Not Everyone Is on the Same Boat (EMH)

[Kimberly9701]

Where I live the state funding per student doesn't cover the actual cost of educating one student so in my area she would be saving the school money. I also send my child to private school and still pay high school taxes which stinks but I feel worse for those people who never had children or the elderly who are on fixed incomes and still paying high school taxes.

True. Sometimes people choose to live where property taxes are high. Even the couples without children, probably bc of home values etc. The elderly on fixed incomes could very well be negatively impacted by it.
I'm not complaining. And really didn't mean to get into an entire private vs public school debate.lol

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Other things, including the parties, force others out during what otherwise would be normal operating hours.

Universal's parks most frequently close between 7 and 9. It is quite rare for them to remain open beyond that. And once they close, parts of them are often rented out for private parties. When they have Halloween Horror Nights, the Studios park closes at 5! At least here, they don't get taken to task for "forcing guests out."

 

[iivye]

True. Sometimes people choose to live where property taxes are high. Even the couples without children, probably bc of home values etc. The elderly on fixed incomes could very well be negatively impacted by it.
I'm not complaining. And really didn't mean to get into an entire private vs public school debate.lol

Actually we have super high school taxes because our property values are extremely low. Most people that live in my area are barely getting by and the schools are struggling so they keep trying to raise the school taxes which is negatively impacting the already stretched senior and other low income families. Places with high home values generally have lower school tax rates. The housing bust pretty much destroyed the area I live in.

Back to the subject though. I'm all for specialized pricing if, like one poster said, they don't take away from the general public's time. I can see how it would be really frustrating to find out that the day you bought a ticket for MK is the day it closed early for a party.

 

[Davey Jones II]

There have been good points made by both sides. Personally, I don't have a big problem with upcharge events as a rule. The problem lately is that Disney keeps inventing new ones, and there are so many of them now that it is really starting to encroach on the guest experience for everyone else. The WDC is going overboard on these special events, with dollar signs in their eyes. And, as I noted earlier, the money just seems to go into their pockets, rather than helping to upgrade the parks or services in any way.

It is another example of the average guest paying more, and getting less. Unless you can afford to pay a lot more -- and get a little more (which, to me, is a good description of most of these upcharge events).

 

[Kimberly9701]

Some places yes. Probably many. But not accurate everywhere, no. But regardless i still dont understand the "mine dont go to the school so why should i pay" mentality Taxes are what they are.

But that isn't what I said!!!! Omg. I didn't say I shouldn't pay. I said I DO pay, and taxes are raised when that school needs something..and private schools DEPEND on private contributions. No I wouldn't complain over a tax write off. But I didn't come here thinking I would get one, and still don't expect to get one. Our tuition would never cover all of the costs for one student. Luckily some "1%ers' donate computers, large monetary contributions etc..maybe alumni, doesn't matter who/why, but they give out of their pockets to help someone else.
As far as most suburban public schools, especially in Ohio at least, I encourage anyone who thinks otherwise, to utilize Google to determine if government grants alone could cover the cost of one student.

 

[KEVD]

There have been good points made by both sides. Personally, I don't have a big problem with upcharge events as a rule. The problem lately is that Disney keeps inventing new ones, and there are so many of them now that it is really starting to encroach on the guest experience for everyone else. The WDC is going overboard on these special events, with dollar signs in their eyes. And, as I noted earlier, the money just seems to go into their pockets, rather than helping to upgrade the parks or services in any way.

It is another example of the average guest paying more, and getting less. Unless you can afford to pay a lot more -- and get a little more (which, to me, is a good description of most of these upcharge events).

Exactly. Right or wrong, I just find it a bit frustrating that WDW keeps creating uncharges to avoid crowds / long lines, which used to be attainable by putting some elbow grease into your planning and execution.

Some folks are willing/able to shell out the $$$ for these events/ upcharges. I am not one of those people.

 

[Kimberly9701]

Too personal, so deleted. Internet safety and all..

