Prices just hit my threshold :-(

[ElizabethB]

Sad to say, with the ever-widening gap between the 1% and everyone else, America itself is becoming a playground that is only for the wealthy.

 

[amg35]

Walt Disney himself said, "Tomorrow will be better as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life.”


If Walt Disney World is only a playground for the wealthy, then it isn't American.

Sooo, you are being funny right?

Raising prices blows. Yes. (but I'll still go when Pandora opens)

Un-American? Ridiculous.

I'm sure most people can still afford a trip once, or every few years - there are ways to do it without spending thousands and thousands of dollars. Just maybe those of you who seem to go 1 to 2 times a year will feel this the most. In fact before these boards, I never knew anyone who went to WDW every year!

 

[bpadair32]

Walt Disney himself said, "Tomorrow will be better as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life.”


If Walt Disney World is only a playground for the wealthy, then it isn't American.

Well for one thing its an international destination, but that is not the point. When you get to the point in any debate where things start being called un-American, the debate has jumped the shark and all logic and reasonable debate has ceased.

 

[bpadair32]

Sooo, you are being funny right?

Raising prices blows. Yes. (but I'll still go when Pandora opens)

Un-American? Ridiculous.

I'm sure most people can still afford a trip once, or every few years. Just maybe those of you who seem to go 1 to 2 times a year will feel this the most. In fact before these boards, I never knew anyone who went to WDW every year!

Absolutely.

 

[Boski]

All of these effects are taking place. I am sure Disney has a marketing team that has studied them thoroughly, and they know what % will be offended, what % will still go, etc. This is all just business. Everyone will make their choices, tho Disney already knows what those choices will be en masse, in their projections.

Without a doubt. But is Disney too big to fail?

 

[MrInfinity]

Without a doubt. But is Disney too big to fail?

No company is too big to fail.

But is Disney performing as a quality company? Their parks are increasing attendance and per-guest spend while raising prices. From Fantasyland to Pandora to Star Wars to Frozen, all 4 parks (plus the others around the world and Disney Springs) have major new IP going in with 3 out of 4 of those being Earth-moving renovations, and even the minor update, Epcot / Frozen, will draw massive numbers of princesses that dwarf the previous race to meet A&E. They are predicted to have the biggest movie year ever in 2016 (Star Wars, Finding Dori, Marvell). JP Morgan just called Disney it's "Top Pick". Still there are interesting challenges, particularly in the TV world, with streaming and content wars... this vertical is in a pretty fluid state (ahem... Muppets, come on we need a little better writing here). And then you've got Star Wars merch flying off the shelves and the movie hasn't even opened yet. I'm predicting Disney will have a killer 4th quarter and follow it with a strong 2016. But that's just my opinion. Some surely feel otherwise, which is why the stock is not just straight-lining up. Time will tell.

 

[Boski]

@MrInfinity I should have reworded that slightly. I agree with your points on their other divisions and their stock in general, but I was focusing on the theme parks.

 

[Candlelady]

Seriously? Not sure why you feel that way. I stay at Pop, a lot. I own DVC, at BWV and BLT. I can afford to stay just about anywhere I want at WDW. For me, the deluxe resorts aren't worth the extra money unless I'm not going to the parks very often. The moderates are nice, but not sure they're worth the addtl money over a value resort. I refuse to stay at an All Star resort though. I like AoA, but find the LM rooms to be overprices...yeah, they're nice and all, but having stayed there twice, don't feel the need to go back. If I'm at WDW on my own, I love staying at Pop!! Fits my needs perfectly! So NOT a piece of crap.

Thank you for saying this! I too, love POP and I'm a deluxe kind of girl who adds on a couple days at POP prior to moving over to BCV. I don't know what it is about that place but it makes me feel good. The buses are great and it has everything I need except for pool towels.

 

[Planogirl]

I think the point that's being made is that there are always people who are waiting or preparing to take their first Disney vacation. They aren't waiting for anyone to stop going to make room for them, but they may be waiting until their kids reach a certain age or until they are able to save enough money for the kind of trip they want to take. Some of those people will go once and never visit again, others will start taking regular trips, and some will become the type of frequent visitors who are heavily represented on boards like this.

Just like any "club" there will be inevitable turnover in membership. Some people will grow out of it, others will lose interest, and some will eventually reach the point where they are physically unable to take trips of this type. At the same time others will be "joining" for the first time.

