Are all Disney resort perks fair?

[JanieMc]

For me, at least, you don't have to explain your choices. I think everyone should stay exactly where they want to stay.

I like Disney theming as well; we had really good onsite experiences. However, we had the opportunity to stay offsite for free one year. I worried it would be a nightmare. It wasn't. Once we stayed offsite and liked it, I had trouble justifying the cost of onsite. I could spend $2800 per week for the cheapest DVC 2 BR villa (renting points) or I can pay less than $800 offsite for a larger pool view 2 BR villa ... very close to Disney. I don't do it to "spite Disney" nor does that even make sense to me. We go to the parks nearly every day we're there. We eat on property and I am a close personal friend of many Disney gift shops.

We used to go during value season (January), but we can't anymore because my daughter is getting older and missing a week of school takes a toll on her grades. So anyway, there are lots of reasons people make the decisions they do. Regardless, it would still be more expensive to stay onsite, in comparable quarters.

As galling as it is to you that people insinuate that you're throwing money away, it's similarly as galling to me that people think I must be staying in a dump, driving a long distance to the parks each day, not spending any money at the parks or resorts, getting poor service, or parking light years away from the parks, taking smelly trams and burning up in a 400 degree car, and forced to endure the indignity of DRIVING to the parks (not that you said any of those things, but others did ...). It's just not like that.

No, I've stayed offsite before, and I know it's not like that, as long as you choose wisely and know what you're doing. Too many people just pick a motel in proximity to Disney and hope for the best. I don't presume people are staying in a dump. I didn't stay in them. I never said most people do it to "spite Disney," I said that people I've personally interacted with have seemed that way. So sue me--that's what I took from it because I was privy to the conversations. "Galling" really doesn't describe how I feel, lol--wow, I seem to really have upset you by taking up for staying onsite and explaining that I really do have a vacation that probably costs less than lots of others spend offsite.

 

[JanieMc]

P.S. itchin, I'm so glad you're a fan of the shops! Wow, I thought you couldn't afford to shop or eat onsite because you stay offsite.

 

[itchin2go]

No, I've stayed offsite before, and I know it's not like that, as long as you choose wisely and know what you're doing. Too many people just pick a motel in proximity to Disney and hope for the best. I don't presume people are staying in a dump. I didn't stay in them. I never said most people do it to "spite Disney," I said that people I've personally interacted with have seemed that way. So sue me--that's what I took from it because I was privy to the conversations. "Galling" really doesn't describe how I feel, lol--wow, I seem to really have upset you by taking up for staying onsite and explaining that I really do have a vacation that probably costs less than lots of others spend offsite.

Sorry if my tone came off upset, particularly at you. I meant that judging either way is the same thing. If one person acts as though you're an idiot for staying onsite (for whatever reason), it's the same as someone thinking people staying offsite are foolish, misguided or delusional (for whatever reason). There have been some posts in this thread that verged on those views, or implied them. Presumably, none of us is stupid, we've checked out the various alternatives and have found what's best for us.

By "galling", I just meant annoying. Maybe it's a loaded word?

I would love to see these offsite-to-spite-Disney threads. Sounds fascinating .... in a train wreck kind of way. Regardless, I love Disney, hence why I'm here discussing it.

 

[jomass]

Magic you way base tickets. MYW with park hopper, MYW with PH and more, and finally MYW with fast pass option. How long do you think it will be before it' s an add on for your tickets? IMHO, it's not a matter of if, just a matter of when. You'll likely be able to benefit from staying onsite and getting FP for free or at a reduced rate, but the time will come. One way or another they will get their money as long as there is demand for it. I choose not to stay at Disney and yes it sucks to know that as long as I don't, I will never see a FP for a new attraction at a reasonable time of day if at all even. But that's what it has become. It's starting to squeeze me out of the picture and when I finally get priced out of what I see is a good value for my money, then I will stop going altogether.

The separation between those that are willing to pay a kings ransom and those that won't or can't will continue as long as the trend line points north. So enjoy your 60 day"perks" now. After seeing that people are willing to pay close to $300 for some lawn chairs and a piece of shade at a water park, I am convinced that there is no end in sight. The tipping point is here. LOL

 

[larryz]

The tipping point is here. LOL

I wonder when they'll start on the Port Orleans Villas, the Art of Animation Villas, the PoP Century Villas...

Imagine the concept -- DVC at the moderate and value price points -- lower costs per point, but you're restricted to a lesser category of resort (moderates could trade down, but values couldn't trade up except by buying or saving up additional points...)

