Has Disney Pricing Increases/Atmosphere Cuts Altered YOUR FAMILIES WDW Attendance?

[VaderTron]

And see, honestly I don't want to see incredible offers as much as I want to see the return of high-quality standards. Not to say big discounts wouldn't be appreciated. What I would like is the return of the magical experience. Let me explain by an experience that happened just a few hours ago. My DW wanted to pin trade at Disney Springs. While there she wanted to get a popcorn bucket refill, one of the "deals" Disney hasn't axed yet ($2 per refill in a popcorn bucket we bought 2 years ago.) Here is a complete description of what used to be a pleasant highlight for my DW (she has a popcorn obsession).

Approached popcorn stand as the only customer. The CM gave a half-hearted hello, a more common experience lately. No smile, she stares at me rather than asking what she could get for me. I said, "One popcorn refill please." and took the lid off the bucket and offered it to her as my wife and I have dozens of times. Usually the CM happily takes it over to the cart and fills it till it's spilling over. Instead, this CM didn't acknowledge that I was handing it to her. She instead grabbed a 'large' paper popcorn cup and went to fill it while informing me, "That will be $2." She then set the popcorn down in front of me. Now I'm no idiot that gets fooled by the tall-and-thin packaging that is made to deceive consumers into believing they are getting more than they really are. I instantly recognized it was less than what would fit in a bucket. So I set my bucket right in front of the CM and poured it out of the 'large' popcorn container into the bucket and looked at her. She said nothing even though we both could see it only filled the bucket less than 2/3rds full. After a moment I kindly asked, "Do you mind if I get some more to fill the bucket?" Long pause and she sighed, "...Sure..." She put a few more kernels in the same paper cup. It still didn't fill it up, but I was done. I said thank you, paid my $2 and told my DW, "Sorry honey. It's just not Disney here anymore." She said, "I know...It's kinda sad."

This is the stuff that makes people like me drop our AP's, eat at offsite restaurants, go to other parks/attractions, different hotels, and vacation other places.

Just so happens my wellness doctor appointment is nearby tomorrow. Only reason we are here.

And please note that $2 is the extent of our money spent at Disney this trip. Months ago we would have been in the park with our pass eating dinner and dropping a few hundred dollars for "extras" over the weekend. Now Disney gets $2. Not because I don't have the money. Because the experience isn't worth the price anymore.

 

[Nunu]

And see, honestly I don't want to see incredible offers as much as I want to see the return of high-quality standards. Not to say big discounts wouldn't be appreciated. What I would like is the return of the magical experience. Let me explain by an experience that happened just a few hours ago. My DW wanted to pin trade at Disney Springs. While there she wanted to get a popcorn bucket refill, one of the "deals" Disney hasn't axed yet ($2 per refill in a popcorn bucket we bought 2 years ago.) Here is a complete description of what used to be a pleasant highlight for my DW (she has a popcorn obsession).

Approached popcorn stand as the only customer. The CM gave a half-hearted hello, a more common experience lately. No smile, she stares at me rather than asking what she could get for me. I said, "One popcorn refill please." and took the lid off the bucket and offered it to her as my wife and I have dozens of times. Usually the CM happily takes it over to the cart and fills it till it's spilling over. Instead, this CM didn't acknowledge that I was handing it to her. She instead grabbed a 'large' paper popcorn cup and went to fill it while informing me, "That will be $2." She then set the popcorn down in front of me. Now I'm no idiot that gets fooled by the tall-and-thin packaging that is made to deceive consumers into believing they are getting more than they really are. I instantly recognized it was less than what would fit in a bucket. So I set my bucket right in front of the CM and poured it out of the 'large' popcorn container into the bucket and looked at her. She said nothing even though we both could see it only filled the bucket less than 2/3rds full. After a moment I kindly asked, "Do you mind if I get some more to fill the bucket?" Long pause and she sighed, "...Sure..." She put a few more kernels in the same paper cup. It still didn't fill it up, but I was done. I said thank you, paid my $2 and told my DW, "Sorry honey. It's just not Disney here anymore." She said, "I know...It's kinda sad."

