Disney Survey on implementing a $15 resort fee

[alissafalco]

Since you and @thehowiet asked, actually, I have weighed in on this topic in a round-about way. From a couple of weeks ago: http://www.disneytouristblog.com/fight-back-hotel-resort-fees/

The day after I posted that article, Senator McCaskill introduced a new round of legislation concerning resort fees that made the news. As these spread beyond Hawaii, Vegas, Anaheim, and Orlando, I think more people will take notice and the fees will become more controversial. As worthless as they are, eventually the FTC will do something.

With respect to the Disney survey, specifically, I see it being one of two things: 1) Disney created the survey question before this topic gained traction with legislators, or, 2) Disney created it in direct response to that legislation, to gauge just how much consumers dislike fees--as a way to market themselves as being "fee-free." (A la Southwest's "Bags Fly Free" marketing.)

Even as WDW's nickel and diming of guests increases, I think this one is highly unlikely to be implemented. It's too controversial, and starting to come under regulatory scrutiny. I doubt Disney wants to be the "face" of that scrutiny once this house of cards comes tumbling down.

I hope you're right.

 

[Nmoody1]

There is no need to justify why it's ok for Disney to add a resort fee. They don't have to ask our permission and it isn't illegal or immoral. The question really is... Why do people keep paying it if they don't think it is reasonable. To my knowledge no one HAS to go there at all.

Is it not immoral?

You are right, nobody HAS to go there (unless you believe the marketing department who claim it's a rite of passage for any family).

I wonder, with all the current increases if hotel occupancy will drop next year... They certainly have made it a little more expensive and priced a few families out.

Now, Disney would argue that this is because they are trying to 'spread the crowds'... why did they build so many hotel rooms to begin with then?!

 

[Goofyernmost]

Is it not immoral?

You are right, nobody HAS to go there (unless you believe the marketing department who claim it's a rite of passage for any family).

I wonder, with all the current increases if hotel occupancy will drop next year... They certainly have made it a little more expensive and priced a few families out.

Now, Disney would argue that this is because they are trying to 'spread the crowds'... why did they build so many hotel rooms to begin with then?!

Only in the First world could it possibly be considered immoral. This obsession with Disney has become a cult to some people. A religion of sorts that is to be obtained at all costs. True many cannot afford it, but, that thought is being spread around like it is something new. That has been happening since DL opened in 1955. We all fail to acknowledge the difference in what constituted "low wages" over the last 60 years. It has always been a luxury. Always priced over the common mans means, but, also always something to work to get, save for, and a safe environment to bring their families. They're not a charity, they are a distraction from everyday life. A good one, but, never has it been saintly. Even to Walt is was a way to make enough money to finance his many dreams.

However, it never has been a necessity of life. What does it matter if marketing has made it a "right of passage". We are supposed to be able to decide what is necessary and what isn't. Some people today will never be able to afford to go there, but, they will still live the same length of time regardless. Besides was it really marketing that made it a "right of passage" or was it the fan base, like us, that played it up so much that it became one. Advertising does that to people, that is why advertising is a multi-billion dollar industry. It's called promotion. It's a series of exaggerations designed to make people want your product and it doesn't matter if it is for WDW or a box of dry cereal.

This idea the Disney is some form of celestial entity that owes it to the public to be holier then all other entities is just as much a fantasy as the concept of riding a hang glider while sitting in a solid seat indoors is a true re-creation. We, the fans, have in our over charged attempt to deify a damn theme park have made it that way. If they raise prices, like all other enterprises have been doing for years, then they are greedy or even worse, totally immoral. Just a lot of hooey.

It is not owed to any of us. If people are foolish enough to continue to pay almost unbelievable prices then it is the foolishness of the people or the fact that they think it is worth it. To them it is... if on the other hand all the vocally, righteously indignant people continue to be almost militant, but, still go anyway and financially support the idea that they were right to increase prices that much... well that is on themselves.

It really is this simple... If you like it enough to pay what they are asking, then go, but, quit b itching. If you really think that what they have decided to do is wrong, you're mad as hell and aren't going to take it anymore, well, it's a big world out there and there are plenty of other places to have a good time and spend less.

 

[GoofGoof]

Since you and @thehowiet asked, actually, I have weighed in on this topic in a round-about way. From a couple of weeks ago: http://www.disneytouristblog.com/fight-back-hotel-resort-fees/

The day after I posted that article, Senator McCaskill introduced a new round of legislation concerning resort fees that made the news. As these spread beyond Hawaii, Vegas, Anaheim, and Orlando, I think more people will take notice and the fees will become more controversial. As worthless as they are, eventually the FTC will do something.

