Cancelled Trip to Poly - not good enough!!!

[jemmouse]

Financially we do ok. We have stayed at Deluxe, Yacht Club, and Contemporary, and next up sorry to say POLY. But we have also stayed at FQ, 5 times because I just love that resort. There are many nice Moderates at Disney. I also saw on your page you have alwAys stayed at POLY. Perhaps it might be fun to try something new for a change of pace .

About loyalty programs well this is the real world and unfortunately even though that is a GREAT idea, Disney is still a business who needs to turn over a profit. And as long as there is a demand for coming there, then the discounts they offer now are probably as good as they are gonna get.

I also agree with one of the posters who said that when you want a vacation that you want to stay where you want to stay. But this is Disney and they put a lot of effort in making their hotels unique. So I think trying something new especially there when you aren't in your rooms all that much would be ok. Just my opinion. sORRY. I just personally couldn't not take my son because I couldn't stay at a particular hotel.

I do hope everything turns out for you...I think a vacation to Disney regardless of where you stay will be a memory that your child will remember when they are a parent and they take their kids there. And the biggest they won't remember the resort you chose but the time and FUN they had with their family.

 

[kinggoofy]

well, this is an interesting one.

when I first read this, right away I knew the OP was going to get flamed by some who think she was being too "snooty" about ONLY staying at a deluxe.

To the OP..its your decision on where you want to stay.

BUT...how old are your kids ? If they are still in that "disney" age range and they want to go then you may want to consider staying at a mod or even a value OR, as some have said, a Deluxe Jr....(AKL or WL or SSR).

Another thing, crunch some numbers. Now that the kids may be a bit older, you may be better off with a room discount vs. the DDP.

As far as the airfare goes....that would be my 'RED FLAG.

We booked ours the minute SWA released them in Feb. MDW to MCO on Aug 13th to Aug 27th was $194 RT...($97 each way)...TODAY...going is now $175 and home is now $160.

Ending, I guess what I mean to say is...if its important to you to enjoy your family vacation and the only way to do it is to it "scale down" a notch, IMO, I would stay at a lesser resort.

 

[Christine9125]

We had basically done the same thing. As a family of 5, and our kids being older, we figured this years trip will be our last for awhile for a "family" vacation due to college and careers, plus it will be my 40th Birthday and our 10th anniversary. We booked BC in July of 2010 for our vacation in 2011, but when the rates came out, I was very disappointed. Not only did the price go up more then I was expecting, but they changed their seasons which made it to expensive for us. We cancelled and book a hotel in Myrtle Beach. We were all excited about going to the beach. In January I started looking at rates again, we canceled our beach vacation and are now going to Disney, but staying at POP in 2 rooms, which is fine for us, we love POP. But I understand the frustrations of the OP

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

JMO, but Disney doesn't owe us anything but a wonderful experience. Everyone has a different idea about what is necessary to achieve that goal. For me, Disney just needs to remain true to its theming within the parks.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

OP, sorry that you cancelled your vacation.

I think you have every right to decide how to best spend your vacation and if you are a POLY family and can't afford that right now, then holding off until you can is a good idea.

Now, about the loyalty-program. Disney doesn't offer one because they don't need to. They have an insanely successful business model. In fact, the vast majority of Disney guests pay rack rate, whether they are first-timers or return guests.

My family and I have been going to WDW for 20+ years. We didn't discover discounts until about 8 years ago. Up until that point we were paying rack rate, and we went 2 and 3 times a year.

PINs, AP and general public codes and offers are wonderful! But what I think we fail to remember here on the DIS is that we are a very very tiny percentage of the guests that travel to WDW in a given year.

Sadly, if Disney "lost" a loyal family, they would have a new first-time, or other multiple-visit family to fill that missing spot in no time at all.

Don't get me wrong, we use any offer that we can and haven't paid rack rate in 8 years, but we have also modified the way we travel.
- We sometimes stay moderate
- We buy APs and as a result, benefit from Tables in Wonderland
- We eat at fewer Signature or Table Service restaurants
- We occassionally eat offsite

Our "home" resort moved from Caribbean Beach, to Coronado Springs, to Polynesian (Club Level).

This year, we are doing a lower-cost trip in May to Coronado and a full-blown trip in Oct to Poly CL, but we were lucky enough to get PIN codes for both.

All I'm saying, is that at the end of the day, Disney owes us nothing more than the vacation experience we pay for.

 

[nrpofp]

OP, sorry that you cancelled your vacation.

I think you have every right to decide how to best spend your vacation and if you are a POLY family and can't afford that right now, then holding off until you can is a good idea.

