Is it just me....

[Mom2six]

Originally Posted by maxiesmom

Another huge factor is back then there was only ONE Disney park in Florida. One! Looking at it that way, you are getting more for your money now than you did back then.

No, you are not getting more for your hotel money because there are more parks. The hotel is the same! If park tickets were included in resort prices, that would be more for your money. You are still getting the same room, but for a larger price - it is more expensive even when you factor for inflation. And that $85.00 a night you mentioned is gone now - I just checked the website and the cheapest price is now $96.00 a night for a few weeks in early 2013, not to be seen again.

The rates seem a little higher than other hotels to me, but mainly because they seem to be raising their rates quite quickly over the past 2 years. The deluxe resorts seem to be overpriced in my opinion, but it is a destination vacation so people will pay more for their room.

[Jacquie668]

I'm the first to openly say it in my family, the pricing at Disney is NUTS and overboard! While I harbor no illusions about that I do say, in the same breath:

"Well I want to stay on property and get the dining plan and the whole Disney experience so I'll roll up my sleeves and do what I gotta do!"

We are pricing things and finding ways to balance and honestly, even though I feel that the pricing is way out there, I do feel that overall you can balance a Disney trip really well and make it work to stay on a healthy budget.

[maxiesmom]

Originally Posted by Mom2six

No, you are not getting more for your hotel money because there are more parks. The hotel is the same! If park tickets were included in resort prices, that would be more for your money. You are still getting the same room, but for a larger price - it is more expensive even when you factor for inflation. And that $85.00 a night you mentioned is gone now - I just checked the website and the cheapest price is now $96.00 a night for a few weeks in early 2013, not to be seen again.

I'm not sure where you looked, but if you check the All Star Movies and Sports there are indeed $85 nights listed. And there are also some nights for $90. I'm using Mousesavers as my source, btw.

I still disagree with you on your first statement. A lot of what you are paying for with Disney resorts is the fact that you are near the Disney theme parks. I think we all know that the same room somewhere else would not go for as much.

[aubriee]

Originally Posted by maxiesmom

I still disagree with you on your first statement. A lot of what you are paying for with Disney resorts is the fact that you are near the Disney theme parks. I think we all know that the same room somewhere else would not go for as much.

What about Wyndham Bonnet Creek? While you don't get DME, extra magic hours, or room charging privileges, you are still physically onsite and closer to the parks than alot of the Disney owned resorts. Since I rent a car anyway the bus transportation to the parks is not a perk for me. I also have an AP, so parking at the parks is free, even if I stay offsite. For my May trip, going through a third party company, I got a Wyndham Bonnet Creek one bedroom condo (king size bed, sofa that folds out into a queen, fully equipped kitchen with microwave, full size fridge, stove, blender, toaster, etc, dining table with four chairs, two TVs, washer/dryer, jacuzzi tub, walk in shower, balcony, just lots more space), several nice pools, two lazy rivers, and a mini golf course at a deluxe resort for $86.90 per night. That's cheaper than I can get even a Value room from Disney, even with an AP discount. I used to swear I'd never stay offsite, but did for the first time this past Oct/Nov and now swear I'll never stay onsite again, unless Disney prices go way down. Don't get me wrong, I love the Disney resorts, but am not willing to pay twice as much to get alot less than I would staying just offsite.

[aubriee]

Originally Posted by WILDERNESS FAN 55

The quality of Disney entertainment is what brings people back.They know they are going to get a lot in return for their $. If people want to stay off site...well there has always been offsite hotels if that's what you want. BUT it's not a WDW vacation offsite it's just a vacation.

While I agree with you that Disney does alot of things well, I dont feel that we are getting as much in return for our dollars as we used to. I remember back in 2005 doing a split stay in a courtyard view room at WL and a Arusha Savanna view at AKL. With my AP discount I got both rooms for $149.00 per night. Now I'm lucky to get a moderate room for that with the same AP discount. I used to get those moderate room for around $79.00/night with my AP discount,jsut a few years ago. I can now book through one of the third party companies and stay right onsite at Wyndham Bonnet Creek in a one bedroom condo, cheaper than I can stay at a Value using a discount.

Disney is building the new Fantasyland, but it's taking them forever. At the same time Universal is extending Harry Potter land, building Transformers, the new Simpsons land, extending and building more in Jurassic Park, and are in talks with the Tolkien heirs about building a Lord of the Rings land. They also give their annual passholders great perks (free parking, great room discounts, discounts on all merchandise, 10% off all meals---counter service as well as table service).

