The comment that WDW is not meeting attendance expectations and that an unusual amount of discounts are being offered right now makes me believe, as I have said way too many times on this forum, that it is the insane expensive that has driven the people away. ROOMS FOR 600 !?? What!?! A two-day Adult park hopper is 275.00 !?!? That was a little less than an annual pass in the early 2000's. It is insane. WDW keeps pushing to see HOW MUCH it can get away with but the result is they are alienating a core group of loyal customers. I really *want* to go and spend money but not when I am being price gouged.
People who go to WDW frequently have seen the prices skyrocket. I feel like I am experiencing the same stuff I saw late 90's - early 2000's for 400 times more money. My last visit (1yr and 4 months ago) made me feel bad - then annoyed - for letting myself be taken advantage of. Epcot future world was plain out sad and felt neglected. I felt like a rube (as SPIRIT would say) - pixie dust and all.
The crazy thing is we booked a two day stay this Jan (before taking a Carnival cruise - not a Disney cruise cause its three times the money as carnival) and staying at the all-stars and no hopper ticket. In the past, I would stay at a mod. or deluxe and now I am at a crappy all star. I want to see Avatar, Rivers of Light and the new Castle show. So - just a magic your way ticket will do, MK and AK. In the past with my hopper I would have seen all 4 parks. It will be interesting to see if I feel as gouged this trip as I did last trip. My previous frequency would be twice a year and stay at a deluxe or Moderate and maintain an annual pass. No more. So why am I going back? I have a love for the parks and the imagination and keep hoping that feeling will return. With the new projects coming up, I have hope but if they jack-up the prices again they will be shooting themselves in the OTHER foot. Now I visit less than once a year (in some cases it would be a 4 year span for a particular park) and some years only buy a one-day park ticket due to the expense and lack of new offerings. As many know, other international parks have their seasonal celebrations and do not charge extra for the event unlike WDW. It is just insane.
Did I mention I had two bedroom unit at the Sheraton Vistana Resort right outside the gates for the price of a moderate? Gorgeous resort, full kitchen, living room, laundry and HUGE. Much bigger than and DVC unit on site. Book through COSTCO ... they have awesome packages. Just don't accept the vacation club spiel for a 100.00 visa card. Urgh *slaps head* ... downright painful.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/shera...D=5608&EM=GOOGLEPLACES_5608_VSERESSALES_ECOMM
When a company p.isses people off with blatant gouging - people will shy away - and as Al lutz would remind his readers (back in the day
) that it is cheaper to maintain a current customer than it is to get them BACK.
I still won't buy the Gillette Fusion men's razor after several years of being a loyal customer now that the prices have dropped to 42.00 from 54 dollars on the bulk pack at COSTCO. They started out as 37.00 - why ? cause they jacked up the cost and price gouged. I switched brands and wont go back just on principle. Love my Harry's razor from Target at the moment. See ya. Nothing like making a consumer *feel* stupid for allowing themselves to be gouged.
When people are p.issed and feel ripped off - you're gonna lose them.