Deluxe Resorts A Little Out Of Control?

[Lynne M]

Disneyland was out of financial reach for millions of lower income families the day it opened, and WDW even more so. We could never have afforded to go to either when I was a child, and we were not poor.

 

[maxiesmom]

My parents could never afford big family trips. Yet I never felt deprived. My first trip to WDW was at age 29 when I could afford it. And that was sharing a room with my sister, her husband, and my nephew.

 

[Aurora0427]

They do have some good prices other times of year, but you have to call for every date as the resorts/room categories are so specific. And they are never as good as that Labor Day exclusive.

We are looking at the Labor Day deal this year. I can't even explain how cheap it is to stay deluxe. Makes the heat worth it.

 

[Nancyg56]

Disneyland was out of financial reach for millions of lower income families the day it opened, and WDW even more so. We could never have afforded to go to either when I was a child, and we were not poor.

DH and I were just talking about this last night as we watched the people in Times Square. I am 60 and he is 64, so we grew up watching Disney on Sunday nights, the mornign parades on Thanksgiving Day, and watching teh ball drop on NYE. We both grew up wanting to do all of these things, and never did. Both of our family has 4 children and out parents worked hard to provide but we did not have the extra for those dream trips.

Life is not equatable. Parents make decisions in regards to their spending in a multitude of ways, from toys and gifts, to lessons and sports, to vacations and travel. We raised our own children to realize that there will always be families who have more, or whose choices are different than our own. As a kid that meant we never traveled for a vacation so no DLR for us. As an adult we could only save for one big blowout WDW trip for our family, and everything else was either day trips or had to be within driving distance. I think had we heard any one of our kids complain that it was not fair other kids went places we could not afford my DH woudl have rewarded that kid with a whole lot more chores to demonstrate how many hours it takes to pay for something. The destination is not responsible for our level of stay....we are.

We are empty nesters now, so our discretionary funds are different than when our home was filled with kids. There are times we decide to save for a deluxe resort, but that means we make choices for many months. Dinner out or in? We eat at home. Go to the casino? No..even for cheapskates like us, it would take from our vacation savings. We take lunch to work, and limit where we spend out money at home.

It bothers me a lot when people complain about the cost of resorts, or suggest that Disney or anywhere else for that matter, should supply lodging to meet both their expectations as well as well as their needs, at the cost they deem is appropriate. No. Disney is no different thatn any other vacation destination. It is market driven and has no responsibility to be "fair". You go or you do not. You stay onsite at a level you can afford, or you stay offsite for less money. You drive and park, or you take the shuttle. You eat in the parks or you pack your lunch. Even with all the cost cutting there will still be people who never get to go.

I will close this long post with a personal note. My first husband died when he was 25 and I was 23, and I had three little ones. My finances were tight. My IL's went to WDW a lot. They had a camper so they would drive down and stay in FW. ANyway, they woudl tell my little ones that they would take them to Disney World, but what they meant was into the parks. I live in CT. So after fielding so many disappointed questions from my kids, all under 6 BTW, I finally asked my MIL to either figure out how I was going to afford to fly my family to FL or to stop inviting the chidren to join them. She told me to drive. Are you out of your mind???? Drive 1500 miles in the only car I own, alone with three little ones? She thought that was acceptable. Now maybe for her, but not for me. Again, we have choices, and this would never be one of mine. I had to tell her that unless she presented me with airfare for the four of us, or she wanted to take the children along with them, she was to stop giving them a hope for a trip that I was not able to fulfill.

Well they never did take them to WDW, or anywhere else for that matter, but the man I was seeing and have since married, felt that it was important so we saved like the dickens and gave them that one big trip. Funny thing though, it was the biggie for them, 10 days in FL, but they have wonderful memories of shorter vacations close to home, day trips to Riverside Park with their lunch in the car, because we could afford he season passes, but could not justify eating all our meals there each time, and swimming trips to area lakes with the cousins.

