Henry Mystic
Author of "A Manor of Fact"
Disneyland is absolutely not as touristy as WDW, from the share of locals visiting to the smaller amount of “once in a lifetime vacationers.” Disney knows this and thus price gauges WDW in the sense that it has a higher appeal amongst the world. From expensive hotels to expensive subpar table service, the per guest spending is leagues higher in Orlando. Disneyland and Tokyo both have far better quality options for quick service, more affordable table service, and a plethora of affordable, convenient hotels. Sure, they’re not in as much of a bubble, but you’re paying for that bubble amidst weaker parks.
My fear is WDW’s “outside the parks” strong suit is eroding.
Timeshares are a symptom of WDW being large and thus justifying a timeshare for the length of time it takes to do it right, and requiring more time to do everything given the higher wait times and fewer things spread out over more parks. That’s in addition to things like Water Parks, Disney Springs and other “resort” activities, AND the fact a much higher percentage of guests are willing to drop crazy amounts of money since they’re catering to that. There simply aren’t quality, convenient, affordable hotel options at WDW like the other two resorts mentioned have. They lack theming sure, but now Disney is charging deluxe prices for hotels without theming.
Having only 2 deluxe hotels at each resort compared to WDW’s 10(?) yet Orlando can still pack people into them means they have the market power to shift those consumers to timeshares which are far cheaper to build (since they lack theming), and of course, operate. Most of the new DVCs are competing with that “deluxe” tier, but it is still massively overpriced just like their deluxe resorts are, except without said theming.
I wasn’t talking about the rooms, but the lack of themed design throughout the resort, as they’ve clearly realized the cost-benefit is just not there for DVC to theme. It is objectively cheaper to have an unadorned blank box than go all in. AKL is the lone exception (I mean Saratoga is nice but it also lacks theming), but it has also been a while. It’s more of a recent trend that I’m commenting on from Riviera to this Poly expansion and the put-on-hold Reflections where there is zero emphasis on it.
They can sell them despite a lack of that “Disney touch.” That’s the issue.
This is what the French Riviera actually looks like.
The Italian Riviera.
This is what we got for the Riviera Resort.
I don’t even think it looks bad, but it looks awfully similar to a typical Wyndham timeshare rather than a transportative Disney themed resort. Guests need to do a better job of demanding more instead of paying ludicrous amounts per night for resorts that lack what made those deluxe resorts special.
I have no problem with timeshares in concept, but the execution of them has involved cheating out on themed design compared to what they are charging.
I couldn’t justify it price wise, but a resort like the Wilderness Lodge at WDW does at least have unique and expensive theming that somewhat makes it deserving of its price.
I think the Riviera lobby looks pretty solid, but it’s also not a random $150 a night Marriott. It’s a much more expensive resort at a place known for immersive hotels. An extension of the parks if you will (and yes, I’m fully aware timeshares don’t tend to have as elaborate lobbies).
Versus the Wilderness Lodge lobby.
This is what a walking distance hotel to Disneyland (4 Points Sheraton Anaheim) looks like that costs $120 a night. The difference is negligible between this and Riviera, or Bay Lake Tower, etc.
I think timeshare resorts like Riviera are fine, and it still has quality fixtures and furnishings, but it’s a shame that themed resorts seem to be a thing of the past for Disney and that they’re still able to charge exorbitant amounts of money for it. I demand elite experiences for crazy prices. Fine just doesn’t cut it for me.
Why would I logically shell out obscene amounts of money when a similar experience can be found for far less?
That being said, I think the new rooms at Poly and the Grand Floridian DVC are fantastic. It’s the… Riviera and others that are glaring examples of resorts without a theme.
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I know many who are not used to certain kitchens share your complaints
