No Disney this year!

[WILDERNESS FAN 55]

Great to get out and visit other places/cities whatever but don't forget all those places have been raising their prices for years and years also
It's not JUST Disney (although this is The DIS )

 

[bella2117]

Exactly. I could never just afford to like, go on a whim. I'd have to take time and save up for it, or put it on a credit card or something.

I love planning our trip. I look at every possible scenario that would save us some money. This year we are going and saving a ton of money! Plane tickets are insane so we are driving honestly i don't think I could ever just go on a whim...maybe if it was just my DH and I. But it's not ideal for the four of us.

 

[DOOM1001]

I don't blame the OP,Disney has been getting away with murder simply because they're Disney.You see other area parks improving constantly and Disney just keeping the status quo which for them means a new attraction every 7-8 years if you're lucky and overhyping parades,improving attraction queues and spending money on the new next gen system because a higher up said it will guarantee profits,all the while not much new is being added,and if anybody brings up the new Fantasyland,that's like the bare minimum they could have done.In my opinion that should have been added like 10-15 years ago.Look at the festivals at Epcot,they're big money makers and yet several years ago they stopped having daily concerts at the Flower and Garden festival,only weekends now.They extend the festival to get as many people as possible,add food booths for more profits but can't spend the extra money to have daily concerts.Busch Gardens Williamsburg is one of my favorite parks out there and it makes total sense financially to spend your money there over Disney.You can easily spend multiple days at the park along with Water Country USA as well as the actual historic Williamsburg area.I think the whole going up not $1 but $2 for parking at Disney is pretty wacky nu nu and will turn off many visitors.I know there are parks like Six Flags out there that charge like $20 but those parks have $55 admission probably with available discounts of $15-$20 and season passes around $100 or less.Also don't get me started on what they charge for the hotels,I mean I stay at Pop Century for the marathon and pay their nightly rate of $120 or so to get a small room where I can't even lower the A/C enough to get a comfortable night's sleep.It only goes down so much and if that's not cold enough tough.I end up having to run the marathon on like 2 hours of sleep because of it.I know I could go about 5 minutes away to the Maingate Lakeside for $35 and put that A/C as cold as I like.I know Disney has my AP money but aside from that a bigger chunk of my actual trip money,which is usually like 8-10 trips a year goes more often than not to offsite hotels,offsite restaurants where I not only get more for my money but many times I actually enjoy more than what I get at Disney.Take for example the Rosen Shingle creek resort I stayed at for Christmas, $65/night for a high quality hotel that at Disney would go for $250/night and honestly their Winter Wonderland event was actually more impressive than anything Disney hotels have.

 

[misslynds]

It's become reality that Disney vacations are for people who have higher incomes. Hate to break it to you, but Disney is doing just fine even with the price increases. The only way you're going to be able to go back to Disney is if you get a job that gets you a higher income.

If you can't afford to go, you are not Disney's target customer anyway.

I also disagree. I'm a single mom who makes $50k a year and I think with value resorts, discounted UT tickets, dining plan and all the other "budget" concessions Disney has made its the perfect choice for my family. It's no secret that I've had to make sacrifices to go, but I would have done that with any vacation. Plus, I am lucky enough to have DVC friends and am staying at AKL for the price of a value.

 

[MuddyTires]

What dos your decision to go to Busch Gardens instead of WDW have to do with touring plans and strategies for the Disney parks?

 

[HBGdancermom]

I thought you had already decided this. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3226817 Anyway, enjoy your new adventure!

Lol

 

[Marionnette]

We have gone to Disney every year for the last 8 years. Our last visit was Sept, 2013 and I booked a bounceback for this Sept. I am going to cancel due to the fp+, which I think is terrible and due to the price increases. We can
afford to go to Disney but I am unwilling to go when I feel like over the past few years Disney prices have gone up, up, up and what you get is going down. We are going to take our vacation this year at Busch Garden in Williamsburg in August instead. For my family of 5, we can go unlimited to Busch Gardens and Water country for $72 a person, that will be around $360 for our family. Tickets for Disney for 7 days are around $1600. We can also get a nice Marriott for around $100/night, which includes a full hot breakfast. We stayed at POR in Sept and it was just "average" and now runs around $200/night. Don't get me wrong, we love Disney but I just refuse to pay these outrageous prices and until people stop going (which doesn't seem is going to happen), they will just keep price gouging us. I have to admit, I will miss our annual trip but we will have fun with a new adventure.

