Why is New Jersey the single biggest market for WDW?

[thatduffgirl]

I have heard this said before, and I was wondering, what is the deal with that? Did it just sort of happen, or did Disney start some sort of special for people from New Jersey? Just seems kind of random to me.


Does anybody know?

 

[CleveRocks]

I have heard this said before, and I was wondering, what is the deal with that? Did it just sort of happen, or did Disney start some sort of special for people from New Jersey? Just seems kind of random to me.


Does anybody know?

I don't know the "real" answer, I have only theories.

There are no special NJ marketing schemes, at least none that I've ever known of.

NJ is one of the most affluent states in the union. I have a feeling that affluence has a lot to do with it.

NJ is relatively small but is the most densly populated state in the union. No one is far from an airport. There's the NYC airports and Newark Liberty to the north, Philadelphia to the southwest, and Atlantic City to the southeast. Makes for a lot of convenient, available flights.

Just a few guesses ....

 

[sticker231]

If there is some special marketing scheme, it has yet to hit my e-mail or mailbox. It is just as expensive for us.

 

[storzo]

Up here in North Jersey I've never seen any special or extra promotions, advertising or rates. And with our taxes and insurance I don't know anyone affulent. Are we really one of the most affulent states in the nation?

 

[CleveRocks]

Up here in North Jersey I've never seen any special or extra promotions, advertising or rates. And with our taxes and insurance I don't know anyone affulent. Are we really one of the most affulent states in the nation?

You bet your mink lawn we are.

But seriously, the three main reasons for that are NYC, Philadelphia, and the shore. Real estate within reasonable commuting distance of those two cities goes for a premium (for example, my bro-in-law just bought a nice but modestly sized and appointed 4 bedroom split-level home in Short Hills for just over $1.3 million -- anywhere else, that house doesn't sell for more than $400,000 or $500,000). We also have something like 137 miles of coastline, something like that, and living near the shore is expensive, too.

 

[RachaelRol]

I don't know the "real" answer, I have only theories.

There are no special NJ marketing schemes, at least none that I've ever known of.

NJ is one of the most affluent states in the union. I have a feeling that affluence has a lot to do with it.

NJ is relatively small but is the most densly populated state in the union. No one is far from an airport. There's the NYC airports and Newark Liberty to the north, Philadelphia to the southwest, and Atlantic City to the southeast. Makes for a lot of convenient, available flights.

Just a few guesses ....

Just wanted to add, we're a pretty reasonable driving distance too.

I also think it has something to do with being "shored" out. My parents used to take us to the shore every summer. And I am so over that...

Also, over the years the shore has gotten super expensive. I refuse to pay $2000 for a decent shore rental for one week that includes nothing.

Each of our last three Disney trips have been less than $2500 for 10 days with ticekts, hotel and dining onsite all times. The trip we got free dining we flew and rented a car, when we paid for dining we drove. No Biggie.

Now I love heading down to Point Pleasant on a Friday Night, its about 40 minutes from home, but that's about it.

Just my two cents...

 

[mom2aredhead]

I am a Jersey Girl (even though I am being forced to live elsewhere right now, but that's a story for a different day). Anyway, I have a few theories:

1 - Continental's main hub is in Newark, and there are a number of direct flights down to Florida from both them and people wishing to compete with them. That's not to say they are cheap - unless you catch a sale, you can expect to pay about $200, but you're there in about 3 hours. Worth it to me vs. driving. And if you catch a sale, you can pay about $150 r/t. But, there are absolutely a large choice of flights and airlines to get you there for a competitive price.

When it comes to vacation, people want to do something other than the way they spend most of their days. That brings me to my next point -

2 - We're a little spoiled. NJ has miles of beautiful beaches which make for good quick day or weekend trips. We also have close proximity to NYC for a shot of cosmopolitan living - dinner and a Broadway show is nearby. You can ski in Vernon Valley, or get to slopes in PA or upstate NY fairly quickly by car. There are casinos in Atlantic City for gambling buffs. There is a horseracing track at the Meadowlands, and a car race track less than 3 hours away in the Poconos. Bottom line, there are very few "Different" things that we would need to travel to for the experience. Disney is in a league all its own.

