Prices just hit my threshold :-(

[bpadair32]

So I am signing off of this thread. It has run its course for me, and I am sure many of you will be happy to see me go. Before I leave I just want to say a couple of things:

1. To those who could tell the difference between the legitimate points I was making, and the times when I was just having fun, and agreed with me - Thank you, I hope to have many more discussions with you in the future.
2. To those who could tell the difference between the legitimate points I was making, and the times when I was just having fun, and disagreed with me - I respectfully agree to disagree and I hope to have many more discussions with you in the future.
3. To those who could NOT tell the difference between the legitimate points I was making and the times when I was just having fun, and therefore think I am a jerk, terrible person, etc. - Thank you as well. You have provided me with an immense amount of free entertainment.

Finally, please remember that we are all on an internet message board debating the pros and cons of prices at Disney World. Don't take things so seriously, relax and realize how good we all have it. You will have far less stress in your life, and probably live quite a bit longer as a result.

 

[mickeymom629]

When was that? We've been going since the early 80s and it's only been in the last 5 years or so that the prices have climbed at a ridiculous rate.

I saved for over a year to take my 3 young children (while pregnant with my 4th) to WDW back in 1993. We stayed offsite and I didn't know much except what I read in Birnbaum's book.

Back then, Disney was a destination that I didn't expect to do more than a couple of times, let alone annually. But we loved it and I wanted to plan a trip back. I scrimped and saved and, about 4.5 years later we stayed in a FW cabin (about the only place that would accommodate a family of 6).

Then, they built the Value resorts, started to offer discounts and gave away trips on every radio/tv station I turned on and the masses started coming. I think it was our next trip (staying at a Value) when I started noticing how much the visitors weren't respecting WDW as much as I felt it should be - most noticeably in the restrooms at first.

Fast forward to now, and we are DVC owners (since 1999 when I got a discount as a CM). We have always driven from MD because of how much it would cost for a family of 6. We went when we could afford to (money and points-wise) and I occasionally buy tickets when I know there will be a price hike (if I can afford it) since I know we will be going again. We went about once a year when my kids were younger. We usually eat at QS restaurants. I may book one "splurge" on something new each trip.

I will have my first trip using FP+ with only DH and myself in January (last trip with family was in Jan. 2013). I'm curious to see if I am on board with the changes I see/feel, if any.

I have been upset with the elimination of the live acts in Epcot and around all of WDW. I agree that CMs need longer training. I agree with others who have expressed disappointment with the quality of food and cleanliness at Disney that has, in my opinion, been because they offer the free dining and other discounts while cutting back on quality and the importance of "show" as O2BNWDW stated.

Personally, I hope the $ increases DO cause there to be a decrease in attendance, especially if it would make Disney improve/restore their performance/quality/show. I have no thought to sell my DVC, but I already see our trips getting further apart (for many life reasons), but they may increase again - it just depends on our points, our $, who wants to go with us, and our vacation time from work.

We only got APs once when DS was in college in FL. To those who always get APs and now are upset with the price increase/decrease in the Disney quality, well, I understand. Maybe Disney should be like all things in life - done in moderation.

 

[disneyfan2kids]

You are misunderstanding my point. Group #1 is not going to change, no matter what. Group #3 is not going to change no matter what. Group #2 is where the flux is, and some of them will still go and some will not. Some will move from one side to another within that group, but Group #1 and Group #3 will never change. Thats my point.

You are 100% wrong. I was group #1.

Consider myself changed.

 

[disneyseniors]

