Resort Changers--The Saga Continues.....

[Minnie&Nana]

Do you have an AP? If you do, I recommend TIW. For $75 you'll get 20% all table service bills.

It ain't going to be pretty.

I can't believe you calculated an almost 14% increase in the 10-day base ticket for '12. That is just outrageous and unsustainable IMHO.

I can not take credit for the price increase calculations on the tickets, it is from easywdw, if you click the link you can see the entire listing of the ticket increases includeing water parks, AP's etc

http://www.easywdw.com/2011increases.pdf

It is crazy, use to be the more days you bought the less it cost you.

I missed these posts what the heck with the tkt increase?! They truly are making it nearly impossible for families to visit. With jobs paying less, less cost of living increases, everything else costing more, where does Disney think families will come up with this kind of money?

I was an AP holder for years, but stopped going as often b/c one of the former perks of having an AP was discounted rooms - back then Disney advertised it as a perk, unlike today...and I chuckle when DISers get into heated discussions about how AP holders are not entitled to expect a discount - they may be true now, but not so in the '80's and early '90's.

With the 2012 increase across the board, there may not be a big birthday bash after all. I want to be able to take Sophia (DGD) next year and 2 trips at that cost I will not do. Never mind affordability, I simply refuse to spend that much money at Disney.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I got so caught up in the new room rates I forgot why I came over to this thread to begin with.

I have always wanted to go to Disney during Christmas season or be there for NYE. So I priced out going after Christmas into January at GF, it has to be GF that is part of the dream.

Anyway I say to DH how would you like to go to Disney for New Years and without missing a beat he says to me "you want to change, change but we can't go twice " and continued into the other room

I almost wish he had said no since now I have this thought stuck in my head and will be pondering it over for the next few days

Well, as you already know that is the MOST expensive time of the year to go. It can be done, but you have to be careful how you do it. I did it last year with DD when DH was deployed, but I snagged a great deal for WL and we had already been in August so we were able to slow down at Christmas, which is absolutely necessary with all the crowds.

Personally, I wouldn't change your plans to only go after Christmas UNLESS by after Christmas you mean after 1-1-12 when the rates go way down and so do the crowds.

I was going to multi-quote, but really what you all have said is exactly how I feel.

While it is true the rate increases are not huge, when I saw the 2012 rates for WL it was just so outrageous that I think the whole cost hit me b/c I've been put off by Disney prices for the last few years.

Iger is living a pipe dream if he thinks guests will not go elsewhere - he is all about reducing discounts, but there is no way it can last with more rooms opening up and guests having reasonable options off-site ot staying home.

Personally, I would never stay off site even at the Ritz b/c I like being immersed in the magic, but would go elsewhere on vacation rather than pay non-discounted Disney room prices. We started going to Disneyland when I was 8, so I've had a lot of years to enjoy the magic and sadly watch it change; I can live without a Disney trip for a year or two and have done so now and then.

While on the subject of discounts - one thing that I absolutely detest is the way Disney sends out pin codes to some guests - this is not coming from a guest who never received pin codes - we've received codes from Disney for at least 15 years, with the best ones 2004 to 2010 - but I believe pin codes should be available to all guests, not a select few.

I already ranted about the decline in Disney guest service over the years on the WL thread and WDWKOOK said it quite well here.

Sorry for starting a rant/vent...but it just bugs me every time Disney ups the rates (food/tkts/resorts) and I think about families - for whom these parks were built - so they would have an affordable, clean and very family friendly place to go together and have a delightful time.

I well remember my very first visit to Disneyland when it was quite new...up until then my mother loved POP (Pacific Ocean Park, which was clean and very nice), but I heard her all day on that first visit remark about the cleanliness of the park, friendliness of the Cast Members and what a wonderful family park "Mr Disney has created". She went on and on about the bathrooms and how sparkling clean they were....now I hear her words clearly each time I walk into a WDW bathroom and see TP all over the floor, dirty stalls, over flowing trash bins...sigh...