Now, about the loyalty-program. Disney doesn't offer one because they don't need to. They have an insanely successful business model. In fact, the vast majority of Disney guests pay rack rate, whether they are first-timers or return guests.

My family and I have been going to WDW for 20+ years. We didn't discover discounts until about 8 years ago. Up until that point we were paying rack rate, and we went 2 and 3 times a year.

PINs, AP and general public codes and offers are wonderful! But what I think we fail to remember here on the DIS is that we are a very very tiny percentage of the guests that travel to WDW in a given year.

Sadly, if Disney "lost" a loyal family, they would have a new first-time, or other multiple-visit family to fill that missing spot in no time at all.

Don't get me wrong, we use any offer that we can and haven't paid rack rate in 8 years, but we have also modified the way we travel.
- We sometimes stay moderate
- We buy APs and as a result, benefit from Tables in Wonderland
- We eat at fewer Signature or Table Service restaurants
- We occassionally eat offsite

Our "home" resort moved from Caribbean Beach, to Coronado Springs, to Polynesian (Club Level).

This year, we are doing a lower-cost trip in May to Coronado and a full-blown trip in Oct to Poly CL, but we were lucky enough to get PIN codes for both.

All I'm saying, is that at the end of the day, Disney owes us nothing more than the vacation experience we pay for.

I find it hard to believe that most people pay rack rate when discounts are available. The cm will tell you when you cal,l and its advertised on their website. Not to mention all th discout hotel sites like travelocity, expedia, and priceline. Then there's the cc,airlines,aaa etc. Who pays rack rate at any hotel anymore. I don't think hunting for bargains is exclusive to people that frequent the dis boards.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

I find it hard to believe that most people pay rack rate when discounts are available. The cm will tell you when you cal,l and its advertised on their website. Not to mention all th discount hotel sites like travelocity, expedia, and priceline. Then there's the cc,airlines,aaa etc. Who pays rack rate at any hotel anymore. I don't think hunting for bargains is exclusive to people that frequent the dis boards.

I think that you would be shocked at how many people pay rack rate. Most of my friends and associates are shocked when I tell them that Disney almost always has a discount offering. They are shocked because they have always just called and paid whatever was quoted or booked through a travel agent (their normal travel agent). When I tell them what I pay for my WDW vacations, they get very upset with themselves for never looking for discounts. These are college educated professionals.

 

[TnTWalter]

Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions!! I know the Poly is over the top and yes - we could stay off property. Actually considering that as an option. Some of the moderates are not big enough in room size for 5 people. We're all different in what we're used to. My best vacations were in Disney…I never cooked a thing, never made my bed, was spoiled by staying at a great resort, rode the monorail and ate on the DDP. For me - that's Disney. And after spending a cool $20,000 on previous vacations - I feel a little justified in saying "where is my loyalty PIN code?". That being said - many people from what I've read, are getting a bad vibe about Disney and how they run the discounts. The worst part for me is this negative feeling I've developed I was such a huge Disney fan….and I still love it….but….not feeling any magic right now. Thanks for letting me vent!

I completely understand how you feel. I love the Poly. But 2 of my 3 kids are now considered adults on dining plan, etc. so I did Windsor Hills last time and we loved it and would do it again..... but it wasn't as 'resort-y'. This time we're doing Bonnet Creek and I'm really excited about it.

Pools, lazy rivers, pool bars, hot tubs, daily activities, and on WDW property so we'll feel 'in the bubble'. You don't have to cook just because you have a kitchen. We'll probably only do breakfasts and drinks. They have fab presidential units. Check out the 'we love bonnet creek' thread on the Orlando hotels Board.

Having room to spread out is soooo nice on vacation. It is hard to go back to a hotel room. And you can always eat meals at O'hana and Kona!

Trish

 

[Sandisw]

Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions!! I know the Poly is over the top and yes - we could stay off property. Actually considering that as an option. Some of the moderates are not big enough in room size for 5 people. We're all different in what we're used to. My best vacations were in Disney…I never cooked a thing, never made my bed, was spoiled by staying at a great resort, rode the monorail and ate on the DDP. For me - that's Disney. And after spending a cool $20,000 on previous vacations - I feel a little justified in saying "where is my loyalty PIN code?". That being said - many people from what I've read, are getting a bad vibe about Disney and how they run the discounts. The worst part for me is this negative feeling I've developed I was such a huge Disney fan….and I still love it….but….not feeling any magic right now. Thanks for letting me vent!

