News Round Up 2019

[rteetz]

 

[adam.adbe]

Thanks for sharing - Obviously these deals never applied to me so I didn't recall the details but at first glace it seemed like not a big change from previous years

So I think that is interesting for people who look at other deals/offerings for those of us from this side of the Atlantic. I think how they handle international guests is always a little different but I would think that they would have at least lessened the deal for those come form the UK if they were going to really slash other offerings next year as well - so I would take this as at least a positive sign

The math is completely different. If you take domestic visitors and divide them into two groups: those that are close enough to feasibly drive, and those who fly, then factor in the typical length of stay for US visitors, Disney food prices while not cheap, are both easily avoided, and not the lion's share of the cost of the trip.

International travelers are likely to visit for much longer windows, if nothing else to offset the significant upfront for international airfare. When the tickets get cheaper every day, hotel and food costs quickly start to become the headline cost of the vacation. Throwing in the dining plan isn't hugely expensive to Disney when factored against long staying guests who are likely to be spending a decent amount of money on drinks, merchandise, and add-on activities.

As long as the ARPG continues to make sense for this deal, it'll stay, even if free dining no longer makes sense for US based visitors.

Aside: a few years back Disney were offering this deal AND heavily cut room rates. The UK site was offering a five night package that worked out about $1300 cheaper than the main US site for a family of three.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

The math is completely different. If you take domestic visitors and divide them into two groups: those that are close enough to feasibly drive, and those who fly, then factor in the typical length of stay for US visitors, Disney food prices while not cheap, are both easily avoided, and not the lion's share of the cost of the trip.

International travelers are likely to visit for much longer windows, if nothing else to offset the significant upfront for international airfare. When the tickets get cheaper every day, hotel and food costs quickly start to become the headline cost of the vacation. Throwing in the dining plan isn't hugely expensive to Disney when factored against long staying guests who are likely to be spending a decent amount of money on drinks, merchandise, and add-on activities.

As long as the ARPG continues to make sense for this deal, it'll stay, even if free dining no longer makes sense for US based visitors.

Aside: a few years back Disney were offering this deal AND heavily cut room rates. The UK site was offering a five night package that worked out about $1300 cheaper than the main US site for a family of three.

Thanks, and maybe they don't relate at all ... I was just thinking that if they felt less of a need for deals at all that, even if still appearing much more significant to US guests that what was offered to UK visitors in 2020 would be less than the offer in 2018/19 - but since it appears the same then I thought you could relate that to everyone that they wont' be cutting back deals - at least not to the extent many were fearing

 

[OSUZorba]

The math is completely different. If you take domestic visitors and divide them into two groups: those that are close enough to feasibly drive, and those who fly, then factor in the typical length of stay for US visitors, Disney food prices while not cheap, are both easily avoided, and not the lion's share of the cost of the trip.

International travelers are likely to visit for much longer windows, if nothing else to offset the significant upfront for international airfare. When the tickets get cheaper every day, hotel and food costs quickly start to become the headline cost of the vacation. Throwing in the dining plan isn't hugely expensive to Disney when factored against long staying guests who are likely to be spending a decent amount of money on drinks, merchandise, and add-on activities.

As long as the ARPG continues to make sense for this deal, it'll stay, even if free dining no longer makes sense for US based visitors.

Aside: a few years back Disney were offering this deal AND heavily cut room rates. The UK site was offering a five night package that worked out about $1300 cheaper than the main US site for a family of three.

Any idea if a US person book this these packages if you book through the UK? Or do you have to prove you are from the UK?

 

[saskdw]

The math is completely different. If you take domestic visitors and divide them into two groups: those that are close enough to feasibly drive, and those who fly, then factor in the typical length of stay for US visitors, Disney food prices while not cheap, are both easily avoided, and not the lion's share of the cost of the trip.

International travelers are likely to visit for much longer windows, if nothing else to offset the significant upfront for international airfare. When the tickets get cheaper every day, hotel and food costs quickly start to become the headline cost of the vacation. Throwing in the dining plan isn't hugely expensive to Disney when factored against long staying guests who are likely to be spending a decent amount of money on drinks, merchandise, and add-on activities.

As long as the ARPG continues to make sense for this deal, it'll stay, even if free dining no longer makes sense for US based visitors.

Aside: a few years back Disney were offering this deal AND heavily cut room rates. The UK site was offering a five night package that worked out about $1300 cheaper than the main US site for a family of three.

