Resort Prices - Wow

[captainkidd]

I can honestly say, for the 1st time ever, I'm strongly considering skipping Disney all together in 2011 for another vacation destination. I was looking at the resort prices for 2010, and Disney is getting nuts. $365 for the Poly during value season. Over $200 for a moderate during the summer. Nearly $150 for a Value during the summer.

We always get either a AAA rate or an AP rate, but if the time comes when neother are available, that'll be it for a while. Having stayed at the Poly before, I think Disney is out of their mind charging upwards of $400 per night. Then again, a lot of people stay there, so maybe it's just me.:shrug:

 

[fosse76]

I completely disagree - it is very difficult to find a room under $600 at the Ritz and the Four Seasons in NYC for a week night let alone a weekend. I live in Boston and Disney's room rates are sometimes equal and mostly always much lower than most hotels in Boston. Also, I'm originally from Newport, RI and for parts of the year all hotels are all $500+. Yes Disney's deluxe hotels can get steep, but they are reflective of hotels elsewhere.

I stand corrected: The Ritz-Carlton in Orlando is cheaper (and more luxurious) than the Grand Floridian. You can get a room there for $239.00 a night. The Palace in New York, also far superior than anything Disney can offer, has rooms available for $330/night. I could have sworn someone told me there was a 4 Seasons in Orlando, but alas, there isn't. The one in Miami offers rooms for $233.00/night.

My point is that Disney's Deluxe hotels are priced like the above mentioned hotels because that's the level Disney attributes to them. Disney has priced them AT or HIGHER than the luxury hotel market for Orlando, yet Disney's hotels are far inferior to them in every possible way.

 

[fosse76]

Even if you are a Ritzer or 4 Seasoner, you are not a Deluxer. Sorry. That is the difference.

That doesn't make sense. The hotels I mentioned are far classier than the Disney Deluxe Resorts. If a person stays at the Ritz, or Plaza, or Four Seasons, etc. then they certainly have high standards for hotel accomodations. Are you so delusional to think that Disney's Deluxe resorts are better than those hotels?

Take the entitlement attitude and earn it. It is not given to you.

It is what it is. Be what you are or make sacrifices to be what you want to be.

I'm not sure what any of that is supposed to mean. The mere fact that someone doesn't stay at the Deluxe Resorts does not mean they can't afford to stay at a Deluxe Resort. That seems to be the implication by most posters who put-down the values (or even moderates). Personally, I know quite a few people who could afford to BUY the deluxe hotels, let alone stay in them, yet stay at a value, and I can personally afford to stay at any of the hotels on Disney property too (though I certainly can't buy one), so I don't know who you think you are addressing, but I think you need to take your elitism down a notch.

Most people have preferences, and that is fine. But to act like those who criticize prices are merely jealous (as is often implied in the responses) is rather presumptuous. Disney's deluxes are merely superficial constructions of the "equivalent" deluxe hotels off property. The differences of the real thing versus Disney's versions are noticeable immediately, and pricing it at the same level or more doesn't negate that difference.

 

[fosse76]

Check the attitude at the door buddy.
If you're the type that only sleeps in your room and nothing else, than why would you stay anywhere else but a value resort?

I agree with that.

However, if you're someone who enjoys spending time at the resort itself then the deluxes offer the best amenities for that. There are those people who enjoy that type of vacation and wouldn't consider staying at a value because it doesn't make that type of vacation possible.

I agree but only to an extent. I guess it depends what you plan on doing at the resort as to whether or not you can relax there. Certainly, you can swim, nap, sunbathe, eat, read, jog, watch tv, or simply relax at ALL the resorts. That isn't exclusive to deluxes (or moderates).

All Disney vacations are not created equal, some like to stay in the parks from the time they open to the time they close. Others like to come back to the resort each day for a swim, nap, etc, and some hardly spend time in the parks at all, they may golf, or just hang out around the resort grounds.

In the latter case, I don't see what the point in going to Disney would be. There are certainly better and cheaper places to do everything Disney offers at its resorts, so I'm not sure why one would go to Disney if they don't plan on going to the parks.

There's no problem with someone complaining about the price of a resort whether it's a deluxe or other category because that's the type of vacation they want to have.