Wasn't going to post, what with this thread going so long now, but my finger got worn out on the "like" button of so many whose posts I agree with and value. Our family has been to WDW many times since the 80's, like so many others here. We went when the kids were little, had to work hard to save up for vacation, and we all loved WDW. Food was reasonable, we stayed off site because of cost (yep, even in the 80's and the attractions were all quality.
That is the Disney I remember, as do most of the posters here. We remember quality for the price, pride in show, and new innovative attractions/rides. We were not price gouged!
Now we have continued to go to Disney over the years. We are retired, just 2 adults who love Disney, and have been going once a year for the past several.
On our last trip in 2014, we notice the dirty areas of the parks, esp MK. We go at a "slower" time of year, so it was not over crowded for an excuse for filth! I complained to WDW when we got back home about the dirty queue at HM with papers, wrappers, just plain trash littering the area right before we got onto the doombuggies. I was disappointed to read on another site that the queue at HM is just as disgusting, some 9 months later.. WDW wrote back apologizing and gave us some fp's and free park hoppers. We did not want that at all! We want it fixed! During our last trip, we had rides continually breaking down in each and every park, multiple times on multiple days. This has never happened before. again, we got fp's for our next trip! It is plain to see that the rides themselves are not being cared for and maintenance is pitiful if done at all. The food prices are sky high, and yes the quality has gone down. LeCellar is now a disappointment and no one seems to care.
My husband, who is Disney's #1 senior fan, loves to watch the Disney shows on tv about the parks, resorts, etc. He was watching one the other day and said that he couldn't wait for the Osborne lights. I said this is the last year for them even though they brought a lot of people into the parks and were awesome. He also looked forward to seeing the pre show with mulch, sweat, and shearsand I said, they are not there now either. We were looking forward to going to the animation academy next trip, but guess what, sorry honey, it is not there either. There are numerous more that I can't think of right now. He was saddened by all these wonderful attractions being taken away, as am I. It seems the things we looked forward to are now going to be missing. What is replacing them? I was disappointed in the much heralded new fantasyland at MK. The Little Mermaid ride is nothing more than a cheap remake of other rides, no innovation at all. I guess the little kids 5 and under will like it for a while, and that's great, but is that sustainable? I was really disappointed in the offerings of this new part of the park. I hope the other areas are going to be better whenever they get there! Frozen is nice, but will it sustain for years? I think it's popularity is waining.
Disney needs to update it's tv shows, as a lot of what they show is not there anymore, and is misleading to newbies.
We are going again this November, but our expectations are sadly lowered. We do not hate Disney. We love Disney. It is a place to excape from the daily grind of life. But anyone can plainly see that it is declining in quality and quantity, as many PP's have so eloquently stated.
For the first time in all our Disney travels, we are going to Universal this time for one or 2 days. It will be refreshing to actually eat somewhere with making adr's l80 days in advance! We will ride rides without fp's done 60 days out. Imagine that?? We will go where we want to without preplanning months in advance and actually change our plans if it is raining, we are too tired, or for any darn reason we want! Wow, just imagine.............
We are not making adr's on our trip this Nov. I am tired of trying to line up days in the parks, adrs, fp's. It's just too much work for US! Too much preplanning. don't get me wrong, I like to preplan our trips. But there is a line that we have just met with preplanning. I have booked a few TS's at our favorite restaurants, but that's it. Only going to use a few fp's. I have a feeling that for our vacation next year, we will stay offsite at a beautiful condo, go to Universal, the beach, other great attractions, and not plan any WDW days.
I feel very saddened by all this, as I love Disney, I just don't love the way it's been heading!

 

[Ambear]

3. To those who could NOT tell the difference between the legitimate points I was making and the times when I was just having fun, and therefore think I am a jerk, terrible person, etc. - Thank you as well. You have provided me with an immense amount of free entertainment.

You need to work on your mic drop. Everyone uses the "haha I was messing with you all and you gave me a fun time" line when they retreat from a thread.

 

[disneyfan2kids]

Read back to the beginning and you will find quite a few people that were making points just like that. Quite a few actually.

I read back to the beginning...what I've gathered is that you are 32, claim to make in the top 10% of wage earners (LOLOLOL! -yet can't/don't pay for your own vacations) claim to work harder than others, yet seem to have an exorbitant amount of free time to post every 6 seconds in a chat room.

 

[BSmithington]

I’m by no means a Disney apologist but they can only do so much. The food sucks because 97% of people are allergic to some sort of ingredient. Try making a mass produced meal when you can’t be near salt, pepper, tree nuts, raw veggies etc…

The parks are a mess because people are just disgusting. Toilet training must be something different now.

A good majority of the issues are caused by the guests themselves. I would look at the ROI on individual guests. Take your average DISer with multiple posts. They are savvy and if Mickey doesn’t take a magical dump on them they will be writing to Corporate.

 

[JennyMP03]

If I see "entitlement culture" one more time, my eyes are going to roll straight into another galaxy.