 

[DISNEY1975]

It bothers me a lot when people complain about the cost of resorts, or suggest that Disney or anywhere else for that matter, should supply lodging to meet both their expectations as well as well as their needs, at the cost they deem is appropriate. No. Disney is no different thatn any other vacation destination. It is market driven and has no responsibility to be "fair".

I dont think anyone is suggesting Disney supply lodging to meet their expectations and/or needs. I, for one, am only voicing my opinion that Deluxe Resorts and ticket prices are very high compared to similar themed vacations. Basically, we are paying for a brand name. Same as a designer handbag, pair of jeans, shampoo. Are Disney resorts and parks better than others out there? I would agree that the parks indeed are. The resorts are not. For a vacation destination that is notorious for being family friendly, the pricing definintely is not.

Its just shameful that an amazing place that every child in the world has heard and dreamed about is often unachievable. Just as you didnt want your children to be dissappointed by the inlaws unfulfilled promise, there are thousands + of other parents who need to disappoint their children as well by saying no.

I am fortunate to have been fairly wealthy growing up and being able to go and stay at Deluxe resorts. I am also fairly well off as an adult and have been able to take my 3 kids whenever I choose. But I always look at the value of anything I purchase. Since 2010-ish, I feel the prices at Disney have skyrocketed to something that just isnt worth it anymore. If I am going to spend $600 - $800 per night for lodging, I expect better service and better quality amenities. Disney is raising the prices and not doing anything different to justify the enormous upcharge.

Disney $740 per night -

5 star Waldorf Astoria in Disney Springs - $480 per night for 1790 square foot suite!!!





7 bdrm home for rent right down the street - $745 per night

https://www.expedia.com/Orlando-Hot...&exp_ts=1483292489206&exp_curr=USD&exp_pg=HSR

And so many other options.

 

[danikoski]

It really is a matter of both choice and timing...Are some resorts over priced, maybe...But there are an array of prices for 4 and 5 star hotels, including WDW Deluxe Resorts
From Expedia, for Feb. 5-6, Walt Disney World Area resorts
- Animal Kingdom Lodge $239
- Waldorf Astoria $409
- Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek $189
- Four Seasons Walt Disney World Resort $549
- Contemporary Resort $340
- Grand Floridian $497
- Yacht Club $305
- Old Key West $248
- Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek $127
- WDW Dolphin $266
- WDW Swan $237
- Boardwalk Inn $306

 

[Nancyg56]

I dont think anyone is suggesting Disney supply lodging to meet their expectations and/or needs. I, for one, am only voicing my opinion that Deluxe Resorts and ticket prices are very high compared to similar themed vacations. Basically, we are paying for a brand name. Same as a designer handbag, pair of jeans, shampoo. Are Disney resorts and parks better than others out there? I would agree that the parks indeed are. The resorts are not. For a vacation destination that is notorious for being family friendly, the pricing definintely is not.

Its just shameful that an amazing place that every child in the world has heard and dreamed about is often unachievable. Just as you didnt want your children to be dissappointed by the inlaws unfulfilled promise, there are thousands + of other parents who need to disappoint their children as well by saying no.

I am fortunate to have been fairly wealthy growing up and being able to go and stay at Deluxe resorts. I am also fairly well off as an adult and have been able to take my 3 kids whenever I choose. But I always look at the value of anything I purchase. Since 2010-ish, I feel the prices at Disney have skyrocketed to something that just isnt worth it anymore. If I am going to spend $600 - $800 per night for lodging, I expect better service and better quality amenities. Disney is raising the prices and not doing anything different to justify the enormous upcharge.

Disney $740 per night -

5 star Waldorf Astoria in Disney Springs - $480 per night for 1790 square foot suite!!!

View attachment 212654



7 bdrm home for rent right down the street - $745 per night

https://www.expedia.com/Orlando-Hot...&exp_ts=1483292489206&exp_curr=USD&exp_pg=HSR

And so many other options.

There actually have been voices here who feel that it is not "fair" that the deluxes resorts are so high. I am not one of them, although I do recognize that in part, we pay for location.

