force-bottom line. When my children became Disney Adults- we never booked another buffet. It will be the day I pay that price for a kid to eat at a buffet. I think they are slick, but, they are not getting my money. Use to stay on site- Now off site...Use to do Dining Plan- Now eat 80% off site. Use to just do Disney parks- now like going other places. I can not be the only one! My budget for family trips, is my budget! My boss is not giving raises out, if anything jobs are being diminished and work loads are heavier. I work hard for my money, so no Mr. Iger...do not need you inflated prices, and no longer am I a Disney hostage/sheep.

You hit the nail on the head.

 

[got2luvtink]

It's all about increasing profit, that is the driving force-bottom line. When my children became Disney Adults- we never booked another buffet. It will be the day I pay that price for a kid to eat at a buffet. I think they are slick, but, they are not getting my money. Use to stay on site- Now off site...Use to do Dining Plan- Now eat 80% off site. Use to just do Disney parks- now like going other places. I can not be the only one! My budget for family trips, is my budget! My boss is not giving raises out, if anything jobs are being diminished and work loads are heavier. I work hard for my money, so no Mr. Iger...do not need you inflated prices, and no longer am I a Disney hostage/sheep.

You hit the nail on the head.

110% AGREE!!

 

[jadelane1]

I really have problem with them charging for toddlers. Seriously, my toddler doesn't eat that much. I'm all for proof of age, my sons are on the taller side and I am bringing my 2yr old in September. When my oldest was 2 they questioned me at the front gate. It made me very uncomfortable and I did not care for the looks I was given like I was scamming. I am not a liar and he was in the 98th percentile. With this one I will bring proof of age. It's a shame so many people cast judgements on people and things they nothing about. However, I am sure there are plenty of scammers out there and it bothers me that they ruin it for the rest of us. There are always rules, what makes people think they are so special to not have to follow them? What do these people think they are teaching their kids? Sorry for my rant, just confused.....

 

[Cobern]

I really have problem with them charging for toddlers. Seriously, my toddler doesn't eat that much. I'm all for proof of age, my sons are on the taller side and I am bringing my 2yr old in September. When my oldest was 2 they questioned me at the front gate. It made me very uncomfortable and I did not care for the looks I was given like I was scamming. I am not a liar and he was in the 98th percentile. With this one I will bring proof of age. It's a shame so many people cast judgements on people and things they nothing about. However, I am sure there are plenty of scammers out there and it bothers me that they ruin it for the rest of us. There are always rules, what makes people think they are so special to not have to follow them? What do these people think they are teaching their kids? Sorry for my rant, just confused.....

My SIL is one of the scammers. It drives me crazy she is constantly telling her kids to lie about their ages to get the cheaper price/free. Her son will be 4 this year when they go to Disney and I will be you that she will tell them he is under 3. She is constantly telling her older one (7) to say she is 5 to get in free at fairs and such locally. This is why they would even consider doing something, I just hate when she does it and thank goodness I am never around when she does. She loves to brag about how much cheaper she can get the kids into things.

 

[tjkraz]

It's all about increasing profit, that is the driving force-bottom line.

That's the case with any for-profit business. It's just a question of the path chosen to achieve the goal.

When my children became Disney Adults- we never booked another buffet. It will be the day I pay that price for a kid to eat at a buffet. I think they are slick, but, they are not getting my money. Use to stay on site- Now off site...Use to do Dining Plan- Now eat 80% off site. Use to just do Disney parks- now like going other places. I can not be the only one!

I'm sure you aren't the only one, but judging by Disney's recent financial report (Parks & Resorts profit up 74% compared to same time period last year), many people are choosing to pay Disney's prices.

We could spend all day debating the true state of the economy and its future prospects. But in the here-and-now, consumers are spending more. That usually results in businesses raising prices and not offering as many discounts. Look around and you'll see similar trends all across the retail landscape--restaurants, department stores, auto dealers, etc. The ones that are doing well have begun to inch-up prices and will have fewer sales & specials.

My budget for family trips, is my budget! My boss is not giving raises out, if anything jobs are being diminished and work loads are heavier. I work hard for my money, so no Mr. Iger...do not need you inflated prices, and no longer am I a Disney hostage/sheep.

Those are certainly buying decisions every consumer must make. Many people consider a $4 hamburger, $400 cell phone or $40,000 car to be overpriced. Others don't bat an eye at it.

With regard to Disney, we have always taken the approach that we will spend whatever we are able and not be coerced into unneeded impulse purchases.

If airfare is too expensive, we'll drive. If character meals are too expensive, we'll dine elsewhere or cook in our hotel room. If we don't have money for park tickets, we'll skip a planned trip and take a longer one next time. If souvenirs are overpriced and poorly made, we simply do not buy them.

We probably do not spend as many days at the Disney parks today as we did 5 or 10 years ago, but I'm not going to spout venom at Disney over that decision. They only have so many seats each day at Cinderella's Royal Table and Chef Mickey's. Every business in the world would charge as much as possible to fill those seats. Same is true of capacity in the theme parks, hotel rooms, etc. As a business, you charge what the market will bear.

Tired of the Disney parks? Think it's overpriced? Absolutely go elsewhere. But realize that someone else will probably take your place. Disney's profits suggest that they aren't feeling much pain from the guests who decide to spend a day at Universal or Sea World.