I don't think the primary rhetoric here is that Disney owes anyone a trip, or even cheaper pricing. I fall on the side of the few posts wishing it were more accessible to more people, but I definitely recognize how debatable that sentiment is. The more persistent argument seems to assert that the prices should reflect the services rendered, and that elevated prices without better services seems unjustified at best. I'm not certain how this is a point of contention, regardless of anyone's financial bracket. Does anyone appreciate paying more for the same or less than they got during a previous year?

Re: empathy. I don't expect Disney as a corporation to extend it in the slightest. I'm not arguing that Disney's primary goal is anything but making money. This forum, however, is a collection of people, several of whom have expressed sorrow over being unable to afford trips for their families. Maybe they can cut corners to make it work, but maybe they can't. I grew up in a family where every dollar made a difference, and I haven't forgotten the strain of those days even though my situation has improved as an adult. Don't make assumptions about other people's financial situations, and don't act like making the decision to not go means so little. It can be much more hurtful than some people realize.

In b4 "but entitled! but vacation are luxury!!!1 but disney needs more moneys! but po' folk need to work harder!" All compelling arguments, to be sure, and not at all reflective of disdain toward working class people. Half of this thread may as well have been written by a cartoon villain.

 

[imbelle]

If Disney's aim was to make more money with the annual pass increases, it backfired in my case. I had booked a passholder discounted room for 5 days at the Grand Californian based on the plan to upgrade my WDW annual pass to a Premier Passport upon arrival at Disneyland (I've done this a few times before; I'd heard too many horror stories of Premier Passports purchased in WDW not working in Disneyland). The increase was going to cost me $500 which was $200 more than a 5 day park hopper but with the discounts and a possible return trip before my pass expired in May 2016, I was ok with dropping the extra bucks for the upgrade. With the new price increase I would have to pay $900 more to upgrade. I called and cancelled my reservation last night. Hopemax hit the nail on the head with that post that compares Disney love to a toxic,user relationship.

 

[PAcpl]

I saved for over a year to take my 3 young children (while pregnant with my 4th) to WDW back in 1993. We stayed offsite and I didn't know much except what I read in Birnbaum's book.

Back then, Disney was a destination that I didn't expect to do more than a couple of times, let alone annually. But we loved it and I wanted to plan a trip back. I scrimped and saved and, about 4.5 years later we stayed in a FW cabin (about the only place that would accommodate a family of 6).

Then, they built the Value resorts, started to offer discounts and gave away trips on every radio/tv station I turned on and the masses started coming. I think it was our next trip (staying at a Value) when I started noticing how much the visitors weren't respecting WDW as much as I felt it should be - most noticeably in the restrooms at first.

Fast forward to now, and we are DVC owners (since 1999 when I got a discount as a CM). We have always driven from MD because of how much it would cost for a family of 6. We went when we could afford to (money and points-wise) and I occasionally buy tickets when I know there will be a price hike (if I can afford it) since I know we will be going again. We went about once a year when my kids were younger. We usually eat at QS restaurants. I may book one "splurge" on something new each trip.

I will have my first trip using FP+ with only DH and myself in January (last trip with family was in Jan. 2013). I'm curious to see if I am on board with the changes I see/feel, if any.

I have been upset with the elimination of the live acts in Epcot and around all of WDW. I agree that CMs need longer training. I agree with others who have expressed disappointment with the quality of food and cleanliness at Disney that has, in my opinion, been because they offer the free dining and other discounts while cutting back on quality and the importance of "show" as O2BNWDW stated.

Personally, I'd hope the $ increases DO cause there to be a decrease in attendance, especially if it would make Disney improve/restore their performance/quality/show. I have no thought to sell my DVC, but I already see our trips getting further apart (for many life reasons), but they may increase again - it just depends on our points, our $, who wants to go with us, and our vacation time from work.

We only got APs once when DS was in college in FL. To those who always get APs and now are upset with the price increase/decrease in the Disney quality, well, I understand. Maybe Disney should be like all things in life - done in moderation.

I agree, I think a PP was right when they said this is only step two of a three step process to bring tiered tickets back to the MK. Which I am all for too. I am fortunate enough to be able to go to Disney once a year. If I have to pay a higher price and share it less with the people who don't appreciate it as much, I am all for it.

