Do You think DISNEY has gone down hlll the last few years?

[KellyNY]

......just an idea to file in your memory bank.

If you ever want to venture off property....even just for a day.....you may want to consider renting a car.

National/Alamo is on property and easy....but often more expensive. Many of the car rental companies have nearby offices. They will pick you up and also return you to your resort - very convenient. Even better, renting locally you will avoid the extra airport fees which brings your rental down even more.

........I have always had a rental car and I can remember in my solo days taking a day off and heading out for some serious retail therapy followed my lunch with some Orlando friends. Now DH and I always have a car for convenience.

I'll check it when we get there. I love Disney but by day 4 I need some retail therapy . That is why I spend so much in Epcot. Thanks for advice.

 

[KellyNY]

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Yes, then you print it out. The ones on Restaurant dot com are:

Garden Grove - OKAY for dinner. Personally didn't like it.

Kimono's - AWESOME! Ambiance, food, and service very good.

Shulas- Waiter EXTREMELY snooty! Didn't crack one smile, didn't check on us. NOT GOOD. Food, on the other hand was good, ambiance is nice.

Il Mulino- Ambiance looks AWESOME, little expensive, but not more than a Disney meal. Plus you have the coupon. I understand the food there is great!

All these restaurants are in the SWAN and DOLPHIN.

Thanks, I'll sign for it. Even if I do not get a chance to do any of those places I can always use it home.

 

[Suellen]

U also saw House of Blues - I thought a couple of DTD ones. Maybe just the one though.

 

[KellyNY]

$400 for one day at Universal? I thought the argument was that Universal was more economical than Disney!

I am talking about 3 people. Add transportation, food and you will get $400. Count 1 day ticket for Disney for 3 people with hopper(what I will use at Universal), transportation, dining and you will get even more. 1 day is not economical for any park, yet Universal will come out cheaper for 1 day and even more affordable for a week long vacation. It is not opinion, nothing to debate about, simple math.

 

[WDSearcher]

I'm sorry but I believe that your statement about internet makes no sence. I do not feel Disney makes it better for me, I and many otheres do not plan to stay online all the time while on vacation but for many of us it is important to have internet connection for many reasons. And knowing that Disney is happy to charge us. Sounds like you can find answer for any Disney inconvenience but it does not work well.

I'm sorry -- you've misunderstood.

My example -- for me (not for you, not for anyone else, just for me) -- was that perhaps (not definitely, as I have no proof that this plays into any part of Disney motive, I just know that there are other resorts that do not offer free WiFi for this reason) Disney was trying to guide people to being "offline" on vacation just as they try to guide people to not rent cars by giving them the incentive of ME. That's all. Just giving an example of how they have done that in the past.

I certainly didn't mean to imply that those folks who need or want internet access while at WDW shouldn't' have it. And I didn't mean to imply that Disney was right to charge for it. I was just making conversation, and I'm sorry if you took it any other way!

 

[Disneydenise]

I have been a Disney fan forever. I have noticed a decline in the services and have been disappointed to notice a decline in the cast members attitudes but I think it is a result of our culture changing. I know that my children would not want to work for Disney even though it would be a nice item on their resumes. They do not pay as well as other internships.
I rarely think of Disney as a culinary delightful vacation but yes I did notice this past spring the food was not as enticing as previous trips.
We have not been returning to Disney as often as I suppose we would have due to these things. There are so many places to see in this world and I would like to experience these places while I am healthy enough to do so.
I have been fortunate this year to be able to spend one day here and there with precious people in my life, in Disney and really enjoyed every minute of my time with them. I didn't place much value on the food just my time with these individuals. That being said I have not stayed in Disney for more than a day or two the last few trips it seems too expensive for what I am getting. There are alot of lovely resorts in the area and I have spent time there enjoying those resorts.
Disney is a for profit company and so they have their tockholders to answer to. Maybe things will change but I think that the results will not be a family run business sort of result. Disney is a corporation and having done business with that corporation I will tell you they have their business plan and stick to it.