As far as not feeling like a vacation, if you are offsite, we stayed at Westgate Town Center last Oct/Nov and was just five minutes from the Disney gate. We could be at Animal Kindom quicker than most people onsite could. If you look at the map, you will see that Wyndham Bonnet Creek is physically onsite and closer to the parks than alot of the Disney owned resorts. I am not a fan of the Disney buses and can get to the parks quicker with a rental car and I like having the freedom to run over to Publix, WalMart, the outlet malls, or Universal if I want. I also like alot of the offsite restaurants more and they are ALOT cheaper than the ones onsite, so we'll eat lunch onsite, then most dinners offsite. I too always said I would never stay offsite and just couldn't understand anyone even wanting too, until we tried it last fall. We love the extra space, for alot less money and still being close to all the parks. Plus with a rental car we are just minutes from Sea World, Universal, Gator Land, ect. Sounds like a great WDW vacation, with alot of extras thrown in for good measure.

[Laketravis]

Just like the temperature in an office building, Disney pricing will garner different opinions from different people. Obviously not everyone thinks they are overpriced, some believe it to still be a great value for many reasons.

But the fact is the number of people who do view it as overpriced (too warm) is growing every time there is a fractional price increase (turning up the heat).

So for those who still see it as a great value or don't mind paying a bit more for the "experience" - it's simply a matter of time before Disney price increases eventually catch up to you as well and you find yourself crossing over the fence to the growing group who feel it's way too hot in the building.

And my apologies in advance if you think I used a crappy metaphor.

[TJA]

Originally Posted by WILDERNESS FAN 55

WOW A lot of exaggerating on here about "spring break being empty" Disney wouldn't be raising prices and would be giving bigger discounts if that were true from last year.

Yes I keep hoping disney will learn from last easter, but what we were thinking is that a majority of people stayed offsite and just went to the parks each day, or else maybe people stayed at the values (I didn't check availability at those). We were upgraded at both WL and BC and at both places the resort CM's told us it felt like value/slow season there. MK got pretty crowded each day we were there, but never closed as in previous years. But as you say, disney must've done okay or else they'd be giving more deals. This current general offer gives a slight discount during Easter on the tickets, apparently, so maybe that's a sign....

[maxiesmom]

WBC is not considered an on-site hotel. And it is not a Disney hotel and has none of the perks of one.

We have actually looked at staying there, and it really doesn't appeal to me. From what I have seen and read it is a gigantic resort, and unless you rent a car you are tied to using a bus that runs no where near as frequently as the Disney ones do. I would much rather pay the extra and stay in the Disney bubble. I've stayed off site before, but I would much rather be on site.

[WILDERNESS FAN 55]

Originally Posted by aubriee

While I agree with you that Disney does alot of things well, I dont feel that we are getting as much in return for our dollars as we used to. I remember back in 2005 doing a split stay in a courtyard view room at WL and a Arusha Savanna view at AKL. With my AP discount I got both rooms for $149.00 per night. Now I'm lucky to get a moderate room for that with the same AP discount. I used to get those moderate room for around $79.00/night with my AP discount,jsut a few years ago. I can now book through one of the third party companies and stay right onsite at Wyndham Bonnet Creek in a one bedroom condo, cheaper than I can stay at a Value using a discount.

Disney is building the new Fantasyland, but it's taking them forever. At the same time Universal is extending Harry Potter land, building Transformers, the new Simpsons land, extending and building more in Jurassic Park, and are in talks with the Tolkien heirs about building a Lord of the Rings land. They also give their annual passholders great perks (free parking, great room discounts, discounts on all merchandise, 10% off all meals---counter service as well as table service).

As far as not feeling like a vacation, if you are offsite, we stayed at Westgate Town Center last Oct/Nov and was just five minutes from the Disney gate. We could be at Animal Kindom quicker than most people onsite could. If you look at the map, you will see that Wyndham Bonnet Creek is physically onsite and closer to the parks than alot of the Disney owned resorts. I am not a fan of the Disney buses and can get to the parks quicker with a rental car and I like having the freedom to run over to Publix, WalMart, the outlet malls, or Universal if I want. I also like alot of the offsite restaurants more and they are ALOT cheaper than the ones onsite, so we'll eat lunch onsite, then most dinners offsite. I too always said I would never stay offsite and just couldn't understand anyone even wanting too, until we tried it last fall. We love the extra space, for alot less money and still being close to all the parks. Plus with a rental car we are just minutes from Sea World, Universal, Gator Land, ect. Sounds like a great WDW vacation, with alot of extras thrown in for good measure.

