Price Increases on Food and Beverage...

[SL6827]

It wouldn't surprise me, if they went back to this. I've been traveling to Disney for years. I still remember in July, 2002 - security went through our backpack. We had a can of Pringles. We were informed snacks were allowed, but not "advertised". They made us out the Pringles in zip lock bag, which I had.

If such as this really ever starts to impact their pocketbook, then yes they will do it. I did not sell my DVC for reasons such as this, but boy am I thinking I got out when the getting was good.

 

[Lehuaann]

....and pack our own snacks and lunches for the most part.

My fondest memories of DL are eating sack lunch at the picnic tables

• Mickey Pretzel increased from $5.59 to $5.79 3.6%
• Churros increased from $5.89 to $6.19 5.1%
• Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar increased from $5.39 to $5.69 5.3%
• Pop Secret Popcorn increased from $4.69 to $4.99 6.4%
• Resort Refillable Souvenir Mug increased from $18.99 to $19.99 5.3%
• Bud Light increased from $8.00 to $8.25 3.1%
• Tonga Toast increased from $8.99 to $9.29 3.3%

I wonder about bottled drinks. Last month was the first time we did not pre-order a case of water and filled water at the CS. $3.50 got real after a few days.

When will Disney start forbidding this?

Gah, I hope never.

 

[Turksmom]

I wonder about bottled drinks. Last month was the first time we did not pre-order a case of water and filled water at the CS. $3.50 got real after a few days.

That was the one that got me! 8 people, 8 days- I never noticed how often people were stopping for bottled water until we checked out. We carry reusable bottles and take advantage of free ice water now!

 

[Lehuaann]

That was the one that got me! 8 people, 8 days- I never noticed how often people were stopping for bottled water until we checked out. We carry reusable bottles and take advantage of free ice water now!

Right, we enjoyed refilling bottles or asking for free cups of water. Saves money. I need a lot of water due to medications. However, one night I couldn’t walk to CS due to ankle swelling and asked DH to purchase a bottle from the vending. He came back with 6 @ $21. I couldn’t believe it. 1 or 2 bottles here or there doesn’t faze people much, but 6 at one time definitely will.

 

[AdamsMum]

Next to come, an increase in the cost of the dining plan - stay tuned!

They've already increased the dining plan for 2020. QS is now $55/day, I think the regular plan is $78. Never look at the deluxe too many reservations to make.

 

[SL6827]

Right, we enjoyed refilling bottles or asking for free cups of water. Saves money. I need a lot of water due to medications. However, one night I couldn’t walk to CS due to ankle swelling and asked DH to purchase a bottle from the vending. He came back with 6 @ $21. I couldn’t believe it. 1 or 2 bottles here or there doesn’t faze people much, but 6 at one time definitely will.

Right. I do believe that if Disney ever does see a dent in their wallet in regards to people bringing in their own drinks/snacks/lunches, they will put a stop to it. Of course it will be due to guest demand I am sure.

 

[snappy]

Right. I do believe that if Disney ever does see a dent in their wallet in regards to people bringing in their own drinks/snacks/lunches, they will put a stop to it. Of course it will be due to guest demand I am sure.

Or industry standard

 

[SL6827]

Or industry standard

Right, that is probably how it will go down.

 

[SL6827]

What else has increased besides food and beverage? Tickets, parties, other things that have yet to get noticed? Maybe some rack room rates that no one has posted just yet? I bet there is a lot more.

 

[Lehuaann]

Right. I do believe that if Disney ever does see a dent in their wallet in regards to people bringing in their own drinks/snacks/lunches, they will put a stop to it. Of course it will be due to guest demand I am sure.

Any guests we’ve noticed bringing in lunch have been few and never bother anyone. If they are a problem, I’ll happily pay 5% extra for the food increase. But I don’t see it. People will just adapt by sharing more, returning to their rooms, or go offsite like they do now. I have family who refuse to pay Disney prices, so they eat offsite. DH and I share quite a bit already.

 

[Linkura]

Could I afford this? Yes.

Do I want to pay for this knowing that they are constantly raising prices, offering less for more, neglecting maintenance, adding extra fees, reducing staffing, and then constantly inventing upcharge events to "solve" the problems they created themselves? No. I'll go elsewhere, which I have been since my last trip in March 2018 when I really started to notice the grift.

 

[SL6827]

Could I afford this? Yes.

Do I want to pay for this knowing that they are constantly raising prices, offering less for more, neglecting maintenance, adding extra fees, reducing staffing, and then constantly inventing upcharge events to "solve" the problems they created themselves? No. I'll go elsewhere, which I have been since my last trip in March 2018 when I really started to notice the grift.

Great points. Makes me glad that I can visit Disney if I want to but I am not "tied" to Disney with a DVC anymore.

