WDW Resort Occupancy Rate -- are they up?

[PamNC]

I am an ex-cast member - I worked at Walt Disney World Advertising right in Celebration. I keep up with some of my friends and they have all told me that resort bookings and park attendance are up. I didn't ask any details but I was glad to hear this.

PamNC

 

[Bete]

I've been inquiring about Christmas week 2002 and there doesn't seem to be any sold-out resorts at all for the moment. This is prime time and as long as it's more then 9 months out there doesn't seem to be a big problem. I'm booking 17 days and I was able to get ressies in any class resort at the moment for that time period which is a little before Christmas week and through Jan. 1, 2003.

AP disscount rates are not available yet passed September; so, that could be another reason it's not too booked yet for Christmas time.

If you book in prime time like President's week or spring break or Easter it's bound to be crowded especially if you don't do it far in advance.

I still think it's hard to judge if Disney has rebounded or not. Also, I think it's a tool Disney is using to get leaner and meaner.

 

[LarryK]

""Also, I think it's a tool Disney is using to get leaner and meaner.""

I could'nt agree more Bete. It's no different than companies using a bad economy as an excuse to cut payroll (read:deadwood) from their expenses. I believe that Disney is using this time to trim down while the public is understanding of the problems in the Travel industry. We will have to wait a year or so to see how the picture looks when everything is (hopefully) back to normal.

BTW: A lean, mean Disney is still the happiest place on earth!