The MK is still magical and there is nothing more enchanting than strolling in first thing in the morning, while the streets are so fresh, no crowds.... music playing...I still get teary every time.

Don't ever be sorry for ranting here. I'd be happy if we changed the title to "The Resort Ranters and Changers thread".

Your points are legitimate and I feel exactly as you do about staying off-site. I love being on-property and immersed in the WDW experience 24/7. When I want superior service and true luxury, we go to The Greenbrier or another luxury resort a few hours from our home. But, of course we end up asking each other why WDW can't be this nice for the prices they charge. Then I feel guilty booking a WDW trip knowing deep down I'm paying a lot more for a lot less.

I totally agree with you about the pins. There is no rhyme or reason to why some guests get them. The GP discounts are nice, but not everyone can use them due to date restrictions, etc... I have been very fortunate to be able to use the military 40% off for years, but I suspect 9-12 may be the last we see of that discount, but who knows.

You are spot on that all the room rates should just be lowered to attract ALL potential guests rather than raising the rates every year and offering some elusive pins to a lucky few. And how about those AP rates? Many have become so frustrated with the lack of AP rate dates that they're not going to renew their APs.

 

[Lillian Gracey]

First I want to say that I thank everyone for the support. I really appreciate it. We are going to take this one step at a time so I don't turn DBF into a Disney hater and so we can decide whether or not it's a good idea to go to WDW in October.

With that being said, I booked a room at All Star Sports for October 13 - 20 2012. While I would love to stay at CR again. It just isn't feasible. I think it's best that my next trip will be on the cheap and I can splurge on my future honeymoon. That's wishful thinking though. I was really disappointed that no LM rooms were available at AoA for my dates. I do hope a PIN comes my way. I would love one so I could possibly do an upgrade.

 

[sjs314]

Well, as you already know that is the MOST expensive time of the year to go. It can be done, but you have to be careful how you do it. I did it last year with DD when DH was deployed, but I snagged a great deal for WL and we had already been in August so we were able to slow down at Christmas, which is absolutely necessary with all the crowds.

Personally, I wouldn't change your plans to only go after Christmas UNLESS by after Christmas you mean after 1-1-12 when the rates go way down and so do the crowds.
Don't ever be sorry for ranting here. I'd be happy if we changed the title to "The Resort Ranters and Changers thread".

Your points are legitimate and I feel exactly as you do about staying off-site. I love being on-property and immersed in the WDW experience 24/7. When I want superior service and true luxury, we go to The Greenbrier or another luxury resort a few hours from our home. But, of course we end up asking each other why WDW can't be this nice for the prices they charge. Then I feel guilty booking a WDW trip knowing deep down I'm paying a lot more for a lot less.

I totally agree with you about the pins. There is no rhyme or reason to why some guests get them. The GP discounts are nice, but not everyone can use them due to date restrictions, etc... I have been very fortunate to be able to use the military 40% off for years, but I suspect 9-12 may be the last we see of that discount, but who knows.

You are spot on that all the room rates should just be lowered to attract ALL potential guests rather than raising the rates every year and offering some elusive pins to a lucky few. And how about those AP rates? Many have become so frustrated with the lack of AP rate dates that they're not going to renew their APs.

You can say expensive again, I was thinking about Dec28-Jan 4, then I looked at the crowd calendars for this past Jan

We were suppose to go last November and had to cancel, I think that might still be the better choice maybe for 2012

First I want to say that I thank everyone for the support. I really appreciate it. We are going to take this one step at a time so I don't turn DBF into a Disney hater and so we can decide whether or not it's a good idea to go to WDW in October.

With that being said, I booked a room at All Star Sports for October 13 - 20 2012. While I would love to stay at CR again. It just isn't feasible. I think it's best that my next trip will be on the cheap and I can splurge on my future honeymoon. That's wishful thinking though. I was really disappointed that no LM rooms were available at AoA for my dates. I do hope a PIN comes my way. I would love one so I could possibly do an upgrade.

