How much longer will you stay at a Disney Resort?

[captainkidd]

This isn't meant to be another "bash Disney" thread, but inspired from another thread, it got me thinking. I did some looking last night at rack rates for 2012, and it upset me a great deal. I went back to resort pricing from 1992, and realized Disney resorts have increased their price by 100% in that time. In that same span of time, the average household income has increased by about 15%. You see where I'm going with this....

I've come to sadly accept, without a STEEP discount, Disney has officially out priced me in the Deluxe category. Sans AKL and WL, which don't fit 5 people, all Deluxe Resorts are at least $400 (with tax) per night. I'm still in the moderate ballpark at around $200 (with tax) per night. However, as a family of 5, mods aren't a realistic option. So for us, our best bet is to pray for a huge discount, or get 2 rooms at a Value.

Do you suppose Disney could do the unthinkable and reduce resort pricing? It seems unlikely given the resort occupancy levels, but you have to believe, in the next few years, they're going to out price more and more families. And are you like me, and starting to realize if we want to continue to vacation at WDW, we're going to have to stay off-site?

 

[Pioneer Hall]

Ever consider the secondary market? I think Beach Club is around $80-$85 per point now.

As others have said, as long as the rooms are getting filled then Disney will continue with the system they have. Also, I don't know many people that pay rack rates for their stays since the Disney model now is to inflate rates and then discount. So I honestly don't even pay attention to the listed prices anymore.

As far as the quote above, this is the way to go if you are looking at DVC. Points at Saratoga can be purchased for the mid 60's per point now. That's less than what points cost 10 years ago and you can have that contract until 2054. I bought AKV points for 76 a point last year, and honestly think it was a great decision for me. I love the deluxe resorts, and going forward I have to only worry about paying dues (and adding on as I see fit in the future). Of course dues increase, but less than room costs, and I do get a detailed breakdown of where that money is going so I know there are no surprises.

 

[dreamscometrue]

Try not to let the price increase "upset you a great dael". I mean it.

A quick internet search shows that the increase you note over 20 years is not out of line for the industry. The American Hotel and Lodging Association shows an average room price increase by a factor of 1.8 (80%) between 1990 and 2008 (that's only 18 years). If we extrapolate that to 2012 (I know that's 22 years), a doubling (100% increase) is par for the course in the U.S. hotel industry. So...I'm not sure exactly if you had a point there, or were trying to indicate it was something outrageous at Disney...nope, it's typical.

To answer the question you posed, I'll always stay on property. One of the reasons we became D.V.C. members was because we realized after several vacations that we always want to be immersed in the magic 24/7. It's a complete different vibe to us staying off, so we haven't done it for years, and won't again.

 

[notslim99]

Ever consider the secondary market? I think Beach Club is around $80-$85 per point now.

This is what the DW and I are contemplating. We've seen Saratoga Springs and Boardwalk Villas for $65-$75 per point, along with other great deals. There's no way we will by "new" points. We can get a 160 point plan with 60 points already banked from 2010, plus 160 more coming in September 2011 and every September thereafter, for about $11,200. As opposed to buying 100 "new" points for $14,000. It's a lot of upfront money, unless you finance, but over the next 20 years, it will pay for itself.

 

[mrbghd]

This isn't meant to be another "bash Disney" thread, but inspired from another thread, it got me thinking. I did some looking last night at rack rates for 2012, and it upset me a great deal. I went back to resort pricing from 1992, and realized Disney resorts have increased their price by 100% in that time. In that same span of time, the average household income has increased by about 15%. You see where I'm going with this....

Everything has gone up since 1992. When we drove to WDW in summer of '98 gas was $.78 per gallon. So will I no longer buy gas? Disney charges what the market will hold. For every one regular that says enough I will stay elsewhere, someone who is taking the "once in a lifetime trip" will fill that spot and not complain about the minor issues that regulars notice.

 

[captainkidd]

For every one regular that says enough I will stay elsewhere, someone who is taking the "once in a lifetime trip" will fill that spot and not complain about the minor issues that regulars notice.

With all due respect, I wouldn't call Disney's Resort pricing a "minor" issue. In the scheme of a vacation, it's probably the biggest issue.

 

[Tinkerbell 8]

I would never go to Disney and stay off site, it just makes no sense for me. First of all, its a vacation, so I know what I have to save in order to go the way I want to go. Second, when I'm in Disney I want to escape the real world, staying on site gives me that because they do everything for me, I don't have to worry about driving, getting stuck in traffic, finding a place to park, etc. I also enjoy being able to go back to my hotel either for a break or to get changed and it only take a few minutes so I don't waste the entire afternoon going back and forth. Third, I love the EMH and also if we fly, DME. EMH let me enjoy the parks more, and I am able to do more things such as make a good dinner ressie and not feel like I have to rush in order to go on rides I missed earlier in the day. Fourth, I enjoy having the Disney magic surround me at the hotel too, whether it be staying at Poly or Pop, the themeing is just unreal, and I don't want to stay at a typical hotel that I stay at for other vacations because Disney is the vacation that I wait for every year and I want to enjoy every second of it.

 

[wm49rs]

With all due respect, I wouldn't call Disney's Resort pricing a "minor" issue. In the scheme of a vacation, it's probably the biggest issue.

Perhaps not to you, but for those taking their first trip to WDW, or is taking a "dream" vacation, the cost of the room isn't a great consideration.

