Do You think DISNEY has gone down hlll the last few years?

[brerdawg]

According to Disney, it was for the previous Year. which would have been May 09- May 10 so unfortunately it does include the busy summer season.

For those of you who think Disney has not declined. Let me ask you would you go to disney if they offered NO discount? If you had to pay rack rate and pay for your food would you think it worth the money?

Tough decision!

 

[rie'smom]

According to Disney, it was for the previous Year. which would have been May 09- May 10 so unfortunately it does include the busy summer season.

For those of you who think Disney has not declined. Let me ask you would you go to disney if they offered NO discount? If you had to pay rack rate and pay for your food would you think it worth the money?

Good question
We would still go and have gone and are going next month with no discount or free dining. IMO, I'd be thrilled to bits if Disney got rid of all of the discounts.

 

[KellyNY]

I often travel last minute and when I say last minute I mean I book less then a week in advance. So... I rarely take advantage of any discounts and if I get discount that only means I will spend more for TS and gifts. With such a booking style I can tell you that raising hotel prices make me very upset. Right now it is already cheaper to stay offsite, rent a car and pay for tolls and parking then stay at Deluxe, or even Moderate. It is just sad.

 

[brunette8706]

Tiger-

Glad everything is better with your son.

Hasn't Disney, though, always discounted their resorts during at least value seasons??

Back to Tiger

I had no idea they Disney would put people in DVC's without being a "member". I thought if they overbooked they would put people in an upgrade somewhere, not at a DVC though. This is all news to me. If I were you I would complain about this because. like you said of the wear and tear and frankly those people aren't members of DVC and they haven't paid any dues etc. This would really upset me.

brunette

 

[d1gitman]

...Disney has set up a discount culture, and now most guests expect discounts all around. When people expect things, then you have a new set of problems to deal with...

very good point. to that end, there are probably 2 main groups of people who expect things...those who expect the discounts and those who expect things to be the way they were prior to discount mania.

 

[eliza61]

very good point. to that end, there are probably 2 main groups of people who expect things...those who expect the discounts and those who expect things to be the way they were prior to discount mania.

I fully admit to probably being in group 2. One of the downsides of being a dvc member is that the rides sort of take a back ground in annual trips. When you're a new comer or only go every 5 years you really concentrate on the rides.
Annual visitors or more than annual visitors can some times focus on the overall package. So some times when people say to us "you don't go to disney for the food" we scratch our heads. Dining is a big part of the enjoyment for us, or when we complain that "live entertainment" has been cut, we're not just grumpy. we really miss walking down main street and hearing a barbershop quartet.

now slap that on top of ticket prices that go up annually and I do some times look at disney with nostalgia

 

[Planogirl]

very good point. to that end, there are probably 2 main groups of people who expect things...those who expect the discounts and those who expect things to be the way they were prior to discount mania.

I'm in group two. I liked the old WDW and don't really get why it's so different.

I also am one who doesn't go to WDW for the food however I expect the food to be decent for the price. I'm no gourmet but I don't want to just think something is just OK when it costs a fortune.

I know, I know, it's just themepark food.

ETA: I'm glad that all is well, Tiger. (How did I miss your post?)

 

[flicx]

Glad to hear everything went good tiger.I am with brunette I always remember some sort of discounting at disney and they always kept things up better in the past (my opinion).I wouldn't go to disney at full price,I could never have fun knowing I spent that kinda dough on vacation.I think disney had a good formula about 10 years ago.I just wish they would go back to it!

 

[Michelle and crew]

We have always bounced back and forth between on and offsite. So, we would go regardless, following our lifelong patterns. This trip we are renting points. (sorry Tiger!) Who knows about next. I honestly think next orlando trip will be to Universal and Sea World.

The food has gone up and down over the years. We are only doing the quick service this trip because it is cheaper. With friends coming, i don't want to be tied down to reservations, either.

 

[Tiger926]

Tiger-

Glad everything is better with your son.

Hasn't Disney, though, always discounted their resorts during at least value seasons??

Back to Tiger

I had no idea they Disney would put people in DVC's without being a "member". I thought if they overbooked they would put people in an upgrade somewhere, not at a DVC though. This is all news to me. If I were you I would complain about this because. like you said of the wear and tear and frankly those people aren't members of DVC and they haven't paid any dues etc. This would really upset me.

brunette

Thanks so much for your well wishes! I don't mind if Disney discounts a bit here and there. Discounts are used for slower periods and for loyalty in some areas. I just don't like it that Disney has now set it up as a normal way of doing business - slow times, peak times, holidays, etc. you'll find some kind of discount. This has set up strong expectations, IMHO, for Disney guests now.

In regards to DVC, there isn't much to do. I remember us discussing it heavily on the DVC boards though. DVC holds a certain portion of rooms at DVC resorts for cash guests (small amount). They need to do this so that when us members want to exchange to other locations, this is then possible. The problem comes with does DVC bill back Disney for maintenance or other issues that might come up? We pay high dues, so if I break something, then my dues should pay for it, but if a regular non-DVC guest breaks something, who then pays? They were placed in that room due to oversell of rooms. The thing is, Disney does this as a marketing ploy. They put families in those rooms, and then they like them so much, that they buy into DVC. It's smart on Disney's part, but not sure if our dues are used to cover these guests?

very good point. to that end, there are probably 2 main groups of people who expect things...those who expect the discounts and those who expect things to be the way they were prior to discount mania.