Maybe. It is a bit elitist, though, to say one cannot afford to go to Disneyworld anymore because the price of ONE specific deluxe resort is out of his/her price range, so he/she won't be able to go again until there is a discount. Disney has so many resorts, there certainly is a way for someone to go even if they can't go to their favorite resort. If the only thing that makes your trip enjoyable to Disney is the hotel experience, then perhaps it's time to find a new vacation spot, or, gasp, stay at one of the nicer hotels off property.

 

[pax_65]

My point is that Disney's Deluxe hotels are priced like the above mentioned hotels because that's the level Disney attributes to them.

And many people reading these boards are surely to blame also, because they share in that attitude, placing deluxe Disney hotels above anything in the world. Some folks desire the "Disney immersion" and will pay anything to get it. I've had people tell me that they wouldn't dream of doing Disney without staying on the monorail. Disney could continue raising their rates and these people still wouldn't dream of going elsewhere.

As I said before, it's supply and demand. We see the price going up and wonder how the demand can possibly justify that. But when you consider the "deluxe or die" attitude of some Disney fanatics, you can understand where the demand might be coming from.

Someone just posted about renting a house. I have friends who do this also. Economically, you can't possibly beat such a setup, and you get all the comforts of home plus your own private pool (usually). But there are many reading this post who would never dream of staying off-property, regardless of the price-savings or other advantages.

 

[Master Yoda]

I stand corrected: The Ritz-Carlton in Orlando is cheaper (and more luxurious) than the Grand Floridian. You can get a room there for $239.00 a night. The Palace in New York, also far superior than anything Disney can offer, has rooms available for $330/night. I could have sworn someone told me there was a 4 Seasons in Orlando, but alas, there isn't. The one in Miami offers rooms for $233.00/night.

My point is that Disney's Deluxe hotels are priced like the above mentioned hotels because that's the level Disney attributes to them. Disney has priced them AT or HIGHER than the luxury hotel market for Orlando, yet Disney's hotels are far inferior to them in every possible way.

Except for location and for many people the resorts location in enough to justify the price.

 

[durangojim]

I agree with that.



I agree but only to an extent. I guess it depends what you plan on doing at the resort as to whether or not you can relax there. Certainly, you can swim, nap, sunbathe, eat, read, jog, watch tv, or simply relax at ALL the resorts. That isn't exclusive to deluxes (or moderates).



In the latter case, I don't see what the point in going to Disney would be. There are certainly better and cheaper places to do everything Disney offers at its resorts, so I'm not sure why one would go to Disney if they don't plan on going to the parks.



Maybe. It is a bit elitist, though, to say one cannot afford to go to Disneyworld anymore because the price of ONE specific deluxe resort is out of his/her price range, so he/she won't be able to go again until there is a discount. Disney has so many resorts, there certainly is a way for someone to go even if they can't go to their favorite resort. If the only thing that makes your trip enjoyable to Disney is the hotel experience, then perhaps it's time to find a new vacation spot, or, gasp, stay at one of the nicer hotels off property.

I'm not sure how to do the multi quote thing so I'll try to address the issues in order.

Certainly you can do most things at any resort that you can at a deluxe, but there are some omissions. The biggest thing a deluxe offers is convenience and location. We usually stay at BC or WL both of which are very easy to get to/from EPCOT and WL respectively. Having 2 kids, it's nice to go back and swim/nap in the afternoon. We stayed at PORS 2 weeks ago and the ambience was nice and the rooms were better than expected, but there was a lack of convience getting to/from the resort to the parks. One day after waiting 45 minutes for a bus to MK we had to take a cab and due to the trouble with the busses, we spent the day at MK and did very little swimming. Also, I like having a balcony that we can eat or breakfast on after running down to the quickservice restaurant and bringing it back to the room. This is more difficult to do at a mod or value.

For some people going to the resort, they might like to golf often and maybe only go to the parks for a little while for dinner. We took my inlaws 2 weeks ago for their first trip to WDW. 4 nights at PORS (had a nice time but busses were bad and will probably only stay at deluxes due to the convenience factor). Anyway due to the heat and some medical issues they only spent about a half day in the parks -- MNSSHP and a could hours at EPCOT. The rest of the time they stayed back at the resort and relaxed. Seems strange to my wife and I, yet they raved about what a great time they had and how they definately want to come back.