My point is that those people will be joining whether others quit going or not. In other words if 10 people go and 2 quit going while 2 start going the total stays the same. If those 2 don't quit going then the total goes up to 12.

This is of course not desirable but the comment that others will take their place is meaningless IMO.

 

[Planogirl]

Sad to say, with the ever-widening gap between the 1% and everyone else, America itself is becoming a playground that is only for the wealthy.

I think that it's getting there. It also doesn't matter if other companies are doing the same because this is about WDW. I know that that comment is coming.

 

[horse11]

Am I upset about the prices increases? You bet!!! It seems any where you turn there is prices increases. My electric bill, my gas bill, my internet service, everything goes up more than my pay check does. Both my husband and I worked very hard to get where we are today. We both put the time into our education and our careers. The great thing about America is most people have the chance to make decisions that can help make a more comfortable life for them. Going to school and getting a good paying job is an example. Choosing to live in a moderate home and go on vacations instead of having an expensive home is another example. My point is America is about opportunities and it is not automatically our right to make sure these extras in life are for all people. With that being said the truth hurts for people even like me and my husband. We did everything right and yet we will still are faced with the fact that my husband might lose his job with a huge company "Cat" since it wants to move to other countries where it its cheaper to operate. It is getting harder and harder for the average American and EVERYONE wants their piece of the pie. Every company does not want to lose their almighty dollar and Disney is no different. It comes down to Supply and Demand. The people who are not yet effected by these money crunches will be willing to pay the money and as long as that happens Disney will continue to raise their prices. On Disney's defense I do believe they are trying to help make a more enjoyable experience for their guests but they are not about to lose money doing it. This will continue to work for them until the number of people decrease and they start to lose money. Only in that situation will they lower their prices. This helps provide longevity for their company. Does it stink? Yes for most it does. the most frustrating thing about it is I do believe that Walt's Dream was to help everyone enjoy Disney but we can not only blame Disney because the consumer( you and I) and their demands are also to blame. It is the sad truth and we can complain and get our voices heard but it actually quite simple.... Supply and Demand

 

[3DisneyFanz]

I'm really curious about where they'll be 15 years from now. This boom is fueled in a large part by children of the 80s and 90s that grew up visiting during the Disney Decade. Those times are long gone but the memories remain. They are taking their kids hoping they'll have the same experience but not all are finding things as they remember them. Those people might not have been stopped by the cost on their 1st trip but if the disillusionment hits hard then they might try somewhere else. If their kids then grow up at a different destination then Disney isn't the in thing anymore.

If they truly build Toy Story and Star Wars to rival HP they can print money. If they build it to rival NFL then that's a different story.

 

[kathy884]

This is what everyone did when I was growing up. We never went to WDW as kids. But the few people that did go would drive down from NJ, stay with family or stay at a timeshare offsite, go to MK for ONE day, pack a lunch and then the rest of the vacation was an Orlando vacation.

These 7-10 day WDW vacations were unheard of. No one went to WDW for a WHOLE WEEK.

Even now I know 3 people who go to WDW regularly (every 1-2 years), stay onsite and do a whole WDW vacation. Most people I know still stay offsite in a condo or hotel, go to WDW for a day, Universal for 1-2 days, maybe SeaWorld for a day.

This is my family and extended family -- offsite condo for a week -- a few resort days -- one day at a Disney park -- two days at SeaWorld with the second day for just $15 -- and sometimes a day at Universal. (Recently went to see all the new HP stuff with a one day park to park hopper.)

Comments about Universal -- Parks are very nice and world class, but one park to park day for us if they have added some significant stuff cuts it for us. I could definitely see more park days being desirable for really big Harry Potter fans -- pretty incredible theming for sure. We like Disney and SeaWorld more, but have to say that Universal is so much improved from what it used to be and so much more enjoyable than it used to be.

The vacation this way is a reasonably economical vacation - because of great values available for offsite condo rentals (We like to rent from timeshare owners). A condo or house in one of the nearby residential communities is even less expensive than an owner timeshare rental, but we like the resort feel of the timeshares and are willing to pay for that, especially when it seems so reasonable. Sometimes we do a beach day or Kennedy Space Center day. We've been going since 1971.