With respect to the Disney survey, specifically, I see it being one of two things: 1) Disney created the survey question before this topic gained traction with legislators, or, 2) Disney created it in direct response to that legislation, to gauge just how much consumers dislike fees--as a way to market themselves as being "fee-free." (A la Southwest's "Bags Fly Free" marketing.)

Even as WDW's nickel and diming of guests increases, I think this one is highly unlikely to be implemented. It's too controversial, and starting to come under regulatory scrutiny. I doubt Disney wants to be the "face" of that scrutiny once this house of cards comes tumbling down.

Great info. I like your idea to deduct a star from trip advisor reviews to fight back against hotels that charge a resort fee. I am definitely going to do that going forward. Hit em where it hurts

It's also good to hear that someone in Congress is actually taking this on. Hopefully the bill passes and this all a moot point. I may have to take back my negative comment about this Congress.

 

[BoarderPhreak]

Something I think missing from the Bora Bora vs. Poly debate, simply... Is that I'd rather be in Bora Bora any day of the week - and being over the water there certainly beats being over Bay Lake!

I love WDW and all, but let's get real.

 

[DisneyFans4Life]

I really don't think for the majority of people $15 would be a game changer either. But tack it on to all the other garbage that has gone on over the years and that is why people have the issue. It's really about when is enough, enough, and for a lot of people $15 just might do it.

It would take a lot for me to say enough is enough. I'm only an hour away and the majority of my visits are just day trips. If (and it's rare) that I stay overnight, I typically stay off property and spend $40-$50 for a hotel room just to shower and sleep.

I expect AP prices to go up every year and I expect change to happen, but the changes that have been posted on this board are no where close to phasing me.

 

[raven]

Once again, thanks for the numbers and statistics. You alway come through with data we can wrap our brains around. And I wholeheartedly agree. $15 resort fee is just the beginning and I find it very plausible that the Resort Fee could tier upwards higher seasonally.

Because we all know how this works. start at deluxe where it will hardly be noticed, then roll it on down to everyone else.


I really don't think for the majority of people $15 would be a game changer either. But tack it on to all the other garbage that has gone on over the years and that is why people have the issue. It's really about when is enough, enough, and for a lot of people $15 just might do it.

They have run projections on all these FREE ways to increase revenue and see $$$$. But these cheap fees really make me angry. I think the per day part is what gets me the most. If you charge me $15 bucks a day give me a free breakfast buffet.

Just more Disney Double Talk.

I think they need to change all Disney media to "2016: Year of the Upcharge."

Only in the First world could it possibly be considered immoral. They're not a charity, they are a distraction from everyday life. A good one, but, never has it been saintly. Even to Walt is was a way to make enough money to finance his many dreams.

It is not owed to any of us. If people are foolish enough to continue to pay almost unbelievable prices then it is the foolishness of the people or the fact that they think it is worth it.

It really is this simple... If you like it enough to pay what they are asking, then go, but, quit b itching. If you really think that what they have decided to do is wrong, you're mad as hell and aren't going to take it anymore, well, it's a big world out there and there are plenty of other places to have a good time and spend less.

Walt borrowed from people then paid them back. Do you think the current Disney that's "borrowing" money from their American theme parks by cutting hours of their employees and even cutting jobs to send money overseas is "paying back" those employees later? No.

It goes far beyond being able to afford it. We all know that they have set their sights on families with higher incomes now. So guests are still going to come and continue to pay because these are guests who can actually afford it.

The other issue that I have is how it effects tourism since I, and thousands of others, are in the tourism industry. Disney is the leader in that industry in Florida. Whatever they do, others do. If their guests complain, our guests complain. If they lay off people to downgrade and save money, our companies downgrade to save money. It's an endless cycle that we have no control over and Disney holds all the cards.

 

[Gabe1]

I think they need to change all Disney media to "2016: Year of the Upcharge."

Ha! Good One. I'm going to have to 'borrow' that line if you don't mind.

 

[RonnieHare]

Why on earth would they put this survey out anyways ?

QUESTION - Do you want to pay more for your Disney Hotel, for the same exact facilities. YES or NO.

It wouldn't surprise me though that people would say YES. They're the same one's who think Robert Iger is a good CEO, and Stitch's Great escape is a world leading attraction.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I think they need to change all Disney media to "2016: Year of the Upcharge."


Walt borrowed from people then paid them back. Do you think the current Disney that's "borrowing" money from their American theme parks by cutting hours of their employees and even cutting jobs to send money overseas is "paying back" those employees later? No.

It goes far beyond being able to afford it. We all know that they have set their sights on families with higher incomes now. So guests are still going to come and continue to pay because these are guests who can actually afford it.

