Wow...Outrage over Stroller Rental Price Increase...What's that About?

[EltonJohn]

Given the economy and job security; wouldn't you say that in many cases it's quite possible that one trip may be all that a family EVER makes? So to say to people, as DScott put it, should wait till their kids are 5 (or come down with a life threatening disease as you put it) is just ridiculous in my humble opinion.

Perhaps it will be the only trip a family makes, but perhaps not. Ask yourself this-if a family never makes it to WDW (or any other destination of their choice) will that kill them? No. It's not the destination that matters, it's time with my family (who unfortunately live a 1000 miles away from us ). I think society should be emphasizing that. I definately agree with the Unofficial Guide writers on this one-Disney will still be there when the child is 8 or 9. Perhaps it's because I'm a history buff, but I find that travel in modern times (let alone to a theme park) is a luxury.

Also, I'm not sure what your point is comparing communism to this argument? Is it fundamentally wrong for the folks who use the strollers to give feedback to the company running the place they hold dear? If anything, their voices are the epitome of freedom... Where's Sam Eagle when I need him..

Because people are saying that what Disney is doing is not "fair". We live in a free-market society where businesses compete against one another-consumers therefore have the right to go to another competitor to get what they need. If I think Disney charges too much then I can spend my money elswhere. What is not "fair" about that? Sure, you may complain (another benefit in living in a free-market), but to say that what Disney is doing is "unfair" is really stretching it

Generally speaking in a communistic country (such as China, former USSR, etc.) you don't have businesses competing against one another. The business (usually which is the gov't run by a dictator) can set any price they want and the consumer must buy it from them. In monopolies the consumer does not have a choice, which is what I'm alluding to when I refer to the Guilded Age robber barons-Rockefeller's Standard Oil comes to my mind. People who say that this increase is not "fair" do not have a proper understanding of what "fair" is. I hope I'm making myself clear In my understanding of economics what Disney is doing is perfectly fair, legal, and ethical.

Oh, and honestly, on the behavior side of the house, I have also seen MANY more adults acting idiotically than the children in the parks. When was the last time two kids duked it out in the teacup line! LOL

 

[cheerforchelsea]

I have to agree that the price of stroller rental is way too high!!! My kids are in their 20s so I don't need a stroller but if I did I would be forced to bring mine along. As for people carrying backpacks I think there should be a limit on size - as in the size of a carry-on on an aircraft. It is so irritating to get behind a "backpack" carrier in the security screening line. It is unfair to the security personnel to know that the security of the park may depend on their searching a backpack that is packed full!!!!! It is also very inconsiderate to those people who are knocked down and hit by the overloaded backpacks all day. I have traveled to Disney with an infant and a handicapped individual - so I KNOW that all that stuff that people carry around all day is not necessary. (Remember food is not to be brought into the parks - so leave your picnic at home!)

 

[drakethib]

ITA. That's also the sound advice that comes from the Unofficial Guide.

Sound advice according to who? I think the advice sucks.

BTW, I too, wrote am email to Guest Services, after all many posters were encouraging it on these stroller threads I complimented Disney on their wonderful guest service and how fair they are being towards guests who are getting tired of being rammed by their strollers. Getting tired of walking around in a congested park. Getting tired of parents of older children contributing to the congestion by not making their child walk. Getting tired of guests contributing to the congestion by using strollers as shopping carts (even though Disney has free parcel pick-up and will deliver purchases to rooms of guests who are staying on property). Perhaps Disney's next move to is charge people a nominal fee who bring in their own strollers and EVCs. I, for one, would welcome that too You're not the only ones who go to WDW.

Geeze I gotta say I can maybe see people getting upset about all of the strollers in the parks, but come on, adding a premium to those who bring in their own ECV, man that is hitting below the belt. I would bet that 99% of the people in an EVC probably wish they were not confined to one and now we want to charge them more because of their health condition. That is kind of low don't you think? Maybe we could just go ahead and kick all the males in EVC's square in the groin when they arrive as well just so they know how feel about them, and spit on the women as they arrive in their EVC?


How dare those who aren't in pristine health desecrate our beloved WDW with their presence.



Bawb, you better hit Pete up for a raise. Kaht Kam may be paying a toll fee if this suggestion goes through.

 

[EltonJohn]

Yes but you also advocated having wheelchair users/ecv users being charged to bring in their own. Why should I be charged a fee to enter a park with my own "legs"?

I believe I said that I would have no problem with Disney doing that. When people bring in outside EVCs and strollers then Disney's rental business goes down. The more outside strollers/EVCs, etc. people bring into the park the more congestion there is, and yes every stroller and ECV helps contribute to the congestion. Yes, I do have in-laws that are old and would need an EVC to get around theme parks. I would not have a problem paying Disney a surcharge for the inconvenience caused by more congestion.

