News Round Up 2019

[AMusicLifeForMe]

This is probably what I would do about the Riviera prices:

I would probably stay at Caribbean Beach. If I want to splurge on a dining experience, I would then use the money that I would have used to book a room at Riviera instead of Caribbean Beach to just eat at the rooftop restaurant. I would also take advantage of the Skyliner Station.

I recently stayed at Caribbean Beach, and I was surprised how much I liked those rooms.

My Dad also owns DVC. So, I'm sure I will stay Riviera eventually, but I won't go out of my way to stay there. Especially if my money can go a long way by staying at Caribbean Beach than Riviera. You could probably stay 2 or 3 trips at Caribbean Beach for the price of Riviera. However, it's hard to tell how much Caribbean Beach will go up in price once the Skyliner opens up as well.

 

[dclpluto]

Where do you guys usually stay?

The prices are high, and the value/service level keeps dipping. Is it first time/once in a lifetime vacationers who are paying this?

ETA: I mean $300 a night for a motel with doors on the outside is crazy pants imho.

I’m a dvc member I stay at bwv. Since I have points there. I also have points at Saratoga springs but don’t stay there unless I have to. I like to try all the dvc resorts if I can at the seven month window. No way will I pay that kind of money for the rooms. I got in when dvc was reasonable now they are way too expensive.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Heres the thing if you do the math for Dec 30 the Riveria Studio which only Sleeps 2 is higher per head count then the Grand Floridan which holds 5 or realistically 4.5 the .5 being a smaller child. If you take out the child and say 2 adults and 2 teens you have 4 people at 4 adult ticket prices. So the grand floridan per head at Disney would cost you $212.75 per Adult size occupant and thats with 2 queen beds. The Tower room is $280.50 Per head so Disney is pretty much stating that the offerings on December 30th at the Riveria will be $60per person better then the GF their Crown Jewel on Property. I hope its so, but I doubt it. I feel like this is the bean counters trying to make as much money over new hype DVC. In a few years I wont be surprised if we either see increases across the board for Deluxe rooms and the Riveria staying the same price to actually put it in line of pricing vs amenities.

GF for example has 3 different Disney Transportation options, Riveria only has 2. GF has the only Tripple A Five Diamond Awarded Restaurant on Property, plus 3 other restaurants. Riveria doesnt. The price Disney is placing on the Riveria, is all about new dvc hype and less about the real value of the room.

probably just an element of very few rooms that only sleep 2 - so yes, your per head figure makes sense but if I am a couple and I want to stay at the GF there aren't any "only for 2" size rooms so I have to pay the same for the room whether there are 2 or 4 people in it

Still nuts and still seems overpriced, but also a bit of "low supply" impacting things

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

News

Australia DISers! Disney Theatrical's Musical, Frozen, is coming to you in 2020!

The musical will debut in July 2020 at Sydney's Capitol Theatre!

Source: http://www.playbill.com/article/dis...Yr03pzFTQXAu2y_El_tgFgB-034nQidcTpkH9wm8ShTpE

 

[amberpi]

We usually stay at Coronado Springs and are booked there this Christmas.

I learned with in the first 1/2 hour of checking in for our first ever WDW trip in 2008 at Caribbean Beach Resort that you pay for what's outside the doors at Disney not the actual room. We had a room in a great location in Martinique. I think it was 2554 if memory serves me correct. The room was very plain and nothing special, but when you opened the door it was paradise. We could see the EPCOT fireworks from right outside our door, the food court was steps away, the pool a few steps farther, and a beach right infront of the building. We never regretted the money for a second.

Having said that the Mod resorts are the sweet spot for us. We go for 12-14 nights. The extra per night for a deluxe really starts to add up when your there for that long. I've just never felt that I would get $4000 more enjoyment from a deluxe.

I've had a one night, last minute (like day of) stay at Coronado and then tons of stays at the deluxes. I left on property when they pulled 24 hour room service and switched to the Swolphin, but our last trip was awful there so we now go offsite. We can stay at a true deluxe property for less than a WDW property and can afford a suite at that. The value position is just totally lost for me. I grew up staying at the CR or Epcot area and love the convenience but it's just lost services and increased in price. Sounds like, for you, onsite is still a worthwhile position. There are obviously tons of people who agree with you I'm just baffled at the additional inventory and increased prices while service has gone to poop.

