SHOCKED by 2007 Rack Rates-Deluxe

[Allison]

Definitely pricey but if people choose to pay the rate and they enjoy it and they want to do it then I think that's great for them.

 

[minnie61650]

Definitely pricey but if people choose to pay the rate and they enjoy it and they want to do it then I think that's great for them.

Very good points.
I agree.
Some guests enjoy the Deluxe resorts even though they are a bit pricer.
They may enjoy the theming, location, amenities, and/or pampering they feel the Deluxe resorts offer them.
That is fine and of course they should choose the kind of vacation they would like.
They worked hard for their vacation money and should spend it the way want to.

 

[d-hlaw]

I have made it a habit to stay in deluxes, mostly suites in the past 3 years. I have stayed in the Presidential and VP at Wilderness multiple times as well as the Presidential and VP at AKL. I was going to have the family all stay at AKL Pres this christmas but frankly I am starting to feel that the magic wears thin at those prices. Example, my AKL stay for Dec 23,24,25 (3 nights) totalled $8724. I foot the bill for everyone in my family, including room key charges with no restrictions, all meals, park tickets, etc. Needless to say this would be about a $14000 trip not withstanding gifts and so on...... I dont think I am willing to do it this year. The prices are getting insane because they have people willing to pay that much. Most of the time the deluxes are at capacity, including the most expensive rooms. I have tried on multiple occasions to book suites on a 2 month prior and have been sold out. They will continue to rape the guests until things slow down an then the prices will recede. Until then, bend over.

 

[Misti]

It's funny, because if you compare, the values are actually a good value compared to comparable non-WDW hotels- a crappy Days Inn by the airport costs more than the All Stars, and it certainly doesn't come with free transportation and a food court! (You're lucky if it is clean!)

I totally agree with you there! I think Disney's Value and Moderates are priced very favorably in regards to their quality, accomodations, service and location. I just think the Deluxe prices have started to get extremely high over time.

 

[Misti]

I was going to have the family all stay at AKL Pres this christmas but frankly I am starting to feel that the magic wears thin at those prices.

This is really my point in my inital post. I'm fully aware that there are many people (you, for example) that can afford and will pay the prices I quoted. However, the "worth" can diminish over time. "Law of Diminishing Returns" if you will.

And yes, you are all right about the supply and demand aspect. If guests are booking and staying at those rates, prices will continue to increase until demand no longer meets supply.

 

[bicker]

And indeed the trend remains strictly upward, while the impact on load-levels appears to be negligible. I'm not sure if it is just that there are just that many new guests every year, or there are simply enough guests for whom the magic doesn't wear thin at those prices.

 

[d-hlaw]

Brian,
the before and after pics are amazing.

 

[mlill]

I just wanted to say that I agree, the rack rates for the Deluxe resorts is getting out of hand. I'm so glad we bought into DVC when we did. It just kills me to pay out of pocket for a Deluxe room. We are staying a few nights at the GF for our Christmas vacation, and I got a Lagoon View room for $388 including tax. That was with an AP discount. I don't think I'd be up for paying more than that. I realize the RPC is fabulous, but I can't justify that price. I'd rather buy more DVC points. Just my 2 cents!

Happy Holidays!
-Michelle

 

[marivaid]

I agree, but no matter where they are getting the deal it's still a great one and I wish I could get one.

Yes the dollar is low and it definitely helps, however remember that most of us have to pay €800-€1000 (€1000 is about $1300) per person to fly to MCO. And the last time we rented a car, it cost twice the amount we'd been quoted because of the insurance and other fees they add for foreign drivers.

 

[minnie61650]

Yeeowch, those are some high prices! I could never afford Deluxe resorts if it weren't for AP rates! Even then it is a stretch!

It's funny, because if you compare, the values are actually a good value compared to comparable non-WDW hotels- a crappy Days Inn by the airport costs more than the All Stars, and it certainly doesn't come with free transportation and a food court! (You're lucky if it is clean!)

On the other hand, $270 in Cancun gets you a 5 star resort with all of your meals and drinks included, and the ocean steps away!

I'd really like to see the Disney resorts stay in a price range that is accessable to most people- I'm not saying that the GF should be $50/nt, but Disney is supposed to be a "dream" trip- it would be nice for people not to feel that the nicest resorts are something totally out of their league!

