Disney Resort Pricing through the ROOF!

[AngiTN]

As a counterpoint, we looked into buying DVC in 2000 and decided against it. My kids are not that into Disney, and I am happy we did not buy. We did buy a pop-up camper though. I'm happy to rent when we want that level. There seem to be a lot of people who have points to rent.

We looked in to DVC too. It is not cost effective for our touring style either.
In my research if you never want larger rooms, always like the full service rooms, with regular housekeeping, never plan to cook in your room, etc, then a DVC room is always more expensive. We have always found regular rooms for less than what DVC would have cost us to purchase and for less than the maintenance fees are each year.
But if you have a larger family, or want to have suites so you can cook, then yeah, DVC is a very viable choice.
It just all depends on your vacation style.

 

[Marionnette]

And I said exactly that. Right here

appies to your room on your dates means exactly what you said. That your room has to be available and it has to be available on your dates with the sale. That's why I included that in my original post. To cover that it isn't just available for all rooms. I can see how maybe that wasn't clear though. I should have used the word available instead of applies. I can fix it to make it more clear

You also compared it to how a store will adjust pricing on a previously purchased item.

If I walk into Macys with a size 8, green blouse that went on sale after I purchased it and they don't have any size 8 green blouses on the rack, Macys will still price adjust.

If I make a 7 night, mid-September reservation at CBR and Disney announces a fall discount that includes my dates, Disney will not price adjust unless there happens to be another room in the same category available under the discount for those same dates.

 

[ww52]

Orbitz vs Priceline - my ignorance. Apologies.

My only real point is that when looking at threads and responses throughout the DIS, it's appears there is some "secrets" out there to saving money that one has to work at. Beyond what one would expect. Obviously time of year metters (supply and demand) - but if one is rather inflexible on their dates (school / work schedules) I would expect anything "knowable" should be discovered through a reservationist.

I'm not talking about points from credit cards or memberships or the like either. I just mean "we want a room for x number of nights sometime within this 30 day window. What are my options?"

I would expect a reservationist would take that information, ask some key questions based on their knowledge, and work with me to get the best deal they have to offer. WITHOUT my feeling I got ripped off because I didn't take the time to research threads and sites and tips etc.

If that's true, then I'm wrong in my assumptions. That most certainly has always been my experience with the Swan and Dolphin.

I get the impression - that may be incorrect - that if I call, the reservationist might not tell me of deals or discounts available. I got that impression from this:

Curious, why call? Why not go online and check for pricing yourself?

My answer would be: I call because I expect the reservationist to know what deals and discounts are available and to inform me. If I can only find that out online, then Disney is trying to squeeze extra money from my ignorance,

 

[Marionnette]

Orbitz vs Priceline - my ignorance. Apologies.

My only real point is that when looking at threads and responses throughout the DIS, it's appears there is some "secrets" out there to saving money that one has to work at. Beyond what one would expect. Obviously time of year metters (supply and demand) - but if one is rather inflexible on their dates (school / work schedules) I would expect anything "knowable" should be discovered through a reservationist.

I'm not talking about points from credit cards or memberships or the like either. I just mean "we want a room for x number of nights sometime within this 30 day window. What are my options?"

I would expect a reservationist would take that information, ask some key questions based on their knowledge, and work with me to get the best deal they have to offer. WITHOUT my feeling I got ripped off because I didn't take the time to research threads and sites and tips etc.

If that's true, then I'm wrong in my assumptions. That most certainly has always been my experience with the Swan and Dolphin.

I get the impression - that may be incorrect - that if I call, the reservationist might not tell me of deals or discounts available. I got that impression from this:



My answer would be: I call because I expect the reservationist to know what deals and discounts are available and to inform me. If I can only find that out online, then Disney is trying to squeeze extra money from my ignorance,

My experience with other hotel chains is similar to what others report when calling Disney. The CSR does not ask me if I'm a AAA member, over 65, military or a corporate traveler. If I want any of those discounts, I have to ask. Not everyone will offer that they have a stay and dine package or a couples weekend deal if those things are available. They do ask if I'm a member of their frequent guest program, but it's only to add my number to the reservation or to sign me up if I'm not. If I tell them "I saw this price on Orbitz" they will confirm it and offer to match it under their "best price policy" but I have to be the one to bring it up. I think it's great that S/D offers their best price to you from the get go. It's just not my experience with other hotels. And that's why I do my research first.

 

[AngiTN]

Orbitz vs Priceline - my ignorance. Apologies.