The other issue that I have is how it effects tourism since I, and thousands of others, are in the tourism industry. Disney is the leader in that industry in Florida. Whatever they do, others do. If their guests complain, our guests complain. If they lay off people to downgrade and save money, our companies downgrade to save money. It's an endless cycle that we have no control over and Disney holds all the cards.

A couple of questions... Borrowed money from theme parks? It's their money they just compartmentalize it to make it easier to keep track of and charge debt off to the one that has the most resources to do that. They didn't borrow anything from the employees.

What does that paragraph, starting with borrowed money have to do with paying back the employee's. They change employee's around there more often then some people change their underwear. No one individual is responsible for the success of the place, no one is owed a job. I feel sorry for the CM's that are getting laid off, but, the cream usually rises so it may be more of a cleaning house then anything else. The cuts may, indeed, be because of the China problem or the Paris problem or it may just be coincidental and Disney would have seasonal layoffs with or without those two expenses. Every employee is expendable, they are getting paid to do a job with many specific facets to it. If the can do that job successfully they get to keep that job unless economic downturns, unexpected costs elevate and then there is no guarantee. Ever! Blaming Disney if your company does the same thing is beyond my comprehension. It's your company that does it, Disney didn't make them do it. Nor should Disney be expected to hold-up the economy of a entire state. Most companies that copy that probably wanted to do it anyway, and by having Disney do it first gave them a "skirt" to hide behind... The Big Evil Corporation!

Back to borrowing money for a second. Selling stock in a company is borrowing money where the lender expects his/her money back, with interest and growth. But selling it to the public exercises a tad more control be given away in order to keep that cash working for them. No different really then borrowing from a bank, but, way more people to keep happy.

 

[Figments Friend]

I guess i get caught at a flight from Boston is 300 to MCO and more like 500 to LAX. For our family that tacks 800 extra before we even get there. Also time is money and the flight time means for the same number of hours on vacation, you have to take more vacation days.

We plan to do a 2 week SD to SF trip some day, and dl will be on that trip if they are still in business.

Flights from BOS to MCO have skyrocketed in price over the last few years....but then again, rates in general are much different then a few years ago.
You really have to shop around online and be aware of peak and non-peak booking times.

I typically pay anywhere from $250 to $350 to fly roundtrip from BOS to LAX or SNA (preferably SNA ).
Most of the time when i am looking at airfares, it is the same or more to MCO which seems crazy considering the distances involved.
Airlines i tend to have luck with in finding good rates are American, United, and sometimes Delta.
Southwest also now flies out of Logan Intnl. but i have never seen any real bargains or itineraries that can work for me.


The 4 hour time difference between the coasts works to my advantage when heading out, but works against you coming back most of the time.
I find the long flights to be part of the overall vacation experience, so it does not bother me.
Getting on that plane is the start of that *escape* to destinations elsewhere.
I also typically do a stopover to break up the long haul.
It is just a great feeling showing up at SNA in the early evening, having most of the airport to yourself uncrowded, and know you are a short ride away from the fun.


I do hope you get out to San Diego and San Francisco someday.
You will absolutely love it out there!
Be sure to visit the Walt Disney Family Museum while in San Fran.
Absolute must visit if you are a fan of the mans work, or just a Parks fan in general.


-

 

[Figments Friend]

I live only 2 miles from WDW property but am flying to Las Vegas and LA for a week in April visiting DL, DCA and Universal for LESS than it would be to stay home and visit the parks down the road for a week (tickets, food, extras). Tis' crazy, but tis' true!

Yes!

See kids, it really is true !

I am not the only one who has noticed this.


Hey Raven, maybe i will see you at the Parks come April!
I*m in town that last week.


-

 

[JohnWD]

Not what I experienced. I hit connect at any resort or any park accept terms and I am online. I don't need a special ID. I did several years ago but haven't done that in a long time since Disney made it complimentary to all guests. When I stayed at the Hilton I was able to connect wherever I was on property. Try it.

Thank you for replying! "special ID" - I just meant the name of the wifi network. I'm not at Disney, and I can't remember the names of the networks. One is like "Disney_GUEST" and the other is "Disney_...." (I can't remember!). You are right that no login is required for either. My only point (which is trivial) is that the networks are paid out of different buckets - the hotel network is paid for out of the hotel's operating expenses, the parks and common area are out of the parks'.

 

[asianway]

Since you and @thehowiet asked, actually, I have weighed in on this topic in a round-about way. From a couple of weeks ago: http://www.disneytouristblog.com/fight-back-hotel-resort-fees/

The day after I posted that article, Senator McCaskill introduced a new round of legislation concerning resort fees that made the news. As these spread beyond Hawaii, Vegas, Anaheim, and Orlando, I think more people will take notice and the fees will become more controversial. As worthless as they are, eventually the FTC will do something.

