Hard to cancel arrangements. But after that...

[tvwalsh]

I think, if I am an example, that the effect on WDW attendance will come several months from now.

I have reservations for January at OKW. These reservations were made 11 months ahead. My Milwaukee airline tickets to MCO are non-stop flights that cost me a total for two tickets of $222.50. One at 217.50 and a "free" companion fare at $5.00.

I have an annual pass that is good through January and we have tickets left over to cover my wife.

Even though I thought of cancelling this trip, I decided to go ahead because it will not be expensive and we have been looking forward to it.

Will we be buying another annual pass? Probably not.
Will we pay the new high airline fares for another trip in 2009? Probably not.
Will Disney notice a drop in attendance next year. Probably!

 

[bobbiwoz]

For whatever reason, perhaps the economy and the falling price of oil, our Boston branch was recently able to get Delta Tickets for May for about $229 per person. This is less than they have paid for the upcoming November trip on AirTran. Both are on non-stop, good time, flights. They are a family of 5 and good prices are very important!!!!

I hope the economy bounces back. The US needs jobs, Florida needs our support! We intend to keep going to WDW. We have 4 major WDW trips with our family and friends between now and the end of May!

Bobbi

 

[helenk]

Airfare has started to become a bit more reasonable again, at least SW has been pretty good lately. My sister decided to go with me in January and the cost round trip is down to $179.00 not too bad considering it had been as
high as $278.00. Of course I'd love to see it back down to $123.00 again.
With the DVC discount the cost of the AP is a pretty good bargin, so I can honestly say WDW will be still be getting my business next year.
I have a trip planned to Disneyland in May and back to WDW in June.

 

[Boardwalker]

I feel that my patterns for vacations will be changing too.
Instead of having the annual pass and going a few shorter trips each year, I will probably just make one longer trip, and bank some points for a change.
I will save a bit on airfare and the car services and wait for a better financial outlook before I return to my more carefree habits. I may get the shakes every four months or so,, but it will be for my own good.

 

[hakepb]

I would think everything would eventually balance out.
Owners that are farther away may start taking less-frequent, longer trips and closer members may take more frequent short trips..

It is a fact that WDW attendance is down. I wonder what (low in-park revenues) it would take for WDW to start offering discounted ticket and dining packages to DVC members as they stop paying for park days and food to, instead stay in their lovely resorts, making their own food in their kitchens. Or DVC members start travelling off-site for more affordable food and entertainment..

 

[ccigliano]

Actually - I think it may encourage me to go more often. Travelling to far off places like Hawaii and Aruba is even more cost prohibitive. But if I buy my DVC annual pass, pay under $200 for airfare, pack oatmeal, bagels and peanut butter and jelly - do some good buffets for a late lunch / early dinner, I'll be ahead of the game. After all no hotel fees per night, no rental car fees or gas no matter how much it is per gallon. Boy I'm ready to book three or four trips in 2009 and I get 5 weeks vacation next year. That's it I'm calling DVC in the morning.

 

[simzac]

Vacations are a very important part of our lives, and I believe DVC members will continue to go to WDW and the other sites. This is where the prepaid vacation idea will really help out. JMO