Is the economy affecting your DCL plans?

[Brucemcc]

Another Canadian that has taken advantage of the strong Canadian $$.We have done "2" eastern cruises in the last 2 years, our 1st at $0.83 per U.S. $ and our last in Feb of this year at $1.05 for the U.S. $ , both were fantastic and beyond anything I had ever experienced.I guess we are lucky in Western Canada as our economy is booming and on the verge of busting because of the lack of skilled workers, especially the oil and gas industry which is my employer.We all out here have tightened our belts many times in the past and probably will again in the future.Disney is worth saving for, a magical experience that we thankfully have been able to take part in.

 

[m&m's mom]

I guess I would suggest asking this question ... How has the so called "bad ecomomy" impacted you directly? ... Think about where you are getting your information. I don't want to name names, but there are news organizations out there that would love nothing better than for you to believe things are much worse than they really are for obvious political reasons. I strongly believe that things are not nearly as bad as the "news" would like you to believe.

I really believe this as well.
For example, I was reading the economic news to my DD the other day while we were waiting for a Dr. appt.
1st story was how the stock market was so voalitile that the bond market was great. My brother is a bond trader
2nd story was about how gold is at an all time high. Great- my BiL builds gold mines.
3rd story- Gas ove $108 a barrel. Great again because my parents own a lot of Exxon stock.
Bottom line- someone is always going well when others are not.

 

[MrsScooby]

Bottom line, be careful who you listen too, be picky about what news you watch, be skeptical of any news organizations "intentions". Believe what you see around you, look at yourself closely, look at the company that you work for, look at your neighbors, friends, family ... compare that to the economic situation that your parents encountered, etc.

To answer the OP's original question ... no, I do not think the economy is any where near as bad as some would like for us to believe, and no, it will not affect my decision to sail with DCL or go to WDW or anywhere else for that matter.

Sorry for the "soapbox" here, but this is a bit of a pet peeve for me.

Very well put

To answer the OP:
My DH and I were just saying that we were lucky to have jobs that are "economy proof" so- No the economy doesn't affect our vacation plans. I only took an intro level class in college on economics, so no expert by any means, but doesn't the economy tend to rise and fall in cycles While I'm sure there are those that are affected I'm sure that financially things will take a turn for the better in the not too distant future given past history

 

[JennandJaryd]

I agree with everyone else. The economy is putting a strain on all of us but I have been wanting to go on the Disney Cruise for years. My older son is now 14 and I keep thinking how many more vacations do we have left as a family? It might not be the smartest move but we are going. I'd rather be poor with great memories than be rich and wish I could go back and have special time with the family.

Of course this is just my opinion. My banker (if I had one) would probably not agree.

Well, Grumpymom, I agree 100%. I am a single mom and had my son when I was 17. Unlike most, I finished High School and went to college all while living alone. I have no father and my mom is disabled so no help there,

When I was 20 and my DS was 3, I decided to take him to WDW at any cost. I had absolutely no money and charged the entire vacation (what's 4 thousand $ more when you have 40 thousand in student loans). It was MAGICAL! He loved it. It still brings tears to my eyes to think about the look on his face when we were there.

I didn't pay that trip off for years but it was worth it (even with the 10% interest

 

[Tinkerdreams]

I have to say that the economy has had no impact on my lifestyle or vacation plans BUT I also have no credit card debt and the mortgage is 2 years from payoff. I made a decision 2 years ago when gas prices hit $3 a gallon and decided to trade in my muched loved Honda Odyssey for a Toyota Prius. I went from spending $150/month to spending $40/month on gas. This was a personal decision for me as I would rather drive something a bit smaller – the Prius is a great car!! – and put that money toward more enjoyable things.

There are a LOT of people who are complaining about the price of gas and how much it costs to fill their vehicle, however, it must not be too bad since none of these same people have taken steps to reduce this burden. Gas prices would need to approach $7 to $8/gallon before people change their habits whether its driving less or trading/selling their SUV’s, larger vehicles.

I do not listen to the media for anything. They tend to blow things out of proportion. Are there economic troubles – yes. Is it the fault of lending institutions? – not entirely and here’s why. Over the past 15 years, I have observed people and their attitudes toward things. The number of people that are willing save for and pay cash for things has dwindled over that past couple of decades. Instead people are into instant gratification. They must have the latest and greatest, the best and the biggest and they have to have it NOW. The use of credit has become the norm instead of the exception. Even the commercials bawk at the idea that someone uses cash – check out the VISA commercials – and makes the person paying cash look like they somehow committed a crime.

