VWL Groupies & Lovers Thread (Special Collectors Edition 2.5) updated 2 February 2025

[Dean Marino]

Gotta talk about those Resort Fees....

Consider these, not as a CURRENT DVC owner - but as a potential NEW DVC owner. Several of these could be applied toward DVC (ME, for example, is NOT in our contract).

Now, WDW could impose several fees.... how do you think that action might impact DVC sales? Would they prefer the (apx) $28K up front? Or $15 per day? .

 

[Kathymford]

Okay Groupies...for those like me who don't read many threads on these boards. But this one is so crazy that I just had to share it:

http://www.**************.net/2016/...id-disney-after-hours-event-at-magic-kingdom/


Really...$149 for EMH with ice cream? I really think that Disney's money grab this year is unbelievable.

But if this tests well, you can bet we've seen the end of extra magic hours for staying at a resort.

I have to say that I'm not surprised at the lengths Disney is going to get every dime from its customers. They're getting so much bad press for all the ticket hikes, which honestly is just good supply and demand economics, so why not try other things?

The logical side of me thinks, hey, instead of trying to make more money in other ways, how about controlling costs in the areas that are obviously out of control (I'm looking at you Shanghai and Disney IT). I run into this at my work also; it must be something about large companies. Instead of trying to keep one organization on budget, we will just take money from the other organizations that have managed to do what they are supposed to. *sigh*

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Does anyone know anything about a resort fee that Disney is sending surveys about?




I'm asking here because you are all normally much better informed than I am.

I would also like to know which deluxe resort has an average price of 350.00 per night or are they quoting 1990 pricing structure?

350.00 per night almost works out to be less than I am paying in annual maintenance fees.

But your annual fees Of $350 get you more than 1 nights accommodations so I'm not understanding the comparison? Depending on the resort and time of year that will be 3, 4 or more nights in a studio.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Okay Groupies...for those like me who don't read many threads on these boards. But this one is so crazy that I just had to share it:

http://www.**************.net/2016/...id-disney-after-hours-event-at-magic-kingdom/


Really...$149 for EMH with ice cream? I really think that Disney's money grab this year is unbelievable.

Isn't that just incredible! I remember looking at an e-ticket night, probably one of the last years they did it and it was around the mid $20's. We decided it was too expensive!

I too think this may be signaling the end of extra hours. I don't think ai can distance myself enough from what it all used to be to accept all the huge price increases, fees and reductions. The main street electrical parade was definitely modified when we saw it in Feb. Performer reductions was what it appeared to be. And I've read rumors that the Wishes viewing FP may be on the chopping block. Something like 8 CMs for 3 hours a night. With reported profits going every quarter and year it's really fairly shameful. The one time guest of course will never know.

 

[jimmytammy]

All the talk about the money grubbers has got me thinking(which doesn't happen very often, so yall better hang on for the ride)we have experienced in the past Disney making some bone head moves, which causes their customers to go elsewhere from time to time. I cant recall any one specific time or reason, but we have discussed these type issues before. And it almost always leads back to WDW scrapping the idea and someone being moved to another position or worse, losing their job. Got a feeling the talk of resort fees, late night, expensive time at MK and the other ideas will go the way of the others that didn't pan out. Another recent idea that seems to be dying quickly, the Villain Dance Party at HS that you have to pay extra for. Now they are offering something off to us dedicated park goers and that usually spells demise for said party. Lots of folks would enjoy it Im sure but not at a premium price. Tickets for parks are at a premium as it is.

As my stock broker tells me every so often, we have made money in a particular stock, could we make more, maybe, could we lose our shirt, maybe. Lets get out while the gettins good. In other words, lets not get too greedy here. This statement is for the bean counters at Disney if you are reading along Do I want to see Disney thrive, heck yeah, I am a stockholder, do I want to see them go South all because of greed, heck no.

 

[circhead]

But your annual fees Of $350 get you more than 1 nights accommodations so I'm not understanding the comparison? Depending on the resort and time of year that will be 3, 4 or more nights in a studio.

Kat - my annual dues are almost $2200.00 this year - what I was saying is rather than give Disney that $2200 this year (and as we all know even more next year) I could use that money to pay to stay for a week in a deluxe (if you could get a deluxe for 350 per night) sell my DVC and basically pocket that money and just continue to pay Disney my "annual fee" but have my initial investment back in my pocket.

I found an old certificate for an annual pass last year - it was so old there were only 3 theme parks when it was printed. I cashed it in and the person at guest services said Disney will be happy to get this liability off their books.
The pass cost $187.00 - when was the last time you could get an annual pass for less than $200.00? Maybe I should have saved it and swapped it for 1 Disney after Dark ticket.

 

[sleepydog25]

All the talk about the money grubbers has got me thinking(which doesn't happen very often, so yall better hang on for the ride)we have experienced in the past Disney making some bone head moves, which causes their customers to go elsewhere from time to time. I cant recall any one specific time or reason, but we have discussed these type issues before. And it almost always leads back to WDW scrapping the idea and someone being moved to another position or worse, losing their job. Got a feeling the talk of resort fees, late night, expensive time at MK and the other ideas will go the way of the others that didn't pan out. Another recent idea that seems to be dying quickly, the Villain Dance Party at HS that you have to pay extra for. Now they are offering something off to us dedicated park goers and that usually spells demise for said party. Lots of folks would enjoy it Im sure but not at a premium price. Tickets for parks are at a premium as it is.

As my stock broker tells me every so often, we have made money in a particular stock, could we make more, maybe, could we lose our shirt, maybe. Lets get out while the gettins good. In other words, lets not get too greedy here. This statement is for the bean counters at Disney if you are reading along Do I want to see Disney thrive, heck yeah, I am a stockholder, do I want to see them go South all because of greed, heck no.

