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?

 

[Monty]

No.

I budget a lot more for a Disney trip than it normally costs me anyway. The cost increases are not over-the-top, they're manageable.

 

[Lucky]

The increases aren't large enough to stop me from going. But I sympathize with people who feel like WDW is nickel-and-diming them more, with the seasonal surcharges, reductions in value of the dining plan, etc.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

As long as you know how to budget your vacation they way you wanted your fine.

 

[LudwigVonDrake]

Nope. I know going in how much I'm paying and it's not stopping me from going.

In fact a few hours ago I officially booked my 2011 trip :wave::sohappy::wave:

 

[tink65]

I had to reschedule our annual September vacation for next year since we aren't going to be able to go this year. I rescheduled for the same time almost to the exact date and our cost increase for the same package was $65. While I hate to pay anything more, I don't think the increases have been excessive........ Unfortunately the cost of everything is increasing:brick: Even the cost of having fun!!! Let's just all keep our fingers crossed for some really awesome discounts/incentives for 2011!

 

[wizards8507]

First, this isn't the first year that seasonal rates have been attached to the dining plan.

Second, consider that a modest annual raise in most workplaces is 3% per annum. Thus, a $4000 Disney vacation could justifiably go up by $120 every year and it would cost the same amount in constant dollars.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Im more concerned by the diminishing quality of the services Disney provides rather than the basic cost.

 

[Lucky]

First, this isn't the first year that seasonal rates have been attached to the dining plan.

Second, consider that a modest annual raise in most workplaces is 3% per annum. Thus, a $4000 Disney vacation could justifiably go up by $120 every year and it would cost the same amount in constant dollars.

But the WDW price increases have exceeded the inflation rate by quite a bit the last several years. I think this reflects a deliberate strategy to charge something closer to what the market will bear.

 

[wizards8507]

But the WDW price increases have exceeded the inflation rate by quite a bit the last several years. I think this reflects a deliberate strategy to charge something closer to what the market will bear.

And, as the market, the people here have no room to complain if they continue to shell out their dollars.

 

[amykissangel]

I simply find it irritating when I make next to nothing working at a Domestic Violence shelter and get no raises, yet Disney raises their rates each year. Makes me sad But I'm still going!

 

[Lucky]

And, as the market, the people here have no room to complain if they continue to shell out their dollars.

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.

 

[Dumbo2675]

I hope Disney doesn't go overboard on prices. The entire USA is in one form of another finiacial trouble(Bills not getting paid,people can't make mortage payments,etc.) Disney needs to think on this one and keep people comming to the Magiacal place on Earth.

 

[wizards8507]

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.

Your point is well taken, but the parks are still bursting at the seams.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Your point is well taken, but the parks are still bursting at the seams.

Of course they are..

 

[allgar]

Big Fan

There's no doubt I am a big fan of the Mouse, and would miss Disney terribly if I didn't make my annual pilgrimmage.

That said the current Disney practice of aggressive pricing and reduced service is very bothersome to me. It takes away some of the magic. I feel less like a valued friend coming back and sometimes more like a wallet.

I understand all prices need to go up, it's a fact of inflation. I also understand that Disney, like any business, has a right to make a profit.

What I don't like, and what I cannot understand is why Disney doesn't understand how its pricing and service reduction makes people feel. This is a company that is based on sentiment, it's based on creating a relationship, and it's based on generating a magical experience that takes us beyond the simplicity of our own lives. Right now I feel like every time I turn around there is a service being downgraded and prices that are going up. It makes me feel terrible, it's like Disney knows they can take advantage of us and therefore they do.

I work hard to rationalize against this line of thinking and am always fine by the time I take in my vacation, but every year it becomes more difficult for me to overlook. I feel like an addict with a pusher who has hooked me but now is changing the agreement. I can't be the only one who is tired of swallowing this pill. There must be other "regulars" who are feeling the same way.

