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

[PixarPerfect]

You're the one denying basic mathematics lol. By your logic, if we have 20% inflation for a decade and minimum wage is now $100 an hour, does that mean everyone with a job is "upper class"?

The number is always twice the median salary. As time changes and the minimum wage changes, the median salary will change in kind. Which in turn means that the upper class threshold will change.

 

[OneofThree]

Finally . . . Now back to the regularly scheduled "You're a troll." "No, you're a troll."

It's ridiculous. It's also pretty clear that there's only one member on this thread who might classify as such but even so, I'm fairly certain that particular individual simply has far too much time on their hands. No one needs your opinion on who is a troll and who isn't, because presumably we can all read. Doing so runs you the risk of coming across as though the substance of your posts doesn't hold up.

 

[Chi84]

It's ridiculous. It's also pretty clear that there's only one member on this thread who might classify as such but even so, I'm fairly certain that particular individual simply has far too much time on their hands. No one needs your opinion on who is a troll and who isn't, because presumably we can all read. Doing so runs you the risk of coming across as though the substance of your posts doesn't hold up.

I don’t know about that presumption. There have been a lot of accusations flying around about a lack of reading comprehension. Next thing you know, you’ll be telling us there’s a difference between informed and uninformed opinions.

 

[Bpmorley]

We still go, just not as often. We don't eat much in the park. With DVC we go shopping and have food, beer, coffee etc... in the room. Go to parks every so often when we get a comped ticket or go a DVC event.

 

[OneofThree]

I don’t know about that presumption. There have been a lot of accusations flying around about a lack of reading comprehension. Next thing you know, you’ll be telling us there’s a difference between informed and uninformed opinions.

Fortunately, we don't need to suss out who's right, who's wrong, and who's opinion is worth what here to recognize intent.

 

[eliza61nyc]

Lol does anyone remember what the actual topic was??

 

[stratman50th]

Lol does anyone remember what the actual topic was??

Oh! Oh! I do! I do!!! Pick me.

 

[VaderTron]

The topic is how Disney price hikes and entertainment cuts have affected your plans to attend and spend at WDW. If there are any who have been turned off by some of the off-topic bickering and felt like they walked in on an awkward family fight, I apologize on behalf of those who are not "adulting" well. Please feel free to bring us back to the point of this thread. We are listening to your comments on how these changes by the Disney Corp have affected your WDW plans, and we appreciate your willingness to share your experiences.

 

[ColdSarsaparilla]

I realize this Econ 101, but it all comes down to value. What's it worth to the average guest.

There was a time, believe it or not, when you could feel like you received a value, especially when purchasing park admission.

Since then, we've (as a whole) weathered price increases and money grabs at every turn, but still felt like we were getting a fair deal.

Now, we feel like we're being gouged.

 

[VaderTron]

I will share an updated experience myself.

Yesterday we were spending time with one of our friends. She is a BIG WDW fan and has had a pass for years. I haven't mentioned anything about this forum poll or any of our views. Independently she just started sharing comments about the price increase and the lack of value for them. I know you all don't know this person, but if you did you would know how huge it is. They have several nice vehicles and a boat and plenty in the bank account. Her room is all Disney decor. Yet, she said for the first time in years they are going to let their passes run out. It expires Oct 7th. I think we are just seeing the beginning of the damage reports from these poor decisions by Disney.

 

[Benjamin_Nicholas]

What's interesting is that people think the diehards are who Disney is worried about.

The new money, the younger money... They don't have 'Disney everything,' but have the disposable income to go to the parks, pay for the parties, etc when they want. This is who Disney is currently more worried about.

The diehards will always be diehards. They're hooked. They might and moan, but they'll always be back.

 

[Bpmorley]

What's interesting is that people think the diehards are who Disney is worried about.

The new money, the younger money... They don't have 'Disney everything,' but have the disposable income to go to the parks, pay for the parties, etc when they want. This is who Disney is currently more worried about.

The diehards will always be diehards. They're hooked. They might **** and moan, but they'll always be back.

I'm gonna partially agree with you. Yes they definitely want new money. But at the cost of steady money? They've gotten considerably less out of my pocket the last few years.

 

[Chi84]

I don't give too much credence to what people say they're planning to do but haven't done yet. We know a couple who swear that every price increase or policy change they don't like is "the last straw." They just returned from another trip. There's something about Disney that keeps pulling people back. For us, it's the ability to vacation with the family and have something for everyone to do, regardless of age or interests. Sometimes we spend the entire day together. Other days, we split up and visit different parks, water parks, Disney Springs, etc. without worrying how about how everyone is going to get around.

I'm not saying Disney is perfect. We had an issue at our resort on our last visit that required us to make a few trips to the front desk. When we got home I sent Disney a concise email detailing the problem and expressing the hope that it wouldn't happen again. Didn't ask for any type of compensation. I got a call the next day from a "communications specialist" who talked to me at length, gave us two anytime fast passes per person per day for our next trip (don't care about those) and a complimentary two-night stay at a DVC studio (care deeply about that). We added two nights at Bay Lake Tower to a future trip. Very nice guest recovery on their part.

 

[OneofThree]

I think we are just seeing the beginning of the damage reports from these poor decisions by Disney.

Too early to say, IMO.

 

[VaderTron]

Too early to say, IMO.