If Disney is getting enough visitors like us, though, that do one park day per year or every other year we could be a pretty profitable segment with our $100 or so pp park admission. -- no they aren't making money on us too much on food (maybe one counter service meal and a Mickey Bar) or lodging (We visit their deluxe resorts to look around on one of our non park days (monorail hopping with a three hour parking pass -- free), but don't spend the big bucks to stay), but they are getting a high price per day on that one day park ticket. And if there are enough of us, that's a pretty good return for a gate admission. We usually have a group of 10 or so. We also really just like the vibe of the parks and for me personally 7 or 8 attractions are all I really want to do in any of the parks (Yes I've been on almost everything at least once before and for me there are only a handful that are really worth repeating), and I only want to do each of those once. Some others in our party will be rope drop to closing and getting in as much as possible. It's a happy Disney visit for me too if I can get out of seeing any parades or night time spectaculars (overrated and overcrowded -- I know I'm in the minority of my thinking on that -- personal preference and bias).

Oh and for other vacations -- We like National Parks -- other nature light kind of places and mini trips to places like NYC for theatre. We like Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, but aren't huge beach people (Cruises and the Caribbean aren't as appealing to me personally as Orlando). All the Caribbean islands and ports seem so similar and so touristy. I'd be happy to never cruise or never go to a Caribbean island again. With the high airfares high season and crowds in Europe (been a few times) that really doesn't fit well with the ole vacation budget or sound all that appealing either. And it's an awfully long trip - not that big on those long flights. // Lots of things to try and places to go, though, so shake it up. But for me, there is still something about Orlando that pulls me back for mini short trips annually. A short trip is pretty cheap and fun, and if we do a full week we just do it in a budget lower cost way.

 

[Dolittle]

I'm really curious about where they'll be 15 years from now. This boom is fueled in a large part by children of the 80s and 90s that grew up visiting during the Disney Decade. Those times are long gone but the memories remain. They are taking their kids hoping they'll have the same experience but not all are finding things as they remember them. Those people might not have been stopped by the cost on their 1st trip but if the disillusionment hits hard then they might try somewhere else. If their kids then grow up at a different destination then Disney isn't the in thing anymore.

I am one of those kids who went in the 80's with my family and have no returned with my own kids. This is our second time going. Our girls loved. I am happy to go every few years. But not committed to Disney b/c of pricing. Once the kids are older we will switch to universal for HP and Minions.

It takes a lot of planning on my part to get a trip in budget. We trade in our timeshare for offsite accomdations, buy discount tickets. Buying someones DVC points to stay onsite. Only eat 1 meal at the parks each day. Way cheaper than the meal plans. There are lots of ways to bring down the price. Great blogs and saver sites. I too wouldnt be able to swallow a $100 increase on an AP. That woukd cost me $400. Thats an extra plane ticket. The prices do keep me from making Disney an annual event. But there some amazing places in florida, across north america or in the rest of this world to see between disney trips.

 

[goofy4tink]

Really, what day of the year is that? Most of the time a standard room is above $100 now.

I had Pop booked, late last May, for just around $100 (tax included)..maybe about $103. This was a pricier time to go. If I had gone several weeks prior, it would have been under $100.

What I don't understand.....and maybe this thread isn't the place.....but the topics have shifted so much I'll throw it out. What I don't understand is the commentary here that at US there is so much less to do. I have never been there, but I have been to Disney, and really, HS and Epcot, IMO, don't have a ton to do. Is either of the US parks less than those?

See below.....

I'll bite, as I've posted a few comments about US/IOA. My extended family has been going to WDW since the 1970's. Over the years, we visited both, but preferred WDW.

Part of what drew us back to WDW, year after year, was the spirit of WDW. WDW celebrated All American values and patriotism. I recently watched the PBS Civil War documentary. The veterans of the Battle of Gettysburg gathered there for 75 years after the battle! They gathered to embrace each other! Their hugs personified our motto, "out of many, one." Pre Civil war, folks said, "The United States are..." Now we say, "The United States is...."

Walt Disney World celebrated the same American ideals: Hall of Presidents. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln (DL). The American Adventure. Tom Sawyer Island. Tomorrowland. To quote Sam Eagle's character, "It's called "A Salute to All Nations, But Mostly America."

