Just back and not happy

[wendyt_ca]

I have no clue where you come up two weeks on 500 points unless you want to compare suite size rooms?
I have 200 points and can easily stay in a studio for two weeks for most parts of the year...
I am going this year from June 30-July 8 that is 8 nights in a Savannah view at AKL the total points was 158 for me in real dollars including my buy in is about 1,050.00 that is 131.25 a night including the 4th of July-- not factoring in interest on the money I laid out to buy DVC but that is not much today-
Now if I sell me DVC being I can get almost what I paid for it right now the cost would be 770.25 that is less that is 96.28 a night.
if I were to stay in a lesser room which I did have the option I could have done 14 nights with 200 points even peak season... and yes I will say there are resorts like GF or BLT lake view and Park view that I would have only gotten the 8 nights for my 200 points with a few left over in some cases... all other resorts were less than the 158
I smell a great deal. and my property taxes are over 10 times what my DVC dues are... Property taxes is a broad statement and varies greatly by where you live, how good of an area you live in and the size of your house... and I do not have what is considered a big house....

I was just thinking the same thing! We only have the basic 160 points and we stay in a studio most of the time at AKL with a savannah view and we can generally get a week and a half out of our annual points!

Our use year is April and last year we had 5 nights at AKL in May, a week split between AKL savannad view and Bay Lake Tower with a TPV in a studio. Yes we did borrow a few points but still! This year we did 2 nights in a 1bdrm in California and have 5 nights at the Grand Floridian. We have gotten some great use out of our points and have already saved the cost. Eventually we do want to add and yes will pay more in dues but we will also be getting more. I want 300 points eventually and with that we will have more than enough.

Our annual dues is about $700 and our property taxes are $4800. so that's not even close! We only live on 1/5 of an acre and the house isn't huge.

But we still say on a regular basis our DVC was the best purchase we have made...

As for people complaining about Disney, I think because it is Disney people expect them to make everyone happy which just isn't possible. People don't like change for starters, but a lot of these changes is to keep up with the way society is now. People today tend to have some unrealistic expecations or feel owed something. Disney is a business and they do try to make people happy as much as possible. If you don't like the way they do things simply don't go. If you don't like FP+ don't use it, but don't complain after about the consequences of that. A lot of people prefer to plan their vacations so that they can run smoothly. I cannot imagine not planning in advance for any a vacation anywhere. If you want a vacation where you can just show up and go with the flow and everything be perfect than maybe take a beach vacation to an all inclusive resort.

You don't HAVE to plan in advance but Disney is the type of place that requires it in order for you to get the most out of it and have less hiccups. So if you prefer not to plan in advance then don't. But Disney does put things out for the people who do want to plan. I would go insane if I could plan everything in advance. I would much rather have my FP+ reservations than have to wait in every stand by line. I have a reminder in my calendar so I can book them for my upcoming trip because I would now if I could.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Sorry, but I feel it detracts from the overall fantasized version of WDW I have in my head to have such obvious money grabs. I thought the VIP areas for Star Wars Weekends was another obvious money grab.

I'm not stopping you from buying another park entrance where you'll spend the evening in a limited area of the park, with limited attractions open, and limited dining options. Plus you'll have the added attraction of standing in long lines because they oversold the event.

I see, you just don't like that they exist. To you they are a ripoff. However if enough people didn't like them - they would not sell, then they wouldn't exist, and then no problem.

 

[maxiesmom]

Not sure what event you are talking about that keeps you in a limited area of the park. The only thing that applies to is the new events at Epcot. All other events, such as Mnsshp, you get run of the whole park. And the lines are usually much shorter for the attractions than they are during the day.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I think the PP is talking about events like the Harambe Nights (which includes a reception, a show and a special setup for food but none of the regular attractions, and occurs only in the Africa section of the park) or the Villains event, where the jury is still out as to which attractions will be open during the event.

He's within his opinion to consider these events a ripoff because you have to pay and you don't get full access to the park and all its attractions, but they're selling pretty well apparently so not everyone feels that way.

 

[sethschroeder]

I think the PP is talking about events like the Harambe Nights (which includes a reception, a show and a special setup for food but none of the regular attractions, and occurs only in the Africa section of the park) or the Villains event, where the jury is still out as to which attractions will be open during the event.

He's within his opinion to consider these events a ripoff because you have to pay and you don't get full access to the park and all its attractions, but they're selling pretty well apparently so not everyone feels that way.

So what if they said 3x the cost of the hard ticket instead and you get everything open?

 

[lugnut33]

Not sure I ever said ripoff, that seems a bit harsh.

That said, what bothers me is them taking things away only to add events that cost extra. For example, take away the Jammin' Jungle Parade and add Harambe Nights. Take away Lights of Winter and add the Epcot extra hours meals. Take away the Pixar Parade and add the Villans Night.

They keep making more add-ons to get more money, which sadly I realize is what they are supposed to be doing.