Also this isn't "real" free dining it's quick service free dining. Real free dining is when they give the full dining plan at the Mod resorts. Giving out chicken fingers and fries cost Disney nothing.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

NEWS

Temporary park entrance set up at EPCOT's International Gateway

https://wdwnt.com/2019/04/photos-temporary-park-entrance-set-up-at-epcots-international-gateway/

 

[adam.adbe]

Thanks, and maybe they don't relate at all ... I was just thinking that if they felt less of a need for deals at all that, even if still appearing much more significant to US guests that what was offered to UK visitors in 2020 would be less than the offer in 2018/19 - but since it appears the same then I thought you could relate that to everyone that they wont' be cutting back deals - at least not to the extent many were fearing

Yeah, I can't imagine there'll be no deals to be had. There'll always be soft periods where Disney would like to goose demand. With SWGE, we may see Disney move to a more nimble approach to demand driving. I've been wondering how much SWGE will change the demographics of park visitors (especially at WDW). If that land attracts an audience that was (for example) previously drawn more to Uni, the current peaks and troughs of attendance may shift somewhat. Many a time I've wished I could see Disney's spreadsheets for these kinds of things.

 

[adam.adbe]

Any idea if a US person book this these packages if you book through the UK? Or do you have to prove you are from the UK?

The person making the booking needs a UK postal address. It's possible to travel with UK visitors and have them book your package and rooms when booking their own. I'm not sure what further games could be played though.

[edit to improve clarity]

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Yeah, I can't imagine there'll be no deals to be had. There'll always be soft periods where Disney would like to goose demand. With SWGE, we may see Disney move to a more nimble approach to demand driving. I've been wondering how much SWGE will change the demographics of park visitors (especially at WDW). If that land attracts an audience that was (for example) previously drawn more to Uni, the current peaks and troughs of attendance may shift somewhat. Many a time I've wished I could see Disney's spreadsheets for these kinds of things.

I am right there with you on that point!

And an interesting point about demographics ... and also if it becomes more guests that aren't there *just* for Disney but are there for Galaxy's Edge and maybe check out the Guardians ride when it opens, etc. - and then also spend a few days checking out Harry Potter at Universal, etc. So sort of catering more to those guests that are maybe staying more like 2-4 days at Disney, but willing to spend more per day to get done what they want (so have packages that include a hard ticketed event at Galaxy's Edge or things like that)

 

[adam.adbe]

Also this isn't "real" free dining it's quick service free dining. Real free dining is when they give the full dining plan at the Mod resorts. Giving out chicken fingers and fries cost Disney nothing.

When I was last in a position to benefit from the UK plan, we stayed in FQ and received the standard moderate level dining plan - I.E. free breakfasts, resort mug, snack credits, and one standard restaurant credit per day. I admit to having no clue what the current package offers.

 

[rteetz]

News

PHOTOS: Tomorrowland Speedway Refurb Update 4/15/19 (Newly Painted Facade, Railings, and Walls; Metal Grids Removed)

 

[rteetz]

I know not Disney news but there is a Disney connection. The spire from the Notre Dame cathedral inspired a spire on the Disneyland castle. Now that cathedral is basically gone from a devastating fire.

 

[wnwardii]

I know not Disney news but there is a Disney connection. The spire from the Notre Dame cathedral inspired a spire on the Disneyland castle. Now that cathedral is basically gone from a devastating fire.

Don't forget the other Disney connection - the Hunchback of Notre Dame animated film.

 

[rteetz]

Don't forget the other Disney connection - the Hunchback of Notre Dame animated film.

Of course how could I forget that!

 

[wnwardii]

Of course how could I forget that!

Were you even alive when it was released?!?!? *this is purely rhetorical, no response is needed*.

 

[dolewhipdreams]

I know not Disney news but there is a Disney connection. The spire from the Notre Dame cathedral inspired a spire on the Disneyland castle. Now that cathedral is basically gone from a devastating fire.

I'm watching a live stream of the blaze and it's horrible. Such a tragedy for Paris.

 

[rteetz]

News

Easter Egg displays at All Star resorts

https://wdwnt.com/2019/04/photos-all-star-resorts-cast-member-decorated-easter-eggs/

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Don't forget the other Disney connection - the Hunchback of Notre Dame animated film.

Just another reminder to take the trip, see the site, experience what you can today ... it might not be there tomorrow

 

[Tigger's ally]

I'm watching a live stream of the blaze and it's horrible. Such a tragedy for Paris.

Can't help to notice the massive scaffolding around it as it burned.

 

[dolewhipdreams]

Can't help to notice the massive scaffolding around it as it burned.

It was under heavy renovation due to cracking which might have led to structural issues. There isn't an official cause yet but it's already being unofficially blamed on construction. All I know is I wouldn't want to work for the company that caused Notre Dame to burn down.

I'm just sad I missed visiting it. We'll be there in September and it was one of my top 3 things I was looking forward to.