3 - Yes, NJ is an affluent state, so in theory the disposable income is there. I know it doesn't feel like it becuase of property taxes and cost of living, but take your NJ salary and move it to other areas in the country, and you're doing pretty well.

 

[byoung]

You bet your mink lawn we are.

But seriously, the three main reasons for that are NYC, Philadelphia, and the shore. Real estate within reasonable commuting distance of those two cities goes for a premium (for example, my bro-in-law just bought a nice but modestly sized and appointed 4 bedroom split-level home in Short Hills for just over $1.3 million -- anywhere else, that house doesn't sell for more than $400,000 or $500,000). We also have something like 137 miles of coastline, something like that, and living near the shore is expensive, too.

Agreed, the cost of living here in NJ is high, and also those high taxes.

 

[maddhatir]

Just wanted to add, we're a pretty reasonable driving distance too.

I also think it has something to do with being "shored" out. My parents used to take us to the shore every summer. And I am so over that...

Also, over the years the shore has gotten super expensive. I refuse to pay $2000 for a decent shore rental for one week that includes nothing.

Each of our last three Disney trips have been less than $2500 for 10 days with ticekts, hotel and dining onsite all times. The trip we got free dining we flew and rented a car, when we paid for dining we drove. No Biggie.

Now I love heading down to Point Pleasant on a Friday Night, its about 40 minutes from home, but that's about it.

Just my two cents...

Same here- every year we would do Atlantic City even after the Casinos came- that would be our family trip every summer- however, I feel I am one of the lucky ones to get to see -The Diving Horse- The Steele Pier- Anyone remember the Diving Bell and the "Ape Girl"

Anywho- I do agree the Jersey shore is very expensive- DH and I will never vacation there- his sister has a place on the bay and I dnt even care to be down there- we would rather spend the few grand and do an all inclusive- of course, Disney, we are planning to do Amsterdam/Belgium in the fall!

 

[Maxie86]

Same here- every year we would do Atlantic City even after the Casinos came- that would be our family trip every summer- however, I feel I am one of the lucky ones to get to see -The Diving Horse- The Steele Pier- Anyone remember the Diving Bell and the "Ape Girl"

I remember everything but the ape girl. Maybe if I thought awhile I will remember it. Wow it's been a long time. I watched Summertime on the Pier every week, not sure if that was the name but something like that. I thought it was so cool to stand on the pier after watching it on TV.

 

[Goofy22]

We usually goto Disney apprx every 2 yrs! We either go in April over Spring break which alot of us Jersians do or October becaus eit was very nice there then! Or lots of Jersians go for what they call jersey week which is in November over election day and veterans day because the kids would only miss 3 days of school opposed to 5! Also my family has the Disney Vacation Club which also allows for more trips to Disney if we prefer! It is a great deal! But unfortunately we do not get any specials rates etc.. I wish! But everyone else here is correct I live apprx 20 minutes from Wildwood and the price of a room for one night is upwards of $200 per night that is crazy! I see summer erentals for like $6000 per summer! That's outrageous plus being spoiled by living here I'm really not the beach or boardwalk type you folk who live elswhere probably no more than I do! It's to packed and busy for me! I'd rather spend $35 per day at disney parks then $42 per day at the wildwood boardwalk! Just to goto the water park for apprx 3 hrs maybe 4 it costs $36 and for one ticket for a ride it is apprx .75 cents and no ride is less than 3 tickets and those are kiddie rides the adult rides are 6,7,8 tickets! A pass for the day is apprx $30 some dollars!

 

[maddhatir]

Same here- every year we would do Atlantic City even after the Casinos came- that would be our family trip every summer- however, I feel I am one of the lucky ones to get to see -The Diving Horse- The Steele Pier- Anyone remember the Diving Bell and the "Ape Girl"

I remember everything but the ape girl. Maybe if I thought awhile I will remember it. Wow it's been a long time. I watched Summertime on the Pier every week, not sure if that was the name but something like that. I thought it was so cool to stand on the pier after watching it on TV.

