Florida residents unite!

[cyb]

I wanted to start a thread for Florida residents, I guess it wouldbe a place to vent about how Disney is giving the shaft to us residents. I mean no more 7 day no expiration day tickets, if we buy 3 and 4 day tickets we have blackout days, and they expire 6 months from first use, the whole month of July for instance we can't go unless we buy a 1 day ticket, hotels are offering less discounts for us and the discounts always come out last for us so we get what room categories that are left over. Parents have to pay the same amount for 3 year old as if they were an adult for an annual pass.I mean what is going on here? Sorry I'm a little annoyed so please don't be too hard on me. I'm sure there are more things I've overlooked, please feel free to add to my rant and tell me how you feel.

 

[chartle]

I wanted to start a thread for Florida residents, I guess it wouldbe a place to vent about how Disney is giving the shaft to us residents. I mean no more 7 day no expiration day tickets, if we buy 3 and 4 day tickets we have blackout days, and they expire 6 months from first use, the whole month of July for instance we can't go unless we buy a 1 day ticket, hotels are offering less discounts for us and the discounts always come out last for us so we get what room categories that are left over. Parents have to pay the same amount for 3 year old as if they were an adult for an annual pass.I mean what is going on here? Sorry I'm a little annoyed so please don't be too hard on me. I'm sure there are more things I've overlooked, please feel free to add to my rant and tell me how you feel.

All I can say is it looks like WDW is following DLR's lead and trying to restrict resident AP's and discounts.

I guess they feel like they don't need to give locals as much of a discount or deals to try to fill the parks during what traditionally were slow times. It seems like they are taking that marketing money and putting it towards stuff like free dining.

Remember they are not charging you more just giving you less of a discount.

 

[andyman8]

I was just thinking about starting one, so thanks!

There is a lot (99% of it) of Disney that I like, but one thing that always seem to frustrate me is ticket increases. This year, though, the increases for FL Residents were monstrous. No more 1-Day Trips for me. No more 5, 6, or 7 Day trips for me. No more July visits. No more December visits. No more spring beak visits. It, in my opinion, is just stupid.

I saw this coming, though, because Universal instituted a similar thing for FL Residents back in early 2011. They had blackout dates for their FL tickets and, then, made us wait in an hour long line to get them. This was our only option to get them. So, I saw Disney doing this eventually.

It comes down to this. With an increased number of international travelers and more and more out-of-state guests coming, they simply don't need us anymore than the others. Back when air travel was still expensive and less people lived in Florida, they needed us, now that is no longer the case. There will be a lot of upset FL Residents, though.

We all ought to write emails to GS or call them up.

Email: wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com
Phone: (407) 560-2544

 

[cyb]

I guess they feel like they don't need to give locals as much of a discount or deals to try to fill the parks during what traditionally were slow times. It seems like they are taking that marketing money and putting it towards stuff like free dining.

Remember they are not charging you more just giving you less of a discount.

I've never used the free dining, they are charging more, they increased ticket prices and for a child's annual pass it costs the same as an adult.

 

[cyb]

I was just thinking about starting one, so thanks!

There is a lot (99% of it) of Disney that I like, but one thing that always seem to frustrate me is ticket increases. This year, though, the increases for FL Residents were monstrous. No more 1-Day Trips for me. No more 5, 6, or 7 Day trips for me. No more July visits. No more December visits. No more spring beak visits. It, in my opinion, is just stupid.

I saw this coming, though, because Universal instituted a similar thing for FL Residents back in early 2011. They had blackout dates for their FL tickets and, then, made us wait in an hour long line to get them. This was our only option to get them. So, I saw Disney doing this eventually.

It comes down to this. With an increased number of international travelers and more and more out-of-state guests coming, they simply don't need us anymore than the others. Back when air travel was still expensive and less people lived in Florida, they needed us, now that is no longer the case. There will be a lot of upset FL Residents, though.

We all ought to write emails to GS or call them up.

Email: wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com
Phone: (407) 560-2544

Thanks for having my back Andyman! also thanks for the link, I will be sending them an email, I used to go several times a year, now I'm down to once a year all because they have no use for us locals, didn't we help them become what they are today? Where is the love for us residents. Sorry but Disney is beginning to loose the magic for me.

 

[PeterPan09]

The one day ticket is the most expensive ticket for FL residents, always has been. I would never advise a resident to buy one.

FL residents still pay far less than our visitors do, and most of us spend less when we do go to the parks. We don't buy as much in the way of souvenirs because we're right here. Those of us who live really close don't even buy much food there.

Disney knows that FL residents aren't what is keeping their profit going, so they really don't feel the need to cater to us in any way.

 

[chartle]

I've never used the free dining, they are charging more, they increased ticket prices and for a child's annual pass it costs the same as an adult.

But is it still cheaper than a non res regular child AP? And again as long as the prices are cheaper than for everyone else is still a discount whether or not you are paying more.

