A Spirited Perfect Ten

[TalkingHead]

So, $2100 and up for those lovely bungalows sitting on top of Central Fl swamp? Don't ask what I think of the prices because: 1.) You probably know the answer; and 2.) They will be booked solid by crazy DVCers year round.

I legitimately don't understand that pricing. For comparison, the Little Palm Island resort in the Keys, which is an ultra-luxurious resort on a private island, can be had for $1000-1100/night during some times of the year.

I mean, a bungalow overlooking the dredged-up Seven Seas Lagoon costs twice that much?

My honest reaction to that wouldn't get past the filter here.

 

[GoofGoof]

I legitimately don't understand that pricing. For comparison, the Little Palm Island resort in the Keys, which is an ultra-luxurious resort on a private island, can be had for $1000-1100/night during some times of the year.

I mean, a bungalow overlooking the dredged-up Seven Seas Lagoon costs twice that much?

My honest reaction to that wouldn't get past the filter here.

It's apples to oranges. There are tons of places in the world that have much cheaper rooms than WDW. Compared to other WDW prices it's about in line. A little over 3Xs the rate for a studio room. You get 2 bedrooms so it's like renting 2 studios. In addition you get a private pool, full kitchen and unobstructed views of MK and wishes making up for the extra cost. The prices at WDW are absolutely insane. These are too, but are about what I would have expected from WDW.

 

[TalkingHead]

It's apples to oranges.

You're right. One place actually offers high-end atmosphere and luxurious services while the other Mickey Mouse place is charging luxury prices for Fairfield Inn accommodations.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

It's apples to oranges. There are tons of places in the world that have much cheaper rooms than WDW. Compared to other WDW prices it's about in line. A little over 3Xs the rate for a studio room. You get 2 bedrooms so it's like renting 2 studios. In addition you get a private pool, full kitchen and unobstructed views of MK and wishes making up for the extra cost. The prices at WDW are absolutely insane. These are too, but are about what I would have expected from WDW.

It is Apples and Oranges. Little Palm Island is an amazing 5 Star world class resort at fraction the price of a "Deluxe" at an amusement park.

TDO's Mantra: "Thank God for CRAZY people."

The Poly is closer to the Cocoa Beach Hilton than Little Palm Island. Even Cheeca Lodge blows The Poly out of the water.

 

[flynnibus]

The Poly is closer to the Cocoa Beach Hilton than Little Palm Island. Even Cheeca Lodge blows The Poly out of the water.

But it lacks mickey ears not so subtly around... obviously that makes the Poly worth another $1k/night.

The recent news made me bring up the GF rate chart.. and that made me just as sick. Why.. because somehow they can manage to fill enough of a 900 room hotel at those obnoxious rates.

Hrmm... spend $1k a night for a hilton room because it's its in WDW!! Or spend $800/night for all inclusive for 5 people on the Fantasy where the service is better, the food is better, and I can hang out in the rainforest spa each night? Easy one for me..

It's ok, I don't need to drop 10 large just so I can keep going back to the same attractions over and over while Disney squeezes every last penny out of you for anything beyond the main line attractions.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

The recent news made me bring up the GF rate chart.. and that made me just as sick. Why.. because somehow they can manage to fill enough of a 900 room hotel at those obnoxious rates.

I don't think many who stay there are paying the rack rates, though. Most are either general room discount or convention guests.

Last year if you wanted to stay there during One Magical Weekend (and booked through them) you could have got a room for $199/night.

 

[The Mom]

I looked at the website for Little Palm Island - there is no way to book more than 2 people in the bungalows?

So, we're really looking at two things - a deluxe resort vacation for a couple, or a deluxe resort vacation for a family.

So lets try to limit the comparisons to either a vacation for a couple, or a vacation for a family. And all of the family input, which will vary from family to family.

I thoroughly enjoyed our honeymoon location. My in-laws (SIL& BIL) went to the same resort with their two young children, and were less than thrilled. Families aren't looking for a romantic, exotic locale - they want a place where there is something for everyone - even if it might be boring or mundane to someone else . That doesn't make them ignorant or stupid.

 

[Lucky]

Pandas? Best kept secrets in the US when it comes to zoos is the Memphis Zoo. No coasters, just quality. Oh, and Pandas.
Their new Zambezi Hippo Camp that's under construction will be impressive.

You're right. It's a great zoo and still improving. I was there about six weeks ago. The two zoos I always go to happen to be among the few with pandas, Memphis and DC.