See all it sounds like to me is you're staying somewhere OTHER than WDW. Yes if you WANT to go to Walmart then great. Applebees for lunch? Go for it! I WANT to get away from all that on my vacation. No malls or Publix or t-shirt shops.Or Gatorland??
As for Universal, good for them extending HP land.....maybe people are bored with it already? IOA is no more than a Great America. Can do that here in Chitown. You usually see the second fiddle trying really hard to get business away from the giants(surprised you shop Walmart) WDW has 75% finished Fantasyland so not sure how you compare that? Means they will be rolling out more fun soon! More StarWars attractions. Maybe Marvel ? Carsland ? Even though they don't need to change a thing for me I appreciate that they put my money to good use by adding attractions.
Note that if Bonnet Creek is on site you are , in a way, still paying Disney! Wyndham doesn't get to use that land for free.
Bottom line is Disney is more expensive(always has been) than staying off site.For many it just doesn't matter.

[davedmaine]

Originally Posted by WILDERNESS FAN 55

See all it sounds like to me is you're staying somewhere OTHER than WDW. Yes if you WANT to go to Walmart then great. Applebees for lunch? Go for it! I WANT to get away from all that on my vacation. No malls or Publix or t-shirt shops.Or Gatorland??
As for Universal, good for them extending HP land.....maybe people are bored with it already? IOA is no more than a Great America. Can do that here in Chitown. You usually see the second fiddle trying really hard to get business away from the giants(surprised you shop Walmart) WDW has 75% finished Fantasyland so not sure how you compare that? Means they will be rolling out more fun soon! More StarWars attractions. Maybe Marvel ? Carsland ? Even though they don't need to change a thing for me I appreciate that they put my money to good use by adding attractions.
Note that if Bonnet Creek is on site you are , in a way, still paying Disney! Wyndham doesn't get to use that land for free.
Bottom line is Disney is more expensive(always has been) than staying off site.For many it just doesn't matter.

I guess we now have the perfect definition of a Disney apologist.. Bonus points for stating that people are bored with HP..

[Laketravis]

Originally Posted by WILDERNESS FAN 55

....WDW has 75% finished Fantasyland so not sure how you compare that?.....

Sorry, but FLE so far is not impressive.

A non-technological dark ride, a restaurant, a couple of meet & greets.........with (the other 25% still not ready being) a single coaster ride.

Sorry, I don't get the magnitude of this "expansion". It's already being billed on other touring sites as something you spend about an hour at while you're in MK. No big deal.

[pjhootch]

Originally Posted by WILDERNESS FAN 55

See all it sounds like to me is you're staying somewhere OTHER than WDW. Yes if you WANT to go to Walmart then great. Applebees for lunch? Go for it! I WANT to get away from all that on my vacation. No malls or Publix or t-shirt shops.Or Gatorland??
As for Universal, good for them extending HP land.....maybe people are bored with it already? IOA is no more than a Great America. Can do that here in Chitown. You usually see the second fiddle trying really hard to get business away from the giants(surprised you shop Walmart) WDW has 75% finished Fantasyland so not sure how you compare that? Means they will be rolling out more fun soon! More StarWars attractions. Maybe Marvel ? Carsland ? Even though they don't need to change a thing for me I appreciate that they put my money to good use by adding attractions.
Note that if Bonnet Creek is on site you are , in a way, still paying Disney! Wyndham doesn't get to use that land for free.
Bottom line is Disney is more expensive(always has been) than staying off site.For many it just doesn't matter.

So what's wrong with Gatorland?

It is okay that you like to be 100% immersed in Disney. But it is also okay that some of us don't mind a little less Dis in our day. No reason to put someone down for that.

No we aren't ever all going to agree whether the prices are nuts are not. I do think the prices are crazy, but I'm obviously still willing to pay for rooms on-site at this point. We stayed off-site many years when the kids were young because it suited our budget and needs.

There may be some $85 dollar rooms available at the values for 2013, but I know our most recent booking for Pop was late August value + season and the room was $100 a night before tax. Is that outrageous? No, I don't think so. Can you get a better room for less off-site? Sure. Without the perks? Yep. I consider the values a wash when compared to off-site- depends on what people value more, bus service, convenience and theming, or space and amenities.

