Just back and not happy

[Asc341]

Is $60 for two adults and two kids that expensive? I guess I'm jaded because I live in an expensive city, but $20 per adult and $10 per kid for dinner doesn't sound that outrageous to me, especially at a theme park.

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Eh. Not sure the proximity is enough value. Disney Neighborhood hotels that we stayed with offered free shuttles, free hot breakfasts, great pool areas, and this last one had 2 separate bedrooms (one was a King, the other had 2 doubles) plus a living room with a sleeper sofa and a full kitchen. We stayed there for $99 ea, 2 rooms for 11 of us. We could never get suites like that for $99. I just am not sure that even the value resorts offer enough as basically all they are is a bus ride and one more FP. No breakfast etc. At least USO offers all VIP line priority with their on sight guests. We stayed for a week at Saratoga Springs once when they were on our friend's mom's time share for an unbelievable deal, and it was fun, and we enjoyed it. But it wasn't any more magical than any other accommodations. On the other hand, Disney Cruise rooms (especially Fantasy and Dream) are QUITE magical...

However, I'm still looking to see if we get a good Rewards card offer for our Disneyland hopeful trip for next year. But we will probably end up at another Disney Neighbor.

 

[JimmyV]

What has value can be different for different people. I place a high value in being on site, in having Disney pick me up at the airport, take me back again, and take care of me in between. Some people may value a larger space more. Neither of us is wrong. That is the beauty of a free market--the goods are offered to you, and you get to pick what you want.

A lower price doesn't necessarily equate a lower or higher value.

Which is why we love the Swan and Dolphin. We get all the Disney transportation while on site, can walk to Epcot and DHS, and are "on site" for all relevant purposes. As for transportation to and from the airport......with the money we save, we hire a Limo Town Car to pick us up and take us back on our schedule, not Disney's, and make a stop at Publix on the way to the hotel to pick up provisions for the week. Something that the Magic Bus won't allow. And we still come out way, way ahead over the Boardwalk area resorts, price-wise.

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Thanks for the heads up! We have toyed with it in the past, but DH isn't really interested in cruising and I have severe anxiety on boats - but I sure want to try it out! I might look into it and just face my fear, lol!

In that case, a 3 or 4 day is PERFECT for you when you come for a land trip, to see if its for you. (You will probably get hooked too.) You are very close to the FL coast, so you honestly do not have to worry about being stranded. DCL only has 4 ships, so their entire cruise line is riding on their reputation for maintenance. Not sure how land trips compare, but our friends LOVE the kids clubs, we can't hardly get him out. Its like a vacation just for the kids! And that means R and R for mom and dad, plus there are adults only areas (and dining too.) The Bahamian cruises offer literally the LEAST motion on any cruise I've taken (which you can see on signature is fairly substantial), so I also recommend them for that. As long as you aren't in a storm, you will hardly even know you are at sea! I recommend any time from Mar-May, I don't cruise during hurricane season but a lot of people do.

Once you cruise Disney, you will probably be spoiled on almost any other line. They have family vacations really down to a science. I have never gotten character photos at the parks (except this time I got to with my Disney Visa card! woohoo!) but on the cruise line, we always get a few, because its a 1500 people etc on a ship vs all the multi thousands at the parks. If you like Disney broadway style shows, then you will love their shows. Best productions at sea that I have seen.

If you like laid back, DCLs are the perfect way to get that Mickey magic while enjoying the breeze and spectacular service...

 

[eliza61]

We usually stay deluxe and I'm not sure those comparisons are fair. You can walk to two parks from BWI and GF and the Poly are on the monorail/boat line. The Disney hotels are still overpriced but it's hard to compare them like that I think. As far as the rest of the Disney resorts that only have bus service to the parks, I think there is value for many people in having Disney transportation (both ME and in resort). Once you are renting a car anyway, then those offsite prices start looking better

Then Disney needs to stop calling them "deluxe". They are overpriced Marriotts. The word "deluxe" generally infers a certain standard of quality. None of which Disney hotels meet.

It's definitely matter of preference though.

Op, I feel your pain. I hate the new system and I'm probably going to sell my DVD. Unlike you though, I know not to ever say I don't like something at Disney here.

