DIS Dads DDC XXXIV: The Original Home Of The DISDads!!!

[afwdwfan]

We were looking at returning to Disney World in the summer of 2023. But between all of the added costs (x6 for everyone in my family) and what is apparently the new normal of 2+ hour waits for rides every day....

...we're thinking of not going and doing something else.

I apologize if this constitutes blasphemy and understand if this requires my removal from the group.

That's not blasphemy at all. At least not in my opinion. I can completely relate.

Based on our usual rotation, we should have gone last summer. Didn't feel good about committing to it in the midst of covid and the ever fluid situation that going to Disney World was last year.

We were planning instead to go this summer... and yeah... no trip booked. We've been looking at a couple of different weeks but can't quite get ourselves to pull the trigger.

We've got a busy summer coming up anyway. The week we had originally penciled in to go will not work and what we're considering now would be more along the lines of "we could shoehorn it in there between these other 2 things we have to do" Maybe we'll look at going next year? I guess we could keep saying that every year until things get a little more... appealing?

On the plus side, I've banked enough credit card points that I could have paid in full for the last trip we took. So maybe by the time we go it will cover 1/4 of the cost.

 

[pkondz]

That's not blasphemy at all. At least not in my opinion. I can completely relate.

Based on our usual rotation, we should have gone last summer. Didn't feel good about committing to it in the midst of covid and the ever fluid situation that going to Disney World was last year.

We were planning instead to go this summer... and yeah... no trip booked. We've been looking at a couple of different weeks but can't quite get ourselves to pull the trigger.

We've got a busy summer coming up anyway. The week we had originally penciled in to go will not work and what we're considering now would be more along the lines of "we could shoehorn it in there between these other 2 things we have to do" Maybe we'll look at going next year? I guess we could keep saying that every year until things get a little more... appealing?

On the plus side, I've banked enough credit card points that I could have paid in full for the last trip we took. So maybe by the time we go it will cover 1/4 of the cost.

There was an article here on the DIS that spoke volumes to me. I do have a trip booked for this summer (at DD's request... her grad gift) but... for the first time in... ever... I'm not really looking forward to it. I'm not looking forward to paying double and receiving less and I'm not looking forward to having to get up every day and trying to scramble for ILLs or whatever they're called.

Planning a Disney World Vacation Is Not as Fun as It Used To Be (wdwinfo.com)

 

[afwdwfan]

Planning a Disney World Vacation Is Not as Fun as It Used To Be (wdwinfo.com)

That, sadly, is incredibly accurate.

 

[Cinderella's Fella]

Nice! Where ya going and which line?

Holland America Rotterdam

Sun	3/27	Board Ft Lauderdale
Mon	3/28	Half Moon Cay
Tues	3/29	Sea Day
Wed	3/30	Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Thu	3/31	Georgetown, Grand Cayman
Fri	4/1	Sea day
Sat	4/2	Key West
Sun	4/3	Ft Lauderdale
Mon	4/4	Sea day
Tues	4/5	Grand Turk
Wed	4/6	San Juan Puerto Rico
Thu	4/7	St. Thomas
Fri	4/8	Sea day
Sat	4/9	Half Moon Cay
Sun	4/10	Disembark Ft Lauderdale

 

[declansdad]

We were looking at returning to Disney World in the summer of 2023. But between all of the added costs (x6 for everyone in my family) and what is apparently the new normal of 2+ hour waits for rides every day....

...we're thinking of not going and doing something else.

I apologize if this constitutes blasphemy and understand if this requires my removal from the group.

It is getting more difficult, especially if you look at staying on site. Some of the hotels that are just off property like those near Disney Springs are cheaper, other some Disney perks and are offering a quick service dining card right now (have to book through the Disney site to get it though. I priced a trick for someone today at the Holiday Inn Orlando for a week in September and the cost for room, park tickets and a dining plan was only 2300 US.

That was for 2 adults and an infant.

 

[pkondz]

Holland America Rotterdam

Ah! You'll have to let me know how that was. I'm sailing with them in the fall.

