No Free Dining = No WDW This Year?

[skater]

[The entire cost for the trip was as much if we had stayed in a value and paid for the DDP.

/QUOTE]

totally opposite for us - we rent a 2 bedroom beach front condo in Florida for $700 where 2 values for six people plus tickets cost us almost $3800. If you add in food (which is very high at WDW) you're talking double the price for a vacation. We love Disney but sometimes a nice relaxing beach trip is great, too, especially on a budget when no special deals are offered to entice us!

I agree. I can do a beach vacation way cheaper than WDW!

 

[damone]

I agree. I can do a beach vacation way cheaper than WDW!

Well of course you can. I just hope people realize, Disney isn't a bad deal. How much money does it cost to keep the beach operating? Disney is expensive because it's an expensive place to operate. I don't think people really realize this.

Fireworks (every night, at at least 2 parks), 50,000+ employees, electricity for all those rides. Can you imagine what the electric bill for Main Street alone is???? Maintenance, water bills, gardening, fuel for the buses and boats.

 

[Violet Parr]

OP: Your post is the very reason Disney is giving fewer deals this year.

From a business standpoint, they need to wean customers off of expected discounts. While they fill more rooms with the free dining offers, their profit margin decreases. After a while, quality begins to decline.

Personally, I hope they slow down on the discounts for a few years and increase their profit margin. Quality IS starting to decline, and I'd like to see the WDW Parks company start to make more in profits so that the experience remains a quality experience. If that means a few years of no free dining, so be it.

 

[mking624]

OP: Your post is the very reason Disney is giving fewer deals this year.

From a business standpoint, they need to wean customers off of expected discounts. While they fill more rooms with the free dining offers, their profit margin decreases. After a while, quality begins to decline.

Personally, I hope they slow down on the discounts for a few years and increase their profit margin. Quality IS starting to decline, and I'd like to see the WDW Parks company start to make more in profits so that the experience remains a quality experience. If that means a few years of no free dining, so be it.

I think it's a matter of perspective, not necessarily fact. My DH and I haven't experienced a decline in quality. In fact, we probably have had much better experiences than we did 10 years ago when we were on our honeymoon and paid rack rate for everything.

 

[Huff]

At the risk of offending some people here, I think anyone saying they'll just go to Universal if there is no free dining are just whining. What makes you think Universal will be any cheaper than Disney? You can stay at any Moderate (and some Deluxe) Disney Resorts cheaper than any on-site hotel at Universal. And, to my knowledge, Universal doesn't offer free dining.

Rack rate for a 7 day WDW hopper is $286. Universal is $169. Universal has an all you can eat all day pass for $23. Disneyworld offers no such deal. Closest would be QSDP which costs more and is not all you can eat.

Disneyworld Annual pass $489. Universal Annual pass $219.

Which is a better value is subjective to each persons likes and dislikes and/or budget.

 

[mking624]

Well of course you can. I just hope people realize, Disney isn't a bad deal. How much money does it cost to keep the beach operating? Disney is expensive because it's an expensive place to operate. I don't think people really realize this.

Fireworks (every night, at at least 2 parks), 50,000+ employees, electricity for all those rides. Can you imagine what the electric bill for Main Street alone is???? Maintenance, water bills, gardening, fuel for the buses and boats.

I think Disney can be as expensive as you want it to be, but can also be affordable as well (depending on the time of year, where you stay, promos, etc). However, you are absolutely right when talking about the cost to operate. People complain all the time about the cost of Disney but fail to take into consideration just how much money it takes to operate the parks. Guests expect pristine parks with perfectly functioning rides, top CMs, the best quality food and service, etc...but then complain about the money it takes to actually provide that.

 

[Huff]

OP: Your post is the very reason Disney is giving fewer deals this year.

They have? I read the same article as others regarding Disney's desire to reduce discounts. However, we haven't seen that reduction yet. Instead we've seen offers expanded and extended for their summer peak season. Through the winter we saw more discounts that in prior years with FD and other offers. Deals come when bookings are low. Right now with our current economy I feel people are looking for the most bang for their buck.

 

[Violet Parr]

They have? I read the same article as others regarding Disney's desire to reduce discounts. However, we haven't seen that reduction yet. Instead we've seen offers expanded and extended for their summer peak season. Through the winter we saw more discounts that in prior years with FD and other offers. Deals come when bookings are low. Right now with our current economy I feel people are looking for the most bang for their buck.

