Any clues on resort bookings for next year? Up, down, same?

[dreday3]

I'm 6 months out from trip. I'm perusing flight info and there is a ton of availability when we go and all the weeks before which is technically spring break. Even Southwest airlines wanna get away prices available for Easter week and week before!

Almost all hotels are still available for our dates with all room levels open. Even Easter week - everything available except Poly and Beach Club Villas. Just wondering if bookings are down or people wait to book this late, or if the airline thing is normal. Maybe people book a lot closer?

This question is purely out of curiosity. I'm just surprised because I'm used to October where it seems everything is booked super fast.

 

[buckeyegator]

i think alot of people seeing so much open might be waiting for discounts to open up rather than booking now and having to go through the hassle of changing.

 

[Weather_Lady]

i think alot of people seeing so much open might be waiting for discounts to open up rather than booking now and having to go through the hassle of changing.

Agreed. Also, I know some are waiting to see what happens for 2023 with things like Extended Evening Hours for deluxe guests (currently expiring in December 2022) or potential offerings for the corporate 100th Anniversary, to decide at what level they want to book, or if they want to be onsite at all.

It's also possible that we're finally seeing a bona fide dip in attendance or at least onsite stays, as guest behaviors catch up to Chapek-era upcharges and ever-more-complex "rules" that limit guests' ability to tour the parks, resulting in the growing sentiment that WDW guests just keep "paying more and getting less." The frustration isn't just on forums like this one. I'm a member of several Facebook groups for fans of particular WDW resorts, most of whom have been frequent guests and unapologetic pixie-dusters (if not also DVC members and passholders) for decades. For the first time over the last 12 months, as people have made their post-COVID return trips, there's been a surge of "never again" and "I've had enough" posts on those pages -- something I've never seen before in those groups. While not all of these people will really stay away, I can't help but think it's reflective of a gradual shift in vacationing behaviors, among what has historically been WDW's most loyal fan base, who are now past the point where they're willing to excuse slipshod service "because COVID." Whether it will ever have enough of an effect to make an impression on those in charge of WDW remains to be seen, although I think under the current mentality, they'll respond to decreased satisfaction, not by improving the guest experience, but by raising prices even more for the guests who are still coming.

 

[todd23]

Agreed. Also, I know some are waiting to see what happens for 2023 with things like Extended Evening Hours for deluxe guests (currently expiring in December 2022) or potential offerings for the corporate 100th Anniversary, to decide at what level they want to book, or if they want to be onsite at all.

It's also possible that we're finally seeing a bona fide dip in attendance or at least onsite stays, as guest behaviors catch up to Chapek-era upcharges and ever-more-complex "rules" that limit guests' ability to tour the parks, resulting in the growing sentiment that WDW guests just keep "paying more and getting less." The frustration isn't just on forums like this one. I'm a member of several Facebook groups for fans of particular WDW resorts, most of whom have been frequent guests and unapologetic pixie-dusters (if not also DVC members and passholders) for decades. For the first time over the last 12 months, as people have made their post-COVID return trips, there's been a surge of "never again" and "I've had enough" posts on those pages -- something I've never seen before in those groups. While not all of these people will really stay away, I can't help but think it's reflective of a gradual shift in vacationing behaviors, among what has historically been WDW's most loyal fan base. Whether it will ever have enough of an effect to make an impression on those in charge of WDW remains to be seen, although I think under the current mentality, they'll respond to decreased satisfaction, not by improving the guest experience, but by raising prices even more for the guests who are still coming.

If I went for the first time today, I would not be nearly as big of a fan as I am, and that's because I wouldn't get the same value out of the trip. My first trip in 2007 was a bargain for all the enjoyment it gave me. Now, costs are higher and enjoyment is less. I really think the first-time visitors won't turn in to the huge fans that we all are, and that's when it will catch up with Disney. I don't know if that will manifest itself in 2023, or later, but I think it will happen.

 

[the_rich]

If I went for the first time today, I would not be nearly as big of a fan as I am, and that's because I wouldn't get the same value out of the trip. My first trip in 2007 was a bargain for all the enjoyment it gave me. Now, costs are higher and enjoyment is less. I really think the first-time visitors won't turn in to the huge fans that we all are, and that's when it will catch up with Disney. I don't know if that will manifest itself in 2023, or later, but I think it will happen.

My cousin took her kids for their first trip in August and they can't wait to go back. People who never experienced something can't miss it. I still enjoy going, but there are a few little things I miss.