I don't think it's elitist for someone to say they would only stay at a deluxe and wouldn't return if they couldn't stay there becuase, like I said, for some, Disney is more than just the parks, and if they enjoy the whole package, then why would they spend money to have an experience that they wouldn't enjoy. As long as they're not saying everyone has to stay at a deluxe, I don't know what the problem is.

I've got no problems with folks who want to stay at values or mods. I just have an issue with Disney raising prices for an experience that is not in line with nice hotels with similar benefits (be it location, amenities, or both).

 

[javs4evas1298]

I didn't really read many of the responses here so if someone already said this then I am sorry for repeating.

Part of the reason the rates are so high for some of the hotels is because enough people are willing to pay it. If they were having problems filling up the deluxes and what not then they would probably lower the prices to something more reasonable. Not that I see that happening though. I don't think Disney is having any problems when it comes to reservations.
There prices may be high but at least they have deals like the free dining and buy 4 get 3 at select times.

As much as I would love to stay at a deluxe resort, I know I can not afford it and will stay at a value which can be just as nice without some of the luxuries that I could do without anyway.

 

[KeithVH]

I'd be happy to stay at one of the better offsite locations soon as those hotels get monorail service in front of their lobbies and they have themed dining with characters. Does anyone have the schedule for when that's happening?

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Years ago, I used to get AP rates as low as $49 per night at the Values. Anything under $100, I'm fine with. When you start getting into $130 plus per night there, that's too much.

The real problem as I see it, is the Deluxes. $465 for a standard room at ANY Disney Resort is absurd.

And yet concierge, and suite packages continue to sell well...and that is beyond your numbers.

 

[marcriss]

I don't understand why these threads have to get so contentious...

I think what it comes down to is that people are getting less for their money than they were a few years ago. Regardless of where you stay, if you start paying more and getting less you'd complain. Values don't have many extras to trim, but if all of a sudden bus service was reduced as a cost-cutting measure I'm sure people would start to complain. Deluxe hotels offer more, it's easier for the company to trim back here. As the quality goes down, the prices continue to rise. People are frustrated. This is the same argument being made all over the boards about a variety of topics (food, ticket prices, etc). It's not about being elitist, it's about value for your dollar.

 

[captainkidd]

And yet concierge, and suite packages continue to sell well...and that is beyond your numbers.

I actually stayed Concierge at WL this past summer. I had never done it before and figure it must be amazing. It was - An amazing waste of money. Luckily, we had an insanely good AP rate, otherwise on the first night, I'd have asked to be switched back to a standard room and issued a refund.

 

[WishIwasThere]

Except for location and for many people the resorts location in enough to justify the price.

And for me...We just got back from a weekend at the Shades of Green. HUGE rooms...I think they are the same size as the Poly. Only a 10 minute walk to the Poly monorail station, which is almost as long a walk from the end of Tahiti building. I think every room has a great view of either the golf courses or the pools. Covered parking garages...ok they charge $5 a day to park but I don't have to pay parking at the parks.

I was charged $125 a night, whatever time of the year I go, for the equivilent of a $355 a night room that might overlook the parking lot.

I know where my prefered hotel is now.

 

[wm49rs]

I don't understand why these threads have to get so contentious...

I agree; I'm not sure why people need to get either lathered up or incredibly insulting when replying to an opinion different than their own.

As for the prices, I agree, they are what they are because people are willing to pay for them (as I have in the past). But that doesn't necessarily mean they are a good value. For myself and my family, staying off grounds for a week at a 3-bedroom condo for less than two nights in a deluxe room is just more economical sense, and a decision that allows us to visit multiple times. Some people will come to the same conclusions, while others will choose to stay on grounds. Neither decision is good or bad, just what people can fit into their budget. Let's try to keep that in mind before breaking out the snark.

 

[The Mom]

And for me...We just got back from a weekend at the Shades of Green. HUGE rooms...I think they are the same size as the Poly. Only a 10 minute walk to the Poly monorail station, which is almost as long a walk from the end of Tahiti building. I think every room has a great view of either the golf courses or the pools. Covered parking garages...ok they charge $5 a day to park but I don't have to pay parking at the parks.