This is the stuff that makes people like me drop our AP's, eat at offsite restaurants, go to other parks/attractions, different hotels, and vacation other places.

Just so happens my wellness doctor appointment is nearby tomorrow. Only reason we are here.

Hmmm, your experience with the popcorn refillable bucket is sad and disappointing, this shouldn't have happened. I'm hoping that this was a poorly trained CM and not the way Disney is instructing them to cut corners.

Actually, I'd feel offended because it's not like you were begging for free popcorn, for goodness sake!

A smile and a friendly disposition leave a good impression, this is crucial for any business based on customer service and Disney should never loose sight of this fact.

 

[Chi84]

There’s no question that the prices have increased, but we haven’t seen any lessening of the Disney magic lately, especially when it comes to the CMs. They have all been fantastic, and we visit 2 or 3 times a year for a week each time. As I said in another post, sometimes I think we visit an entirely different Disney from the one described by a few of the people who post here. We do tend to have a pretty positive attitude, which works wonders with most people.

 

[josephinelcajon]

Hmmm, your experience with the popcorn refillable bucket is sad and disappointing, this shouldn't have happened. I'm hoping that this was a poorly trained CM and not the way Disney is instructing them to cut corners.

Actually, I'd feel offended because it's not like you were begging for free popcorn, for goodness sake!

A smile and a friendly disposition leave a good impression, this is crucial for any business based on customer service and Disney should never loose sight of this fact.

I fully agree! I thought the point of the bucket was they save packaging? Sea World has a popcorn bucket program and a drink cup too both do great for families! The most disturbing though was certainly the CM's attitude! Sadly I see it everywhere more and more! The Disney outstanding customer service use to literally be taught in business and hospitality schools around the world!

 

[Vacationeer]

All you “for the 50th” people...kindly be quiet, please? I promise it will be better for you in the long run

That's the thing, Disney is rolling out soooo much awesome stuff over the next 2 years making it hard to totally resist. They could be right on track attempting to have people visit less often (to alleviate crowds) while spending more per person per day instead.

A very tricky line to walk tho because it's easy to resent paying 50% more for a similar trip from a few years ago. People don't like feeling defensive about spending choices, like needing to shell out $500 more dollars so their family can get on DAH rides that were understaffed with inflated waits during the day. Or having to pay $500 extra to ensure their family can get a decent fireworks view because many of the old good spots are for payment only. Upcharge events serve a great purpose to help families pay for an easier experience, but are we at the point where WDW might not care about solid operations if that's what makes people pay for upcharges. ???

 

[Nunu]

There’s no question that the prices have increased, but we haven’t seen any lessening of the Disney magic lately, especially when it comes to the CMs. They have all been fantastic, and we visit 2 or 3 times a year for a week each time. As I said in another post, sometimes I think we visit an entirely different Disney from the one described by a few of the people who post here. We do tend to have a pretty positive attitude, which works wonders with most people.

We are also a chill and happy-go-lucky couple who visit WDW at least twice a year. We also tend to have a positive attitude and in return, get good service most of the time.

That being said, there have been a few times when we have encountered less than friendly CMs. The way we see it, a Disney vacation doesn't come cheap and we don't let a few bad apples ruin our time there.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

That's the thing, Disney is rolling out soooo much awesome stuff over the next 2 years making it hard to totally resist. They could be right on track attempting to have people visit less often (to alleviate crowds) while spending more per person per day instead.

A very tricky line to walk tho because it's easy to resent paying 50% more for a similar trip from a few years ago. People don't like feeling defensive about spending choices, like needing to shell out $500 more dollars so their family can get on DAH rides that were understaffed with inflated waits during the day. Or having to pay $500 extra to ensure their family can get a decent fireworks view because many of the old good spots are for payment only. Upcharge events serve a great purpose to help families pay for an easier experience, but are we at the point where WDW might not care about solid operations if that's what makes people pay for upcharges. ???