The government does not govern fairness. They govern based on laws and rights. Something being unfair is neither illegal or unconstitutional. The "feds" have their proverbial hands in enough affairs and issues already. That's the last thing we need -- more federal involvement.

I beg to differ. Laws and rights are dervied, in part, on "fair" business practices. Monopolies were outlawed because they were not considered to be "fair" in a free-market society. On to the next topic

You seem, in your post, to justify the fairness of this price increase based mostly on the usage of the strollers by people, who in your opinion, do not need them.

Because obviously congestion in the parks is a big problem, and it's a problem in DL as well. Price increases are one way to deter the parents of older kids and those who want shopping carts not to rent them. Disney has finaly realized that there are other guests in the park besides families with little ones.

My question to you, going with that line of thinking, was if my mother needed to be punished for her disease and the fact that she MUST have an ECV to make her way around the park.

This line of argumentation makes no logical sense to me. Punished? Sorry, but I don't agree that Disney is "punishing" anyone-they are not in the law enforcement business

Finally -- no, simply disagreeing with a viewpoint does not make one ignorant. But, you do not see every side of this story -- yet you seem to speak as though you alone are right and everyone else is wrong. That make you, in my opinion, speaking ignorantly.

I understand the arguments that young families may have with Disney over this issue-I just don't agree that we are forced to rent strollers/EVCs, etc. from Disney at the prices they are currently charging

 

[tydna]

Fair enough. I've heard/read enough from you to know that it's time I just put on my troll repellant.

*spray*

 

[Stroller Boy]

Perhaps it will be the only trip a family makes, but perhaps not. Ask yourself this-if a family never makes it to WDW (or any other destination of their choice) will that kill them? No. It's not the destination that matters, it's time with my family (who unfortunately live a 1000 miles away from us ). I think society should be emphasizing that. I definately agree with the Unofficial Guide writers on this one-Disney will still be there when the child is 8 or 9. Perhaps it's because I'm a history buff, but I find that travel in modern times (let alone to a theme park) is a luxury.



Because people are saying that what Disney is doing is not "fair". We live in a free-market society where businesses compete against one another-consumers therefore have the right to go to another competitor to get what they need. If I think Disney charges too much then I can spend my money elswhere. What is not "fair" about that? Sure, you may complain (another benefit in living in a free-market), but to say that what Disney is doing is "unfair" is really stretching it

Generally speaking in a communistic country (such as China, former USSR, etc.) you don't have businesses competing against one another. The business (usually which is the gov't run by a dictator) can set any price they want and the consumer must buy it from them. In monopolies the consumer does not have a choice, which is what I'm alluding to when I refer to the Guilded Age robber barons-Rockefeller's Standard Oil comes to my mind. People who say that this increase is not "fair" do not have a proper understanding of what "fair" is. I hope I'm making myself clear In my understanding of economics what Disney is doing is perfectly fair, legal, and ethical.

Okay, okay, but I'm sure the folks in this thread would agree that the definition of what you are calling "not fair" and what they are calling "not fair" are two different things. Your "not fair" is talking about living under a facist dictator who tells citizens that they can't have children at all, because they don't want strollers in their parks... and thiers is "C'mon this is quickly becoming a price gouge situation how about a modest 5-10% increase on a product that mostly likely isn't costing Disney any more from a unit perspective cause we're all strapped for cash to begin with cause little Joey's daycare costs are killing us along with the airline, fuel, and tax increases by our small town cause they need to be "the best little small town in the state and need to have specialty street signs" Right? (purposely left off any kind of grammer so y'all will be out of breath, sorry English folks!)

So if we're all definitionally (nice word) the same, it's a pretty darn large increase in cost if you ask me. Again, I bring my own cause we don't stay on-site. I think I've been drafted by "the cause" cause I have "Stroller" in my name...

 

[LilGMom]

How dare you say a GT500 is not a family vehicle.

You must be related to my wife because she tells me the same thing.

When I point to the Cobra that already resides in the garage, next to the non-family oriented crotch-rocket, and comment that the Cobra could be a family vehicle I then have to pick my DH off the ground from laughing so hard. He laughs because he "isn't going to have kid drool" in his baby.

He's lucky I have a love for vehicles that go first otherwise I'd have to hurt him and his 'toys'.

 

[kimbac3]

I believe I said that I would have no problem with Disney doing that. When people bring in outside EVCs and strollers then Disney's rental business goes down. The more outside strollers/EVCs, etc. people bring into the park the more congestion there is, and yes every stroller and ECV helps contribute to the congestion. Yes, I do have in-laws that are old and would need an EVC to get around theme parks. I would not have a problem paying Disney a surcharge for the inconvenience caused by more congestion.

For what it's worth....I wasn't talking about the occasional ECV users. I was talking about how outrageous it would be to charge people who MUST use ECVs/wheelchairs to walk. Charging them to bring in their "legs" would be stupid.