I was charged $125 a night, whatever time of the year I go, for the equivilent of a $355 a night room that might overlook the parking lot.

I know where my prefered hotel is now.

It was my preferred hotel (when it was the Disney Inn) until I could no longer stay there. Because it is reserved for military now, with a sliding scale, it is definitely (IMO) the place for anyone who qualifies to stay.

 

[Monty]

It was my preferred hotel (when it was the Disney Inn) until I could no longer stay there. Because it is reserved for military now, with a sliding scale, it is definitely (IMO) the place for anyone who qualifies to stay.

Would be nice if they'd accept Foreign [Allied] Veterans... :lookaroun

 

[Innoventions]

My bad I didnt mean to sound like I had an attitude. It is just written word. I do enjoy the whole package, fyi, I golf, I enjoy everything disney has to offer, my whole point was that Disney has something for everyone, and I was suprised by the statement that since a certain deluxe resort was ridiculous that you would stay of site. Just staying in disney no matter where is an experience! Sorry for the bad blood, didnt mean it. Much love, to my fellow disney enthusiasts!!!!

 

[Dwarful]

We stayed at the Boardwalk and while the resort was nice, the rooms weren't anything to write home about. Our room had a burned out light bulb the entire trip, despite numerous notes and phone calls. On our last trip to the world we heard numerous people complaining at the bus stop. On most occasions to MK we shared buses with Yacht and Beach Club and The Swan and Dolphin...it was a pain to be at standing room and have one more stop to make.

It was nice to be able to walk to the studios and Epcot. Although on the day we did EMH mornings at Epcot they 'held us' back by the gift shops near world showcase until 'rope drop'. So we ended up quite a bit behind the crowd who entered in from the front gates.

What we didn't like was sharing the buses with so many other resorts. The lack of quick service places to grab a cold drink. The lines on the Boardwalk shops were out the door most days (too small to deal with such large numbers). Compared to deluxe resorts we have stayed at elsewhere I def. wouldn't pay rack rates.

We also went during the summer - June, when they had the 'summer seasonal pricing' on sit down dining. Most of those meals were highly over priced and the service has really gone down hill. They price the dining plan where you feel like you need to buy it to get a deal, but then the food and the service just aren't what they were.

Don't get me wrong. We have had numerous great trips at WDW since our honeymoon in 1995. But slowly we have noticed at the resorts and dining the quality is going down while they focus on quantity. Labor day we rented a beach house on Lake Michigan and the girls told us it was their best vacation ever. So now we are wondering if we will go back to wdw in '10. If they offer a great bargain we probably will include it in our travel plans. If they don't we will probably go explore other areas.

 

[OklaHoops]

Resort Prices

Its just wrong.:hurl: I Love Disney and the themed resorts but this why Swan and Dolphin are the best value in WDW.

 

[captainkidd]

On our last trip to the world we heard numerous people complaining at the bus stop. On most occasions to MK we shared buses with Yacht and Beach Club and The Swan and Dolphin...it was a pain to be at standing room and have one more stop to make.

The bus situation at all of the Deluxe Resorts (besides Animal Kingdom Lodge) is simply unacceptable. For the price they charge per night, there is no excuse for having to share buses.

 

[lbrad]

In years past (say 2000 to 2006) I made about 3-5 trips a year - usually a 3 or 4 day 'weekend', and almost always stayed in a deluxe (using my passholder discount at Contemporary, Animal Kingdom Lodge or Beach Club).

In the most recent 3 years, I've only been up there like 2 times total - and my next vist (36 days) will be my first time in a moderate in many years. With what seem like the massive increases in prices for the deluxe resorts, I've gone elsewhere - Europe and South America - for about the same the Disney trip would cost. Now I'm wondering if I should even bother getting a new Annual Pass - more so because the free dining (that I never use) is making dining less enjoyable. This upcoming Food & Wine Festival visit may be kind of 'make or break' - if its not a really magical trip, I may be taking an extended Disney break ....

I'm with Sloan on this one...looks like we'll be taking a break this year and offsite on our next trip whenever that may be