Stops look pretty sweet too. Always wanted to see the Caymans.

 

[CapeCodTenor]

What's up, Fellas? Had a good day at ENT, today I'll be back at primary care. It was nice yesterday, around 40 degree, I believe, and today they're talking snow. I definitely think Mother Nature's drunk. Not much to report. Have a good day.

TTFN

We were looking at returning to Disney World in the summer of 2023. But between all of the added costs (x6 for everyone in my family) and what is apparently the new normal of 2+ hour waits for rides every day....

...we're thinking of not going and doing something else.

I apologize if this constitutes blasphemy and understand if this requires my removal from the group.

I don't consider it blasphemy, however (Walks to corner of room, pushes a chair aside. Reaches for the floor and lifts a hidden trap door). Get in before anyone sees you. There are roving bands of hardcore Disney fans roaming around looking for blasphemers. This room will keep you safe. Power to the people!

You need a moat.

View attachment 652912

Right?! I need a moat! Thank you for understanding.

Nope... totally get this. Disney is doing their utmost to alienate as many dedicated fans as possible. Soon it will be a playground for the rich only, something that I'm sure is causing Walt Disney to spin like a top in his gra

I'm hoping that the recent complaints by many, and the push to out Chapek, will change things. I've not bee in 20 years, so I'll probably have fun planning my next trip. I do know that I'm planning on staying at a hotel in the Disney Springs area instead of onsite.

There was a time when I never would have considered staying offsite, but now? Its hard to imagine staying on property.

There was an article here on the DIS that spoke volumes to me. I do have a trip booked for this summer (at DD's request... her grad gift) but... for the first time in... ever... I'm not really looking forward to it. I'm not looking forward to paying double and receiving less and I'm not looking forward to having to get up every day and trying to scramble for ILLs or whatever they're called.

Planning a Disney World Vacation Is Not as Fun as It Used To Be (wdwinfo.com)

Thanks for the link, I'll have to read it

 

[docsoliday1]

I apologize if this constitutes blasphemy and understand if this requires my removal from the group

Not at all. I'm already there(have been). One of the factors for moving to FL was to be able to maximize my AP and being closer to Disney for dismeets as well. There have been so many blatent money grabs and lessening of service, the greedy mouse has gotten too greedy.

Nope... totally get this. Disney is doing their utmost to alienate as many dedicated fans as possible. Soon it will be a playground for the rich only, something that I'm sure is causing Walt Disney to spin like a top in his grave.

Yep...I'm in that demographic...one they alienated.

That's not blasphemy at all. At least not in my opinion. I can completely relate.

As can I.

There was an article here on the DIS that spoke volumes to me. I do have a trip booked for this summer (at DD's request... her grad gift) but... for the first time in... ever... I'm not really looking forward to it. I'm not looking forward to paying double and receiving less and I'm not looking forward to having to get up every day and trying to scramble for ILLs or whatever they're called.

When I went to the last DDCC, if not for DAS, I probably would have ridden maybe 2 rides max.

 

[CapeCodTenor]

It is getting more difficult, especially if you look at staying on site. Some of the hotels that are just off property like those near Disney Springs are cheaper, other some Disney perks and are offering a quick service dining card right now (have to book through the Disney site to get it though. I priced a trick for someone today at the Holiday Inn Orlando for a week in September and the cost for room, park tickets and a dining plan was only 2300 US.

That was for 2 adults and an infant.

This is good to know. Thanks for the information.

 

[Cinderella's Fella]

Ah! You'll have to let me know how that was. I'm sailing with them in the fall.

Stops look pretty sweet too. Always wanted to see the Caymans.

Will do. This will be our fifth sailing with them.

 

[declansdad]

Morning All.

Celebrating a 21st birthday here today. I guess he's legal everywhere now.

