Snack price increases?

[21stamps]

Because it's not the price itself that is the concerning part... it's what the company is doing with prices, and how the company is approaching customers and their treatment of them.

It blows my mind that with all the changes in even the last 4-6 weeks people still don't see it. And the 'well it doesn't impact me' or 'dont buy it then...' responses.. do you really think these changes are going to stay isolated to things you DON'T cherish?

This pace of change is unprecedented... and people act like it's just normal inflation, or just things that don't directly impact them. Some people are just going to get slammed by a train because they refuse to open their eyes to what is actually going on around them. One day they are going to wake up and realize it's too late and they can't rollback all those little changes that added up to a boat load of change that fundamentally changes their net experience.

I really don't know what it will take before some people take the blinders off and look around.

It was bad enough when we started getting seasonal menu pricing.. soon we'll get congestion pricing at shows... or how about paying for that center section at F! or you can sit way over to the side for free..

Let's do a reality check-

We are talking about a theme park. A vacation destination. An option.

It is not a government, a school, a tax increase, housing crash, housing inflation, or anything else. It is a completely non required destination. That's it.

You can rant and rave and spread negativity. What will it accomplish? Millions and millions of people per year go to WDW, and millions and millions will continue to go when you and I stop. So what is the point of the outrage? What are you hoping to do? To get people to boycott WDW? Is that it?

I'm asking in earnest because the incessant proclamations of disgust with a company and their decisions make absolutely 0 sense to me. They will not do any good. Either accept it, or don't. Continuing to throw a tantrum isn't getting you, and anyone else who does the same, anywhere.

 

[Ricky Spanish]

Funny how everyone is complaining about $5 ice cream bars
But nobody is complaining about $3 water or, better yet, $4.50 for "smart" water
Personally, $5 ice cream bars help my diet

 

[flynnibus]

Let's do a reality check-

We are talking about a theme park. A vacation destination. An option.

I'm talking about a company.. a company that produces content cherished by many young and old that created experiences that have shaped many people's memories and lives. Maybe.. some of us want that company to continue to exist, so that we will continue to enjoy it in the future.. and my kids can have similar experiences with their kids.

And WDW is a place I used to enjoy, and I'd like to enjoy again. The 'just don't go' troup is an argument that says 'ignore the problem and give up'. As customers, if we don't like something, we should make our voice heard. And here on a forum, amoung other customers, part of that is discussing with others elements they may not recognize.

You can rant and rave and spread negativity. What will it accomplish? Millions and millions of people per year go to WDW, and millions and millions will continue to go when you and I stop. So what is the point of the outrage? What are you hoping to do? To get people to boycott WDW? Is that it?

Spread negativity? What do you call it when people just whitewash everything and refuse to objectively face all facets? Fantasyland?

This is the second largest WDW online site on the web. The tone and conversation here carries far... and it's why Disney has entire departments dedicated to controlling the message in the online world.. because it matters.

Disney isn't just a vacation spot or a commercial product I've bought. And I'm not alone... and it's why Disney and it's products have been handed down generation to generation. But yeah, just throwing them out in the trash sounds like a great way to handle your dissatisfaction with the direction of the business.

 

[Luxe]

You call it ignorant. I call it being an adult and realizing the world doesn't revolve around my wants and needs. Aka - living in reality.


You ever hear the saying "crying over spilled milk."

Yeah well, I've never understood why people do that. If you can't change something then crying over it is useless.

I went to dinner last night and ordered the beef tenderloin with a side of grilled asparagus and sautéed mushrooms. Instead they brought me a baked chicken thigh with a side of peas and raw broccoli. Oh well, no need to "cry over spilled milk", I just sat there quietly and ate it. After I even told the server how delicious the meal was and gave a very large tip. I'm an adult, the world doesn't revolve around me so why should I bother to have standards?

 

[Luxe]

Cue the "no one forced you to order the filet mignon" post.

