2008 rates...ouch......

[tellnotails]

Dang I just don't know how much more we can take....

http://www.title-3.com/FWFacts.htm


I guess I'll never see a holiday at the fort at those prices....

 

[Rhonda]

Unbelievable. A hundred bucks a night.

 

[tellnotails]

Unbelievable. A hundred bucks a night.

don't forget the ADDITIONAL (higher rates) for the following holidays

* MLK weekend Jan 18-20
* Presidents weekend Feb. 15-17
* 4 th of July weekend July 4-5
* and colsons favorite thanksgiving weekend Nov. 26-29

I don't know about the rest of us but my blue collar is turning red right about now

 

[Colson39]

Most of my family is blue collar, we'll all still be going to the Fort. My dad is a retired cop and my mom was a payroll clerk. Blue collar doesn't mean you're living in a shack. And Disney hasn't been cheap for a very long time.

I do agree a hundred bucks a night is definitely a lot. I also consider what I am getting with it. This is not a campground on the side of I-95 somewhere. Disney has and always will be overpriced, but you also get what you pay for. This is nothing new.

It's supply and demand, there is a lot more demand for the Fort now than there ever has been. It's unfortunate, but that's the way the world works. Do I like it? No. Will I deal with it? Yes. There are other cheaper campgrounds in the Orlando area, it's not like this is the only one. Anyone has the right to choose not to go to the Fort if they don't want to pay the money, but I know one thing, and that's that the Fort is only getting more and more popular. There are more and more rumours coming out about how they will be adding campsites, and I think it's something that they'll need to do. There are just a lot more people retiring and buying RV's now a days, and the Fort is starting to burst at it's seams during the busier times.

P.S. We also went during Presidents weekend this year

 

[mamaloya]

I predict that the price will either come down or more discounts will become available. A lot of people that go to the fort do so to save money or because they are on a tight budget, not necessarily because they enjoy camping. Our first time there was to save money and because, with 5 kids, there were no rooms in our price range. We since bought a camper specifically with FW in mind. We are now hooked on FW. I think the higher prices may drive some people away though. Which is good for us though because it will either make it easier to get a site or bring the price back down.

 

[Colson39]

I doubt the price will come down, it would take a rather large amount of people not going to do that, and the Fort is just way too popular right now. I can't even remember the last time I saw prices go down at the Fort.

It does seem like it was just a few years ago however that you could stay during the holiday season for about 65-70 a night. I can't imagine them ever going over the price of an All Star room, that would be absolutely ridiculous...

 

[Colson39]

P.S. Just wanted to add one more thing for those that are seeing these new rates. Let's also remember that Disney does give out a lot of discounts at different times, so just because you see the campground going for a specific price doesn't mean that's the only rate you can get.

The DIS has some really great forums for finding these discounts, I know I've used it in the past and have saved lots of money on reservations. If you're willing to take the time to do some research, sometimes you can find rate discounts you never would have imagined

 

[Rhonda]

Or, if you find the right Travel Agent, that will do all that work for you!

 

[Mr Man]

Yup,

Everything is going up. On the positive side, maybe this will help a bit with crowds at DW. Stands to reason that more $ outlay should reduce crowds a bit. Only problem I see with this line of thought is intl. visitors. Orlando is extremely attractive for intl travel due to $ weakness. I travel for business a lot and am stunned how expensive the rest of the world is i.e. $175 taxi ride in London, $22 six pack of Heinekens in Singapore (they weren't even cold-the horror!). The list goes on.

Agree with supply and demand. Sums it up nicely.

Won't affect my family plans much I hope. It will definitely accelerate the Master Plan for DVC purchase. I plan to buy in to DVC at minimum points in Sept and then alternate with FW.... Still deviously plotting this one....... DW has not caught on to this yet......mwuaa-ha-ha (shhhh......).

I realize this may be sacrilege on this board, but there are other entertainment providers in Orlando and even in geographic locations far removed...... (hush yo mouth!). It may do some good to spread around our hard earned $ a bit. Disney is all about $ and they will take notice if bookings go downhill dramatically.

To be honest, I have never considered anything Disney to be a value. It really isn't. It is priced at the high end for amusement parks/resorts. A benchmark if you will. However, like that swimming pool you install at home knowing that you will never get your $ back on it when you sell, it does provide great quality of life. I have so many magical memories from Disneyworld/Land. I cannot think of one off the top of my head for (just for comparison sake) Six Flags. All I can come up with from Six Flags is wow, that sticky patch of concrete there between the concession stand and the rollercoaster.......it really stinks!

