I'm really mad... Disney is going to lose my business!!!

[Mich Mouse]

This is the DIS...Let's extend the magic of WDW to one another!

Feel the LOVE.

 

[Lilolvr]

Isn't the 4/3 discount available to anyone? How much more do you want than that? That's a 40% discount plus $200 gift card.

 

[CanadianGuy]

Isn't the 4/3 discount available to anyone? How much more do you want than that? That's a 40% discount plus $200 gift card.

Technically.. 43%. which for a 7 day trip is a better deal than the 40% discount etc.

 

[GrumpyFamilyof5]

Isn't the 4/3 discount available to anyone? How much more do you want than that? That's a 40% discount plus $200 gift card.

wow you really get the $200 gift card as well?? Didn't know that, guess I need to read up on it. I'd love to do this 4/3, but we're going to Disney 4/5 days then the other 2 we're going to Universal. I almost would like to say staying at Disney longer with the card is worth it, but I've heard that staying onsite for Universal is your best bet as far as lines.....
oh, so much to think about, so little time, better get my coffee and get to work

 

[nbodyhome]

Agreed.

Disney is a great value, We love it and find no reason to complain.

As a passholder (and I've been going to WDW for over 30 years, former TA, etc.), I realize that discounts are given when there are rooms available.

If Disney is booked, then there aren't many discounts. As someone said, supply and demand. September usually has more discounts than any other time, because kids are back to school and there are many rooms available.

 

[DWFan4Life]

Why do you feel that you deserve something? I have been to WDW many times and never felt I deserved anything. You have to pay to play. If you don't want to pay rack rates on the weekends then don't go. Disney is in business to make money. It's up to them to offer the discounts. I don't see the point in arguing and complaining about it. Many people go without any discount codes and free dining.

Yes, it depends to Disney if when they will offer discounts and it's up to us to figured it out and grab that thing. Well, I have been to WDW too and it's worth it for me. My kids really love going there.

 

[Charleneluvsdisney]

Well I am disappointed with the non-AP discounts for the weekends also. We are DVC, and point stretchers, so staying on the weekend with the AP was the way to go.

We are now going back to our pre AP days and are using Priceline on the weekends.

I will be staying at the Hyatt Grand Cyprus for $84 a night instead of $135 for Pop. I hope the Hyatt is nice, as I will never pay $135 a night for Pop!

 

[rt2dz]

As a summary to this thread (on-topic)…

I buy the APs because we go every year for 10 days. The second trip is always before the expiration of the AP, so we get in two years (20 days) off one ticket. It’s the cheapest way to go; especially since we would never be without the hopper option.

I have no problem with people who buy APs to get discounts on rooms. I just think it is silly to buy in advance in hopes of future AP room discounts. I also think it is fine to buy an AP for the free parking if staying offsite if the ticket and paying for parking would cost you more money in the long run. I have no problem with people you buy the AP for other perks, such as the savings of getting a Tables in Wonderland card. Of course, in these cases you only need one AP. The point is it is smart to run the numbers all across the board to see how you pay the lowest bottom line.

Our last few trips we didn’t use the AP discount. GP codes saved us more money. I basically have 11 tickets for our family of 5 (and the “baby” just turned 3 after our last trip) sitting around because we’ve been getting packages. And no free dining, as that costs us more money than a room only discount and paying for dining OOP. Yup, a package with tickets cost less than a room with the AP discount even though we didn’t need tickets. Oh well.

If Disney’s prices are getting too high, go offsite. That will send them the biggest message loud and clear. People still coming into their parks, but not their resorts. They may not lower their rates, but they might quit raising them. Yes, I prefer to be onsite too. But what perks do you use? The busses? Many offsite hotels offer transportation. Maybe a good deal on a rental car with the lower hotel rate (and still free parking with that AP lol) will still save you money. Packages can be delivered to the front of the park, and then you’ll get them that night without a trip to the gift shop required. You’ll be encouraged to eat offsite, saving you money. You want the EMHs? Stay at the Hilton! Actually, since doing away with the wrist bands, the clogging and encouragement of offsite guests to stay and shop (and many slipping on rides), I don’t even think it is all that worth it anymore. And all the good touring advice says to avoid EMH anyhow.

Disney has been cutting back on everything, not just AP perks. The AP perks being cut down doesn’t bother me anywhere near as much as the level of service that is going downhill.

 

[StrwLady]

wow you really get the $200 gift card as well?? Didn't know that, guess I need to read up on it.

The gift card is only give if you book the 4/3 on select dates.

From Disney's web site...