 

[WDSearcher]

I am talking about 3 people. Add transportation, food and you will get $400. Count 1 day ticket for Disney for 3 people with hopper(what I will use at Universal), transportation, dining and you will get even more. 1 day is not economical for any park, yet Universal will come out cheaper for 1 day and even more affordable for a week long vacation. It is not opinion, nothing to debate about, simple math.

Yup. Simple math. In your original comment, though, you didn't note that it was for three people. $130 for a day at Universal still sounds pricey to me (opinion only), if you're not staying there and getting FOL priviledges (unless your price includes a hotel night, in which case -- great deal!!).

 

[brunette8706]

U also saw House of Blues - I thought a couple of DTD ones. Maybe just the one though.

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You, know I think YOU are right! I believe it is included. There is a restaurant in the Hilton at DTD that is included too.

Brunette

 

[KellyNY]

I'm sorry -- you've misunderstood.

My example -- for me (not for you, not for anyone else, just for me) -- was that perhaps (not definitely, as I have no proof that this plays into any part of Disney motive, I just know that there are other resorts that do not offer free WiFi for this reason) Disney was trying to guide people to being "offline" on vacation just as they try to guide people to not rent cars by giving them the incentive of ME. That's all. Just giving an example of how they have done that in the past.

I certainly didn't mean to imply that those folks who need or want internet access while at WDW shouldn't' have it. And I didn't mean to imply that Disney was right to charge for it. I was just making conversation, and I'm sorry if you took it any other way!

I understood correctly. I was not talking about you example of ME but about your statemnt on how Disney wants me out of the room by not providing me with Internet. My opinion it has nothing to do with benefiting me but with greed.

 

[KellyNY]

Yup. Simple math. In your original comment, though, you didn't note that it was for three people. $130 for a day at Universal still sounds pricey to me (opinion only), if you're not staying there and getting FOL priviledges (unless your price includes a hotel night, in which case -- great deal!!).

$112 for Universal vs. $136 for Disney, counting both before taxes.
Yes I will not get Express pass like in Disney but Universal has fewer people, I did Universal and Disney during Spring break one year. I hit most of the rides in Universal but only few at Disney. So Universal is still better deal.

 

[WDSearcher]

$112 for Universal vs. $136 for Disney, counting both before taxes.
Yes I will not get Express pass like in Disney but Universal has fewer people, I did Universal and Disney during Spring break one year. I hit most of the rides in Universal but only few at Disney. So Universal is still better deal.

Disney should cost more for a one-day park hopper, since you have four parks available to you vs. two parks at Universal.

A one-day / one-park ticket at Universal costs exactly the same ($82 plus tax) as a one-day / one-park at Disney ($82 plus tax), which is what you'd expect, since you're getting one park in either case. But it would surprise me if a hopper at Disney didn't cost more, since I'm getting two more parks. (Now ... whether or not I have the time and / or energy to GET to all four parks in one day is another topic altogether ... )

Have a great time! I plan on hitting Harry Potter world in February -- really looking forward to some butterbeer and a spin on the Dragon Challenge!

 

[Tiger926]

thanks! how do you feel about DVC? Just wondering, it does seem to be a costly investment, and then the yearly fees. Thanks! My daughter is interested, but I have read that the timeshares really aren't all that worth it unless you do go deluxe yearly with no discounts - just what I've read.

No, that's incorrect. If you go at least 1x per year, or every other year to Disney, and stay in Moderates or Deluxes, then it will be worth it.

Example: I have 360 points that are shared between Saratoga and Animal Kingdom Lodge. They cost me about $40,000 CDN and about $1700 USD/year in dues. So, when I factor in my buy-in costs, plus my dues, I'm at less than $150.00/USD for 17 nights at Disney for 2010:

6 nights 1 bedroom
11 nights Studio

This year, we had more Studio nights as we had an extra trip in March, as well as additional nights at Vero in July.

Next year, we will have 10 nights 1 bedroom, and 7 nights Studio for 17 nights total in 2011.