We used to stay at what "was" the Holiday Inn right on the boardwalk in the late 60s and into the 70s- it then turned into the Playboy Hotel and not sure what it is now- I havent been to AC in forever- its kind of gross now- and we could see the Pier that the Ape Girl was on right from our Holiday Inn balcony

The Ape Girl "show" was on the Pier that is now the mall that looks like a ship- it used to have a monorail going around the top of the Pier-

You used to go into this tent and there was a cage at the front- they would turn out the lights and tell you about how they brought back this beautiful girl from the jungle- she would start out as this pretty girl and they would somehow transform her info an ape- she would then start shaking the bars to get out-- you could hear the noice outside of the tent! It was so loud- with that bars shaking and the ape roaring! They would have strobe lights going and it would look like she would break out--- people would just sit outside of the tent- just to see everyone running out screaming! - I was so scared of the Ape Girl I only went in one time out of all the years I spent in AC! I was scared to death!

I never went into the diving bell either.......I used to just watch.

 

[Maxie86]

We used to stay at what "was" the Holiday Inn right on the boardwalk in the late 60s and into the 70s- it then turned into the Playboy Hotel and not sure what it is now- I havent been to AC in forever- its kind of gross now- and we could see the Pier that the Ape Girl was on right from our Holiday Inn balcony

The Ape Girl "show" was on the Pier that is now the mall that looks like a ship- it used to have a monorail going around the top of the Pier-

You used to go into this tent and there was a cage at the front- they would turn out the lights and tell you about how they brought back this beautiful girl from the jungle- she would start out as this pretty girl and they would somehow transform her info an ape- she would then start shaking the bars to get out-- you could hear the noice outside of the tent! It was so loud- with that bars shaking and the ape roaring! They would have strobe lights going and it would look like she would break out--- people would just sit outside of the tent- just to see everyone running out screaming! - I was so scared of the Ape Girl I only went in one time out of all the years I spent in AC! I was scared to death!

I never went into the diving bell either.......I used to just watch.

I'm still not remembering the Ape Girl. I never went in the diving bell either, it was too scary for me. The last time I was in AC was late 70's or early 80's, before the casinos.

 

[mericletwins]

We usually goto Disney apprx every 2 yrs! We either go in April over Spring break which alot of us Jersians do or October becaus eit was very nice there then! Or lots of Jersians go for what they call jersey week which is in November over election day and veterans day because the kids would only miss 3 days of school opposed to 5! Also my family has the Disney Vacation Club which also allows for more trips to Disney if we prefer! It is a great deal! But unfortunately we do not get any specials rates etc.. I wish! But everyone else here is correct I live apprx 20 minutes from Wildwood and the price of a room for one night is upwards of $200 per night that is crazy! I

I live about 10 minutes from Wildwood and I honestly don't see the attraction. It is not all that clean, the area is not all that nice and the boardwalk is VERY expensive. It is at just about as much money as Disney World if you get a nice rental. The beach is not much of an attraction for us as a vacation destination because we live 5 minutes from the beach and go there all the time in the summer. We will go to a beach location for vacation, but it needs to have more to it than just a beach.

Just as a side note. My mom lived beachfront in Avalon until acouple of years ago and the house across the street, which was large, 6 bedrooms, rented for $13k a week. Can you imagine paying that much and still having to cook and clean up after your self?

 

[mom2aredhead]

Just as a side note. My mom lived beachfront in Avalon until acouple of years ago and the house across the street, which was large, 6 bedrooms, rented for $13k a week. Can you imagine paying that much and still having to cook and clean up after your self?

Nope. That's why we stopped going. I'll go for a day trip, and that's it.

 

[Goofy22]

I don't remeber the Holiday Inn But right Now across from the ship shaped mall is a Rainforest Cafe and Trump Taj or Trump Plaza (I can't remember which trump it is!) and Bally's Wild Wild West Casino is right in that area also but I would say not knowing just going by what you are saying it is Trump that is where that hotel use to be.I dont goto atlantic city often but I go! Last I was there they were renovating that mall I don't think it was going to be a mall when they were done haven't been back since it's been about 1 1/2 yrs and now they have what they call the walk it's down right off the boardwalk and it's a bunch of different outlet stores it's changed alot if you haven't been there in a few years! In the past 2- 3 yrs they built alot also another casino called the Borgata by Trump Marina and Harrahs which are further over towards Brigantine.

