Dismal Spring Offers :(

[Gr8t Fan]

This is us too. Yes, we could "afford" it also, but the cost to enjoyment/value ratio isn't really there anymore. In 2011 we did a 3 night / 4 day winter trip w/ dining for $1300. The 2016 winter price for the same thing at the same resort is $2113. 62% higher in five years. (I used the kids ages at the 2011 time for accurate comparison). I don't think the parks have become 62% better in 5 years. If anything, due to it being more crowded all times of the year, it would be less enjoyable, not more.

Now I'm thinking if we go through Orlando at all in Feb. maybe we'll do Legoland instead, and stay at their hotel. Probably not too many more years for our kids to enjoy Legoland anyway.

This is where we are as well. We could afford it, but prices have gone up so much, that we don't enjoy it as much as we used to. We gave up on staying onsite and the DDP in 2012. Now we get APs, stay offsite in a 2-3 bedroom villa and eat most of our meals offsite. We weren't going to renew our APs, but our eldest got into the DCP, so we did renew them but this will be the last year until all of the new attractions are complete. We'll still travel to Florida, but we're going to do US/IOA and some minor attractions and spend a lot more time relaxing in our villa and enjoying the amenities at the fabulous (off property) resorts we stay at.

 

[Ngwira]

And is regards to the OP. I think we are almost priced out. Even though Disney is within 6-8 hour drive for us, and even though we could "afford" it, I think we are close to being priced out.

Sad.

 

[wendow]

We are starting to feel priced out too, and beginning to consider other vacation destinations. Also, my dh & I were there a couple of weeks ago for our first 'just us' anniv trip and it was crazy packed. I've never seen Sept look like that. I've seen it that bad at other times of the year, but those are not 'low crowd' times.

I know the economy is supposedly improved, but we do not see that in our day-to-day life. My dh makes hardly anymore than he made five years ago...our healthcare costs have skyrocketed, food & utilities are higher, mortgage went up b/c home insurance has gone up, gas is lower but a tank of gas lasts me 3 weeks so I am not saving a huge amount on lower fuel...I'm always left scratching my head at how everyone else has so much more money to pay for more expensive vacations. Am I the only one not seeing a bunch of extra money every month?

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Am I the only one not seeing a bunch of extra money every month?

This statement sums up my concern with many folks today. I don't think you're the only one in this boat (we see the same thing in our finances)...in fact we're probably in the majority. However where you are probably in the minority is it sounds like you are trying to be responsible with your money. If your "needs" costs go up, your "wants" costs must go down unless you make more. That's the way we operate at least but not everybody sees it that way.

I read so many articles of folks who can't seem to save any money, are mired in debt, and yet they have a new iPhone 6 and take multiple vacations each year.

ETA: Everybody has to make their own decisions so it's not for me to judge those that choose the path of debt.

 

[wendow]

This statement sums up my concern with many folks today. I don't think you're the only one in this boat (we see the same thing in our finances)...in fact we're probably in the majority. However where you are probably in the minority is it sounds like you are trying to be responsible with your money. If your "needs" costs go up, your "wants" costs must go down unless you make more. That's the way we operate at least but not everybody sees it that way.

I read so many articles of folks who can't seem to save any money, are mired in debt, and yet they have a new iPhone 6 and take multiple vacations each year.

ETA: Everybody has to make their own decisions so it's not for me to judge those that choose the path of debt.

Thank you for your response. You see the same things I do, and it is concerning. We have less 'disposable' income than we used to just two years ago. I do not have a smartphone. None of my kids have phones period. My dh has a prepaid smartphone and he is in IT...so that is kind of embarrassing for him lol...But yeah, I just don't know how people afford it all.

But I really am just wondering why everyone is doing so much better that Disney thinks it is ok to raise prices as much as they have?? They are packing the people in there, and yet prices are getting really, really high. We are very much a middle class family. If we are feeling priced out, is Disney becoming only for the upper class?

 

[pigletto]

Well if we weren't priced out by the rising costs, we definitely are by our sinking dollar. Take what you guys are paying and add almost 30%
We have an Orlando trip planned for January. We'll be going to Universal and renewing our power passes and renting an offsite condo.
I was sad at first, but the extra thousands it would have cost over other trips was just the tip of the iceberg. We're done until something improves.

 

[eliza61]

This statement sums up my concern with many folks today. I don't think you're the only one in this boat (we see the same thing in our finances)...in fact we're probably in the majority. However where you are probably in the minority is it sounds like you are trying to be responsible with your money. If your "needs" costs go up, your "wants" costs must go down unless you make more. That's the way we operate at least but not everybody sees it that way.

I read so many articles of folks who can't seem to save any money, are mired in debt, and yet they have a new iPhone 6 and take multiple vacations each year.

