Any other Florida residents feeling slighted?

[MarkLem]

Well stated.

 

[chimera]

I think I'm qualified to answer the question...I was born here as was DH. Our kids are second generation. I've been hovering around this thread 'cause I wasn't sure if I should get involved, but here goes.

I don't feel slighted by Disney. If it weren't for the FL resident discount, there's no way we could afford the AP for the entire family. I'm sorry to see the room discount codes becoming more restrictive. If that continues, we'll stay offsite or make more day trips.

As for the other issues, I live on the SW coast of FL where the snowbirds flock. I'm sure it's hard for someone who doesn't live here to understand that phenomenon, but try to imagine what it's like when the population of your area doubles or triples for six months out of the year. That's what happens here. It's kinda like when your grandparents or extended family come to visit and stay with you in your house...it's nice to see them, but you're happy when they leave and life gets back to 'normal'.

As for state income tax, I'd be THRILLED to pay it if it meant more money for our schools. Our governor's trying to repeal a recent class-size amendment because they dont' know where the money to pay the additional teachers will come from.

I think what scares me the most is the uncontrolled development. There used to be cows and orange groves between my house and I-75. Now there's strip malls and housing developments. They're building on every square inch of available land. We're slowly losing our green spaces and beachfront...the things that make Florida, Florida.

JMHO...your mileage may vary

 

[figmentvi]

Yes, I suppose I could move, but I am a native and this is my home. October through April/May I get to enjoy higher prices at the grocery store, people on Sunday drives everyday of the week....I could go on and on....I guess I am more respectful of the people around me while I am on vacation....I mean I do realize some people have to go to work, etc...

You could switch the months in the above quote to read April/May through October and be describing what the people who live on Cape Cod have to go through.

It's the price we all pay to live in a vacation area. I currently live on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. I wish I could get a discount on meals during high tourist season But, I do have incredible sunsets, wonderful water, great golf courses, etc.

The moral of this story is to be thankful for what you've got, it could all be gone tomorrow.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I live on the SW coast of FL where the snowbirds flock. I'm sure it's hard for someone who doesn't live here to understand that phenomenon, but try to imagine what it's like when the population of your area doubles or triples for six months out of the year. That's what happens here

Not trying to be glib at all here.....but for someone who doesn't live in an area that gets hit HARD with frigid cold temps, ice and snow (i.e. just look at some of the recent snow storms in our nation---Nevada comes to mind with 6 feet of snow since late December !)---it's no wonder people flock to your fine state. Personally, I'd take the crowds over the miserable winter weather 4-6 months out of the year we all get in a good portion of the rest of the country. But that's just me maybe ?

I think what scares me the most is the uncontrolled development. There used to be cows and orange groves between my house and I-75. Now there's strip malls and housing developments.

This is very unfortunate....agreed. But sadly, my area is experiencing this too. When I moved to the Philadelphia suburb I live in now, there was abundant farm land along with wooded and open field area. All I've seen in the past 10 years since moving here is malls and new housing developments going up. Traffic in my area has doubled. Schools constantly having to redefine boundaries so as to avoid overcrowding etc. My son always says, "there go more trees giving up their lives" for a new home development/strip mall etc. We need legislators who will fight to preserve open land spaces all over. I'm sure many states are experiencing this. So I agree with you.....it's extremely disheartening to see these things, but I don't feel they're exclusive to FL only

 

[goofy4tink]

I certainly can understand a lot of your opinions...even the differing ones. I really believe that those of you in beautiful Florida are entitled to whatever Disney wants to give you. You do put up with us. I do try to remember that I am a guest in your state. I am a tourist, although I try not to look like one. God forbid I ever qualify as a touron. Here in Ma we have our fair share of tourons also. Try and visit Cape Cod during the summer months. I wish the state of Ma would give us something to put up with our Cape tourists every summer. I feel your pain, really I do.

But, and it's a big one, I don't have a problem with Disney offering discounts to other groups. Those with AP's, of which I am one, usually miss out on other good rates given with some package deals. Like the FairyTale pkge years ago. Now, add in owning at DVC and that opens the argument up even more. There are those that feel that since we pay taxes to Florida, we are residents. I don't agree, but some feel this way. Just by virtue of owning DVC and APs you spend a lot of 'non-discounted' monies at WDW for food especially. I think that as long as Disney doesn't take away perks from one group, only to give them to another, then no one has a gripe.

 

[chyam]

Perhaps if Disney started offering "other" state residents discounts then THEY would come more often and spend alot of money. I always wondered why the locals were targeted when they are right there anyway. Why not try to bring in people from other states and give them incentives?