 

[bhg469]

I looked at the website for Little Palm Island - there is no way to book more than 2 people in the bungalows?

So, we're really looking at two things - a deluxe resort vacation for a couple, or a deluxe resort vacation for a family.

So lets try to limit the comparisons to either a vacation for a couple, or a vacation for a family. And all of the family input, which will vary from family to family.

I thoroughly enjoyed our honeymoon location. My in-laws (SIL& BIL) went to the same resort with their two young children, and were less than thrilled. Families aren't looking for a romantic, exotic locale - they want a place where there is something for everyone - even if it might be boring or mundane to someone else . That doesn't make them ignorant or stupid.

But Disney's deluxe is not the same as other deluxe resorts. That is the thing I think most of us are arguing and not to beat this arguement to death but a bungalow on the ocean is really for the purpose of jumping in the ocean, seven seas lagoon... not so fun.

 

[PhotoDave219]

I looked at the website for Little Palm Island - there is no way to book more than 2 people in the bungalows?

So, we're really looking at two things - a deluxe resort vacation for a couple, or a deluxe resort vacation for a family.

So lets try to limit the comparisons to either a vacation for a couple, or a vacation for a family. And all of the family input, which will vary from family to family.

I thoroughly enjoyed our honeymoon location. My in-laws (SIL& BIL) went to the same resort with their two young children, and were less than thrilled. Families aren't looking for a romantic, exotic locale - they want a place where there is something for everyone - even if it might be boring or mundane to someone else . That doesn't make them ignorant or stupid.

Why would you want more than you and your husband?

 

[GoofGoof]

It is Apples and Oranges. Little Palm Island is an amazing 5 Star world class resort at fraction the price of a "Deluxe" at an amusement park.

TDO's Mantra: "Thank God for CRAZY people."

The Poly is closer to the Cocoa Beach Hilton than Little Palm Island. Even Cheeca Lodge blows The Poly out of the water.

I don't disagree. Like I said there are literally hundreds of places in the world that have cheaper rooms that are more luxurious than the ones at WDW. If the argument is what's a better place to vacation an island or some amusement park then that's a different story. Comparing a resort on an island to a room at WDW is apples to oranges.

My only point is if you are going to WDW the bungalows at Poly are not insanely priced compared to other WDW resorts for what you get. Now if you want to compare WDW prices to similar hotels nearby off property they are definitely grossly overpriced.

 

[StageFrenzy]

Spirited Quickees (because they are the best kind and you haven't had any in months!):


Well, we know WDW has its $139 FL resident ticket offer (one day in one park, good now until early June with ONLY MK blocked out over the Easter period). But DLR, which didn't offer a SoCal discount in recent years, has one again. Only out west, it's $139 for TWO days. Now, is there some hidden message to the fact that the price difference is so ... to quote Iron Man ... stark?

You used the wrong Stark, should have picked the other family. Nothing to lose your head or bark about though. Winter is Coming/here.

I recall when the WDW Marathon started that it wasn't meant as a profit center for the company. Wouldn't it be nice if RunDisney events proceeds all went to a charity like ... since Disney loves playing them up ... Make a Wish? Of course, they are a typical cold, heartless count every tenth of a penny corporation, but just imagine the good they could do.

I know the 5kers were cold

Do you get the feeling that some west coast fanboi Twits don't appreciate Cars Land or have grown tired of it? Yeah, they'll probably be feeling the same about Potter by 2017 in Hollywood.

How is the seating/ambiance other than the ride. Can you sit in a corner have a beverage and soak up scenary or does it start to feel superficial after 5 minutes?

What do I think of the job Soup & Salad Sandra is doing in replacing that amazing bulldog reporter Jason 'Press Release' Garcia? Do you have to ask?

Darden Restauraunts?

I've been told that DCL can't simply let the staterooms on the Wonder go any longer (or wait for a major dry dock that likely won't happen before late NEXT year!) and that they are actually redoing cabins while the ship is sailing by taking cabins out of service ... a few each cruise. That is smart. That is something that should have likely been done a few years ago now.

I almost took another cruise on the wonder last fall, however I realized it had not been in drydock yet (ever?) and chose one of the new ships.

 

[ford91exploder]

But it lacks mickey ears not so subtly around... obviously that makes the Poly worth another $1k/night.

