Are things THAT bad?

[BostonRob]

Just booked as asmu family suite for the first week of value season. I was amazed to get an AAA discount. I'd always been under the impression that because there were so few of them, you pretty much had to book on the first day the AAA discount was released, to get in on the family suites. So all I can figure is that bookings are down, due to the economy.

 

[lilstint]

I am amazed at the availablility at the resorts for President's week this year. I've booked this week for many years past and you really had to be EARLY to get anything. Not so this year. At this late date, you can even book the 4/3 deal at most places. Things really must be that bad!

 

[Earstou]

Went to Nebraska over Thanksgiving and DH was talking to an old classmate of his who now runs a major tourist attraction there. DH asked if the economy was hurting them. His answer: Yes, but not as bad as it is hurting Disney! He said WDW attendance was down by many thousands daily.

 

[BoardWalkBelle]

Actually, now attendance at WDW is not hurting, i am a CM and the managers are pleased with attendance.

 

[collcass]

I am not an expert with regard to WDW in any way, however, I do believe the "trickle down" would most likely take longer to reach them as many people book so far in advance and pay on those vacations over the year. The Q4 earnings probably were salvaged a bit by this plus it seems WDW has been adjusting to the economy in little ways for a while now. Over the coming year, I would imagine those who book and pay up front will most likely still go, however, the number of people who normally book their Disney vacation just prior to it using credit will miost likely decrease.

People want to vacation even in a bad economy. Some will make many sacrifices in order to keep their vacations, others may go regardless and some will cancel anad wait out the economy.

I will say we did just cancel our trip and I was REALLY looking forward to it. There are other things I want to do this year but couldn't justify WDW AND another vacation. hopefully it is just postponed and we will still go at some point this year.

Again, I am not an expert of any sort - just my opinion

 

[applechips]

Naw, I am no expert but its not bad for Disney, I was there in October and in December before xmas and it was MOBBED. People aren't buying cars or going to Europe, they are going to WDW!

It was MORe crowded this year than any of the previous trips I've taken at the same time in the past few years. I thought there would be less people because of the economy, but there seems to be MORE than ever.

 

[tkitty]

To me it feels scary to book way in advance, like I want to, because the future feels a bit uncertain. Maybe more people are booking last minute. They see a deal and can afford it at the time, because people are holding on to their money a bit more than usual, and may have some set aside.
I don't know, but WDW is something I would spend my hard earned money on.
Like everyone, I'm hoping for a deal this year, so I feel I have a good reason to go!

 

[swald91]

Honestly, I think most people already had made their plans to go long before the economy took a tumble. As of the new year...I think it's a different story. The 4/3 deal is great & we booked b/c of it-without it we may not have gone this year. I think Disney is hurting a bit b/c I have read that thay have let go of cm's & are cutting back on parades & shows-etc. They aren't haveing a P&P party this Jan. something we were really hoping to do....they won't go bankrupt but like all other business' they will have their share of cutbacks. Still love it though!!!!