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

True. Sometimes people choose to live where property taxes are high. Even the couples without children, probably bc of home values etc. The elderly on fixed incomes could very well be negatively impacted by it.
I'm not complaining. And really didn't mean to get into an entire private vs public school debate.lol

I don't think you meant to go into the private vs public debate either.

I didn't choose to live where I am for the property values...that is completely dependent on where you live and cost of living. My house could be a mansion elsewhere or it could be a hovel in another place just based on the cost of living.

 

[jade1]

There have been good points made by both sides. Personally, I don't have a big problem with upcharge events as a rule. The problem lately is that Disney keeps inventing new ones, and there are so many of them now that it is really starting to encroach on the guest experience for everyone else. The WDC is going overboard on these special events, with dollar signs in their eyes. And, as I noted earlier, the money just seems to go into their pockets, rather than helping to upgrade the parks or services in any way.

It is another example of the average guest paying more, and getting less. Unless you can afford to pay a lot more -- and get a little more (which, to me, is a good description of most of these upcharge events).

It is possible selling dining packages for ROL could have helped move the project forward, at least IMO it certainly would help not hinder it.

If that is "possible", then that is an upgrade at the park that was possibly a result of an upcharge event.

If true-bring on many many more IMO.

 

[Planogirl]

I don't have a problem with upcharge events or rich people. They are both fine with me. What I have a problem with is a company cutting into what used to be available for everyone in order to create upcharge events. It's easy to say just pay for it if you want it but many people have to budget to even get to go and then to discover that the experience is not what it once was unless they pay even more is frustrating.

And before someone tiresomely says that no one is guaranteed a Disney vacation that is not what this is about. Of course no one is owed that.

 

[jade1]

I don't have a problem with upcharge events or rich people. They are both fine with me. What I have a problem with is a company cutting into what used to be available for everyone in order to create upcharge events. It's easy to say just pay for it if you want it but many people have to budget to even get to go and then to discover that the experience is not what it once was unless they pay even more is frustrating.

And before someone tiresomely says that no one is guaranteed a Disney vacation that is not what this is about. Of course no one is owed that.

I agree, although I can't really think of much-and I assume we can agree that ROL is not one of them then.

 

[Disney Dad ADL]

A somewhat related article:

http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/02/health/air-rage-first-class-airplane-seating-study/

Basically, this study showed that airline passengers sitting in economy are more likely to have angry outbursts or air rage in planes that also carried first class passengers, compared to airplanes that did not have a first class cabin.

I think it's relatively well known that people's perception of their experience is worse if they see someone else having a "better" experience, even if their own circumstances stays the same. So, in actuality, you could argue that having a "velvet rope" type experience does detract from the "regular" experience in a manner, at least from a psychological standpoint, even if nothing else about the "regular" ticket changes.

 

[mom2rtk]

I don't have a problem with upcharge events or rich people. They are both fine with me. What I have a problem with is a company cutting into what used to be available for everyone in order to create upcharge events. It's easy to say just pay for it if you want it but many people have to budget to even get to go and then to discover that the experience is not what it once was unless they pay even more is frustrating.

And before someone tiresomely says that no one is guaranteed a Disney vacation that is not what this is about. Of course no one is owed that.

I totally agree. If a performer wants to charge an outrageous amount of money for a VIP meet before a concert? Go for it. If Disney wants to offer VIP tour guides? Great. But when Disney starts carving out parts of the park that used to be available to me with a regular ticket for their upcharge events, that's where it starts to get messy.

And honestly, the rate with which they have released these upsells lately really makes me think that's where most of their efforts are going these days. They need to be putting more of their effort back into what the regular schlub gets for $100+/day.

 

[Kimberly9701]

A somewhat related article:

http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/02/health/air-rage-first-class-airplane-seating-study/

Basically, this study showed that airline passengers sitting in economy are more likely to have angry outbursts or air rage in planes that also carried first class passengers, compared to airplanes that did not have a first class cabin.

I think it's relatively well known that people's perception of their experience is worse if they see someone else having a "better" experience, even if their own circumstances stays the same. So, in actuality, you could argue that having a "velvet rope" type experience does detract from the "regular" experience in a manner, at least from a psychological standpoint, even if nothing else about the "regular" ticket changes.