So, it's costly up front, and of course, you have to be able to pay your yearly dues (can do monthly in US, but not if Canadian), but the savings are there. We also qualify for perks like: Annual Pass ticket discounts, food, recreation and shopping. Yearly dues go up a bit each year, but there is a max increase, so they can't go up past that amount. Each June 1st, I get another 360 points for the next year, and I can bank or borrow points as well.

We like it very much! Hope this helps, Tiger

 

[KellyNY]

Disney should cost more for a one-day park hopper, since you have four parks available to you vs. two parks at Universal.

A one-day / one-park ticket at Universal costs exactly the same ($82 plus tax) as a one-day / one-park at Disney ($82 plus tax), which is what you'd expect, since you're getting one park in either case. But it would surprise me if a hopper at Disney didn't cost more, since I'm getting two more parks. (Now ... whether or not I have the time and / or energy to GET to all four parks in one day is another topic altogether ... )

Have a great time! I plan on hitting Harry Potter world in February -- really looking forward to some butterbeer and a spin on the Dragon Challenge!

Technically yes, but in reality even with FPs how many rides can I hit in one day if I try to see all 4 parks. I will spend couple of hours only transfering between parks, at Universal I can easily walk. Universal in this case would be a better idea ridewise. JMO.

 

[WDSearcher]

Technically yes, but in reality even with FPs how many rides can I hit in one day if I try to see all 4 parks. I will spend couple of hours only transfering between parks, at Universal I can easily walk. Universal in this case would be a better idea ridewise. JMO.

Yeah ... the transfer time does really kill park hopping. Definitely more so at Disney (unless you're trying to get from one park to another at Universal and get stuck behind the "slow walkers" on CityWalk! ).

I think Universal is a much more efficient ride park. The rides are clustered a lot closer to each other -- there aren't as many shops and other areas to walk through to get from ride to ride. Although the biggest time differential between Disney and Universal is probably the entertainment -- you can often hit two or even three rides at Universal during the time it takes you to wait for and watch a single show at Disney. And god help you if you get sucked into Streetmosphere at the Studios! You could be there all day and never make it any farther than Sunset Boulevard!

 

[KellyNY]

Yeah ... the transfer time does really kill park hopping. Definitely more so at Disney (unless you're trying to get from one park to another at Universal and get stuck behind the "slow walkers" on CityWalk! ).

I think Universal is a much more efficient ride park. The rides are clustered a lot closer to each other -- there aren't as many shops and other areas to walk through to get from ride to ride. Although the biggest time differential between Disney and Universal is probably the entertainment -- you can often hit two or even three rides at Universal during the time it takes you to wait for and watch a single show at Disney. And god help you if you get sucked into Streetmosphere at the Studios! You could be there all day and never make it any farther than Sunset Boulevard!

I will not get sucked in Streetmosphere, it did not happen before, maybe only in WWOHP while I wait for my DD, I will not ride HP rides, too chicken
We may go to Universal stricktly for WWOHP and some rides we love but I am still arguing with myself $400 cost. Basically when I think of $400, I see some shopping at Epcot and this is why I am in doubt. I was even considering doing Universal only vacation but I could not survive being in Orlando and not visiting Epcot and doing 1 day Disney comes to same money. I do not buy tickets now, even so I can save, I will leave it open and see if we even want to do Universal while there.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Technically yes, but in reality even with FPs how many rides can I hit in one day if I try to see all 4 parks.

Depends on how much Red Bull you've had to drink.

 

[KellyNY]

Depends on how much Red Bull you've had to drink.

OMG, why did not I think of it before, I could save on plane tickets.

 

[WDSearcher]

I will not get sucked in Streetmosphere, it did not happen before, maybe only in WWOHP while I wait for my DD, I will not ride HP rides, too chicken
We may go to Universal stricktly for WWOHP and some rides we love but I am still arguing with myself $400 cost. Basically when I think of $400, I see some shopping at Epcot and this is why I am in doubt. I was even considering doing Universal only vacation but I could not survive being in Orlando and not visiting Epcot and doing 1 day Disney comes to same money. I do not buy tickets now, even so I can save, I will leave it open and see if we even want to do Universal while there.