Yes I can just stop going but I don't want to, and I'm certain that Disney doesn't want me to either. So what's the solution? Simple, stop nickel and diming us, and start giving something back. Or, in the end I will stop going because I just won't feel the magic, I'll feel like I'm being abused.

@Disney - Your resort park profits are sound, don't be greedy. Remember it's your relationships with your fans that drive everything. That's your Magic! The ability to create a relationship where your clients feel special and you offer them magical escape. Don't lose it for a few dollars more.

 

[Disneykidder]

No matter where you go, rates go up each year. We go to Disney btu other places as well and every place/hotel increases each year to make ther money and cover ntheir own maintanence costs. It is a part of life. But then again, I get a raise in my salary every year, too.

 

[amykissangel]

There's no doubt I am a big fan of the Mouse, and would miss Disney terribly if I didn't make my annual pilgrimmage.

That said the current Disney practice of aggressive pricing and reduced service is very bothersome to me. It takes away some of the magic. I feel less like a valued friend coming back and sometimes more like a wallet.

I understand all prices need to go up, it's a fact of inflation. I also understand that Disney, like any business, has a right to make a profit.

What I don't like, and what I cannot understand is why Disney doesn't understand how its pricing and service reduction makes people feel. This is a company that is based on sentiment, it's based on creating a relationship, and it's based on generating a magical experience that takes us beyond the simplicity of our own lives. Right now I feel like every time I turn around there is a service being downgraded and prices that are going up. It makes me feel terrible, it's like Disney knows they can take advantage of us and therefore they do.

I work hard to rationalize against this line of thinking and am always fine by the time I take in my vacation, but every year it becomes more difficult for me to overlook. I feel like an addict with a pusher who has hooked me but now is changing the agreement. I can't be the only one who is tired of swallowing this pill. There must be other "regulars" who are feeling the same way.

Yes I can just stop going but I don't want to, and I'm certain that Disney doesn't want me to either. So what's the solution? Simple, stop nickel and diming us, and start giving something back. Or, in the end I will stop going because I just won't feel the magic, I'll feel like I'm being abused.

@Disney - Your resort park profits are sound, don't be greedy. Remember it's your relationships with your fans that drive everything. That's your Magic! The ability to create a relationship where your clients feel special and you offer them magical escape. Don't lose it for a few dollars more.

ABSOLUTELY AWESOME POST. I truly could not have written it any better - if Disney weren't such a sentimental, emotional experience for many of us, I don't think it would matter. Six Flags, for example, has no emotional hold on me. If they decided to raise their prices to the extreme, I would simply stop going. But Disney has, as you said, that "hold" on us that brings us back over and over, but they continue to change the rules so it becomes a little less magical each time you shell out extra money: room views, table services, buffet prices, etc. I'm still shocked they're not making us pay for Fast Pass.

 

[Tomi-Rocket]

hmmm....

You know, I really had to think about this question before I answered it. It's hard to answer knowing the state of the economy but I also know that while the rates/prices go up Disney still offers great deals throughout the year, i.e. free dining, room discounts.

It's unfortunate that business is business and that's all around us no matter where we go. Yes, I'll pay the increases because our vacation is the only time I am truly able to do nothing and just vacation like everyone else. I realized that's one reason I love Disney so much. I don't have to help clean, cook, do any laundry or anything. I can just go, relax and have fun. That, to me, is priceless. That being said, could I afford to pay an enormous amount of money? No. But we start saving and planning well in advance to afford our "luxury" vacation. It would be nice in the state things are in to get a "break" from increases but I also know that's pretty improbable. As I said before, business is business and as much as I have emotional feelings about WDW, bottom line, it's a business.

I also think it's much easier to be nickel and dimed once you're in the parks at the many, many shops! LOL,

 

[mrbghd]

I hope Disney doesn't go overboard on prices. The entire USA is in one form of another finiacial trouble(Bills not getting paid,people can't make mortage payments,etc.) Disney needs to think on this one and keep people comming to the Magiacal place on Earth.

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--