I agree.
When I stay at one of
Disney's value resorts I feel I am getting a total bargain!
Disney's value and mod resorts are a total bargain. You get so many perks (Disney themeing, Disney transportation, and EMH)
Any of Disney's resort guests (even those staying at a value or mod) are allowed to shop, dine, rent the surry bikes, rent boats, use the transportation or spa facilities at any of the Disney Resorts. (Of course pool hopping is not allowed.)
I can pay value prices and still enjoy many of the Deluxe admenities.

 

[marivaid]

I totally agree with you there! I think Disney's Value and Moderates are priced very favorably in regards to their quality, accomodations, service and location. I just think the Deluxe prices have started to get extremely high over time.

I somewhat disagree with that. They may seem like a deal, but IMO the values are extremely overpriced too. Let's face it they are nothing but motels with theming. If you consider just the room itself, well, you could pay $49 a night a few miles away at a Days Inn or Motel 6 and get a very similar room - minus the theming and location.
Last summer in Orlando we had a HUGE suite with full kitchen at the Holiday Inn on Kirkman for $89. A regular room (not preferred, no fridge) at a Value hotel in Disney would have been $99. A moderate would have been $155.

Honestly I dont think anything in Disney can really be considered to be a good value.
We decided to stay onsite because we wont have a car, and I've seen what the free shuttles at offsite hotels are like - thanks, but no thanks. We will be paying about $140 a night for ASMO and POFQ in a few weeks. Good value heck no but it has its perks.

 

[marivaid]

It's funny, because if you compare, the values are actually a good value compared to comparable non-WDW hotels- a crappy Days Inn by the airport costs more than the All Stars, and it certainly doesn't come with free transportation and a food court! (You're lucky if it is clean!)

I paid $39/night for a Days Inn around Florida Mall a couple years ago. It was the dirtiest room ever. That hotel is very close to Orange Blossom Trail and let's just say that there was entertainment outside all night. Thank goodness it was only for one night!!

 

[Claire L]

The rack rates for Disney's resorts have nothing to do with the weak dollar -- UK and Asian tourists rarely stay on-property... FWIW, many of them -- especially those staying two or more weeks -- stay in budget lodging. Many perfer to be closer to the Orlando resort area itself (outlet shopping, Universal, etc.)

We now will only stay onsite for visiting Disney and always go for the Deluxe Resorts but as we are visiting the US for the second time in less than 7 months at the end of December we are staying at a Moderate Resort for 11 nights but have AP's so will be back later next year for another 10 to 12 nights at a Deluxe Resort

Claire

 

[Sammie]

I think value is relevant to what you are comparing. Sure there are better bargains, but what is it you are comparing. To me it is completey irrelevant to compare the Grand Floridian to any other deluxe resort not on Disney property. Because I and many others are willing to pay to be at Disney, with Disney, seeing all things Disney when I am going to Disney World.

Marivaid makes a good point about comparing the Value resorts. Their prices during Nov. range from $99 for a standard view, $111 for preferred and $215 for suites. If you are going to compare the GF to other resorts in that price category, you can take the Value prices and find many hotels that offer interior hallways, views, queen beds, and even breakfast. So in that respect even the Values at Disney are not a value. You can find great suites in Lake Buena Vista for $150 that as far as amenties put All Star to shame, but they are not Disney.

So in all fairness while the GF might be high comparing it to nonDisney hotels, so are all Disney resorts.

 

[minnie61650]

I think value is relevant to what you are comparing. Sure there are better bargains, but what is it you are comparing. To me it is completey irrelevant to compare the Grand Floridian to any other deluxe resort not on Disney property. Because I and many others are willing to pay to be at Disney, with Disney, seeing all things Disney when I am going to Disney World.

Marivaid makes a good point about comparing the Value resorts. Their prices during Nov. range from $99 for a standard view, $111 for preferred and $215 for suites. If you are going to compare the GF to other resorts in that price category, you can take the Value prices and find many hotels that offer interior hallways, views, queen beds, and even breakfast. So in that respect even the Values at Disney are not a value. You can find great suites in Lake Buena Vista for $150 that as far as amenties put All Star to shame, but they are not Disney.

So in all fairness while the GF might be high comparing it to nonDisney hotels, so are all Disney resorts.

