Recent Disney Discount Announcement

[PolynesianLily]

I didn't like the way that I worded my question before so I am going to re-word it.

With the recent Disney Discount Elimination announcement I was just wondering if anyone thinks that Disney is going to stop with the discounts all together or return to the way it was before. The way it was before Disney did release discounts but they were not as high as the current discounts and they sometimes did not go for as long as they do now. If they do stop with the discounts and increase the resort rates in August like the usually do, do they really think they are going to get a high volume of visitors?

 

[kittycat9]

Even if they don't increase the rate - it's called, "Peak Season" for a reason.

ETA: You can always explore other options for discounts, such as AAA. Last year when we went, we couldn't take advantage of the big offers they had running because our time set aside for Disney was limited, and we couldn't stay longer (we had other days pre-allocated when we opted to 'throw' disney in to our vacation). So we went through AAA and got their basic rate discount off of the room, and that was that. Many people travel to disney and aren't aware of all the specials running, aren't aware of pin codes, or Visa points, programs, etc... Yes - people pay full price.

 

[HollVoll]

I think they will....for a few months until they see what happens.

We could never go w/out free dining. We have a special needs child and NOT cooking is a huge part of our vacation.

 

[clanmcculloch]

Disney will stop discounts only when Disney can fill rooms without offering discounts. It's as simple as that. So far this year, Disney has even had to do away with some of the peak blackout periods because even those dates weren't filling enough. I think value seasons will always have some kind of discount (the fall Free Dining promo started before the economy crashed because it's such a slow season) but peak seasons will eventually no longer need general public promotions though it's anybody's guess as to how long it'll be before that happens. Disney would love to cut them off today but it's not realistic and they know it.

 

[PolynesianLily]

Sorry I re-worded my question because after I read it, I realized that it I wasn't really explaining my main question.

Like HollVoll said sometimes these discounts are the only way some can travel to Disney which makes sense considering the prices that Disney charge at some resorts.

 

[clanmcculloch]

To answer your reworded question, yes they'll still get the volume of people. Disney will only cut back on discounts when guests are booking enough rooms without the discounts. While my family won't go as often, there are others who will go regardless just because their kids are at that perfect age and it's a vacation that you just do when your kids are a certain age. I suspect this is also part of the reason for building the new value suites next to Pop. They need more lower priced options for larger families who can't afford to pay for the more expensive resorts.

You'd be surprised at how many people pay full price right now. DIS is not in any way representative of the general public. I've had many people ask me how we can afford to spend $6K on a one week WDW trip several times per year. We can't. We don't. They do spend that much though because they pay full price. I've helped many friends lower their trip costs simply by pointing out the current discounts.

 

[kittycat9]

I think they will....for a few months until they see what happens.

We could never go w/out free dining. We have a special needs child and NOT cooking is a huge part of our vacation.

And here is where we differ vastly. We too have a special needs child, one that has a feeding pump and doesn't eat. Disney could not make things more difficult for us, than when it comes to dining plan (3 of us are on DxDDP, but my SN child is not). Everything from room packaging, dining plan, reservations, flights and travel insurance has been a complete pain in the backside. And this time around, I was even told that it's up to manager's discretion if they're going to charge my son the Buffet cover at places like Tusker house or Crystal palace because characters walk through, even though he doesn't eat. We expect to pay for him at places like Mickey's Backyard BBQ (show-like places), but come on!

 

[PolynesianLily]

To answer your reworded question, yes they'll still get the volume of people. Disney will only cut back on discounts when guests are booking enough rooms without the discounts. While my family won't go as often, there are others who will go regardless just because their kids are at that perfect age and it's a vacation that you just do when your kids are a certain age. I suspect this is also part of the reason for building the new value suites next to Pop. They need more lower priced options for larger families who can't afford to pay for the more expensive resorts.

You'd be surprised at how many people pay full price right now. DIS is not in any way representative of the general public. I've had many people ask me how we can afford to spend $6K on a one week WDW trip several times per year. We can't. We don't. They do spend that much though because they pay full price. I've helped many friends lower their trip costs simply by pointing out the current discounts.

I never thought about this but that actually makes sense as to why Disney is building a new value resort. I guess though paying the high prices is part of being a Disney lover/addict. Disney raises their prices knowing that regardless they will still get some sort of tourist base.

 

[bartleby1]

I don't know, I'm wondering though if they are hoping that by announcing the threat of no more discounts, they're hoping that more people book a trip now while the discounts are available?

 

[clanmcculloch]

I don't pay high prices. I'm a Disney lover but I'm also a bargain lover. I can't find any other all inclusive vacation for what I currently pay for our WDW vacations. Without the discounts though I'm more likely to rent a house off property and split my time between WDW and other Orlando attractions.

The suites will become the reasonably priced option for those families who need more room so hopefully they'll stay on property rather than rent larger accomodations off property. Right now the Family Suites are frequently excluded from various discounts yet they still sell out. No real need for Disney to discount the new ones. It's certainly a step in the no discount direction.

 

[Missytara]

Sorry I re-worded my question because after I read it, I realized that it I wasn't really explaining my main question.

Like HollVoll said sometimes these discounts are the only way some can travel to Disney which makes sense considering the prices that Disney charge at some resorts.

I can tell you that I go alone and pay double occupancy and I still feel that it is a great vacation for the dollar. Granted I go value season, but I never knew what free dining was or pin codes or nothing, until I joined this board.