People need to ignore the news media AND the advertisers who like to bombard the general public with their “stuff”. It’s time for the general public to become accountable for decisions that they make. No one forced anyone to take a loan they couldn’t afford or to charge their credit cards to the max with what I’ll call luxury spending.

 

[Barbossa]

You bet. Our household income would normally be considered pretty good, but dang if we can't save money to save our lives (we live in $an Diego, in $outhern California ). We're going on our 2nd Disney cruise this July, and it may be our last. If/when we cruise again, it'll probably be when the kids are older (they're 5 and 7 now) and other cruise lines may be more attractive (and cheaper). Like all things Disney, you get what you pay for, aka expensive.

 

[Barbossa]

I have to say that the economy has had no impact on my lifestyle or vacation plans BUT I also have no credit card debt and the mortgage is 2 years from payoff. I made a decision 2 years ago when gas prices hit $3 a gallon and decided to trade in my muched loved Honda Odyssey for a Toyota Prius. I went from spending $150/month to spending $40/month on gas. This was a personal decision for me as I would rather drive something a bit smaller – the Prius is a great car!! – and put that money toward more enjoyable things.

There are a LOT of people who are complaining about the price of gas and how much it costs to fill their vehicle, however, it must not be too bad since none of these same people have taken steps to reduce this burden. Gas prices would need to approach $7 to $8/gallon before people change their habits whether its driving less or trading/selling their SUV’s, larger vehicles.

I do not listen to the media for anything. They tend to blow things out of proportion. Are there economic troubles – yes. Is it the fault of lending institutions? – not entirely and here’s why. Over the past 15 years, I have observed people and their attitudes toward things. The number of people that are willing save for and pay cash for things has dwindled over that past couple of decades. Instead people are into instant gratification. They must have the latest and greatest, the best and the biggest and they have to have it NOW. The use of credit has become the norm instead of the exception. Even the commercials bawk at the idea that someone uses cash – check out the VISA commercials – and makes the person paying cash look like they somehow committed a crime.

People need to ignore the news media AND the advertisers who like to bombard the general public with their “stuff”. It’s time for the general public to become accountable for decisions that they make. No one forced anyone to take a loan they couldn’t afford or to charge their credit cards to the max with what I’ll call luxury spending.

Interesting. We make a good income, have no debt other than our house, and our mortgage payment is pretty much offset by income from a rental property. And we still struggle to save money (granted this doesn't count money put into retirement accounts). We have 2 kids, which is expensive for sure. We're a bit aghast that we don't have more disposable income. Gas (and I have a Honda Civic), utilities, food, household items, clothing, insurance, etc. all eat big time into the bottom line.

That said, I wholeheartedly agree that carrying a lot of debt is a dangerous thing. I wouldn't think of carrying a credit card balance. I believe in pay as you go (real estate excepted, of course, I'm not that rich! ),

 

[DCLLVR]

Interesting. We make a good income, have no debt other than our house, and our mortgage payment is pretty much offset by income from a rental property. And we still struggle to save money (granted this doesn't count money put into retirement accounts). We have 2 kids, which is expensive for sure. We're a bit aghast that we don't have more disposable income. Gas (and I have a Honda Civic), utilities, food, household items, clothing, insurance, etc. all eat big time into the bottom line.

That said, I wholeheartedly agree that carrying a lot of debt is a dangerous thing. I wouldn't think of carrying a credit card balance. I believe in pay as you go (real estate excepted, of course, I'm not that rich! ),

Exactly! ... thing is, I don't remember a time when every one of your statements were not 100% true. I'm just not sure why everyone (well lots of people) believe that we are in such terrible times ... well, yes, I do, too many people listen to and believe what the news media is trying to convince us of.

 

[Barbossa]

Exactly! ... thing is, I don't remember a time when every one of your statements were not 100% true. I'm just not sure why everyone (well lots of people) believe that we are in such terrible times ... well, yes, I do, too many people listen to and believe what the news media is trying to convince them of.

I've always said that a recession isn't such a bad thing if you have a job. So far (and knock on wood), the job market where I live isn't nearly as bad as after the crash of 2000-2001. I got laid off, a few of my friends were unemployed for over a year. Fingers crossed this doesn't happen again.

 

[Tinkerdreams]

Interesting. We make a good income, have no debt other than our house, and our mortgage payment is pretty much offset by income from a rental property. And we still struggle to save money (granted this doesn't count money put into retirement accounts). We have 2 kids, which is expensive for sure. We're a bit aghast that we don't have more disposable income. Gas (and I have a Honda Civic), utilities, food, household items, clothing, insurance, etc. all eat big time into the bottom line.

