fuel charge will be felt, rates may end up dropping

[A Mickeyfan]

I just read this in the Orlando Sentinel. After reading the article that I read from my newspaper last week where it stated that most of Orlando's tourist had been domestic & they may be cutting down on trips due to fuel costs. This article is showing how much the International fights are going up due to the fuel increases. Domestic flights aren't as bad, but I can see it happening...The gas prices may really end up hurting tourism as did 9/11

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busi...2,0,6811167.story?coll=orl-business-headlines

 

[smraynor]

We may have to cut down on some of our Florida jaunts if gas keeps going up!

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I live about 3 hours away & I am thinking about the same thing. It use to take me under $25 round trip. My last trip up in July ran me just under $40....I can just imagine what it will be for Labor Day....gas usually goes up for that weekend anyway! Yes, I know that is nothing compared to flights, and longer drives, but it does add up....You figure the extra gas prices & if Disney isn't going to release any discounts other than the Best Rate Program, that will definatly add up

 

[chyam]

Oh and I too have thought about it and I am only 90 minutes away, many times I would go up to EPCOT for the Flower Power Concerts on the Eat to the Beat ones, and to have dinner, but I think if gas keeps going up I will chose more wisely since I am driving a "pig"

 

[C.Ann]

If the gas crunch continues and the cost of fuel continues to rise, you'll see Disney doing some very fancy footwork to get people into their resorts.. The whole "free dining" thing was based on the problems they had last year due to all the hurricanes, so I wouldn't be surprised if they came up with something equally creative.. We just have to sit tight and wait and see..

 

[bizeemom4]

How about a new Best Rates Program in which your mileage from WDW is directly related to the amount of discount you receive on rooms and dining?! That's about dumb enough for them to promote as their next best idea.

 

[C.Ann]

How about a new Best Rates Program in which your mileage from WDW is directly related to the amount of discount you receive on rooms and dining?! That's about dumb enough for them to promote as their next best idea.

---------------------------

Throw in a web site reservation system that only works when it wants to, a bunch of employees that don't have a clue what the program is all about, a non-refundable deposit of the family car and I think you've got a winner!!

 

[bizeemom4]

Now you're thinkin'!

Oh - I know. The catchy slogan can be "Book your Best Rate TODAY! Because tomorrow, it may be lower."

That makes about as much sense as the whole B.R. program (but that's a whole different thread).

 

[mickeysaver]

Gas prices are hurting me. I have a truck. My honey has a truck. Our gas milage at best is about 19mpg. Our gas budget for our December trip is about $110 right now. God only knows how much that might need to increase before December. When I originally planned the trip, we were looking at about $70 for gas, which was bad enough, but I am currently booked as a room only with the AAA discount. I am praying for some other discount to happen. I know that $40 is not a deal breaker with a Disney vacation budget of over $3000, but it's just not making it as easy for us to save for Disney either. If things get much worse, we are going to have to cut back a day or two of the trip. Maggie

 

[Juligan]

What is the cost of gas in Florida right now anyway? It's 2.46 here.

 

[ironz]

fun and helpful site... www.gasbuddy.com
If you click around on there, you can find a place to make comparisons between your town or state and Orlando.

And you can find the least expensive gas in your area, if covered.

 

[katallo]

Two of our neighbors just told me that they cancelled trips in November and January to WDW because of gas prices. They each have small children so driving was much more affordable and convenient. When I think about taking strollers and baby equipment on vacation, I can understand why they don't want to fly. It will definitely affect tourism.

 

[MrsNick]

Here's an idea for Disney to respond to drops in tourism as result of higher fuel prices. Expand Magical Express to include cheap charter flights from large cities. Hand your bags to the Disney folks before the start of your flight, and don't worry about 'em 'til you get to your room...Heh heh.

 

[HLAuburn]

Interesting article.

I wonder what % of DW visitors drive there vs the % that fly. Anyone know?

 

[yooperfan]

Gas prices in upper michigan are at $2.80. My DH's truck took $55. to put in a half tank. It's cheaper to fly to DW for us right now.

 

[webray]

What is the cost of gas in Florida right now anyway? It's 2.46 here.

I paid $2.75 a week ago, we are in South Florida. The orlando area is always cheaper than us when it comes to gas, well when it comes to everything..lol.
Can't wait to move back up there.

 

[Marthasor]

Here's an idea for Disney to respond to drops in tourism as result of higher fuel prices. Expand Magical Express to include cheap charter flights from large cities. Hand your bags to the Disney folks before the start of your flight, and don't worry about 'em 'til you get to your room...Heh heh.

I don't think that is far fetched at all! Hey, they now cornered the ground transportation market with ME and the car service companies in Orlando are up in arms - Could you imagine if they DID expand ME to include air travel in the package. If it worked smoothly that would be AWESOME!! Character in-flight dining!! Sign me up!