CRO-Magnum said:
You may not be losing sleep but you are losing alot of free time...
I, for one, was told when we purchased our cups at Dixie Landings during our honeymoon in 1995 (looking at one on the shelf above my desk) that we could get free refills at any Disney property. I asked if that was only during the stay and was promptly told no, as long as I remembered to bring it back I was free to use it. Since then they have limitted refills by property and now by length of stay. I do not speak for others, but Disney is lucky I purchase any new cups at all.
When I was a consultant on a project at WDW a few years ago I asked an executive about the age 3 policy. He explained that children under 3 are free because they can experience so little of the park due to height restrictions. Not wanting to measure everyone for payment, Disney chose to use an age equivalent which works fairly well and most other parks imitate. Further their goal is to make sure everyone is paying at age 4 when you can experience the majority of the park and carry memories that will last a lifetime. He said that a year here or there is not something Disney can regulate anyway and that it is an honor system.
Regarding having 5 in a room for 4 as a former cast memeber in Resorts, specifically in Central Reservations, I can assure you it has NOTHING to do with fire laws. Disney chose to limit the size of the room to get as many rooms in as possible. That meant having double beds instead of queens and "no room for a day bed" although anyone who as stayed in one of the "value" resorts can tell you there is plenty of room with some re-arranging and eliminating the table and chairs. In 1990 we weren't even allowed to book a room at the Carribbean Beach Resort if someone slipped and told us they had five people. Disney's policy as explained to us was clear: these are low cost rooms and if your group cannot fit then you are expected to stay in a larger room at another property or get two rooms. This was back when the top room at CBR was $99/night and the low room at GFR was $239/night, just about double the price.
Although I agree that if you don't like the prices don't go, I do feel it's ashame that so much of the enjoyment has been ruined in my adult years by the feeling I'm paying more and more and receiving less and less.
This is not to further debate this issue, but, to address some of your comments.
The under 3 rule makes sense, but, the ages 3-9 are limited as are some of the older folks. It would be nice to see a senior ticket (I may make it to that golden age, someday). Honor system, well, some people have honor and some don't.
It is, however, a hoot when a three year old is passed off as two and a CM asks how old the kid is and he/she chimes up with 3 (or 4 for the really tiny kids).
As to losing sleep or free time, well my free time is free. I normally spend it answering questions about WDW, not debating issues.
This is unususal.
Fire laws: hmmm, interesting. I am a member of DVC and they use the same "fire law" rule when a member books any of the vacation homes. It also has been mentioned that 5 in a room intended for four would be in violation of insurance laws and fair housing laws. It appears that the max in most of the rooms around Orlando have the same max. 4 for two bedded rooms.
I don't have enough free time to explore the fire, insurance and fair housing laws in FL.
BTW, I remember the cost of CBR when it first opened, it was a great rate.