 

[mellyf]

I'm a big Disney resort guy, and a big "it's supply and demand" guy. But yes, at some point the aforementioned Four Seasons (inside the walls of WDW) starts to look like a better value.

I know, only a "fool" pays rack rate, but still!

I very much agree with all of this. We've always stayed on site when we've gone to Disney. We love staying at the Yacht or Beach Club (or Swan or Dolphin) because of the proximity to World Showcase, and just wandering over in the evening. However, after seeing the Ritz and the Four Seasons mentioned, I googled them to check out some photos. Very nice! I could see myself definitely making the choice to stay at one of those, but I think my husband would be a harder sell. He's very much opposed to stepping out of the Disney bubble while we're there (although both of us also love the Universal bubble ). To me, the Disney Deluxe hotel rooms (at least the ones I've stayed in), can't compare to how the rooms in those photos look (of the Ritz/Four Seasons).

 

[Luckybee]

Magic you way base tickets. MYW with park hopper, MYW with PH and more, and finally MYW with fast pass option. How long do you think it will be before it' s an add on for your tickets? IMHO, it's not a matter of if, just a matter of when. You'll likely be able to benefit from staying onsite and getting FP for free or at a reduced rate, but the time will come. One way or another they will get their money as long as there is demand for it. I choose not to stay at Disney and yes it sucks to know that as long as I don't, I will never see a FP for a new attraction at a reasonable time of day if at all even. But that's what it has become. It's starting to squeeze me out of the picture and when I finally get priced out of what I see is a good value for my money, then I will stop going altogether.

The separation between those that are willing to pay a kings ransom and those that won't or can't will continue as long as the trend line points north. So enjoy your 60 day"perks" now. After seeing that people are willing to pay close to $300 for some lawn chairs and a piece of shade at a water park, I am convinced that there is no end in sight. The tipping point is here. LOL

To some extent I think you're right in that "extra" charges for offsite fp's are inevitable. How/when they'll do it is anybody's guess but I believe it will happen. Whether imho it is a good thing or a bad thing will depend on execution. If one can pay more to have more options then personally I'm all for it although I recognize that many wont be so enamoured. I don't expect because of Disney not having enough rides for the masses that we'll see unlimited fp's aka Universal Express but I do think what we will see will be more along the lines of the ability to purchase "extra" and perhaps earlier booking windows.

Where we probably disagree is that we're the ones who often purchase the "extras" you refer to if we see value in the extras. For example we would have gladly opted to buy the VIP F&W pkg if they would have had seating areas. Without that it was of no value to us. At a water park Im happy to pay for privacy and our own space. When we travel we almost always stay in luxury or 5* hotels/timeshares etc. But I wont pay Disney pricing because for us we get no value from them and get better(my opinion only) accom elsewhere for a better price. I can see why some like Disney hotels etc for the "perks" but none of the perks mean anything to us other than the 60 day fp+ bookings. We always rent a car so no magical express for us. I hate public transportation. EMH doesn't mean much to us as our park days are not that long to begin with. 108+10 dining never works for me since we end up changing something virtually every trip (I still cant get my head around having firm plans that far out). And for us the "Disney bubble" is what I don't want when Im finished in the parks for the day. Yet if Disney offered a private VIP tour for 2 at a price more commensurate for 2 as opposed to 10 I'd be the first one booking it. Personally not only do I see nothing wrong with D giving more perks to onsite guests, I'd be shocked if they didn't, and we are virtually always offsiters.

Every one of us on here has things we'd be willing to pay for and those we wouldn't regardless of each individuals financial circumstances. And every one of us I suspect sees where we individually think that that "X" is a waste. All of these things depend on what the person/family themselves value and what is important to them.

 

[itchin2go]

Every one of us on here has things we'd be willing to pay for and those we wouldn't regardless of each individuals financial circumstances. And every one of us I suspect sees where we individually think that that "X" is a waste. All of these things depend on what the person/family themselves value and what is important to them.

Just so well put. EMH and 180+10 don't have value for me. Neither does Disney transportation.

60 day FP booking privileges does mean something to me. It was valuable enough that I was willing to book a throwaway room for one night.

Staying within walking distance to the parks is very valuable to me .... just not worth 3.5 times what I pay to stay offsite.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

And this is why my family goes back year after year. We tried a few different things. A few years ago we went to the Jersey Shore and came home with Bed Bugs. It turns out the entire Jersey Shore is infested with them.

We've always had fun at WDW. We've decided to take the "fun" we know rather than gamble for "more fun' somewhere else.