When the SW hotel opens though, all bets are off. Take my money, Disney!

 

[rteetz]

News

Next AP Pop Up event is Jan. 26th at World of Disney at 9AM.

 

[amberpi]

You have to consider these prices are for peak week of the year. Crowds are insane that week and Disney has no problem selling rooms and tickets for that week.

Personally I just got back and stayed at Pop on a group rate which was roughly $108 a night. Yes first timers are part of it but with the decent economy right now people feel they can spend a bit more and will splurge for these things.

Good point on the time of year. I'm not a budget traveller at all, but I am a value traveler and have been trying to understand WDW pricing under that thought process.

 

[amberpi]

probably just an element of very few rooms that only sleep 2 - so yes, your per head figure makes sense but if I am a couple and I want to stay at the GF there aren't any "only for 2" size rooms so I have to pay the same for the room whether there are 2 or 4 people in it

Still nuts and still seems overpriced, but also a bit of "low supply" impacting things

The other thing I would add is that not everyone wants to sleep 4 people to a single room (shudder), so the headcount thing gets even more problematic.

 

[tlmadden73]

Where do you guys usually stay?

The prices are high, and the value/service level keeps dipping. Is it first time/once in a lifetime vacationers who are paying this?

ETA: I mean $300 a night for a motel with doors on the outside is crazy pants imho.

Disney is obviously catering (and has been for a while) to the "resort" vacationers (especially with all the new DVC properties) -- not the old-school theme park vacationers. I am vacationing to Florida like my parents -- someone who goes maybe 5-6 nights max (and has 1 day in each park) .. and spends every day - from early morning to after dinner - at the parks (or out and about at Disney Springs or resort hopping) .. the amenities of most Disney hotels don't seem worth the cost for me. The hotels are a place to lay your head at night and have breakfast (or dinner). My last trip to All-Star Movies was perfect for that and well worth the cost.

So, when I compare $500+/night deluxe hotels, even though they are CONVENIENTLY close to SOME of the parks, I'd rather stay at All-Stars and be able to stay a few extra days (including park tickets) for even cheaper than just a few days at a Deluxe. and maybe someday I will splurge. But for now, how I vacation there, not worth it.

But .. I've seen on here ... families who take 10+ day vacations and treat it like you would a trip to the beach or the mountains. Where your hotel is your "home base" and you enjoy the pool, the weather .. and the parks are just something to do on any given day, maybe just for half a day. For that -- the size and amenities would matter.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to stay at a Deluxe, I'm just a different type of vacationer right now .. but that may change as my kids get older. Trying to do a 6+ day vacation with small children is challenging.

That being said, I am "splurging" on some Moderates here this year to check them out (while I have an AP) .. but those have been under $200/night thus far. Still "reasonable" in my opinion for what you are getting. (POFQ in March and Caribbean (or AoA) in the fall).

Also .. if the SW hotel is the immersive "cruise-ship-like" experience they are speculating, I will probably splurge there -- as I want to experience the hotel -- NOT the theme parks every day.

So -- long story short -- those costs are really just dependent not only on your income, but just on the vacation you want to have.

 

[saskdw]

I've had a one night, last minute (like day of) stay at Coronado and then tons of stays at the deluxes. I left on property when they pulled 24 hour room service and switched to the Swolphin, but our last trip was awful there so we now go offsite. We can stay at a true deluxe property for less than a WDW property and can afford a suite at that. The value position is just totally lost for me. I grew up staying at the CR or Epcot area and love the convenience but it's just lost services and increased in price. Sounds like, for you, onsite is still a worthwhile position. There are obviously tons of people who agree with you I'm just baffled at the additional inventory and increased prices while service has gone to poop.

When the SW hotel opens though, all bets are off. Take my money, Disney!

The onsite experience is a big deal for us. We don't want to rent a car. We honestly haven't experienced the huge drop in service that alot of people complain about. the staff at CSR have always been good to us. We still feel the magic when we are at disney.