However this discussion is really not important because I doubt highly that Disney would make such a dumb decision and I'm not sure it would be legal if they did.

 

[EltonJohn]

Sound advice according to who? I think the advice sucks.

From Bob Sehlinger and the writers of The Unofficial Guide to WDW.

Geeze I gotta say I can maybe see people getting upset about all of the strollers in the parks, but come on, adding a premium to those who bring in their own ECV, man that is hitting below the belt.

I don't think so. As another person said many able-bodied individuals rent EVCs that add congestion to the park. I haven't heard any park guest says, "Man, I wish WDW was even more congested than it already is!" Each and every ECV that is used in the park adds to the congestion. "What about people walking into the parks- they don't get a surcharge." Actually, we might already be paying that as the ticket prices are increasing-it could be a hidden cost. I think it is fair that if you are adding more to the park's congestion by renting or bringing a stroller/EVC then you pay a surcharge. Park congestion inconviences other park guests.

Maybe we could just go ahead and kick all the males in EVC's square in the groin when they arrive as well just so they know how feel about them, and spit on the women as they arrive in their EVC?

Then you most certainly would be banned from the parks for life, thrown in prison, etc., etc. Of course that means one less person going to WDW

 

[kmk1180]

I have to agree with Sir Elton John, complain if you want, but nobody is forcing you to rent a stroller.
If you don't like it, don't rent one.
Better yet, if your so offended by it, don't go. But as long as people still go and still rent, then Disney is free to make money off it in the way they choose. It is their park we are visiting, not our park run by them.
It does amaze me everytime Disney rasies the prices on anything this message board bursts with people complaining about the price increase yet very few say it will stop them from going or going back.
(and yes I have a 1 year old and 3 year old so stroller prices do effect me if I choose to rent one)

 

[Praying Colonel]

BTW, so long as we're quoting the UG guys as the gospel, keep in mind that Len Testa and his co-hosts on the WDW Today podcast have repeatedly and regularly criticized the price increases on tickets, DDP, etc. Len has said more than once, "How much money is enough?"

Yes, WDW *can* charge pretty much what they want. Virtually no one disagrees with that. The issue many have is not whether they *can*--but whether they *should*?

*Should* Disney increase stroller prices 72.2%? IMHO the reason why this is creating such outrage is because it's the most blatant--and most recent--example of what many see WDW doing systemically. Many (including me) see Disney essentially saying, "We have record attendance--let's see how much we can get away with before we start getting 'pushback' from customers." They significantly increase ticket prices annually (or more often than that), they homogenize menu choices, they suck a ton of value out of the DDP while lowering the price a paltry $1.00/day, they continue to add more hard-ticket events which take away park hours for regular park attendees, etc. It's like they keep looking for our "squeal point." This 72% price increase on strollers is a dramatic example of that, and my WAG is the level of outrage being expressed is at the cumulative effect of what many have been seeing.

Boycott? Yeah, folks can do that. They can also express their dissatisfaction by emailing Disney or expressing themselves here. If Disney monitors boards as they're supposed to do, they'll get a pretty good idea of the level of dissatisfaction. There's more to customer satisfaction than attendance figures.

 

[LilGMom]

Well said Praying Colonel.

 

[jjctfields]

Those nasty blue behemoth strollers have been paid for much like our toll roads have...now it is about the cha-ching.
Another thought might be: they are smart enough to actually be trying to change behavior by pricing strollers out of reach as a deterent.

This year will be our first year without strollers and we are sooooo glad to not have the hassle and expense.

 

[coltfan]

I think you are all overlooking the fact that GPS systems and a hands free homing device has been added to all strollers. Now you won't have to look for your strollers or worry about anyone taking your stroller ever again.

 

[drakethib]

From Bob Sehlinger and the writers of The Unofficial Guide to WDW.

Okay. So I think he is wrong. Since I pay for the trips that I take I will use my judgment and not take his advice. YMMV.

I don't think so. As another person said many able-bodied individuals rent EVCs that add congestion to the park. I haven't heard any park guest says, "Man, I wish WDW was even more congested than it already is!" Each and every ECV that is used in the park adds to the congestion. "What about people walking into the parks- they don't get a surcharge." Actually, we might already be paying that as the ticket prices are increasing-it could be a hidden cost. I think it is fair that if you are adding more to the park's congestion by renting or bringing a stroller/ECV then you pay a surcharge. Park congestion inconviences other park guests.

Are you telling me that you believe the EVC congestion is caused by a bunch of lazy people not want to walk? I can't prove or disprove (nor can you), but my guess is that this is the exception to the rule. If everything we hear regrading park attendance, I would imagine that since attendance is up, that may also have a contribution factor to park congestion and no solely on ECV's and strollers.