 

[Anthony1971]

How many points do you have? I think its atrocious that 500 points these days cost in the neighborhood of $3,000 per year in dues. 500 points gets you 2 weeks tops if you plan right. Total rip off.

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....

 

[mr noodle]

Could give the OP money and pay for their vacation - would still complain.

 

[Luckybee]

Isn't it obvious to those who regularly go to WDW that when you book a WDW resort you are paying for proximity to the parks? Not for luxury or high-end amenities. Anyone can choose to stay offsite and pay far less and get better amenities, but many would still rather pay for the proximity. Those resorts wouldn't cost that much if nobody paid it.

I agree with you totally. For us proximity isn't our number one consideration.
I'm spoiled. I like the high end amenities. Our upcoming trip is a bit of a change for us in that we're doing mostly timeshares . Our first 4 nights we're at the Dolphin though because I just couldn't bring myself to paying GF prices to get what in my opinion looked like = or less than the Dolphin which was a fraction of the cost. I wouldn't consider though being in Orlando without a car because there are just too many restaurants that we love off property. Then we'll be at 2 Marriott timeshares the 2nd of which is Lakeshore Reserve which shares amenities etc. with the Ritz and JW and then we have a full luxury apartment. Amenities and luxury are more important to me than proximity but for others that isn't obviously the case.

I do totally agree as well with the poster who said they should stop calling them Deluxes though. We travel a lot. Deluxe in the travel market has a certain connotation. The D deluxes do not measure up and therein lies the problem. If one travels and isn't a D fanatic but are making their first trip to D they would go with certain expectations which wouldn't likely be met esp at those price points. Ive said it before, I have no qualms paying D prices for a "deluxe" but I expect just that when Im travelling.

 

[Jennasis]

How many points do you have? I think its atrocious that 500 points these days cost in the neighborhood of $3,000 per year in dues. 500 points gets you 2 weeks tops if you plan right. Total rip off.

Not 500. We bought enough points to stay for a week in a studio or 1 bedroom (just two adults).

 

[Disneychick75]

Got a solution, how about you and 10,000,000 of your closest friends don't go to MK next year? There I solved the issue of having to plan. Now on to world peace after I see how the MLB Draft is doing....

This is so helpful thanks!

I am surprised that so many folks who have decided to no longer patronize WDW continue to lurk on an internet posting board dedicated primarily to planning of WDW vacations. That being said, for all you DVC members who have indicated that you're considering selling your DVC points in protest...can I buy them discounted? I'm buying a house this year so I thought it probably wouldn't be possible for me to spring for anything like DVC, but heck, if all you disenchanted folks are ready to give Disney a wash, perhaps I can give my toddler a nice Christmas present she can appreciate for the next couple decades!

No, I think I'll give the money to my kids.

Then Disney needs to stop calling them "deluxe". They are overpriced Marriotts. The word "deluxe" generally infers a certain standard of quality. None of which Disney hotels meet.

It's definitely matter of preference though.

Op, I feel your pain. I hate the new system and I'm probably going to sell my DVD. Unlike you though, I know not to ever say I don't like something at Disney here.

You are too kind. I think the Disney "deluxe" resorts are more on par with a Holiday Inn + eye catching lobbies, LOL, you walk into the resorts, see the lobbies, and think, "WOW, nice." Then you get to the room and it's "Meh".

Not 500. We bought enough points to stay for a week in a studio or 1 bedroom (just two adults).

 

[TommyTutone]

What has value can be different for different people. I place a high value in being on site, in having Disney pick me up at the airport, take me back again, and take care of me in between. Some people may value a larger space more. Neither of us is wrong. That is the beauty of a free market--the goods are offered to you, and you get to pick what you want.

A lower price doesn't necessarily equate a lower or higher value.

If you are staying a week at the Waldorf versus a week at the GF, that's an extra $2100 in pocket money just from lodging. For that, I'll gladly hire a private car to shuttle me back and forth to the airport and still have enough for a taxi to whatever park I want each day.

Likewise, while I LOVE Beach and Yacht Club for their location, but even that benefit has its limits. Portofino Bay is just as lovely (and to be honest, with much nicer bathrooms in the rooms) and the additional benefit of front-of-the-line is too good to pass up.

But like you said, different people have different values.

