Prices just hit my threshold :-(

[bpadair32]

Why do you keep implying that people are upset because they can't go to disney "on the cheap"? I have a SIGNIFICANT investment in DVC, and have been an AP holder for 9 years. I don't do WDW "on the cheap" NOR am I complaining that it's no longer cheap. I'm venting because this specific change hurts its most loyal customers ..the AP holders and DVC members. Do you always assume that those people who choose to spend their money differently than you are not as financially comfortable than you?

While AP and DVC customers may be among the most loyal, I don't think they hold that crown alone, and I also don't think they are the most profitable.

 

[photogineer]

What? What? Those are some rude thoughts going on here. "Oh, I make enough money, so I can afford it and don't mind." Or, "you should get a good job and better yourself, then you can afford a trip." I have a great job, you should get a great job, that's what it's all about? Not to go there "because you can't afford it, but I can so the parks will be less crowded?", that's about as classist statement as I have ever heard. Go on vacation and live it up - classist statement

Disney built value hotels - think they didn't want families who didn't want to spend that much? They offered free dining - think they weren't aiming for the family crowd? Now, a typical family doesn't earn that much. In fact, there are a lot of working poor in the good ole'USA than ever. And they deserve a vacation. And not to go all "what would Walt do", but his theme parks were designed for the whole family. He wanted an affordable family vacation. And now Disney/Iger has effectivly priced out the typical Disney family. Business be darned, Iger and his prices have done that. That's just it. IDC if "prices needed to be raised because it business - it's not good practices, how's that? It's not family practices. It has prices out a lot of customers. Sure, they will come - money saved like good little Disney folk, but - gah - it's just not right, business or not. Not right.

So now I'm rude and classist because I feel that I deserve a luxury vacation that I earned? I don't feel bad about enjoying the fruits of my labor and I don't think there is anything wrong with appreciating what that labor can bring me. You don't like that Disney is raising the bar, you're entitled to that opinion, I disagree with it.

How about this: people deserve a chance to afford a Disney vacation? And everyone - not just the rich or wealthy middle class.

They don't! Nobody innately deserves a Disney vacation. It's is a privilege, not a right, certainly not a cheap privilege, and that's ok. Just like people aren't entitled to a $100k car because they love them or find them fun. I've done the discount Disney trip, and I enjoyed it, but I worked for that too. Now I have greater earning capacity and I'm happy that Disney lets me use that to enhance my experience. It's a wonderful privilege to have. They don't owe anyone anything and I think it's petty and rude to vilify them for doing something completely reasonable in their position because it doesn't cater to your needs.

Adam

 

[dlavender]

Some people are more successful than others. Life isn't fair, but I am not going to feel bad about my success. Nothing was handed to me, I've worked my butt off to get where I am.

Who asked you to feel bad? Who is talking about life being fair? I think you are a little confused. I think alot of people have worked their butts off to be where they are as well. I am also successful, and don't feel bad about it. Yet I can still voice my disdain for price increases.

 

[3DisneyFanz]

Not having enough money to afford a Disney trip doesn't mean the people in question aren't working hard.

The lack of empathy in these financial threads is staggering.

I wonder how many Disney employees that work hard every day can afford a Disney vacation?

 

[AquaDame]

Am I the only person not really bothered by this?

I mean, it's not as if it's unprecedented, or that WDW is anything but a completely luxury and whimsical want, not a need, not a right, certainly not owed to anyone. Frankly, I'm perfectly ok if a bunch of people don't go due to prices, I am willing to pay the prices and if it means I get less crowds for the higher price, all the better. Would I prefer it were cheaper? Sure, probably, unless it meant the crowds got even worse, than it starts to not be so clear cut.

The nice thing about luxury things is that you get them because you work for them, I like the idea of WDW being a higher end vacation place, I work hard for my money, and I earn the option to spend it on a trip like this. If I'm being totally honest I'm ok with it being a bit more exclusive, and the same goes for tiered ticketing/FPs. If I can work harder and get a better experience for my family and myself, I'm all for it. I frankly don't love the idea that my vacation is somewhat limited by a perceived need to cater to people that don't have the same disposable income. I'm not saying those people shouldn't have access, but I think it's perfectly reasonable to have value levels of the vacation for them, just as they have value resorts. Life isn't fair, and while some of my available funds are good fortune, it's mostly effort, and even the good fortune required the right skills and effort to leverage.