As to my inlaws, I feel that it was up to me to determine what I could or could not afford for my family, and it was up to me to determine the means in which I would choose to fulfill my own promises and obligations as a parent. I was irritated because two people who were trusted by muy children made promises to them that tehy expected ME to fulfill, and that I clearly was not in a position to do. I did nto feel it was unfair for my inlaws to travel or to visit WDW when we could not afford to do so, but I was highly resentful that they felt that they could guilt me into spending money I diod not have in order to make them feel better.

I guess I do not understand why it is shameful that not every child can visit WDW. I know many people who, if they chose to make different spending decisons, could take the kids, and they could stay in just about any level of resort, either onsite of off. I absolutely do not feel WDW must subsidize those who cannot or will not spend the money. WHen I was young we went where my parents could afford to take us, and where they determined they wanted to allocate their funds. The same held true with my own children. We went where we could afford to go after I had made the spendign decisions that mattered to us.

 

[maxiesmom]

First you are really exaggerating when you say "every child in the world" has heard of and dreamed of a Disney vacation. Do you really not know how blessed you are to even be able to afford 1 trip to WDW? It is not something the majority of kids and families do once, let alone multiple times. Second, I knew of Disney when I was young, but I still didn't feel deprived because my family never went there on vacation. I think sometimes we all love Disney so much we fail to realize not everyone does, nor does every family place any importance on visiting WDW or DL.

As far as the hotels go, location, location, location. Another Mackinaw comparison for you--you can stay in the city for around $200 a night, or on the island for $400 a night. You can still visit the island from the city, but oh, staying on the island is extra special. Most if not all resort places are the same way. Location is a huge part of the cost of the room.

 

[Nancyg56]

First you are really exaggerating when you say "every child in the world" has heard of and dreamed of a Disney vacation. Do you really not know how blessed you are to even be able to afford 1 trip to WDW? It is not something the majority of kids and families do once, let alone multiple times. Second, I knew of Disney when I was young, but I still didn't feel deprived because my family never went there on vacation. I think sometimes we all love Disney so much we fail to realize not everyone does, nor does every family place any importance on visiting WDW or DL.

As far as the hotels go, location, location, location. Another Mackinaw comparison for you--you can stay in the city for around $200 a night, or on the island for $400 a night. You can still visit the island from the city, but oh, staying on the island is extra special. Most if not all resort places are the same way. Location is a huge part of the cost of the room.

Hotels and location! Lets talk about what you get in NYC for a room in Times Square. I take my DGD for a long weekend in teh summer months, and Holy Expensive! Yes, we can find less expensive places but I know where I want to stay, where we will eat, and where we will go for entertainment. Some of my choices are less expensive than others, but if I want walking distance to all we want to do, and I do...I pay for it.

 

[DISNEY1975]

As to my inlaws, I feel that it was up to me to determine what I could or could not afford for my family, and it was up to me to determine the means in which I would choose to fulfill my own promises and obligations as a parent. I was irritated because two people who were trusted by muy children made promises to them that tehy expected ME to fulfill, and that I clearly was not in a position to do.
I guess I do not understand why it is shameful that not every child can visit WDW. I know many people who, if they chose to make different spending decisons, could take the kids, and they could stay in just about any level of resort, either onsite of off. I absolutely do not feel WDW must subsidize those who cannot or will not spend the money. WHen I was young we went where my parents could afford to take us, and where they determined they wanted to allocate their funds. The same held true with my own children. We went where we could afford to go after I had made the spendign decisions that mattered to us.

I totally agree with you on the inlaw situation. Id be fuming!

As to everyone being able to afford if they change their spending habits, I dont agree entirely. Yes, that is true for some, but where I live, in a quite expensive state, I see families with parents who work hard, some with even two jobs and make just enough for rent, food and clothes (often 2nd hand) for their kids. I dont see them spending anything extra.

