DVC Members and the economy

[mitros]

Just wondering, would it be safe for me to assume that DVC members are less affected by the supposed bad economy when taking vacations because they already have paid for the DVC membership and will go no matter what? We have made numerous trips to WDW, and it is always crowded, apparently not affected by the present so-called economic problems.

 

[JimC]

According to Orlando Sentinel article, 2009 will see the worst fall-off in tourist tax revenues ever. And the other key indicators are also negative -- passenger traffic at MCO, hotel occupancy rates, hotel average nightly rates, sales tax revenue and attendance.

I can tell you that this is very bad news for central Florida economy. I've been in the parks most every weekend this year. My impression is that attendance is lower.

DVC may be more likely to go as you suggest, but many may also be more likely to bank points for next year. We will go because we live in Orlando and there are minimal travel costs for us, but we will likely spend less.

 

[tay72699]

We were just there May 25-28 and it was busier than usual for that time of year. After speaking with a few CM's and visitor's we found that it has a lot to do with the special offers -- buy 4 nights get 3 free. We also did the 3 night cruise and it was packed with the Kids Sail Free special. I'm sure that the Free Dining will be pulling more visitors in that would not have been going if it wasn't for the Free Dining.

 

[florep1]

I called this morning to try to add 2 days to our upcoming trip and there was no availability in any of the resorts at all. Was looking for a studio or a 1BR. I thought the economy was in bad shape. Where are the empty rooms?

 

[mitros]

I called this morning to try to add 2 days to our upcoming trip and there was no availability in any of the resorts at all. Was looking for a studio or a 1BR. I thought the economy was in bad shape. Where are the empty rooms?

That's what we are wondering. While we are not "local", we are about an hour and a half away, and go regularly, {day trips} but it is beginning to be a problem, because it seems like there are more people there then ever. We also are having a hard time attempting to get a DVC reservation for a day or two anywhere, which is why we are making day trips. But that will have to stop as we are tired of the traveling for just one day. And as a side note, we used to spend a LOT of money at resorts and shops, but by going less we will certainly be spending less.

florep1, when is your trip that you cannot add days?

 

[fers31]

I was there the first week of May and found it to be busier than normal as well. Interesting....

 

[Chic]

I have a good friend who works in EPCOT and he claims that attendance is not down at all. Disney has provided discounts as an incentive for guests to visit and as a result, attendance is good but profits are down. I like this strategy because it allows families to visit a great place and leave their worries at home for a few days.

 

[jboysen]

I think, in my personal opinion, if the economy is as bad as they say, Disney will be more affected by it next year. Many people plan trips a year in advance. Last year at this time the talk of a bad economy was just starting. People may still be going for the buy 3 get 4, but may not be spending as much in merchandise. This is all just my thoughts on the subject. As for DVC, it has helped us, because we will be making 2 trips this year, and we are in MN.

 

[beccasmom]

I think that everyone is affected by the economy in one way or another, even those of us fortunate enough to be holding on to our jobs at this time. Prices are spiking for everything and we are being much more mindful of our finances.

Having said that, our DVC membership has been paid off for quite a while and we are not having any problems paying our ongoing maintenance costs. Our largest expense for our WDW trips is the transportation, although we are lucky enough to travel from an airport that has SWA, so fares stay fairly competitive. We normally visit at least once a year and slip in another trip if a great airfare is available. We will be visiting this year in late August. We last visited in late June last year and the parks were quite busy at that time (as one would expect). We have been wondering how the economy is affecting the theme parks. I too believe the special deals that Disney is offering are assisting many families who would otherwise not visit WDW right now.

 

[mitros]

I have a good friend who works in EPCOT and he claims that attendance is not down at all. Disney has provided discounts as an incentive for guests to visit and as a result, attendance is good but profits are down. I like this strategy because it allows families to visit a great place and leave their worries at home for a few days.

BUT.......... can you really enjoy yourself when the lines for virtually everything are the longest they have ever been? And fast passes are not that good if there are record numbers of bodies on property. And the free dining thing they are running fills the restaurants, and it is very difficult to get dining reservations. A vacation is supposed to be fun, not a lot of work, not a lot of standing around waiting for food or a ride or a show.
No, WDW as a vacation has become a lot of work.
At one time, it was truly a wonderful place to take a vacation. Not any more, as far as we are concerned.

 

[Chic]

I agree that the parks are busy which results in crowded restaurants and long waits at the attractions. I am a school teacher and always have to travel during times of year when the parks are crowded. Can I still enjoy my trips? Absolutely! We just make advance dining reservations, use Fastpass, get to the parks right when they open to minimize wait times, eat lunch exactly when the counter service restaurants open to avoid long waits, head back to whichever wonderful DVC resort we are staying at in the mid afternoon to relax in the pool or work out in the gym, head back to the parks in the early evening to enjoy dinner, cooler temperatures, shopping and the fireworks.

 

[cogero]

We actually find ourselves spending more time enjoying the hotel more and more as DVC members. We have scheduled pool time and taking it easy.

 

[florep1]

Although I was not successful in getting those 2 days at any of the DVC resorts, we'll be staying at the Dolphin instead using SPG points so no worries there. We have a 2 week vacation ahead of us so crowds or no crowds, we will have fun. We have ADRs booked, and pool days at BCV and Kidani.

 

[Anal Annie]

Just wondering, would it be safe for me to assume that DVC members are less affected by the supposed bad economy when taking vacations because they already have paid for the DVC membership and will go no matter what? We have made numerous trips to WDW, and it is always crowded, apparently not affected by the present so-called economic problems.

Oh we've been pretty affected by the economy. I have been unemployed for over a year now and DH's company went thru lots of layoffs (tho he has been spared so far) before raising the out of pocket cost for our health insurance and raising its co-pays...that was before handing out paycuts across the board.

It makes us REALLY grateful to have our DVC membership. It is something we're hoping to hang onto and use to the fullest. I think more members are trying to take advantage of their pre-paid accomodations & not travel out of the country so much. Although it may shave a little bit off the bottom line, I also think the latest Disney promotional offers for non-DVC'ers have been pretty effective at beefing up the attendance. Perhaps more people are trying to travel off-season too. I think there are a lot of factors involved.

 

[mitros]

Although I was not successful in getting those 2 days at any of the DVC resorts, we'll be staying at the Dolphin instead using SPG points so no worries there. We have a 2 week vacation ahead of us so crowds or no crowds, we will have fun. We have ADRs booked, and pool days at BCV and Kidani.

OK, but when is your vacation? June, July?

 

[florep1]

OK, but when is your vacation? June, July?

last week of june, first week of july

 

[photobob]

We went to Vero Beach this year instead. just got back from a great trip. Originally we decided to go for a change of pace, but as it turned out our finances this year really wouldn't allow a trip to WDW. We wouldn't have had the money to purchase passes this year. If things don't pick up we'll go to Vero again next year.