YEAH! Right on! I HATE when that happens!



Anyone know where I can find some college kids flashing boobs?

Don't blame the bed bugs...blame the jersey shore. It's not a "travel destination". It's amusing if you have to out forth little effort to get there...

And are you nuts? Plenty of partying at Disney - both by college kids and by drunken adults - which is far worse, frankly.

 

[Monykalyn]

Paying to stay "onsite" you are paying for the 'perk' of location, plus some extra hours offered in park. That's it. Disney should never offer more for onsite guests as far as FP+ goes. Unless you are now going to differentiate between "full cost" tickets vs those bought at a reseller (Hello Cheaptickets+ebates cashback!). Resort amenties? Sure - pay more get more but again, location, is the major "perk". Go to a ball game-pay more for closer to action or seats, but ALL see the same game. Pay to get into the park-all get equal access. FP+ frankly could have been set up same as legacy (go to park to scan MB and schedule your 3). Possibly Disney really didn't think implications through of scheduling FP+ in advance as execs were dazzled by tech and not day to day realities of operation.

At least US offers the illusion of same access, and allows for same day change of heart.

 

[itchin2go]

Thank you for the welcome. I tend to be very quiet, but this thread was one that really caught my eye. My sister is the same way and is a member as well. She's the more chatty one with a humongous 40 posts (j/k).

I think that what people forget is when it comes to Disney there is a wide array of available options at different price points. Next year will be the first time we use DVC. I won't lie it is expensive, but this will be our mother's first trip to WDW (or any Disney property) and we want it to be the trip of a lifetime, so we're willing to pay to make it happen.

For us, staying at AKL, and having a savannah view room where my mom can see the animals was critically important. My mother uses a wheel chair, and I have health issues that can limit what I am able to do, this means I need a place that I can be comfortable should I have a flare while I'm there. When my sister and I priced the trip we found that using DVC at AKL with deluxe dining checked off several important boxes for us. The first box was the savannah view, the second was the option to have bedrooms separated from the main area, and the third was a dining plan that was paid for up front to avoid some issues with our mother getting upset over the cost of the food. Also, we found that when compared to the Poly, our original choice, we saved enough money that we could add four people to our trip and not cause us to suffer a financial catastrophe. For us the most important thing is giving our mother the ultimate Disney/AK experience. Yes, we could spend a lot less money and still have an amazing time, we've done it several times. This planned trip is our vacation version of the Holy Grail, not only is this our mother's first trip, it will also be her great-grandson's first trip, and we want to enjoy it.

I think that when it comes to planning your Disney vacation you have to do what works best for you. If that means staying offsite, go for it. If staying onsite with the ability to book FPs and ADRs earlier, having free parking, and access to Disney Transportation is what you need then do that. What is most important is that you do what works best for you and enjoy your time joining the cult of Disney.

I was going to ask what DVC property you were staying at, but then I read on ...

AKL was my favorite onsite resort, and really, they were all nice and had their good points. I am an "animal" person, and it was really just special. We spent so much time looking at the animals outside our window, that I didn't think we'd ever leave to go to the parks! And it wasn't just the savannah view from the room. It was walking the hallways and seeing the animals out those windows. We saw Ankole cattle from the hallway windows at night, and it felt like they were "guarding our camp". Not only that, I ADORE so much about the AKL. I love the gift shop and the lounge and the restaurants ...

Are you staying at Jambo, rather than Kidani? The last time I toyed with booking at AKL, I was torn between the 2, but leaned toward Jambo because I have an unnatural attachment to Boma.

FWIW, I was originally MAD because they didn't put us on the main savannah, but rather the back one. Well, it turns out we liked the back one better. We had some noisy upstairs neighbors and eventually asked to be moved. We missed our old view.

Oh, and please look into the free stuff they have to do there - cookie decorating for the grandson, culinary tour for the family, etc. My daughter did a colored pencil or crayon rubbing of that great medallion in the lobby. Super fun souvenir.

Josh at easywdw just recently did a great post on staying at AKL and all the stuff there is to do there. Here are the links in case you missed it:

http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorize...o-and-location-and-transportation/#more-15453

http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorize...-pool-bars-and-resort-merchandise/#more-15483

Sorry to hijack! We make sure to visit AKL each trip (Boma!). It's a destination in itself to me.

 

[cakebaker]

Paying to stay "onsite" you are paying for the 'perk' of location, plus some extra hours offered in park. That's it.