I once saw a man with a child walk up to the entrance at the MK where you fingerprint. I have no idea what happened, but a cast member was speaking to the man (I assume father) for a minute or so, and next thing I knew, they were headed back to the parking lot. That poor kid My guess is he tried to use someone else pass.

 

[Nancyg56]

I totally agree with you on the inlaw situation. Id be fuming!

As to everyone being able to afford if they change their spending habits, I dont agree entirely. Yes, that is true for some, but where I live, in a quite expensive state, I see families with parents who work hard, some with even two jobs and make just enough for rent, food and clothes (often 2nd hand) for their kids. I dont see them spending anything extra.

I once saw a man with a child walk up to the entrance at the MK where you fingerprint. I have no idea what happened, but a cast member was speaking to the man (I assume father) for a minute or so, and next thing I knew, they were headed back to the parking lot. That poor kid My guess is he tried to use someone else pass.

I live in CT, so for most families to live decently you need two incomes. I also recognize that not everyone, no matter how frugal they are will be able to pay for a WDW vacation. I was one of those people. I knew what I could and could not do, and I always trained to put the needs and wants of my children in front of my own. It simply is what it is.

I also would have been devastated for the child you mention, how sad to be so close yet so far.

I will say that for many, if they choose to take their family, there is a way. For us, we scrimped and saved, and we were able to spend several days in the CR over the New Years Holiday after having spent a week in the Daytona area.

TOday, when we have more money to spend and less responsibility we still need to make conscientious spending decisions. My friend was totally on board with coming again with us, (we paid her first trip with the girls( but she could not manage to stop smoking, buying wine or taking off for the weekend when her ex had the kids. THE same with a coworker. She makes way more than I do or my DD does, but her choices center on the new Lexus SUV, her DH beer, cigarette, Dunkin DOnuts and scratch ticket habit. HE also insists on steak three times a week. IF she tells me one more time how lucky I am I am going to scream. We are nto lucky.

 

[DISNEY1975]

First you are really exaggerating when you say "every child in the world" has heard of and dreamed of a Disney vacation. Do you really not know how blessed you are to even be able to afford 1 trip to WDW? It is not something the majority of kids and families do once, let alone multiple times. Second, I knew of Disney when I was young, but I still didn't feel deprived because my family never went there on vacation. I think sometimes we all love Disney so much we fail to realize not everyone does, nor does every family place any importance on visiting WDW or DL.

As far as the hotels go, location, location, location. Another Mackinaw comparison for you--you can stay in the city for around $200 a night, or on the island for $400 a night. You can still visit the island from the city, but oh, staying on the island is extra special. Most if not all resort places are the same way. Location is a huge part of the cost of the room.

My husband is from another country. When we go visit my inlaws, the entire country is obssessed with all things American, especially Disney. I find that true in many countries I visit. And with 3 kids, I certainly know all their friends go or want to go. Its a childs dream. Maybe not adults, the children eventually outgrow it, but ask any 6 year old if they want to go to Disney and 8 - 9 times of 10, the answer is YES! And yes, they would be happy with once, but so many cant even do that. Of course I know I am blessed. Many in my situation would just pay the $$ and not bat an eye. It doesnt matter how much money I have, or dont have, I compare apples to apples. When you look to purchase a home at what point do you say, this town/city is now unreasonable and I can get a better value 5 minutes up the road in a different zipcode.

I get the location. The Deluxe rooms at Disney are valued at about $250 - $300. Ill tack on another $200/night for location. So max should be $500. Anything beyond that and youre not getting your money's worth. You can find MUCH better accommodations right down the street.

Which is was this thread is about. Deluxe resorts out of control.

 

[maxiesmom]

My husband is from another country. When we go visit my inlaws, the entire country is obssessed with all things American, especially Disney. I find that true in many countries I visit. And with 3 kids, I certainly know all their friends go or want to go. Its a childs dream. Maybe not adults, the children eventually outgrow it, but ask any 6 year old if they want to go to Disney and 8 - 9 times of 10, the answer is YES! And yes, they would be happy with once, but so many cant even do that. Of course I know I am blessed. Many in my situation would just pay the $$ and not bat an eye. It doesnt matter how much money I have, or dont have, I compare apples to apples. When you look to purchase a home at what point do you say, this town/city is now unreasonable and I can get a better value 5 minutes up the road in a different zipcode.

