Just a (greedy) thought

[bkelly65us]

Because the way the media is saying we are in a recession and the (seeming) downturn/slowdown in the economy, is anyone else holding off on finalizing a trip because if the attendance/booking levels go down disney might start offering some interesting incentives? Can you say 40% off AND free dining?
Just a thought.

 

[eliza61]

Because the way the media is saying we are in a recession and the (seeming) downturn/slowdown in the economy, is anyone else holding off on finalizing a trip because if the attendance/booking levels go down disney might start offering some interesting incentives? Can you say 40% off AND free dining?
Just a thought.

I can dream. Don't think it's gonna happen. Disney occupany is hovering at the 90% capacity range and they've done a good job at marketing slow times (free dining, et) so that normally slow periods have been busy. lots of international visitors coming over to play now that the dollar is so weak.
So unless there is a total break down in the cosmos, I can't see deep discounts.

 

[Simbee3]

You know I have been thinking the same exact thing. I do think that people are feeling the pinch of the US economy's downward spiral, both here and abroad.
Markets all over the world are doing poorly, because we are the biggest users of just about anything you can find on earth. So if we aren't buying companies throughout the world will feel it just as much as we do if not more.
With just one exception, the oil companies.

So if people do begin to cancel their Disney Vacations, or bookings aren't hitting their projected targets, I could see them putting out some great incentives to entice people to come. Though I will say I don't think it would be anything like 40% off plus free dining. Though a girl can still dream right? No way would Disney do that. But, this could get interesting.

 

[tinaninea]

I was thinking about that myself. But here's my thought on it. Eliza, you said it about the dollar being weak & Disney having more international visitors, but the weak dollar also means that Americans will be taking their vacations here in the US because their dollar will not go so far in other countries. Kind of a double whammy. Plus July is coming up & what's on the American mind? Can you say "economic stimulus package?" Yes, the government is paying for me to see Mickey Mouse. I have to say I'm getting quite the discount. I think $300 out of pocket after that. So unfortunately, I don't see a major discount. However, I do think that Disney takes good care of their customers and I have a feeling that we'll see Free Dining again!

 

[purpliequeen]

It's funny because my professor actually discussed this topic in class (Intro to Hotel Operations) this morning.

I doubt Disney will be hit that hard by the recession, seeing as it's occupancy percentage is so high (around 63% is the industry's average). Thus, even a small drop in occupancy will not affect Disney so much to the extent that it offers freebies and other perks. This is also because Disney is, and probably always will be, a top destination for many American and international customers (particularly families).

 

[Bete]

After hearing about the 40% codes, I just won't go; unless, I get a great deal. The one choice all of us have is to say NO for this year to Disney World. I like vacation as well as the next guy, but I think we have to choose wisely, right now. Disney is doing very well; so, I don't see too much of a chance to get a really good deal. If it's meant to be I'll get a discount, if not I'm off to somewhere were I can get a good deal.

I just received my February e-mail newsletter from Disney Destinations and their offer for me was the same as January and it's no real deal and it's more of an advertisement. I had hopes here and now that's gone.

I went to Europe when our dollar was very strong back in the 80s and it felt great how far our dollar stretched there. I understand it can work the other way, too. I don't blame the foreigners for coming over, right now.

I've been spoiled with Disney and I almost always get a deal to go; so, I'll wait it out. I'll even wait until 2010, if necessary. Sooner or later I believe Disney will turn to slower times; history has proven this with them. I can wait!

 

[eliza61]

I think one of the issues is, that almost every other vacation venue is getting expensive also. So many people are still going to disney because you do get a lot of bang for your buck. We were discussing on another thread how a beach vacation in the East easily cost around 2-3 thousand dollars. same thing with cruises and Mexico (which use to always be a cheapy vacation-not anymore) So people are thinking, not only save money but get the most value for your money and that's is where Disney excels.

 

[tripplanner2]

I think one of the issues is, that almost every other vacation venue is getting expensive also. So many people are still going to disney because you do get a lot of bang for your buck. We were discussing on another thread how a beach vacation in the East easily cost around 2-3 thousand dollars. same thing with cruises and Mexico (which use to always be a cheapy vacation-not anymore) So people are thinking, not only save money but get the most value for your money and that's is where Disney excels.

I totally agree. I was hooked a couple of years back after going to Lake George, NY. We traveled for 2 weeks but half of that time we stayed at a family vacation home which was free. The the places we stayed were a bit scary. We ate pizza or cooked all meals. That trip, which was super budget (brought food from home), cost our family of 4 $2,200. I really did not feel like we even had a vacation. Then Disney started promoting the $1500 deal so I looked into it. For $3000 we were able to go to Disney with tickets, food, flights, hotel with housekeeping. Way worth the little extra. We have been going back ever since.