Is Disney discounts a bad sign for the economy?

[ShellyLynn3630]

With the possible new release of MORE discounts from Disney, after they have stated before that the discounts would discountinue, do any of you think that this may be a bad sign for the economy? I mean, its great that they are going to possibly offer more discounts, I need a room only one for myself in May, but I am kinda of looking at the other side of the coin here too.
What say you?

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

IMHO, not really.

Disney is like that Oriental Rug Store down the street.

Step 1. Mark up all rugs 100%

Step 2. Have going out of business sale and mark everything back down.


Or the CPA firm I used to work for where we always told the clients "this represents a substantial discount from our standard rates" (which no one EVER paid so what we were charging you was actually what we "expected' LOL!)

Have you seen those 2011 rack room rates? There's a lot of "discount" room in there before Disney is close to not making a profit!

 

[DisneyQueen1320]

I think it shows the economy pretty bad. I really hopes it picks up.

 

[ShellyLynn3630]

I think that the both of you are right. Both probably are a factor. But this year they had 10 seasons, next year 21, I wonder if 2012 will bring in about 42 seasons? I think that the 21 different seasons shows a sign of extreme. It looks a little pathetic and desperate to me, maybe good for the shareholders though.

 

[DisneyQueen1320]

I was thinking maybe it's because of Universal. I wanted to take another trip in March, but we wanted to try Universal. However if a good deal comes out, maybe we will go to Disney again.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I've been going to Disney for 20 years... IMHO the discounts now actually are WORSE then years ago. And the pricing has risen at a much faster rate then the hotel industry in general. Hard to say that the "discounts" show the economy is hurting them, they are getting a lot more per room then most hotel companies!

I think 21 seasons is a sign of GREED. "Gee, if it's a full moon on a Wed let's pretend that's a special event and charge more"

 

[mickey2000]

This is nothing new ! Was back in 2008

Here:
http://www.themeparkinsider.com/news/response.cfm?ID=4691

 

[dizfamily4]

sooo true... the discounts reflect the times... I too was able to take 20 family to Disney just 4 years ago for much less even with these discounts and the # of types of them year to date.... but though we could do the same now the way th eeconomy is it is still much more ex*****ive even with what they are offering for discounts now......

 

[Melanie230]

Yes I think it is a sign of a horrible economy. It still amazes me that the dates we are going there is still available free dining rooms at the Pop Century. As for Universal being the reason...that may very well be too. We love Universal, and miss not going this year. Harry Potter has drawn quite the crowd.

 

[LdnCpl]

Yes I think it is a sign of a horrible economy. It still amazes me that the dates we are going there is still available free dining rooms at the Pop Century. As for Universal being the reason...that may very well be too. We love Universal, and miss not going this year. Harry Potter has drawn quite the crowd.

What??????? You mean there's other places in the Orlando area other than WDW

 

[tonyolily]

IMHO, not really.

Disney is like that Oriental Rug Store down the street.

Step 1. Mark up all rugs 100%

Step 2. Have going out of business sale and mark everything back down.


Or the CPA firm I used to work for where we always told the clients "this represents a substantial discount from our standard rates" (which no one EVER paid so what we were charging you was actually what we "expected' LOL!)

Have you seen those 2011 rack room rates? There's a lot of "discount" room in there before Disney is close to not making a profit!

This is exactly what I was thinking!! Shout the word discount and everyone comes running. Disney knows exactly what they are doing.

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

I agree with the two themes that have surfaced. The economy is still fairly bad, and WDW price increases followed by discounts is a frustrating way to deal with the consumer.

The 2011 pricing appears to be such a large increase, that we will will be staying off site more in 2011 than in 2010, 2009, or 2008. We are AP holders, so the ticket prices don't impact us that much, but the higher prices for the value resorts may be too much for us to bear.

We will miss the bus service, but our family car can serve us just fine.

 

[Mamu]

While there are areas that are still suffering through the economy, and the job market is slow at producing new jobs, it seem to be turning in our area.

Disney realizes the economy is still slow and by marketing big discounts and offering perks, they can fill their resorts. Maybe guest will cut back on their spending, but when you realize companies mark up products at a 50% profit there's no way they can't be making money.

Disney knows how much to discount room to still make a profit. By offering rack rate rooms and FD there restaurants are full. Looks good on paper.

Disney knows exactly what there doing.

 

[jillhou]

I was just thinking about our first trip to the Poly. My youngest was 3 and is now almost 16. So 13 years ago, we paid 330 plus tax for a garden view room at CHRISTMAS - undiscounted. WE didn't know you could get discounts then!

Wow - has the price increased or what??? sure seems like they are building in some pricing for discounts!

 

[pigletforever]

We would be going this christmas either way. It is nice that I MAY be getting a discount now.

 

[ShellyLynn3630]

While there are areas that are still suffering through the economy, and the job market is slow at producing new jobs, it seem to be turning in our area.

Disney realizes the economy is still slow and by marketing big discounts and offering perks, they can fill their resorts. Maybe guest will cut back on their spending, but when you realize companies mark up products at a 50% profit there's no way they can't be making money.

Disney knows how much to discount room to still make a profit. By offering rack rate rooms and FD there restaurants are full. Looks good on paper.

Disney knows exactly what there doing.

That is great that the job market may be taking a good turn for your area, but in ours, within two more weeks, a major mill of school buses will be closing their doors. Over 300 people without a job in a small town. Just heartbreaking.

 

[padawans]

I live in foreclosure city. Many empty comercial buildings. Chain restaurants that used to have an hour wait on a weekday are now closed. Very sad I don't see things improving. I guess it just depends on wher you live.