You made some very good points sammie but with the value resorts, guests are paying maybe $40 extra a night to stay onsite instead of at a comparable motel off site. When you factor in the cost of gas and parking fees the value guests staying onsite will just about break even compared to those who are staying offsite.

 

[LAS2AMS]

I totally agree with you there! I think Disney's Value and Moderates are priced very favorably in regards to their quality, accomodations, service and location.

I partially disagree. I consider the moderates to be Disney's most overpriced properties -- yes, the properties are gorgeous but the accomodations remain roadside motel-style (albeit tastefully decorated & upkept well) quality. Remember that the CB was built to compete with the value-priced resort-style m/hotels of its era (Days Inn LBV, now Sheraton Safari; Comfort Inn LBV, etc.) -- but the price has more than tripled, even though the accomodations remain basiclly the same. For what one ways per night at the moderates, s/he could stay at almost any deluxe property off-site (most offering high-quality accomodations, including deluxe bedding, and elaborate resorts... although lacking the Disney ambience).

The value resorts CAN be a good value... but one needs to take all factors into consideration -- such as the size (the values will only comfortably sleep a family of two adults and two small children... although a few large families/older children may not be bothered by the room size), service (highly lacking -- although it's improved in recent years, requesting extra toiletries, towels, pillows, etc. can be challenging), cost of breakfast, etc.

If one performs an exhaustive search of off-site properties, h/she will find an array of bargains (usually buried within their website, or sold as a contracted rate to other websites like onetravel). Examples from this past summer (including resort fees): Marriott Grande Vista (on par with any Disney Deluxe property) offered a studio for $129/night with a $30 daily resort credit, Sheraton Safari $59/n, Radisson Celebration $79-$99/n - inc. breakfast, Couryard Vista Center $45-$65/n - incl. breakfast, etc.

A $79 off-peak / $99 peak rate at the Values may be a good value if the Disney ambience is important to you and you're relying on Disney transportation (to/from the airport & parks)... but many will find higher-quality accomodations better suited to sleep their family at similar (and often lower) prices... and receiving a free breakfast or being within proximity of a cheap breakfast (usually around $10 for a full buffet for a family with small kids) / supermarkets / other eateries will often negate the cost of transportation (if you're renting / using Mears / etc.) Especially true if you're seeking to explore other aspects of the Orlando resort (outlet shopping, Universal, International Drive's array of resturants, etc.)

 

[rolltideroll]

My next reservation at Allstar Sports was at a AAA rate of $59 a night. Hard to beat that offsite, especially with the free parking (if you drive to the parks), transportation if you don't, package delivery, magic hours etc.

 

[byoung]

That's why I bought DVC.

 

[DisneyDork712]

This is interesting...

http://www.forbes.com/travel/2005/09/21/expensive-resorts-travel-cx_sb_0922feat_ls.html

The Grand Floridian could be on that list!!!

One of mine and DH favorite places to stay (not Disney :gasp:!) is the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. I think it is such a fun place to explore, especially at Christmas! (And I guess the fact that that is where DH proposed helps a little. ) The rates there start at around $200/night for a Delta view. That's where we started off our honeymoon last year for a few nights. It was a really neat view! I can't believe that the cheapest rooms at the Grand Floridian start out at twice that much! I didn't realize the prices at the Grand Floridian were so ridiculous!!

I hope you find a good code or AP rate!!

 

[WDWMasen]

When I go to WDW, the word 'value' is not even in my mind!! As far as I'm concerned, everything there is over priced. It starts with the hotels and goes right on down to a bottle of water! They charge crazy prices and we all continue to pay them! My wife and I only stay on Disney property, there is no other options for us! We joined DVC back in 2000, but we still like to pay cash for other resorts once in awhile. When we have extra money, we like to splurge at Deluxe resorts. We stayed Poly concierge for 10 days last January. This past October, we did a week at Pop. I just love haveing so many hotel options available to us when we go to Disney. Some people will never stay at a Deluxe resort, some will never stay at a Value. The fact is, Disney hotels, especially the Deluxe resorts, always seem to be near capacity. As long as that is, they will continue to charge high prices.

All of that said, if I had to pick a 'value' at Disney, in MY own opinion, the WL gives me the biggest bang for my buck anywhere on property.