Are we getting nickle and dimed by Disney?

[DisneyRunner]

For 2011, I think we are. Everything has gone up a few dollars, tickets, room rates and dining plan. Over the past few years, Disney has jumped on board with variable room rates. First it was a different rate for Friday and Saturday. A majority of the industry does this, so it's okay with me. Then last year, Disney added more seasons to the rack room rates. And this year they have even added seasonal dining plan rates. What do you think? Will the increased cost of a trip stop you from going?

 

[wizards8507]

These two things should not be coinciding. If one is having those issues, the last thing one should be planning is a Disney vacation. Bottom line, if you object-don't go. If enough object, it will be reflected in prices. If everyone still shows up-it was what the market would bear.

Nowhere in the constitution does it guarantee everyone the right to a Disney vacation.

HOORAY for personal responsibility!

These forums are FULL of people who finance their ANNUAL Disney vacations by taking on stupid amounts of debt. People can't say "no" anymore. Not to their children, and not to themselves. If you can't afford a Disney vacation, then DON'T TAKE ONE.

 

[Xethis]

HOORAY for personal responsibility!

These forums are FULL of people who finance their ANNUAL Disney vacations by taking on stupid amounts of debt. People can't say "no" anymore. Not to their children, and not to themselves. If you can't afford a Disney vacation, then DON'T TAKE ONE.

I couldn't agree with you more and thank you for making an excellent point! My first trip with my wife we put on a card & ended up paying for two-fold after interest, etc. We learned that lesson the hard way & probably jipped ourselves out of an additional trip. Now the only way we'll do anything from a weekend trip to see a Cirque show in Vegas or a week long stay in Disneyworld is to work hard, plan, research & save. If can can't, we don't.

It's hard for a lot of people to think that way. But only speaking for us, we feel a lot less 'guilty' on our vacations knowing they're paid for before we go rather than after. As you said so well, HOORAY for personal responsibility.

 

[Lucky]

HOORAY for personal responsibility.

That reminds me: I was planning our next trip and was wondering if Victoria and Albert's accepts food stamps.

 

[awilliams4]

Using DVC points for accomodations, driving to WDW, getting multiple trips out of a single Annual Pass and using Tables In Wonderland seems to allow us to wiggle around the nickel and diming all the time.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

HOORAY for personal responsibility!

These forums are FULL of people who finance their ANNUAL Disney vacations by taking on stupid amounts of debt. People can't say "no" anymore. Not to their children, and not to themselves. If you can't afford a Disney vacation, then DON'T TAKE ONE.

You dont do irony do you.

Advocate personal responsibility, then act like a proper charlie when people exercise theirs in a manner you happen to disagree with.


However I notice true to form the brand loyalists have resorted to the "its not a right" and " if you cant afford it don't go" the fall back position of a weak argument when as usual they are forced to invent comments to try and ridicule posts of others who made no such assertion.

You can almost guarantee the comments of those who are still funded by the bank of mum and dad.

However Id have thought that increasing moans on a fan site, the normal haunt for brand loyalists and most accepting would have any company worried as increasing negativity is posted.

 

[wizards8507]

You can almost guarantee the comments of those who are still funded by the bank of mum and dad.

If this is what you think, I invite you to read what I've writen in similar threads. I'm too tired to defend myself yet again.

And it has NOTHING to do with "brand loyalty." Coca-Cola, Wal-Mart, ExxonMobile, and every other company in the universe has the right to charge their own prices. It's not just Disney that has this freedom. As a consumer, make your own coices and live with the consequences.

 

[Funfy]

You can almost guarantee the comments of those who are still funded by the bank of mum and dad.

My father has been dead for years and my mother is in assisted living. They have never funded a vacation-Disney or otherwise for me. In fact, the only time my Mother went to Disney was when I helped pay for the trip.

Some of us actually work (and work hard) for a living, save for vacations, don't expect hand-outs from corporation who are profit driven. The bottom line is Disney is not here as a right for everyone.

If you can't afford it don't go. In my mind I cannot justify the cost of a vacation for four to Europe-I do not sit around blaming anyone for that. Would I like to go sure-is it worth going in debt for-no-so-I lose out on a trip to Europe-amazing the world is unfair!!!

Money for profit driven corporations still rules. Remove your funds from the evil corporations and see if everyone else lines up-if not, prices will decrease-if yes, costs will continue to rise.

Whining about it, doesn't change a thing!

 

[wizards8507]

You can almost guarantee the comments of those who are still funded by the bank of mum and dad.

My father has been dead for years and my mother is in assisted living. They have never funded a vacation-Disney or otherwise for me. In fact, the only time my Mother went to Disney was when I helped pay for the trip.

Some of us actually work (and work hard) for a living, save for vacations, don't expect hand-outs from corporation who are profit driven. The bottom line is Disney is not here as a right for everyone.