I know you are maybe "upset" but you are still getting deals and discounts that that non FL res don't get. Disney gives you these deals because you are close and in the past filled in times that were slower than normal. Also you get these deals with shorter notice because they know you can maybe plan these trips with shorter notice. If you can't take advantage you just pay what everyone else pays.

Sorry if this sounds a little harsh but, Disney doesn't have to give you these deals, they do because they know it helps fill the parks.

 

[andyman8]

But is it still cheaper than a non res regular child AP? And again as long as the prices are cheaper than for everyone else is still a discount whether or not you are paying more.

I know you are maybe "upset" but you are still getting deals and discounts that that non FL res don't get. Disney gives you these deals because you are close and in the past filled in times that were slower than normal. Also you get these deals with shorter notice because they know you can maybe plan these trips with shorter notice. If you can't take advantage you just pay what everyone else pays.

Sorry if this sounds a little harsh but, Disney doesn't have to give you these deals, they do because they know it helps fill the parks.

I'm guessing you're not an FL Resident? You do have a valid point, but Disney has been giving the FL discount for many, many, many years, now, and most FL Residents look at it as a perk for them and, yes, it has become somewhat of an "expectation." That being said, there are TWO valuable assets to Disney that FL Residents have. One is recurring visits, because FL Residents live close they can come more often. The second one is value-season visits. Most FL Residents can take a weekend and use it to go to Disney, whereas out-of-staters must pay for airfare.

 

[tarheel618]

I agree with you. You are forced to buy an annual pass if you want to go for more than 1 day during summer or winter. It is too costly to buy single day tickets to go more than one day and the blackout dates added to 3 and 4 day tickets and the removal of 5-7 day tickets was over the top for me.

We have annual passes now that expire at the end of July. We won't be renewing. Legoland, SeaWold, Bush Gardens are all within driving distances as well and still offer good discounts for Florida Residents. We decided we're going to take a break from Disney.

 

[cyb]

But is it still cheaper than a non res regular child AP? And again as long as the prices are cheaper than for everyone else is still a discount whether or not you are paying more.

I know you are maybe "upset" but you are still getting deals and discounts that that non FL res don't get. Disney gives you these deals because you are close and in the past filled in times that were slower than normal. Also you get these deals with shorter notice because they know you can maybe plan these trips with shorter notice. If you can't take advantage you just pay what everyone else pays.

Sorry if this sounds a little harsh but, Disney doesn't have to give you these deals, they do because they know it helps fill the parks.

What about eliminating the non expiration option all together for us Florida residents? They are basically telling us what time year to go and how many days we should staywhen we get there by making our 3&4 day tickets expire within 6 months of first use. No you don't sound harsh but you do sound like a Disney sheep that will follow the corporate muckety mucks without question. I'm not saying I'm entitled to special treatment but it does look pretty obvious that the Disney big shots are really screwing the Fl residents with these new rules. I mean if you're out of state you can still buy 10 day nonexpiration tickets with no block out dates right?

 

[budmonster]

The one day ticket is the most expensive ticket for FL residents, always has been. I would never advise a resident to buy one.

FL residents still pay far less than our visitors do, and most of us spend less when we do go to the parks. We don't buy as much in the way of souvenirs because we're right here. Those of us who live really close don't even buy much food there.

Disney knows that FL residents aren't what is keeping their profit going, so they really don't feel the need to cater to us in any way.

I completely agree; I for one don't look a gift horse in the mouth. I am very greatful for what discounts they do give to us Florida residents. They are not required to give us a discount at all. I am just greatful for what get...there may come a time in the future where there is no such thing as a Florida resident discount at all.

 

[vicki_c]

That being said, there are TWO valuable assets to Disney that FL Residents have. One is recurring visits, because FL Residents live close they can come more often. The second one is value-season visits. Most FL Residents can take a weekend and use it to go to Disney, whereas out-of-staters must pay for airfare.

The problem with this though, is that FL residents are not spending the $$ in the parks and at the resorts that out of town guests do, so Disney would rather cater to the out-of-towners. I used to be a FL resident as well and our trips to the park were dirt cheap compared to what we spend now from 900 miles away - not counting getting to the parks at all. We stayed off-site (we lived on the Space Coast), ate less in the parks, never bought souvenirs, never did any park extras like fireworks cruises or signature dining.

So all those frequent visits from locals just aren't making Disney the same kind of money they make from the less frequent visitor.

 

[vicki_c]

What about eliminating the non expiration option all together for us Florida residents? They are basically telling us what time year to go and how many days we should staywhen we get there by making our 3&4 day tickets expire within 6 months of first use. No you don't sound harsh but you do sound like a Disney sheep that will follow the corporate muckety mucks without question. I'm not saying I'm entitled to special treatment but it does look pretty obvious that the Disney big shots are really screwing the Fl residents with these new rules. I mean if you're out of state you can still buy 10 day nonexpiration tickets with no block out dates right?