And I continue to book my trip every year, the same week, pay it off very early and enjoy it tremendously. And without free dining, without pin codes, etc. Since 2000, the cost of the trip has gone up $50.00 for me for the same package every year.

 

[HollVoll]

And here is where we differ vastly. We too have a special needs child, one that has a feeding pump and doesn't eat. Disney could not make things more difficult for us, than when it comes to dining plan (3 of us are on DxDDP, but my SN child is not). Everything from room packaging, dining plan, reservations, flights and travel insurance has been a complete pain in the backside. And this time around, I was even told that it's up to manager's discretion if they're going to charge my son the Buffet cover at places like Tusker house or Crystal palace because characters walk through, even though he doesn't eat. We expect to pay for him at places like Mickey's Backyard BBQ (show-like places), but come on!

That makes no sense.

 

[PolynesianLily]

I don't pay high prices. I'm a Disney lover but I'm also a bargain lover. I can't find any other all inclusive vacation for what I currently pay for our WDW vacations. Without the discounts though I'm more likely to rent a house off property and split my time between WDW and other Orlando attractions.

The suites will become the reasonably priced option for those families who need more room so hopefully they'll stay on property rather than rent larger accomodations off property. Right now the Family Suites are frequently excluded from various discounts yet they still sell out. No real need for Disney to discount the new ones. It's certainly a step in the no discount direction.

We took advantage of the 40% discount off of a deluxe resort and we saved $2000. Without that discount we would have had to pay $4,500 or more. I guess I was just being selfish in hoping that they would release a discount for next year (like feb)

 

[kittycat9]

That makes no sense.

No, it doesn't - but it's considered a character experience, therefore they're allowed to charge if they want. So if anyone is in the restaurant and hears a parent having a fit over their bill, that will probably be me letting some one have it Please accept my apologies in advance. As for the rest, I really don't want to hijack further - but it was a mess that took quite a while to work through. He's not listed anywhere on the ressie except for the flight.

 

[larryz]

And here is where we differ vastly. We too have a special needs child, one that has a feeding pump and doesn't eat. Disney could not make things more difficult for us, than when it comes to dining plan (3 of us are on DxDDP, but my SN child is not). Everything from room packaging, dining plan, reservations, flights and travel insurance has been a complete pain in the backside. And this time around, I was even told that it's up to manager's discretion if they're going to charge my son the Buffet cover at places like Tusker house or Crystal palace because characters walk through, even though he doesn't eat. We expect to pay for him at places like Mickey's Backyard BBQ (show-like places), but come on!

I suppose one could call the Character Breakfast a "show" meal -- they're certainly more expensive than the standard breakfast buffet in one of the resort hotels. Part of the attraction is the one-on-one character interaction between the diners and the CCMs.

 

[BabyRN]

I personally think these types of announcements are a marketing ploy. Some people will believe there will be no more discounts and think "boy, I better hurry up and take that trip while their still offering a discount!". So, it will fill their rooms better for the summer and early part of the fall!

 

[PolynesianLily]

I personally think these types of announcements are a marketing ploy. Some people will believe there will be no more discounts and think "boy, I better hurry up and take that trip while their still offering a discount!". So, it will fill their rooms better for the summer and early part of the fall!

I certainly hope that it is. It would be a very smart marketing ploy!

 

[kittycat9]

I suppose one could call the Character Breakfast a "show" meal -- they're certainly more expensive than the standard breakfast buffet in one of the resort hotels. Part of the attraction is the one-on-one character interaction between the diners and the CCMs.

Do you seriously want to go there with this? You get just as much interaction - if not more, waiting in line at the various character stops in the parks. I have a child with a disability that prevents him from eating. I have no problem whatsoever paying for legitimate character shows like Backyard BBQ or Hoop Dee Doo, even CRT where you receive the 5x7 photo - but I'll be darned if I'm going to be forced to pay for a buffet that he isn't going to consume because tigger walks through. We didn't think twice about paying for the Backyard BBQ, as a matter of fact - but then when were thinking of things more centered around his birthday celebrations, we chose to entertain other experiences that weren't just food oriented. Like taking him on the Pirates and Pals fireworks Cruise, a stop at the Pirates League, Para-sailing, etc.

Furthermore, per Guest Services - this policy has apparently been in place for some time, but we weren't informed of it during our last trip by them. Only this time did anyone bother to mention it - why now? Last year when we made our ADRs, I had it noted that one of our children would not be eating due to medical reasons/feeding pump, but we would need 4 seats at the table - no one said anything. We had Deluxe Dining then, just as we are planning this time. But disney makes it extremely difficult for families such as ours. Our son is not even listed on our reservation, and won't until we check in. We even have to wait to buy his park tickets until we arrive - yet this trip is to celebrate his birthday, which angers me greatly. Just because he doesn't eat, doesn't make him any less important - yet just trying to get him mentioned or recognized within Disney's system is about as impossible as can be. Further, we had so many problems just trying to get our trip insured we were almost forced to purchase Deluxe dining for him - seriously!!! So let's just take a step back and think about that for a minute. But of course in some people's eyes, Disney can do no wrong. We're still looking forward to our trip - but I can't help but get a bit agitated when I think about how difficult they make our planning over something as basic as adding dining to our reservation.

 

[CanadianGuy]

With all due respect to the various sides of this issue - it isnNot the topc of this thread nor is it suited to the resorts board.

This thread is closed.

 

[CanadianGuy]

With all due respect to the various sides of this issue - it isnNot the topc of this thread nor is it suited to the resorts board.

This thread is closed.