If you can't afford it don't go. In my mind I cannot justify the cost of a vacation for four to Europe-I do not sit around blaming anyone for that. Would I like to go sure-is it worth going in debt for-no-so-I lose out on a trip to Europe-amazing the world is unfair!!!

Money for profit driven corporations still rules. Remove your funds from the evil corporations and see if everyone else lines up-if not, prices will decrease-if yes, costs will continue to rise.

Whining about it, doesn't change a thing!

No worries, Funfy... I'm pretty sure the "bank of mum and dad" comment was directed at me, as my "Location" indicates that I'm a college student.

 

[tikiman]

I agree that service and quality has declined as prices go up. Yes it is normal for prices to go up but with the economy the way it is not every place is increasing prices. We just go back from Hawaii and places are cutting prices like crazy to get people over there. Some places are at a lower price than they were in 2007.
As you can see Disney has no reason to reduce prices because (as seen from many of the posts on here) people will pay no matter how high they go and how bad the quality of the product is just as long as they can say they are going to Disney.

We skipped Disney for the first time in 15 years and might skip it again.

Just wait until WDW does what Disneyland does. They have a listed “rack rate” for a room and that price goes up as availability reduces. We booked a room at Disneyland and it was $200 a night more than what was listed as the “rack rate” because there were only a few rooms left.

 

[fosse76]

Seriosuly? Disney has an obligation to its shareholders! The market apparently will take these increases so they will continue to happen. Just because part of the population cannot afford to pay their bills and such doesn't mean Disney should not worry about its profits. Remember the shareholders, investors, employees, etc. all rely on Disney making profits. Profits are not evil they are good. If a person cannot pay thier bills the LAST thing they should be worried about is a vacation, much less a Disney vacation. --rant over--

That's absurd. It's obligations to its Shareholders are the same as it is to their customers. When they increase prices, inevitably it will cause people to change/cancel their vacations. It decreases spending by consumers on their products. It creates a decrease in attendance, which will cause a decrease in price of shares. It will cause massive discounting, which also will de-value the stock. So raising prices for short-term gains is not good for stockholders. If you think it is, just look at the recession we where/are in.

 

[wizards8507]

When they increase prices, inevitably it will cause people to change/cancel their vacations.

That makes sense in economic theory, but we're not seeing it play out. The parks are still jam packed and revenue is increasing.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

So as I said beyond personal opinion neither of you offer anything of substance apart from some snide comments about what people may be able to afford, despite their being no "whining" comments beyond those citing depreciating value of offerings. Despite your denials its clear that you are criticising others based on your assumptions of their finances and your own bitter prejudices.

I could have sworn the thread title was about nickel and dimming, which from my understanding of the bastardised language equates to a decline in standards.No wonder you have to work hard if you are idiotic enough to pay unquestioningly $45 for a $15 steak. But as has been said its all about lifestyle choice.

And to be fair whining on a fan site of the product you are whining about is exactly where I would expect folk to do their whining. :shrug:

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

No worries, Funfy... I'm pretty sure the "bank of mum and dad" comment was directed at me, as my "Location" indicates that I'm a college student.

It was aimed at all posters who tend to post the same inane drivel at this time of year on this topic. But your location, now noted, indicates little, as Im a 6 ft blonde from Sweden on line.

 

[wizards8507]

Despite your denials its clear that you are criticising others based on your assumptions of their finances and your own bitter prejudices.

I'm a college student who hasn't gotten a dime from my parents since I started working at age 16. My father, who failed to graduate high school on time, has worked in a factory his whole life. He works 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM three to four nights a week. My mom is an administrative assitant who went to night school to get a degree in business. Our first trip to Disney World was only possible because we won the trip for free in a radio contest. The next two were saved for over the course of four years each. I've been managing a restaurant for three years, saving every penny except rent and groceries, to pay for my past three vacations with my fiancee.

So maybe YOU shouldn't be making assumptions about MY finances.

 

[Funfy]

So as I said beyond personal opinion neither of you offer anything of substance apart from some snide comments about what people may be able to afford, despite their being no "whining" comments beyond those citing depreciating value of offerings. Despite your denials its clear that you are criticising others based on your assumptions of their finances and your own bitter prejudices.

I could have sworn the thread title was about nickel and dimming, which from my understanding of the bastardised language equates to a decline in standards.No wonder you have to work hard if you are idiotic enough to pay unquestioningly $45 for a $15 steak. But as has been said its all about lifestyle choice.

And to be fair whining on a fan site of the product you are whining about is exactly where I would expect folk to do their whining. :shrug:

I don't pay unquestioningly for anything. These are all choices I make. I was recently there in my snobby DVC villa, on the dining plan and lo and behold there was no decline in services or quality of product. I actually walked to busses without complaining, walked in between Jambo house and the Kidani villas-gasp maybe a half a mile-and thoroughly enjoyed my stay. Some people like to complain because it makes them feel better about their own superiority. Help us all if we have positive experiences places.