We used to stay at what "was" the Holiday Inn right on the boardwalk in the late 60s and into the 70s- it then turned into the Playboy Hotel and not sure what it is now- I havent been to AC in forever- its kind of gross now- and we could see the Pier that the Ape Girl was on right from our Holiday Inn balcony

The Ape Girl "show" was on the Pier that is now the mall that looks like a ship- it used to have a monorail going around the top of the Pier-

You used to go into this tent and there was a cage at the front- they would turn out the lights and tell you about how they brought back this beautiful girl from the jungle- she would start out as this pretty girl and they would somehow transform her info an ape- she would then start shaking the bars to get out-- you could hear the noice outside of the tent! It was so loud- with that bars shaking and the ape roaring! They would have strobe lights going and it would look like she would break out--- people would just sit outside of the tent- just to see everyone running out screaming! - I was so scared of the Ape Girl I only went in one time out of all the years I spent in AC! I was scared to death!

I never went into the diving bell either.......I used to just watch.

 

[maddhatir]

I don't remeber the Holiday Inn But right Now across from the ship shaped mall is a Rainforest Cafe and Trump Taj or Trump Plaza (I can't remember which trump it is!) and Bally's Wild Wild West Casino is right in that area also but I would say not knowing just going by what you are saying it is Trump that is where that hotel use to be.I dont goto atlantic city often but I go! Last I was there they were renovating that mall I don't think it was going to be a mall when they were done haven't been back since it's been about 1 1/2 yrs and now they have what they call the walk it's down right off the boardwalk and it's a bunch of different outlet stores it's changed alot if you haven't been there in a few years! In the past 2- 3 yrs they built alot also another casino called the Borgata by Trump Marina and Harrahs which are further over towards Brigantine.

I have been to the Borgata--- a few years ago I saw Carrot Top there

We saw comic, Lewis Black last year at the Trump Plaza- I think thats where it was (that is the one across from the ship shaped mall) the Taj is at the end near the Showboat ) is it even the Showboat anymore?

DH and I also go to events at the Convention Center- I know the Walk area that you are talking about but we havent "walked" around the "walk"

 

[CleveRocks]

Just to update the Atlantic City challenged:

Million Dollar Pier closed and then was reborn as The Shops at Ocean One, a fairly low-rent mall that was skinned to look like a ship. It was purchased by Caesars and closed down. It no longer looks like a ship. It's now The Pier at Caesars, avery very upscale mall that has designer shops and gourmet restaurants. It is directly across the boardwalk from Caesars. There's a skybridge over the boardwalk connecting Caesar's casino floor to The Pier.

Rainforest Cafe is about 2 blocks downbeach, in the ground floor of Trump Plaza. Trump Taj Mahal is about a mile or so upbeach.

The Playboy closed and became the Atlantis. The Atlantis closed and was eventually rebranded as Trump World's Fair, a non-casino hotel. It was torn down several years ago.

"The Convention Center" is located about 5 blocks from the boardwalk, next to the Sheraton Hotel. The renamed "Boardwalk Hall" (formerly "Convention Hall") is still there on the boardwalk, and is reborn as a concert venue, actually the highest grossing concert venue of its size in the country.

And just so you know, not that anyone asked, the Sands Casino closed in November 2006. It will be demolished and replaced with a multi-billion dollar casino that fronts the boardwalk. The company that bought the Sands also has possession of the land between the Sands and the boardwalk, which is now a parking lot and some seedy shops on the boardwalk.

 

[Olaf]

A little off topic, but I can't believe the property taxes those in New Jersey put up with--it's insane.

 

[ncbyrne]

NJ is a very, if not the most, cosmopolitan state. As someone else mentioned, although we are the third smallest, we are the most densely populated of all the states. Why? Do people flock here because it's heavily populated or an undesirable place? No, they live here because it is a very desirable place to live! We have a little bit of everything the other states have to offer all in close proximity - ocean border, lakes and rivers, mountains to the north, rural to the west, New York City (Manhattan!), Philadelphia, Atlantic city, airports, some of the highest rated schools in the country, history, great shopping all over and close proximity to DE, PA, NY and New England, with a booming tourism industry. And, our diverse, educated, highly paid (in relative terms) population and a real mixture of world cultures. Put that all together and you have the best mix of travel minded people found in one state. And that is why there are more people from NJ than any other state, in WDW!