Two clarifications on my post:

1. I should have said SERVICES are starting to be reduced, not "quality is starting to decline."

2. The reduction in offers is set to begin for the second half of the year. And I think we've seen this already.

 

[Melissa<3Disney]

I haven't read the entire thread so forgive me. But I can understand where the OP is coming from. We are also awaiting the free dining for our family. There are 7 of us going, 5 adults two kids. That means two rooms at a value. The Cost looks like this for us... for Oct. 1st-9th for two rooms at POP with a four day base ticket, with free QSDP(which I assume it will be) upgraded to regular dining plan we are looking at $4199, we are also doing uni/IOA, Seaworld, and La Nouba ( I know we could forgo the extras, but every family member is looking for something different on this trip so we are going all out). Total cost for this trip if free dining is offered: $5555. Total cost of the trip if free dining isn't offered and us having to purchase the regular DP(I have a 20% room pin)- $6400. Almost $1000 more. I know this doesn't seem like much to some people, but my boyfriend and I are paying for the entire trip for our family and while we can afford it, we would like to stay within a certain budget as we would like to buy a house and pay for a wedding sometime in the future. Plus $1000 is almost a month's rent for us. With that being said.. we won't cancel our trip if free dining isn't announced. We will simply just move to a 3 bedroom house offsite, eat a couple of TS meals OOP, and I will cook a few meals to enjoy at the house. That would end up costing us around $5000 with meals, parking, rental car, and all that jazz. I agree with most posters... I don't believe Disney owes me anything, it's a business just like any other business, and they have to be concerned about their bottom line if we want to continue to enjoy the parks the way we do. But Disney also has to understand for large families Disney is a very, very expensive vacation without deals. So most will go offsite, or explore other vacation options if a deal isn't announced. I know we will certainly spend less in the parks if we stay offsite. I just hate it when people get so upset with the people who say they aren't going without free dining. Food is a huge expense and some large families simply cannot stay at Disney if free dining isn't offered. For us free dining is better than any % off a room. I hope everyone gets the deal they are looking for and is able to enjoy a wonderful vacation at Disney! If not, enjoy your vacations wherever!!

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

At the risk of offending some people here, I think anyone saying they'll just go to Universal if there is no free dining are just whining. What makes you think Universal will be any cheaper than Disney? You can stay at any Moderate (and some Deluxe) Disney Resorts cheaper than any on-site hotel at Universal. And, to my knowledge, Universal doesn't offer free dining.

For my family of 4, a 2 week trip to WDW is about $5k at a value resort. If we go during free dining, that drops to $3k. We can do the same trip to the other Florida theme parks, using the 14 day flex pass, for right at $4k - including food.

So, 2 weeks at WDW for $5k vs. 2 weeks at all of the other FL parks for $4k? (Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Sea World, Wet n' Wild, Aquatica and Busch Gardens, unlimited entry into these parks for 14 consecutive days). It's not WDW, but it isn't a bad option - especially if you have not been to the other parks in a while (or ever). So, it may not just be finances. WDW is a slam dunk choice for my family if it is less expensive because we love WDW. But, if there are less expensive options out there, we consider them.

As I said earlier in this thread, no free QSDP in 2010 at a value means that my family will check out the other parks. No bitterness, just a choice.

 

[Don Disney]

I can't speak for anyone else, but what personally somewhat bothers me is, you don't HAVE to pay rack rate. Anyone can get any number of discounts. It just comes off that some people are only going to be satisfied if they get free dining. For 13 nights this summer, I saved over $2,400 on our room at the Yacht Club. There are fantastic discounts available.

I hear you-our 10 nights last Sept.cost us $2014 for a family of 4 with FD at Pop! We would not even consider paying more than $80-$100/night to"sleep" anywhere-that's just us though! We also had 10 day Hoppers too!!

 

[damone]

Rack rate for a 7 day WDW hopper is $286. Universal is $169. - Disney has 4 parks. Universal has 2.

Universal has an all you can eat all day pass for $23. Disneyworld offers no such deal. Closest would be QSDP which costs more and is not all you can eat. - True. Though for 3 quick service meals a day at Disney, you can get away for about $25. So what if it's not all you can eat? How many meals are you going to eat in 1 day?

Disneyworld Annual pass $489. Universal Annual pass $219. - Again, Disney has 4 parks, Universal has 2.

 

[Jenny Wren]

And sometimes *I* get the impression that people think because it's Disney and they're a HUGE conglomerate that Disney can afford to give the shop away. That's it's almost immoral for Disney to make a profit on us poor addicts.

But, I think the thread---for me anyway---is digressing. My original thought was for the PP who stated she and her DH hadn't worked in a while but she was worried about being able to go to Disney. Again, her business surely, but it did seem a little messed up priority-wise to my mind.

And that PP came back and stated that her original post wasn't even close to the reality of the situation. When you give a half-baked story, you will get half-baked responses.

I just dont think that a Disney forum is a place to discuss your financial situation or tell your life story. That is the reason why when I first posted I didnt get realllllyyyy into detail. But then when I was ridiculed by some, I tried to explain myself better, I am not lying or trying to stir the pot, Im tellin it the way it is. I dont have to worry about a fourth job anymore, my trip and my brothers family trip is takin care of....My grandfather is paying for it. So you guys dont have to worry about me bellyaching anymore. Its been a pleasure to say the least.

 

[rie'smom]

But Universal has FOTL and Disney World doesn't. Universal has true deluxe hotels and Disney doesn't.
Plus, if you read Bama fans post #130, you can go to 6 parks unlimited for 14 days and the trip eould cost $1000 less than WDW.
We always go to both WDW and Uni but we we were pushed to pick one, we'd go with Universal.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Rack rate for a 7 day WDW hopper is $286. Universal is $169. - Disney has 4 parks. Universal has 2.