I get the location. The Deluxe rooms at Disney are valued at about $250 - $300. Ill tack on another $200/night for location. So max should be $500. Anything beyond that and youre not getting your money's worth. You can find MUCH better accommodations right down the street.

Which is was this thread is about. Deluxe resorts out of control.

First off we will have to disagree that every child is obsessed with Disney. They are not. And to claim they are is silly at best. Second the OP staked a claim that the deluxe resorts were all $500 a night. They are not.

You may find the deluxe resorts are not worth their cost, and that is fine. But for many they are. There can be no blanket claim that the resorts are out of control. It is opinion, and not a fact.

As far as home costs--maybe ask the people in San Francisco why they choose to live there, instead of Saginaw Michigan. At some point to many people location is very important. And they are willing to pay $$$$ for it.

 

[DISNEY1975]

I live in CT, so for most families to live decently you need two incomes.

Funny you mention CT. As I was typing out my "value" scenarios, I was remembering a time when a friend of mine invited me for the weekend in CT. We went to Greenwich to shop. OMG. I dont remember what shop I was in, but there was a Ralph Lauren tank top, just run of the mill, selling for $249. I probably owned 4 of them in different colors. But...I got mine a TJMaxx for $9.99. Another store we visited was Hermes. They had a throw that looked like nothing except for someone going into a Michaels Craft store and buying a very large piece of green felt. "Hermes" was embroidered on it. $2999 !!!!

So the moral to my stories are: Yes, Disney is out of control with their Deluxe resorts. The value, including all factors..service,amenities, location, convenience, ambiance etc..etc... is no longer worth the tremendous increase in rates. Will I pay it? Probably. But I will do so knowing Im getting ripped off.

Are tickets worth their value yes. Dining, yes, Resorts no.

 

[maxiesmom]

So the moral to my stories are: Yes, Disney is out of control with their Deluxe resorts. The value, including all factors..service,amenities, location, convenience, ambiance etc..etc... is no longer worth the tremendous increase in rates. Will I pay it? Probably. But I will do so knowing Im getting ripped off.

Are tickets worth their value yes. Dining, yes, Resorts no.

The moral of the story is you have the opinion Disney is out of control with their pricing. It is not a fact and not everyone agrees with you. C'est la vie!

Btw there is a show where one guy debunks most everything. And one of those things is that you are getting the same quality merchandise at the lower end stores that you are at the higher end. You are truly buying a cheaper made version.

 

[DISNEY1975]

The moral of the story is you have the opinion Disney is out of control with their pricing. It is not a fact and not everyone agrees with you. C'est la vie!

Btw there is a show where one guy debunks most everything. And one of those things is that you are getting the same quality merchandise at the lower end stores that you are at the higher end. You are truly buying a cheaper made version.

If you want to debate Disney with me, please feel free, but please dont insult my knowledge of buying retail merchandise. Its been my job for 20 years and I am very very good at it. Its closeouts, buyouts and buybacks 101. It is NOT a cheaper version. I promise.

 

[dtripli]

I dont think anyone is suggesting Disney supply lodging to meet their expectations and/or needs. I, for one, am only voicing my opinion that Deluxe Resorts and ticket prices are very high compared to similar themed vacations. Basically, we are paying for a brand name. Same as a designer handbag, pair of jeans, shampoo. Are Disney resorts and parks better than others out there? I would agree that the parks indeed are. The resorts are not. For a vacation destination that is notorious for being family friendly, the pricing definintely is not.

Its just shameful that an amazing place that every child in the world has heard and dreamed about is often unachievable. Just as you didnt want your children to be dissappointed by the inlaws unfulfilled promise, there are thousands + of other parents who need to disappoint their children as well by saying no.