 

[Ariel620]

With these increases is the dining plan likely to increase? I have not added it yet for our Dec trip, but I think I am going to add it. Should I add it sooner rather than later? Is the dining plan price likely to go up before Dec? Or is the 2019 price set to not change for the rest of 2019?

 

[TwoMisfits]

If such as this really ever starts to impact their pocketbook, then yes they will do it. I did not sell my DVC for reasons such as this, but boy am I thinking I got out when the getting was good.

It's unlikely after the circuit court decision against Colonial Williamsburg on the "bringing in food" issue this year. Disney won't want to risk actually getting a circuit decision against them (or worse, a Supreme Court decision), so they won't risk getting too strict on "bringing in one's own food and drink" in a time when allergies and intolerance are getting more prevalent.

PS - And Colonial Williamsburg lost on an "intolerance" lack of accommodation...not even an allergy one...

 

[SL6827]

It's unlikely after the circuit court decision against Colonial Williamsburg on the "bringing in food" issue this year. Disney won't want to risk actually getting a circuit decision against them (or worse, a Supreme Court decision), so they won't risk getting too strict on "bringing in one's own food and drink" in a time when allergies and intolerance are getting more prevalent.

PS - And Colonial Williamsburg lost on an "intolerance" lack of accommodation...not even an allergy one...

Oh, hmmm. I'll look at that up. Interesting.

 

[SL6827]

With these increases is the dining plan likely to increase? I have not added it yet for our Dec trip, but I think I am going to add it. Should I add it sooner rather than later? Is the dining plan price likely to go up before Dec? Or is the 2019 price set to not change for the rest of 2019?

It already has went up too.

 

[MDIME]

This is becoming more normal in businesses. Many businesses avoided raising prices, then when they finally did it was a big jump and people got upset. So now most successful businesses have small 5% increases more often. Yep it all adds up at the end of the day but most consumers barely notice a minor price adjustment.

The reality is that food prices go up, wages and benefits go up, and costs get passed along.

Well said. It really surprises me how so many people do not understand basic business and economics. Nobody wants to pay more but at the end of the day a $0.30 price increase for an order of popcorn is not a deal breaker. There is a public demand for Disney to pay their CMs more, have new rides, update existing rides, etc. all of that costs $ — that translates into increases in the cost of most things across the board.

 

[AdamsMum]

Well said. It really surprises me how so many people do not understand basic business and economics. Nobody wants to pay more but at the end of the day a $0.30 price increase for an order of popcorn is not a deal breaker. There is a public demand for Disney to pay their CMs more, have new rides, update existing rides, etc. all of that costs $ — that translates into increases in the cost of most things across the board.

I sort of agree with you there, costs go up, prices go up. That's a fact in life. I'm happy that Disney is starting to increase the wages of their employees. These price increases don't really bother me. The recent increases in annual pass prices were shocking though, and the change to date based ticketing is bothering me.

It seems like they are tightening the screws. When I first started visiting, all of the passes were park hopping and no expiry. I was so impressed that they offered free transportation around their resort even though I wasn't staying on site. I was impressed with all things Disney, within a few years we began staying onsite, and loved it, even though we could have stayed for half the price with free breakfast off site. The guest experience made me feel like they wanted me there. In 2007 I purchased DVC. So you can see they drew me in. The point is, the last few years, it seems like the guest experience factor is going away and it really is just a cash cow.

What made Disney Parks great in my opinion, was that they weren't "Industry Standard", for the cost of a Disney vacation they should exceed industry standard. That said, I'm still going, and giving them my money. Go figure!

 

[Ms.Minnie]

Well said. It really surprises me how so many people do not understand basic business and economics. Nobody wants to pay more but at the end of the day a $0.30 price increase for an order of popcorn is not a deal breaker. There is a public demand for Disney to pay their CMs more, have new rides, update existing rides, etc. all of that costs $ — that translates into increases in the cost of most things across the board.

I agree, Disney is sinking a ton of money into all areas of WDW and that money has to come from somewhere besides the bottom line. I feel bad for people who have never been to WDW before and are going now for the first time. Just about every area of WDW is under construction with rides closed for improvement and walls up to hide construction. My niece is going this month for the first time and I really wish that there weren't so many "improvements" going on during her first and possibly last visit. I would be very disappointed if it were my first visit and half the park is torn up...JMHO

 

[chris benton]

I have no knowledge of what the answer is to this question:
Have the employee wage increases gone up at the same rate across the board for all employees? Have the ticket and food / lodging price increases translated into the upgrades and maint and wage increases in a proportionate manner? I don't know the answer, BUT, I'm guessing that not too many ppl are hoping that the execs get more zeroes added to their checks. Lots of talk about the cm's needing better wages though.