My only real point is that when looking at threads and responses throughout the DIS, it's appears there is some "secrets" out there to saving money that one has to work at. Beyond what one would expect. Obviously time of year metters (supply and demand) - but if one is rather inflexible on their dates (school / work schedules) I would expect anything "knowable" should be discovered through a reservationist.

I'm not talking about points from credit cards or memberships or the like either. I just mean "we want a room for x number of nights sometime within this 30 day window. What are my options?"

I would expect a reservationist would take that information, ask some key questions based on their knowledge, and work with me to get the best deal they have to offer. WITHOUT my feeling I got ripped off because I didn't take the time to research threads and sites and tips etc.

If that's true, then I'm wrong in my assumptions. That most certainly has always been my experience with the Swan and Dolphin.

I get the impression - that may be incorrect - that if I call, the reservationist might not tell me of deals or discounts available. I got that impression from this:



My answer would be: I call because I expect the reservationist to know what deals and discounts are available and to inform me. If I can only find that out online, then Disney is trying to squeeze extra money from my ignorance,

You would be quite incorrect in your expectations for many, if not all, hotel chains. Pretty much all of them have online only pricing that, from my research, is lower than any price you get from calling. They even tell you this on their websites. I haven't a clue about Swan Dolphin as I rarely check there. I stayed at each once, didn't like it much. Don't care to return unless they are the only room left. But Marriot, Holiday Inn, Hiltons, you name it, they'll have online only pricing. So you better be checking online and not calling or you'll be potentially paying more than you'd pay by just calling. A smart consumer will do both.

 

[ww52]

I think it's great that S/D offers their best price to you from the get go. It's just not my experience with other hotels. And that's why I do my research first.

I do agree it's best to do some basic research or be aware of potential discounts like AAA (which is a big reason why people sign up for that in the first place). And to be clear, I STILL feel like I may have missed something with Swan/Dolphin - and that's sad all along.

I guess it's gotten too complicated? I know it's naive to say "the price should be the price - everyone should "win". But at the same time, it appears the consensus is the reservationist - at any hotel - is less likely to help than I would hope.

 

[ww52]

So you better be checking online and not calling or you'll be potentially paying more than you'd pay by just calling. A smart consumer will do both.

I agree. I guess I just find it sad that we've come to that. And though I'm an old(er) guy (mid 60s) I'm very computer savvy - worked in computer programming and analytics for over 40 years. So it's not like I have objection or reluctance to get online - I just have reluctance to the idea that one HAS to do that simply because the company (Disney, Hilton, anyone) is not going to give you all the information you need - presumably intentionally.

 

[AngiTN]

With the invent of the Internet, the Reservationist appears to be just about the last place to go for the best deal. Much like the Travel Agent, they may be going to go the way of the Do-Do Bird. I'm afraid. I can only assume one reason is because chains can use less man power to put lower pricing online. Takes labor hours to man phone lines so the added cost have to come from somewhere. A small extra cost for the room would be one place to get it.

Not to mention, the agent on the phone has little skin in the game, for lack of better words. They don't have much motivation to search out a good deal for you. Most aren't going to go above and beyond trying to find the best deal. They are going to just do the bare minimum. Heck, many of them probably man a call center that answers phones for several chains, not just the one you are calling about. So probably don't even work for that company.

 

[ww52]

Not to mention, the agent on the phone has little skin in the game, for lack of better words.

Great point - and I think that's why my experience with "Swolphin" is better. I make sure I'm talking to someone directly at the complex - NOT the Starwood (or whoever they are today) worldwide reservation center. They seem to have more knowledge than one would expect. It's possible they have a bit of an "inferiority complex" being non-Disney!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Orbitz vs Priceline - my ignorance. Apologies.

My only real point is that when looking at threads and responses throughout the DIS, it's appears there is some "secrets" out there to saving money that one has to work at. Beyond what one would expect. Obviously time of year metters (supply and demand) - but if one is rather inflexible on their dates (school / work schedules) I would expect anything "knowable" should be discovered through a reservationist.

I'm not talking about points from credit cards or memberships or the like either. I just mean "we want a room for x number of nights sometime within this 30 day window. What are my options?"

I would expect a reservationist would take that information, ask some key questions based on their knowledge, and work with me to get the best deal they have to offer. WITHOUT my feeling I got ripped off because I didn't take the time to research threads and sites and tips etc.

If that's true, then I'm wrong in my assumptions. That most certainly has always been my experience with the Swan and Dolphin.

