Impact of the Economy on WDW

[ParentsOf4]

Hi all,

I'm trying to gauge how the current economic crisis is impacting attendance at WDW. Obviously, it must be having some impact. People are traveling less, airlines are charging more, and WDW layoffs appear to be planned after Christmas. Attendance must be down.

WDW is trying to counterbalance this with its current offers: 7 days for the price of 7, and $59/night room rates. However, I suspect these marketing ploys are only meeting with limited success.

We already have park tickets so the "7-for-4" offer doesn't appeal to us. In addition, we have been spoiled by great airfares from previous years. The current airline prices do not seem to reflect the complete collapse in fuel prices. (We've flown roundtrip direct from New England for as cheap as $100 during December.) As a result, we're deferring our next WDW trip in until the airlines reduce their prices a bit.

So, the question is: What impact is the current economy having on WDW attendance?

What are your thoughts?

 

[Mr. Tickle]

Attendance at Disney theme parks is down 1% since last year.

http://seekingalpha.com/article/106939-media-stocks-disney-time-warner?source=bnet

 

[smk]

I was there one month ago and saw a slight difference in park levels from previous fall trips. October is always a good time to go if you stay away from fall break times. However, we were there over fall break and had walk on, or as little as 15 wait times for rides. The exception was the night we went to MNSSHP and I thought that night was crowded compared to the last time I was at the party two years ago. Epcot was packed but the Food and Wine festival was in full swing so we expected crowds. It was not like crowds at Christmas or spring break but it wasn't empty either.

I think the people who have planned a trip and saved for one will go despite the economy. I know I did, and I am planning another October trip for 2009. I will always take advantage of a deal when I find one so if they offer something that fits our needs and we can go then I will book it. We drove this trip and it was fun, we enjoy long car rides (not for everyone, I know) so airfare will not factor in unless I find a steal. I do look over airfares often just so when there is a deal I will know it when I see it.

If there is a will, there is a way....my new motto!

 

[Cubs Brian]

Not sure about New England, but here in the Midwest air fare has dropped a lot. When we first started pricing air fare it was well over $1300.00 for 4 of us to fly from Chicago to Orlando. that included SW UAL and AA. Now we could fly down for under $800.00 some flights for as little as $688.00.But with gas dropping we can drive roundtrip for under $200.00. I'm sure the economy will have an effect on may phases of the tourism industry in general.but lets just hope WDW keeps up on the things we've come to expect.:xmas:

 

[wvdisneyfamily]

I think only time will tell.

 

[Senderella]

We've driven since our second trip. Even with only 2 adults in either a gas guzzling F150 or a Ford Escape, it's still cheaper to drive from South Texas both ways (even with gas at it's highest) than 2 roundtrip airfare tickets believe it or not. That's how we manage it. Plus with all the airline restrictions it's better for us because we can carry everything back with no problem. When it's been time for us to decide how we're going to get there, we always look at the current gas price and calculate that vs 2 round trip adult airfare tickets at various airlines. Driving has won out every time so far. Our first trip when we flew, we had a stop in Houston where we "picked up" a buddy of ours who was going with us so that's why we didn't drive that trip.

With the economy as it is (or worse), we'll just tighten our belts further and really watch our spending through out the year so we can continue to go to Disney World. Basically it boils down to roof over our heads? Check. Food in our bellies? Check. Health is good? Check. Bills paid? Check.. beyond that.. we can do without if it means going to WDW.

 

[twosiamesecats]

I just got back from a trip November 21-26. There were tons of people there. All the restaurants were booked. I saw people buying stuff at all the shops. People acted like there was no recession. I talked with a limo driver, and he said that they were booked well into 2009. He said that people are still pouring into WDW. I think that fans of WDW are still going next year. They might have to cut costs in other areas, but it will still be busy.

 

[Innoventions]

To be honest with you of course some people will be effected by the economic downturn but im sure Disney as it has already will decrease its prices. Disney charges as much as it can because it can. They wont have any trouble lowering the prices a little bit. They charge that amount because you me and others are willing to pay that.