14 day flex pass - $292 vs 10 day hopper with WP&M - $347

Each offers access to 4 different theme parks and 2 water parks, though the flex pass allows you to enter any park any number of times during those 14 days, whereas WDW places more limits on access (10 theme park days only).

 

[damone]

But Universal has FOTL and Disney World doesn't. Universal has true deluxe hotels and Disney doesn't.

I love Universal and we go there for a few days before heading to Disney, but that is absolute nonsense. I've stayed at both the Hard Rock and Royal Pacific, and while both were very nice and had great service, they are no more deluxe than the Wilderness Lodge, Poly, Boardwalk, Beach Club or Animal Kingdom Lodge, and certainly no more so than the Grand Floridian or Yacht Club.

Disney Resorts aren't what we call 5 diamond in the real world, and we all know that. But the way people talk about them as being average 3 star hotels is absolutely absurd. I've stayed in some gorgeous hotels, and I can say without a doubt that the Grand Floridian is right up there with any hotel. People may not like the theming, but the cleanliness, service, food and amenities is top notch.

 

[Melanie230]

Rack rate for a 7 day WDW hopper is $286. Universal is $169. - Disney has 4 parks. Universal has 2.

Universal has an all you can eat all day pass for $23. Disneyworld offers no such deal. Closest would be QSDP which costs more and is not all you can eat. - True. Though for 3 quick service meals a day at Disney, you can get away for about $25. So what if it's not all you can eat? How many meals are you going to eat in 1 day?

Disneyworld Annual pass $489. Universal Annual pass $219. - Again, Disney has 4 parks, Universal has 2.

Even though Universal's new WWoHP is inside Islands of Adventure...it is the size of a 3rd park. In my opinion...Disney would be no bigger than Universal if it didn't have all the *county fair* rides inbetween the great rides they offer. So to compare the two parks is a fair comparison. They also have offered a much better discount for fall visitors this year than Disney has. Not to mention the added bonus of the FOTL passes that are unlimited.

 

[Melanie230]

But Universal has FOTL and Disney World doesn't. Universal has true deluxe hotels and Disney doesn't.
Plus, if you read Bama fans post #130, you can go to 6 parks unlimited for 14 days and the trip eould cost $1000 less than WDW.
We always go to both WDW and Uni but we we were pushed to pick one, we'd go with Universal.

Also over on the Universal thread on the Dis...several have found $118 tickets for Universal through another agency. That is a huge savings. Thanks to the Dis...we secured our 7 day 2 park unlimited pass for $99 before they raised the prices.

 

[damone]

Even though Universal's new WWoHP is inside Islands of Adventure...it is the size of a 3rd park. In my opinion...Disney would be no bigger than Universal if it didn't have all the *county fair* rides inbetween the great rides they offer. So to compare the two parks is a fair comparison. They also have offered a much better discount for fall visitors this year than Disney has. Not to mention the added bonus of the FOTL passes that are unlimited.

Like I said, I love Universal, but I don't compare them. They're 2 different animals. We spend 3 days at Universal, and that's enough. We spend 2 weeks at Disney.
I wouldn't call WWOHP a 3rd park. It's 20 acres. That's roughly the size of Dinoland USA, or about 1/25th the size of Animal Kingdom.
I'm not sure what you mean by "county fair" rides. There are some rides I don't care for at Disney, but the same can be said for Universal.
As for discounts, Universal has to offer better discounts. The 2 Universal Orlando parks draw about 12 million visitors per year. The 4 Disney parks draw about 50 million.
As for attraction comparison, Universal has about a total of 40 rides and attractions. Disney has about 80, not including the water parks.

 

[Melanie230]

Like I said, I love Universal, but I don't compare them. They're 2 different animals. We spend 3 days at Universal, and that's enough. We spend 2 weeks at Disney.

I'm not sure what you mean by "county fair" rides. There are some rides I don't care for at Disney, but the same can be said for Universal.

As for discounts, Universal has to offer better discounts. The 2 Universal Orlando parks draw about 12 million visitors per year. The 4 Disney parks draw about 50 million.

There are many rides at Disney that are similar to that at a county fair. Those aren't available at Universal. We usually do Universal for a week because we enjoy the relaxation there. We spent a week at Disney last year and were able to do everything we wanted to do. I dont think I could spend more than a week at a theme park...that is a lot of time. Yes Disney draws more people. That is because they have a lot of little girls that love the Princesses, and a lot of little boys that love Woody. They also have Star Wars weekends etc. That being said...I think it would be safe to say that Universal will probably more than double their attendance this year with the addition of Harry Potter. I really don't anything about Harry Potter...but the buzz over that park is unbelieveable. Your comparison to WWoHP to Animal Kingdom etc you are including the park lots. Not just the parks size. I believe I read that WWoHP is the size of Epcot without including the land. That is very big. 20 acres is huge.