 

[Anthony1971]

I agree with you totally. For us proximity isn't our number one consideration.
I'm spoiled. I like the high end amenities. Our upcoming trip is a bit of a change for us in that we're doing mostly timeshares . Our first 4 nights we're at the Dolphin though because I just couldn't bring myself to paying GF prices to get what in my opinion looked like = or less than the Dolphin which was a fraction of the cost. I wouldn't consider though being in Orlando without a car because there are just too many restaurants that we love off property. Then we'll be at 2 Marriott timeshares the 2nd of which is Lakeshore Reserve which shares amenities etc. with the Ritz and JW and then we have a full luxury apartment. Amenities and luxury are more important to me than proximity but for others that isn't obviously the case.

I do totally agree as well with the poster who said they should stop calling them Deluxes though. We travel a lot. Deluxe in the travel market has a certain connotation. The D deluxes do not measure up and therein lies the problem. If one travels and isn't a D fanatic but are making there first trip to D they would go with certain expectations which wouldn't likely be met esp at those price points. Ive said it before, I have no qualms paying D prices for a "deluxe" but I expect just that when Im travelling.

What type of Amenities?
I will agree with you that Disney's rooms are not deluxe as in what a good number of other resorts call Deluxe (there are some dumps that are called Deluxe)... But the grounds of the resorts at Disney are far better than what the other deluxe resorts offer. For example AKL you see animals from your Balcony, GF and Poly have great walking paths with amazing gardens, CR has a monorail that runs through it etc.
If you want a resort that has equal grounds with a higher level of service or what is expected from the other deluxe resorts you are starting to go into resorts such as The Breakers... and I can tell Disney is cheaper....
Again I agree with the rooms but the grounds make up for where it is called Deluxe.. we have to also compare rack rate to rack rate as just saying I can stay at this hotel for X you can also stay at a so called Disney Deluxe for a LOT less then rack.
Also consider that By definition Disney does offer what a Deluxe should but again if you are just looking at room... And yes Disney can offer a level of service and room comparable to other Deluxe for a fee... But this is the same industry wide if you go to Hawaii you can get a deluxe a mile off the Beach for 1/2 or less of what you would pay for one that has its own Beach.
If you want it all you will pay a premium.

 

[OtherScott]

And, most of all, Fast Pass Plus SUCKS!!!!!!! I thought it sucked when they first rolled it out but I was hoping they'd correct some things. Well, they didn't. Still impossible to get the popular attractions unless you book very far in advance. Like most people, I don't know what I'm doing in 2 hours much less 30 days from now. A vacation shouldn't have to be planned out to the minute.

If you miss your FP+ time, well, that also sucks. I didn't realize I could correct it on the app and went to the attraction to ask how to have it corrected. They directed me to a kiosk. Huh!!?? Why couldn't they have either told me I could use the app or, better yet, why can they not do it themselves at the attraction? That's just plain stupid, but, then again, the whole system is stupid.

I'm guessing you hated legacy FP?

 

[NYDisGuy]

What type of Amenities?
I will agree with you that Disney's rooms are not deluxe as in what a good number of other resorts call Deluxe (there are some dumps that are called Deluxe)... But the grounds of the resorts at Disney are far better than what the other deluxe resorts offer. For example AKL you see animals from your Balcony, GF and Poly have great walking paths with amazing gardens, CR has a monorail that runs through it etc.
If you want a resort that has equal grounds with a higher level of service or what is expected from the other deluxe resorts you are starting to go into resorts such as The Breakers... and I can tell Disney is cheaper....
Again I agree with the rooms but the grounds make up for where it is called Deluxe.. we have to also compare rack rate to rack rate as just saying I can stay at this hotel for X you can also stay at a so called Disney Deluxe for a LOT less then rack.
Also consider that By definition Disney does offer what a Deluxe should but again if you are just looking at room... And yes Disney can offer a level of service and room comparable to other Deluxe for a fee... But this is the same industry wide if you go to Hawaii you can get a deluxe a mile off the Beach for 1/2 or less of what you would pay for one that has its own Beach.
If you want it all you will pay a premium.