 

[captainkidd]

Perhaps not to you, but for those taking their first trip to WDW, or is taking a "dream" vacation, the cost of the room isn't a great consideration.

Says who?

 

[lostpro9het]

Perhaps not to you, but for those taking their first trip to WDW, or is taking a "dream" vacation, the cost of the room isn't a great consideration.

False.

 

[disneylemons]

We will always stay in a Disney resort = I would think it would take away from the vacation to stay offsite. As far as the resort, I'm not that picky, can do value, mod or deluxe..just as long as I have acess to their transportation, magic hours, etc..

 

[dixiegirl]

We've done it once, stay off property.....Yeah That was enough! And since 06 have been DVC members and love it!!!!
Plus we really don't mind the disney bus system( the hubby has to drives at times for work)....Not driving for a whole week , Yeah I love it!

19 more days!!!!Till my but is one one of them!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

For me, I would be willing to camp. DW won't camp, so some trips may be without her. The best part about camping is you can bring your own food. That will save a ton. I have heard people bringing a crockpot and letting it simmer all day. Go back at night and you have a pot of beef stew, spaghetti, or what ever ready. No muss, no fuss. APs and camping can save a ton.

I'm with your wife. I'm noooo camper. Well, okay, a pop-up I'd do but have you looked at how much the camper/RV spots go for?! Yikes!

The crock-pot thing you mentioned reminded me of the trip we saw a young couple sitting in the shade at the MK 'cooking' their MREs. We thought that was awesome! After Hurricane Katrina we got several cases from the FEMA distribution but didn't eat them all. We held onto them for a long time not sure what to do with them but didn't think we should just throw them out. I think we ended up giving ours to a relative or friend or something that did a lot of hunting and/or primitive camping. But that was a great idea!!!!

 

[wm49rs]

Says who?

False.

Says those making the reservations you're not...

False? Pithy response....

 

[lostpro9het]

Perhaps not to you, but for those taking their first trip to WDW, or is taking a "dream" vacation, the cost of the room isn't a great consideration.

Says those making the reservations you're not...
.

My apologies, I didn't realize you had the epic insight and fortuitous gift to see and understand everyone's cost of room considerations on their first trip. I suppose I was wrong for making the cost of a room an important factor in my first trip to disney, thanks for correcting me on my erroneous way. I'll be sure to bounce future Disney considerations off you to make sure Im making the proper decision.

BTW, your assumptions on considerations of first time visitors and dream trippers is FALSE.

 

[wm49rs]

My apologies, I didn't realize you had the epic insight and fortuitous gift to see and understand everyone's cost of room considerations on their first trip. I suppose I was wrong for making the cost of a room an important factor in my first trip to disney, thanks for correcting me on my erroneous way. I'll be sure to bounce future Disney considerations off you to make sure Im making the proper decision.

BTW, your assumptions on considerations of first time visitors and dream trippers is FALSE.

I don't, not any more that is than those whom assume room costs are the great concern for everyone else as they are for the OP.

And since all you keep offering is the word "false" I'll just consider that the extent of your argument.

 

[lostpro9het]

And since all you keep offering is the word "false" I'll just consider that the extent of your argument.

Fine enough for me since I can see your false assumptions is all that you are offering to the discussion, you're welcome to argue any angle you wish though but they, like mine, are just personal opinion and should be taken as such and not fact. But one fact I can tell you is that
"Perhaps not to you, but for those taking their first trip to WDW, or is taking a "dream" vacation, the cost of the room isn't a great consideration."
is a false statement as I provided at least one instant where it was a great consideration.

 

[captainkidd]

Says those making the reservations you're not...

You made an answer saying to "first timers" or people hoping for their "dream vacation". I think that's a pretty vague statement. What about those making reservations off-site because Disney Resorts are too expensive? I don't want to shatter your illusion, but there many more guests who stay off-site than on. Always have, always will. And though I won't dare to assume I know why that is the case, I'd be willing to wager it's because cost is an issue.

Do you think the Value Resorts were built just so the wealthy could stay in a building with dalmations all over it?

 

[wm49rs]

Fine enough for me since I can see your false assumptions is all that you are offering to the discussion, you're welcome to argue any angle you wish though but they, like mine, are just personal opinion and should be taken as such and not fact. But one fact I can tell you is that
"Perhaps not to you, but for those taking their first trip to WDW, or is taking a "dream" vacation, the cost of the room isn't a great consideration."
is a false statement as I provided at least one instant where it was a great consideration.

Because after all, one instance makes a universal truth. But hey, keep trying! :wave:

 

[lostpro9het]

Because after all, one instance makes a universal truth. But hey, keep trying! :wave:

BHAHAHAHAHAHA.. no silly, it makes your self proclaimed "truth" FALSE. :ROFLOL:

 

[wm49rs]

You made an answer saying to "first timers" or people hoping for their "dream vacation". I think that's a pretty vague statement. What about those making reservations off-site because Disney Resorts are too expensive? I don't want to shatter your illusion, but there many more guests who stay off-site than on. Always have, always will. And though I won't dare to assume I know why that is the case, I'd be willing to wager it's because cost is an issue.

Do you think the Value Resorts were built just so the wealthy could stay in a building with dalmations all over it?

No more vague than making the assumption that because you may be close to being priced out of the Deluxes, everyone else will as well.

And again, what costs you may not be the same ones that are a concern to others.

And the Values and Moderates were built with varying price points in mind. But again, considering this p&m thread is about you and the Deluxes, they don't quite come into play, now do they?