I am part of the problem with high resort rates

[Avery&Todd]

I'm part of the problem too - booked a full price 1 br room @ VGF for November since we're out of DVC points....and I'm waiting for Disney to announce their Christmas party, or whatever version it is so I can book that too.....and I renewed our APs..

We were at Disney last Oct (BLT), Dec (CCV) and this past Feb (CCV) and stayed on our DVC points, and while I will say that we did not get the beds made at all - we did get fresh towels at least once each stay, our trash was collected every day from inside the room, and when we called for coffee service it was brought up promptly...

We didn't experience a lot of the issues that other folks have listed before - maybe it varies by resort but it should be standard across the Disney properties..

DH and I have realized that with the changes the last year has brought we have decided we like a few of them..

1. We don't mind the bed isn't made - we pull up the covers in the morning and we head out the door!
2. We don't mind that housekeeping doesn't come in except to take out the trash - then I can leave my stuff out and I know it won't be moved or in someone's way
3. We were HUGE Deluxe Dining plan fans - and we probably won't go back to that at all - I just save up Disney gift cards and we order what we want off the menu and use either DVC/AP discount when we can.

and with the talk about the FP+ situation, I might even buy a FP or two... but I am hoping that they give us a free one or two!

 

[Brob2132]

It's definitely getting harder than it was the past few times we went, but I still find that flexibility is king to getting a good deal on a room rate. I usually have a two month period I'm interested in, and a category of resorts I'm interested in. I know not everyone has that flexibility.

We ended up getting the GF September 18-25th for ~ $550 a night. It was also up over $1000 for the other seven weeks that we looked at. There were several other resorts as well that we considered, but just takes constant checking.

 

[Eastern]

DH and I have realized that with the changes the last year has brought we have decided we like a few of them..

1. We don't mind the bed isn't made - we pull up the covers in the morning and we head out the door!
2. We don't mind that housekeeping doesn't come in except to take out the trash - then I can leave my stuff out and I know it won't be moved or in someone's way

I feel the same way. Trash/towel service daily is good for me. I can call if someone dumps a box of crackers on the floor and I need a vacuum service.

Long ago, hotels used to change your sheets daily or every other. Now it's once a week. Especially in these times, I don't need someone to just straighten the covers; I'd rather do it myself.

 

[Avery&Todd]

I feel the same way. Trash/towel service daily is good for me. I can call if someone dumps a box of crackers on the floor and I need a vacuum service.

HA! For our stay at CCV in February, we did laundry and "someone" had a tissue in their pocket and when I took all the clothes out of the dryer there was tiny tissue pieces ALL OVER THE FLOOR - I couldnt find a broom, so I just got on my hands and knees and swept it with a paper towel.

it was a hot mess situation! A quick sweep up by housekeeping would have been better, but we did as best as we could!

(ok, it was ME, I had the tissue in my pocket.... )

 

[Princessclab]

We’re booked at Pop for 9 nights starting December 23 through New Years. We knew it would be expensive, but we’re at $4,635 with park hoppers. That comes out to $515/day before food.

It’s totally insane, but we decided this might be our last trip to WDW for a long time, so we bit the bullet. They’ve officially priced us out, and that’s a value hotel. We could have done a week in Hawaii all inclusive for less than that.

So I agree, at least for this year, I feel like we are part of the problem as well.

I am just trying to understand this, especially since this is at prime Holiday time.
Is the 515/day per person, if not how many people are included?
Is this just hotel and the park hoppers? How many days on the tickets?
How can you do Hawaii for 9 nights for less than $4635 including entertainment? Does this include airfare?
I did not know Hawaii has all inclusives, can you tell me where that is? It would be good info for me for future vacations.
My intent is strictly to get information from others on how they get good vacation prices.
Thx.

 

[Princessclab]

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.

This all really only applies if you want to go to Universal and think it is a comparable experience.
I do not. Tried it, we are one and done. I know I am not alone but we also do not go to Disney several times a year like some do.
It's not only about how much things costs sometimes.
Glad you found something that works for you.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

The way I justify still going with the outrageous rates is that we don't go every year. We are every 2-3 year people. We also don't do family trips to WDW anymore. Our last family trip was 2015. Since then my son has been on his senior trip and I took DD alone. Next trip will be just DD and myself also. After that SO and I want to do a trip together around the time DD is on her senior trip. So paying for two people is much easier on the budget. In the off time we do other trips and go other places that is much easier on the budget. Now looking at ticket prices for next November made me lose my breath for a second. 8 day hopper are over $700. That made me cringe more than the moderate room rates (CBR over $300 I'm looking at you!).