I'm sure this isn't going to be a popular opinion, but that's how I feel about it!

Adam

No, you are not the only one. You are however a little more vocal in rubbing salt in people's wounds. Not even that, but choosing purposely hurtful tones such as 'those people' saying YOU 'work hard' as if 'those people' don't work hard to provide for their family and the idea of Disney being "exclusive" is laughable. The park runs on the money of the have nots just as much as the haves. If you really want to give your family a high end experience they do have options for you - a house right around the corner for millions, VIP guides for hundreds an hour and even an actual exclusive membership at Club 33 if Monsieur has the funds. Personally, we can still afford the not exclusive experience but with every increase we're less likely to go, just in terms of opportunity cost alone. I know you probably don't care about that, maybe you're just happy to compete with a couple fewer bodies or maybe you think I'm lying. Thats ok too.

As an aside, your statement about being able to work harder to afford these things is the point for a lot of us - we'd be unwilling to work harder for Disney. Its not worth that to us because, news flash, Disney did not start out as a luxury commodity and it isn't one yet. Take your vacation dollars and check out non Disney options. You get a LOT more for your money if you take the blinders off: _actual_ luxury vacations. If I work harder and make more money it sure as snot is NOT going to Disney. I'm already giving them what I am willing to. Its a silly idea anyway because my husband and I already work as hard as we can - we want to retire early and we want to keep traveling every year in the meantime.

 

[GreatLakes]

My opinion is that Disney execs don't want us regular repeat customers. Why, because we know all the "tricks" to going often and saving money. Potentially, we:

- only go with a discount
- pack lunches
- go during slower times
- get cups of water
- minimal souvenir shopping
- couple of TS unless free dining
- possibly eat in room with DVC
- don't do special events like Dessert Party, or tours
- buy APs so our "per day" ticket cost is significantly lower with multiple trips

The first time/only time visitor does it to the hilt, spends money everywhere. That family of four probably spends at least $1,000 more than my family of four due to all the "experiences" they must have.

We talked last night about possible off-site condo rental vs. on-site. We will still go, we have a very long history back to 1986 so believe me, we've seen all the changes, price increases, closings and openings. But it's still a special place to us, so we'll figure out how to justify the money lol.

I think this stay at OKW could be our last DVC stay, though. Even with renting points, the cost is pretty high.

I think that is a big part of the price adjustment. Disney has spent a lot of money to gather data on customers and not only as a population but also as individuals. There are some members of that population that are less profitable then others and Disney is trying to get them to either A) be more profitable or B) make way for a more profitable guests.

I was an AP holder for two years when I lived in FL. I would go into the parks, do some attractions, take in the atmosphere, and leave without buying any souvenirs or food the vast majority of the time. I was exactly the type of guest at that time that they just didn't want in the park. Disney often didn't make a cent on me being there. I was costing them money being there after a very small number of trips. Looking at it as an operational problem I would not want that kind of AP holder to be coming that often either.

 

[disneyfan2kids]

It has nothing to do with "higher echelon" or anything like that. It has to do with the entitlement culture in this country that seems to think everyone should be able to do whatever they want. If they want something they should have it. Thats not how life works.

Where on this thread is anyone acting "entitled" (except for the comments about not wanting to share space with those that can't afford the same vacation...LOL)?

And I'd counter your thought of "if they want something, they should have it" with the same argument with regard to greedy corporations. You want to increase your bottom line XX% at the direct expense of your most loyal costomer base? Well, I see your increase and raise you decreased revenue all around. Why? Because your greed just encouraged your loyal customers to put pen to paper to see if they're really getting the best bang for their buck. And loads of people will change their spending habits. It's a FACTUAL REALITY of business. Increasing prices too quickly, with no concern for loyal customers, will backfire and have the opposite effect on your bottom line (Netflix 2008 anyone?!). Publicly held companies do NOT simply care about the bottom line dollars... Their revenue must ALSO increase year over year or else the stockholders are NOT happy.

 

[Maxpowers]

On the bright side, maybe it will be less crowded?

 

[atricks]

Who asked you to feel bad? Who is talking about life being fair? I think you are a little confused. I think alot of people have worked their butts off to be where they are as well. I am also successful, and don't feel bad about it. Yet I can still voice my disdain for price increases.

Affording it isn't the question, it just not worth it for lesser value. Hello the half Closed Hollywood Studios!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

They offered free dining - think they weren't aiming for the family crowd?

