Anyone else getting VERY frustrated?

[mking624]

I guess I'm not conveying myself here.

There is nothing wrong with getting a discount for your vacation. I got one for mine. What I find a problem with is people saying "If Disney doesn't come out with free dining, I'll have to cancel." There are other discounts people can get.

I'm sorry - But if people don't think there's something wrong there, they're kidding themselves.

I think the only thing that's wrong here is implying your way to book a trip is the only way. Yes, other discounts are available, but not necessarily one that's best for the people going. For example, the kids play/eat free deal does nothing for me. I'll be traveling only with adults. And even if I took my kids with me, they'd be under the age of a child's admission...so they'd be free anyway. The 4/3 deal doesn't do me any good because we can't stay longer than the 5 nights we're booked because there are jobs and children we have to get back to. You're not looking at it from every angle...just the angle that suits YOUR travel and then saying "this is how you should do it." Sorry, but that's not how it works for everyone.

If you want to agree to disagree, you need to do just that.

 

[Melanie230]

Not sure why anyone would be frustrated. I don't remember booking any fall specials at this time of year. It's still a bit too early. Even last year, the free dining in mid-August was latish in being announced.

We booked our fall trip in April. The FREE DINING was announced before April 15, 2009 because our AAA package is dated April 15, 2009 and we booked a couple of days before that. It was our first trip, so I can't speak for years prior...but last year FREE DINING was out about this time.

 

[Gr8t Fan]

It may not be because people don't have money but rather that they want to make the best of the money they have.

If people have lets say... $3000. They have saved/ budgeted this amount for vacation. This family really would like to spend this money on a wdw vacation. They have found that FD makes this work for that amount of money. If FD does not come out then they need to make a decision. They may choose to spend their money somewhere else.

A decision to cancel does not = having no money. It may mean they are making a choice to maximize their money somewhere else.

Just a thought

This describes us to a tee. We're going to spend about $3K and we want to maximize what we can get for our $$. FD allows us to do that. Fortunately we booked a bounceback so we have FD already, I just hope that it is offered for those that are waiting.

 

[TheRatPack]

I guess I'm not conveying myself here.

There is nothing wrong with getting a discount for your vacation. I got one for mine. What I find a problem with is people saying "If Disney doesn't come out with free dining, I'll have to cancel." There are other discounts people can get.

I'm sorry - But if people don't think there's something wrong there, they're kidding themselves.

I get what you're saying....but I don't think that everyone is saying they'll cancel because they don't have the money...it's just that they'd rather spend it elsewhere to get a better deal for their money. We already booked....yes we could go and pay the dining plan, or OOP for our food. We've done it in the past and would do it again....but if they don't come out with FD this year, we're going to reduce our days on site and then move to something else (the beach, Universal, off site...etc). It's not because we don't have the money for the trip we've already booked (it's paid in full minus the dining btw)...but seriously, staying on site is way overpriced for what you get. It's nice an all...but if I'm going to spend 3000+ on a vacation, I'm going to stay somewhere really nice and enjoy my money and how it's spent.

I can find a lot of really nice resorts off site for about 1/2 the price of the value resort we stay at onsite. The resorts have kitchenettes, multiple pools, washer/dryer...etc. And tons of food options off site as well..much cheaper than on site restaurants.

So again, it's not that we'll be cancelling because of no FD.....but we will be decreasing our stay as to get more for our money elsewhere.

 

[Melanie230]

Disney has been saying, since last fall, that they would 'most likely' be putting out fewer discounts and specials in '10. The only reason for discounts is to fill up rooms. If Disney feels they have plenty of rooms filled, they won't offer anything in the way of substantial discounts.
I'm sure there are a ton of people waiting for some great discounts to come out. And I hope you all get what you are looking for. But remember, Disney doesn't offer those discounts in order to 'look good' or to 'reward' people. They do it only to boost their profits...it's all about the bottom line.

I agree...however with the release of Harry Potter in June at Universal AND the onsite hotels at Universal offering great deals on rooms I can't imagine Disney not offering something. If not..they will certainly lose out to Harry Potter this year. We already have a reservation at the Hard Rock Hotel for Oct 1-Oct 8 and got a rate that was the lowest I have ever seen it. ($131 per night) That includes the unlimited front of the line pass. If Disney doesn't get on the ball quickly...then we will just keep our original plans to go to Universal.

 

[Melanie230]

We are way past the 180+ mark for booking ADR's so yes, FD was announced at this point last year. We won't be going if FD isn't offered this year so YES, I am getting frustrated. We struggled with bookings last year b/c we added FD after we booked our trip (our first time with FD and hopefully not our last).

Something's gotta give. And SOON!!

You are correct!!! Thank goodness I learned my lesson from last year. We are already booking our dining reservations for a possible trip in the fall. It is so much easier than last year. I had no idea we had to do them so early and I started booking ADR's in August for our Oct trip. It was a nightmare.