With respect to the Disney survey, specifically, I see it being one of two things: 1) Disney created the survey question before this topic gained traction with legislators, or, 2) Disney created it in direct response to that legislation, to gauge just how much consumers dislike fees--as a way to market themselves as being "fee-free." (A la Southwest's "Bags Fly Free" marketing.)

Even as WDW's nickel and diming of guests increases, I think this one is highly unlikely to be implemented. It's too controversial, and starting to come under regulatory scrutiny. I doubt Disney wants to be the "face" of that scrutiny once this house of cards comes tumbling down.

A while back didn't you compare cost of WDW to a Tokyo trip? I'm wondering how much better that math looks today, even with Tokyos pending ticket increase.

 

[JohnWD]

... If people are foolish enough to continue to pay almost unbelievable prices ...

Your logical response had me until you succumbed to waffling when describing prices. From a logic perspective, why are they "almost unbelievable " - this is subjective? I would respect your post as a logical response if the phrase was just "continue to pay the prices".

 

[raven]

How would we know the political support, based on a statement that is how businesses have and will continue to operate(unless it be stated before)? the old sang is and still is true the only two guarantees in life are death and taxes. It wrong what they are doing to the CM but as a Public traded company unfortunately their loyalties are with the shareholders not the consumer. It is terrible and I think it will come back to bite them but that seems to be the way they are heading. Increase cost decrease quality. Really all we an hope for is they correct course, prices will NEVER decrease but quality can increase.

That being said my last two trips I was not disappointed in them and thought it was money well spent.

When someone turns my topic about employees loosing their jobs due to a company taking away that money and giving it to a country that's already over spending into corporate stock jargon about shareholders, loyalties and trading, it's political. Much like your reply.

 

[olie64]

When someone turns my topic about employees loosing their jobs due to a company taking away that money and giving it to a country that's already over spending into corporate stock jargon about shareholders, loyalties and trading, it's political. Much like your reply.

Okay I guess. I was just stating the unfortunate facts about US Public trading companies. I never stated weather I agreed or disagreed with said facts, just saying what they are.

 

[raven]

Okay I guess. I was just stating the unfortunate facts about US Public trading companies. I never stated weather I agreed or disagreed with said facts, just saying what they are.

And that's my point to an extent. We've simply accepted and succumb to what Disney has become due to it no longer being that company we grew up loving but now just another money-grabbing corporate giant.

 

[GrammieBee]

Since our first visit in 1974 we always joked that Disney knew how to get blood out of a stone (nickle and dime you to death), so this is nothing new. Our problem is that after receiving no increase in our retirements for the past 16 years, this stone is just about out of blood.
Because we liked to also visit othe places on our vacations,we rarely visited WDW more than every three to five years. At our age we will probably no longer be around to see either Star Wars or Toy Story Land, but we had hoped for one last visit when Pandora opened. With continued increases in everything and possible new fees on top of that, it may not happen.
I'm sure Disney cares. (Sarcasm.)

 

[BrianV]

Flights from BOS to MCO have skyrocketed in price over the last few years....but then again, rates in general are much different then a few years ago.
You really have to shop around online and be aware of peak and non-peak booking times.

I typically pay anywhere from $250 to $350 to fly roundtrip from BOS to LAX or SNA (preferably SNA ).
Most of the time when i am looking at airfares, it is the same or more to MCO which seems crazy considering the distances involved.
Airlines i tend to have luck with in finding good rates are American, United, and sometimes Delta.
Southwest also now flies out of Logan Intnl. but i have never seen any real bargains or itineraries that can work for me.


The 4 hour time difference between the coasts works to my advantage when heading out, but works against you coming back most of the time.
I find the long flights to be part of the overall vacation experience, so it does not bother me.
Getting on that plane is the start of that *escape* to destinations elsewhere.
I also typically do a stopover to break up the long haul.
It is just a great feeling showing up at SNA in the early evening, having most of the airport to yourself uncrowded, and know you are a short ride away from the fun.


I do hope you get out to San Diego and San Francisco someday.
You will absolutely love it out there!
Be sure to visit the Walt Disney Family Museum while in San Fran.
Absolute must visit if you are a fan of the mans work, or just a Parks fan in general.


-

That's awesome. We typically go to Florida off season (late summer) and tickets generally run us 280-320, if I'm being honest. I only go non stop and almost only go. Jet blue. When I researched going to California it was quite a bit more but maybe that is not quite the same off season time.

Didn't know about the Walt Disney museum. Cool. It's on my list of places to go now!!