 

[BSmithington]

I’m not really sure what people are expecting out of Corporate. I’ve subbed a few words, see if this makes sense:

Dear Mercedes,

I am deeply disappointed by your recent price increase on the new S550. We are long-time admirers of your automobiles. In fact, one of my fondest memories was riding in the backseat of my Grandfather’s W116. We are a hard working family and I’m afraid that we will not be able to afford the $105,000 needed to drive our favorite automobile. We hope you lower your price and/or create a similar automobile with all the features and options for a much lower price. Thank you in advance.

 

[O2BNWDW]

Yesterday I spent quite a bit of time putting stuff into perspective. I was just in the parks last month and the combination of increased crowds accompanied by a simultaneous decrease in the number and quality of the attractions/entertainment already had me somewhat less than satisfied. To receive back to back emails telling me that I would be paying even more for this dismished experience was more upsetting than I would have though it could be.

I have found myself less than satisfied on my last few trips. It's been brewing for a while. My last trip I remember thinking "Wow the food prices have increased so much it's like Disney is pushing everyone into the dining plan" but with TIW I thought I was covered. Not anymore on that front with the price increase.

I too have recieved those canned responses and even phone calls when I wrote about my discontent with Off Kilter. It kills me when they tell me they are doing it for increased guest satisfication. They remove things immediately but won't give back for years.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

So I am signing off of this thread. It has run its course for me, and I am sure many of you will be happy to see me go. Before I leave I just want to say a couple of things:

1. To those who could tell the difference between the legitimate points I was making, and the times when I was just having fun, and agreed with me - Thank you, I hope to have many more discussions with you in the future.
2. To those who could tell the difference between the legitimate points I was making, and the times when I was just having fun, and disagreed with me - I respectfully agree to disagree and I hope to have many more discussions with you in the future.
3. To those who could NOT tell the difference between the legitimate points I was making and the times when I was just having fun, and therefore think I am a jerk, terrible person, etc. - Thank you as well. You have provided me with an immense amount of free entertainment.

Finally, please remember that we are all on an internet message board debating the pros and cons of prices at Disney World. Don't take things so seriously, relax and realize how good we all have it. You will have far less stress in your life, and probably live quite a bit longer as a result.

 

[3DisneyFanz]

Although I do not disagree, no one has an entitlement to a WDW vacation. Stockholders, however, have a right and an entitlement to expect performance from a company they invest in- and if that means raising prices to offset expansion, new construction, etc.- then so be it. Many WDW attractions are outdated, and it costs money to replace/update them. What we on the boards might think about price increases is irrelevant to the corporation and it's stockholders. Stockholders do not care how someone feels, or how much they love Disney, or how disappointed they are about price increases. Stockholders care about one thing- and one thing only- profit margins.

Prices are going up, and people have to choose whether to deal with it and continue planning their WDW vacation (with or without compromises), vacation elsewhere, or not vacation at all until they save up enough money so that a WDW trip makes sense- those are the cold, hard facts surrounding these price increase issues. That said, almost anyone can make a WDW vacation work if they save up and make choices like staying off site, packing lunches, etc. It may not be what they did during past vacations- but it is still doable. Many of these posts make it seem like a WDW vacation is now out of reach. It isn't.

Some will have to compromise where they haven't had to in the past- and those areas where compromise is made will simply be 'filled in' by someone else in a better financial position- or someone that doesn't care as much about the increases. Every time there is a price increase these financial threads start on almost every WDW enthusiast site- last for a few weeks- then disappear. Many of those that have 'had enough' and 'reached their limit' and are 'done' with Disney are still here long after the price increases go into effect- and are still buying their passes and TiW cards and additional DVC points and whatever else.

It makes no difference to Disney or it's shareholders either way- go to WDW, don't go to WDW- the bottom line is financial accountability to stockholders, and there is no empathy involved- only dollars and cents. There will always be someone else to 'replace' the person that chooses to 'boycott' Disney, or buy the extra DVC points, or use a TiW card, or buy an AP- it's just the way it is. The parks are bursting at the seams during busy seasons, and attendance is way up during what have been historically slower times. The quote in the movie Field of Dreams gets it right..."If you build it, they will come". Whether or not those of us on the boards are included in the 'they' in the previous quote doesn't matter to the stockholders. There will always be others to take the spot vacated by those that 'boycott Disney'.

