Completely Shocked! I just checked rack-rate for upcoming trip.

[ranthony]

We have a trip coming up in March. Our first trip home, actually. We're staying 5 nights at AKV with savanna view in a 2br. I just checked rack rate on-line using a the same season for 2008 (2009 rates aren't available yet) and I couldn't believe it. The price was nearly $8,000!

Are there people that really pay that?

One more trip like that and we'll break even on our 160 point buy-in costs.

 

[keishashadow]

rack rates are skyrocketing @ WDW, sure makes our membership look better all the time

sim example...Oct 06 with a AAA discount I was able to book Fri & Sat @ CR, MK view for well less than $200 night. I gave up dream of staying there this year months ago when the rates were posting near $400 night come on CRV

was able to book a 3 day on DCL for less money than the CR hotel only amount

ps adorable siggie pics!

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

I do know someone who pays rack rate for 2BR villas at DVC. She and her family were at the Boardwalk over spring break last year. At first I thought she was at the Inn, but it turns out they booked a villa through CRO. I don't get it, but hey, it's their money.

 

[AKV707]

Another reason that I am happy to be a DVC member! I will have to see what the rack rate is for a 1 br value in Magic season for 11 nights. That is next!

 

[ADP]

Part of the reason for the skyrocketing rack rates has to do with WDW marketing as well. Disney does an excellent job of manipulating guests and making them do what they want; especially frequent guests.

Guests who travel to WDW see and experience the unbelievable resort prices. They get pulled into the DVC tour, realize how much they can save and then join. To the guest its a "no brainer" financially, but it was setup by Disney that way. They raised the prices of the resorts to reflect the great DVC deal. Its a terrific illusion by Disney.

Now that I've said that I do agree DVC is a wonderful program!

 

[james'mommy]

We stayed at SSR in early 12/06 and it would have been over 5k for our 2br villa for 5 nights and we didn't stay a Friday or Saturday.

 

[ranthony]

Part of the reason for the skyrocketing rack rates has to do with WDW marketing as well. Disney does an excellent job of manipulating guests and making them do what they want; especially frequent guests.

While I completely agree with what you are saying here...the fact of the matter is that they must be able to sell rooms at that rate, regardless of the DVC enticement those prices create.

I just cannot fathom paying $1500 for a room for a night.

Now, sure there are discounts to be had, even AAA gives you about 10%, but that doesn't even cover the taxes anymore.

I do know someone who pays rack rate for 2BR villas at DVC. She and her family were at the Boardwalk over spring break last year. At first I thought she was at the Inn, but it turns out they booked a villa through CRO.

Wow! Were you tempted to tell her how many BWV points she could have bought for the same amount as her CRO stay?

Well, I don't remember seeing a DVC podium on my last stay at WDW...but I guess that's because I was staying at Pop.

 

[DisFlan]

Don't ya love it! I feel the joy every time we check into BWV - knowing it's pre-paid for the next 34 years.


DisFlan

 

[Dean]

Comparing to exactly rack rates is like comparing to vehicle MRSP. Thus the reason why only 75% of the DVC units offered for cash are rented out (based on previous info received directly from DVC a few years ago) and even those that are often are for a discount plus they include daily housekeeping for those through CRO.

 

[james'mommy]

Comparing to exactly rack rates is like comparing to vehicle MRSP. Thus the reason why only 75% of the DVC units offered for cash are rented out (based on previous info received directly from DVC a few years ago) and even those that are often are for a discount plus they include daily housekeeping for those through CRO.

wow, thanks for peeing in my pool. kinda made me feel good that i prepaid my vacations and was getting a good deal based on what the rack rates were. now it doesn't feel so good

 

[ranthony]

Comparing to exactly rack rates is like comparing to vehicle MRSP. Thus the reason why only 75% of the DVC units offered for cash are rented out (based on previous info received directly from DVC a few years ago) and even those that are often are for a discount plus they include daily housekeeping for those through CRO.

While you are correct that most people wouldn't pay that amount, it's amazing that they can fill any % of rooms at those rates! Even with an AP discount of 40% (which is the most I've ever heard of through CRO) that would put the CRO rate near $5,000!

Assuming those discounts, I'll be happy to revise and say 3 trips would recoup costs.

 

[Dean]

While you are correct that most people wouldn't pay that amount, it's amazing that they can fill any % of rooms at those rates! Even with an AP discount of 40% (which is the most I've ever heard of through CRO) that would put the CRO rate near $5,000!

