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?

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

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.

Woh woh I think you are confusing my criticisms with someone else. I have never disputed Disneys right to act as a business, I have recently questioned their current actions at Disney World with how they have positioned themselves as a quality family brand and how that position, to me has been eroded by cost cutting while increasing prices. That given the fragile economy is, again in my opinion, risking alienting guests it may never win back.

I have gone annually for the last 12 years, its become an annual pilgrimage but last trip while I had a good time I felt I was being sold short. As a result after this years wedding Ill be going elsewhere. Despite being a DVC member I dont feel the need to return that has driven me to make the small sacrifices required to take my crew to WDW. There is so much more of North America I want to see and that will drive my holiday pattern (work permitting) rather than revisiting a relatively stagnant Disney World.

However look out Disneyland.

 

[Tomi-Rocket]

my two cents.....

I agree that there are too many people out there who can't say "no" to their children or people who use credit to fund their trips. That's their mistake. We pay off our entire trip before we go. Then all that's needed is to save for tip/souveneir money. Not one cent is charged. We also go every other year. Would I love to go every year? Absolutely, but we just couldn't afford it. We kind-of "live it up" while we're on vacation. How fun would that be knowing there will be a huge bill coming in the mail after we get back. If there comes a time we have to cut back, so be it, as long as we still go. Do I get wanting to go to Disney? Omg, yes. But not to the financial detriment of our family, that's for sure. Do I understand going into debt for it? Not a bit.

 

[wizards8507]

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.

Please don't say it like that. I've never said anybody doesn't "deserve" anything. My father is the hardest working man I've ever met, and he's never thought of himself. Does he "deserve" a vacation more than an executive who cheated on his wife, his business, and his taxes? Sure he does. But, unfortunatly, it's not about what we "deserve" always. Somethimes it just "is what it is."

It's not quite this extreme, but as Gandalf said:

"Many that live deserve death. And some that die that deserve life. Can you give it to them?"

 

[DVCOwner]

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.

Here is what Disney can do to make you happy. Everyone buying tickets should have to show they last tax return and Disney will charge based on each persons income because everyone deserves a bit of Disney Magic. If your income is below a given amount you will be given free tickets and the "rich" will pay more to make up the difference.

You got to be kidding: A Disney trip is not a God given right. If you can afforded it you can go, if you can not it is not Disney's problem.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

If a god existed would they have allegiances to a theme park? If so my moneys on Sea World

 

[amykissangel]

Please don't say it like that. I've never said anybody doesn't "deserve" anything. My father is the hardest working man I've ever met, and he's never thought of himself. Does he "deserve" a vacation more than an executive who cheated on his wife, his business, and his taxes? Sure he does. But, unfortunatly, it's not about what we "deserve" always. Somethimes it just "is what it is."

It's not quite this extreme, but as Gandalf said:

"Many that live deserve death. And some that die that deserve life. Can you give it to them?"

Wizards8507 - I wasn't pin-pointing you specifically, I promise. I was just pointing out that while it is unfortunate, sometimes I feel it's unfortunate to the point of unfair. And do I know "the world ain't fair"? Absolutely. I just get discouraged that some wonderful people who could've afforded Disney several years ago will now never get the chance.

I think of my family and the sacrifices my parents made to be able to take us year after year and how magical it was...and how I still cry at all the shows and parades...and I wish it was affordable for low-income families. Even for just a day...

I get that the world doesn't work like that...but it's always a disappointment to me. You're talking to an eternal do-gooder here who is always wishing the world was a better place

 

[amykissangel]

Here is what Disney can do to make you happy. Everyone buying tickets should have to show they last tax return and Disney will charge based on each persons income because everyone deserves a bit of Disney Magic. If your income is below a given amount you will be given free tickets and the "rich" will pay more to make up the difference.

You got to be kidding: A Disney trip is not a God given right. If you can afforded it you can go, if you can not it is not Disney's problem.

Wow. There's no need to be so nasty, sir. Perhaps a little kindness, compassion and courtesy are in order...:veryconfu:shrug::brick:

 

[DisKid]

They will raise prices until they see fewer people comming to WDW

Here's my problem...they are seeing fewer people..

They just announced 3rd quarter results: park attendance and hotel occupancy were down for both domestic parks..

Revenues for the domestic parks decreased $17 million.