I don't think I will be doing deluxe next trip because the prices are outrageous. We did rent DVC once and it was awesome. Renting DVC now makes me nervous due to all the changes Disney makes. If they cut something that I value I would want the option to cancel. With DVC that isn't there.

 

[Princessclab]

So, in June, we called and asked, and..."not our day".

We did put the bagged garbage outside (food containers from our on-site resort dinner. Almost every single room had garbage outside. Looked totally trashy. AND then the next day we got the resort guest text that they'd spotted a BEAR nearby...hmmmm, wonder why? I've tent camped my entire life, and all that garbage is total animal bait. Seems like a pretty avoidable problem to me.

I wonder what would happen if you brought it to the front desk?
Just sayin.....
Isn't garbage sitting around considered a public health hazard?

 

[Mango7100]

We are finishing up an 8 day stay at the Four Seasons over July 4. We paid $5200 for 8 nights including taxes by booking one of their specials. That seems cheaper than staying at some of the deluxe s, and the service blows Disney out of the water. Twice daily room service with a treat left in the room every night for our kid, a kids club that’s free during the day so adults can enjoy some kid free time, the pools aren’t crowded and the pool complex is twice as big as SAB but services 1/3 of the room capacity. We watched the Epcot fireworks every night from our balcony and didnt even get the more costly Park view room. Seeing this place makes it hard to see how Disney can charge $700 a night for some rooms and take away a lot of the perks or basic things like taking out trash...

 

[enchantedpixiedust]

It's very sad to see a beautiful resort with garbage sitting outside everyone's door. That is not what I expect from a Motel 6, let along a Disney resort where I was paying almost $400/night.

I'm going to second this. Our last Poly stay it was really noticeable with the trash sitting in the walkways from rooms. It sticks in my head because someone had shrimp and left the bags outside their rooms one evening and they were still there when we came back from the park the following afternoon. Minimum they should be checking and picking up for trash outside rooms. It's just unacceptable...and I'm not hauling my trash anywhere to dispose of it besides the hall if we're spending $500 a night. I won't do it.

 

[HashberryOTG]

First off, I understand room rates are awful right now. I think we're up against a lot of things.

Everything right now is a peak time, because demand is so high.

Late fall/winter discounts have not yet been announced. We don't know if they will have them or what they might be. If you expect to get a reservation, you have to book before this announcement. How many will drop or change their reservation if there are no discounts? I will.

Some of these posts are comparing a discounted rate from 10+ years ago to a rack rate room during a peak time. That's no where near a fair comparison.

Personally I'm hoping for winter discounts and better housekeeping for my stay. If that doesn't happen I'll have to decide if I reschedule my entire vacation or just stay off site. Frustrating to say the least. (And off topic for this thread OMG tell me the F&W menus already!!! )

 

[notatallmagic]

First off, I understand room rates are awful right now. I think we're up against a lot of things.

Everything right now is a peak time, because demand is so high.

Late fall/winter discounts have not yet been announced. We don't know if they will have them or what they might be. If you expect to get a reservation, you have to book before this announcement. How many will drop or change their reservation if there are no discounts? I will.

Some of these posts are comparing a discounted rate from 10+ years ago to a rack rate room during a peak time. That's no where near a fair comparison.

Personally I'm hoping for winter discounts and better housekeeping for my stay. If that doesn't happen I'll have to decide if I reschedule my entire vacation or just stay off site. Frustrating to say the least. (And off topic for this thread OMG tell me the F&W menus already!!! )

Winter discounts will absolutely make or break our plans.

We have out of state Annual passes that expire this winter. Depending on kids' school/sports schedules, we have a tentative resort week booked for late February/early March that would finish out our Annual Pass year (for us, the last two months won't work for kids).

So, at almost $300 a night for Pop as is, with added costs for whatever the new transportation is, and unknown airfare, we are looking at over $4,000 for an off-season week at Disney at a value resort - and we've already paid for Annual Passes!

For us, that's a comparable price to a cruise, a very nice ski vacation, something Caribbean, or even an obscure European trip. And that's a a VALUE resort with limited/no housekeeping and simple meals and groceries/packed meals.

I have the pressure of the sunk costs for the passes, but this is the Disney pricing reality. We LOVE our Disney experiences and memories, but the cost is completely unreasonable.