I don't in anyway defend their pricing though. Their current rack rates are definitely a stretch to find the value for the dollar. It's one of the reasons we went to Universal instead in 2017 and took 2018 off from Orlando. I don't think a lengthy offsite stay is something we would enjoy. If it comes down to that we will just find somewhere else to spend our money.

 

[scrappinginontario]

News

Topolino’s Terrace on top of Riviera with Character breakfast

http://blogmickey.com/2019/01/topol...eakfast-announced-for-disneys-riviera-resort/

The article states, 'Indulge in an unforgettable signature dinner experience accompanied by sights of nearby nighttime spectaculars at Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Or, rise early and stop by for breakfast done the Disney way, with a prix-fixe Disney Character Dining experience.'

Is this pretty much a given that the character dining will be 2 credits?

 

[TheMaxRebo]

The article states, 'Indulge in an unforgettable signature dinner experience accompanied by sights of nearby nighttime spectaculars at Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Or, rise early and stop by for breakfast done the Disney way, with a prix-fixe Disney Character Dining experience.'

Is this pretty much a given that the character dining will be 2 credits?

Well, the snow white one is only 1 credit so I would expect a high $ cost out of pocket but only 1 dining credit (in the continued effort to try and show that the dining plan is a "deal")

 

[rteetz]

The article states, 'Indulge in an unforgettable signature dinner experience accompanied by sights of nearby nighttime spectaculars at Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Or, rise early and stop by for breakfast done the Disney way, with a prix-fixe Disney Character Dining experience.'

Is this pretty much a given that the character dining will be 2 credits?

Probably. Although Storybook Dining is still one credit for now.

 

[amberpi]

The onsite experience is a big deal for us. We don't want to rent a car. We honestly haven't experienced the huge drop in service that alot of people complain about. the staff at CSR have always been good to us. We still feel the magic when we are at disney.

I don't in anyway defend their pricing though. Their current rack rates are definitely a stretch to find the value for the dollar. It's one of the reasons we went to Universal instead in 2017 and took 2018 off from Orlando. I don't think a lengthy offsite stay is something we would enjoy. If it comes down to that we will just find somewhere else to spend our money.

We use Uber or the hotel busses when we stay offsite, I'm not making my DH drive on vacation

The lack of 24 hour room service was a dead stop deal breaker for me/us; so when that service was cut, I was out for onsite. So, my complaint is about a service that was actually discontinued vs. some claim about the lack of service in general. (Although I will say, the staff at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress was outstanding and even impressed my typically grumpy husband.) And while, I'm sure that seems incredibly stupid; I'm just NOT staying somewhere for vacation I can't get a cocktail and dessert delivered to my room after a long park day. That's a super small, and inconsequential issue for most. Heck, it probably seems downright silly to most folks. It's part of feeling like I'm truly on vacation for me. We all have our little things and if you (and obviously tons of other people as well) are still feeling the magic, that's awesome! I was just kinda wondering to myself when the breaking point would be on WDW resort pricing, so anytime there is news/rumors on pricing, I have to ask questions.

 

[Firebird060]

I can understand everyone vacations different. We all have our own vacation wants and needs. For example me and the wife, we have no kids, we go to the parks 3 to 4 times a year, usally also add a couple days in Clearwater and have a grand old time. For us we spend alot of times in the park, but not necessarily alot of time riding the rides. We like to stay deluxe but have stayed moderate. We have pay rack rate before but prefer either renting points or using our AP discounts. Each vacation for us has different things we want to focus on, that and price determines where we stay on property. In saying that as a person who is closer to the tower room studios target market, aka its only me and the wife who go to Disney it would be harder with my knowledge of Disney offerings to stay at the tower at the rate it is, unless I was to get a good deal.

Yes the tower is a Deluxe Disney property, but this is the first Deluxe Disney has done on a Moderate Property, the Coronado Tower is its own built to use class of hotel right now, in saying that as a Deluxe Property sharing proximity with a Moderate Property, the amenities inside the Riveria would have to be pretty amazing for me to want to spend my money on it instead of say staying and the Caribbean and as of Right now I dont see anything that really makes it stand out. Both will have a skyliner station and or Busses to get you to the parks, and until they announce some special perk for Riveria guests, that are specific to the resort, I think on paper its harder to justify especially if you consider the tower room doesnt have a true queen bed. Granted I dont spend much time in the room, but in my experience Murphy beds dont have the most plush and lux mattresses. Does this mean I wouldn't stay at the Riveria, no I prob would but only on a good deal, or a place of last resort.