I am fortunate to have been fairly wealthy growing up and being able to go and stay at Deluxe resorts. I am also fairly well off as an adult and have been able to take my 3 kids whenever I choose. But I always look at the value of anything I purchase. Since 2010-ish, I feel the prices at Disney have skyrocketed to something that just isnt worth it anymore. If I am going to spend $600 - $800 per night for lodging, I expect better service and better quality amenities. Disney is raising the prices and not doing anything different to justify the enormous upcharge.

Disney $740 per night -

5 star Waldorf Astoria in Disney Springs - $480 per night for 1790 square foot suite!!!

View attachment 212654



7 bdrm home for rent right down the street - $745 per night

https://www.expedia.com/Orlando-Hot...&exp_ts=1483292489206&exp_curr=USD&exp_pg=HSR

And so many other options.

Well Put!

 

[Nancyg56]

My husband is from another country. When we go visit my inlaws, the entire country is obssessed with all things American, especially Disney. I find that true in many countries I visit. And with 3 kids, I certainly know all their friends go or want to go. Its a childs dream. Maybe not adults, the children eventually outgrow it, but ask any 6 year old if they want to go to Disney and 8 - 9 times of 10, the answer is YES! And yes, they would be happy with once, but so many cant even do that. Of course I know I am blessed. Many in my situation would just pay the $$ and not bat an eye. It doesnt matter how much money I have, or dont have, I compare apples to apples. When you look to purchase a home at what point do you say, this town/city is now unreasonable and I can get a better value 5 minutes up the road in a different zipcode.

I get the location. The Deluxe rooms at Disney are valued at about $250 - $300. Ill tack on another $200/night for location. So max should be $500. Anything beyond that and youre not getting your money's worth. You can find MUCH better accommodations right down the street.

Which is was this thread is about. Deluxe resorts out of control.

Maybe for you. You get to choose how to spend your vacation dollars and where to spend them. Im okay with that cost of the Deluxe resorts, and lately they they are my resort of choice. I compare apples to apples as well. I look at the cost of a room in NYC when I take my DGD, and then the cost of a room on the monorail, look at the size of the room in NYC and what options I can purchase vs what I can choose in WDW, and know that I am paying for prime time real estate. I make a decision if it is a value to me. I wont tell yuou that your decisions and your opinions are wrong, but I do expect you to respect that mine may not mirror yours.

As to kids and vacation: vacations are not a right. No business is responsible for making their prices in line with every budget.

 

[ellie05]

l Disney, like any company, needs to make a profit... however I don't doubt for a second that if Walt Disney himself was to see what became of his vision that he would be rolling in his grave with how money-hungry it has become over the years.

Really? You don't think he would start charging more to finance whole new sections of the parks? And truly, the rolling in his grave thing is beyond ridiculous. Walt Disney was not afraid to make money.

This was not about new sections of the park or price of park tickets at all it was about the hotels. I think you are missing the point of what @mrswillson was saying. We all know Disney has never been a non profit, but I think Walt truly care about customer satisfaction and what we have been seeing is that making money is turning to be more important and the balance is tilting. For example the new paid transportation to park hop. Why would Disney not say well this works better than what we currently offer and maybe we should switch to make customer satisfaction better instead of being an up charge. Same thing with making buildings preferred than weren't.

It is not opinions when there is solid facts to compare too. Four seasons is the only hotel onsite that has archive 5 star ratings and the location is very comparable to some Disney deluxe. Yet if you have stayed at a 4 season you know they are worlds apart to a Disney deluxe with amenities and service and room quality. We talk about location swan and dolphin both 4 star resort comparable to the 4 stars BWI and BC price is about half of both and Swan has much nicer rooms recently renovated.

 

[maxiesmom]

It is only an opinion to state that Disney is out of line with their pricing. You can't compare just room to room as that is not the only thing we pay for at a Disney resort. I got her point, I just don't agree.