ETA: Everybody has to make their own decisions so it's not for me to judge those that choose the path of debt.

LOL,
What is with the dis and the Iphone hate? Does anyone actually pay full price for a new Iphone or is it just perception.

I have sprint, you know how much the new iphone will cost me if I renew my two year subscription??? Zero!!! zip nada.
My bill actually went down 10 dollars because I get a better offer through my employees.

Why is the iphone the poster child for irresponsibility.

 

[havaneselover]

LOL,
What is with the dis and the Iphone hate? Does anyone actually pay full price for a new Iphone or is it just perception.

I have sprint, you know how much the new iphone will cost me if I renew my two year subscription??? Zero!!! zip nada.
My bill actually went down 10 dollars because I get a better offer through my employees.

Why is the iphone the poster child for irresponsibility.

Lol. I was wondering the same thing. I have an Iphone 4 (five years old and given to me by my sister) but just purchased a used Iphone 6 on Ebay (net cost of $350). I figure it will last me 3 years, so it's costing me $10 per month or so. My service is another $40 but will go down to $35 in 2016. And as a single parent with kids going back and forth between houses, I want them to be able to reach me. Also, a lot of people I know are provided Iphones by their employers. My sister is, several of my colleagues are, etc. It's very hard to know (and entirely subjective) who's being responsible with their money and who isn't--especially when we all value things differently.

 

[pittsburghmom]

Before this thread becomes a hearty debate about fiscal responsibility and owning a smartphone, I will have to say that the PP has a point about how is Disney able to keep lowering the discounts, yet still pack people into the parks and resorts? Is it people who are fiscally responsible, saving a portion of their paycheck each month, getting gift card deals, selling on craigslist and then booking when they have the cash to pay? Is it wealthy South american tour groups? Is it people who are swimming in debt, charging yet another trip on the credit card? All or non of the above? The economy *has* recovered and people have more disposable income than before and can once again, finally afford to splurge on an expensive vacation?

 

[havaneselover]

Before this thread becomes a hearty debate about fiscal responsibility and owning a smartphone, I will have to say that the PP has a point about how is Disney able to keep lowering the discounts, yet still pack people into the parks and resorts? Is it people who are fiscally responsible, saving a portion of their paycheck each month, getting gift card deals, selling on craigslist and then booking when they have the cash to pay? Is it wealthy South american tour groups? Is it people who are swimming in debt, charging yet another trip on the credit card? All or non of the above? The economy *has* recovered and people have more disposable income than before and can once again, finally afford to splurge on an expensive vacation?

Agreed. The unemployment rate is fairly low and people feel more secure in their jobs. Add to that that people feel wealthier because their houses have appreciated and their investments have recovered and then some so they are spending money a little more freely. Also, there's been a shift IMO to valuing experiences (e.g., a trip to WDW) over material possessions.

 

[nvsnot]

We are starting to feel priced out too, and beginning to consider other vacation destinations.

I know the economy is supposedly improved, but we do not see that in our day-to-day life. My dh makes hardly anymore than he made five years ago...our healthcare costs have skyrocketed, food & utilities are higher, mortgage went up b/c home insurance has gone up, gas is lower but a tank of gas lasts me 3 weeks so I am not saving a huge amount on lower fuel...I'm always left scratching my head at how everyone else has so much more money to pay for more expensive vacations. Am I the only one not seeing a bunch of extra money every month?

This is my situation too. I'm a single mom and over the last 5 years everything has increase dramatically while my paycheck has remained much the same. I am/was hoping to take my daughter during the summer of 2016, but it's looking more and more like we will travel elsewhere. Our last visit was in 2013 and comparing the cost of that trip with a trip in 2016 is mind-blowing when considering how much Disney has increased the price for everything.

 

[eliza61]

Before this thread becomes a hearty debate about fiscal responsibility and owning a smartphone, I will have to say that the PP has a point about how is Disney able to keep lowering the discounts, yet still pack people into the parks and resorts? Is it people who are fiscally responsible, saving a portion of their paycheck each month, getting gift card deals, selling on craigslist and then booking when they have the cash to pay? Is it wealthy South american tour groups? Is it people who are swimming in debt, charging yet another trip on the credit card? All or non of the above? The economy *has* recovered and people have more disposable income than before and can once again, finally afford to splurge on an expensive vacation?

All of the above.
And one more, Disney is a business. plain and simple, they have an entire army of folks who's job it is to study all these variables. You don't think they take those surveys for nothing do ya (not you personally, general question)?

Disney was never, ever a cheap vacation but the simple business phenomenon known as supply and demand always kicks in. for whatever reason, many folks feel that the value is still there.

I would love to know the percentage of first timers vs. return visitors though.

Ironically Disney hasn't priced me out yet mainly because of other things that have made the cost of my trips lower.