Assuming those discounts, I'll be happy to revise and say 3 trips would recoup costs.

It really depends on where you're standing. For example, there is a member of this board who routinely stayed in the non DVC suites at full price prior to buying DVC, you can bet they'll save money in comparison. And if you do mostly S-F, it's hard not to show a value. But unless you'd have paid those prices you're not really recouping anything though you may be getting a nicer option than you would have gotten without DVC. OTOH, there are those that prefer to stay off property. One can do so for as little as about $300-400 a week for a 2 BR unit at resorts that are themselves as nice or nicer than the DVC resorts in many ways, just they are not on property.

 

[ranthony]

It really depends on where you're standing. For example, there is a member of this board who routinely stayed in the non DVC suites at full price prior to buying DVC, you can bet they'll save money in comparison. And if you do mostly S-F, it's hard not to show a value. But unless you'd have paid those prices you're not really recouping anything though you may be getting a nicer option than you would have gotten without DVC. OTOH, there are those that prefer to stay off property. One can do so for as little as about $300-400 a week for a 2 BR unit at resorts that are themselves as nice or nicer than the DVC resorts in many ways, just they are not on property.

What is shocking to me is that there are people that would spend that much for a 5 night stay! I don't doubt that there are people that would do it, and possibly some that even post here on this board...but why? I just can't believe CRO can set prices that high and actually fill rooms (even partially).

I would guess that the majority of DVCers are not "saving" money (as in, I would have spent this money anyways) but are enabled by their DVC. Throw in the discount on APs and we're talking serious enabling.

I can't really buy into the off-site comparison, though. I've been there, done that, and there is a difference in my opinion. No doubt, there are many that feel the savings are worth it for them. It's just that I am making an oranges-to-oranges comparison with the best data I can gather and not an apples-to-oranges comparision.

 

[tidefan]

But unless you'd have paid those prices you're not really recouping anything though you may be getting a nicer option than you would have gotten without DVC.

Dean, this is the way I look at it. I'm not saving anything much over what I would have paid (Mod or Value), but I sure am getting a lot better accommodations for my money...

 

[Tinkerdreams]

When I looked into staying in a 1 BR for Dec 2008 booking cash at a DVC, the travel agent quoted $7500. I then decided to buy into SSR. Two trips and my membership has paid for itself.

 

[bookwormde]

Studio DVC rates are not that much different then the comparable “hotel” room rack rates, and the 1 Br are not that different from the hotel suite rates (less a lot of the time) and the 2br rates are less then 2 hotel rooms with a lot more space. So that is why they rent.


bookwormde

 

[Dean]

Dean, this is the way I look at it. I'm not saving anything much over what I would have paid (Mod or Value), but I sure am getting a lot better accommodations for my money...

Something I've said many times in similar threads over the years assuming you would have paid to stay on property anyway.

I can't really buy into the off-site comparison, though. I've been there, done that, and there is a difference in my opinion. No doubt, there are many that feel the savings are worth it for them. It's just that I am making an oranges-to-oranges comparison with the best data I can gather and not an apples-to-oranges comparision.

If the value is there for you staying on property, you should do so if you can. There are those that actually prefer staying off at the same price and would thus never pay to stay on property. To many it's not a question of saving money to stay off but a question of paying more to stay on property when I'd rather be off.

 

[salmoneous]

People really like to see high prices that they *don't* pay. If I were a Disney exec, I'd pick the least popular TS restaurant in Epcot and double the prices. It would instantly become packed with folks on the dinning plan rushing to eat there.

Personally, when doing any sort of value or breakeven calculation, I think it important to use what I would pay for something, not what Disney charges.

 

[CarolA]

Disney "Deluxe" is one of the great rip-offs in America today. Don't believe me, check your dates at the Ritz in Orlando. They have nice suites and you get a Mercedes to drive on one of their packages. Price.... genreally LESS then Disney LOL!

If I did not have a DVC I would probably be staying offsite.... Disney wants "top dollar" for So so service and rooms. The villas are nice, but they aren't that nice LOL!

 

[Maribel]

I don't really think Disney increases the CRO prices to entice people to buy into DVC. If I'm not wrong, they are two different divisions in the company and both have their goals. As we have seen lately, Disney is increasing prices in all fronts, not only deluxe rooms. The changes in the dining plan, increases in stroller rental, special party tickets, etc, points to the parks and resort division needing to fullfil an specific revenue target that will be accomplish by taking it out of the pockets of those willing to pay big money for their "disney experience"