The economy and Walt Disney World

[JeemaRee]

We've been planning this trip (and saving for it) for three years (by the time we go) so the money was already budgeted. Otherwise we wouldn't be going at all! What a sad thought!

 

[BigGreen73]

It's been a few months. So what are folks thoughts on this subject now. Has the economy had an affect on your future WDW plans at all?

My DW and I are going in May 09 and will be doing quite a bit on this trip. We didn't go to WDW in 08 and after the May 09 trip it may be a few years before we visit WDW again unless things change.

 

[VonBaroketch]

So sad, we plan to substitute at least three of our scheduled V&A reservations with Narcoosee's. We are still debating on whether the Grand One is necessary for our traditional breakfast cruise or if we will settle with Breathless. Hilda even gets the week off instead of rotating the bed linens and dusting the baseboards while we are gone. Hope everyone else is faring better with this economy than we.

 

[eazyeray]

we weren't going but after the 4/3 deal we ponied up the cash. can't say no to a good deal.

 

[SpaceMtnFan]

I am still bummed that I did not get to come this year I might come down in june unless I need to save $$$ because I am moving into a new Apartment next year then the trip may get pushed back to 2010

 

[2wins]

Hi Gang,

We just got back (11/15-11/22). The parks were dead. I was thinking that maybe it was the economy. Our family actually spent alot less this trip than we did in 2003! We made some cuts like shared a home off prop w/ other family members, packed pbj's for the kids, and bottled water, used a discount code on the car...but we did do Cirque and Hoop Dee.

Was it the economy, time of year, or a freakish cold front that moved in that week? I'm not sure?

 

[SamIAm21]

Well, hate to be a downer, but 2009 is going to be an extremely difficult year for the US economy. From everything I've read and heard, in 2009, we'll wish it were 2008. However, by the latter half of the year, we should start seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Anyone who has the financial wherewithal to head down to Disney next year will likely encounter lighter crowds throughout the year. What has hit Wall Street like a ton of bricks will soon hit Main Street with a similar amount of impact.

 

[jacstangler]

We are going and will be there this Sunday, however we will not be spending as much on meals. We were going to go to the Wave, but now I am
canceling. I am planning on eating at some of Kevin's suggestions.
they all sound great.

John

 

[2wins]

Well, hate to be a downer, but 2009 is going to be an extremely difficult year for the US economy. From everything I've read and heard, in 2009, we'll wish it were 2008. However, by the latter half of the year, we should start seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Anyone who has the financial wherewithal to head down to Disney next year will likely encounter lighter crowds throughout the year. What has hit Wall Street like a ton of bricks will soon hit Main Street with a similar amount of impact.

Hey SamIAm 21,

At least the price of gas is down south of the Sears Tower. BTW, we are south of the Sears Tower as well!

 

[TommyTutone]

I'm one of the 4 who voted for 'I'm out' because for the forseeable future, not only I am, but I'm recommending the same to people who seek me for advice (as the office 'Disney guy').

While there are still good things to be had, and the magic is still to be found, there are too many traps between stroller/ecv costs, cost/quality ratio in onsite dining, exorbitant rates on lodging compared to similar ilk, to be able to justify it.

My mother wants to spring for a trip for her two kids, their spouses, and three grandkids, as she had done this year. Unfortunately , I will be STRONGLY recommending the next trip be to Universal or even someplace non-amusement park related. I don't know how well it will go over since she's a Mickey-phile (which she passed on to me), but between the economy and the disdain for their loyal fanbase, I am hard pressed to continue to reward them.

Thinking more about this before I hit the Post button, I really hate writing the above, and it's unlikely after so many pages that it'll get read, but after nearly a dozen trips in my life (and two for my six-year old), I stand by the decision. If corporate takes a change in attitude, if they can restore the magic, then maybe we'll re-examine it in 5 years, but for now, there are too many other viable and entertaining options elsewhere, FDR Resort in Jamaica standing out at the moment.

 

[BigGreen73]

I'm one of the 4 who voted for 'I'm out' because for the forseeable future, not only I am, but I'm recommending the same to people who seek me for advice (as the office 'Disney guy').

While there are still good things to be had, and the magic is still to be found, there are too many traps between stroller/ecv costs, cost/quality ratio in onsite dining, exorbitant rates on lodging compared to similar ilk, to be able to justify it.

My mother wants to spring for a trip for her two kids, their spouses, and three grandkids, as she had done this year. Unfortunately , I will be STRONGLY recommending the next trip be to Universal or even someplace non-amusement park related. I don't know how well it will go over since she's a Mickey-phile (which she passed on to me), but between the economy and the disdain for their loyal fanbase, I am hard pressed to continue to reward them.

Thinking more about this before I hit the Post button, I really hate writing the above, and it's unlikely after so many pages that it'll get read, but after nearly a dozen trips in my life (and two for my six-year old), I stand by the decision. If corporate takes a change in attitude, if they can restore the magic, then maybe we'll re-examine it in 5 years, but for now, there are too many other viable and entertaining options elsewhere, FDR Resort in Jamaica standing out at the moment.

Nicely put. Can't really disagree with what you have said. My DW and I are going in 09 for our 12 yr anniversary, but unless things change, we won't be going again for another 3+ yrs.

 

[SFBayDon]

Might be interesting to ask the same question for the Cruisers? There are probably several of us that have paid the deposit, but are on the fence and not sure if we can still do the final payments in January?
Don