What would you do? Rant!

[Chabby]

Hi guys:
About 6 mo ago, my DD's ballet school told us of the possibility of the girls dancing in WDW this year. We've been dreaming about it since then.
Yesterday we finally received the information and I'm very upset. They are setting up a package with a TA that we are mandated to use if we want our DDs to dance. It costs DOUBLE of what it would if we bought it from Disney.
It includes 4 nights at a moderate and 3 day park hopper, but the girls will be so busy rehearsing, getting ready and actually dancing 1 day (for 20 minutes in DTD) that they will barely go to the parks.
I told DD that most likely we won't go. That it would be better if we go as a family next year. We could stay longer and spend more time at the parks. She is 8yo and really sad

 

[arcticdcat]

My stepson is going this year to WDW with the marching band for 5 days and the cost for us was $1200 and they are staying off site. I had a similar rant to my husband cause I know we could've done it cheaper on our own. But it is a once in a lifetime experience for him so we are letting him go. My scenario is different as he is 16 and not 8. But we probably still would've done it then too because it is memories he'll always have.

 

[4HppyCamprs]

Not exactly the same but DS9 is in hockey and I was really hoping that the tournament would be in Wisconsin Dells, Well it wasn't and I found out it was a blessing because leagues have very specific requirements much like your daughters dance. Must all use the same hotel, stay at the same place and in our case NOT swim until after the last game of the day (7:00 pm). They go to fun places but the focus is on the competition not on the other activities.

We will go to the "fun" places as a family. Our tournament ended up being in a regular town with a regular hotel pool and it was fun.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Chabby]

The good thing here is that most likely it won't be a once in a lifetime thing. They took girls last year also and I anticipate they will go again in the future. Maybe at some point we will do it, because the one thing I can't offer her in WDW is a stage to dance on.
Thank you for your input! It makes me feel better that this is the way these experiences are, and the school is not trying to rip us off.

 

[mjkacmom]

That's how these group event trips work (I'm paying almost $3000 for a 5 night bus trip Canada for two of my kids). I'm guessing the TA is hired by the competition. I've sent my kids on many overpriced trips over the years.

 

[mm1971]

Hi guys:
About 6 mo ago, my DD's ballet school told us of the possibility of the girls dancing in WDW this year. We've been dreaming about it since then.
Yesterday we finally received the information and I'm very upset. They are setting up a package with a TA that we are mandated to use if we want our DDs to dance. It costs DOUBLE of what it would if we bought it from Disney.
It includes 4 nights at a moderate and 3 day park hopper, but the girls will be so busy rehearsing, getting ready and actually dancing 1 day (for 20 minutes in DTD) that they will barely go to the parks.
I told DD that most likely we won't go. That it would be better if we go as a family next year. We could stay longer and spend more time at the parks. She is 8yo and really sad

It's not them. It's Disney policy. We have gone for sports a few times and Disney requires you to stay on property. I think you have some flexibility with not buying park tickets (I think 2 days was what we had to buy and the admission to ESPNZone), but not much. We actually had a place off site booked for $400 (3 families). Had to cancel it and pay 3 times that each per family to stay at CBR. I know it stinks and is expensive, but from experience is a lot of fun for the participants. I am glad we did it even though it was expensive. DS got a nice medal that hangs prominently in his room. It's not really about time at the parks or best value. It's about the kids being together. Not saying you should go, just maybe look at it from a different perspective than cost.

Good luck with the final decision.

 

[Chabby]

I guess it is true that "ignorance is bliss". My parents went along for several of my niece's event trips when she was DD's age. They thought that the "group price" the TA offered them was a good deal. I, however, know better thanks to the DIS

Anyway, if that's the way it works, that's the way it works and it is our decision if we want to do it or not.

Thanks again

 

[Chabby]

It's not them. It's Disney policy. We have gone for sports a few times and Disney requires you to stay on property. I think you have some flexibility with not buying park tickets (I think 2 days was what we had to buy and the admission to ESPNZone), but not much. We actually had a place off site booked for $400 (3 families). Had to cancel it and pay 3 times that each per family to stay at CBR.

Good luck with the final decision.

I'm not comparing the price to off-site. I'm comparing it to what it would cost to book the exact same room on-site directly from Disney!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I'm not comparing the price to off-site. I'm comparing it to what it would cost to book the exact same room on-site directly from Disney!

I'd have a real hard time swallowing that too. Group price is double the "retail" price? Um no, we'll go some other time.

I'll just throw this out as an idea - would it interest you and your daughter to go on your own during the competition and going to cheer on her friends? If nothing else, your presence there at 1/2 price may be a real eye opener that affects the future use of this TA.

 

[Chabby]

I'd have a real hard time swallowing that too. Group price is double the "retail" price? Um no, we'll go some other time.

I'll just throw this out as an idea - would it interest you and your daughter to go on your own during the competition and going to cheer on her friends? If nothing else, your presence there at 1/2 price may be a real eye opener that affects the future use of this TA.

