The Fleecing of Americans at WDW

[WDWVillian]

After recently returning from Disneyland Paris where I couldn't afford much, it seems I can't afford much at Walt Disney World for the Christmas holidays, either.

After patiently waiting for an AP rate at WDW, the time arrived this morning around 10am (8/15/07). The rates quoted are SO ridiculous I can hardly wait for Christmas this year! I spoke to WDW Travel Company three times this morning, only to be mislead with ambiguous information and unbelievable disappointment at the lack of dates and deluxe resorts available. In addition, nightly rates varied for almost everyday of the week. For example, see these rates as follows;

Fort Wilderness Cabins
December 19 - $179
December 20 - 22 - $209
December 23 - later - $365

Naturally, Moderates and Values were all wide open at individually priced dates. I've stayed in my fair share of them in the past, and don't care to re-visit those cramped quarters. According to Mousesavers.com and allearsnet.com, nightly room rate pricing was to take effect in 2008, NOT this Christmas! The WDW Travel Agent(s) happily announced the new pricing schedule came into effect last week just prior to releasing the Disney Visa, AP, and General Public discounts.

This is just a continuation of the fleecing of Americans while our economy is weak. It seems like Corporate Disney only caters to it's shareholders and international guests during our holidays, making it difficult for the average american family to experience a truly magical vacation.

Like many of you, I grew up going to Disney to experience the magic first hand and loved it. In the near future if things continue the way they are, only affluent americans and international visitors will be able to say the same.

Is anyone else disappointed at the dates and rates offered by Disney? LOVE those motel 6 type accommodations!

 

[canda]

Are you John Edwards???? A tale of two Disney's.

See this is what happens when a republican who is friends with Rush Limbaugh takes over Disney.


Disney was not expensive when liberals like Mike E. was in charge. They cared about the poor much more.

 

[Mickey28]

Why would Disney offer discounts during a time that is generally busy and when they have no problem with filling rooms? It's simple supply and demand. Unfortunately many peolple have come to expect large discounts from Disney because they were offering discounts to get people traveling after 9/11. They needed to do it at that time, but people are travelling more now without fear. It's been said on this board many times that WDW seems to be busy most of the year now, there really are not many slow times anymore.
Please, don't be mad with me, this is just my opinion and how I see it.

 

[WDWVillian]

You've missed my point which is Americans are not filling up the deluxe resorts, international visitors are. For example, the British receive 50% off rack rates simply based on the exchange rate. This is before any discounts or free dining incentives.

 

[grimley1968]

It's that New World Order Trilateral Commission doing its nefarious deeds again!

They have cleverly made sure all the best deluxes were filled to capacity right at Christmas time! How dare they! I'd better make sure I list my address as being from Tangiers when I try to book for Christmas time. That way, they'll give me one of those rooms they keep away from middle-class Americans and give only to foreigners.

Oh wait, maybe I'll just try to book one of those rooms during a time that is not THE SINGLE BUSIEST TIME OF YEAR and a time that even has its own higher-priced season category.

 

[hoosll]

I think over the years Disney has tried to provide rooms at all price levels - they are committed to getting people to spend ALL their money at WDW and we have complied.

MYW was introduced to allow us to choose exactly the tickets we want - remember how we used complain that packages were not flexible enough.

They added the dining plan.

Not since the oil embargo in the 70s have I seen prices rise like they have over the last 6+ years while earnings for most of us have stayed the same. Every year many people have to reduce the length or the level of their trip.

How lucky you were to go to DP - my husband won't take me and he is starting to fuss that I want an annual trip to WDW - it is the ONLY vacation I take each year so I feel I can choose my destination but this year, only 3 nights so I can stay deluxe.

I'm sorry you feel that Disney is taking advantage of your love and dedication.

 

[grimley1968]

You've missed my point which is Americans are not filling up the deluxe resorts, international visitors are. For example, the British receive 50% off rack rates simply based on the exchange rate. This is before any discounts or free dining incentives.