Hannah - Congrates on booking next October

Maybe the regular rooms at AOA will be booking before October so you can switch resorts before your trip

 

[Lillian Gracey]

Hannah - Congrates on booking next October

Maybe the regular rooms at AOA will be booking before October so you can switch resorts before your trip

Thanks! I'm so excited! My boyfriend was ok with doing October. He's not happy about me talking about it though. I asked if I could basically talk his ear off about how excited I am after he finishes mowing the lawn and he said maybe. I'm going to say that it's going to be a no. Now to wait for a PIN for a possible upgrade! Though just being there would be great! I'm paying $785 for 7 nights/8 days at ASSports. If I get a 35% off values/mods, 40% off deluxe/deluxe villas PIN, I would be paying about $510 for my room! That would be even better!

I'm hoping the Little Mermaid rooms will be available before my trip because I would love to stay there. Everything else is available but the Little Mermaid rooms. Let's see how many changes will happen in 1 year and 4 months.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

First I want to say that I thank everyone for the support. I really appreciate it. We are going to take this one step at a time so I don't turn DBF into a Disney hater and so we can decide whether or not it's a good idea to go to WDW in October.

With that being said, I booked a room at All Star Sports for October 13 - 20 2012. While I would love to stay at CR again. It just isn't feasible. I think it's best that my next trip will be on the cheap and I can splurge on my future honeymoon. That's wishful thinking though. I was really disappointed that no LM rooms were available at AoA for my dates. I do hope a PIN comes my way. I would love one so I could possibly do an upgrade.

Hannah, congrats on booking the October trip! I've not been keeping up - when is AOA due to open? Fingers crossed a room will open there for you - it is really neat to stay in a brand new resort. I checked on line, but AOA is not inlcuded to book - how did you find it?

Don't ever be sorry for ranting here. I'd be happy if we changed the title to "The Resort Ranters and Changers thread".

Your points are legitimate and I feel exactly as you do about staying off-site. I love being on-property and immersed in the WDW experience 24/7. When I want superior service and true luxury, we go to The Greenbrier or another luxury resort a few hours from our home. But, of course we end up asking each other why WDW can't be this nice for the prices they charge. Then I feel guilty booking a WDW trip knowing deep down I'm paying a lot more for a lot less.

I totally agree with you about the pins. There is no rhyme or reason to why some guests get them. The GP discounts are nice, but not everyone can use them due to date restrictions, etc... I have been very fortunate to be able to use the military 40% off for years, but I suspect 9-12 may be the last we see of that discount, but who knows.

You are spot on that all the room rates should just be lowered to attract ALL potential guests rather than raising the rates every year and offering some elusive pins to a lucky few. And how about those AP rates? Many have become so frustrated with the lack of AP rate dates that they're not going to renew their APs.

I already had a rant about the lack of AP rates ...waay back in the 80's and 90's Disney pushed AP's with the perk of discounted room rates during the year...I stopped renewing my AP in 2007, but it is much worse now.

Do you remember the year Disney decided AP rate rooms had to be booked way in advance and the rates were not as good as some discounts? For the moment the details escape me, but we were not happy campers. Disney dropped that within a few months when rooms were not selling and AP holders were not renewing.

I am glad you have the military discount - I grew up in a military family and it is nice to see the discounts offerred; Hope the rates stay at 40%.

You can say expensive again, I was thinking about Dec28-Jan 4, then I looked at the crowd calendars for this past Jan

We were suppose to go last November and had to cancel, I think that might still be the better choice maybe for 2012

What about the 2nd or 3rd week of December? Rates are not as high as Christmas, all the decorations are up and it's gorgeous!

I am different about GF at Christmas though - I absolutely love it, but too many day visitors all over the place during the holidays...it's like you have to share your beautiful resort!

Sure hope your dream comes true next year!!

 

[Lillian Gracey]

Hannah, congrats on booking the October trip! I've not been keeping up - when is AOA due to open? Fingers crossed a room will open there for you - it is really neat to stay in a brand new resort. I checked on line, but AOA is not inlcuded to book - how did you find it?

Thanks so much! It's really exciting!