The only thing they said was up was guest spending...and that was "primarily due to higher average ticket prices." Go figure.

I don't think we can say we are getting nickle-and-dimed until they charge us separately for using DME or Disney Transport, but it's getting ridiculous.

 

[harveyt0206]

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.

I like the sentiment behind your post. That's all.

 

[New2WDW]

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?

I know my family and I will be pushed out of our trips soon as we have been scraping together whatever we can each year to come down in the past for the basic room and ticket. But we do love the trip and hope to be able to find the discounts that will get us down again.

 

[harveyt0206]

Here is what Disney can do to make you happy. Everyone buying tickets should have to show they last tax return and Disney will charge based on each persons income because everyone deserves a bit of Disney Magic. If your income is below a given amount you will be given free tickets and the "rich" will pay more to make up the difference.

You got to be kidding: A Disney trip is not a God given right. If you can afforded it you can go, if you can not it is not Disney's problem.

She's not saying that it's a "God given right" to go to Disney. She's simply saying that the magic is enjoyed and embraced by so many that it would be nice not to have to live in the highest economic classes before you can experience that magic. I absolutely understand the point that she is making and I don't think either one of us is under the impression that it's Disney's responsibility to ensure that every person gets a Disney vacation. I think your interpretation of the comment is an extreme one.

 

[New2WDW]

Here's my problem...they are seeing fewer people..

They just announced 3rd quarter results: park attendance and hotel occupancy were down for both domestic parks..

Revenues for the domestic parks decreased $17 million.

The only thing they said was up was guest spending...and that was "primarily due to higher average ticket prices." Go figure.

I don't think we can say we are getting nickle-and-dimed until they charge us separately for using DME or Disney Transport, but it's getting ridiculous.

I agree! SOmething just doesn't figure correctly!

 

[Uncle Lupe]

My observation,

Disney sells you on a fun filled relaxing vacation by encouraging you to stay on campus at a Value resort to save money. No need to rent a car, enjoy Magical Express to get to your resort destination. Now that you are stuck on campus enjoy our fine/regular dinning, what other choice do you have. Your value resort room only has a mini fridge if you pay for it.(not including legitimate medical reasons it's free, so don't lie, cheap is not a disorder it's a lifestyle.) :drevil: So pay up!

When I started to plan our vacation I didn't even think about the price of food. Big mistake Glad I put that in to my budget. How many first timers make the mistake of not checking and paying for the mistake.

I don't mind paying a high price for quality food/entertainment. Something I could not do myself. I can cook a hot dog. Don't charge $8 of a hot dog. $ 2 - $3 OK.

We've been saving for our vacation for over 2 years, and have to keep adjusting our budget. More for family increases. :sohappy:

 

[amykissangel]

I like the sentiment behind your post. That's all.

Thank you :wave:

She's not saying that it's a "God given right" to go to Disney. She's simply saying that the magic is enjoyed and embraced by so many that it would be nice not to have to live in the highest economic classes before you can experience that magic. I absolutely understand the point that she is making and I don't think either one of us is under the impression that it's Disney's responsibility to ensure that every person gets a Disney vacation. I think your interpretation of the comment is an extreme one.

I appreciate your understanding of what I wrote - and for understanding where I was coming from. Thanks twice now!!

 

[DVCOwner]

I meant my pervious posting to be a bit of sarcasm. Before I became a DVC member I stayed at Shades of Green, the US military resort on Walt Disney World. There they do charge a higher price depending on what they think you can pay. I am a retire USAF Lt Col so I paid much more than a Sgt staying in the same room. I have no problem with this and am happy that a young NCO has a chance to visit WDW with his family. Also Disney does have Military discounts on tickets. When I had was supporting my children in college we had to save ever penny we could in order to make a trip every 3 or 4 years. I do not think that there are many people that could not save over a long period to experience the Magic at least once in there life’s. I was talking to someone at work the other day and they asked me how I could afford to pay for a trip to WDW every year. I found it interesting that they where on there way to take a morning smoking break at the time. I wanted to tell them that if the gave up smoking for just one year, they could easily afford a one week trip. I was nice and just told them that we save where we can and look for discounts.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Well that puts a few things into place.

 

[allgar]

Discouraged

I don't always get a chance to check these boards and hadn't come back to this one since I left a post a couple days ago. I was surprised with what I found.