The Moderates' prices seem to be creeping up more than the value resorts. I could be wrong since I haven't done any empirical research. Just seems over our last few visits we pay significantly more each time. Am I still booking moderate rooms? Sure. I like them and all the stuff that goes along with them. I'll hit a tipping point and do something differently if prices keep going up.

The prices I think are positively insane are the rates for Deluxe resorts. Holy COW. $500 a night? Are you kidding me? And I need two rooms. Even the thought of paying $1000 a night to go to Disney is enough to make me run away screaming. It totally doesn't bother me that people will pay that amount. It just is never going to be me. And if I did pay that amount, what would I get? A nicer room for my husband to stare at the television before he starts snoring. lol.

Our family already took a pretty solid hit when they changed the ticket price structure. We used to go for 3 or 4 nights, and the park tickets for that amount of time make me cringe.

I don't mind paying Disney, I do it every other year or so. I just don't want to pay more than I feel it is worth. Purely subjective.

[pjhootch]

Originally Posted by Laketravis

Sorry, but FLE so far is not impressive.

A non-technological dark ride, a restaurant, a couple of meet & greets.........with (the other 25% still not ready being) a single coaster ride.

Sorry, I don't get the magnitude of this "expansion". It's already being billed on other touring sites as something you spend about an hour at while you're in MK. No big deal.

Yeah, the reports I'm hearing are a bit underwhelming. Oh well, we will go check it out anyway. I am looking forward to Be Our Guest.

[WILDERNESS FAN 55]

Originally Posted by pjhootch

So what's wrong with Gatorland?

It is okay that you like to be 100% immersed in Disney. But it is also okay that some of us don't mind a little less Dis in our day. No reason to put someone down for that.

No we aren't ever all going to agree whether the prices are nuts are not. I do think the prices are crazy, but I'm obviously still willing to pay for rooms on-site at this point. We stayed off-site many years when the kids were young because it suited our budget and needs.

There may be some $85 dollar rooms available at the values for 2013, but I know our most recent booking for Pop was late August value + season and the room was $100 a night before tax. Is that outrageous? No, I don't think so. Can you get a better room for less off-site? Sure. Without the perks? Yep. I consider the values a wash when compared to off-site- depends on what people value more, bus service, convenience and theming, or space and amenities.

The Moderates' prices seem to be creeping up more than the value resorts. I could be wrong since I haven't done any empirical research. Just seems over our last few visits we pay significantly more each time. Am I still booking moderate rooms? Sure. I like them and all the stuff that goes along with them. I'll hit a tipping point and do something differently if prices keep going up.

The prices I think are positively insane are the rates for Deluxe resorts. Holy COW. $500 a night? Are you kidding me? And I need two rooms. Even the thought of paying $1000 a night to go to Disney is enough to make me run away screaming. It totally doesn't bother me that people will pay that amount. It just is never going to be me. And if I did pay that amount, what would I get? A nicer room for my husband to stare at the television before he starts snoring. lol.

Our family already took a pretty solid hit when they changed the ticket price structure. We used to go for 3 or 4 nights, and the park tickets for that amount of time make me cringe.

I don't mind paying Disney, I do it every other year or so. I just don't want to pay more than I feel it is worth. Purely subjective.

I wasn't meaning to put anyone down but I just can't see comparing Universal (or Gatorland lol) to Disney. NOT even close to the same experience. I agree prices are high but subjectively they always have been ! Seeing lots of quotes on room prices from 2005 era. Well guess what prices have escalated in 8 years.
I don't mind people speaking their mind about rising costs but don't tell me ALL the other "entertainment" in the Orlando hasn't followed suit.

[WILDERNESS FAN 55]

Originally Posted by Laketravis

Sorry, but FLE so far is not impressive.

A non-technological dark ride, a restaurant, a couple of meet & greets.........with (the other 25% still not ready being) a single coaster ride.

Sorry, I don't get the magnitude of this "expansion". It's already being billed on other touring sites as something you spend about an hour at while you're in MK. No big deal.

I undersatnd it's QUITE a big deal for families ! Guessing not for you though.

Originally Posted by davedmaine

I guess we now have the perfect definition of a Disney apologist.. Bonus points for stating that people are bored with HP..

I don't mind paying for quality HP ?? Why expand until you need to?