It looks like starting June 1st, AoA is available for booking. So I'm assuming June 1st is their estimated opening day? I just went to the main page and clicked on "Price Your Reservation", I put in my dates and chose "Art of Animation". Hopefully it works for you!

 

[Janet B]

I already had a rant about the lack of AP rates ...waay back in the 80's and 90's Disney pushed AP's with the perk of discounted room rates during the year...I stopped renewing my AP in 2007, but it is much worse now.

Do you remember the year Disney decided AP rate rooms had to be booked way in advance and the rates were not as good as some discounts? For the moment the details escape me, but we were not happy campers. Disney dropped that within a few months when rooms were not selling and AP holders were not renewing.

And here I sit waiting for those elusive AP rates for late August!! I don't know why because they will probably be no different than the GP rates.

Thanks so much! It's really exciting!

It looks like starting June 1st, AoA is available for booking. So I'm assuming June 1st is their estimated opening day? I just went to the main page and clicked on "Price Your Reservation", I put in my dates and chose "Art of Animation". Hopefully it works for you!

Congrats on booking your trip! I hope with the new Family Suites opening up that Disney does not take away perk of being able to have more than 2 adults (18 and over) in the room without charging the "extra" adult fee. The price is already expensive.

 

[Lillian Gracey]

Congrats on booking your trip! I hope with the new Family Suites opening up that Disney does not take away perk of being able to have more than 2 adults (18 and over) in the room without charging the "extra" adult fee. The price is already expensive.

Thanks! I hope that doesn't change either. I don't plan on staying in the suites, but it would be nice for those who do to not have to pay the extra fee.

 

[Janet B]

Thanks! I hope that doesn't change either. I don't plan on staying in the suites, but it would be nice for those who do to not have to pay the extra fee.

Agreed, since it would be a good fit for my fam (my DS is 19).

I think it is a little weird that all the reg. rooms will only be in the LM area. Don't know why Disney wouldn't have them throughout the resort? Maybe because of the way the FS need to be built.

 

[Lillian Gracey]

Agreed, since it would be a good fit for my fam (my DS is 19).

I think it is a little weird that all the reg. rooms will only be in the LM area. Don't know why Disney wouldn't have them throughout the resort? Maybe because of the way the FS need to be built.

It would be nice if they were throughout the whole resort. I had my boyfriend pick which room he liked out of LK and LM and he liked LK better, but now there's no choice because only LM has standard rooms.

 

[disneydreamin247]

The lack of good AP discounts is why I won't renew mine. I stopped in 08. I've booked numerous AP rates and I have never even been asked for it upon checking in. I did book an AP rate after my AP expired and if asked for it I was just going to upgrade my ticket from UT but I never was.

Hannah YAY!!! That is sooo exciting!!!

 

[Janet B]

The lack of good AP discounts is why I won't renew mine. I stopped in 08. I've booked numerous AP rates and I have never even been asked for it upon checking in. I did book an AP rate after my AP expired and if asked for it I was just going to upgrade my ticket from UT but I never was.

Hannah YAY!!! That is sooo exciting!!!

I just realized you are right about the AP and showing it. I booked with an AP rate last November and I don't think I ever was asked to show it on check in!!

 

[kaffinito]

And here I sit waiting for those elusive AP rates for late August!! I don't know why because they will probably be no different than the GP rates.

I'm with you on the wait, but I don't think I'll hold my breath on great August discounts coming out.

If it wasn't for the renewal DVC AP rate I wouldn't even think about renewing it this year. The discounts have been kind of crappy lately.

The lack of good AP discounts is why I won't renew mine. I stopped in 08. I've booked numerous AP rates and I have never even been asked for it upon checking in. I did book an AP rate after my AP expired and if asked for it I was just going to upgrade my ticket from UT but I never was.

I'm with you on that. If I didn't have the discounts to apply to the AP price I probably wouldn't renew at all, but as it is I will for the next trip so I can still get the TiW card. I'm also fond of the discount on merchandise at some of the stores.


And in other news....