Nah...it’s not about “opportunity” or “so much grew stuff”

Adding a few rides after a decade of nothing is really just catch up...that’s operational need in an amusement park.

But I see the desire to sell it as a “premium” has taken hold...

Anyway...it’s not about “resistance”...it’s about “recession”.

And like it or not...that has always been the “temper” to Disney pricing and what has held them in line. You can’t expect profiteers to “temper” their profiteering voluntarily.

So I’ll see where it goes. Because the “market” is always right? Is it not?

 

[Chi84]

We are also a chill and happy-go-lucky couple who visit WDW at least twice a year. We also tend to have a positive attitude and in return, get good service most of the time.

That being said, there have been a few times when we have encountered less than friendly CMs. The way we see it, a Disney vacation doesn't come cheap and we don't let a few bad apples ruin our time there.

Great frame of mind. Much better than dwelling on a minor issue.

 

[Smooth]

 

[bUU]

Couldn't agree more with you. I am in the same boat and its why i wouldnt mind paying for fast passes

And yet if that sentiment ever reaches the point where employing that change is better for Disney than not doing so, some people in this thread will call that change "self defeating" and then doggedly refuse to acknowledge that they have no basis whatsoever for such a ridiculous claim.

 

[bUU]

None of us know for sure, even TWDC.

But at least TWDC has the expertise, experience and research to make a reasonably good guess.

As the next year proceeds, we'll get confirmation either way.

Only the worst-run businesses have such a short-term view of things. Better companies generally take a five-year view, not a one-year view.

 

[PixarPerfect]

This forum attracts a disproportionate number of people far more negatively inclined toward the company than the population of Disney's actual target customers. As such, this venue could never produce valid data.

This is becoming abundantly clear as I read more and more in this forum My unscientific observation is that a good percentage of posters are here merely to bash Disney and start from a place of negativity. I've never been on a forum where so many people launch personal attacks to complete strangers.

In a few days I've been called a liar, a drunk, unable to read, someone neglecting my family, a Disney shill, clueless, etc, for not 100% agreeing with the bashing. Anyone can read my past posts. I haven't said anything that would lead a reasonable person to the above conclusions.

 

[Chi84]

In order for this to be so, you have to ignore the fact that there's an overcrowding problem to begin with. The fact that it's worth it for some to pay for a corner in TT to escape the madness is quite the indictment, IMO. So overall customer experience declines, and you pay a premium for the base experience. As an accountant, I love it. As a customer, -yeah no; I let our AP's lapse.

This is true. But we tend to visit when park attendance is very light and when it comes time for fireworks, it seems that everyone in the park wants to stand in the same spot.

 

[Chi84]

This is becoming abundantly clear as I read more and more in this forum My unscientific observation is that a good percentage of posters are here merely to bash Disney and start from a place of negativity. I've never been on a forum where so many people launch personal attacks to complete strangers.

In a few days I've been called a liar, a drunk, unable to read, someone neglecting my family, a Disney shill, clueless, etc, for not 100% agreeing with the bashing. Anyone can read my past posts. I haven't said anything that would lead a reasonable person to the above conclusions.

I've had a similar experience here, but I still prefer this site to another one that is moderated to death. Even though I'm sure the moderators try very hard there, there have been instances where their own biases show through and threads have been locked because they disagree with what is being said - not because it violates the rules.

Also, if you limit people too much, you wouldn't get the post from the guy who tried to elevate the conversation by referencing the saying about people and opinions and got it hilariously wrong.

I think these boards are a great source of information and a lot of fun. Most people have substantive points to make and do so coherently. Those who respond with name-calling, labeling, personal invective and ad hominem attacks probably don't have anything else in their arsenal. What's the point in arguing with them?

Anyway, on the off chance that you are sober and able to both read and comprehend this post, please don't let me keep you from defending Disney and neglecting your family

 

[PixarPerfect]

Anyway, on the off chance that you are sober and able to both read and comprehend this post, please don't let me keep you from defending Disney and neglecting your family

Thank you!