We're actually paying for whatever Disney deems appropriate. They've said for a long time now they want to increase the incentives to stay on site and they are. FP+ is a major incentive for many people. I think they thought it through very carefully before making that decision. If Disney wants to be able to charge the rates they charge, they have to do more than an hour or so early entry and close proximity to the parks.

While I have no experience, I've read an awful lot of posts from off site guests claiming their particular hotel is closer to the some parks than some of the resorts. Just because you're on Disney property doesn't mean your "close" to a park.

Depending on how successful they are with increasing their bookings, they may well add more incentives. Off site gets the "perk" of paying less- with that they get less from Disney. You want to look at the resorts and parks as two separate entities and Disney wants to look at them as all inclusive. Personally, I like Disney's idea better.

 

[atilley01]

I guess I was seeing the parks and the resorts as separate entities under the same umbrella. If people see the resorts as an extension of the parks then I guess it makes sense why people would think the park perks are fair.

This post has definitely put my mind at ease though in a lot of ways. I've heard a few people say that even with a late start,they can usually get the reservations and FPs they want. This is our first trip so I want to do a lot of the popular attractions and restaurants but I'm also pretty persistent so if people say it's doable, I'll have faith.

I also think I'm more confidant now in my decision to stay offsite because as many people have said, I actually like the idea of escaping the "Disney bubble" after a long day in the parks. And having more space to spread out is definitely a plus. We would never rest well if we were on top of each other. But to each is own and everyone is entitled to spend their money in the way they deem fit.

 

[cakebaker]

I guess I was seeing the parks and the resorts as separate entities under the same umbrella. If people see the resorts as an extension of the parks then I guess it makes sense why people would think the park perks are fair.

This post has definitely put my mind at ease though in a lot of ways. I've heard a few people say that even with a late start,they can usually get the reservations and FPs they want. This is our first trip so I want to do a lot of the popular attractions and restaurants but I'm also pretty persistent so if people say it's doable, I'll have faith.

I also think I'm more confidant now in my decision to stay offsite because as many people have said, I actually like the idea of escaping the "Disney bubble" after a long day in the parks. And having more space to spread out is definitely a plus. We would never rest well if we were on top of each other. But to each is own and everyone is entitled to spend their money in the way they deem fit.

We booked 2 trips last year- One in mid August, the other in mid October. The August trip was booked well under the 60 day mark and the October trip had to wait until we were done with the August trip to even book some fp+s due to AP limitations.

We got everything we wanted and at times we could work with. We were not looking for A&E at that time, but I do recall seeing it as available when we booked our Aug trip, but it was limited. I really think that at 30 days, you can get most of what you want- if not all of it. A&E is the biggest challenge.

Good luck! I envy a first time trip! It's an amazing place, no matter where you choose to stay.

 

[jomass]

To some extent I think you're right in that "extra" charges for offsite fp's are inevitable. How/when they'll do it is anybody's guess but I believe it will happen. Whether imho it is a good thing or a bad thing will depend on execution. If one can pay more to have more options then personally I'm all for it although I recognize that many wont be so enamoured. I don't expect because of Disney not having enough rides for the masses that we'll see unlimited fp's aka Universal Express but I do think what we will see will be more along the lines of the ability to purchase "extra" and perhaps earlier booking windows.

Where we probably disagree is that we're the ones who often purchase the "extras" you refer to if we see value in the extras. For example we would have gladly opted to buy the VIP F&W pkg if they would have had seating areas. Without that it was of no value to us. At a water park Im happy to pay for privacy and our own space. When we travel we almost always stay in luxury or 5* hotels/timeshares etc. But I wont pay Disney pricing because for us we get no value from them and get better(my opinion only) accom elsewhere for a better price. I can see why some like Disney hotels etc for the "perks" but none of the perks mean anything to us other than the 60 day fp+ bookings. We always rent a car so no magical express for us. I hate public transportation. EMH doesn't mean much to us as our park days are not that long to begin with. 108+10 dining never works for me since we end up changing something virtually every trip (I still cant get my head around having firm plans that far out). And for us the "Disney bubble" is what I don't want when Im finished in the parks for the day. Yet if Disney offered a private VIP tour for 2 at a price more commensurate for 2 as opposed to 10 I'd be the first one booking it. Personally not only do I see nothing wrong with D giving more perks to onsite guests, I'd be shocked if they didn't, and we are virtually always offsiters.

Every one of us on here has things we'd be willing to pay for and those we wouldn't regardless of each individuals financial circumstances. And every one of us I suspect sees where we individually think that that "X" is a waste. All of these things depend on what the person/family themselves value and what is important to them.