But they don't offer it during school vacations so they aren't aiming for the vast majority of the family crowd. Free dining isn't a perk. It's meant to increase resort bookings. They don't offer it in spring break or summer because they don't need it.

I also want to know who is the typical Disney family that has been priced out across the board. And who are all these people in the parks and resorts if they are not typical Disney families. They are definitely not all the one percent. Nor are all of them foreigners (non-Americans are the fastest growing demographic at WDW apparently)

I do see that a lot of folks think these price increases are going to be bad for WDW. That will be true only if people stop coming. Time will tell.

 

[goofy4tink]

Others will fill in the gaps. You know why ticket prices are going up and there are less discount offers? Because demand is higher than ever.



For the TiW card, it really depends on where you eat, how much you eat, and the size of your party. We did the math last night after the price change was announced and found that for us it is still worth it.



And everyone is free to take their business elsewhere, but just because some people don't see it as being worth it anymore, doesn't mean that many others will have a different opinion. I don't think Disney is in any danger of seeing a drop in attendance.

Something else to keep in mind is that Disney is a luxury vacation. I think that is actually something they may be trying to build on. They may be trying to make it something that the up and coming types will start to see as a "hey I can afford this now" type of thing and get the brand image more back in the luxury category. I am not saying that is what they are doing, but it is something that I wonder about.

I go to WDW about three times a year.....sometimes just twice. Most of the time, it's a solo trip, sometimes it's with a friend who also owns DVC, has an AP and TiW. It's the trips that I take with others that make the TiW card worthwhile. At this point, I would have to spend something like $750 to just break even. The food at WDW doesn't appeal to me nearly as much as it used to...it's just not that wonderful. When I could save money on the dining, fine. Now? There is no way I'm paying that kind of money for mediocre food.

is it 100.00 more DVC for Gold?

If we compare apples to oranges, no. It's only about $20 addtl to get the Gold AP. BUT...if I want the same AP I now have? It's about $128 higher!!! That would be the new Platinum Pass. The Gold pass takes park dates away from me. I don't care about PP. And I already have free parking.

None of the price changes here should have made this unattainable in 24 hours. If these increases were enough to put you over the breaking point, you've been right on the edge of it for a long time.

For me? It's not about the higher costs. It's the principle. Disney has taken something away from me. If my dd ends up working for WDW next fall, she will most likely be there at Christmas. If we want to visit her, at Christmas, and go to a park? Well, we had best hope that she gets some comp passes...because unless I shell out an addtl $128, the dates of that visit don't allow park time! I can easily afford the increases. This, for me, isn't about the cost. It's more about the way those of us that have supported Disney through the years. We buy our APs, we spend a ton of money there...not on knick knacks but on food and beverages. We book tours. We buy 'property' there. We knew what we were getting into. But I have to say that every single year has brought about some other cost saving measured as well as cost increases. Only with Disney is it 'okay' to take stuff away from the customer yet raise the prices..and have the customer thank you for the wonderful changes!!
Everyone here, that has been here for any length of time anyway, will know that I have staunchly supported all the changes Disney has made. Now??? Just wait.....regular park passes are going to change. The cost will mimic DVC...certain times of year will be more costly to go to a park, and within that? Certain days of the week will be more expensive. You say you want to go to WDW a week around spring break?? Wait until you see what those passes will cost you!!!

Sure, Disney wants to take away the huge swells of guests at certain times of year. I get that. That's just going to make those that have always gone at 'slow' times, angry!!! I don't want a ton of people deciding that Thanksgiving week is too expensive, so they wait until the next week!!! That's routinely been a less busy time...almost pleasant as far as crowds go. Those times of year will no longer exist.

I've been going since '99...that's a fair amount of time and money going to Disney. I think it's time, for me anyway, to put down the rose colored glasses, and stop drinking the Kool-Aid (so to speak). Yes, others will take my place...more power to 'em. My happy place is getting to unpredictable.....changes that I can no longer see coming. Yes, it's a business. But, it used to be a business that was in the business of spreading magical experiences..guest satisfaction was a huge deal. I'm just not seeing that anymore. Sure, there are some CMs that go that extra step to help you out. But, overall? I've seen attitudes go downhill...I've watched CMs stand around chatting, while customers waited at a cash register. I've watched CMs chatting while guests are waiting to board an attraction....'ooops, sorry mam, didn't see you there. please step this way.'...seriously? You didn't see because you weren't looking!!!