 

[Sue M]

This all really only applies if you want to go to Universal and think it is a comparable experience.
I do not. Tried it, we are one and done. I know I am not alone but we also do not go to Disney several times a year like some do.
It's not only about how much things costs sometimes.
Glad you found something that works for you.

Thanks! Yes we do love universal. Disney is not the same for me anymore. That’s not to say I’ll never return, just that more of our trips will be Universal now.

The way I justify still going with the outrageous rates is that we don't go every year. We are every 2-3 year people. We also don't do family trips to WDW anymore. Our last family trip was 2015. Since then my son has been on his senior trip and I took DD alone. Next trip will be just DD and myself also. After that SO and I want to do a trip together around the time DD is on her senior trip. So paying for two people is much easier on the budget. In the off time we do other trips and go other places that is much easier on the budget. Now looking at ticket prices for next November made me lose my breath for a second. 8 day hopper are over $700. That made me cringe more than the moderate room rates (CBR over $300 I'm looking at you!).

I don't think I will be doing deluxe next trip because the prices are outrageous. We did rent DVC once and it was awesome. Renting DVC now makes me nervous due to all the changes Disney makes. If they cut something that I value I would want the option to cancel. With DVC that isn't there.

Wow! $700 is what I used to pay for an AP! But when they raised them to over $1000+ I no longer have one, and reduced trips. We used to go 2x a year.
I do DD trips too, so much fun. unless I get a whopping deal, no more deluxe for us. May look into the Disney Springs hotels. One of the Hilton’s that has the lazy river!

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Thanks! Yes we do love universal. Disney is not the same for me anymore. That’s not to say I’ll never return, just that more of our trips will be Universal now.

Wow! $700 is what I used to pay for an AP! But when they raised them to over $1000+ I no longer have one, and reduced trips. We used to go 2x a year.
I do DD trips too, so much fun. unless I get a whopping deal, no more deluxe for us. May look into the Disney Springs hotels. One of the Hilton’s that has the lazy river!

My bad. It was actually 9 day hoppers for 1471 for two. I just looked and 8 day hoppers are 1440 for two. I almost passed out when I saw that. They are a few bucks cheaper on UCT which makes them just under 700 each for a 9 day hopper. Still crazy high.

 

[notatallmagic]

I've been reading lots of Disney discussion like these posts, and for us, it was always the ambiance - the "magic" of Disney that started with ordering the MagicBands and having that package come in the mail; the truly Magical Express (no driving or navigating or parking); the (often free) Dining Plan where you could order whatever you wanted, and the epic Disney service and those magical little touches.

The year before Covid (at least for us) I started to notice some differences; but now - every decision Disney has been making seems wrong to me - as a frequent guest. I'm not ok having a dirty room, and having to ask 3 times for a few clean towels; and overflowing garbage? Blech. We spend virtually no time in our room, so I cannot fathom paying Deluxe rates for a room we only sleep in just to have the same magical night hours I used to get for free. But here I am, hoping.

Just for fun, I checked prices for Cedar Point resorts in August. For those unfamiliar, Cedar Point is arguably a more exciting amusement park, especially if you're a roller coaster person. The location is beautiful, surrounded by Lake Erie and a very nice beach and waterpark. I get it's not Disney (they have Snoopy characters), but as a comparison - our annual Gold Pass (including park, waterpark, parking, and discounts) was $150/person vs. over $1100 for a Disney annual passes. And for Covid, CP gave us all an extra year at no cost - vs. the Disney Annual Pass nightmare. $900 more per person is a big number.

Resorts - the Beachside Hotel Breakers, which is quite beautiful, and I'd say comparable to a Moderate, runs $855 for a 3 day August weekend WITH park tickets for 4 in August. Their very nice cabins for 6 (nicer and never than Disney's version IMO) are $960 for a 3 day August weekend with park tickets. Again - that rate includes park tickets! For the same August weekend, Caribbean Beach with tickets for 4 would be $2700; the cabins at Disney with tickets for 6 would be $3100. Cedar Point Resort guests don't pay for parking, and all hotel guests get free early park access. There are no transporation issues; everything is an easy walk.

We've been a Disney family for years; and Cedar Point is practically in our backyard, but for most families, is the "new" Disney (no Fastpass, no early hours, transportation issues, limited/no housekeeping, overwhelmed Castmembers, dining challenges) in any way worth paying a 300-400% markup? The extra special magic was always worth is for us; but the "new" Disney...not so much. That makes me sad.