This is one thing that you absolutely cannot blame Disney for, although I'm sure many will try. Maybe you should make your complaint to the U.S. Treasury, the Dept. of Commerce, and/or the State Department, if your point is about the unfavorable exchange ratio vis a vis Europe and the UK.

 

[Renee1061]

I am willing to pay whatever I think a vacation is worth to me. If I feel that the price is to much for what I receive in return, I simply don't go.

You can only be "fleeced" if you allow yourself to.

Oh, and I love Deluxes as much as the next person, but in November, I am happily staying at Pop Century. I'm not too good to stay at a value resort.

 

[WDWVillian]

Grimley 1968

-Oh wait, maybe I'll just try to book one of those rooms during a time that is not THE SINGLE BUSIEST TIME OF YEAR and a time that even has its own higher-priced season category.-

TOUCHE

 

[Tissa]

Are you John Edwards???? A tale of two Disney's.

See this is what happens when a republican who is friends with Rush Limbaugh takes over Disney.


Disney was not expensive when liberals like Mike E. was in charge. They cared about the poor much more.

Are you serious, PLEASE tell me you are not

Anyway, yes the prices are going up and yes we have the right not to pay them. I would never go during Christmas and pay those prices or put up with those crowds. It's value season for us.

 

[dannyh23]

You've missed my point which is Americans are not filling up the deluxe resorts, international visitors are. For example, the British receive 50% off rack rates simply based on the exchange rate. This is before any discounts or free dining incentives.

How are the British getting 50% off rack rate??? If you are basing that statement off current vs. older exchange rates, then they are getting 50% off EVERYTHING in this country, not just Disney Deluxe resorts. That's not Disney's fault...

 

[mgilmer]

I am willing to pay whatever I think a vacation is worth to me. If I feel that the price is to much for what I receive in return, I simply don't go.

You can only be "fleeced" if you allow yourself to.

I agree. That is just the way it is. Get over it. Accept it. Move on.

 

[fakereadhed]

I totally agree. The rates are so awful that I booked another trip for December using the Visa discount.

 

[WDWVillian]

How are the British getting 50% off rack rate??? If you are basing that statement off current vs. older exchange rates, then they are getting 50% off EVERYTHING in this country, not just Disney Deluxe resorts. That's not Disney's fault...



and your point is ...?

 

[bavaria]

You've missed my point which is Americans are not filling up the deluxe resorts, international visitors are. For example, the British receive 50% off rack rates simply based on the exchange rate. This is before any discounts or free dining incentives.

Well, I certainly would like to experience this economic benefit, but I think you are actually lacking in some basic economic principles and math skills.

As to Disneyland Paris, I was there last month and found it very affordable. As always, I found a room for far less than I would pay for a comparable room elsewhere in Europe or in much of America. Food was very reasonable, as it is in Europe. Transportation costs were very low.

It amazes me that America is one of the richest countries in the world with low taxes, gas prices, etc yet so many of you consider yourselves 'poor' because you cannot afford a deluxe Disney resort in peak season.

Please look at how most of the rest of the world lives, and perhaps this topic will seem a little less important.

 

[CoolPool]

You are going to blame Disney for the lousy dollar? AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

My only other comment to consider changing your religion. You could be like me and absolutely not care what the prices are at Christmas.

 

[bavaria]

making it difficult for the average american family to experience a truly magical vacation.

The 'average' American family should certainly consider themselves fortunate if three trips to a Disney theme park in one year is 'average'.

When I was growing up, a yearly vacation trip was certainly not the norm, and people didn't whine about it.

 

[dannyh23]

How are the British getting 50% off rack rate??? If you are basing that statement off current vs. older exchange rates, then they are getting 50% off EVERYTHING in this country, not just Disney Deluxe resorts. That's not Disney's fault...

and your point is ...?

You said the British got 50% off rack rate. Back up your statement.

 

[WDWVillian]

1 USD = 1.00000 = Euro 0.74326 = Pound 0.50205

Here's the rate as of today.

 

[mickey2000]

Gasoline today in South Jersey was $2.41 !!!!
Wonder how they did that