Plus, when you travel between 2/9 - 3/29/09, you'll also get a $200 Disney Gift Card

 

[tinkfan4ever]

I also hate that the AP discount is only for Sun-Thurs ressies! Also, EMH in the morning has been a joke for our last 8 trips. (past 3 years). Not once were we ever asked to show our room keys to get in early to the parks (and I'm talking being the first ones in line to open the park). Staying off-site is becoming a greater option with the prices of the values getting so expensive. Yes we do use the disney buses (and will continue to do so since we are ticket holders) but we also have free parking at the parks with our APs. I think Disney will lose a lot of quick weekend trips from AP holders which could hurt their business. They'd make a lot more money giving a room only discount for AP holders, get them at the resort spending money and at the parks spending money. Maybe when the freebee offers go away they will start it again. I know even at Christmas and New Years in 08 they weren't as busy as 07. Time will only tell..... for me it's only 5 months till we are closer to the mouse and won't need a hotel room anymore. YEAHHHHH!

 

[dclfun]

I agree, but it's just especially hard for DVC members who count on AP rates to finish out the week once they leave their villa. I'm not saying all DVC members do this, but many choose not to waste points with expensive weekend rates and move to other resorts on Friday and Saturday.

That's what I said before that is actually likely the reason that AP discounts have changed to exclude weekends. Many DVC members are also AP holders who try to maximize their points by staying Fri/Sat nights with cash (that would be me too). This then leaves the resorts with space to fill on Sun-Thursday and guests who wish to pay cash for a week unable to find weekend availability. I'm sure many local guests are also AP holders who come for a weekend and thus the same issue occurs. I figure blocking weekend discounts makes better financial sense for WDW- DVC members are still likely to pay more for weekend cash ressies to conserve their points and locals will still come on the weekend to enjoy the resorts/parks on their days off work. I've now tried to look at the weekly rate for my DVC vs. cringing everytime I see the difference between S-Th vs. Fri-Sat points or just realize that often I'll pay more or have to downgrade my resort choice if I'm paying cash for the weekends.---Kathy

 

[Big Nana 212]

Hello again DIS friends....

I am less mad today after sleeping on it. I think once the initial shock wore off I could see things more in perspective. But I have to admit I do feel a little bit like Clark Griswold when he opened up his Jelly of the Month Club. When you are use to having an AP discount for all nights of your vacation, and then they suddenly cut out the weekends, it is a bit shocking. But I guess nothing in life is for sure. We went ahead and booked Pop Century. It's not really what I want, but since we are only there a couple of days before spending a week in a 2-bedroom villa I really don't have anything to be upset about. The kids love Pop, so they are excited.

Only 68 days to go!!!

Hi Erika,

Ah, yes! Pop Century....my value resort of choice. Stayed there Sun thru Tues before moving to OKW earlier this month. $49 on AP discount!

 

[DISNEYSIX]

OK, so let's say that Disney gives you AP holders, vets and others who deem they "deserve" a better rate what you want and they go bankrupt? Are you happy now? Maybe WD sees you AP holders as the equivalent of their stock holders and since you obviously reaped extra benefits of a good economy, it is now time to suck it up and get less benefits given the bad economy. I would imagine that once the economy improves and WD's profits rise, your extra AP perks will return. As for me, I am just happy that WD has survived the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and that my 4 kids will be able to visit and experience the magic this September (3 for the first time).

 

[CRZY4DIS]

Am I reading correctly that veterans or those of "inactive" duty, such as ones who fought in the Vietnam war are excluded from this discount?

 

[vettechick99]

It's a sad, sad day when even the people starring in the Disney Travel Channel shows can't get good discounts! Erika, you need to call those producers and shake things up!



We will be there the first weekend of March and there are no discounts for us - unless we can swing the 4/3 promotion which we can't (just a weekend trip).

After 25+ trips onsite, this may be my first one staying off!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I'm right there with you, TigrLvsPooh, I'm so disgusted with this weekend blackout! I'm going to book the Dolphin for my weekend days, and I almost never stay in a non-Disney resort. I'm sorry, but $150+tax/night for Pop?! They gotta be kidding me! I can get the Dolphin for $165+tax/nt.

I'm always surprised when someone posts how disappointed they are with a promotion, and half the respondents say "gee, you should just be glad you get to go!"; or, "hey, you should just be thankful you get any discount at all!" They cite the fact that Disney is a business for this "you should kiss their shoes" theory! Well, we have our own business, and nobody comes into our business and says "hey, I don't care if you're givin' the guy down the street a discount, but not me - charge me whatever you like, I'm just thankful you let me come in here at all!" Ridiculous.

Yes, Disney is a business. Yes, the economy is tough. All the more reason that most travel destinations are offering more discounts, not less! I don't know anyone who isn't trying to maximize their bang-for-the-buck. Most AP holders understand they aren't guaranteed a discount; but it's a slap in the face to offer one that is so much less than other discounts for the same period.

I bought my APs this time around just two days before the 4/3 deal was offered - two days! I couldn't believe my bad luck! The 4/3 deal is offered to everyone, yes (as a pp pointed out); but if you are an AP holder, you have to pay for tickets that you won't use, at least for another year. I called to ask if I could return my AP vouchers, since they were unused, but no dice. I could almost hear them saying "tough cookies, you missed the boat" - kinda like a lot of the comments on this thread!