You too can purchase the same 10 day no-expiration tickets, you will just pay the same price as everyone else. No one is stopping you from doing that. You don't have to purchase FL-resident tickets at all.

 

[andyman8]

I completely agree; I for one don't look a gift horse in the mouth. I am very greatful for what discounts they do give to us Florida residents. They are not required to give us a discount at all. I am just greatful for what get...there may come a time in the future where there is no such thing as a Florida resident discount at all.

My friend, this time is closer than it may appear. I encourage you to take a close look at those blackout dates. Anytime of the year when I have the opportunity to travel is "blocked." Mind you, I will have a freshmen and sophomore in high school, next year, so pulling them out of school for a Disney trip is ludicrous. Really, they are not giving us ANY discount unless we come during the less popular times of the year when, quite frankly, we are busy.

 

[chartle]

1. What about eliminating the non expiration option all together for us Florida residents? They are basically telling us what time year to go and how many days we should staywhen we get there by making our 3&4 day tickets expire within 6 months of first use.

2. No you don't sound harsh but you do sound like a Disney sheep that will follow the corporate muckety mucks without question.

3. I'm not saying I'm entitled to special treatment but it does look pretty obvious that the Disney big shots are really screwing the Fl residents with these new rules.

4. I mean if your out of state you can still buy 10 day nonexpiration tickets with no block out dates right?

1. Yes that's exactly what they are doing its called marketing. They are trying to push you to ceratin slow times to fill the parks. SAme reason you can get a great deal on a car in the winter (at least up in the north) or an memorial day.

2. Really, no I'm looking at it from a slightly more objective position. I could have just as much posted "Non FL residents unite" why should FL residents get discounts I can't get?

3. Really see below.

4. I'm very confused you mean you are restricted from buying the same 10 day NE ticket that "the rest of us" can buy?

I'm really really really trying to keep this from being a

but everything you are saying is that you are entitled to a discount because you live in Florida.

 

[kandb]

I am from NY and to be honest, I think you Florida residents should be happy disney decided to build their parks in your state. You know how much tax money the state makes off of disney? I don't but I am sure it is ALOT! Here in NY, we don't get discounts at local attractions or hotels because we live in the state. I will be honest, I never understood why disney gave Florida residents a discount anyway.

 

[budmonster]

What about eliminating the non expiration option all together for us Florida residents? They are basically telling us what time year to go and how many days we should staywhen we get there by making our 3&4 day tickets expire within 6 months of first use. No you don't sound harsh but you do sound like a Disney sheep that will follow the corporate muckety mucks without question. I'm not saying I'm entitled to special treatment but it does look pretty obvious that the Disney big shots are really screwing the Fl residents with these new rules. I mean if you're out of state you can still buy 10 day nonexpiration tickets with no block out dates right?

They are not telling you what time of year to go and how many days you should stay. They are simply saying that if you, as a FL resident, choose to go this time of year we will offer you a courteous discount as a florida resident. If you choose not to go this time of year....buy the regular priced ticket or an annual pass. If you go to Disney that much then purchasing an AP would make a lot more sense, then you can go whenever you feel like and not have to cater to Disney's schedule.

 

[cyb]

4. I'm very confused you mean you are restricted from buying the same 10 day NE ticket that "the rest of us" can buy?

I'm really really really trying to keep this from being a

but everything you are saying is that you are entitled to a discount because you live in Florida.

I'm not saying I couldn't buy a non resident ticket all if I want to pay full price (which I obviously don't) I'm saying is Disney is becoming controlling over us Florida residents telling us when we can go by blocking out dates if we choose to buy a Florida resident ticket.

 

[budmonster]

My friend, this time is closer than it may appear. I encourage you to take a close look at those blackout dates. Anytime of the year when I have the opportunity to travel is "blocked." Mind you, I will have a freshmen and sophomore in high school, next year, so pulling them out of school for a Disney trip is ludicrous. Really, they are not giving us ANY discount unless we come during the less popular times of the year when, quite frankly, we are busy.

You are taking Disney change in Florida resident tickets way to personal. They don't know that you are "busy" during the most popular travel times. The only way Disney is looking at this is from a financial point of view; what is the best way to make the most money off of FL residents. You could look at it this way if FL residents get all hot and bothered about this change and stop buys FL tickets Disney could just take away the discount all together, then the little tatrum that the FL resident threw would just backfire in their face.

I'll say it again...I am very greatful for the discounts they do give us because we are not entitled to a discount just because we live here.

You want to not have to worry about Disney telling you when to go... buy an AP, not only do you get to go when you feel like it you also get free parking and discounts at certain food places, discounts on merchandise, and discounts on hotels.

 

[andyman8]

Hate to break it to all you "Disney can do no wrongers" but FL Resident discounts have become an industry standard meaning that the only reason they haven't removed them completely is that they would receive an unimaginable amount of negative PR from residents and competitors. Disney should offer a year-round discount for FL Residents. It has been that way for nearly 40 years and that is how it should continue.