The recent news made me bring up the GF rate chart.. and that made me just as sick. Why.. because somehow they can manage to fill enough of a 900 room hotel at those obnoxious rates.

Hrmm... spend $1k a night for a hilton room because it's its in WDW!! Or spend $800/night for all inclusive for 5 people on the Fantasy where the service is better, the food is better, and I can hang out in the rainforest spa each night? Easy one for me..

It's ok, I don't need to drop 10 large just so I can keep going back to the same attractions over and over while Disney squeezes every last penny out of you for anything beyond the main line attractions.

Interestingly enough I've stayed in a 1K per night Hilton room, Let's see 24 hour room service, wet bar, a personal Concierge, heated robes etc and a private hot tub/spa.

Yeah when Disney starts providing that level of amenities then I'll think their rates are WORTH it.

 

[The Mom]

Why would you want more than you and your husband?

The fact that my family is down to only the two of us doesn't negate the fact that other families have 3, 4, or more people to accommodate. And it might not be long before we might be taking a trip with grandchildren.

I don't mean that this will be happening anytime soon! 5-10 years is "not long" at my age.

 

[The Mom]

But Disney's deluxe is not the same as other deluxe resorts. That is the thing I think most of us are arguing and not to beat this arguement to death but a bungalow on the ocean is really for the purpose of jumping in the ocean, seven seas lagoon... not so fun.

But if there is no way for a family of four to make a trip to that sort of resort, and perhaps the kids want more than jumping into the ocean , these bungalows might be the next best thing until they can make a trip to the real deal.

My husband and I could afford to make the trip to Bora Bora - as long as we don't have to bring the kids.

 

[wdisney9000]

The fact that my family is down to only the two of us doesn't negate the fact that other families have 3, 4, or more people to accommodate. And it might not be long before we might be taking a trip with grandchildren.

Does that mean you will be changing your user name to "The Nana". Either way, congrats..if grandkids are on the way!

 

[The Mom]

Does that mean you will be changing your user name to "The Nana". Either way, congrats..if it's true.

No, no, no - at least not that I've heard!!! And I would not be Nana - Grandma all the way.

 

[WDW1974]

Spirited Quickees II (Because Even at My Advanced Age I'm Still Capable and I Don't Feel Like Doing Any of the 532 Things Around The House That Need Doing!):

First, over dinner I snuck a peek at some of the newer posts. Without getting into a why in the world would any sane person pay more to stay at the Poly than at a real resort in Bora Bora like our beloved @alissafalco did, I will tackle the whole WDW isn't for couple, it's for two parents (preferably from the flyover states with little worldliness) who have 2.3 children and own anything and everything Frozen. That isn't what WDW really is about. It's a mass market product designed for all sorts of visitors, that includes couples looking for fun and romance (Disney has a thriving wedding business that will likely double in profits this year with gay weddings finally legal in FL).

Many folks travel to WDW to celebrate or just enjoy each other's company (Angie and I would be a very good example as we have no intention of ever having brats to take away our funds and ability to have fun!) ... heck, some folks go there for elaborate proposals. I think @WDWFigment got engaged on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon behind the Poly (likely in a spot these timeshares have taken away or changed!)

No, WDW isn't like Hedonism in the Swamps (well, except for the bois -- and sometimes gals -- at Vista Way). But there have always been activities aimed at adults, some strictly for adults (we can argue ... or you can as I have no desire to ... about the fact WDW's Walmarting has made it more for special needs eight-year-olds).

Wow, that wasn't a quickee.

Moving on ...

The one and only thing that angered me on my Fantasy cruise? It had nothing to do with DCL, but DVC. Namely the smarmy and manipulative way DVC has resorted to selling/shilling its product. They are now using children. Yes. At the sales pitch sessions, they now play a commercial for their timeshares in which they use about 10 kids (all cute, all white, all between ages 5-9 it looks like) all talking about how they know Mommy and Daddy love them because they bought DVC, how wonderful DVC is and their favorite DVC memories.

Is it designed to tug? Sure. Not the heartstrings. But to tug on the purse strings. If you love your kids, then how could you not drop a minimum of (not quite sure ... going to say...) $22,000 while on your already pricey cruise?

I truly felt the thing was sickening. I'm sure Ken Potrock feels differently. ...Again, there's more than one way to skin a fanboi and I love hearing how Disney is low pressure and how folks who would never buy timeshare, buy DVC because of that. Like I said, multiple ways ...