Funny story about a "velvet rope"-

We did Altlantis Paradise Island every year for NYE. Christmas 2003 I went up north to visit family, flew back in to PBI and had 2 hours to switch luggage from winter wear to Bahama attire before flying out of FLL. I was so rushed that I left my "black tie" dress hanging on my restroom door. Realized it once I got on the plane.
Atlantis offer a few different NYE parties and the one our group of 6 purchased tickets for was more formal and more expensive.
When we arrived I tried to find a dress to buy there-- yeah, no. WAY out of my price range. Couldn't get a refund on the ticket and luckily my best friend offered to stay behind with me- so, we purchased tickets to a more "casual" party so I could just wear a skirt and top.
As we are in the (less expensive $125 pp) "party" (no drinks were included) we walked out to take a break. We noticed a lot of people watching the dancers from behind the rope (was right off of the casino). We could have saved the money and just watched from there.lol.
We definitely were the suckers in the story. Paid for 2 parties, 1 couldn't attend and the 2nd we basically paid to be on the front side of the rope. #lessonlearned All we could do was laugh at the entire day/night. It was still an awesome NYE!

I think that study has merit. The key to life is just to go thru it- and make the best out of any situation. If you let someone else alter your attitude then you need to take a good look in the mirror, life is too short to worry about what someone else is doing. As long as you are having fun that's all that matters.

Point is- if I see the value in a Fantasmic dinner package, but you don't, so you arrive an hour early and get a good seat. I arrive 40 minutes later and also get a good seat. We are both watching the show. So the people who opt to pay for "convenience" aren't really negatively affecting you. Let us get "suckered" lol. But for some of us the reason is more logistical than anything else.
As I said earlier- I travel alone with my child. The chances of us waiting for an hour without taking a potty break and in turn losing our seats that we arrived so early for, are slim to none. So Disney offers a great option for me, while not causing any harm to you- unless you choose for it to negatively impact you- and that's your choice if you want to 'feel' discontent or not.

I'm not feeling any discontent when I shopped around for the best price airfare and am flying coach. Someone else may see value in the perks of first class, and their seats/price paid have no bearing on my flight on the same plane.
First class domestic flights hold no value for me. I'd rather use the money towards something else more important To Me.

 

[Mikie]

I'm glad a few posts have returned to the point, I don't know how the conversation turned into accusations of jealousy and bitterness. While the original article does discuss class, abbreviating it with a mention of the Titanic, I think the discussion is about where is the current focus of the leisure industry and what do you think about it? How does it affect you?

As Disney fans, we're interested in discussing their business decisions and how they affect our vacation experience.
Similarly, if I discuss books with a friend and lament that my favorite author used to write a mystery series I liked, but has decided to start writing historical romance I'm not interested in. I'm not feeling "entitled" to the books I liked, just discussing disappointment her new offerings aren't for me.
When my favorite clothing store's spring line is all yellows and oranges and I comment that I'm bummed I really can't shop there this year because I look awful in those colors, I'm not jealous of the people who look good in those colors. . . It's just not for me this year and I say so.
When I talk tv and movies with other fans we we complain that everyone seems to be making zombie shows and zombie movies that we aren't interested in, we're not bitter - just discussing how it's funny that everyone's "new ideas" seem to come in clusters and if that cluster isn't for you, you're left out of this year's hot new thing.

In many cases, this means there's nothing for you this year - I don't have any intention of trying to stop people from buying the orange clothes, the romance novel, or the zombie show, but I will have a conversation about how that means those businesses aren't providing anything good for me this time around. In Disneys case, higher tickets and food, but nothing new and exciting yet in the base experience to make the raised prices more palatable.

