I am part of the problem with high resort rates

[Sargeant Tibbs]

Good luck getting a good rate on a rental car. If you have to Uber everywhere, the total cost could end up just as much as the crazy high hotel rates.

I've heard how crazy getting rental cars has been. Also flights being canceled even after passengers have boarded. Luckily we live close enough to drive.

 

[JoelB]

One thing that I read over and over on this board (and elsewhere) that I hope we all realize is self-defeating is booking reservations many months in advance and then praying that the Almighty Mouse will bless us with discounts, but then begrudgingly going even if they don't (or if the discounts aren't very good). I know lots of people can't wait until discounts are released to start making travel plans because of work/school, but if Disney can fill their hotels without a discount, they aren't going to offer one just to be nice.

Refusing to book anything until you're offered a "good" deal is the clearest signal you can give Disney when it comes to pricing. And if that deal doesn't come along this year, or even next? There are plenty of other wonderful ways to spend your vacation.

Stop capitulating and make Disney meet you halfway.

 

[notatallmagic]

One thing that I read over and over on this board (and elsewhere) that I hope we all realize is self-defeating is booking reservations many months in advance and then praying that the Almighty Mouse will bless us with discounts, but then begrudgingly going even if they don't (or if the discounts aren't very good). I know lots of people can't wait until discounts are released to start making travel plans because of work/school, but if Disney can fill their hotels without a discount, they aren't going to offer one just to be nice.

Refusing to book anything until you're offered a "good" deal is the clearest signal you can give Disney when it comes to pricing. And if that deal doesn't come along this year, or even next? There are plenty of other wonderful ways to spend your vacation.

Stop capitulating and make Disney meet you halfway.

That was always our plan pre-Covid, but we had airfare vouchers that had to rebooked, or we forfeited thousands of dollars (no refunds, just vouchers). I re-booked our Disney resorts to match the new airfare, and hoped for discounts. We were/are out of state Passholders, and I absoutely HATE driving at Disney, so Magical Express for us was very magical, and we've always stayed on site. I'd never heard of a year/season without a nice Passholder Discount.

We are headed to Disney at the end of July for our last airfare re-book trip - with no Passholder Discount. We will let our passes expire, and take a break from Disney. I cannot fathom many/most of the decisions they've been making, so we are voting with our feet.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

One thing that I read over and over on this board (and elsewhere) that I hope we all realize is self-defeating is booking reservations many months in advance and then praying that the Almighty Mouse will bless us with discounts, but then begrudgingly going even if they don't (or if the discounts aren't very good). I know lots of people can't wait until discounts are released to start making travel plans because of work/school, but if Disney can fill their hotels without a discount, they aren't going to offer one just to be nice.

Refusing to book anything until you're offered a "good" deal is the clearest signal you can give Disney when it comes to pricing. And if that deal doesn't come along this year, or even next? There are plenty of other wonderful ways to spend your vacation.

Stop capitulating and make Disney meet you halfway.

This is so well said. Think back to all the deals that were being offered during the recession in 2008. Buy 4 park days, get 7.
35% off hotel rooms. Universal offered buy one year AP, get a 2nd year free.
The difference is now people are starved for a vacation and the feeling of normalcy. What better place to revive those warm, fuzzy feelings than WDW? As long as there is high demand, we'll see high prices. Eventually we'll all get it out of our system and it will balance out.
I've been twice now since March and I think I'll go back to paying down our mortgage. We are sooo close, probably mid-October. We'll celebrate with a quick trip somewhere but it won't be Disney.

 

[georgina]

One thing that I read over and over on this board (and elsewhere) that I hope we all realize is self-defeating is booking reservations many months in advance and then praying that the Almighty Mouse will bless us with discounts, but then begrudgingly going even if they don't (or if the discounts aren't very good). I know lots of people can't wait until discounts are released to start making travel plans because of work/school, but if Disney can fill their hotels without a discount, they aren't going to offer one just to be nice.