Nope, too many less than wonderful things are happening...all under the guise of making our experiences better.

 

[disneyfan2kids]

Some people are more successful than others. Life isn't fair, but I am not going to feel bad about my success. Nothing was handed to me, I've worked my butt off to get where I am.

You are incredibly full of yourself.

 

[Bluegrrl]

Classist? Calling folks classist around here regarding Disney price hikes? To quote Phineas and Ferb: "Why yes. Yes I am." Cause that's how the tone is reading.

Disney belongs to everyone, not just the wealthy middle/rich. I'm not saying that it isn't pricey or inexpensive. I'm saying that the cost should stay in a realist and affordable range, relative to the average American family budget. These costs are in clown-town land. The price tiering is in clown-town. Disney isn't a privilege, it's...it's...not a luxury...it's a theme park that ought to be affordable for everyone. And now it's not.

 

[bpadair32]

Where on this thread is anyone acting "entitled" (except for the comments about not wanting to share space with those that can't afford the same vacation...LOL)?

And I'd counter your thought of "if they want something, they should have it" with the same argument with regard to greedy corporations. You want to increase your bottom line XX% at the direct expense of your most loyal costomer base? Well, I see your increase and raise you decreased revenue all around. Why? Because your greed just encouraged your loyal customers to put pen to paper to see if they're really getting the best bang for their buck. And loads of people will change their spending habits. It's a FACTUAL REALITY of business. Increasing prices too quickly, with no concern for loyal customers, will backfire and have the opposite effect on your bottom line (Netflix 2008 anyone?!). Publicly held companies do NOT simply care about the bottom line dollars... Their revenue must ALSO increase year over year or else the stockholders are NOT happy.

They are not being greedy they are increasing revenue, that is there job. The fact of the matter is their "most loyal customers" are likely also among the least profitable because they know all of the tricks to save money.

The people acting entitled are all the ones that act as though being able to afford to go to Disney is their right. Its not. If you can go and you want to, thats great. If you can't afford to, or you think your money is better spent other ways, thats great too, but people need to stop acting like Disney owes them something.

 

[bpadair32]

Classist? Calling folks classist around here regarding Disney price hikes? To quote Phineas and Ferb: "Why yes. Yes I am." Cause that's how the tone is reading.

Disney belongs to everyone, not just the wealthy middle/rich. I'm not saying that it isn't pricey or inexpensive. I'm saying that the cost should stay in a realist and affordable range, relative to the average American family budget. These costs are in clown-town land. The price tiering is in clown-town. Disney isn't a privilege, it's...it's...not a luxury...it's a theme park that ought to be affordable for everyone. And now it's not.

Where do you get the idea that Disney is or should be for everyone? Its not a national park. Its a theme park for the people that can and want to go there.

 

[photogineer]

No, you are not the only one. You are however a little more vocal in rubbing salt in people's wounds. Not even that, but choosing purposely hurtful tones such as 'those people' saying YOU 'work hard' as if 'those people' don't work hard to provide for their family and the idea of Disney being "exclusive" is laughable. The park runs on the money of the have nots just as much as the haves. If you really want to give your family a high end experience they do have options for you - a house right around the corner for millions, VIP guides for hundreds an hour and even an actual exclusive membership at Club 33 if Monsieur has the funds. Personally, we can still afford the not exclusive experience but with every increase we're less likely to go, just in terms of opportunity cost alone. I know you probably don't care about that, maybe you're just happy to compete with a couple fewer bodies or maybe you think I'm lying. Thats ok too.

As an aside, your statement about being able to work harder to afford these things is the point for a lot of us - we'd be unwilling to work harder for Disney. Its not worth that to us because, news flash, Disney did not start out as a luxury commodity and it isn't one yet. Take your vacation dollars and check out non Disney options. You get a LOT more for your money if you take the blinders off: _actual_ luxury vacations. If I work harder and make more money it sure as snot is NOT going to Disney. I'm already giving them what I am willing to. Its a silly idea anyway because my husband and I already work as hard as we can - we want to retire early and we want to keep traveling every year in the meantime.

I think people are reading in to my post too much looking for malice that isn't there because I didn't agree with the herd mentality. I never said they should price out lower end families, I said I didn't mind the price increases, and I also suggested that providing multiple tiers of pricing would allow those families to vacation while also allowing me to have a better vacation experience.