 

[SorcererMC]

Let's see. Complaining about a $5 Mickey ice cream bar is not okay, but alleging that someone who does is angry, whining/crying, throwing a tantrum or otherwise irrational is.

Seems legit.

 

[21stamps]

I'm talking about a company.. a company that produces content cherished by many young and old that created experiences that have shaped many people's memories and lives. Maybe.. some of us want that company to continue to exist, so that we will continue to enjoy it in the future.. and my kids can have similar experiences with their kids.

And WDW is a place I used to enjoy, and I'd like to enjoy again. The 'just don't go' troup is an argument that says 'ignore the problem and give up'. As customers, if we don't like something, we should make our voice heard. And here on a forum, amoung other customers, part of that is discussing with others elements they may not recognize.



Spread negativity? What do you call it when people just whitewash everything and refuse to objectively face all facets? Fantasyland?

This is the second largest WDW online site on the web. The tone and conversation here carries far... and it's why Disney has entire departments dedicated to controlling the message in the online world.. because it matters.

Disney isn't just a vacation spot or a commercial product I've bought. And I'm not alone... and it's why Disney and it's products have been handed down generation to generation. But yeah, just throwing them out in the trash sounds like a great way to handle your dissatisfaction with the direction of the business.

From most of what I read of your posts on various threads, in your perfect Disney world would be 0 upcharge events.

Step back and think outside of yourself though.. maybe some of us enjoy the upcharge events. Maybe one of those "extras" were the highlight of our vacation. MK EMM was by far the absolute best time I have ever had at WDW, and the memories I created during that hour will last a lifetime. So your points of dissatisfaction are my points of satisfaction. Do you understand that?

Most of the things people complain about do not directly effect them. Having those things taken away would directly effect the people who enjoy them.

The key is to look at the big picture. Providing options to different types of travelers is not a bad thing.

 

[The_Jobu]

From most of what I read of your posts on various threads, in your perfect Disney world would be 0 upcharge events.

Step back and think outside of yourself though.. maybe some of us enjoy the upcharge events. Maybe one of those "extras" were the highlight of our vacation. MK EMM was by far the absolute best time I have ever had at WDW, and the memories I created during that hour will last a lifetime. So your points of dissatisfaction are my points of satisfaction. Do you understand that?

Most of the things people complain about do not directly effect them. Having those things taken away would directly effect the people who enjoy them.

The key is to look at the big picture. Providing options to different types of travelers is not a bad thing.

At this point I honestly cant tell if you're trolling or being obtuse, so, points to you I guess.

 

[SorcererMC]

Constantly complaining about Every Single Thing that Disney does is whining/crying/tantrum/useless/negative/accomplishing nothing.

That is your interpretation of it. I do not interpret it that way - I see people on these boards trying to determine whether or not spending their money on a WDW vacation holds value for them, emotional and/or financial, and wanting to know what to expect, and talking about it.

ETA: And occasionally having a laugh at Disney's expense, which I don't think hurts anyone. For the record, I don't begrudge anyone who enjoys their WDW vacation at whatever level they can afford it... I think that TWDC business strategy is a separate but related issue and impacts the consumer/guest experience.

 

[Bandini]

Why are you so obsessed with her freakin cabana rental?!

Well, she made it a point to post pictures of it on a thread. I figured she wanted everyone to know how she spent her money on her vacation, since she posted photos and mentioned she was staying at the GF, and she mentioned the great value of Disney's up sells.

 

[Mr Ferret 75]

Please dont. I dont want you to get a call from the PEOTUS about job cuts.

Well seeng as I live in a small island just south of the mainland that is always trying to assert its independance, best I call him ...

 

[21stamps]

That is your interpretation of it. I do not interpret it that way - I see people on these boards trying to determine whether or not spending their money on a WDW vacation holds value for them, emotional and/or financial, and wanting to know what to expect, and talking about it.

Ok. Fair enough. So let's talk about that. I just returned. I know a lot of other on this site have been recently as well.