I know I could say this at anytime now and be right, but look for announcements on how you can pay more for special experiences at WDW in the near future.

Please apologize to Bucky, I was actually at WDW four times in 2014, not three ... I guess the norovirus at Typhoon Lagoon trip was left out.

The terrorist attacks in Paris (cowardly, disgusting, vile etc) could present an issue for DLP if France remains under the gun of evil Muslim fundamentalists. Immigration is a huge issue on the continent and France has a large population of angry, unemployed, young Muslim men. Ultimately, the strength of the dollar vs. Euro now ($1.19) and the economic issues in France as well as Spain, Portugal and Italy are all issues DLP can weather just fine. Machine gun battles with insane young terrorists isn't.

 

[WDW1974]

Sure was, did you imply in your opening post that Kong at UO won't have the giant AA and will be totally screen based? I've heard both sides a ton.

Last I heard, the big guy will be there at least once in the new attraction (but possibly only that ...) But the attraction will be ''heavily reliant'' on screens. I actually didn't even ask about it recently when talking to a friend who would know because I still think the attraction isn't what should be built on that pad and what I've heard about just doesn't excite me at all.

BTW, you all do realize the Moscow UNI park project is pretty much dead, right?

 

[PhotoDave219]

Spirited Quickees II (Because Even at My Advanced Age I'm Still Capable and I Don't Feel Like Doing Any of the 532 Things Around The House That Need Doing!):

First, over dinner I snuck a peek at some of the newer posts. Without getting into a why in the world would any sane person pay more to stay at the Poly than at a real resort in Bora Bora like our beloved @alissafalco did, I will tackle the whole WDW isn't for couple, it's for two parents (preferably from the flyover states with little worldliness) who have 2.3 children and own anything and everything Frozen. That isn't what WDW really is about. It's a mass market product designed for all sorts of visitors, that includes couples looking for fun and romance (Disney has a thriving wedding business that will likely double in profits this year with gay weddings finally legal in FL).

Many folks travel to WDW to celebrate or just enjoy each other's company (Angie and I would be a very good example as we have no intention of ever having brats to take away our funds and ability to have fun!) ... heck, some folks go there for elaborate proposals. I think @WDWFigment got engaged on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon behind the Poly (likely in a spot these timeshares have taken away or changed!)

No, WDW isn't like Hedonism in the Swamps (well, except for the bois -- and sometimes gals -- at Vista Way). But there have always been activities aimed at adults, some strictly for adults (we can argue ... or you can as I have no desire to ... about the fact WDW's Walmarting has made it more for special needs eight-year-olds).

Wow, that wasn't a quickee.

Moving on ...

The one and only thing that angered me on my Fantasy cruise? It had nothing to do with DCL, but DVC. Namely the smarmy and manipulative way DVC has resorted to selling/shilling its product. They are now using children. Yes. At the sales pitch sessions, they now play a commercial for their timeshares in which they use about 10 kids (all cute, all white, all between ages 5-9 it looks like) all talking about how they know Mommy and Daddy love them because they bought DVC, how wonderful DVC is and their favorite DVC memories.

Is it designed to tug? Sure. Not the heartstrings. But to tug on the purse strings. If you love your kids, then how could you not drop a minimum of (not quite sure ... going to say...) $22,000 while on your already pricey cruise?

I truly felt the thing was sickening. I'm sure Ken Potrock feels differently. ...Again, there's more than one way to skin a fanboi and I love hearing how Disney is low pressure and how folks who would never buy timeshare, buy DVC because of that. Like I said, multiple ways ...

I know I could say this at anytime now and be right, but look for announcements on how you can pay more for special experiences at WDW in the near future.

Please apologize to Bucky, I was actually at WDW four times in 2014, not three ... I guess the norovirus at Typhoon Lagoon trip was left out.

The terrorist attacks in Paris (cowardly, disgusting, vile etc) could present an issue for DLP if France remains under the gun of evil Muslim fundamentalists. Immigration is a huge issue on the continent and France has a large population of angry, unemployed, young Muslim men. Ultimately, the strength of the dollar vs. Euro now ($1.19) and the economic issues in France as well as Spain, Portugal and Italy are all issues DLP can weather just fine. Machine gun battles with insane young terrorists isn't.

There's a lawsuit in osceola county against DVC for wrongful termination after the plaintiff was raising issues with how DVC was being sold on the ships. I forget the case number, filed early December.