I can certanly understand where you are coming from. I used to be SO frustrated because I never got pin codes and all I did was stress about getting a good deal because we were also a family of 5 so our choices were limited.

And, we loved the CR location so if the choice was to spend $2000 to stay at a moderate or skip a year so we could spend $4000 to go to CR, we chose the latter.

Of course, to save myself the frustration, I just went ahead and bought DVC!!!!

 

[Addicted2Dis]

All good things come to those who wait? What can I say…..I am completely over the top with excitement over my next trip to the POLY in June!!!!! I know not everyone agreed with my position over the pin codes and discounts - and I respect everyone's opinion. All the suggestions were great, and I'm not down on any Disney Resort, off site hotel, etc. For my, the memories of this magical place started with the POLY. Without being overly dramatic, there is really no other place I'd rather be with my family. Can't wait unitl June 23rd. Mickey here we come

 

[sharadoc]

All good things come to those who wait? What can I say…..I am completely over the top with excitement over my next trip to the POLY in June!!!!! I know not everyone agreed with my position over the pin codes and discounts - and I respect everyone's opinion. All the suggestions were great, and I'm not down on any Disney Resort, off site hotel, etc. For my, the memories of this magical place started with the POLY. Without being overly dramatic, there is really no other place I'd rather be with my family. Can't wait unitl June 23rd. Mickey here we come

WAIT - did I miss something? Does this mean you booked another trip on the GP discount? Explain please! Congrats, I think ?!?

 

[huge mickey fan]

JMO, but Disney doesn't owe us anything but a wonderful experience. Everyone has a different idea about what is necessary to achieve that goal. For me, Disney just needs to remain true to its theming within the parks.

Not trying to start anything but I do wonder about those who claim Disney owes them something. If you choose not to go to Disney but somewhere else do you research that destination and see the prices then demand a discount? If you can't afford a particular vacation do you believe that destination owes you something and you want for them to give you a discount? Or do you look at the prices you can afford and choose from there? Again not trying to get flamed just very curious about the way people think. I love going to Disney and I plan around rack rate. I can't afford more than value but I get to go unless airfare is outrageous but Disney has no control over that.

 

[5boyz]

WAIT - did I miss something? Does this mean you booked another trip on the GP discount? Explain please! Congrats, I think ?!?

I was thinking the same thing........

 

[ettercap11]

a quick heads up to you who are upset over missing discounts... it is your own fault. The spring break example... they had discounts booking for SB all the way up to late January. If you decide to wait to book you 'will' miss out! book early, and if a better deal comes out you call back and they will give it to you.


There is no such thing as last second deals at Disneyworld... period.

 

[TheRatPack]

And after spending a cool $20,000 on previous vacations - I feel a little justified in saying "where is my loyalty PIN code?".

I always wondered how the 'other half' lived LOL Just joking....but seriously I always wondered when I'd price out those deluxe resorts and see tens of thousands show up on the quote line....who spends that much on vacation accommodations. Now I know , that's awesome...I bet it's a completely different experience when staying at that level with the perks and such that it must afford you? Maybe one day my husband and I will go by ourselves...we always wanted to stay at the AK one or maybe the Contemporary

And, we loved the CR location so if the choice was to spend $2000 to stay at a moderate or skip a year so we could spend $4000 to go to CR, we chose the latter.

I think that some of us forget too that each family has a different situation. Years ago we were lucky to go for 2-3 night and stay onsite. Then we started staying offsite so we could stay longer, then we managed to work up to staying onsite. Some families spend a few thousand to stay at a mod or deluxe, we spend the same amount staying at a value because we have so many kids LOL It was a personal choice....we could have taken different roads in our life, chose a different career path or even chose to remain childless.....but alas we didn't. We scrape together 4000.00 a year to stay value during free dining for around 10 days. We don't go overboard with the park tickets (4-5 days, no hoppers or water parks) and we do pay OOP for some TS meals and MNSSHP tickets. It's all a personal choice, if we didn't have children or only had 1 or 2 we'd probably stay at a mod or deluxe but with 5 children they like the value themes and it's what we can afford. I'd rather take them on a 10 day Disney vacation each year then save that 4000.00 each year and splurge on a deluxe once every 5 years.