Refusing to book anything until you're offered a "good" deal is the clearest signal you can give Disney when it comes to pricing. And if that deal doesn't come along this year, or even next? There are plenty of other wonderful ways to spend your vacation.

Stop capitulating and make Disney meet you halfway.

Or just stay offsite. My last 2 Disney World trips were Oct 2019 and Feb 2020, very reasonably priced off-site stays.

 

[jujubiee4]

Well, the new USA Today theme park poll lists the Magic Kingdom at #9, the ONLY Disney park to place in the top 10 in their best theme park poll for 2021! Wonder if that little snub may be part of the solution!

That poll is suspect. Sea World Orlando #1 really? Even above Universal?

If you just google the #1 amusement park ...Magic Kingdom comes up first. That is because Trip Advisor
rated it most popular. Well yeah with those crowds lol but is it really the best?

 

[Kestryl]

I'm officially a dark side convert. My husband and I took our first trip to Universal a few weeks ago, and everything Harry Potter is incomparable to anything at any theme park anywhere. The food was, especially at Citywalk, so much better than what Disney has to offer, and surprisingly cheaper. Mythos was hands down the best meal I've ever had in a theme park, and I dare say better than some of the signature meals I've had at Disney.

We stayed at Cabana Bay and were impressed with the pools and amenities, and I agree the rates at their deluxe resorts are much more appealing, especially with the express pass perk. We're considering a stay at Royal Pacific in a year.

We have a Disney trip coming up in a few weeks, and I managed to sneak in one day at Islands of Adventure last minute. Hagrids and Forbidden Journey are the best rides I've ever ridden.

Count me as another person who jumped ships- we have an 8-night stay at Cabana Bay coming up, in summer, including two Saturday nights, and it’s $1200 for a family suite with kitchenette. That includes taxes.

 

[Eastern]

I admit, I am paying $750 a night for my Oct 1 stay at the Poly. It seems insane but I'm justifying that my cousin is splitting the cost. It does make a hotel stay anywhere else feel like a bargain!!

CR is >$1,000/night for that weekend, Th Fri Sat

 

[Rick195275]

all stars music was $250-275 in November 2021 when I first looked!

What!? Now that’s nuts!

You should try Universals deluxe resorts. Then you’ll really be hooked! Lol.

I’m just curious what you found so superior about universal deluxe? I’ve stayed disney deluxe enough, only stayed Royal Pacific once but was pretty let down. Honestly don’t find either to be truly deluxe or worth their price tags in comparison to deluxe resorts elsewhere.

 

[Esmerelda]

I agree with many others. We have been planning a trip to Disney for about 7 months now. The room prices are very high. We did Universal about 2 years ago and had a super great time. Our hotel (Royal Pacific) was beautiful and the food we had was all very good. I’ve checked their prices for the same time for this year. A big difference. We may just end up at USF. We also have a cruise booked in late September (rescheduled from last September). Our 7 day cruise is costing much less than a trip to Disney would and we have a balcony cabin. That speaks volumes. I am not one of those people willing to pay $500+ just to see Disney. That is the cheapest rate for our week, no thanks.

 

[Belles bakery]

We have ALWAYS stayed club level. This year my husband won’t even go. So it’s just me and my mom. But we are staying at all star movies. Yep that’s right. We are paying 170 a night. I refuse to pay 700 or more a night for a hotel where I’m not even getting housekeeping. That’s crazy. My min and I used to take the kids to the all stars and it was always fun. So off we go. Really the only reason I’m going is because it’s the 50th after this I’m not sure I’ll go again for a long long while. But I also think if you are going to Disney you have to just realize you are overpaying on everything and just enjoy the experience. Don’t think about the money it ruins it for sure.

 

[enchantedpixiedust]

Figured I'd chime in because I'm on the struggle bus with this.