It looks like we will be ok financially in August, so I *might* book that GF SL stay I've been thinking about.

I don't know what it is about me. There are only two resorts so far that I'm not in a hurry to rebook, (POFQ and POP) and a lot more that I would definitely rebook. I wish I could stay somewhere, hate it, and just keep booking the same resort like the "normal" people do.

 

[Janet B]

I'm with you on the wait, but I don't think I'll hold my breath on great August discounts coming out.

If it wasn't for the renewal DVC AP rate I wouldn't even think about renewing it this year. The discounts have been kind of crappy lately.

I'm with you on that. If I didn't have the discounts to apply to the AP price I probably wouldn't renew at all, but as it is I will for the next trip so I can still get the TiW card. I'm also fond of the discount on merchandise at some of the stores.


And in other news....

It looks like we will be ok financially in August, so I *might* book that GF SL stay I've been thinking about.

I don't know what it is about me. There are only two resorts so far that I'm not in a hurry to rebook, (POFQ and POP) and a lot more that I would definitely rebook. I wish I could stay somewhere, hate it, and just keep booking the same resort like the "normal" people do.

Hi Karen! Hope all is well with you. That's great that you can book one of your fav places. And what's "normal" anyway? (and do we really want to be normal??)

Just curious, what's up with FQ? Did you have a bad experience?
Janet

 

[Lillian Gracey]

I think I'm going to have to cancel already. DBF and I just got into an argument about the trip and it's giving me a huge headache. If he goes once he basically won't want to go back for a while. He has the "Been there. Done that." mentality. If we go next year, we probably won't go for a honeymoon (if we get married). I don't want to wait another decade to go back. I forsee plenty of solo trips for me. I don't think I could wait so long again. I could handle going every other year, but I don't think I could handle not going for 2+ years before another trip. I understand his priorities. I understand that he can't financially do this and pay his debt, bills, pay for a new car, save up for a house. I understand that he wants us to not end up living in a crappy apartment. It's just so frustrating. This is just making me way too sad. I pray that once he goes to WDW he will understand how I feel and that he will feel the magic that WDW brings to everyone and will want to go more than just once or twice in his lifetime. I don't want to have to resort to going alone. I understand I can't force him to go whenever or force him to even like it. I just want him to just once experience the magic and happiness I feel when I leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy.

Sorry. I know this isn't needed, but I really needed to vent. I'm just really upset.

 

[disneydreamin247]

I'm with you on the wait, but I don't think I'll hold my breath on great August discounts coming out.

If it wasn't for the renewal DVC AP rate I wouldn't even think about renewing it this year. The discounts have been kind of crappy lately.



I'm with you on that. If I didn't have the discounts to apply to the AP price I probably wouldn't renew at all, but as it is I will for the next trip so I can still get the TiW card. I'm also fond of the discount on merchandise at some of the stores.


And in other news....

It looks like we will be ok financially in August, so I *might* book that GF SL stay I've been thinking about.

I don't know what it is about me. There are only two resorts so far that I'm not in a hurry to rebook, (POFQ and POP) and a lot more that I would definitely rebook. I wish I could stay somewhere, hate it, and just keep booking the same resort like the "normal" people do.

The only resort I'm in no rush to rebook is WL. I also have no interest in POFQ/POR, OKW, SSR, YC, any of the AS, or CSR. I would love to book an Epcot resort but not yet. The kids are still too small for that. The monorail just holds too much appeal for me and I feel like if I'm paying deluxe prices I need monorail convenience. I'm my own worst enemy!

I think I'm going to have to cancel already. DBF and I just got into an argument about the trip and it's giving me a huge headache. If he goes once he basically won't want to go back for a while. He has the "Been there. Done that." mentality. If we go next year, we probably won't go for a honeymoon (if we get married). I don't want to wait another decade to go back. I forsee plenty of solo trips for me. I don't think I could wait so long again. I could handle going every other year, but I don't think I could handle not going for 2+ years before another trip. I understand his priorities. I understand that he can't financially do this and pay his debt, bills, pay for a new car, save up for a house. I understand that he wants us to not end up living in a crappy apartment. It's just so frustrating. This is just making me way too sad. I pray that once he goes to WDW he will understand how I feel and that he will feel the magic that WDW brings to everyone and will want to go more than just once or twice in his lifetime. I don't want to have to resort to going alone. I understand I can't force him to go whenever or force him to even like it. I just want him to just once experience the magic and happiness I feel when I leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy.