It's not a competition, it's a show. One of the teachers used to dance for Disney and still has friends within the corporation...

Anyway, about your idea: I thought of that but DD doesn't only want to "go to Disney" but to "dance in Disney".

The ideal situation would be to go with the group at their price (if I had that kind of money to just hand away without thinking its a rip off) and then stay for the rest of the week on my terms.

They actually offer 2 options (each one with or without plane tickets. Prices bellow are without plane tickets).

Option 1: 4 nights, 5 days at POR Riverside, 3 day park Hopper for $1,450 per person and

Option 2: 2 nights at POR Riverside, 3 day park Hopper for $1,250 per person

They dance on day 3. For the first 2 nights they have to stay together and devote mostly to dancing, with short trips to the parks. After that they play. Option 2 is design for people who want to stay longer, switch hotels or whatever.

But do you notice the very slight price difference for 2 vs 4 nights?????

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Yeah, pretty minor change. And I understand the "dance in Disney" vs go to Disney thing too. Shame it's such a lousy deal

 

[auger]

I have never been in your exact situation before, but when DD15 was in gymnastics, we dealt with very similar situations.
Anytime we had events like this to attend, it was a total ripoff.
The owner of the gym, actually jacked prices she quoted us in order to make money off of all the families.
We got tired of it very quickly.
Idk if this is the norm, but to me, it isn't right.

I would dig a little deeper to find out if this is what is going on before I would make any decisions about it.
Maybe call a different TA and ask about pricing for this type of event.

Good luck! I hope you are able to come to a decision you and DD can live with.

 

[mjkacmom]

Yeah, pretty minor change. And I understand the "dance in Disney" vs go to Disney thing too. Shame it's such a lousy deal

I'm guessing that in order to have the honor of dancing at WDW, you have to use certain agencies, that jack up the price.

 

[Chuckers]

Could the price include the renting of the rehearsal space and performance space? I know from doing lots of theater, that rehearsal space and union fees can add up... plus at Disney, that price is probably even higher.

I do question the difference between the two packages. I would bet there's a base fee in each price that can't be discounted due to a shorter stay.

 

[scrapquitler]

Hi guys:
About 6 mo ago, my DD's ballet school told us of the possibility of the girls dancing in WDW this year. We've been dreaming about it since then.
Yesterday we finally received the information and I'm very upset. They are setting up a package with a TA that we are mandated to use if we want our DDs to dance. It costs DOUBLE of what it would if we bought it from Disney.
It includes 4 nights at a moderate and 3 day park hopper, but the girls will be so busy rehearsing, getting ready and actually dancing 1 day (for 20 minutes in DTD) that they will barely go to the parks.
I told DD that most likely we won't go. That it would be better if we go as a family next year. We could stay longer and spend more time at the parks. She is 8yo and really sad

Is it Dance The World? Our studio is doing that in June, and I thought about having my DD go, but we ultimately decided not to because of the lost park time for the rehearsals, the program and the time involved in the MK parade. Keep in mind that the price includes the price of the shoes and costume for the dance in the parade, transport from the resort to the practice venues via charter busses, a few meal vouchers and a couple other things....that portion added about $225 to the price as far as I remember.

Like I said, we decided not to do it because of the loss of time that we would have as a family in the parks and because I was not particularly happy with the date of the event (the week of June 30th).

 

[Chabby]

Is it Dance The World?

No, it's not. It's on Nov. 1st. And I'm guessing our price doesn't include the costumes because the info we received didn't mention it at all. It does say however that if you don't agree with ANY of the conditions on a long list "please don't audition".

Chuckers: Reharsal space rental is a good point. Thanks for bring it up.

Auger: I guess ultimately the school is also making money out of it.

 

[bumbershoot]

If nothing else, your presence there at 1/2 price may be a real eye opener that affects the future use of this TA.

It's likely not the actual TA but that they have to use the Disney Sports program.

Even worse, as far as I know the tickets are just like YES and rundisney tickets, in that you can't upgrade them.

 

[Chuckers]

No, it's not. It's on Nov. 1st. And I'm guessing our price doesn't include the costumes because the info we received didn't mention it at all. It does say however that if you don't agree with ANY of the conditions on a long list "please don't audition".

Chuckers: Reharsal space rental is a good point. Thanks for bring it up.

Auger: I guess ultimately the school is also making money out of it.

Can you ask for a breakdown of the cost? If they won't give it to you, then something is fishy.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

It's likely not the actual TA but that they have to use the Disney Sports program.

Even worse, as far as I know the tickets are just like YES and rundisney tickets, in that you can't upgrade them.

Could be. Our YES tickets at least savers money though - a lot more than they would these days LOL

 

[tlh0726]

how many instructors/teachers are attending?

I would presume being a business, the travel costs for staff is split between the girls attending.