There are many out there who live in other states that go many times a year..some probably more then residents do

As I stated earlier I believe that Disney does do a good job giving us residents discounts, I get a seasonal pass for $183.00 with some black out days but I make good use of it during the festivals and the slower times of the year when the tourists aren't filling the parks, the discounts for us are usually targeted to fill the parks up more during the "slow" seasons. I still don't believe that many of us spend as much as the destination visitors, I make many day trips which usually means I only eat one meal there, I am also not purchasing incidentals that I forgot to pack. I do believe that Disney is greedy but I can't say that they slight me any discounts. I too go up several times during the year and stay a few nights but usually only when the rooms are discounted, and this usually when the resorts are at low occupancy, many people from out of state are paying the rack rate and alot of times they are only able to go every few years.
Nothing is free anymore!
Also I live in an area that is growing and yes it is sad to see, but it is happening everywhere! FL by no means is perfect, the summers are horrible, probably just as bad as the winters in the north. And as for the tourists, well they provide alot of tax dollars for us as well as many many jobs. And when I am a tourist in another area I too probably am a pain in the butt to someone that is heading to work. I am glad to share my state with others and thankful to Disney for what ever money I can save.

 

[zalansky]

Without getting flamed, I don't see why this is so hard to understand. Florida residents, particularly those within close driving distance, are going to visit WDW many more times than someone who lives out of state. I realize there are many people on this board who take just as many trips to WDW every year as the Florida residents do, but I believe those people are largely a minority (though many of them may reside in these boards we on these boards are still, very much a minority).
They have to entice us to come visit, otherwise many of us would not go as often. I know I wouldn't. I know others who wouldn't. But when those Fl Res room rates are released, we scramble to make ressies. While on the phone, we make PS ressies too, with NO discount. We spend money in the parks and everything else Disney owns, with NO discount. I would guess Disney counts on the residents when tourism is down. We help keep their profits up in low seasons.
Take Busch Gardens here in Tampa. As a Florida resident, we pay one days admission and get the rest of the year FREE. What does that tell you? They NEED us, badly. Not that Disney needs us as badly, but I still feel they need us on some level.
I just don't get why this is such a debate?

 

[chimera]

Not trying to be glib at all here.....but for someone who doesn't live in an area that gets hit HARD with frigid cold temps, ice and snow (i.e. just look at some of the recent snow storms in our nation---Nevada comes to mind with 6 feet of snow since late December !)---it's no wonder people flock to your fine state. Personally, I'd take the crowds over the miserable winter weather 4-6 months out of the year we all get in a good portion of the rest of the country. But that's just me maybe ?

It's not just you. We all KNOW why people come here in the winter...it's pretty obvious. I've only seen snow twice in my life, so I have no illusions about being able to deal with that all winter (you all have my solemn promise that I won't come up north and try to drive in it ) There's another thread going about people who didn't have power for days because of ice storms. I hate to sound like a hick, but I honestly had NO idea that happened in the winter. The first time that's really happened widely down here was this past year with the hurricanes.

But try to understand, tourism is our industry. It has good sides and downsides, as I'm sure other industry does.

My son always says, "there go more trees giving up their lives" for a new home development/strip mall etc.

I love your son's comment! My daughter says she's going to make a lot of money so she can buy up some of these empty lots and preserve them, kinda like Nature Conservancy.

 

[Chuck S]

It is one thing for Disney to offer discounts and perks to FL residents because they choose to do so. It is another thing entirely for FL residents to feel "entitled" to those benefits by virtue of their location.

We have both a Sea World and a Six Flags in San Antonio, along with at least two other Six Flags parks in our state (Houston, Arlington) we don't get "resident" perks at those parks.

 

[brunette8706]

I can certainly sympathize for the OP! Why is it that she is under attack? I can understand if you don't agree, and that's fine, but what's up with people being on the defense, and some what nasty? She asked a simple question that I think is reasonable.

I remember Disney wanted to put a park in Virginia and the residents of Virginia put a BIG STOP to it. Why? First because it would ruin all historical heritage there and second nobody but nobody wanted to put up with an overflow of tourism which includes a ton of traffic and a ton of people day in and day out.

I personally think that the Florida residents should get extra added benefits.

 

[Leota]

I think that as long as Disney doesn't take away perks from one group, only to give them to another, then no one has a gripe.