I had a fabulous time. $5 Mickey Bars and all. I didn't notice a decline in customer service, cleanliness, food portions, bus service, launch service, or anything else. I had a few hiccups during the trip, some more unpleasant than others, but I'm realistic enough to realize that sometimes things can go wrong. It's what we do after that matters. It's the attitude that we have that matters.

In this "New Declining Disney" I still managed to have an absolutely amazing trip, and I've read plenty of others say the same.

Are we all delusional? Should the "people debating on spending their money on WDW" listen to us, or the negativity zone?

 

[flynnibus]

From most of what I read of your posts on various threads, in your perfect Disney world would be 0 upcharge events.

'upcharge events' - depending on your meaning.. I would say yes.
That doesn't mean I think there should be no options. Learning to water ski at WDW as a child is one of the memories that stands out in my childhood memories. Taking the Keys to the Kingdom tour and getting that awesome book back when I was just old enough to go on the tour by myself.. another great memory that shaped my memories of those trips. The idea of being able to dive in the Living Seas.. was still a fantasy I wish I could have done. The canoeing and campfires I did when I was very young at Ft Wilderness... all great memories I'm sure that were optional, paid activities. The water sprites... always expensive, but were a great adventure when young.

Those were all, optional, paid opportunities offered at the resort. Those were all things not in conflict with a business trying to operate a world class resort and 'vacation kingdom'. They were all great opportunities that extended beyond the offering they maintained and operated at great levels for everyone.

That is very different from the attitude of repackaging things and charging a premium simply for 'skipping a line' or buying reserved seating... or jacking prices with the justification of 'well its comparable to other jacked prices'.. or taking services away to partition them off to those willing to pay more... or simply failing to provide good service and then having the audacity to offer a paid bypass.

Most of the things people complain about do not directly effect them. Having those things taken away would directly effect the people who enjoy them.

Because you only think like a customer... vs acknowledging and facing the reality that the leadership that is bending over the 'other guy' is also in charge of everything else.. and their business philosophy and it's impact is not limited in what it will touch.

 

[Bandini]

Nope, we get the fish & chicken that we split, add a cole slaw, and 2 waters. More than enough food for the 2 of us. We ate there last month.

So you are splitting a meal. If you each had a meal, it would be closer to $15 pp.

 

[Goofyernmost]

Does the concept of out of control cost seem to be absent to you? That same darn meal was $25 just five years ago. Inflation of $15 over five years while food costs have gone down in this country? Get real. I deal in economics all day and you just make excuses snorting the pixie dust.

I lived in Orlando a decade ago and the same meal that my wife and I ate each week at Epcot is now triple the price. Give me a break. Making a healthy profit is one thing, but disgusting price gouging is uncalled for. And NO, when we visited for the first time in a few years, I was shocked by the increases in price.

While food is indeed a necessity, dining in Disney World is absolutely not. Why does everyone constantly whine about it. If you don't want to pay that, don't go. If you still want to go, stay offsite and eat at reasonable prices and stay in reasonably priced accommodations. They may not have a 5 foot mouse running up and down the halls, but, you can still enjoy the parks without having to worry about if they charge $100.00 for a potato chip. Grow up folks you are paying for an experience. One that you can do without, trust me. You do not have to pay any of those outrageous prices, it is in your control completely. So pay what they charge and be quiet or don't pay for it and you can still enjoy it differently. Disney does not owe anyone dumpster rates and they are not forcing you to do so. Choices you make dictate that, you don't have to deal with it. If you deal in economics like you say, you should also understand supply and demand. That is what is allowing the, what you call, "price gouging" to happen.

 

[MinnieM123]

Share a meal at a QS place. Unless someone is a huge eater, it is more than enough food. We can never finish a QS meal by ourselves, and always end up sharing one, with an add-on or two. Again, not disagreeing at all that the prices are up, just sayin' that we all have options to combat the price hikes.