That said, I wholeheartedly agree that carrying a lot of debt is a dangerous thing. I wouldn't think of carrying a credit card balance. I believe in pay as you go (real estate excepted, of course, I'm not that rich! ),

I agree that all the other necessities such as utliities, food, etc. as you mentioned above has increased. What all of us must do to offset this is to think out of the box. I've gone from buying brand name to generic, also buying in bulk helps but you have to be careful as I have found our local supermarket can be cheaper for some items than the warehouse club. I've also started cooking in a toaster oven if possible versus heating up a big oven and cooking in bigger quantities and freezing it. Warming something up takes a lot less time than cooking it.

One of the key steps is if you find a way to save some money in cutting back in one area, take that money and save it. Treat it like you spent it on what you cut back on. In the statement I made about going from spending $150/month to $40/month on gas, I took that $110/month and banked it. It definintely helps and gives me a nice little nest egg.

Hopefully this bump in the road will pass soon. Everyone needs more pixie dust!

 

[DCLLVR]

I've always said that a recession isn't such a bad thing if you have a job. So far (and knock on wood), the job market where I live isn't nearly as bad as after the crash of 2000-2001. I got laid off, a few of my friends were unemployed for over a year. Fingers crossed this doesn't happen again.

Very sorry to hear that. But today's "slowdown" is more of a cyclical correction than the .com bubble burst of 2000-2001 was ... of which there have been many other bubble bursts (some bigger, some smaller) over time related to other technologies where over zealous investors (individuals, capitol investors and wall street) have over speculated and caused enourmous ripple affects throughout the economy, including massive layoffs when things (in this case eComerse and dot com profitablility) did not pan out as expected.

The current "bubble burst" (recession, slow down, or whatever you want to call it) is more related to the over zealous home lending practices (otherwise known as preditory lending). Fact is, people were complaining that it was too difficult to obtain a home loan, folks were complaining that it was just not fair that I can not purchase a home, "owning your own home is the American dream" ... therefore the fed changed the lending regulations allowing more Americans the opportunity to purchase their own homes. Many of these folks could not (yet) afford a "customary" home loan. Lenders were now allowed to offer home loans to people who they might not have in the past ... of course in order to protect themselves (the lenders), these offers were not exactly what most of us would consider acceptable if we read the fine print. So, now that we have millions of people who now have a "legitamate" home loan, millions of new homes were needed immediately and built in an extraordinary short period of time. The "crash" was inevitable once the morgage rates went up and the fine print came to fruition. Who's fault is this? debatable ... my opinion, ultimately, who signed the "questionable" morgage? Will the "ripple affect" (which admitably affects more than just the morgage industry, home builders and buyers) touch all of us? probably, but again, these things happen on a regular basis ... this is capitolisim at its finest ... the alternative (socialism) is not acceptable.

Gas and home heating oil (generally, energy) prices? ... don't even get me started, VERY long story! In short, Capitolisim will sort things out! The alternative is NOT acceptable!!

Commodities? Capitolism will sort it out ... supply and demand, smart purchasing, etc. We have more power than you think!

Global warming? Capitolism will sort it out ... companies will change or go out of business based on our philosophy on the matter, the customers purchasing habits have the power of change.

Corporations? (the great evil, if you listen to the news media) Um, aren't these the same folks who supply us with jobs. Higher profits means more jobs. Again, Capitolism (that means you and me) will sort them out, we have a lot more power over corporations than you think. Corporations who are not ethical will not stay in business for very long, those that are, will.

You name it ... your wallet and your brain is what drives everything in this country ... that is as long as it remains a capitolistic society. This basic philosophy is something I treasure, and is a driving factor in who I vote for in any election. (sorry, did not want to bring politics into this, but it does kinda fit the big picture here.)

Optimism: It's what built and drives everything in this country and in (most) of our lives.

Pessimism What is it good for?

Plan and take your next DCL or WDW trip ... NOT doing so will only negatively affect the rebound! There is only one good way to vote in a capitolistic society, and that is with your wallet and your brain!!

Again, just my personal and humble opinion, not trying to start a flame war.

 

[trimix]

It is only because of the current economy that I have been able to book a cruise for next year! Since my 14 year old daughter was 3 I have wanted to take a Disney cruise, but have not been able to prior to now. We were going to do one this summer, but my wife changed jobs and was not able to schedule vacation time in late August when the price goes down.

I mentioned to my wife that if we wait until late this year or early next year to book, between inflation and increased energy cost the cruise cost will probably be prohibitive. So she suggested booking right away. It cost just over a grand, but the price is locked in, so we will be able to afford the trip next year.

 

[MGM94]

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[Andrew DEREK UK]

We're booked to go again in October. We're all counting the days, but as I watch this economy collapse before my eyes, I am uncomfortable spending thousands for such a luxurious vacation.
I make a good living, but as gas and food prices soar -- my income is quickly buying us less and less.
Is anyone else re-thinking their trip --- or, avoiding booking because of the economy?

