Goodbye Sassagoula River Cruise rental boats?

[CDavid]

Not sure if this is classified as a cut as it was something that generated revenue.

How, one might reasonably ask, could it not be considered a cut? Just because an experience is priced 'al a carte' in no way means its elimination does not constitute a reduction in amenities/attractions/recreation. There is no attraction, entertainment, or experience of any sort in Walt Disney World which does not indirectly generate revenue (it was more obvious with ticket books) through theme park tickets or resort room rates.

 

[ToTBellHop]

How, one might reasonably ask, could it not be considered a cut? Just because an experience is priced 'al a carte' in no way means its elimination does not constitute a reduction in amenities/attractions/recreation. There is no attraction, entertainment, or experience of any sort in Walt Disney World which does not indirectly generate revenue (it was more obvious with ticket books) through theme park tickets or resort room rates.

I would argue it is certainly a cut. But, I wonder how many guests are actually affected. It doesn't affect me in the slightest (the loss of the ferry to DTD would be a different issue entirely, but if you can't even get a monorail from GF to the MK for much of the day, I guess nothing is impossible).

 

[slappy magoo]

I've spent a few fun afternoons renting a boat on the Sassagoula. Granted, WAY overpriced, but it's vacation. What I suspect is being perceived as "overpriced" is the price of a WDW vacation in general. People now aren't spending as much on extra amenities because they want to "get their money's worth" on the ever-increasing ticket prices.

 

[jt04]

By eliminating the rentals you are adding to the tranquility of the Sassagoula river experience. Which also helps set-up the approach to Disney Springs. Especially at night.

I like the rentals but they work better elsewhere such as Bay Lake.

So do not think of it as a cut.

 

[ToTBellHop]

By eliminating the rentals you are adding to the tranquility of the Sassagoula river experience. Which also helps set-up the approach to Disney Springs. Especially at night.

I like the rentals but they work better elsewhere such as Bay Lake.

So do not think of it as a cut.

You should work in Putin's Spin-Room.

 

[jt04]

You should work in Putin's Spin-Room.

If you like your spin doctor you can keep your spin doctor.

 

[ford91exploder]

You should work in Putin's Spin-Room.

Agreed - Looks like the fanboi's have a new twist a cut in amenities is an improvement in atmosphers, A less is more philosophy.

 

[jt04]

Agreed - Looks like the fanboi's have a new twist a cut in amenities is an improvement in atmosphers, A less is more philosophy.

When appropriate.

And I know I am on the right track when the name-calling starts.

 

[ford91exploder]

When appropriate.

And I know I am on the right track when the name-calling starts.

It's all fun till they cut something YOU like,

Then the shoe's on the other foot and the boat rentals were a very nice way to enjoy the resort just cruising along slowly and photographing the wildlife.

 

[CDavid]

When appropriate.

And I know I am on the right track when the name-calling starts.

There is a difference between what you actually know and what you only think you know that isn't so.

Why the compelling need to spin things so much?

 

[jt04]

There is a difference between what you actually know and what you only think you know that isn't so.

Why the compelling need to spin things so much?

Often I am just taking a contrary opinion to knee-jerk negativity that too often happens around here. But I only do so in cases where I think it is warranted. For instance, I do not agree with those who want the BAH to stay right where it is. Sometimes less really is more.

 

[asianway]

Not sure if this is classified as a cut as it was something that generated revenue.

It's not that it generated revenue, did it generate enough revenues. @ParentsOf4 did an analysis of margins and they've gone from 19% in 1983 to 15% in parks and resorts. That is even more astounding when you consider all of the pure profit from Tokyos royalty payments are in there.
Parks lower margins next to the TV networks make is a drag on the overall financials

 

[Polydweller]

How, one might reasonably ask, could it not be considered a cut? Just because an experience is priced 'al a carte' in no way means its elimination does not constitute a reduction in amenities/attractions/recreation. There is no attraction, entertainment, or experience of any sort in Walt Disney World which does not indirectly generate revenue (it was more obvious with ticket books) through theme park tickets or resort room rates.

But keep in mind, this cut was by the third party contractor who found them to be not profitable enough. They are maintaining those in Bay Lake and Seven Seas because they are. It wasn't Disney who did the cut though they probably aren't unhappy because they were a problem on the river.

 

[ford91exploder]

But keep in mind, this cut was by the third party contractor who found them to be not profitable enough. They are maintaining those in Bay Lake and Seven Seas because they are. It wasn't Disney who did the cut though they probably aren't unhappy because they were a problem on the river.

Nothing happens without TDO's approval, If TDO wanted them the contractor would have been told to "embrace the suck" if you want the Bay Lake business.

 

[jt04]

But keep in mind, this cut was by the third party contractor who found them to be not profitable enough. They are maintaining those in Bay Lake and Seven Seas because they are. It wasn't Disney who did the cut though they probably aren't unhappy because they were a problem on the river.

Thanks for providing clarity. Makes perfect sense.

 

[muteki]

I never noticed that many rental boats on the river when I have stayed there, so I could see not making much money off them.

 

[slappy magoo]

I'll reiterate just for the heck of it that I think things like boat rentals are being squeezed out of most people's budget because the price of tickets has grown so far ahead of inflation/cost of living. A bare bones 7 day ticket, no park hopping, no water parks, and without the no expiration option is $314 adult/$294 children, unless rolled into a package promotion (which, I know, Disney presumes more people use than just their baseline prices). Nonetheless, for a family of 4 to conceivably spend over $1200 before adding in rooms or airfare or food or souvenirs, this becomes a very pricey vacation. Not only do they might not want to spend extra money on boat rentals or fishing excursions or parasailing or bike rentals and so on and so on, but they more than ever want to feel like they got their money's worth from those pricey tickets, which means using them as much as you can, for all they're worth.

 

[Unplugged]

Nonetheless, for a family of 4 to conceivably spend over $1200 before adding in rooms or airfare or food or souvenirs, this becomes a very pricey vacation. Not only do they might not want to spend extra money on boat rentals or fishing excursions or para-sailing or bike rentals and so on and so on, but they more than ever want to feel like they got their money's worth from those pricey tickets, which means using them as much as you can, for all they're worth.

Well said and I agree with the current consumer frame of mind. Heck, most of us are in that boat of obtaining value (sorry for the pun-induced reference). While we do not regularly take part in many of the extras, we do on occasional vacations. Sometimes, just sitting back at a beach or the Boardwalk and watching others out on the boats or bicycles is as refreshing as well since it presents a greater variety of actions in the immediate vicinity. All cuts or changes, be it Disney made or not, have an impact on the perceived environment. Whittling down the "Disney Experience" is often more then partaking, and does impact guests feelings of the vacation as a whole.

 

[jdmdisney99]

Too bad...

 

[ford91exploder]

Often I am just taking a contrary opinion to knee-jerk negativity that too often happens around here. But I only do so in cases where I think it is warranted. For instance, I do not agree with those who want the BAH to stay right where it is. Sometimes less really is more.

On that we agree, the BAH needs a new home it ruins the sightline of DHS