 

[Rick195275]

I've been reading lots of Disney discussion like these posts, and for us, it was always the ambiance - the "magic" of Disney that started with ordering the MagicBands and having that package come in the mail; the truly Magical Express (no driving or navigating or parking); the (often free) Dining Plan where you could order whatever you wanted, and the epic Disney service and those magical little touches.

The year before Covid (at least for us) I started to notice some differences; but now - every decision Disney has been making seems wrong to me - as a frequent guest. I'm not ok having a dirty room, and having to ask 3 times for a few clean towels; and overflowing garbage? Blech. We spend virtually no time in our room, so I cannot fathom paying Deluxe rates for a room we only sleep in just to have the same magical night hours I used to get for free. But here I am, hoping.

Just for fun, I checked prices for Cedar Point resorts in August. For those unfamiliar, Cedar Point is arguably a more exciting amusement park, especially if you're a roller coaster person. The location is beautiful, surrounded by Lake Erie and a very nice beach and waterpark. I get it's not Disney (they have Snoopy characters), but as a comparison - our annual Gold Pass (including park, waterpark, parking, and discounts) was $150/person vs. over $1100 for a Disney annual passes. And for Covid, CP gave us all an extra year at no cost - vs. the Disney Annual Pass nightmare. $900 more per person is a big number.

Resorts - the Beachside Hotel Breakers, which is quite beautiful, and I'd say comparable to a Moderate, runs $855 for a 3 day August weekend WITH park tickets for 4 in August. Their very nice cabins for 6 (nicer and never than Disney's version IMO) are $960 for a 3 day August weekend with park tickets. Again - that rate includes park tickets! For the same August weekend, Caribbean Beach with tickets for 4 would be $2700; the cabins at Disney with tickets for 6 would be $3100. Cedar Point Resort guests don't pay for parking, and all hotel guests get free early park access. There are no transporation issues; everything is an easy walk.

We've been a Disney family for years; and Cedar Point is practically in our backyard, but for most families, is the "new" Disney (no Fastpass, no early hours, transportation issues, limited/no housekeeping, overwhelmed Castmembers, dining challenges) in any way worth paying a 300-400% markup? The extra special magic was always worth is for us; but the "new" Disney...not so much. That makes me sad.

So interested in making a trip to cedar point! Still trying to gather some info on it but we are a huge coaster family and it’s definitely a trip we want to make

 

[Sue M]

I've been reading lots of Disney discussion like these posts, and for us, it was always the ambiance - the "magic" of Disney that started with ordering the MagicBands and having that package come in the mail; the truly Magical Express (no driving or navigating or parking); the (often free) Dining Plan where you could order whatever you wanted, and the epic Disney service and those magical little touches.

The year before Covid (at least for us) I started to notice some differences; but now - every decision Disney has been making seems wrong to me - as a frequent guest. I'm not ok having a dirty room, and having to ask 3 times for a few clean towels; and overflowing garbage? Blech. We spend virtually no time in our room, so I cannot fathom paying Deluxe rates for a room we only sleep in just to have the same magical night hours I used to get for free. But here I am, hoping.

Just for fun, I checked prices for Cedar Point resorts in August. For those unfamiliar, Cedar Point is arguably a more exciting amusement park, especially if you're a roller coaster person. The location is beautiful, surrounded by Lake Erie and a very nice beach and waterpark. I get it's not Disney (they have Snoopy characters), but as a comparison - our annual Gold Pass (including park, waterpark, parking, and discounts) was $150/person vs. over $1100 for a Disney annual passes. And for Covid, CP gave us all an extra year at no cost - vs. the Disney Annual Pass nightmare. $900 more per person is a big number.

Resorts - the Beachside Hotel Breakers, which is quite beautiful, and I'd say comparable to a Moderate, runs $855 for a 3 day August weekend WITH park tickets for 4 in August. Their very nice cabins for 6 (nicer and never than Disney's version IMO) are $960 for a 3 day August weekend with park tickets. Again - that rate includes park tickets! For the same August weekend, Caribbean Beach with tickets for 4 would be $2700; the cabins at Disney with tickets for 6 would be $3100. Cedar Point Resort guests don't pay for parking, and all hotel guests get free early park access. There are no transporation issues; everything is an easy walk.

We've been a Disney family for years; and Cedar Point is practically in our backyard, but for most families, is the "new" Disney (no Fastpass, no early hours, transportation issues, limited/no housekeeping, overwhelmed Castmembers, dining challenges) in any way worth paying a 300-400% markup? The extra special magic was always worth is for us; but the "new" Disney...not so much. That makes me sad.

