Disney Express and High Prices solution

[EKelaf1]

so I just spent 10 days at Boardwalk and all I can say is wow, in two years how the prices have skyrocketed. I will confess, I have been a DVC Member for 20 years, so I had plenty of points for a 1 bedroom villa. Glad I did but I get to that shortly. We we’re faithful users of the Magical Express and the ease of landing, boarding the bus and that was it. Same going home, board the bus and head to the gate at MCO. Since the Express is gone, we rented a car at MCO, not bad, Nissan Rouge, 241.00 for the week. Glad we did. Food prices are insane At WDW. We shopped for breakfast stuff at Publix, eliminating a 60:dollar a day breakfast bill. Dinner was a shock to. Average Dinner for two was 130.00 with tip. We ate at Wolfgang Puck at Springs bill was 131.00 with tip, La Hacienda in Epcot day two, 121.00 with tip. Day three we drove out to Vineland Ave and ate at BJs restaurant, 55.00 with tip, night 4was Outback on Vineland Ave, 65.00., Day 5 we are at Toledo at Coronado Springs. Very Nice, very over priced for not so great food. I ordered the hanger steak, I’m still not sure if I got the steak or a hanger. Well, my point is, the Magical Express discontinued allowed me to rent a car which in turn allowed me the Freedom to leave the WDW compound and save a gun of money. Just sharing this for others to consider. There are plenty of places to eat offsite and you save a ton of money.

 

[Upatnoon]

The price you pay for renting a car can be recouped by a trip to the grocery and eating a few meals offsite.

Of course, Disney now charges for parking at the resort for non-DVC guests and some people don't want to leave the bubble.

There are some cheaper options at Disney Springs, but I do miss the Wolfgang Puck Express.

 

[NH-to-FL]

so I just spent 10 days at Boardwalk and all I can say is wow, in two years how the prices have skyrocketed.

Well, my point is, the Magical Express discontinued allowed me to rent a car which in turn allowed me the Freedom to leave the WDW compound and save a gun of money. Just sharing this for others to consider. There are plenty of places to eat offsite and you save a ton of money.

Agree!

You have just touched on a few of the reasons that folks shift offsite. We started our string of Boardwalk stays before Magic Express so we started our visits with a rental car which allowed us to visit Publix and Walmart for food and other supplies. Then we purchased a vacation villa near Disney in preparation for becoming snowbirds. For a few years before I retired we did off site Disney vacations and found them very satisfying. A bit less Disney and a bit more relaxing.

I believe that this transition was made easier as we had made so many Disney visits that we weren't totally focused on maximizing time in the parks. When asked I still suggest that first time visitors consider an onsite stay to get that "immersed in Disney" feeling.

Every now and again I would price a short stay at the Boardwalk and agree that the prices have skyrocketed. DW and I loved the BWI for the vibe and the short walk to Epcot but can't bring ourselves to spend the $$$$ for just a couple nights stay.

With COVID we haven't been back to Florida since March 2020 and have been watching all of the Disney changes. Not sure what we'll do when it all settles down.

Thanks for passing along your observations.

 

[Pooh's World]

Disney is shooting themselves in the foot with every move that looks only at short term profit over the long term.

There will be no loyal customers left when the Mickey Mouse copyrights IPs start to expire (starting with Steamboat Willie Mickey in 2024)