I get the impression - that may be incorrect - that if I call, the reservationist might not tell me of deals or discounts available. I got that impression from this:



My answer would be: I call because I expect the reservationist to know what deals and discounts are available and to inform me. If I can only find that out online, then Disney is trying to squeeze extra money from my ignorance,

Do you call Hilton asking them for the best deal in the US or the East Coast? If you call WDW, there are 30 hotels there to choose from, not including Swan and Dolphin. You give them a wide range of dates and prices and you are on the phone with them for an hour or two. You need to narrow down that question in order not to waste your time and their time. I'm sure they have a time limit to be on the phone and your question might as well be "tell me everything you have available for the next 30 days".

 

[snappy]

Great point - and I think that's why my experience with "Swolphin" is better. I make sure I'm talking to someone directly at the complex - NOT the Starwood (or whoever they are today) worldwide reservation center. They seem to have more knowledge than one would expect. It's possible they have a bit of an "inferiority complex" being non-Disney!

I agree. I talk to resort people when deciding on a room. They are beyond helpful. I have had wonderful rooms at the Dolphin that I would never even known to request, didn’t know they even existed.

I check multiple booking websites to narrow things down for any hotel stay, and often will tweak my dates based on that research. And spend a lot of time in the process. But I never book online. Never ever. I speak to a booking agent at the hotel. At that point I have done my due diligence and know what’s available. Invariably I have special requests anyway that would never be accommodated online. I want to use a “ live” person to book a stay, Disney or anywhere.

I find it is like going to to see a doctor when something is up. I try to educate myself and prepare and I don’t mind spending a lot of time at it. It turns out worth it.

 

[snappy]

It has not been my experience that phone reservation people at least at the Dolphin or the 2 or 3 Manhattan
hotels where we are repeat visitors have a time limit for how long we speak. I even contact some by email to request rates and make it clarify requests.

Obviously not what happens with CRO. I have noticed recently I have more trouble understanding what the Disney agents are saying due to foreign accents. Or maybe I am just getting old or the connections are poor. Always seems like there is a lot of background noise speaking to Disney agents. Can be distracting and even unpleasant for me only.

 

[ww52]

I think the analogy of Disney CRO to a central Hilton etc reservation desk is probably fair. Add to the hotels the fact (which I myself just learned this year - after decades of visits to WDW) that you can rent vacation club villas - that's a LOT of choices; a LOT of variables in deciding options and advantages / disadvantages. I have no idea how many calls they get in a day but I suspect it's thousands. So they need a LOT of reservationists.

Then - the turnover is probably high as well. And finally - things change probably every week if not every day.

So - I'd say CRO is at a HUGE disadvantage compared to Swan / Dolphin on site reservationists.

I've thought about this a lot (probably too much - but when AngiTN talks, I listen. Her experiences add much value to the discussions I've seen her part of) and realize that when I call Swan/Dolphin I've already made all the difficult choices regarding all those variables already. I know where I want to stay / why I want to stay there / the pros and cons etc. I just want the best deal I can get and the best room/view for that price. It's pretty easy at that point.

Still - for the price they charge, you'd think they'd have people who are no less knowledgeable than many people on these boards. I guess there's no profit in it for them. Whereas the Swan/Dolphin needs to show some advantage to make up for not being a Disney experience.

 

[bumbershoot]

I make sure I'm talking to someone directly at the complex - NOT the Starwood (or whoever they are today) worldwide reservation center.

You're very trusting, to totally believe that they are there on site. I never believe a hotel person when they say that.


I'm a reader. I look online and read all the "fine print" (which in this day of computers and phones and the ability to make font bigger, or copy and paste it into a text/Word box to read more easily, there's really no such thing) and check out the links. That is EASIER for me than to trust that the cast member or Starwood/etc employee got into work early enough to read through their internal emails to know all the specials that might be available. I worked customer service too long to trust that anyone reads everything that I could read!

 

[ww52]

You're very trusting, to totally believe that they are there on site. I never believe a hotel person when they say that.

I understand - but at the Swan/Dolphin it's pretty easy to tell. I can't say for sure what my conversations have been (memory fades) but a few questions / comments about specifics (pools, bridges to the BW/or BC/YC - or mentioning the boat dock or something or other) - makes it' pretty easy to tell if they are faking it.

It did happen once when I called late at night and was surprised there was someone on staff. If I recall, I could tell within 30 seconds it was the central line. I asked them if it was and they said yes. I waited to the next day to call.