Still, each of us makes our own decisions based on our own finances and lifestyle and no one should fault another for that

 

[Donnainnj]

I think that some of us forget too that each family has a different situation. Years ago we were lucky to go for 2-3 night and stay onsite. Then we started staying offsite so we could stay longer, then we managed to work up to staying onsite. Some families spend a few thousand to stay at a mod or deluxe, we spend the same amount staying at a value because we have so many kids LOL It was a personal choice....we could have taken different roads in our life, chose a different career path or even chose to remain childless.....but alas we didn't. We scrape together 4000.00 a year to stay value during free dining for around 10 days. We don't go overboard with the park tickets (4-5 days, no hoppers or water parks) and we do pay OOP for some TS meals and MNSSHP tickets. It's all a personal choice, if we didn't have children or only had 1 or 2 we'd probably stay at a mod or deluxe but with 5 children they like the value themes and it's what we can afford. I'd rather take them on a 10 day Disney vacation each year then save that 4000.00 each year and splurge on a deluxe once every 5 years.

Still, each of us makes our own decisions based on our own finances and lifestyle and no one should fault another for that

None of my business, but I don't understand the 4-5 day tickets unless you like the break from the parks. Financially, the extra days are such a bargain, I couldn't see not taking them for all 10 days or at least the days I wanted to use them. Each extra day at the park would be $35 for your entire family.
Donna

 

[TheRatPack]

None of my business, but I don't understand the 4-5 day tickets unless you like the break from the parks. Financially, the extra days are such a bargain, I couldn't see not taking them for all 10 days or at least the days I wanted to use them. Each extra day at the park would be $35 for your entire family.
Donna

We take one day for DTD and the Boardwalk and we also have one day where we do the MNSSHP and gain entry at 4pm so no need to use a park ticket for 1/2 a day. We can't do parks the day we arrive or the day we leave and then we usually do something offsite for the other day or two (Universal, Sea World...etc). Since we don't park hop we spend from morning till night at one park and get just about everything we wanted to see, ride and eat all done. We thought about spending 2 days at Epcot this year though.....we like the relaxed atmosphere of that park now that we're getting older LOL

 

[ShellyLynn3630]

I always wondered how the 'other half' lived LOL Just joking....but seriously I always wondered when I'd price out those deluxe resorts and see tens of thousands show up on the quote line....who spends that much on vacation accommodations. Now I know , that's awesome...I bet it's a completely different experience when staying at that level with the perks and such that it must afford you? Maybe one day my husband and I will go by ourselves...we always wanted to stay at the AK one or maybe the Contemporary



I think that some of us forget too that each family has a different situation. Years ago we were lucky to go for 2-3 night and stay onsite. Then we started staying offsite so we could stay longer, then we managed to work up to staying onsite. Some families spend a few thousand to stay at a mod or deluxe, we spend the same amount staying at a value because we have so many kids LOL It was a personal choice....we could have taken different roads in our life, chose a different career path or even chose to remain childless.....but alas we didn't. We scrape together 4000.00 a year to stay value during free dining for around 10 days. We don't go overboard with the park tickets (4-5 days, no hoppers or water parks) and we do pay OOP for some TS meals and MNSSHP tickets. It's all a personal choice, if we didn't have children or only had 1 or 2 we'd probably stay at a mod or deluxe but with 5 children they like the value themes and it's what we can afford. I'd rather take them on a 10 day Disney vacation each year then save that 4000.00 each year and splurge on a deluxe once every 5 years.

Still, each of us makes our own decisions based on our own finances and lifestyle and no one should fault another for that

Hey neighbor, yes kids loovvvee the value themes. It is so funny my six year old was looking through one of my Disney World books and it has many many color pics in it. She was looking through the resort section, and which one did she choose, one of the values. It was either Pop or ASMovies I think. She just loved the BIG decor of them. We may swing her by the Pop next week as we will be right next door at CBR.

 

[dmband]

if i have a complaint about the cost of rooms at disney its because we are a family of 6
imo it sucks not having a middle of the road hotel that will fit 6 people
sure you have value, but the value resort has a lot to be desired
then you have deluxe suites that are way over the top for my wallet
disney needs to have middle of the road family suites and/or guarantee rooms next to each other

 

[ClareH37]

I love my Disney vacations but I'm finding it harder to justify paying Disney rack rates for the deluxes (club level in particular). Financially I'm fortunate to have the funds but what I struggle with is the rates Disney charge as opposed to say the Ritz or Waldorf, which are 'proper' deluxe resorts as opposed to paying for a Disney deluxe which is more about location.

I'll still stay onsite but go every other year or 3, I'm also this upcoming trip doing a split stay, first part at BC (rack rate), finishing off at the Waldorf for a fraction of what the BC is costing.

We all have different commitments, lifestyle and ideas of what is the 'perfect' vacation but for me it's come to the time when I don't want to spend the money Disney are asking.