Perhaps. But I mean even look at the NBA Experience. They just opened and they have CM's out on the streets of Disney Springs begging for people to come in. All of these recent investments seem so poorly executed.

 

[eliza61nyc]

I'm gonna partially agree with you. Yes they definitely want new money. But at the cost of steady money? They've gotten considerably less out of my pocket the last few years.

But I wonder how much of it is from changes or how much is simply natural progression of long time repeat visitors. Now the dvc members I know naturally spend less money. We don't buy soveneirs anymore, not because they've gone up in price but because we simply don't want tons of junk. T-shirts? Been there, done that. Dessert parties?? Again when I was a newbie and kids were smaller, we loved them but now 19 years later... again been there done that. First timer?? Yes it's a new experience.
I simply spend less at Disney because after countless trips I have narrowed it down to stuff we really like.

 

[PixarPerfect]

What's interesting is that people think the diehards are who Disney is worried about.

The new money, the younger money... They don't have 'Disney everything,' but have the disposable income to go to the parks, pay for the parties, etc when they want. This is who Disney is currently more worried about.

The diehards will always be diehards. They're hooked. They might **** and moan, but they'll always be back.

I don't give too much credence to what people say they're planning to do but haven't done yet.

But I wonder how much of it is from changes or how much is simply natural progression of long time repeat visitors. Now the dvc members I know naturally spend less money. We don't buy soveneirs anymore, not because they've gone up in price but because we simply don't want tons of junk. T-shirts? Been there, done that. Dessert parties?? Again when I was a newbie and kids were smaller, we loved them but now 19 years later... again been there done that. First timer?? Yes it's a new experience.
I simply spend less at Disney because after countless trips I have narrowed it down to stuff we really like.

Precisely. Well summed up, everyone.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I realize this Econ 101, but it all comes down to value. What's it worth to the average guest.

There was a time, believe it or not, when you could feel like you received a value, especially when purchasing park admission.

Since then, we've (as a whole) weathered price increases and money grabs at every turn, but still felt like we were getting a fair deal.

Now, we feel like we're being gouged.

To me the park admission, though high, is still a value for the hours and hours of entertainment that is provided by that entrance fee. What I object to is the leaching affect brought on by the cost of food, the ridiculous cost of the resort rooms, parking fees and so on. That is what really kills it for a lot of people who want to stay in the immersive environment of the resorts. I have found that the park ticket prices have altered my ability to go as often as I once did when I wasn't retired, but I still consider the daily rate to be reasonable for the return of entertainment. The other stuff is up to the consumer. If one is willing to pay those prices for things when all they have to do is stay offsite and it becomes way more affordable, then that is on the individual. Disney sets prices, Disney sets prices high! Disney doesn't absolutely require that you spend that kind of money just to take advantage of the entertainment of the parks, etc. That is on the individual. I can't tell you how many people have expressed to me how they can't afford to go an pay $300.00 per night. When I try and explain that they don't have to pay that all I get are blank stares. I have been going there for 36 years now and have only stayed onsite one time out of 46 trips and have always had a great time in the parks and other outside things to do. It sometimes just boils down to deciding what part of the trip you like the most. The parks or the bed you sleep in.

 

[Bpmorley]

To me the park admission, though high, is still a value for the hours and hours of entertainment that is provided by that entrance fee. What I object to is the leaching affect brought on by the cost of food, the ridiculous cost of the resort rooms, parking fees and so on. That is what really kills it for a lot of people who want to stay in the immersive environment of the resorts. I have found that the park ticket prices have altered my ability to go as often as I once did when I wasn't retired, but I still consider the daily rate to be reasonable for the return of entertainment. The other stuff is up to the consumer. If one is willing to pay those prices for things when all they have to do is stay offsite and it becomes way more affordable, then that is on the individual. Disney sets prices, Disney sets prices high! Disney doesn't absolutely require that you spend that kind of money just to take advantage of the entertainment of the parks, etc. That is on the individual. I can't tell you how many people have expressed to me how they can't afford to go an pay $300.00 per night. When I try and explain that they don't have to pay that all I get are blank stares. I have been going there for 36 years now and have only stayed onsite one time out of 46 trips and have always had a great time in the parks and other outside things to do. It sometimes just boils down to deciding what part of the trip you like the most. The parks or the bed you sleep in.

But all of that is part of the package. People have to eat. If you leave to eat off property you lose those hours of entertainment. Or basically standing in line

 

[Goofyernmost]

Except theres not Hours of Entertainment.
What is your actual ride time and how long are standing in Line all day?

When you watch 3 hour football game or a 3 hour concert you are getting 3 Hours on entertainment. You would not inlcude The time waiting in line to Get in The Centre or stadium.

That is part of the problem with so many people today. If their butts aren't planted riding in a seat it isn't entertaining. The ambiance the street shows, the attention to detail, the effort put into the parks and even the queue's for theming are all part of the experience. It was more that way before the evil Fastpass was born, but, it still exists today. The bright colors, the forced perspective all of the experience is what you pay for not just the rides. They are just part of the overall show. It is that very attitude that you have that created the disaster that is Fastpass. It caused upset and frustration in the standby lines that just plainly didn't exits before FP except with a few Type A's that live their lives as a marathon and never stop to smell the roses. It's to bad now that so many miss so many things while they think that they are seeing so much more. They are not and it's a real shame.