I enjoy many vacations, not four days ago I was sipping tropical drinks on a beach, this is my first day back at my job in fact. No blinders here, I enjoy all kinds of vacations, including Disney. I was excited at the prospect that I might be able to enjoy a better Disney vacation if I were not shackled to a pricing model that caters to low cost and high cost vacations equally. Disney has been expensive for a while, and I'm simply OK with more expensive options coming to light, because I do work hard, those aren't dirty words to say. I suspect I work harder than some people here, and I suspect some people here make my job look like naptime. I am just as entitled to feel that Disney is worth busting my butt for as others are entitled to feel it isn't, and I don't think there is anything wrong with hoping that Disney offers me more to bust my butt for, even if it doesn't necessarily benefit those with less disposable income. I am still deeply bothered by the fact many people here seem to think that Disney owes them something.

Where on this thread is anyone acting "entitled" (except for the comments about not wanting to share space with those that can't afford the same vacation...LOL)?

Was this directed at me? I never said I didn't want to share space or look down on those with less money to spend, I in fact supported a pricing tiering structure that would cater to them as well as to me instead of trying to lump us all in to one boat. Yes, I said I wouldn't complain if the higher prices thinned out the crowds, so what? Anyone else here would agree to lower crowds being something they'd enjoy. I've said it before, I've been on the low end of the scale, I'm happy there was an option for me, I am in no way saying that option should be eliminated, merely that higher end options would be nice and that if the lower end options were eliminated than that was perfectly within Disney's reasoning if that was a business market they were not interested in any longer. Yes, it's unfortunate for those that would be priced out, but it doesn't make the company evil, that's all I was saying.

Adam

 

[photogineer]

Classist? Calling folks classist around here regarding Disney price hikes? To quote Phineas and Ferb: "Why yes. Yes I am." Cause that's how the tone is reading.

Disney belongs to everyone, not just the wealthy middle/rich. I'm not saying that it isn't pricey or inexpensive. I'm saying that the cost should stay in a realist and affordable range, relative to the average American family budget. These costs are in clown-town land. The price tiering is in clown-town. Disney isn't a privilege, it's...it's...not a luxury...it's a theme park that ought to be affordable for everyone. And now it's not.

I simply disagree, and I think that's where we have to leave this. I am sorry if my tone bothers you, I am merely not sugar coating my thoughts, and I disagree with yours.

Adam

 

[Maxpowers]

but people need to stop acting like Disney owes them something

Unless of course you've already paid for it. Then, yes, they do owe you something.

But seriously, I agree. Disney doesn't have a duty to make it attainable. It may end up being a bad business decision, if it actually prices people out, but that's a different story. Or maybe they are using the additional proceeds to improve on the recent complaints...aka "Disney doesn't care about customer experience anymore" and/or "CM's just aren't what they used to be" (generally speaking of course).

 

[Bluegrrl]

Last I will say, and then I am done as well:

From Walt -

"Disneyland is a work of love. We didn't go into Disneyland just with the idea of making money."

 

[disneyfan2kids]

They are not being greedy they are increasing revenue, that is there job. The fact of the matter is their "most loyal customers" are likely also among the least profitable because they know all of the tricks to save money.

The people acting entitled are all the ones that act as though being able to afford to go to Disney is their right. Its not. If you can go and you want to, thats great. If you can't afford to, or you think your money is better spent other ways, thats great too, but people need to stop acting like Disney owes them something.

1.) I strongly disagree with your first statment. Are you a DVC Owner? DVC is designed to encourage you to spend the maximum amount of time in WDW each year - I'd guess in many cases our visits outnumber non-DVC guests 2-1. And no matter where you slice it...time spent in DVC= increased profits for WDW. Trust me... my bank account agrees.

2.) Now you say it's "ok" if people feel their $$ is better spent elsewhere? Because past posts have most certainly simply stated your excitment in hoping that these new changes now kept the riff-raff away from your family while on your "well -deserved because you're hard working" vacation.

And...for the record. Have you ever taken a TRUE luxury vacation?? I have...it's not WDW! LOL, I love WDW... but banjo playing animatronic bears, all you can eat fried chicken, and coconut races amongst toddlers is NOT a luxury vacation. If it is to YOU...that's great. Drop $10K/year on the family skillet...hey, ask for ketchup while you're at it! It's luxury at its finest!

My $10K vacations will not involve rubber bracelets or anything that has the word "frontier" in it.