Oh and don't forget.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Well, it's good to know I'm not alone. For me, it's all about the value of what I get for the price. And that value has taken a serious hit lately:

• Prices of hotels and admission have increased
• Now costs an extra $200 to get from the airport to the resort
• Extra magic hours reduced to an early 30 minute head start
• Parking will cost an extra $100-$120 over the course of a week if I decide to drive
• Genie+ is an extra $90/day for my family plus another $120 a pop if I'm riding RotR or something along those lines.
• Or I can stand in what appear to be routine 2-3 hour waits for rides, which drastically lowers the amount of attractions I can do in a day.

For a family of 6, a trip including a stay on-site can easily exceed $5,000 - $6,000. And if I'm paying that price and still may only get to do maybe half the rides I want to? No guarantee I even get on? It just sounds miserable to me.

I was joking with a friend that Disney World's new business plan comes from Paulie Cicero in Goodfellas. With apologies for the language, I was getting a kick out of imagining Ray Liotta narrating a new Disney World commercial with this slogan.

Nope... totally get this. Disney is doing their utmost to alienate as many dedicated fans as possible. Soon it will be a playground for the rich only, something that I'm sure is causing Walt Disney to spin like a top in his grave.

I'm amazed it's as crowded as it is. Somehow they still haven't found the price people aren't willing to pay (except me and Andy, I guess).

That's not blasphemy at all. At least not in my opinion. I can completely relate.

Based on our usual rotation, we should have gone last summer. Didn't feel good about committing to it in the midst of covid and the ever fluid situation that going to Disney World was last year.

We were planning instead to go this summer... and yeah... no trip booked. We've been looking at a couple of different weeks but can't quite get ourselves to pull the trigger.

We've got a busy summer coming up anyway. The week we had originally penciled in to go will not work and what we're considering now would be more along the lines of "we could shoehorn it in there between these other 2 things we have to do" Maybe we'll look at going next year? I guess we could keep saying that every year until things get a little more... appealing?

On the plus side, I've banked enough credit card points that I could have paid in full for the last trip we took. So maybe by the time we go it will cover 1/4 of the cost.

We have to laugh so we don't cry. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised, but I was stunned at how fast they got rid of all of the benefits of staying on site. It basically took 2 years.

I guess we're voting with our pocketbooks but I don't think my wallet is big enough for Disney to notice.

There was an article here on the DIS that spoke volumes to me. I do have a trip booked for this summer (at DD's request... her grad gift) but... for the first time in... ever... I'm not really looking forward to it. I'm not looking forward to paying double and receiving less and I'm not looking forward to having to get up every day and trying to scramble for ILLs or whatever they're called.

Planning a Disney World Vacation Is Not as Fun as It Used To Be (wdwinfo.com)

That article really hit home. I don't really have any desire to figure out the Genie+ system. I still much prefer the old paper FP system. Every "upgrade" since has made it worse, with less freedom for the guest.

It is getting more difficult, especially if you look at staying on site. Some of the hotels that are just off property like those near Disney Springs are cheaper, other some Disney perks and are offering a quick service dining card right now (have to book through the Disney site to get it though. I priced a trick for someone today at the Holiday Inn Orlando for a week in September and the cost for room, park tickets and a dining plan was only 2300 US.

That was for 2 adults and an infant.

It almost seems like staying off-site is the only rational decision at the moment. Except for getting that 30-minute head start in the morning, which it seems like you really need if you want to actually go on any rides.

I don't consider it blasphemy, however (Walks to corner of room, pushes a chair aside. Reaches for the floor and lifts a hidden trap door). Get in before anyone sees you. There are roving bands of hardcore Disney fans roaming around looking for blasphemers. This room will keep you safe. Power to the people!

When I went to the last DDCC, if not for DAS, I probably would have ridden maybe 2 rides max.

Like I said above, spending that much money just to go on 5 rides in a day sounds like a total waste, and a recipe for frustration.

Holland America Rotterdam

Looks like a great tip. Have an awesome time!

Celebrating a 21st birthday here today. I guess he's legal everywhere now.

Happy birthday, Declan!