That's a big part of why WDW was better than US/IoA. Though a bit sappy and commercial, visits to WDW brought out our patriotism. We could go back to our daily grind reminded of why we do the work we do. It was especially appreciated in the aftermath of 9/11.

US/IoA lacked soul. It was just a collection of rides and places to drink. So it is ironic that HP has given US/IoA a soul, but it has! Despite being British and pure fantasy, the HP franchise celebrates a number of American ideals! Chief among them, e pluribus unum.

If a majority of Americans can no longer afford to visit WDW, then it doesn't represent American values.

Totally agree!!! It used to be that IoA/US were parks to go to, ride the big rides, go home. It wasn't a terrific place to just 'be'. The employees weren't up to Disney standards. The parks themselves weren't the kind that you would just sit and watch life go by at. Without a soul is a very good way to put it. Now? I'm heading to IoA/US for 2 days in the middle of my WDW stay at BWVs. My room at BWV will be empty that night that I stay at the HRH...club level, with an Power Pass so get a decent rate! And, I'm really looking forward to it! Do I want to spend a week there? Nope. But, with some of the CM attitudes and the way things have changed in the parks at WDW? Yeah, I'm happy to head over to the other areas in Orlando for a few days.

 

[DVC Mike]

Bottom line:

- Disney is raising prices
- Some folks may decide not to go anymore or less frequently, it's their decision
- The parks continue to have strong attendance
- The guests that don't go anymore will likely be replaced by new guests

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[joannamet]

...but it doesn't make it any less painful, sad, or frustrating that something they loved is now unattainable (in a span of only 24 hours). Every one has a breaking point and there is NO SHAME in admitting you've hit yours for whatever reason, be it financial or ethical etc.

When the day comes that we are priced out (and I'm sure that day will come) I'll be sad, frustrated and complaining too.

There are already plenty of people who go to WDW 6 times a year and plenty more who only go once every 6 years. My daughter and husband would like to have a nice steak a couple of times a week but when the price went to at least 12.99 per lb we cut back. Same thing with Disney. If you think you can't afford the new prices then you really just can't afford to go as often as you have in the past, or its no longer worth the cost to you.

People who still want to go will save a little more or a little longer or go less often.

 

[glohoffman]

I am interested to see how many people who say they will sell their dvc points actually do. I am not going to lie, I am one who would be checking into them to buy. Not from Disney of course, but secondary market resale .
My family loves the deluxe resorts. Do I think they are worth $400 a night? No way .But they are worth $200 to me, which is why I rent dvc . I have stayed in a lot of hotels, and never feel the way I feel at a Disney hotel . I dont know what it is, but I hate to leave . I think that is what keeps me going back. I could do a week at animal kingdom lodge, and 3 days at MK and be happy with my vacation.
Also, I am glad I didn't start going to wdw until more recently, the prices don't seem to bother me as much because I dont know the "way it was". Maybe THAT is what everyone means about replacing someone leaving....a family that has nothing to compare it to, but know they love Disney .

 

[JaxDad]

Bottom line:

- Disney is raising prices
- Some folks may decide not to go anymore or less frequently, it's their decision
- The parks continue to have strong attendance
- The guests that don't go anymore will likely be replaced by new guests

Yep. I rarely buy coffee at Starbucks. It's a little more than I want to pay for my caffeine, and I don't need that specific atmosphere. Sometimes it's worth it to me but not often. Others go there every day. If Starbucks jacked their prices more, some would stop going there and some wouldn't. Others will go for their first time and maybe keep going if they like it and can afford it. If Starbucks raised their prices too high, more will stop going, fewer will go and return, and they would lose money. I'm pretty sure they are aware of that and plan pricing accordingly.​

 

[flicx]

Bottom line:

- Disney is raising prices
- Some folks may decide not to go anymore or less frequently, it's their decision
- The parks continue to have strong attendance

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Got questions about DVC?
Visit the DVC Information Center in the DVC Forums for the answers to your questions about the Disney Vacation Club.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
​

Here is the thing Disney had record attendance in 1991. Then went on a downward spiral with a lot of mediocre years. This happened in an era of a lot of building of new attractions. Disney now has good attendance for a few years and has gone aggressive on pricing while lacking on new attractions. To me and others that recipe could be very troubling especially when the economy is in a great place. Not to mention that universal in that same time frame has had such a vastly larger attendance push.