 

[damone]

I think the only thing that's wrong here is implying your way to book a trip is the only way. Yes, other discounts are available, but not necessarily one that's best for the people going. For example, the kids play/eat free deal does nothing for me. I'll be traveling only with adults. And even if I took my kids with me, they'd be under the age of a child's admission...so they'd be free anyway. The 4/3 deal doesn't do me any good because we can't stay longer than the 5 nights we're booked because there are jobs and children we have to get back to. You're not looking at it from every angle...just the angle that suits YOUR travel and then saying "this is how you should do it." Sorry, but that's not how it works for everyone.

If you want to agree to disagree, you need to do just that.

That's not at all what I am saying.

I've explained this about half a dozen times. Not sure how else I can make it any easier to understand. All I am saying is, don't book what you can't afford. If you can't afford to go to Disney without eating for free, then you shouldn't go (unless you don't want to eat.)

 

[Melanie230]

The item itself (food or vacation) may be different, the concept is not. Being able to only afford something only on a discount should not be the reason to prevent someone from being able to attain it. THAT was my point.

I agree. We wouldn't pay full price to go to Disney. It is so overpriced period. We love Universal Studios and can go there for less money and stay in the 4 star resorts onsite. When we went to Disney last year, the kids LOVED it. However they were confused about waiting in line because we have unlimited front of the line passes at Universal because we stay onsite. We love Disney...but FD is a must for us to cancel our trip to Universal.

 

[damone]

I agree. We wouldn't pay full price to go to Disney. It is so overpriced period. We love Universal Studios and can go there for less money and stay in the 4 star resorts onsite. When we went to Disney last year, the kids LOVED it. However they were confused about waiting in line because we have unlimited front of the line passes at Universal because we stay onsite. We love Disney...but FD is a must for us to cancel our trip to Universal.

All you're doing is looking for the best deal possible. There's nothing wrong with that. You're not saying "We can't afford to go unless Disney offers Free Dining." You're just saying you'd prefer to spend your money at Universal.

 

[Melanie230]

Let me rephrase my original comment:

If your staying at the resort you have booked depends on a discount, you probably should be staying someplace else.

If your entire vacation depends on getting a discount, you probably shouldn't be going.

WHY? Our entire vacation to Florida this year depends on the discount. I would never pay $3000 to go to Pop Century at Disney with tickets and dining. Doesn't mean I can't afford it...it means I simply would never pay that. We will pay about $2400 to go to Universal stay at the Hard Rock Hotel and eat everyday. It is what something is worth to someone. We are also taking AMTRAK to Florida this year because it is cheaper than driving my SUV. That doesn't mean we can't afford to drive our car...but why drive and pay more when we can just take the train? It is all about saving money, and what sort of value things are to different people.

 

[Bridge203618]

That's not at all what I am saying.

I've explained this about half a dozen times. Not sure how else I can make it any easier to understand. All I am saying is, don't book what you can't afford. If you can't afford to go to Disney without eating for free, then you shouldn't go (unless you don't want to eat.)

Why? If FD makes you afford the trip, and you can get it, why shouldn't you go if and when it is offered? Who is anyone to judge if someone should take a discount or not? Why harm does it to do book hoping for something in the future knowing that you can cancel if not. The percentage of people doing this is SO low compared to the actual number of people that go to Disney, what is the harm? Discounts are a blessing and after a while you might count on them, that is natural. There is no harm in that. It might cause that family some stress waiting, but isn't that their concern not yours? If it doesn't come out they can cancel if they choose to.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

I know my situation isn't typical, but I'm one of the ones who will cancel their August vacation if FD isn't offered.

It isn't a matter of not affording our vacation. The only reason we would pick to go during the HOT hurricane season would be for this discount. We would save close to $4000 with FD. This is not chump change. No other discount offers this much savings for my family.

Without FD our best value for Disney would be offsite in a vacation home. If we are going to do an offsite vacation, why go in August? We will go our typical time of Halloween or post-Thanksgiving.

I think many people are missing the point about FD. Many people will be changing their vacation plans, NOT because they can't afford a vacation without the discount, BUT because other vacations/spending will be a better value.

I'm anxious for news of the discount because I need to make airfare arrangements and my husband needs to coordinate his time off. There are so good airline deals right now that I would like to take advantage of IF we went in August. There is also some terrific deals on other vacations (cruises, Hawaii). It would be nice to solidify our plans.

I'm on the the guilty ones who made a reservation for August to take advantage of making ADRs at the 180 mark. I didn't want to miss out on choices because of waiting for a discount. People have accused me of "shooting myself in the foot" so to speak, but I feel there are far more people who wait to book then the amount of us who obsessively plan. Plus I had several ADRs that would need full payment. It was far cheaper to pay $400 to reserve our rooms than pay $1000+ to book HDDR and CRT.

