The state of the economy - Disney Style

[Elmo007]

Just pondering if the economy is picking up or if we are still in a prolonged recession.

I was looking at the "Leading Disney Economic Indicators" (nice huh?) and I am confused.

Things are looking better: Massive refurbishment, rennovation at MK. Building a new hotel for the first time in many years at the old POP site. Also teh move away from discount pricing (so they say)

Things are still Tough: Going to visit in Sept 2010 and ADRS are available all over the place, particularly breakfast at Cinderallas Castle. Usually I cant get near the castle and this year I have a choice of days and times. Also no return of the Pirate and princess party, although that may not be economic related. Also still have reduced show schedules on some attractions (ie fantastmic and sounds dangerous)

Not sure what to make of it yet.

 

[Greta]

Don't know about the economy but we are going the 1st week of September and I am looking forward to lean crowds!

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

Don't worry regardless of promotions Septmber is still the lowest attendance month of the year (with Jan as a close 2nd). The main reason you are probably seeing CRT open for breakfast is most have decided it is not worth using 2 TS credits on the dining plan for it, or have tried it before and decided its not worth the doubel credits for a second visit. CRT's ADR's have been getting easier to get every year since they made it all fixed price, added princesses all day, and raised the TS credits to 2.

Pirate and Princess went away before the economy 'busted' due to lack of interest.

Fantasmic they realized they were half filling the stadium every night of the week, now 2-3 shows a week and it 'sells out' and they save half the money on staffing for the show, staffing for the theater, and pyrotecnics. Pretty smart move, I don't like it, but it is saving them big $$$.

Sounds Dangerous has been 'seasonal' for a while now, I doubt it has anything to do with price and more to do with it is an attraction that has many many complaints and makes many visitors all time 'worst' attraction lists.

But other things are taking off at WDW. Downtown is finally starting to recover with more shops & business since the PI exit. Boardwalk seems alot busier most nights. Disney is getting more people to use Magical Express and take advantage of the DDP than before and that is like money in the bank. Gets guests on property and practically holds them hostage so they are spending all thier money on property. Shopping, dining and additional recreation money is staying all in house. Same thing with DDP they are making a good profit off that espically when people forget to use all of thier credits (which happens alot).

 

[starlionblue]

From every post I've read about Disney and the recession, it has no effect whatsoever. Quite a few people have booked vacations there and were shocked to find the parks absolutely packed. I don't think you can relate the economy to crowd levels. Mickey will always make oodles of money off tourism no matter what Florida's economic health is. I've been there four times at different times of the summer from very early May to late August for the last 14 years and it's always totally packed in. There's no such thing as an economic recession in Disney World!! I have absolutely never seen a slow day there.