I am very curious as to what points per night Disney assigns this resort for its various rooms. Disney knows DVC members are a captive market, it would be nice to see their thinking on this Full DVC resort, I think it will give some decent insight on how Disney will price its next DVC project which is supposed to have both DVC and Cash offerings. We all know Disney is out there to make money, its just how much money and how fast do they think they can make it, which is what I find interesting, I really would love to pick the mind of the teams that determine pricing on these new projects.

I also wonder how the performance of the Riveria will determine extras at other Non Disney Resorts, For example, extra magic hours at Disney Springs Hotels, Swalphin Hotels, other partner ones. We already have heard the rumour that Atlantic Dance hall will close because Disneys contract with the Swalphin mandating a Night Club is about to end again as far as I know thats the rumour. As Disney is building more accommodations and allowing partners to build more non Disney hotels on Property, I wont be surprised to eventually we will see some sort of reduction of non Disney resort Benefits when, how soon, and how much though might really depend on so many factors.

 

[jade1]

Heres the thing if you do the math for Dec 30 the Riveria Studio which only Sleeps 2 is higher per head count then the Grand Floridan which holds 5 or realistically 4.5 the .5 being a smaller child. If you take out the child and say 2 adults and 2 teens you have 4 people at 4 adult ticket prices. So the grand floridan per head at Disney would cost you $212.75 per Adult size occupant and thats with 2 queen beds. The Tower room is $280.50 Per head so Disney is pretty much stating that the offerings on December 30th at the Riveria will be $60per person better then the GF their Crown Jewel on Property. I hope its so, but I doubt it. I feel like this is the bean counters trying to make as much money over new hype DVC. In a few years I wont be surprised if we either see increases across the board for Deluxe rooms and the Riveria staying the same price to actually put it in line of pricing vs amenities.

GF for example has 3 different Disney Transportation options, Riveria only has 2. GF has the only Tripple A Five Diamond Awarded Restaurant on Property, plus 3 other restaurants. Riveria doesnt. The price Disney is placing on the Riveria, is all about new dvc hype and less about the real value of the room.

Yea seems high. But this is really a DVC hotel, so comparing cash stays with GF will make sense for a small percentage, even though accurate.

I think the real comp will be the GF DVC.

As for cash stays at Riviera compared to VGF, the first week of Dec a couple can stay at Riviera for $378, VGF is $678.

It will be much quicker from Riviera to EPCOT than from VGF as well, if that's a preference over MK for some.

 

[Tigger's ally]

That being said, I am "splurging" on some Moderates here this year to check them out (while I have an AP) .. but those have been under $200/night thus far. Still "reasonable" in my opinion for what you are getting. (POFQ in March and Caribbean (or AoA) in the fall).

.

I recently had two value rooms reserved at Pop for our april trip. Pre- AP rate was a total of $419 tax included and I was more than willing to pay that if no APrates came out. When the rates came out, I couldn't jump fast enough at a two bedroom OKW villa for $460 before tax. The AP rates at times are incredible when you go at non peak times.

 

[Firebird060]

Yea seems high. But this is really a DVC hotel, so comparing cash stays with GF will make sense for a small percentage, even though accurate.

I think the real comp will be the GF DVC.

As for cash stays at Riviera compared to VGF, the first week of Dec a couple can stay at Riviera for $378, VGF is $678.

It will be much quicker from Riviera to EPCOT than from VGF as well, if that's a preference over MK for some.

Your not wrong on location playing a part I am sure. I am sure part of Disneys Pricing also reflects the plans for SW land opening and the changes at EPCOT and the popularity of its festivals. For the couple who loves to drink and do food at Epcot the Riveria prob does have extra value due to its Skyliner, in saying that Im not sure after a night of drinking I would want to step onto a suspended car, that could be a disaster in the making, depending on the sway of the vehicle. I am sure Disney is thinking more meta in its justification of pricing, as for the pricing for the Rivera for 378 the first week, that makes at least more since, yet for capacity its still 20 dollars more per adult ,ages 10+, for occupancy then staying at VGF. I know the head count per room thing is a number subject to want, of each vacationer, not everyone is going to want to cram 4 or 4.5 guests into a room, but as bussiness\hotel you plan for max occupancy. The prices are close to on par for occupancy of room if you want for the first week of December. I am sure the people at Disney who came up with the priceing, may see Epcots food offerings being as big a value as the 4 restaurants at VGF. I still think the price is more into it being a new DVC resort and closer to the new Disney Projects then anything else. Who knows how they weigh things, like everything else I am sure there is a formula they use.