I understand why you need a break from Disney but TBH, there will always be people who are going to go there and pay the "outrageous" prices. They will be people from all walks of life, from the 1%-er who makes it an annual visit with his entourage to the working guy who scraped the money together over years of sacrifice and saving. People are not going to stop going because of ticket prices going up or a reduction in the number of FP they can grab. In fact, most of those people who visit will be blissfully unaware that there have been any changes because they are not regular, repeat visitors like yourself, OP.

Many of us look at the quality of any product we might purchase and we evaluate whether it is worth the cost. I have to say that over the last 4 or 5 trips, I have noticed a decline in the quality of experience that I get for my dollar at Disney. That's not to say that I have personally reached the tipping point where the cost exceeds the perceived value, but I understand the viewpoints of other who have.

 

[kandb]

OP here. Yes, I have said we were not going back this year before, but have
changed my mind a few times. That's why I still haven't cancelled our bounceback we booked on our Sept trip and haven't gotten our $200 back yet. I know some people on here are nasty and don't talk nice, unfortunately that if just the population in our society. Thanks for everyone's input. I am looking forward to our Busch Gardens vacation but am a little hesitant since we have done Disney 8 years in a row and my children have been fond of those vacation. To all the people planning on going, have a great
time and make great memories, like we have done in the past.

 

[chapie1968]

Quite honestly, by the rationale you post.....you will never go to Disney again.

maybe, just maybe. Disney is making it more and more difficult to justify spending money at their resort.

 

[luvthemouse71]

Well, if you don't want to go for whatever reason, then don't go. Disney has been seeing an INCREASE in overall attendance so they are currently in no danger just because a few people on these boards decide not to go. In fact, unless there is a HUGE change in direction when it comes to profits and attendance, they could care less that a few people from these boards decide to travel somewhere else.

But to be honest, I read these posts and just go "Ok?" and shrug. I don't understand the point of these posts unless the OP wants people to respond with their own opinions (though usually the OP ends up coming back and says they are being attacked since not everyone agrees with them).

I personally still find value in a Disney vacation. I don't go yearly because I take my time to save up and travel as I want to. So I usually go every 3-4 years. I would rather go less often and do my trip the way I want to then to go more often and have to worry about my budget. Will there be a day where I don't find value? Maybe. But I have not gotten there yet.

And I am FAR from upper class btw... not even upper middle class. But I can still afford to do Disney as much as I want. And, to be blunt, people don't "deserve" a Disney vacation or any vacation. If they can't afford it, then they can't afford it.

Very good post with excellent points. We all like to think that WDW is all about magic and has nothing to do with the outside world and its concerns. Prices are going up everywhere actually.

No one is owed anything in this life and Disney doesn't owe anyone a low cost vacation. I agree that the "never going back" posts make me go too. I don't think Disney cares, because they have plenty of people who still enjoy going.

 

[*disgal*]

We have gone to Disney every year for the last 8 years. Our last visit was Sept, 2013 and I booked a bounceback for this Sept. I am going to cancel due to the fp+, which I think is terrible and due to the price increases. We can
afford to go to Disney but I am unwilling to go when I feel like over the past few years Disney prices have gone up, up, up and what you get is going down. We are going to take our vacation this year at Busch Garden in Williamsburg in August instead. For my family of 5, we can go unlimited to Busch Gardens and Water country for $72 a person, that will be around $360 for our family. Tickets for Disney for 7 days are around $1600. We can also get a nice Marriott for around $100/night, which includes a full hot breakfast. We stayed at POR in Sept and it was just "average" and now runs around $200/night. Don't get me wrong, we love Disney but I just refuse to pay these outrageous prices and until people stop going (which doesn't seem is going to happen), they will just keep price gouging us. I have to admit, I will miss our annual trip but we will have fun with a new adventure.

I totally understand your post. Disney can be a very expensive place. If you feel you HAVE to stay onsite(which used to describe us) than yes, you'll have to only go once in a while maybe. But I don't see disney lowering prices anytime soon. Maybe they'll have more discounts if they economy is bad again but I wouldn't be holding my breath.

Disney can be done semi-cheaply though. You might have to rework your expectations. We have opted to stay offsite at beautiful condos (Orlando has the most to pick from of any place in the world probably). This year we are offsite at WBC in a 3 bedroom for $20 less than a value room a night. And my disney visa earns rewards dollars so our tickets (only 2 days though) are free and on that same rewards card I will have about $200 for food in the parks. We drive down since there are 5 of us so no rental but we do have gas to pay for. We eat out but not a lot and have a kitchen for breakfasts and lunches.

