After 23 year no longer a DVC owner

[Matty B13]

We aren't selling...... but we aren't adding on either. Once a year is good for us, it leaves a little bit of a surprise for the next year if something new gets built at WDW. With the inflation of all pricing everywhere, I think everyone has to prioritize their vacations now, not just do everything would like to do.

 

[tom1944]

Compared to professional sporting events, or even college sporting events, Broadway plays and music concerts I don't think Disney is any more expensive than them.

Prior to covid we were doing 3 or 4 shows a year. With dinner it was not an inexpensive day.

We also used to gift my parents a weekend in NY and with a Broadway show and car service that also cost a few bucks.

I stopped going to professional sporting events. I enjoy them more on television.

We do go to a few minor league baseball games every summer.

 

[Sammie]

Prior to covid we were doing 3 or 4 shows a year. With dinner it was not an inexpensive day.

We also used to gift my parents a weekend in NY and with a Broadway show and car service that also cost a few bucks.

I stopped going to professional sporting events. I enjoy them more on television.

We do go to a few minor league baseball games every summer.

Traveling Broadway shows seem to be more expensive that long running shows in NYC where you can sometimes get a deal.

 

[Sammie]

I totally agree there, but it is like buying them back to back to back over 5 or 7 days. Adds up in one big chunk.

Yes, but we still get more hours for the same amount of money. I try to look at as to what I spend on yearly basis rather than the one trip.

 

[Brian Noble]

Compared to professional sporting events, or even college sporting events, Broadway plays and music concerts I don't think Disney is any more expensive than them.

I'm not sure what the underlying market forces/mechanisms are, but major entertainment seems to have been outpacing inflation for as long as I've paid attention. I had a definite "Wow!" moment when I renewed my Michigan football tickets this year---despite sitting in the cheap seats.

 

[Sammie]

I'm not sure what the underlying market forces/mechanisms are, but major entertainment seems to have been outpacing inflation for as long as I've paid attention. I had a definite "Wow!" moment when I renewed my Michigan football tickets this year---despite sitting in the cheap seats.

US too. Concert tickets are probably the worst. Yet these shows sell out just like Disney parks are packed.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Exactly. And, part of that change is our own experience of a place. As @Ruttangel puts it:


...or, familiarity breeds contempt.

I don't get too worked up about whether the WDW changes are good or bad. There have been things I don't like all that much. I think the idea of G+/ILL is fine, but the implementation of them wasn't great. The money isn't the problem--I don't mind spending the money. But, the fact that an ILL could be off by hours from the time I 'selected" was enough to get me to stop buying them during my March '22 trip.

On the other hand, the food situation has been getting better. Skipper Canteen is a huge win for MK, and Tiffins is one of my favorite restaurants anywhere in WDW, let alone in the Parks. Satuli and Docking Bay are both strong improvements in the QS realm.

The last several additions have been good (Toy Story) to great (Galaxy's Edge, the Pandoraverse). The Skyliner was a nice addition as well. I've used it several times to leave Studios during an Epcot Festival to nosh around the World rather than make do in the former.

But, at the same time, I don't need to go back as often as I used to. Part of that is very individual and due to some life changes I made*. Part of it is the kids are in their 20s and we increasingly want to do non-theme-park things with them. Part of that is our own vacation habits and preferences as a couple in our mid-50s have changed**.

So, is all of that Disney's fault? Yes, the Parks are super crowded, there are lines everywhere, and it takes planning. But, I'm not sure how different any of that is, vs. how my tolerance for it has changed.

---------------
*: Epcot is a different place pre-sobriety vs. post-sobriety.

**: I'm not too old to rock, though. During last Srping's Orlando visit I spent a day power-riding Mako--which was probably the best coaster in Central Florida pre-Velocicoaster/Iron Gwazi. I also hit up a 311 show at the House of Blues. This year, DD and I are looking forward to checking off the Velocicoaster and if it opens soon enough Sea World's new Pipeline.

One thing that has definitely changed the experience in the parks are the people. Different crowds today than years ago. I am not sure Disney can address that.

 

[disneyfan123]

US too. Concert tickets are probably the worst. Yet these shows sell out just like Disney parks are packed.

Yep, was about to buy tickets to Jerry Seinfeld yesterday, who is doing a show in our city this summer, but it was going to be $400/pair. We could have got the absolute cheap seats, way back of the stage, but even those would have run $250/pair, which was not worth it. Decided to hold onto the cash and use it for travelling (hopefully to Italy this summer for our 20th anniversary). Makes Disney park tickets look like a bargain!

 

[Sammie]

Yep, was about to buy tickets to Jerry Seinfeld yesterday, who is doing a show in our city this summer, but it was going to be $400/pair. We could have got the absolute cheap seats, way back of the stage, but even those would have run $250/pair, which was not worth it. Decided to hold onto the cash and use it for travelling (hopefully to Italy this summer for our 20th anniversary). Makes Disney park tickets look like a bargain!I

I understand how expensive Disney is for a family, but my point was most all entertainment is. Some however expect Disney to be different.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

Yep, was about to buy tickets to Jerry Seinfeld yesterday, who is doing a show in our city this summer, but it was going to be $400/pair. We could have got the absolute cheap seats, way back of the stage, but even those would have run $250/pair, which was not worth it. Decided to hold onto the cash and use it for travelling (hopefully to Italy this summer for our 20th anniversary). Makes Disney park tickets look like a bargain!

You’re not missing anything. We saw him live and it was good. But all of his jokes are recycled.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

I agree with this aspect. I know some people love self-check in and at times I enjoy it but I wish it was optionally. I miss that whole welcoming feeling of checking in.

It is optional, right? Because we never check in ahead of time. We go into the lobby and check in at the desk. It is pretty empty though….

 

[CarolynFH]

It is optional, right? Because we never check in ahead of time. We go into the lobby and check in at the desk. It is pretty empty though….

Not only is online checkin optional, it does not forbid you from going to the desk when you arrive. You can check in online, get all the routine stuff of linking your credit card to the room out of the way, even submit requests (if the requests available online suit you), and when you arrive you can still go straight to the front desk, even if you already know your room number.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We aren't selling...... but we aren't adding on either. Once a year is good for us, it leaves a little bit of a surprise for the next year if something new gets built at WDW. With the inflation of all pricing everywhere, I think everyone has to prioritize their vacations now, not just do everything would like to do.

What’s really putting a big hurt on right now is the price of airfare. We live 2 hrs from WDW by air. BUT what was once cheap or cheaper airfare has doubled in price. This is now a cost we have to factor in where years ago was a non issue.

 

[E2ME2]

What’s really putting a big hurt on right now is the price of airfare. We live 2 hrs from WDW by air. BUT what was once cheap or cheaper airfare has doubled in price. This is now a cost we have to factor in where years ago was a non issue.

Transportation in general: We have taken the AutoTrain for 3 consecutive years. I just looked at the posted prices for next January's trip and the Southbound fare went up about 15%; the Northbound fare has almost doubled! We're considering driving, and making a couple stops along the way. We can use HHI for one night, and find a BONVOy property somewhere in NC for the other night. Inflation - WOW !!!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We always like staying over in Bluffton. Hampton Suites with breakfast.