Actually, that's a good suggestion to split a QS meal with someone in your party, to help defray the prices. Problem is, that won't work for all park guests, and I'm not just referring to the people with hearty appetites.

I go to WDW once a year and travel solo. I'm stuck with the full price of a QS meal, because I can't split it with anyone. I just glanced at the menu for Pinocchio Village Haus. It was $11.49 for a chicken parmesan sandwich (which comes with apple slices or fries) and a low-fat milk is $1.99. That's $13.48 plus tax (I don't know what the tax percent is). I hardly ever eat French Fries, and apple slices don't exactly go with chicken parmesan. So I always plan on about $15.00 for just a QS lunch or dinner, that I don't finish. (I don't order dessert either.) I bring enough money with me on a trip, but the latest price hikes are really discouraging to me.

 

[21stamps]

'upcharge events' - depending on your meaning.. I would say yes.
That doesn't mean I think there should be no options. Learning to water ski at WDW as a child is one of the memories that stands out in my childhood memories. Taking the Keys to the Kingdom tour and getting that awesome book back when I was just old enough to go on the tour by myself.. another great memory that shaped my memories of those trips. The idea of being able to dive in the Living Seas.. was still a fantasy I wish I could have done. The canoeing and campfires I did when I was very young at Ft Wilderness... all great memories I'm sure that were optional, paid activities. The water sprites... always expensive, but were a great adventure when young.

Those were all, optional, paid opportunities offered at the resort. Those were all things not in conflict with a business trying to operate a world class resort and 'vacation kingdom'. They were all great opportunities that extended beyond the offering they maintained and operated at great levels for everyone.

That is very different from the attitude of repackaging things and charging a premium simply for 'skipping a line' or buying reserved seating... or jacking prices with the justification of 'well its comparable to other jacked prices'.. or taking services away to partition them off to those willing to pay more... or simply failing to provide good service and then having the audacity to offer a paid bypass.



Because you only think like a customer... vs acknowledging and facing the reality that the leadership that is bending over the 'other guy' is also in charge of everything else.. and their business philosophy and it's impact is not limited in what it will touch.

Yes. You are correct in that. When I go on a vacation I think like a customer. I choose what benefits me, within my budget, and what doesn't...and then I plan accordingly.

Reserved seating and things like Early Morning Magic are amazing enhancements on my trip. Especially when traveling with a child, on adult only trips I probably wouldn't do them. They save time. Time is money, that saying is true. The more efficient something is the more I can justify it. Given that all of these events seem to sell out, it doesn't look like I'm alone in searching for a maximization of time management.

 

[flynnibus]

Given that all of these events seem to sell out, it doesn't look like I'm alone in searching for a maximization of time management.

That's what happens when you fail to manage supply and demand.. and instead just turn to monetizing the excess demand.

On your next trip... try visiting Discovery Cove and reconnecting to what a vacation used to feel like... instead of 'time management' and 'efficiency'. Your kid will love it.

 

[Goofyernmost]

That's what happens when you fail to manage supply and demand.. and instead just turn to monetizing the excess demand.

On your next trip... try visiting Discovery Cove and reconnecting to what a vacation used to feel like... instead of 'time management' and 'efficiency'. Your kid will love it.

Supply and demand isn't managed. Supply and demand is a natural response to whatever the item is. It isn't controllable other then mind control or in the case of Disney the Magic Express making internment camp residents out of guests. Captive audience as it were. Why does that happen? Because people demand a certain experience and because of that they are required to pay the asking price for it. In that event people completely eliminated their chance to control prices via S & D.

 

[NYwdwfan]

That's what happens when you fail to manage supply and demand.. and instead just turn to monetizing the excess demand.

This is exactly the point others are failing to recognize: there aren't enough meaningful activities to disperse the crowds throughout the massive entertainment complex. They didn't properly stagger the projects to provide for increased capacity. Their stop-gap solution is to charge extra for premium time with less crowds instead of working to improve the infrastructure and provide additional experiences, activities, rides and entertainment options.