 

[Sammie]

Honestly I don't get these threads and why everyone gets so heated.

Who Cares

Who cares if the OP had a horrible time and is never going back, that is his right.

Who cares if others love it, me included and plan to have a fabulous time on our next trip experiencing everything the OP did not like and enjoying every minute of it.

Who cares that Disney deluxe is different from some other hotel's deluxe, are they located on Disney property.

I mean I just don't get it, do some people have to have others agree with everything they do, for justification of the money spent or time spent or what?

Who Cares?

Can't the OP dislike it and never go back and me go and love it and the world still turn.

As to Disney prices, I don't understand the complaints. I paid $50 to valet park last week in New Orleans and $350 per night for a Marriott by Courtyard and that was with a Discount.

Also it really is fine to like Universal and go there, I don't think Disney is going to go under due to that.

 

[vcgirl925]

Monorail: don't need one

Boat ride: great boats between the Resorts and CityWalk

Boardwalk: CityWalk

Uni Resorts: True Deluxe Resorts, and Cabana Bay - their "Value" Resort has a pool complex that is better than anything at Disney outside of SB, plus Family Suites.

FOTL? Capacity and number of attractions is Disney's main issue. Look at the Headliner comparison: Uni has just about as many (more to many people, actually) headliners in 2 Parks than Disney does in 4.

"Value" is always in the eyes of the beholder, don't you think.......

 

[Nezumi Fan]

I agree that there have been changes to the park experience over the past 10 years. I'll find out for myself how FP+ and the new rides are when I go in July.

Oh, goodness, July...! Not the optimum time to be in the Florida sun. Still, you goes when you can go. I'd love to go off-peak all the time, but I can only keep my kiddo out of school so much during the year.

I think it (was a help to make) the suggestion to try DL. I agree with that. I've gone twice in the past 5 years and actually enjoy the parks and that they're less crowded, at least when I was there. You still have rides that are tough to get on like Radiator Springs, but worth the effort.

Respectfully, you must be going to a different DLR. We're West Coast, so, we're there every few months, even though we're in Seattle -- 20-hour drive from here to Anaheim. Because so much of the crowd is locals (benefits of APs), it can be MISERABLY crowded.

We really enjoy holidays at the Disney Resort, but after the zombie apocalypse that was last New Year's, we'll probably be avoiding it at that particular time of year. There's a phrase in Japanese: 芋を洗うように。Literally, it means "like washing potatoes," but as an idiom means to be caught in a crowd so large, you can barely work your way through.

"The phrase comes from the old-fashioned practice of washing a huge amount of potatoes in a barrel, with the sight of all the potatoes soaking in the water looking somewhat like a mass of people crowded into a small space. If you’ve gone to a museum exhibit that was so crowded that you felt like you spent most of the time looking at the back of people’s heads, you could say, “Sugoku konde ite imo wo arau yō na hito datta!”(It was so crowded, it was like washing potatoes!)" --http://en.rocketnews24.com/2014/04/18/10-japanese-expressions-that-sound-delightfully-strange-and-funny-when-translated/

 

[vcgirl925]

Monorail: don't need one

Boat ride: great boats between the Resorts and CityWalk

Boardwalk: CityWalk

Uni Resorts: True Deluxe Resorts, and Cabana Bay - their "Value" Resort has a pool complex that is better than anything at Disney outside of SB, plus Family Suites.

FOTL? Capacity and number of attractions is Disney's main issue. Look at the Headliner comparison: Uni has just about as many (more to many people, actually) headliners in 2 Parks than Disney does in 4.

"Value" is always in the eyes of the beholder, don't you think.......

 

[shepd]

Who Cares

I suppose if you like Disney and want to ensure it continues to exist, the goal is to discuss what's not right in the hopes it gets fixed. Obviously, if you care enough, you could just tell Disney.

I know, I know, Disney is doing so well right now they'll never run out of customers.

Polaroid, Eaton's, and McDonnell Douglas felt the same way at various points in history.

If you care about Disney World continuing to exist, it's always worth worrying about--even right now.

 

[Nezumi Fan]

Those shirts -- yes! I'm an empire girl, always have been, but it wasn't the "Rebels" theme so much (I get it, I get it -- they're plugging the new show) but the fact that there were no "girly fits." To be shut out that like reminds me of the recent "no Leia merchandise" thing. I have a mixed feeling about this.

 

[wendyt_ca]

Oh, goodness, July...! Not the optimum time to be in the Florida sun. Still, you goes when you can go. I'd love to go off-peak all the time, but I can only keep my kiddo out of school so much during the year.



Respectfully, you must be going to a different DLR. We're West Coast, so, we're there every few months, even though we're in Seattle -- 20-hour drive from here to Anaheim. Because so much of the crowd is locals (benefits of APs), it can be MISERABLY crowded.