It's hard for me to believe that there aren't more people who feel that they truly are being nickle and dimed by Disney. The definition of this is simply trying to get every last penny possible out of their clients.

I don't believe the ticket prices are my biggest concern, however, a 4 % increase is well above the current inflation rate and moreover significantly more than the average Canadian received as a pay increase in 2010.

I do see problems in Disney's pricing around a number of other things including food costs, and reduction in services, fewer showings of Fantasmic is an example. There are so many more if I really wanted to spend the time going through all of the wonderful posts on these threads which continuously demonstrate that Disney is actively cutting costs.

When you cut costs and charge more, simply put it's nickel and diming your customers.

I'm quite wealthy compared to many, I'm not boasting just stating a fact that this isn't about the money for me. It's about how Disney makes me feel less like a valued customer and more like a tool.

What's worse is that there doesn't seem to be many who have a same sense of disappointment on this front. That so many comments support letting Disney continue its downward spiral providing less and charging more, and ultimately negatively impacting its once stellar service and relationship with "you" the customer.

Have a voice people, let them know that you don't appreciate it. Otherwise, self fulfilling prophecy, they will just continue to do what they want.

 

[Lucky]

I don't always get a chance to check these boards and hadn't come back to this one since I left a post a couple days ago. I was surprised with what I found.

It's hard for me to believe that there aren't more people who feel that they truly are being nickle and dimed by Disney. The definition of this is simply trying to get every last penny possible out of their clients.

I don't believe the ticket prices are my biggest concern, however, a 4 % increase is well above the current inflation rate and moreover significantly more than the average Canadian received as a pay increase in 2010.

I do see problems in Disney's pricing around a number of other things including food costs, and reduction in services, fewer showings of Fantasmic is an example. There are so many more if I really wanted to spend the time going through all of the wonderful posts on these threads which continuously demonstrate that Disney is actively cutting costs.

When you cut costs and charge more, simply put it's nickel and diming your customers.

I'm quite wealthy compared to many, I'm not boasting just stating a fact that this isn't about the money for me. It's about how Disney makes me feel less like a valued customer and more like a tool.

What's worse is that there doesn't seem to be many who have a same sense of disappointment on this front. That so many comments support letting Disney continue its downward spiral providing less and charging more, and ultimately negatively impacting its once stellar service and relationship with "you" the customer.

Have a voice people, let them know that you don't appreciate it. Otherwise, self fulfilling prophecy, they will just continue to do what they want.

It seems to me most people agree with you. The opposing view seems to be the same few people repeating themselves over and over.

 

[allgar]

It seems to me most people agree with you. The opposing view seems to be the same few people repeating themselves over and over.

*phew* I thought I was really starting to become a curmudgeonly old man LOL

Well I hope Disney starts listening because they do have a responsibility to their shareholders, and if they keep doing business the way they are, they'll end up like a Universal (a heck of a product but without the soul). Disney was built on its ability to connect with its customers, to make people feel special, to share magic. It's my opinion that over the past 5 years that service has declined at the hands of cost cutting and price increases. The price increases haven't been terrible but above inflationary and ultimately combined with reduced service has made me feel.... I believe the technical term is "icky". *smile*

I don't want to stop going to Disney. I do love what they have to offer but I love it less when they charge me more for less. In the end, not going may be my only option to send my message that I'm unhappy. Like so many have said, if we keep going then they have license to continue treating us this way. I hate the Catch-22 of it all.

 

[harveyt0206]

I meant my pervious posting to be a bit of sarcasm. Before I became a DVC member I stayed at Shades of Green, the US military resort on Walt Disney World. There they do charge a higher price depending on what they think you can pay. I am a retire USAF Lt Col so I paid much more than a Sgt staying in the same room. I have no problem with this and am happy that a young NCO has a chance to visit WDW with his family. Also Disney does have Military discounts on tickets. When I had was supporting my children in college we had to save ever penny we could in order to make a trip every 3 or 4 years. I do not think that there are many people that could not save over a long period to experience the Magic at least once in there life’s. I was talking to someone at work the other day and they asked me how I could afford to pay for a trip to WDW every year. I found it interesting that they where on there way to take a morning smoking break at the time. I wanted to tell them that if the gave up smoking for just one year, they could easily afford a one week trip. I was nice and just told them that we save where we can and look for discounts.

Okay, cool. Now your comment makes more sense to me. From that perspective, I get it.