Love this analogy! I am in group 2.

I fully admit to probably being in group 2. One of the downsides of being a dvc member is that the rides sort of take a back ground in annual trips. When you're a new comer or only go every 5 years you really concentrate on the rides.
Annual visitors or more than annual visitors can some times focus on the overall package. So some times when people say to us "you don't go to disney for the food" we scratch our heads. Dining is a big part of the enjoyment for us, or when we complain that "live entertainment" has been cut, we're not just grumpy. we really miss walking down main street and hearing a barbershop quartet.

now slap that on top of ticket prices that go up annually and I do some times look at disney with nostalgia

ITA! We do notice so many small details and such, not to be nitpicky, but because it's such a special place for us. Nostalgia is alive and well in most DVC members I know.

I'm in group two. I liked the old WDW and don't really get why it's so different.

I also am one who doesn't go to WDW for the food however I expect the food to be decent for the price. I'm no gourmet but I don't want to just think something is just OK when it costs a fortune.

I know, I know, it's just themepark food.

ETA: I'm glad that all is well, Tiger. (How did I miss your post?)

Agree with this too - we used to love eating at WDW, but not so much anymore due to rising costs, surcharges, seriously crowded restaurants and spotty service.

Thanks for well wishes for my son!

Glad to hear everything went good tiger.I am with brunette I always remember some sort of discounting at disney and they always kept things up better in the past (my opinion).I wouldn't go to disney at full price,I could never have fun knowing I spent that kinda dough on vacation.I think disney had a good formula about 10 years ago.I just wish they would go back to it!

Thanks! I agree about 8-10 years ago, was a good time too. If only Disney could return to some of that...

We have always bounced back and forth between on and offsite. So, we would go regardless, following our lifelong patterns. This trip we are renting points. (sorry Tiger!) Who knows about next. I honestly think next orlando trip will be to Universal and Sea World.

The food has gone up and down over the years. We are only doing the quick service this trip because it is cheaper. With friends coming, i don't want to be tied down to reservations, either.

Not sure why you are apologizing to me - sorry if you've misunderstood something that I've said. If it's because you are renting points, there is no worry, as you are renting from a DVC member who has paid dues for those points. Cash guests over at Pop who are placed at Saratoga because of overbooking, have paid no dues at all. See the difference?

Hope you have a great trip! What DVC resort are you staying at?

Happy Halloween weekend to you all, Tiger

 

[smidgy]

tiger, glad you cleared that up, cause we rent points from friends occasionally. this past July, vero beach and beach club villas! we behaved very well!

 

[Michelle and crew]

oh good. That makes sense, Tiger. Fees are being paid, and I hadn't thought of it in those terms.

 

[flicx]

Just got a mailer from disney.They are getting cheaper,35% off deluxe resorts and only 25% on GF.No discounts on beach club villas either.Seems like the room discounts are going down.Price increases every year and discounts reducing.The only plus I could possibly see is now they have rooms on priceline.Maybe some up side to that.

 

[disneyworldaddict]

I've seen menus change, where they've taken some things away and then later brought them back. And, yes the price rise and some things are cut. Disney will always be a commercial, marketing marvel and yet thats part of what impresses me. Normally, I don'tcare for labels and franchises etc, but with WDW its different. In spite of the commercialism, WDW is still magical, and, oh, so creative. And thats what draws me back. But I must admit I really hate the vinylmations. I don't find them creative or magical, just a way to make money. Its exactly that type of thing that gives the appearance of WDW going "downhill'.

 

[TLSnell1981]

We were extremely disappointed in the dining, last September. It had declined...even since our trip in May. As a result, we have only booked a couple of ADRs for December. I haven't been down for Christmas, since '08. I'm not happy, about what we're hearing, regarding decorations.

 

[disney11fan]

The cleaning of the quick service dinning rest. Inside the parks is bad. Garbage cans overflowing and tables not cleaned as fast. Lack of finding help in the dinning room of the quick service rest.takes away from the dinning experience.


The food is not as good as in years past. Eating there for 10 days last august and for the last 6 yearly visits the value for what you pay is not the same.

The cattle call to enter the parks..something has to change. They see thousands of people at the gates. You can still let them in even thou you may not open the rides...just let people into the parks.


Not enough help working at check in or getting help with reservations for dinner. We had to wait 20 minutes to make reservations .


What's everywhere and maybe it shouldn't is dvc booths. Time shares should not be sold in hotels or parks...if you want to sell them at road side booths or gas stations well that would be ok.

 

[Planogirl]

So much of this sounds like staffing cutbacks. I find that unfortunate.

 

[wheeliefun]

The cleaning of the quick service dinning rest. Inside the parks is bad. Garbage cans overflowing and tables not cleaned as fast. Lack of finding help in the dinning room of the quick service rest.takes away from the dinning experience.