Good post

 

[lugnut33]

But with the way these are being done now, everything does not come with a price. You get the same offerings during the day you would get otherwise, the hard ticket offerings are "plussed" offerings. New and special shows, food and drinks, extra villains. Of course there is an argument that WDW should think about "plussing" offerings in the parks regularly without charging extra for it. We all saw what happened with the Villains event last year - by most accounts it was miserable because so many people went, they had to close the park for capacity, and people sat in traffic jams. No reason why they shouldn't do it now as a hard ticket. They'll probably sell it out. As long as they don't close the parks early (yes they do that with MK for their events, but those events are not new, they have been around for many years) then they should have at it. They know people will pay extra to get extra. I can't see anything terribly wrong with that. As Universal grows more popular, they will do it too.

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.

 

[wendybeth75]

Double post from phone

 

[Luckybee]

What type of Amenities?
I will agree with you that Disney's rooms are not deluxe as in what a good number of other resorts call Deluxe (there are some dumps that are called Deluxe)... But the grounds of the resorts at Disney are far better than what the other deluxe resorts offer. For example AKL you see animals from your Balcony, GF and Poly have great walking paths with amazing gardens, CR has a monorail that runs through it etc.
If you want a resort that has equal grounds with a higher level of service or what is expected from the other deluxe resorts you are starting to go into resorts such as The Breakers... and I can tell Disney is cheaper....
Again I agree with the rooms but the grounds make up for where it is called Deluxe.. we have to also compare rack rate to rack rate as just saying I can stay at this hotel for X you can also stay at a so called Disney Deluxe for a LOT less then rack.
Also consider that By definition Disney does offer what a Deluxe should but again if you are just looking at room... And yes Disney can offer a level of service and room comparable to other Deluxe for a fee... But this is the same industry wide if you go to Hawaii you can get a deluxe a mile off the Beach for 1/2 or less of what you would pay for one that has its own Beach.
If you want it all you will pay a premium.

Well let's see.....let's look at the Ritz/JW/Lakeshore reserve.and I'll base it on our last trip to the Ritz.The grounds are imho far better than anything offered at D(and although yes AKL was nice when we stayed on concierge level the animals were the only part of the hotel we liked to any great extent), at the Ritz they were doing cool spritzes and iced face cloths at the pool, the service mind boggling, an amazing variety of pools through the complex to choose from, great service never hearing the word no (including everyone from front desk staff to drink servers, pool attendants....you know those fellows that set up your chairs and towels for you), rooms to die for, and having your every need catered to....nope I guess there are no better amenities than at a D property.

And with regard to Hawaii....we can get into any of our favourite Hawaii deluxe properties directly on the beach which include the Maui Hyatt, the Four Seasons on Maui and Lanai and the Big Island, and the Halekualani high season for less than the price of the Disney "deluxes" (esp the GF) in the supposed "slower Disney months" let alone during busier D times..... Just as an aside...having been to the Hawaiian islands close to 30 times and I think having stayed at virtually most of the better deluxes...im not sure im aware of more than 1 or 2 properties in the deluxe category that are not directly on the ocean/beach so I don't quite understand the analogy.

One can stay at any property anywhere in the world for less than rack rate. That is well known. The pricing I posted was a fair comparison in that I simply posted expedia rates for the week I mentioned for all properties listed.

Don't misunderstand me...if being "closer" to the parks is your main consideration, and you're willing to give up more than basic service, having less luxury , and better hotels only to pay more then have at it. It simply depends on what is important to each person. But you cant really, at least not with a straight face, suggest that D deluxes are at the same level as other deluxes. In Orlando. Or Anywhere !

 

[BugsDaddy]

I am not even sure why this thread is still open? The OP has been given a reprimand from the moderator. Why not just close the thread? The guy expressed an unpopular position (got jumped on a little), got a little emotional about it and had his hand slapped. Is the thread still open so that others can continue to take random pot shots at him without him being able to respond?

 

[wendybeth75]

I hate to see Threads where there is so much *******. I take offense to being labeled a "Kool-aid drinker" just because I enjoy Disney and like the new system. Name calling is in poor taste and uncalled for in a forum like this. I really don't enjoy beach vacations but I certainly wouldn't begrudge anyone who does nor call them Kool-Aid drinkers. OP, i'm sorry that you had a poor experience and I hope you find happiness and whatever your new vacation destination is.

 

[wendybeth75]

deleted see below