So one could always simply ask. Sure, they could lie - but I suspect there's no advantage and a huge risk to their employment if they did.

EDIT - and to be clear, I'm not saying there prior research online should not be necessary. It certainly is. But I stand by my experience that any given on site reservationists at S/D is more likely to be knowledgeable of their particular deals than a CRO representing WDW in its entirety. And my prior post explained there are good understandable reasons for that.

 

[AngiTN]

The one variable, and even Swan/Dolphin can't know this, is predicting the future.
They can't tell you what the specials that will be running on the rooms, in the future. Outside the announced promotion dates that is.
So I'm not sure how they are going to be able to even give you the "best possible rate" if that rate hasn't even come out yet.
If you are calling for a room tonight, tomorrow, or maybe even in the next month? Sure. In that case, I do think they will give you the best possible rate, for the specific room you ask about.
But if you call to say "I want the best rate you have" They have to have it narrowed down. A lot. At least a range of dates and in Disney's case a category of resorts is going to be more helpful.
And in my opinion, if you know what dates you want it's just easier to see the options for yourself by opening the website and entering the dates and letting the website return the results and show them to you all right there in black and white. Their website does seem to me to operate a bit different than many others. When you enter your desired dates it will give you a list of all available resorts. Then you can select a resort and there, are able to select different promotions and see the different rates available with each one. You are also able to go to their Special Offer page and select each offer, one by one and see the rates individually. Whichever method is best for you. They both return the same rate for the same date.
I know for me, I operate and can digest the data so much better when I visualize it in front of me. Hearing someone read it off makes it much harder. This is why my advice is always open the website and look for yourself.
And if you are searching for dates outside of the current promotion date range, know that it will more than likely be lower, depending on how flexible you can be. Disney almost always has a promotion available for their rooms.
The only dates they routinely exclude from promotions are the dates right around New Years Eve.

 

[ww52]

AngiTN -
So here's where I have to acknowledge my ignorance - in the literal sense of the word - and I suppose also admit I'm being unfair in general.

I haven't looked at the Disney site seriously for reservations in a VERY long time. Once we discovered the Swan/Dolphin and decided it was perfect for us - we never considered anything else. Again - that's OUR preference and I realize it would NOT be a consideration for many/most.

So from what you're saying, the website will give me all the information that is knowable at the time for all Disney resorts - once I've decided some time frame. So not only no need to call - it would be a waste of time.

As i said previously, I know that because we're partial to Swan/Dolphin, all that work has been done for me - BY me. The only thing I occasionally check is to see if it's still true they are across the board cheaper than YC/BC and BW. Since the location is perfect and the Disney-ness doesn't matter, and we're not considering a moderate or value, we're (sort of) almost "home".

I'm saying all this because my sons will be planning a 2020 trip with their kids - and the Disney-ness WILL matter. And so - it would appear their best bet would be start with the Disney web site.

Or better yet, contract AngiTN as their agent!

 

[gillep]

I only ever use the WDW website, never call. I can see pricing and availability for all of the resorts and I can toggle between different offers (package, room only, AP, etc.) all on the site. I can choose one time frame and see pricing for all resorts, or I can change the time frame around to see how availability and pricing changes by changing dates.

 

[AngiTN]

So from what you're saying, the website will give me all the information that is knowable at the time for all Disney resorts - once I've decided some time frame. So not only no need to call - it would be a waste of time

......

I'm saying all this because my sons will be planning a 2020 trip with their kids - and the Disney-ness WILL matter. And so - it would appear their best bet would be start with the Disney web site.

Or better yet, contract AngiTN as their agent!

LOL.... yeah, basically, you have it right.
Matter of fact, here's a good example of what it will look like (these particular dates have 6 offers, so pretty good)
You can scroll left and right by clicking the arrows and then change the offer pricing visible by selecting each radio button.
If there are no promos out for the dates you select it will only show the left most choice, Package, and then one other (that's off screen), which is Room. These are the "Rack Rate" amounts. Non-discounted. As you can also see, they do make it rather easy to see that there are other offers there, and the details associated with those offers. They try to make it as clear as they can, since there are usually several offers out there, for the near dates.

I only ever use the WDW website, never call. I can see pricing and availability for all of the resorts and I can toggle between different offers (package, room only, AP, etc.) all on the site. I can choose one time frame and see pricing for all resorts, or I can change the time frame around to see how availability and pricing changes by changing dates.

Yep, exactly the same way here.
It is the only I can digest the info.