We're all over the place with resort stays with it pretty evenly split between V/M/D. The last couple years renting DVC points has let us stay at the Polynesian for a great rate that was about equivalent to Pop/AoA at the time. (which is crazy) As I'm sitting here looking for a quick November trip and possibly a week in January I just can't get myself to do it. I just can't believe that for $500 you're not even in a pool view room at AKL. It just makes me sad. We typically have two rooms so it really adds up.

I get on Airbnb and see these houses with TONS of amenities for the same or less than most of the Disney resorts and I just think it's time. We Lyft to the parks usually anyway so not much of a change there but it just hurts my heart to stay off property as stupid as that sounds.

When we go other places besides WDW I'm always shocked at how much we get for less than what we would be paying for a deluxe at WDW. Honestly if they do implement the pay to play for Fastpass this might be the nail in the coffin for us booking anything other than a deal on a value on property or renting points.

I wish it didn't have to be this way. We spend so much money on merch and food/bar which we don't mind at all so to be gouged on resort stays just is depressing.

 

[epcotobsessed]

I wish it didn't have to be this way. We spend so much money on merch and food/bar which we don't mind at all so to be gouged on resort stays just is depressing.

This is a huge part of it for us as well. Food and drink prices are so inflated, especially at most TS restaurants, that at some point, charging huge amounts for the room as well is going to tip the scales against going. Clearly, we are all still in the minority since Disney is apparently having no trouble selling out, but I do wonder how much longer that will last.

 

[Sue M]

What!? Now that’s nuts!


I’m just curious what you found so superior about universal deluxe? I’ve stayed disney deluxe enough, only stayed Royal Pacific once but was pretty let down. Honestly don’t find either to be truly deluxe or worth their price tags in comparison to deluxe resorts elsewhere.

i find in general the Universal resorts across the board in all levels offer more In terms of level of service and amenities. Phone the desk to ask for something, the phone call actually goes to front desk, and it’s in your room in minutes. At RP I phoned to ask for wine glasses, I don’t think it took over 10 min. Try doing that at any WDW deluxe. I’ve also phoned down for other things and every time it was brought to room promptly. Purchases appear in your room, don’t have to wait in line at gift shop, love the pool lounge chair fitted covers, the fruit water by the pool, sunscreen provided, etc No sharing boats or busses with other resorts!
RP is their lowest tier deluxe, but still pretty nice and great service. It’s all the little touches too.
And compare what Cabana Bay or any Universal value offers vs Pop or AllStars. The difference is glaring.
Off course you’re right, theme park hotels are always more expensive than off site. You do pay for the convenience. But less so at Universal.

I agree with many others. We have been planning a trip to Disney for about 7 months now. The room prices are very high. We did Universal about 2 years ago and had a super great time. Our hotel (Royal Pacific) was beautiful and the food we had was all very good. I’ve checked their prices for the same time for this year. A big difference. We may just end up at USF. We also have a cruise booked in late September (rescheduled from last September). Our 7 day cruise is costing much less than a trip to Disney would and we have a balcony cabin. That speaks volumes. I am not one of those people willing to pay $500+ just to see Disney. That is the cheapest rate for our week, no thanks.

Keep checking rates. Unlike WDW, Universal room rates, like other hotels go up and down. And the earlier you book, the rate tends to be lower. The Seasonal rate is the highest. Stay More Play More discounts have discount on sliding scale according to length of stay. If you’re going to Universal for 4+ days it’s probably worth it to get an AP. And try for AP room rate. I think they come out 60 or 90? Days ahead. I can’t remember.