Then you most certainly would be banned from the parks for life, thrown in prison, etc., etc. Of course that means one less person going to WDW

Only adding additional nonsense to some of the things being suggested.

Hey but to each his own.

Hope you or yours never need to use a wheel chair.

 

[drakethib]

BTW, so long as we're quoting the UG guys as the gospel, keep in mind that Len Testa and his co-hosts on the WDW Today podcast have repeatedly and regularly criticized the price increases on tickets, DDP, etc. Len has said more than once, "How much money is enough?"

Yes, WDW *can* charge pretty much what they want. Virtually no one disagrees with that. The issue many have is not whether they *can*--but whether they *should*?

*Should* Disney increase stroller prices 72.2%? IMHO the reason why this is creating such outrage is because it's the most blatant--and most recent--example of what many see WDW doing systemically. Many (including me) see Disney essentially saying, "We have record attendance--let's see how much we can get away with before we start getting 'pushback' from customers." They significantly increase ticket prices annually (or more often than that), they homogenize menu choices, they suck a ton of value out of the DDP while lowering the price a paltry $1.00/day, they continue to add more hard-ticket events which take away park hours for regular park attendees, etc. It's like they keep looking for our "squeal point." This 72% price increase on strollers is a dramatic example of that, and my WAG is the level of outrage being expressed is at the cumulative effect of what many have been seeing.

Boycott? Yeah, folks can do that. They can also express their dissatisfaction by emailing Disney or expressing themselves here. If Disney monitors boards as they're supposed to do, they'll get a pretty good idea of the level of dissatisfaction. There's more to customer satisfaction than attendance figures.

Amen Brother.

Amen.

 

[lugnut33]

I for one dislike all the strollers (especially the people who decide to wheel them into the stores) and ECV's, but I don't know what can be done different? Raising the prices so high seems greedy to me.

Sidenote, if somebody really does need an ECV due to a disability (rather than just being lazy or fat) then I'll do everything possible to help them out and get out of their way. No problem with that.

 

[EltonJohn]

Fair enough. I've heard/read enough from you to know that it's time I just put on my troll repellant.

*spray*

Wow. I write well-reasoned rebuttels to your arguments and all you can come up with is an ad-hominem attack? How about coming up with some logical arguments instead of reverting to the behavior of a child? BTW, look at my post count.

Okay, okay, but I'm sure the folks in this thread would agree that the definition of what you are calling "not fair" and what they are calling "not fair" are two different things. Your "not fair" is talking about living under a facist dictator who tells citizens that they can't have children at all, because they don't want strollers in their parks... and thiers is "C'mon this is quickly becoming a price gouge situation . . . Right?

Hi Stroller

I do agree that we are using the same word, but different definitions. I would say that what I consider "fair" and "unfair" is based on objective business standards in a free-market society though. My opponents definitions of the words appear to be based on very subjective (I know some people think that a 1 percent increase in price is "not fair") and emotionally driven reasons.

I'm going to have to agree to disagree with the majority here

I think I've been drafted by "the cause" cause I have "Stroller" in my name...

 

[traci]

I just read through the past 11 pages of posts.

Here is what I believe. A moment of perspective taking is in order. Is this something to get 'outraged' about? I love the saying "Some people dont know the difference between a lump in your throat and a lump in your breast." This is not something to get 'outraged' about IMHO. Tiffed *maybe* - but CMON....95% of the population would do anything to go to Disney World just *once*- and would give anything ...to have such *problems* as worrying about a $$ increase in stroller rentals.

Before I get flamed - I'm not trying to be patronizing or condescending..Juuuuuust trying to put things in perspective a little....

Back on topic - Is the price hike unreasonable?
Economics 101 - the price of something is *always* what the market will bear. Therefore, Disney as a business...I assume will closely monitor how their sales are affected by the price increase. If they are not affected, they will continue to charge that price. If sales drop - they will reconsider.

Therefore, if you all are in serious disagreement with Disney about their price hike the answer is simple. Boycott. Show your commitment to your statements of outrage...

I have 2 kids. We love the disney strollers.
But we wont be using them this year.

My 2 cents...let the flaming begin.

no flames here, i agree. well said.

 

[Stroller Boy]

I'm going to have to agree to disagree with the majority here

Actually, I think we agree on the principle of free market, but as with anything else there is the "spirit of law" and "rules of the law". The spirit here is the issue, not so much the rules. No one (probably shouldn't say that...) is arguing that they have the "right" to do this under free trade, but as pointed out earlier, "should" they do this given their own principles of "the Disney way"? As it was once said so eloquently in White men can't jump "You can put a cat in an oven, but that don't make it a biscuit"

How can you argue with cats, biscuit's, or ovens!!!! C'mon! Come over to the dark-side EJ!!! We're not talking about an entitlement society here, just ticked that the turkey leg might have to go out of some peoples trips due to the price increases