We really enjoy holidays at the Disney Resort, but after the zombie apocalypse that was last New Year's, we'll probably be avoiding it at that particular time of year. There's a phrase in Japanese: 芋を洗うように。Literally, it means "like washing potatoes," but as an idiom means to be caught in a crowd so large, you can barely work your way through.

"The phrase comes from the old-fashioned practice of washing a huge amount of potatoes in a barrel, with the sight of all the potatoes soaking in the water looking somewhat like a mass of people crowded into a small space. If you’ve gone to a museum exhibit that was so crowded that you felt like you spent most of the time looking at the back of people’s heads, you could say, “Sugoku konde ite imo wo arau yō na hito datta!”(It was so crowded, it was like washing potatoes!)" --http://en.rocketnews24.com/2014/04/18/10-japanese-expressions-that-sound-delightfully-strange-and-funny-when-translated/

We just went to DLR in April and I have to agree! We could not believe how crowded it was! We have been to WDW during peak seasons and I still have never seen it as crowded as DLR was! Our first day we went on about 3 attractions because the waits were insane! I remember standing in line at POTC and looking and seeing nothing but a sea of people around the park.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Yes, a wallet. It's an expression. Not to be taken literally. But you know that. Do a google search and enter only two words. "Wallet" and "Rape". You will find many entries. Not sure why the OP should be tied to the whipping post for using a phrase that appears in the Urban Dictionary. He didn't make it up. I get that you (and others) find the usage to be offensive. And I'm not going to debate that point. But the fact that you might find it offensive does not mean that the OP used the phrase improperly.

I did google the two words. Did you? The only definition/description that can be repeateed here is from UrbanDictionary "This happens to anyone whom has paid way too much for something, particularly a designer item that could have been purchased (especially a nice knockoff brand) for about 500% less somewhere else. It usually results in feelings of victimization, embarrassment, and guilt.
[example: Stella realized she was the victim of wallet rape after spending $2869.00 at Neiman Marcus only to find virtually the same ensemble for $250.00 at Bebe Clothing.]"

 

[pjhootch]

3. Wandering around a busy park staring at your phone screen or, again, in a darkened attraction, checking your FB or whatever, the lit up screen is rude and distracting, the world isn't going to end because you haven't checked your FB status for the duration of Carousel of Progress.

They probably weren't on facebook. They were probably trying to change fastpasses.

 

[fla4fun]

 

[kaytieeldr]

I very much disagree with this statement. One of the best parts of my vacation is eating out. We've been going for years with 2 -3 TS/day before free dining, during free dining and now. I've watched my favorite appetizers disappear, portion sizes go down (the cheese soup at Le Cellier will eventually be served in a thimble) and pricier entrees removed from menus. Before free dining there was never a thread on maximizing the DDP, once free dining hit, they over came the Dining thread and now there is a separate subform for the DDP.

Before the Disney Dining Plan was offered free as a package promotion for a very brief period (+-six weeks) the Disney Dining Plan existed for a whopping eight and a half months. The Dining Plan subforum wasn't started because of the limited-time promotion; it was started for everyone's ease and convenience.

 

[Nezumi Fan]

Very true, and as a person who plans ahead I would know when the parties are and how to plan around them to not waste my money. Apparently there's a whole subset of the population does not like to plan ahead, though.

We're a self-selected group, aren't we? If we're posting here, we're at least partially planners.

 

[Mad Hattered]

We're a self-selected group, aren't we? If we're posting here, we're at least partially planners.

I was just here for the party favors.

This thread was quite entertaining. It was like driving down the interstate, getting stuck in traffic...only to find out there was an accident on BOTH sides of the divider. My head was on a swivel!

 

[wench]

Oh, goodness, July...! Not the optimum time to be in the Florida sun. Still, you goes when you can go. I'd love to go off-peak all the time, but I can only keep my kiddo out of school so much during the year.



Respectfully, you must be going to a different DLR. We're West Coast, so, we're there every few months, even though we're in Seattle -- 20-hour drive from here to Anaheim. Because so much of the crowd is locals (benefits of APs), it can be MISERABLY crowded.

We really enjoy holidays at the Disney Resort, but after the zombie apocalypse that was last New Year's, we'll probably be avoiding it at that particular time of year. There's a phrase in Japanese: 芋を洗うように。Literally, it means "like washing potatoes," but as an idiom means to be caught in a crowd so large, you can barely work your way through.

"The phrase comes from the old-fashioned practice of washing a huge amount of potatoes in a barrel, with the sight of all the potatoes soaking in the water looking somewhat like a mass of people crowded into a small space. If you’ve gone to a museum exhibit that was so crowded that you felt like you spent most of the time looking at the back of people’s heads, you could say, “Sugoku konde ite imo wo arau yō na hito datta!”(It was so crowded, it was like washing potatoes!)" --http://en.rocketnews24.com/2014/04/18/10-japanese-expressions-that-sound-delightfully-strange-and-funny-when-translated/

I don't make it to DL nearly as often as I'd like. I may drive down from Everett & hide in your trunk the next time you go!!!