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I think the original thread was as above, and how in the current economic situation, are your plans to cruise being effected.

It wasn't any discussion on the economy or where that is a the current time and maybe that debate should be on the community boards not DCL. It will of course, spark many strong opinions, and everyone is entitled to them, but this thread is on DCL.

Best for everyone to take a very deep breath overnight and stick to the thread on the subject, of your plans being effected to cruise or not.


There are many people who through no fault of their own are in hard circumstances at the present time, we all wish them the very best as there by the grace of god, we all could be in that situation.

We have happy boards here, lets keep this to Cruising.........

 

[Qball]

Another canadian here...the economy has allowed us to go on another cruise. We just got off a cruise 5 days ago (wish we were still on the ship) which was not part of our original Florida holiday. Because our $ is so strong, we treated ourselves.

Our first cruise, we paid 75 cents to the dollar...so it was a very expensive holiday but worth it as we COULD go...no matter what.

That said, without getting in on the debate, whether the economy is good or bad, that would not affect our decision on DCL. If we have the moola, we go...if no moola, we don't go.

 

[Skallywag]

There are many people who through no fault of their own are in hard circumstances at the present time, we all wish them the very best as there by the grace of god, we all could be in that situation.

We have happy boards here, lets keep this to Cruising.........
[/QUOTE]

Quite agree well said.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

There are many people who through no fault of their own are in hard circumstances at the present time, we all wish them the very best as there by the grace of god, we all could be in that situation.

We have happy boards here, lets keep this to Cruising.........

Quite agree well said.

 

[Mjasp]

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I think the original thread was as above, and how in the current economic situation, are your plans to cruise being effected.

It wasn't any discussion on the economy or where that is a the current time and maybe that debate should be on the community boards not DCL. It will of course, spark many strong opinions, and everyone is entitled to them, but this thread is on DCL.

Best for everyone to take a very deep breath overnight and stick to the thread on the subject, of your plans being effected to cruise or not.


There are many people who through no fault of their own are in hard circumstances at the present time, we all wish them the very best as there by the grace of god, we all could be in that situation.

We have happy boards here, lets keep this to Cruising.........

Andrew Derek... The original thread was just that...asking about our plans being impacted by the economy...some feel it is just a normal cyclical economy, so we are answering the original posters question.

Don't know how old any of you are...but does anyone remember the late 70's and early 80's when interest rates for buying a home were 18% for a 30 year fixed rate? Oil went from 30 cents a a gallon to $1.30 per gallon, every 1 out of 3-4 homes on a street in our area was foreclosed, now that was a recession and we got through it.


Maybe you are right, the entire thread should be put on the community board...

Happy Easter...enjoy the day woth your family

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Andrew Derek... The original thread was just that...asking about our plans being impacted by the economy...some feel it is just a normal cyclical economy, so we are answering the original posters question.

Don't know how old any of you are...but does anyone remember the late 70's and early 80's when interest rates for buying a home were 18% for a 30 year fixed rate? Oil went from 30 cents a a gallon to $1.30 per gallon, every 1 out of 3-4 homes on a street in our area was foreclosed, now that was a recession and we got through it.

Maybe you are right, the entire thread should be put on the community board...

Happy Easter...enjoy the day with your family

Even over here I remember a lot of that, the interest rates were far higher in the past, our petrol has always been high.

It will efect peoples plans to travel, this time, and maybe reduce cruising on DCL.

 

[DCLLVR]

.

I think the original thread was as above, and how in the current economic situation, are your plans to cruise being effected.

It wasn't any discussion on the economy or where that is a the current time and maybe that debate should be on the community boards not DCL. It will of course, spark many strong opinions, and everyone is entitled to them, but this thread is on DCL.

Best for everyone to take a very deep breath overnight and stick to the thread on the subject, of your plans being effected to cruise or not.


There are many people who through no fault of their own are in hard circumstances at the present time, we all wish them the very best as there by the grace of god, we all could be in that situation.

We have happy boards here, lets keep this to Cruising.........

My rather long (I admit) explaination of our current economic situation (through my eyes anyway) was simply my way of explaining why the current economy will NOT affect my DCL plans. It may have been boring to some, and you may not agree with my philosophy, but it is my philosopy (please feel free to post yours), therefore it goes to answering the OP's original question. My description is exactly why I do not feel affected and do intend to keep my current plans for my upcoming WDW and DCL trips this year and next. Sorry if you or anyone was offend ... just my personal and humble opinion ... but I guess I already said that didn't I.