The food is not as good as in years past. Eating there for 10 days last august and for the last 6 yearly visits the value for what you pay is not the same.

The cattle call to enter the parks..something has to change. They see thousands of people at the gates. You can still let them in even thou you may not open the rides...just let people into the parks.


Not enough help working at check in or getting help with reservations for dinner. We had to wait 20 minutes to make reservations .


What's everywhere and maybe it shouldn't is dvc booths. Time shares should not be sold in hotels or parks...if you want to sell them at road side booths or gas stations well that would be ok.

I've been ignoring this thread hoping that it was just people looking for the perfect vacation, yet being here now, I have to agree with above poster. Also, fewer than more CM's have been less than pleasant. We had a great server at Liberty Tree Tavern and some good photo pass photographers, yet even a person who greets each CM with a How ya doing today and a smile, I have found many CM's neutral at best. Another food cuts was last year the CS kids meal included entree grapes, carrots, drink and cookie this year no cookie. the little things I guess.

Also, we have experienced a lot of ride issues. At MK the other day Peoplemover, Splash Mountain and Goofy Barnstormer all went down when we were waiting in line. 3 in one day!?!? I understand Test Track issues and weather related issues but the weather was perfect and 3 rides down in one day.

 

[Magicbus]

So much of this sounds like staffing cutbacks. I find that unfortunate.

There have been no layoffs in hourly staff. Hiring has continued. Some departments have increased in size. Buses just to mention one.

 

[Tiger926]

Just got a mailer from disney.They are getting cheaper,35% off deluxe resorts and only 25% on GF.No discounts on beach club villas either.Seems like the room discounts are going down.Price increases every year and discounts reducing.The only plus I could possibly see is now they have rooms on priceline.Maybe some up side to that.

I priced out a cash vacation during Christmas week at DH's urging, and we were stunned to see Values at $100.00/night (tax inclu) and Moderates $140.00/night (tax inclu) during Christmas. Deluxes were also on sale, but I can't remember all of the different price points. We were surprised to see many rooms available, and for good discounts. We are DVC, and don't buy cash rooms, so you may be correct with the discounts you've quoted, and would probably know better as you actually purchase cash rooms, but not sure for what time period you are quoting as you didn't mention dates?

The cleaning of the quick service dinning rest. Inside the parks is bad. Garbage cans overflowing and tables not cleaned as fast. Lack of finding help in the dinning room of the quick service rest.takes away from the dinning experience.


The food is not as good as in years past. Eating there for 10 days last august and for the last 6 yearly visits the value for what you pay is not the same.

The cattle call to enter the parks..something has to change. They see thousands of people at the gates. You can still let them in even thou you may not open the rides...just let people into the parks.


Not enough help working at check in or getting help with reservations for dinner. We had to wait 20 minutes to make reservations .


What's everywhere and maybe it shouldn't is dvc booths. Time shares should not be sold in hotels or parks...if you want to sell them at road side booths or gas stations well that would be ok.

Hmmm....?

I'm not sure what you mean by waiting 20mins to make dinner reservations? Are you talking about waiting in line at a restaurant in order to make ADRs? Waiting is very common - we have waited 1 hour to be seated for an ADR that we made 6 months prior. It all depends upon the guests, and with character meals, they linger way too long, so it makes for huge line-ups at check in. You will wait very long waits just to check in for ADRs at Chef Mickey's and 'Ohanah, and then wait equally (or longer) to be seated. Would love to know what you experienced with waiting to make reservations? Long line-ups, lack of staff, overcrowded restaurant, etc.

I will highly disagree about selling DVC at gas stations. I am a DVC member, and I don't want anyone selling memberships at gas stations. It totally makes sense to sell at the actual resort - not sure why this doesn't make sense to you? If you don't want to go to a DVC desk, then don't. Seeing them shouldn't bother you, as they are small desks with signage attached. I'm not following you here...Selling at a gas station will highly devalue the membership that I spent $40,000 on. No thanks!

I've been ignoring this thread hoping that it was just people looking for the perfect vacation, yet being here now, I have to agree with above poster. Also, fewer than more CM's have been less than pleasant. We had a great server at Liberty Tree Tavern and some good photo pass photographers, yet even a person who greets each CM with a How ya doing today and a smile, I have found many CM's neutral at best. Another food cuts was last year the CS kids meal included entree grapes, carrots, drink and cookie this year no cookie. the little things I guess.

Also, we have experienced a lot of ride issues. At MK the other day Peoplemover, Splash Mountain and Goofy Barnstormer all went down when we were waiting in line. 3 in one day!?!? I understand Test Track issues and weather related issues but the weather was perfect and 3 rides down in one day.

Ride issues have been happening for the past several years, on a consistent basis. We spend 2 weeks each summer, and the amount of rides that go down is very high. Now, you can say it's because of the big crowds, but since you are there during a not so busy time, and it's happening, I attribute it to maintenance issues, or lack thereof. Perfect weather most days, and rides broken down at all parks, is very common. We've had major portions of parks closed down (Tomorrowland) due to several rides that are closed. It's highly disruptive to crowd patterns. Add monorail issues, and you have major crowd issues.

Tiger