 

[mom2rtk]

Funny story about a "velvet rope"-

We did Altlantis Paradise Island every year for NYE. Christmas 2003 I went up north to visit family, flew back in to PBI and had 2 hours to switch luggage from winter wear to Bahama attire before flying out of FLL. I was so rushed that I left my "black tie" dress hanging on my restroom door. Realized it once I got on the plane.
Atlantis offer a few different NYE parties and the one our group of 6 purchased tickets for was more formal and more expensive.
When we arrived I tried to find a dress to buy there-- yeah, no. WAY out of my price range. Couldn't get a refund on the ticket and luckily my best friend offered to stay behind with me- so, we purchased tickets to a more "casual" party so I could just wear a skirt and top.
As we are in the (less expensive $125 pp) "party" (no drinks were included) we walked out to take a break. We noticed a lot of people watching the dancers from behind the rope (was right off of the casino). We could have saved the money and just watched from there.lol.
We definitely were the suckers in the story. Paid for 2 parties, 1 couldn't attend and the 2nd we basically paid to be on the front side of the rope. #lessonlearned All we could do was laugh at the entire day/night. It was still an awesome NYE!

I think that study has merit. The key to life is just to go thru it- and make the best out of any situation. If you let someone else alter your attitude then you need to take a good look in the mirror, life is too short to worry about what someone else is doing. As long as you are having fun that's all that matters.

Point is- if I see the value in a Fantasmic dinner package, but you don't, so you arrive an hour early and get a good seat. I arrive 40 minutes later and also get a good seat. We are both watching the show. So the people who opt to pay for "convenience" aren't really negatively affecting you. Let us get "suckered" lol. But for some of us the reason is more logistical than anything else.
As I said earlier- I travel alone with my child. The chances of us waiting for an hour without taking a potty break and in turn losing our seats that we arrived so early for, are slim to none. So Disney offers a great option for me, while not causing any harm to you- unless you choose for it to negatively impact you- and that's your choice if you want to 'feel' discontent or not.

I'm not feeling any discontent when I shopped around for the best price airfare and am flying coach. Someone else may see value in the perks of first class, and their seats/price paid have no bearing on my flight on the same plane.
First class domestic flights hold no value for me. I'd rather use the money towards something else more important To Me.

You're missing the point. That more expensive party did not take space away from the lesser expensive party to take place. It existed completely independent of the other parties. I have no issue with that. Have at it, spend a fortune if you want.

The Disney dining packages take space away that used to be available to the general public at no extra charge.

 

[Kimberly9701]

You're missing the point. did not take space away from the lesser expensive party to take place. It existed completely independent of the other parties. I have no issue with that. Have at it, spend a fortune if you want.

The Disney dining packages take space away that used to be available to the general public at no extra charge.

And first class used to be available to everyone? I don't know when.
But no, the more 'expensive party' we bought tickets to but that I could not attend (due to my mistake) was not in plain view. The "less expensive" party that we bought tickets (due to my mistake) to was a roped off bar right off of the casino that is normally open to all. It's just a funny story about completely wasting money to be in "front" of a velvet rope. And all I could do was laugh at the series of unfortunate events (due to my one stupid mistake) of that entire day.
Lighten up.

Please explain to me how the dining package HARMS you. Are you not able to get a good seat? You do realize that you could not buy the dining package and literally be sitting right across the aisle from someone who has?
It's strictly an offer for convenience.
It doesn't mean that the person who doesn't purchase it now has a bad seat.

 

[mom2rtk]

And first class used to be available to everyone?

Huh?

Lighten up.

Nice.

Please explain to me how the dining package HARMS you. Are you not able to get a good seat? You do realize that you could not buy the dining package and literally be sitting right across the aisle from someone who has?
It's strictly an offer for convenience.
It doesn't mean that the person who doesn't purchase it now has a bad seat.

If there is less space for the general public, then yes, it's harder to find as good a seat.

 

[Kimberly9701]

Have you been? It's one section. ONE.
It's a pretty big venue.

Do you really think that someone else may not get a seat bc of another guest opting for the dining package?

Seriously? I'm curious. Have you ever heard of that happening?

 

[mom2rtk]

Have you been? It's one section. ONE.
It's a pretty big venue.

Do you really think that someone else may not get a seat bc of another guest opting for the dining package?

Seriously? I'm curious. Have you ever heard of that happening?

Yes, I've been.

And I didn't say I wouldn't get a seat. I said I would have less choice of a good seat.