To me, this quality of life and the memories it gives are more important than the cost. This could change in the future but sure is nice right now.

Disney has me and my entertainment $ & they obviously know it........

 

[des1954]

I know the prices are seemingly high...but... think of all you get with that price...boat/bus transportation, movies, high quality & well maintained playgrounds, miles and miles of beautiful roads & loops to bike, beaches, fireworks viewing, light show on the lake, petting zoo, unlimited bus/boat/monorail service to all the resorts, beautiful landscaping, etc... You have to look at the BIG picture & all you get for the money.

Before 9/11/01, the campgrounds were usually only 50% full at any given time & they offered TONS of specials on the sites & cabins, both. I remember them placing notes on your vehicle inviting you to extend your stay & I remember just being able to pull up to the campground without a reservation & no problem getting in!! Since 9/11, camping is a preferred way to vacation. I can't remember any time since 9/11 that I've been able to get a holiday reservation at the Fort on my first attempt.

NEVER give up camping at the Fort!!! It's just not an option!!

Keep your eyes open for discount rates, and try AAA (if you're a member). There are discounts out there.

 

[jsmla]

I was wondering, do the campsites qualify for AP discounts?

Thanks,

Jennifer

 

[des1954]

Yes, but only when they offer them. NEVER during peak or holiday times. You might want to register your passholder info on www.disney.com & sign up to receive the e-mail newsletter.

We have reservations in September & received FlAP discount for the preferred site. Just remember...they only allow a certain amount of sites/rooms for the discounts & you have to be fast making your ressie.

Also, if you're a AAA member, you can get discounts if you make your ressie with them.

Discounts RULE!!!

 

[Gillian]

Our last Disney trip was to the Fort, our next one will be to Pop Century (don't want to tow in December from NJ). Probably the one after that will be to a pool home in the Windsor Hills area. We've stayed near there before and you get so much space for the money! We like to drive around anyway, and it's as close as some Disney resorts. No EMH, but we can stay longer and sleep better.

DVC isn't an option for us.

 

[Colson39]

It's hard to find discounts during the holiday seasons, that is for sure. But then again, those are the most requested reservations, so it is understandable.

Before 9/11/01, the campgrounds were usually only 50% full at any given time & they offered TONS of specials on the sites & cabins, both. I remember them placing notes on your vehicle inviting you to extend your stay & I remember just being able to pull up to the campground without a reservation & no problem getting in!! Since 9/11, camping is a preferred way to vacation. I can't remember any time since 9/11 that I've been able to get a holiday reservation at the Fort on my first attempt.

I think you said it best. The Fort was actually starting to dwindle before 9/11, and the onset of 9/11 only hurt it worse. There are many more people retiring now, buying RVs, and looking for reservations. There has been a massive boom since 9/11 and the years after, and I think that Disney has noticed. Unfortunate for the majority of us, but the Fort is definitely becoming one of the premiere locations in Disney. Why stay at the All Star when you can stay in your own much nicer camper, for less.

I believe this is going to be a very trying time at the Fort, and hopefully the rumours of expansion come true!

 

[tellnotails]

I wish I was a florida resident so I could offset some of the $100+ a nite sting........

Interesting is the opinion of economics offered by a broad spectrum of people....


Some will justify paying $500,000 for a rv and justify it by the money they save ....

Disney vacation club...... well I do the math ..no value ..just conveinient..


These are just a couple of consumption items that one can throw money at...

I believe most people are working class that visit and value the MAGICAL experience of The World .......especially the Fort...

Its that payment at the end of the month that slaps us back to reality....

 

[David Johnson]

I have always thought at what point will people stop going if they keep raising rates. I see one day park rates have just went up now to $71.00 a day. I said the same about sports events though too and people still pay $100-$200 dollars to see a sports event. Then i try to think about a ratio of entertainment time to cost and I think I can spend 12-14 hours entertaining myself at Disney for 200 for my entire family or a few hours at a sports event. So thinking along that line Disney still seems to be a value to me. We always go to the Fort during value seasons and once in a while during high or peak season.

 

[Mr Man]

I wish I was a florida resident so I could offset some of the $100+ a nite sting........

Interesting is the opinion of economics offered by a broad spectrum of people....