Disney is a for-profit corporation period. Their marketers know almost to the penny what to charge for items that the market will purchase. And you better believe they know when that changes too!

And technically this board was probably originally to celebrate Disney and give out good tips for people willing to pay the outrageous prices to go...sometimes it seems to be a lot more negative than positive-which is sad for discussing the happiest place on earth!

Oh well, to each his own. :kiss:

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

I'm a college student who hasn't gotten a dime from my parents since I started working at age 16. My father, who failed to graduate high school on time, has worked in a factory his whole life. He works 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM three to four nights a week. My mom is an administrative assitant who went to night school to get a degree in business. Our first trip to Disney World was only possible because we won the trip for free in a radio contest. The next two were saved for over the course of four years each. I've been managing a restaurant for three years, saving every penny except rent and groceries, to pay for my past three vacations with my fiancee.

So maybe YOU shouldn't be making assumptions about MY finances.

At no time have I indicated that I expect anyone to justify their actions to me.

But your perhaps you can now appreciate how some people may take your comments.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

...sometimes it seems to be a lot more negative than positive-which is sad for discussing the happiest place on earth!

Oh well, to each his own. :kiss:

Which surely is indicative of unrest in the core audience (even allowing for school holiday seasonal slanting) to what the Florida branch of the company is offering. Ignore your customers at your peril. Once lost theres no guarantee theyll come back.

And while we go round in circles I dont imagine any business truly knows what the market can take in the present environment as various austerity measures kick in across the globe. I know for me Id rather have a wider client base paying slightly reduced margins than over reliance on big hitters whose departure would have a far more disproportionate and immediate impact.

But enough of stating the obvious.

 

[ejeremy98]

But that's exactly the risk with these price increases - people will feel more entitled to complain about things (rides temporarily down, steak not cooked perfectly, etc.) when they feel like they're being shaken down. Then the "magic" disappears, as grumpy guests affect the attitudes of cast members, leading guests to become even more grumpy, etc.

Then they don't have to go! When prices start affecting attendance, Disney will have to react. Until then they can charge what they want, Disney isn't a charity and can and should charge what people are willing to pay. If the quality and service aren't commensurate to the pricing people can spend their money elsewhere.

 

[wizards8507]

And while we go round in circles I dont imagine any business truly knows what the market can take in the present environment as various austerity measures kick in across the globe. I know for me Id rather have a wider client base paying slightly reduced margins than over reliance on big hitters whose departure would have a far more disproportionate and immediate impact.

Now this is interesting. You've gotten away from saying the high prices are "bad" and now you're saying it's "bad business." While I disagree with both, I think the second is a much more valid criticism. Aknowledging that they have the right to charge what they wish but that it might be bad for business is much different than the "how dare they" mentality that they shouldn't be charging those rates because they're single handedly destroying the American family.

I'm not sure where I fall on THIS particular issue but there's an interesting contrast with the policy in California. WDW adjusts to the market by charging higher prices and then offering discounts if the demand is insufficient. DLR, on the other hand, UNDERprices the market but then INCREASES the price as availability becomes scares. I think the result of these different strategies might be the same, but it's interesting.

High Demand
DLR - Customers pay a premium in addition to rack rates.
WDW - Customers pay a high rack rate in the first place.

Low Demand
DRL - Customers pay the low rack rate.
WDW - Rack rate is discounted with free nights, dining, etc.

 

[amykissangel]

This whole thread truly makes me sad. I work in a domestic violence shelter and see hundreds of amazing families who I feel deserve a bit of Disney Magic. I know it isn't their right. I know it's nothing one should expect. I realize most people work hard at saving as much as possible to take their dream vacation to Disney.

What makes me sad IS in fact the way Disney continues to raise their prices to make it impossible for certain families to go. If you're the type of individual who wants to say, "Well then they don't deserve to go, because they don't have the money," I understand your argument. But I don't necessarily agree. I think Disney is continuing to make it easily affordable for the rich and privileged to visit their parks. I think Disney is continuing to make it possible for the middle class to visit their parks. I think Disney is making it now impossible for anyone from less than those "classes" to visit, or to even "save up" for the trip. Hasn't Disney always been about magic? Dreams truly do come true? Turning the impossible to the possible? Perhaps practicing what they preach to adults and children across the country might do them some good.

Many may argue and say, "If they don't have a lot of money in the first place, it surely shouldn't go toward a vacation." Why? Why should the less fortunate have to sacrifice the same enjoyment when some work just as hard simply because Disney continues to be greedy?

Please understand, I do "get it." Don't have gas money - take the bus. Don't have extra cash - don't get ice cream. Don't make much - don't take a Disney vacation.

It just makes me sad that those who try to save as much as they possibly can from difficult walks of life and unfortunate situations will never be able to afford to show their children even a little bit of the magic all of us on these boards so covet and love.