It makes me sad too. It’s not the same Disney of past years. I started noticing changes a few years ago, and every year there’s more cut backs some subtle, some obvious. I just don’t get the same feeling about Disney anymore. And we loved Disney. This new giving less but charging more business practice has made me feel ripped off.

 

[jamescanuck2001]

Just a note that as Disney raises prices, they will likely also make good discounts available. The whole special offer marketing gimmick.

 

[neary]

I've been reading lots of Disney discussion like these posts, and for us, it was always the ambiance - the "magic" of Disney that started with ordering the MagicBands and having that package come in the mail; the truly Magical Express (no driving or navigating or parking); the (often free) Dining Plan where you could order whatever you wanted, and the epic Disney service and those magical little touches.

The year before Covid (at least for us) I started to notice some differences; but now - every decision Disney has been making seems wrong to me - as a frequent guest. I'm not ok having a dirty room, and having to ask 3 times for a few clean towels; and overflowing garbage? Blech. We spend virtually no time in our room, so I cannot fathom paying Deluxe rates for a room we only sleep in just to have the same magical night hours I used to get for free. But here I am, hoping.

Just for fun, I checked prices for Cedar Point resorts in August. For those unfamiliar, Cedar Point is arguably a more exciting amusement park, especially if you're a roller coaster person. The location is beautiful, surrounded by Lake Erie and a very nice beach and waterpark. I get it's not Disney (they have Snoopy characters), but as a comparison - our annual Gold Pass (including park, waterpark, parking, and discounts) was $150/person vs. over $1100 for a Disney annual passes. And for Covid, CP gave us all an extra year at no cost - vs. the Disney Annual Pass nightmare. $900 more per person is a big number.

Resorts - the Beachside Hotel Breakers, which is quite beautiful, and I'd say comparable to a Moderate, runs $855 for a 3 day August weekend WITH park tickets for 4 in August. Their very nice cabins for 6 (nicer and never than Disney's version IMO) are $960 for a 3 day August weekend with park tickets. Again - that rate includes park tickets! For the same August weekend, Caribbean Beach with tickets for 4 would be $2700; the cabins at Disney with tickets for 6 would be $3100. Cedar Point Resort guests don't pay for parking, and all hotel guests get free early park access. There are no transporation issues; everything is an easy walk.

We've been a Disney family for years; and Cedar Point is practically in our backyard, but for most families, is the "new" Disney (no Fastpass, no early hours, transportation issues, limited/no housekeeping, overwhelmed Castmembers, dining challenges) in any way worth paying a 300-400% markup? The extra special magic was always worth is for us; but the "new" Disney...not so much. That makes me sad.

All of this. My 5-year-old twins got the FREE pre-K season passes for Cedar Point this year. I bought the gold pass for myself. For less than $150 (they just raised the price, but it was about $147 with tax when I bought it last month), all three of us can go to Cedar Point for the rest of the summer/ fall season. At WDW, I spent that much for one character breakfast at Topolino's.

We live close enough to CP that we don't need to stay at a resort (though we might try it sometime... it's very beautiful there). My kids like it more than WDW because there are almost no lines for the Kiddy Kingdom rides, and they can ride those by themselves. We spent so much time standing in line at WDW in May that we could only go on 4 or 5 rides before they were exhausted and ready to go back to the hotel. We have another trip to WDW planned for December, when Cedar Point is closed, but there's basically no way I would ever consider going to WDW during the Cedar Point season. The value just isn't there.

As a kid, I stayed at the Contemporary with my family multiple times in the early 1980s. It felt like a decent middle-to-high end hotel, like a Hilton or a Hyatt, but not some kind of super-luxurious resort or anything. It is $954/ night (before taxes) for our December trip dates. That is madness! There is no way I would pay that (and it certainly wasn't priced like that a generation ago, because my parents wouldn't have paid that much either). I've stayed in fancy hotels in some of the most expensive cities in the world for a third of that price or less. We're renting points at OKW instead (which worked out to be cheaper than staying at ASM or Pop for those dates).

We're also going to try Universal in November and see how we like it. The resorts seem much more reasonably priced. And getting express passes included with our stay at RPR sounds pretty nice. The value proposition just makes more sense to me than what WDW is offering.

 

[empedocles]

Just a note that as Disney raises prices, they will likely also make good discounts available. The whole special offer marketing gimmick.

Not if the hotels are meeting projected capacity at rack rates. (Such as the last quarter of this year...)