For example since i've been many times, we don't go anymore for 9 days unless its a family reunion. five days and we're happy campers.
We also spend waaay less in the parks than when we first visited. I remember when we first started going how we would have never thought of going off site for meals.
Breakfast at BOG?? lol, seriously 90 bucks for the pleasure of eating in the beasts ballroom? thanks but no thanks.

I was on the theme park boards and folks where discussing memory makers, I kept thinking 200 bucks for pictures? pass.

so now we go and I'll have 200 bucks in my pocket and realize after a few days I may have spent 50 of it. that offsets the price of tickets going up.

And of course these are exactly the times when my dvc really is worth it's weight in gold. I was lucky that I brought it when it was pretty cheap, I've long since recouped what I paid so now any trips I take are essentially the cost of my dues (920 a year)

 

[scard192]

I am a single mom too and we are still able to go to Disneyworld but not as often as we would like, every 3-4 years and we stay at a Value resort which makes the expense a little bit lower. If the current price increases and lower discounts from Disney continue as they have we may only be able to go every 5 years. :-(

 

[wendow]

I was not trying to turn the thread into a smartphone (or iPhone) debate...Just was responding to the pp about people having iPhones but being in debt. Was just trying to show that we are financially responsible (so much so that I cannot justify the cost of smartphones). I don't fault anyone who has one. Many have great family plans, or they are paid for partially or fully by work, or grandparents, whatever...

Point was, we are smart with our money but costs everywhere are going up, yet salary (at least for us) isn't really. It's just hard to keep reading how Disney can increase their costs b/c the economy is so improved.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

All of the above.
...Disney is a business. plain and simple...

...Ironically Disney hasn't priced me out yet mainly because of other things that have made the cost of my trips lower...so now we go and I'll have 200 bucks in my pocket and realize after a few days I may have spent 50 of it...

ALOT of good points here!

#1 - Disney can do whatever they want to do. Their #1 responsibility is to their shareholders. If parks and hotels are full, let's raise the rates and generate more revenue. I'm sure Disney's expenses are going up, personnel costs have to be rising, maintenance & upkeep, construction, etc. are all probably going up. That necessitates price increases too.

#2 - We can go to Disney and spend very little money too! I love that you point that out. My Wife & girls each will get one souvenir while we're there. I don't get any because it doesn't interest me. We'll splurge on a few meals but if we wanted to we could go for 7 days and spend less than $500 total on meals and souvenirs (and enjoy ourselves)

 

[pittsburghmom]

I was not trying to turn the thread into a smartphone (or iPhone) debate...Just was responding to the pp about people having iPhones but being in debt. Was just trying to show that we are financially responsible (so much so that I cannot justify the cost of smartphones). I don't fault anyone who has one. Many have great family plans, or they are paid for partially or fully by work, or grandparents, whatever...

Point was, we are smart with our money but costs everywhere are going up, yet salary (at least for us) isn't really. It's just hard to keep reading how Disney can increase their costs b/c the economy is so improved.

Exactly. This is us as well.

 

[5kidsmommy]

question? If you book in anticipation of a discount and none is offered what do you do? Isn't that a crazy way to budget a vacation?

I always budget vacations at full price. That way I know what I can afford. If a discount comes out it's a bonus. I don't plan vacations unless I can afford it.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

...so much so that I cannot justify...

This is such a great way to put it! I single out those words because so many of our decisions center around that. It's not about can we afford it, it's about can we justify it, meaning is there something better we could do with that money.

One year for Christmas we asked family members that if they weren't sure what to get us, in lieu of gifts we would love Disney Gift Cards for our next trip, they all know how much we love Disney. Our plan was to use them to upgrade our resort to deluxe if we received enough to pay for it (we didn't share that with anybody, just an internal idea). We got the gift cards and when I went to book the trip even though the upgrade was covered I still couldn't "justify" it. We stayed Moderate, saved the money and put it into my wife's IRA to lower our taxes for the year, I'm so strange, lol!

 

[wendow]

I'm so strange, lol!

LOL! You are probably strange to many people b/c the majority of people choose to spend money foolishly with little thought to the difference between needs and wants. Instant gratification. I want what I want and I want it now (usually cause everyone else has it so I need it too, right!?!).

I *know* many consider my family strange but I truly couldn't care less

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

LOL! You are probably strange to many people b/c the majority of people choose to spend money foolishly with little thought to the difference between needs and wants. Instant gratification. I want what I want and I want it now (usually cause everyone else has it so I need it too, right!?!).

I *know* many consider my family strange but I truly couldn't care less

Haha! Luckily I do consider at least 1 trip to Disney each year as a "need" - it's just a need that has to cost less than $3,000. With these "Dismal Spring Offers" my trip is getting cut down by a day!