Can you tell I'm kinda peeved? Sorry! Rant over.

 

[frisco]

People with no AP, who are doing the 4/3 deal are getting a much better price than I am and I've been to WDW 4 times in the last year. That makes no sense. I'm already stuck with 1-day tickets from last October I was forced to buy so I could do the Bounceback offer. It's just a lot of nonsense.

I have an AP, but I don't hold a grudge against people whose 4/3 deal worked out better.

I don't know. I always look for the best offer and I do think Disney's pricing difference for different guests is very poor, but what's the point in complaining? It is what it is. I can either deal with it or go someplace else. I still feel as though no matter how much I spend at Disney, it's a better deal than many other places.

 

[rt2dz]

I'm right there with you, TigrLvsPooh, I'm so disgusted with this weekend blackout! I'm going to book the Dolphin for my weekend days, and I almost never stay in a non-Disney resort. I'm sorry, but $150+tax/night for Pop?! They gotta be kidding me! I can get the Dolphin for $165+tax/nt.

I'm always surprised when someone posts how disappointed they are with a promotion, and half the respondents say "gee, you should just be glad you get to go!"; or, "hey, you should just be thankful you get any discount at all!" They cite the fact that Disney is a business for this "you should kiss their shoes" theory! Well, we have our own business, and nobody comes into our business and says "hey, I don't care if you're givin' the guy down the street a discount, but not me - charge me whatever you like, I'm just thankful you let me come in here at all!" Ridiculous.

Yes, Disney is a business. Yes, the economy is tough. All the more reason that most travel destinations are offering more discounts, not less! I don't know anyone who isn't trying to maximize their bang-for-the-buck. Most AP holders understand they aren't guaranteed a discount; but it's a slap in the face to offer one that is so much less than other discounts for the same period.

I bought my APs this time around just two days before the 4/3 deal was offered - two days! I couldn't believe my bad luck! The 4/3 deal is offered to everyone, yes (as a pp pointed out); but if you are an AP holder, you have to pay for tickets that you won't use, at least for another year. I called to ask if I could return my AP vouchers, since they were unused, but no dice. I could almost hear them saying "tough cookies, you missed the boat" - kinda like a lot of the comments on this thread!

Can you tell I'm kinda peeved? Sorry! Rant over.

I have to say, that is part of the reason I never buy APs in advance. Actually, I don't buy AP vouchers at all. I buy MYW tickets at a discount (usually something the day I leave & then pick-up at a broker’s will call) and then upgrade after first use.

I also don't begrudge the way they discount. Some stores give discounts to frequent shoppers. Some give to anyone on a mailing list. Some give to those who don't buy often, but are in the database to bring them in. Any way they choose to discount is fine. Not all businesses do discount at all.

However, their prices are high, and I don't believe I should be happy "just to be there." Please. They're getting my money and in this economy they should be extra happy about that. But I have choices. Staying onsite isn't what it used to be with all their budget cuts. Really, the dining plan isn't very cost effective (for us), I use the package delivery isn't that great since you still have to pick it up at the gift shop after 3 PM the next day, we always have a car and there are other modes of transportation for those that don't and EMH will the new system is slow--I'd rather avoid the crowds.

 

[maxiesmom]

Maybe I'm strange, but I only plan on going to Disney when I can afford to pay for it without having to depend on getting a future discount. Which may or may not happen.

Disney does not have to give anyone any kind of discount. None of us are entitled to one. Do you go yell at the grocery store for having a Saturday only sale, and you want to buy groceries on Wednesday? Do you go down to the local bar at 10pm and yell at them for having to pay full price when they had early bird drink specials earlier in the day?

You know, I could be bitter too. I am planning 2 short trips to Disney this year. I have received both a pin code in the mail, and the e-mail for the $500 off. And I can use neither of them for my trips! The dates are all wrong! Out of the 2 trips I am taking, I could get a discount on 1 night. One. But I don't blame Disney for my misfortune, and I don't think they owe me a discount.

I also own 2 different Disney passes right now. One is a 10 day hopper that has 2 days left on it. One is a 4 day hopper that I didn't use (cause I already had the other pass) that I am upgrading to an AP this July. But it isn't Disney's fault that I will have a pass with 2 days left on it sitting in my dresser drawer for at least another year. It was my choice, no one forced me to purchase a pass.

Sorry, you can be mad if you want to. but I think it is silly to be mad at Disney for not offering an AP discount that suits you, when AP discounts are not promised at any time!

 

[tiger4me2]

Am I reading correctly that veterans or those of "inactive" duty, such as ones who fought in the Vietnam war are excluded from this discount?

If they stay in & retire yes they can use the military discount if not no they can't, unfair? I guess it is but look at from Disney side. Costing them alot so I am told but serving our country is not free either. I have no easy answer to this as my DH & DB served not drafted & both can use it. Dh & myself are using it but DB isn't but he is not a Disney freak. The deal we have if I visit him he will go to Disney with us but I know him too well. After I visit he will say he won't go lol