I guess I'm just curious why people are so judgemental over this. What's the harm in saving a few dollars? Or in our case...BIG BUCKS.

 

[damone]

WHY? Our entire vacation to Florida this year depends on the discount. I would never pay $3000 to go to Pop Century at Disney with tickets and dining. Doesn't mean I can't afford it...it means I simply would never pay that. We will pay about $2400 to go to Universal stay at the Hard Rock Hotel and eat everyday. It is what something is worth to someone. We are also taking AMTRAK to Florida this year because it is cheaper than driving my SUV. That doesn't mean we can't afford to drive our car...but why drive and pay more when we can just take the train? It is all about saving money, and what sort of value things are to different people.

Again, you CAN afford it. I'm referring to the people (again) that claim they can't afford the vacation they have booked without getting a discount.

 

[verlee]

We all do. But if it's either a shorter trip or no trip, go for the shorter trip.

Or wait and go when you can go as long as you want

 

[damone]

Why? If FD makes you afford the trip, and you can get it, why shouldn't you go if and when it is offered? Who is anyone to judge if someone should take a discount or not?

Hey, maybe I'm wrong. Just stating my opinion. To me, if FD (or any discount) is literally going to make or break a vacation, it would seem to me like money is a bit tight.

 

[Bridge203618]

Hey, maybe I'm wrong. Just stating my opinion. To me, if FD (or any discount) is literally going to make or break a vacation, it would seem to me like money is a bit tight.

Depends on the family size for one. FD can be a significant savings. But that doesn't even matter. If you have a budget for vacation and FD allows you to take that budget to Disney but if no FD you can't do Disney, it doesn't mean they are living outside their means. It means they have a budget for vacation and they want or need to stick to it. If money is tight but they want to have a vacation, and can afford it with certain discounts, why does it matter? I just don't see why you get to judge if someone should take a vacation or not.

 

[rie'smom]

Book the trip and make ADRs. Both can be cancelled if Disney doesn't release discounts.

 

[Port Orleans fan]

All you're doing is looking for the best deal possible. There's nothing wrong with that. You're not saying "We can't afford to go unless Disney offers Free Dining." You're just saying you'd prefer to spend your money at Universal.

Just curious, what member(s) of Dis Boards said, "they can't afford to go without FD....." ?

Do you have any names in mind?

 

[mking624]

Depends on the family size for one. FD can be a significant savings. But that doesn't even matter. If you have a budget for vacation and FD allows you to take that budget to Disney but if no FD you can't do Disney, it doesn't mean they are living outside their means. It means they have a budget for vacation and they want or need to stick to it. If money is tight but they want to have a vacation, and can afford it with certain discounts, why does it matter? I just don't see why you get to judge if someone should take a vacation or not.

That is exactly my thought. They're not breaking the bank...they're saying "this is my budget, I can't do it otherwise." Isn't better to stay within the budget and cancel if it goes over, rather than tossing the budget out the window?
Some people can go to Disney without a discount.
Some people can only go with a discount.
Why do people feel the need to be critical of the discount only guests? Exactly what does it matter if it affords them to go and isn't exactly hurting you any?

 

[tiki23]

I don't quite agree with the "if you can't go without a discount, you shouldn't go" theory, but I firmly believe you shouldn't book without a discount if you can't go without one. I'm talking about the "book now so I get a room but cancel if the discount doesn't come out" folks. I don't know how Disney is supposed to predict what kind of promotions are needed if their rooms are already booked. I think we'd maybe see some good discounts quicker if people just resisted the urge to book before the discounts that they need come out. JMHO.

Absolutely agree!! It's simple economics.

How is Disney supposed to know what offer best suits the expected crowd level when the bookings are skewed? If you really want free dining or a big discount offer, don't book your trip with the idea of cancelling if you don't get it...because the more bookings, the less crucial it is to Disney to offer the larger discounts.

As Canadian Guy, and others, have mentioned booking a trip ahead of time DOES NOT work as a "place holder" for a free dining or promo offer reservation. The promo room %'s are held in a different pool and your earlier reservation will have to be cancelled and switched to that % pool....even if the switch isn't apparent, it did happen. (I asked my TA!)

Pop Century and POR seem to be popular resorts during FD. If many people book PC and POR with the idea of cancelling their trip if no promo is offered, then Disney may look at the booking numbers at those resorts and see no reason to offer very many, if any, rooms up at the promo rate. Then people are scrambling to switch their vacations to resorts that have pools of promo rooms.

You can still make your ADRs at 180 days out if you aren't booked at a resort. Granted, you can't do the 180 + 10, so it's not as convenient, but you might up your chances of getting a great fall promo if you don't book ahead. (Just please cancel your ADRs if you won't be using them. )

I'll use a fall discount if one comes out that helps our vacation cost, but we're going in September anyway - this is a sisters' only trip planned for when our teens are back in school - it's our summer break!