If you do go to WWoHP, be sure to go through the queue for the Forbidden Journey, even if you don't do the ride. I've heard that as good as the ride is, the queue is what makes it truly amazing.

Nice thing about Universal is that you can even buy park tickets at Publix! Although I think it actually costs a few dollars less if you purchase on line.

 

[KellyNY]

If you do go to WWoHP, be sure to go through the queue for the Forbidden Journey, even if you don't do the ride. I've heard that as good as the ride is, the queue is what makes it truly amazing.

Nice thing about Universal is that you can even buy park tickets at Publix! Although I think it actually costs a few dollars less if you purchase on line.

I was thinking about it, walking through queue is a way to see what is inside and according to all videos it is fantastic. I found a nice deal on this very site, $2 more for 1 day/2 parks but includes transportation but advanced purchase is required.

 

[GadgetRick]

In all fairness to Disney, Bonnet Creek has to discount as they are a new hotel. They are located kind of technically on Disney propery, but no Disney benefits, so they have to pull people in with lower rates. Now, based on the photos I've seen, they won't have to do this for long, as it's a beautiful resort.

I imagine this is just to lure guests in, and make a name for themselves, and by next year, they will probably raise rates to an appropriate level. If you check similar resorts, such as Marriott World Center, their rates are much higher, and they are even further off of Disney property.

I don't think you can compare Bonnet Creek to DVC now - you can only compare it when it is out of this newlywed phase, and raises its rates. Then and only then, can you make a true comparison. And, I can't remember if it's also a timeshare/vacation club resort? If so, then they all discount like this - Hilton and Marriott do it all of the time. Hilton Vacations Resort on I-Drive is stunning, and I got a fabulous Honors Reward Rate of $129.00/night when it had just opened. Why? Because they were expecting us to take a tour and purchase. We just needed 1 night before we checked into DVC, so we didn't take the tour, but they did give us a bit of a hard time about that at first.

In the meantime, for those of you who take advantage of this beautiful resort, I say have a wonderful time, as it looks great! It has some similar amenities to DVC, but again, it does have more of a luxury feel to it, that DVC resorts don't have. I have stayed pretty much everywhere except GF, but have spent a ton of time there as we eat at the restaurants, but from what I've heard, GF is in need of reburbishment as well. Disney's definition of luxury as compared to other hotel brands, is different, I will agree there.

Tiger

Being a former DVC member and now a Wyndham owner, I'll chime in.

I sold my DVC for a lot of reasons, reasons which are very similar to what we're all complaining about with regards to WDW. I won't go into details as this is neither the time nor the place.

We bought into Wyndham last year (a place in CO actually) and did it INCREDIBLY cheaply (easy to do anyone can do it). We bought it specifically to stay at Bonnett Creek as we knew its location after numerous trips to WDW and seeing the entrance. After doing some digging we also found out BC is Wyndham's best resort. So we bought in.

Have stayed there 4 times now and I can say, without a doubt, it blows ANY DVC property we've stayed at out of the water. In all fairness, BLT and the AK properties weren't built yet. We've stayed all all of the other DVC properties in WDW, however.

The rooms are much nicer and larger (more like the size of rooms at OKW--that was our home resort). The staff is just as nice as anywhere we've been and there's plenty to do (much of it free or for a minimal charge like the 2:00 ice cream party they do every day). It's convenient as it's right on the edge of Disney property--you much drive on the property to get there. Yes, you need a car but we always have one anyway. They do provide transportation to/from WDW but it's not convenient to everyone if you know what I mean. It's on THEIR schedule.

For the price you can get it for (if you buy the RIGHT way like we did), you cannot beat it and it blows DVC out of the water. There are some things--as far as the program--where I feel they are lacking compared to DVC but they aren't anything which has caused us any problems.

Anyway, I can explain how we bought it so inexpensively if you want to know. No tricks. Nothing crazy. Just common sense. Just PM me, this isn't the place for the discussion.