All in all our trip will cost us about $2400 for the week for 5 of us. Not too bad. But we aren't onsite with 7 day park hoppers either. lol

But hey, I love BGW and by no means do I think WDW has the only market for a great vacation! Have fun and by the time you want to come back to WDW it will feel even more special.

 

[Ravenne]

Disagree, if that was the case, why did they just invest in a value resort?

A value resort where 3/4 of the rooms costs as much as a deluxe resort, you mean?



FWIW, the price of everything goes up, up, up, up. When was the last time gas was under $2 a gallon? Or even $3 a gallon? Heck, every time I go to the grocery store, it seems the price of my basic staples goes up. I was just complaining earlier today that the price of airfare to WDW for us has doubled since 10 yrs ago. Thankfully, the price of a WDW vacation hasn't matched the inflation of airfare...yet.

 

[JimmyV]

Disney has been seeing an INCREASE in overall attendance so they are currently in no danger just because a few people on these boards decide not to go.

Do people honestly believe this? Newsflash! There are millions of people who go to WDW every year, and many, many of them discover that it is not for them or that they are done and elect to move on. Only an unmeasurably small percentage of those people who elect not to return post here. In fact, this board is made up of people who LOVE WDW. Perhaps irrationally so. This board is comprised of the people who are most willing to and most likely to overlook Disney's warts. The "general public" or "typical guest" is far more likely to cut ties with Disney than someone who posts here. This is not an "I hate Disney" board. It is the opposite. So let's put an end to the silly and unsubstantiated pronouncement that the only people who are disappointed with WDW (whether that be for price or operational issues), are 14 Board members who post here. Disney cares about every person who elects not to return. They may not be able to do anything to win back their business, but they don't shrug it off and attribute the loss to being just a single voice from the Dis Board.

 

[LilyWDW]

Do people honestly believe this? Newsflash! There are millions of people who go to WDW every year, and many, many of them discover that it is not for them or that they are done and elect to move on. Only an unmeasurably small percentage of those people who elect not to return post here. In fact, this board is made up of people who LOVE WDW. Perhaps irrationally so. This board is comprised of the people who are most willing to and most likely to overlook Disney's warts. The "general public" or "typical guest" is far more likely to cut ties with Disney than someone who posts here. This is not an "I hate Disney" board. It is the opposite. So let's put an end to the silly and unsubstantiated pronouncement that the only people who are disappointed with WDW (whether that be for price or operational issues), are 14 Board members who post here. Disney cares about every person who elects not to return. They may not be able to do anything to win back their business, but they don't shrug it off and attribute the loss to being just a single voice from the Dis Board.

I used that wording because we ARE talking about a post someone has made on these boards. Do I believe they are the only ones that decided not to go back? Heck no. I am not an idiot. So I would appreciate it if you did not put words into my mouth or read into things that are not there.

What I AM saying is that Disney has been posting profits and increased attendance. So far, those who have decided not to return are not having a financial impact. It is not going to make Disney look at MBs, FP+, or prices and go "Well, this wasn't a good idea because some people decided not to come back." That will only happen when things reach a point where Disney is losing money. Obviously, Disney doesn't think it has found equilibrium with supply and demand and thus believe they can still increase prices.

 

[jaykorf001]

OP here. Yes, I have said we were not going back this year before, but have changed my mind a few times. That's why I still haven't cancelled our bounceback we booked on our Sept trip and haven't gotten our $200 back yet. I know some people on here are nasty and don't talk nice, unfortunately that if just the population in our society. Thanks for everyone's input. I am looking forward to our Busch Gardens vacation but am a little hesitant since we have done Disney 8 years in a row and my children have been fond of those vacation. To all the people planning on going, have a great time and make great memories, like we have done in the past.