Well said - My hackles were raised by the "fighting the tourists" remark - I spend alot of money in FL & I know that that money improves life for Floridians by paying for state services that residents don't have to pay tax for. I know that as a tourist, I am part of what drives a good portion of the state's economy & employment. I have been a passholder since 1998 or 1999 (can't recall which) and am grateful to finally be able to get a discount on the many meals I enjoy in WDW. With the recent diminishment of Perks for AP holders, I was put off that someone begrudged a Perk which renewed my faith in beneifts for Passholders.

 

[cra-z-4-dizney]

Perhaps if Disney started offering "other" state residents discounts then THEY would come more often and spend alot of money. I always wondered why the locals were targeted when they are right there anyway. Why not try to bring in people from other states and give them incentives?

There are many out there who live in other states that go many times a year..some probably more then residents do

AMEN!!!!!!

 

[lillygator]

chimera - MEL - I am in sunny Sarasota too!!

Small world....or should I sing "it's a small world after all"

 

[lillygator]

I guess I should tally up the Floridian responses....I realize I am the underdog here.

 

[cra-z-4-dizney]

It is one thing for Disney to offer discounts and perks to FL residents because they choose to do so. It is another thing entirely for FL residents to feel "entitled" to those benefits by virtue of their location.

We have both a Sea World and a Six Flags in San Antonio, along with at least two other Six Flags parks in our state (Houston, Arlington) we don't get "resident" perks at those parks.

I am not flaming, but I agree....why can't FL residents be happy with the discount they do get???? As far as tourism goes, didn't you know it was going to be a big tourism state when you moved there....Disney World, Kennedy Space Center, Daytona Beach, Daytona USA, Daytona International Speedway....just to name a few places.....

I do not get any benefits to Great Adventure, I don't get to get on the beaches for free...yes, we residents have to pay to get on the beaches of New Jersey, but I don't complain, I am happy if someone else gets a discount, there is nothing like saving money, Disney does not HAVE to offer this discount to you, they choose to......as far as not being able to go as much without the discounts, that is the only way some people, including myself, are able to afford to go multiple times a year, or even once a year for that matter.

 

[CarolA]

Disney owes NO ONE discounts. So take what you can get and be happy! Whining only wastes energy!

 

[Immelman]

I don't care what state you live in, anyone who goes to WDW spends alot of money. once an AP holder has his AP, you're not paying admission prices, so they need you on property spending money in their parks. our incentives are to get us into those resort rooms that are sitting empty generating no income. we get perks because we can drive to either WDW, UO, Seaworld, BG, or cypress gardens within an hour from each other. that's why they need locals. I work with people who are natives and have been to WDW once or twice their entire lives. WDW knows that joe sixpack in sheboygen is saving up to bring his family down for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. those familes are no-brainers. are we entitled to perks, no. but there's a reason the parks give them. and as far as 'needing tourism', I'd gladly go back to paying state income taxes in a heartbeat. tourism doesn't affect my income one bit. if the parks dried up, I'd still have Siesta Key, palm trees, and year-round sunshine.

 

[GOOFYFREEK]

As being a FL resident, I rely on the discount pass. Cause like others residents have said if it wasnt for the discount they wouldn't be going as much. We usually go 4-6 times a year. Just for the weekend or a long weekend. Only when the room rates are $49.

I can already see we are going to be cutting back one of are trips since they have raised the rates earlier this year. The $49 rate lasted through March, went up for spring break, then back down till easter. Now it goes up in middle of Feb and last till middle of April. And now they are only Sunday - Thurs and some weekends.

Yes its nice being a FL resident and having Disney in your back yard. We have driven to orlando a couple of times just to eat. If you go during the off season and look around the hotel parking lots and I would say 75% of the tags are FL. I dont feel slighted that they offer discounts to others. Especially for AP. I feel that anyone that plans on spending more than 5 days at Disney deserves a discount.

I do feel they are not offering as good of discounts as they use to, but thats why the make the money cause they can.

I can remember staying at Beach Club for $65 a night. When you stopped at the Fish and Chips shack at UK you got 3 huge pieces of Fish. 2 of you could eat at Coral Reef for $30. And that was one of the highest places to eat.

What I am saying is Disney will take away from and raise the prices as much as they can till it starts to effect them. When people really start to say they have had enough. Until then I would expect to get less and pay more for it.

 

[lillygator]

I'd still have Siesta Key, palm trees, and year-round sunshine.

I live just off the south bridge to Siesta!!!

 

[lillygator]

I am not flaming, but I agree....why can't FL residents be happy with the discount they do get???? As far as tourism goes, didn't you know it was going to be a big tourism state when you moved there....QUOTE]


Ok - I was born here....I didn't MOVE here.