I think this details why the stock market might have been the single worst thing to ever hit the modern America economy. Consumers and employees are no longer the concern of publicly traded companies and many of them miss the negative impacts of their decisions until it is too late.

 

[TwoMisfits]

I’m by no means a Disney apologist but they can only do so much. The food sucks because 97% of people are allergic to some sort of ingredient. Try making a mass produced meal when you can’t be near salt, pepper, tree nuts, raw veggies etc…

The parks are a mess because people are just disgusting. Toilet training must be something different now.

A good majority of the issues are caused by the guests themselves. I would look at the ROI on individual guests. Take your average DISer with multiple posts. They are savvy and if Mickey doesn’t take a magical dump on them they will be writing to Corporate.

The food does not have to be as bad as it is for as much as it costs the Disney patron. Every other CF theme park has far superior food right now (in taste, quantity given, and variety) at the same price point or cheaper. It can be done if someone at Disney chooses to do it...but they don't b/c they don't have to...

 

[BSmithington]

The food does not have to be as bad as it is for as much as it costs the Disney patron. Every other CF theme park has far superior food right now (in taste, quantity given, and variety) at the same price point or cheaper. It can be done if someone at Disney chooses to do it...but they don't b/c they don't have to...

I saw this asked the other day on the restaurant board. Person wants to try the new Morimoto restaurant but is allergic to fish (if fish is in the air they will instantly die an agonizing death). They wanted to know if the restaurant would a) make her a special dish and b) re-clean all the surfaces. Tell me how you make a solid meal with 10,000+ crazies asking similar questions of every restaurant.

Other places have better quality because they are not as accommodating.

 

[dlavender]

I’m not really sure what people are expecting out of Corporate. I’ve subbed a few words, see if this makes sense:

Dear Mercedes,

I am deeply disappointed by your recent price increase on the new S550. We are long-time admirers of your automobiles. In fact, one of my fondest memories was riding in the backseat of my Grandfather’s W116. We are a hard working family and I’m afraid that we will not be able to afford the $105,000 needed to drive our favorite automobile. We hope you lower your price and/or create a similar automobile with all the features and options for a much lower price. Thank you in advance.

I think a better analogy is below:

Dear Toyota,

I am deeply disappointed by your recent price increase on your Sienna mini van. We are long-time admirers of your automobiles. In fact, my fondest memories are taking trips in this car. We are a hard working family, and I don't like that you have doubled the price, yet taken out the power windows, locks, even the radio! Do you think that you are Mercedes? If I am going to pay Mercedes' price, I'm going to drive a Mercedes, not a Toyota. Thank you in advance.

 

[PAcpl]

The food does not have to be as bad as it is for as much as it costs the Disney patron. Every other CF theme park has far superior food right now (in taste, quantity given, and variety) at the same price point or cheaper. It can be done if someone at Disney chooses to do it...but they don't b/c they don't have to...

To compare another theme park to Disney is unfair. Wishes costs Disney $40k a night to run, mix that will F! and Illuminations and you're talking about spending six figures a day just on 3 nighttime shows.

 

[Ambear]

If I see "entitlement culture" one more time, my eyes are going to roll straight into another galaxy.

As someone who suffered through the whole "Mass Effect 3 ending" debacle, I totally agree. Calling someone entitled just usually means you don't agree with what the other person wants, but you also have no good reason for why they're wrong to want those things. So call em entitled!

 

[BSmithington]

I think a better analogy is below:

Dear Toyota,

I am deeply disappointed by your recent price increase on your Sienna mini van. We are long-time admirers of your automobiles. In fact, my fondest memories are taking trips in this car. We are a hard working family, and I don't like that you have doubled the price, yet taken out the power windows, locks, even the radio! Do you think that you are Mercedes? If I am going to pay Mercedes' price, I'm going to drive a Mercedes, not a Toyota. Thank you in advance.

And to play Devil's advocate...

Dear Consumer,

I am sorry that you are disappointed in our new automobile. It sounds like power windows, locks and a radio are key features to you. To produce that specific Sienna is no longer cost effective to our shareholders. As such, we are moving away from the mini-van segment. I believe Honda and Ford are both producing mini-vans.