Very well put.

 

[Luckybee]

I guess I was seeing the parks and the resorts as separate entities under the same umbrella. If people see the resorts as an extension of the parks then I guess it makes sense why people would think the park perks are fair.

This post has definitely put my mind at ease though in a lot of ways. I've heard a few people say that even with a late start,they can usually get the reservations and FPs they want. This is our first trip so I want to do a lot of the popular attractions and restaurants but I'm also pretty persistent so if people say it's doable, I'll have faith.

I also think I'm more confidant now in my decision to stay offsite because as many people have said, I actually like the idea of escaping the "Disney bubble" after a long day in the parks. And having more space to spread out is definitely a plus. We would never rest well if we were on top of each other. But to each is own and everyone is entitled to spend their money in the way they deem fit.

Although I do agree that Disney shld give more perks for onsiters, I disagree with the posters who say at 30 or within 30 is easy. We just made changes to our upcoming trip and it was very very difficult a week out to get the rides we wanted. It took a lot of stalking, and separating out dh and I to get overlapping fp's. Book immediately at your 30 day window, and gawd forbid do not change your plans

Very well put.

Thanks

 

[whiporee]

o some extent I think you're right in that "extra" charges for offsite fp's are inevitable. How/when they'll do it is anybody's guess but I believe it will happen. Whether imho it is a good thing or a bad thing will depend on execution. If one can pay more to have more options then personally I'm all for it although I recognize that many wont be so enamoured. I don't expect because of Disney not having enough rides for the masses that we'll see unlimited fp's aka Universal Express but I do think what we will see will be more along the lines of the ability to purchase "extra" and perhaps earlier booking windows.

I don't think that will happen. It's a bit too ... crass for Disney. I think they may continue to make staying onsite more attractive (or staying offsite less attractive) but they won't go as far as just allowing someone to pay for more FPs. Even the VIP tours are presented under the guise of a tour rather than paying for more access to rides.

I think he abolishment of throwaway rooms will be coming within the next year -- they'll probably change the +10 grace period to the duration of your stay onsite, so the motivation for the throwaways will be gone. But I don't think they'll add more reserved FPs (the numbers don't allow it) or allow you to buy them.

 

[Luckybee]

Just so well put. EMH and 180+10 don't have value for me. Neither does Disney transportation.

60 day FP booking privileges does mean something to me. It was valuable enough that I was willing to book a throwaway room for one night.

Staying within walking distance to the parks is very valuable to me .... just not worth 3.5 times what I pay to stay offsite.

Thanks...!!!

 

[Luckybee]

I don't think that will happen. It's a bit too ... crass for Disney. I think they may continue to make staying onsite more attractive (or staying offsite less attractive) but they won't go as far as just allowing someone to pay for more FPs. Even the VIP tours are presented under the guise of a tour rather than paying for more access to rides.

I think he abolishment of throwaway rooms will be coming within the next year -- they'll probably change the +10 grace period to the duration of your stay onsite, so the motivation for the throwaways will be gone. But I don't think they'll add more reserved FPs (the numbers don't allow it) or allow you to buy them.

How would changing the +10 dining grace period have much if anything to do with throwaways? Unless Im wrong although throwaways were around before fp+ they were sparsely used. It was fp+ that made throwaways attractive. All they have to do to get rid of some throwaways (note I said some not all) is to require an onsite stay for every day of fp+ 60 ressies. Everything Ive read and seen about their programming tells me that is very possible, and they must have their reasons for not doing so until now. So they might very well do that at some point, or they might not. Remains to be seen ! It wouldn't change anything for us if one can still book a value room for $100 night in low season....Im happy to pay $50 ea per park day to get the fp's we want at the times we want them esp now since I had to make changes to our trip later this week and saw all the problems I had getting the rides and times I wanted within the 30 day window

 

[cakebaker]

Although I do agree that Disney shld give more perks for onsiters, I disagree with the posters who say at 30 or within 30 is easy. We just made changes to our upcoming trip and it was very very difficult a week out to get the rides we wanted. It took a lot of stalking, and separating out dh and I to get overlapping fp's. Book immediately at your 30 day window, and gawd forbid do not change your plans


Thanks

If you're talking about me, I made no claims whatsoever about it being easy. I said AT 30 days I thought she could do it and in my experience , she can.

There's a is a bit of a difference between 30 days and 7.

I agree though, one should book asap and avoid last minutes changes if possible. I wouldn't expect a week out to be able to get the exact times and days I wanted for popular rides, although there is still a lot to choose from even then.