 

[pkondz]

Morning, boys

There was a time when I never would have considered staying offsite, but now? Its hard to imagine staying on property.

I'm staying onsite in August... but it wasn't without grimacing when I booked it.

Yep...I'm in that demographic...one they alienated.

Knew that.
And that's a damn shame. I wonder, based on parks being sold out, if Disney is trying to stem the flow of guests.

When I went to the last DDCC, if not for DAS, I probably would have ridden maybe 2 rides max.

Celebrating a 21st birthday here today. I guess he's legal everywhere now.

Happy birthday to Declan. Legal in all states/provinces now.

For a family of 6, a trip including a stay on-site can easily exceed $5,000 - $6,000. And if I'm paying that price and still may only get to do maybe half the rides I want to? No guarantee I even get on? It just sounds miserable to me.

Yeah... beyond ridiculous. There are tons of other things to do on this planet other than Disney.

I'm amazed it's as crowded as it is. Somehow they still haven't found the price people aren't willing to pay (except me and Andy, I guess).

See previous comment. I guess the adage of "whatever the market will bear" applies to Disney too. If people are willing to face financial hardship to go... and they do keep going... then there's no incentive for Disney to reduce the costs.

That article really hit home. I don't really have any desire to figure out the Genie+ system. I still much prefer the old paper FP system. Every "upgrade" since has made it worse, with less freedom for the guest.

I haven't figured out Genie+ yet. I have an idea... but I'm not really looking forward to figuring out yet another change to the system.

 

[afwdwfan]

For a family of 6, a trip including a stay on-site can easily exceed $5,000 - $6,000. And if I'm paying that price and still may only get to do maybe half the rides I want to? No guarantee I even get on? It just sounds miserable to me.

This. And add to it that if you actually want to take advantage of Genie+, you better get your butt out of bed and hope your finger is faster than everyone else's. My mom loves Disney World more than anyone I know. She went with my sister's family around Thanksgiving. After experiencing Genie+ and all the changes and how everything was, well, let's just say I've never known her to come back from Disney World and not start planning for the next trip. The planning has yet to commence.

We have to laugh so we don't cry. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised, but I was stunned at how fast they got rid of all of the benefits of staying on site. It basically took 2 years.

I guess we're voting with our pocketbooks but I don't think my wallet is big enough for Disney to notice.

I mean... I drive a truck to work most days that costs about 1/3 of a week at Disney for my family. Could I afford the trip? Yes. Do I see the value in it? Not really. There are a lot of things that we can do with that money as a family to still have fun and make memories. And I'm pretty sure we could make that chunk of cash last more than a week in doing so. I think we will probably end up going next summer, but our trips will not be nearly as frequent as they were in the last decade. After going 6 times in 9 years, it will have been 4 years since our last trip (at the earliest) before we return.

 

[docsoliday1]

I mean... I drive a truck to work most days that costs about 1/3 of a week at Disney for my family. Could I afford the trip?

Andy...can you clarify?

Your truck costs 1/3 of a week or driving it costs that? 1/3 of a week at Disney for your family, I would think that would be between $2k and $2500. Either a very cheap truck or a very expensive commute.

 

[londontime]

Morning boys from a sunny London. Had a hefty bout of the dreaded global lurgie.
Still have no taste or smell, so good for weight management.

Have a good one fellas.

 

[londontime]

...we're thinking of not going and doing something else.

(as you've done your 50 states thing)

 

[Cinderella's Fella]

Morning boys from a sunny London. Had a hefty bout of the dreaded global lurgie.
Still have no taste or smell, so good for weight management.

Have a good one fellas.

Dude?!?

 

[londontime]

Dude?!?

Sweet?!? What does mine say?

 

[declansdad]

Morning all from sunny Douglas, NB and a balmy 32F.

Hope you all have a good one.

Morning boys from a sunny London. Had a hefty bout of the dreaded global lurgie.
Still have no taste or smell, so good for weight management.

Have a good one fellas.

Just you Dan or the entire family?

Does it put your upcoming trips in jeopardy?