 

[Rick195275]

i find in general the Universal resorts across the board in all levels offer more In terms of level of service and amenities. Phone the desk to ask for something, the phone call actually goes to front desk, and it’s in your room in minutes. At RP I phoned to ask for wine glasses, I don’t think it took over 10 min. Try doing that at any WDW deluxe. I’ve also phoned down for other things and every time it was brought to room promptly. Purchases appear in your room, don’t have to wait in line at gift shop, love the pool lounge chair fitted covers, the fruit water by the pool, sunscreen provided, etc No sharing boats or busses with other resorts!
RP is their lowest tier deluxe, but still pretty nice and great service. It’s all the little touches too.
And compare what Cabana Bay or any Universal value offers vs Pop or AllStars. The difference is glaring.
Off course you’re right, theme park hotels are always more expensive than off site. You do pay for the convenience. But less so at Universal.


Keep checking rates. Unlike WDW, Universal room rates, like other hotels go up and down. And the earlier you book, the rate tends to be lower. The Seasonal rate is the highest. Stay More Play More discounts have discount on sliding scale according to length of stay. If you’re going to Universal for 4+ days it’s probably worth it to get an AP. And try for AP room rate. I think they come out 60 or 90? Days ahead. I can’t remember.

Any suggestion for finding a decent deal for Presidents’ Day week? I’m trying to add a day or 2 there in a deluxe to our trip right now and even on Tuesday or Wednesday I’m only seeing $500-600 rooms. I’ve been checking for a while now, they have not gone down. Hoping for an AP discount but also worried by the time they drop inventory will be gone so don’t want to wait much longer to at least have a room if we are doing it.

Editing to add, I’ve had differing success with Disney. With grand Floridian with any type of request I made there, like the ones you’re talking about, it was done in 10 mins or so. Definitely not the case at bay lake tower or poly while under refurb anyway. I’m not sure I would blanket Disney’s deluxe just like I wouldn’t universal. Like I said my universal experience is limited but wanting to change that

 

[Dis Dragon]

Yeah, the list is a little crazy. I like BG Williamsburg but to say it's better than MK is a massive stretch.
Opinions are like ah holes, everybody has one. That list is simply their opinion. It sure wouldn't be mine.
Best Amusement Park Winners (2021) | USA TODAY 10Best

I would be interested in seeing what the original list was these "experts" widdled it down to. They should have posted the polling they did and what demographics they drew it from.

 

[Heather07438]

$250 is our max for moderate. We like moderates but if we’re gonna pay $300 then I might as well rent DVC. Our last 5 room costs:
AKV-Sav DVC rental April 2018 $250/nt
AoA Studio March 2019 $170/nt
OKW cash 1BR early Dec 2019 $300/nt
DVC rental split stay*-
BCV Studio Jan 2021 $280/nt (weekday)
Poly Studio Jan 2021 $380/nt (weekend)

Next: BWV Sept 2021 $144/nt DVC rental
WDW looking out for itself $
we’ll do the same

*When booking we didn’t know Covid was coming. That’s the major obstacle most people have with DVC rental… lack of flexibility; locked in. But the trade off is usually worth it, especially if we can get a deluxe room for a value price. Plus DVC doesn’t charge for resort parking or extra adult heads. Those can really add up! Up to an extra $100/nt on the cash side.

 

[Heather07438]

Or just stay offsite. My last 2 Disney World trips were Oct 2019 and Feb 2020, very reasonably priced off-site stays.

Tickets and food still get us, even with a great room rate. Our trip is the cheapest time of year and we’ll still end up spending over $250 person/day just in WDW costs (not including airfare or car rental, etc).

This is what Bob Chapek is going after… making it very hard to avoid high per capita spending no matter which strategy we use to visit. The park experience better still deliver at these prices.

 

[jennyq87]

Sheesh, I didn't realize Value rates had gotten up that high. Our very first stay ever was at one of the All Stars ~10 years ago and I want to say it was like $110/night?!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Sheesh, I didn't realize Value rates had gotten up that high. Our very first stay ever was at one of the All Stars ~10 years ago and I want to say it was like $110/night?!

Yeah our first onsite stay was All Star Sports in November 2001. We paid $49/nt.
Nowadays, the tax on rooms is more than that.