Amen, JT! It's hard to imagine that the EMH would disappear AND a new resort fee would appear. Perhaps I'm being optimistic today, but I'm going with EMH staying (it's such a huge draw to stay onsite) and the resort fee idea not finding any traction. Now, watch both ideas come to pass. . .

 

[circhead]

I wish they would go back to the pay for EMH like they used to have.
We did it every trip - since they restricted the number of tickets I thought it was worth it.
Back then I think they only sold 5 or 10 thousand per night - now they would probably limit it to 50,000 so no gain for attendees.

 

[Dizny Dad]

Very rarely have we participated in the late EMHs; sometimes the early EMHs, but I can't remember the last time we planned to stay for them. As said earlier, in my jamies by 9:30 PM; time to kick back and enjoy the Lodge!

 

[horselover]

I for one hope the new after hours "event" comes & goes quickly. The Epcot After Hours trial was not a big success. I hope this bombs big time.

 

[DiznyDi]

Hi Groupies!
Just checking in to wish everyone a blessed, safe and Happy Easter!
The next several days will be busy as we prepare for and approach Easter Sunday. Wishing you all the best Easter ever.
He Is Risen

Diane

 

[twokats]

Hi Groupies!
Just checking in to wish everyone a blessed, safe and Happy Easter!
The next several days will be busy as we prepare for and approach Easter Sunday. Wishing you all the best Easter ever.
He Is Risen

Diane

He Is Risen Indeed

 

[Dizny Dad]

He Is Risen Indeed

Cool. Sounds like a good Episcopalian or Lutheran response to me! Allow me to share this little funny, and I ask forgiveness from those I may offend . . . .

A visiting Episcopal Priest approached the communion table, and not being familiar with a microphone in front of him, gently tapped it and said, "Is this thing on?", and those in attendance responded "and also with you."

Just a small chuckle from my childhood. Sorry. Let the flames begin . . . . Oh, and Happy Easter to those of you that find it important and personal.

 

[wildernessDad]

I wonder why the DVC forums have been collapsed. It's not like there's a huge amount of them.

 

[twokats]

Cool. Sounds like a good Episcopalian or Lutheran response to me! Allow me to share this little funny, and I ask forgiveness from those I may offend . . . .

A visiting Episcopal Priest approached the communion table, and not being familiar with a microphone in front of him, gently tapped it and said, "Is this thing on?", and those in attendance responded "and also with you."

Just a small chuckle from my childhood. Sorry. Let the flames begin . . . . Oh, and Happy Easter to those of you that find it important and personal.

Just a good ol' Southern Baptist one. We have a few good ones. But as you said I wish everyone a very HAPPY EASTER!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I wonder why the DVC forums have been collapsed. It's not like there's a huge amount of them.

No idea WD. Well, a guess but that's all. Tonight I was scrolling a bit before landing on the correct section.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

So did all hear about the early morning tickets now?! $69 adults/$49 children. Get in an hour early for 3 rides (Peter Pan, Pooh and 7DMT) and then breakfast. And you must have regular ticket admission too. Practically speechless over it all.

 

[Corinne]

Hi Groupies, wanted to let you know my sweet dad left us on Tuesday evening. In the end he was suffering, so there is some solace in knowing he is no longer in pain. We were blessed to have him for so long, but it's never enough time. Thank you all for your kind words an prayers.

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Easter Everyone!!!! Hope yall have a great one!!!!

Cool. Sounds like a good Episcopalian or Lutheran response to me! Allow me to share this little funny, and I ask forgiveness from those I may offend . . . .

A visiting Episcopal Priest approached the communion table, and not being familiar with a microphone in front of him, gently tapped it and said, "Is this thing on?", and those in attendance responded "and also with you."

Just a small chuckle from my childhood. Sorry. Let the flames begin . . . . Oh, and Happy Easter to those of you that find it important and personal.

Like twokats, I too am a Southern Baptist(as I can chuckle about it, I tell folks dont hold it against me)but I dont mind kidding about it. I tend to say I am a believer, and not focus on the particular church denomination that I belong too. So with you sharing your joke Dad,i too will share mine, and mean no offense to anyone, nor mean to disclude anyone, its all meant in good fun. I believe God has a sense of humor as I look at myself in the mirror each AM
So here is the joke...A fellow passed away and met St. Peter at the pearly gates, so he followed him too a long hallway. He approached a door that was open, with lots of folks hooping and hollering and having a good ol time. So the fellow asks, "who are those folks"? St. Peter replied, "oh, those are the Methodists". So they walked a little further, came to another door, and same scenario, folks with big smiles, laughing, having a blast. The fellow asks again, "who are these folks"? St. Peter says, "they are Catholic". A little further down, they came to a closed door. The fellow looked puzzled at St. Peter and before the fellow could ask, St. Peter spoke up and said, "they are Baptist, they think they are the only ones here"!!

Wanted to share this with yall, yesterday, I met a gentleman at the retirement community we renovate the units at. Had to meet to discuss building a entertainment center for him. He is 83 and had on a Mickey watch. So I asked if he was a Mickey fan, and man, the switch turned on and the conversation was on!! I hope I am still that impassioned at 83 about Disney.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Hi Groupies, wanted to let you know my sweet dad left us on Tuesday evening. In the end he was suffering, so there is some solace in knowing he is no longer in pain. We were blessed to have him for so long, but it's never enough time. Thank you all for your kind words an prayers.

My condolences Corinne. Losing our parents is so difficult but they stay in our hearts forever. Prayers for you and your family.