 

[Stellajack]

In order for this to be so, you have to ignore the fact that there's an overcrowding problem to begin with. The fact that it's worth it for some to pay for a corner in TT to escape the madness is quite the indictment, IMO. So overall customer experience declines, and you pay a premium for the base experience. As an accountant, I love it. As a customer, -yeah no; I let our AP's lapse.

It's true that visitors pay a premium for most of their experiences (did I say refillable mugs?) at Disney; however, I didn't use the word "madness". I used "madding" as in Thomas Hardy's novel. "Madding" equals "frenzy", not madness. Semantics matters in any debate. Not to belabor the point, but I'm as good a "nitpicker" as many others here. And, by the way 98% of all statistics are made up on the spot.

 

[OneofThree]

It's true that visitors pay a premium for most of their experiences (did I say refillable mugs?) at Disney; however, I didn't use the word "madness". I used "madding" as in Thomas Hardy's novel. "Madding" equals "frenzy", not madness. Semantics matters in any debate. Not to belabor the point, but I'm as good a "nitpicker" as many others here. And, by the way 98% of all statistics are made up on the spot.

This isn't fitting back into the box it came out of. Hmmm.

 

[Vacationeer]

But at least TWDC has the expertise, experience and research to make a reasonably good guess.

Only the worst-run businesses have such a short-term view of things. Better companies generally take a five-year view, not a one-year view.

I view this poll for nothing more than common reactions from my peers as consumers. Many of us are on the fence about such unsubtle price maximizations and just curious what and how others think and react. Markets get priced to what they can bear, that's business for profit. For people buying vacations, most consider value. Is their enjoyment worth the cost? Now that most components of WDW prices have increased near the maximum they can bear, there's less of a cushion between value/cost.

WDW still holds value to my family but it's slipped. Now I consider exactly what I purchase as opposed to less questioned purchases of the past. Defense mode is a new position for me at WDW, trying not to be taken for an over-paying sucker. Nobody wants to feel like that.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I've had a similar experience here, but I still prefer this site to another one that is moderated to death. Even though I'm sure the moderators try very hard there, there have been instances where their own biases show through and threads have been locked because they disagree with what is being said - not because it violates the rules.

Also, if you limit people too much, you wouldn't get the post from the guy who tried to elevate the conversation by referencing the saying about people and opinions and got it hilariously wrong.

I think these boards are a great source of information and a lot of fun. Most people have substantive points to make and do so coherently. Those who respond with name-calling, labeling, personal invective and ad hominem attacks probably don't have anything else in their arsenal. What's the point in arguing with them?

Anyway, on the off chance that you are sober and able to both read and comprehend this post, please don't let me keep you from defending Disney and neglecting your family

Overly moderated?

I object to that characterization...it’s not like there are dentists who weren’t loved as children moderating other Disney boards...have you no decency?

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

Other.

Have not changed duration. Nor really where I stay. But do now spend a bit more off property. In which case I spend a bit less overall.

 

[tirian]

WDW has a lot to offer. It is magical, it uplifts your mood and there's a huge variety to do continuously thru our day.

People are buying that 'mood'. If the mood begins to feel like being taken for a ride, the value will sink. It's fine for WDW to charge what it needs to profit; it's not okay to issue never-ending crazy price hikes on anything and everything for 5 years straight. The $30 desert party in 2015... $100+ now. What?! $80 party ticket... $125+. I remember getting the roastbeef sandwich at BOG for $12, what is it now, like $18 not even 5 years later?

I'm probably an average consumer, not a high-roller but has a decent vacation budget. Not happy to pay 50% more than a trip 5 yrs ago. What to do? Only book a trip when there's a huge sale or incentive attached. Watch WDW roll out the great deals during 2020 and 2021 to recapture their market. Luckily my wife convinced me not to purchase DVC last year because she believes there will be a slight consumer backlash and prices will dip before climbing again. Hope she's right!

I hope she is.