 

[BigRed98]

News

Topolino’s Terrace on top of Riviera with Character breakfast

http://blogmickey.com/2019/01/topol...eakfast-announced-for-disneys-riviera-resort/

Wow the place looks really nice! Hopefully they have unique dining options and execute them well. Would definitely take the skyliner over to Riviera for dinner if reviews are positive.

 

[dlavender]

I can understand everyone vacations different. We all have our own vacation wants and needs. For example me and the wife, we have no kids, we go to the parks 3 to 4 times a year, usally also add a couple days in Clearwater and have a grand old time. For us we spend alot of times in the park, but not necessarily alot of time riding the rides. We like to stay deluxe but have stayed moderate. We have pay rack rate before but prefer either renting points or using our AP discounts. Each vacation for us has different things we want to focus on, that and price determines where we stay on property. In saying that as a person who is closer to the tower room studios target market, aka its only me and the wife who go to Disney it would be harder with my knowledge of Disney offerings to stay at the tower at the rate it is, unless I was to get a good deal.

Yes the tower is a Deluxe Disney property, but this is the first Deluxe Disney has done on a Moderate Property, the Coronado Tower is its own built to use class of hotel right now, in saying that as a Deluxe Property sharing proximity with a Moderate Property, the amenities inside the Riveria would have to be pretty amazing for me to want to spend my money on it instead of say staying and the Caribbean and as of Right now I dont see anything that really makes it stand out. Both will have a skyliner station and or Busses to get you to the parks, and until they announce some special perk for Riveria guests, that are specific to the resort, I think on paper its harder to justify especially if you consider the tower room doesnt have a true queen bed. Granted I dont spend much time in the room, but in my experience Murphy beds dont have the most plush and lux mattresses. Does this mean I wouldn't stay at the Riveria, no I prob would but only on a good deal, or a place of last resort.

I am very curious as to what points per night Disney assigns this resort for its various rooms. Disney knows DVC members are a captive market, it would be nice to see their thinking on this Full DVC resort, I think it will give some decent insight on how Disney will price its next DVC project which is supposed to have both DVC and Cash offerings. We all know Disney is out there to make money, its just how much money and how fast do they think they can make it, which is what I find interesting, I really would love to pick the mind of the teams that determine pricing on these new projects.

I also wonder how the performance of the Riveria will determine extras at other Non Disney Resorts, For example, extra magic hours at Disney Springs Hotels, Swalphin Hotels, other partner ones. We already have heard the rumour that Atlantic Dance hall will close because Disneys contract with the Swalphin mandating a Night Club is about to end again as far as I know thats the rumour. As Disney is building more accommodations and allowing partners to build more non Disney hotels on Property, I wont be surprised to eventually we will see some sort of reduction of non Disney resort Benefits when, how soon, and how much though might really depend on so many factors.

Well said.

I don't get it either. What does Riviera offer that CBR doesn't at this point?

Pools - At best its a scratch, IMO. Both have nice kids play areas, both have slides. I'd say CBR has better themeing......
Rooms - Rivera will have nicer touches, but if you are looking at cheapest v cheapest, CBR offers actual beds......
Views - Riviera will have actual room views, where CBR being the "motel" that it is, does not. Also, Riviera will I assume have a spot to watch the fireworks and probably are now blocking CBR's one time view of Epcot.
Restaurants - Riviera will have better ones, however, can't you use them while staying at CBR?
Transportation - both have gondola, right?
Service - I'd expect Riviera to have better, but besides our two free upgrades to CL at BWI and Poly, I'd say I've had the same experience everywhere else (minus the longer waits at All Stars).

So, pay double to 2.5 x's more for fireworks? What am I missing?