Sorry. I know this isn't needed, but I really needed to vent. I'm just really upset.

Could you do a solo trip next year then?

 

[Lillian Gracey]

The only resort I'm in no rush to rebook is WL. I also have no interest in POFQ/POR, OKW, SSR, YC, any of the AS, or CSR. I would love to book an Epcot resort but not yet. The kids are still too small for that. The monorail just holds too much appeal for me and I feel like if I'm paying deluxe prices I need monorail convenience. I'm my own worst enemy!



Could you do a solo trip next year then?

I'm thinking of doing that. Go October 14 - 19 so I don't have to pay the extra money to stay a Friday night and Saturday night. That's plenty of time for me and it will be cheaper. It'll only be $537 for the room instead of $785. It will be $805 all together. 5 nights/ 6 days plus a 5 day base ticket. I may upgrade to a 6 day, but it all depends on the cheapest flights I can get. I'm hoping that this trip will cost me no more than $1500 including resort, tickets, food, transportation and souvenirs. I didn't eat a ton on this last trip so I don't expect myself to eat a lot this coming trip. Though I would be tempted to eat and drink a bit if I go during the F&W Festival and I have to keep myself away from the shops. lol

 

[sjs314]

I think I'm going to have to cancel already. DBF and I just got into an argument about the trip and it's giving me a huge headache. If he goes once he basically won't want to go back for a while. He has the "Been there. Done that." mentality. If we go next year, we probably won't go for a honeymoon (if we get married). I don't want to wait another decade to go back. I forsee plenty of solo trips for me. I don't think I could wait so long again. I could handle going every other year, but I don't think I could handle not going for 2+ years before another trip. I understand his priorities. I understand that he can't financially do this and pay his debt, bills, pay for a new car, save up for a house. I understand that he wants us to not end up living in a crappy apartment. It's just so frustrating. This is just making me way too sad. I pray that once he goes to WDW he will understand how I feel and that he will feel the magic that WDW brings to everyone and will want to go more than just once or twice in his lifetime. I don't want to have to resort to going alone. I understand I can't force him to go whenever or force him to even like it. I just want him to just once experience the magic and happiness I feel when I leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy.

Sorry. I know this isn't needed, but I really needed to vent. I'm just really upset.

First, vent all you need to Hannah, we are here for you. Second I wouldn't cancel or change the reservation yet. Sit on it for a while, maybe DBF will come around. My DH never wanted to go to WDW due to going to Florida one year with 2 of his buddies and hateing the heat. Years passed and one day I decided to book a trip to WDW for myself and my 2DS. That evening I told DH about "our trip" Funny thing happened he decided he wanted to go too! And I never had any trouble getting him to go again. I even talked him into going to DL

Now a solo trip or one with Grandmother again sounds like a plan too. I went once for just a weekend with a friend it was short and sweet and gave me my much needed Disney fix.

 

[pas130]

I got so caught up in the new room rates I forgot why I came over to this thread to begin with.

I have always wanted to go to Disney during Christmas season or be there for NYE. So I priced out going after Christmas into January at GF, it has to be GF that is part of the dream.

Anyway I say to DH how would you like to go to Disney for New Years and without missing a beat he says to me "you want to change, change but we can't go twice " and continued into the other room

I almost wish he had said no since now I have this thought stuck in my head and will be pondering it over for the next few days

I would totally do NYE at GF. I'm not allowed vacation time between XMas and New Years though It's definitely something to think about

LillianGracey Hannah, I wouldn't cancel yet either. And you are ALWAYS welcome to vent. This is a safe happy place!