Some will justify paying $500,000 for a rv and justify it by the money they save ....

Disney vacation club...... well I do the math ..no value ..just conveinient..


These are just a couple of consumption items that one can throw money at...

I believe most people are working class that visit and value the MAGICAL experience of The World .......especially the Fort...

Its that payment at the end of the month that slaps us back to reality....

Just a couple of quick comments. I sense a bit of frustration in OP with $ side. It is understandable. Big jump in cost on everything associated wih Disney.

Perhaps it all depends on our mindset i.e. Some say the glass is half full, some say the glass is half empty. I say it is at half capacity.

lol at the 500k "value" RV. Even my twisted logic can't make this one work. However, there are a lot of value priced RV's (especially used) on the market. 10k for a decent TT is a great value IMHO.

I agree that DVC is not a value. However, the quality of life it imparts has a non-monetary value that, for me and my selfish purposes, transcends the hit to the pocket book.

I also agree that there is a larger proportion of "working class" (not my term) people that visit Disney. Demographically, they are the largest part of the population after all.

IMHO, if you have a job, you are working class. My name is Mr Man & I am working class.

 

[tellnotails]

good posts ....I agree and notice that demand is still high for the fort regardless of price increases.....

I understand the fundamentals of quality vs cost.......

But if disney goes $100 value rate and $250 weekend rate......do you still go.......

The logistics would show double the price lose 50% attendence at the fort a win win for the fort....less wear and tear same amount of revenue......

Out of the working class pie you'll prolly lose 75% of the fort faithful......

 

[Mr Man]

I have always thought at what point will people stop going if they keep raising rates. I see one day park rates have just went up now to $71.00 a day. I said the same about sports events though too and people still pay $100-$200 dollars to see a sports event. Then i try to think about a ratio of entertainment time to cost and I think I can spend 12-14 hours entertaining myself at Disney for 200 for my entire family or a few hours at a sports event. So thinking along that line Disney still seems to be a value to me. We always go to the Fort during value seasons and once in a while during high or peak season.

I think 2008 will tell us a lot. My personal opinion, the bean counters at Disney are overplaying their hand. Inflationary adjustments are to be expected, but they should, at a minimum, "throw us a bone" by doing something dramatic to the parks (investing in new rides etc) to balance things out. Renaming MGM isn't enough.

No mistake, Disney has every right (and frankly the obligation) to ensure shareholders derive maximum benefit from their investments. For right or wrong, this is the way the system works. However, as numerous people have posted, these mercantile matters DO take away from the magic that is Disney's #1 selling point.

Every thread on this board has a daily "not happy with 2008" dialogue. Now, I don't have the institutional knowledge to know if it was the same last year when next year rates were released and the year before (only found this site 6 months ago). It does seem to be a bit worse just based on feedback while browsing the boards.

Time reveals all.

 

[David Johnson]

I think 2008 will tell us a lot. My personal opinion, the bean counters at Disney are overplaying their hand. Inflationary adjustments are to be expected, but they should, at a minimum, "throw us a bone" by doing something dramatic to the parks (investing in new rides etc) to balance things out. Renaming MGM isn't enough.

No mistake, Disney has every right (and frankly the obligation) to ensure shareholders derive maximum benefit from their investments. For right or wrong, this is the way the system works. However, as numerous people have posted, these mercantile matters DO take away from the magic that is Disney's #1 selling point.

Every thread on this board has a daily "not happy with 2008" dialogue. Now, I don't have the institutional knowledge to know if it was the same last year when next year rates were released and the year before (only found this site 6 months ago). It does seem to be a bit worse just based on feedback while browsing the boards.

Time reveals all.

Do you think the matter of economics is different between those of us that say, live within an hour or two or three than that of those that live across the country and can only visit as a once every 5 years or have a once in a lifetime vacation. FW is about the only way I can afford to visit DW and stay inside the resort. These luxury resorts and the cabins at FW for that matter that charge a whopping 2-$300.00 a night a room is just way out of my league despite me wishing I was able to stay there for a few days. So i guess I do have a perceived value for what i see as entertainment value and that at some time, with continued price increases, that perceived value will drop and I will no longer patronize DW. To a certain extent it has already as far as the parks go. We rarely attend any of the parks when we camp. Primarily the cost factor. Once in a while we do go though. We just mostly enjoy the Fort and everything it offers