I haven't been to the park you are considering but thoroughly enjoyed my time in VA. Sorry some are rough on you. And I know what you mean. We just got back from a week at WBC. $120 a nigh for a condo 4 times the size of a Disney hotel room. Could we afford to stay at a Disney resort -- yes and we (or at least I am) are open to the idea for short stays. But we'd rather take that savings and spend it on another vacation this summer. Good luck. I'm sure you'll have a great vacation whatever you decide.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Planogirl]

Do people honestly believe this? Newsflash! There are millions of people who go to WDW every year, and many, many of them discover that it is not for them or that they are done and elect to move on. Only an unmeasurably small percentage of those people who elect not to return post here. In fact, this board is made up of people who LOVE WDW. Perhaps irrationally so. This board is comprised of the people who are most willing to and most likely to overlook Disney's warts. The "general public" or "typical guest" is far more likely to cut ties with Disney than someone who posts here. This is not an "I hate Disney" board. It is the opposite. So let's put an end to the silly and unsubstantiated pronouncement that the only people who are disappointed with WDW (whether that be for price or operational issues), are 14 Board members who post here. Disney cares about every person who elects not to return. They may not be able to do anything to win back their business, but they don't shrug it off and attribute the loss to being just a single voice from the Dis Board.

Great post. That comment that the few here that complain don't matter is pointless IMO since people in general haven't had time to even use FP+ much less react to it. I see it as sampling from big time Disney fans. As you said, who knows how the general public will react.

 

[juliebug1997]

Disney is a company and, just like most companies, they are in the business of trying to turn a profit. Now, I don't follow the business pages, but I never hear Disney making the type of money that Exxon did several years ago. However, people seem to think that Disney is trying to rob them blind and should be ashamed for doing it. Inflation does dictate some of these prices. We are paying more for groceries and gas right now. They need to pay their workers a little more, they have maintenance costs, etc. Has the Magic Band and FP+ roll out been successful? I think it's too soon to tell.

Back in the 80s when Cabbage Patch Kids were the hot item, my dad knew I wanted one, but he never complained and said that the company making them was ruining our lives when he couldn't get me one.

If you're mad that Disney is charging these outrageous prices, then stop going. However, they're like Jerry Jones and the Cowboys: someone else is always willing to go. Don't get me wrong: it is expensive to go. We've had medical bills due to my breast cancer, some house repairs, and vet bills come up. We're still trying to work out a cheap way to go to SWW. However, I'm not going to get mad at Disney for charging what they do. I'll go and get a part time job at Target instead or offer to write curriculum over the summer if my district will let me.

 

[kbelle8995]

OP here. Yes, I have said we were not going back this year before, but have
changed my mind a few times. That's why I still haven't cancelled our bounceback we booked on our Sept trip and haven't gotten our $200 back yet. I know some people on here are nasty and don't talk nice, unfortunately that if just the population in our society. Thanks for everyone's input. I am looking forward to our Busch Gardens vacation but am a little hesitant since we have done Disney 8 years in a row and my children have been fond of those vacation. To all the people planning on going, have a great
time and make great memories, like we have done in the past.

I think you will have a wonderful time at Bush Gardens in Williamsburg. And hey you might want to go over and do some of Colonial Williamsburg which is also wonderful. It's like you are at the American Adventure. (without the audio anamatronics.)

I think it's taking a hard look out there and seeing other places you and your vacation dollar could go. There no anger just an opening of the eyes.

 

[Kandi76]

Disney is a company and, just like most companies, they are in the business of trying to turn a profit. Now, I don't follow the business pages, but I never hear Disney making the type of money that Exxon did several years ago. However, people seem to think that Disney is trying to rob them blind and should be ashamed for doing it. Inflation does dictate some of these prices. We are paying more for groceries and gas right now. They need to pay their workers a little more, they have maintenance costs, etc. Has the Magic Band and FP+ roll out been successful? I think it's too soon to tell. Back in the 80s when Cabbage Patch Kids were the hot item, my dad knew I wanted one, but he never complained and said that the company making them was ruining our lives when he couldn't get me one. If you're mad that Disney is charging these outrageous prices, then stop going. However, they're like Jerry Jones and the Cowboys: someone else is always willing to go. Don't get me wrong: it is expensive to go. We've had medical bills due to my breast cancer, some house repairs, and vet bills come up. We're still trying to work out a cheap way to go to SWW. However, I'm not going to get mad at Disney for charging what they do. I'll go and get a part time job at Target instead or offer to write curriculum over the summer if my district will let me.

Amen!

 

[Angel Ariel]

For those indicating that inflation is a main player in cost increases at wdw, you may find this article interesting:

http://micechat.com/59088-cost-inflation-disney-world/

The author has actually done the math to show what WDW would cost today based on 1975 ticket prices and inflation.

Using just inflation, a room at the poly should cost 182.60 (it was 42 in 1975)...they are definitely increasing prices beyond accounting for inflation.