So, one topic that keeps coming up is Disney's load levels at its resorts and whether its numbers are the result of resorts that are truly filled or simply filled to a reduction in capacity.
For example, right now, the Poly, BW and BC (as well as the non-Disney owned Swan) all have substantial numbers of rooms being renovated. At the moderate level, I believe the CBR is the only resort with major room reduction. And, to my knowledge, none of the values has any significant reduction in available rooms.
I just state that because it is very easy to hear the BW is full when only 65% of its rooms are open to be purchased.
I didn't spend enough time at any WDW or UNI resorts in my recent visit to judge their true levels of occupancy versus what it may appear.
OTOH, I did come into some information regarding how much Disney is making from certain rooms. Let's use the Contemporary Resort as an example. They recently had two large groups in for conventions: An Event Apart (500 web design specialists fro around the globe) and the Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates.
The first event had people in as early as 10/23 and out as late as 11/1. The main event was from the 26th thru the 29th, so we'll leave out the other dates. The rate they were charged for a 'Run of the House' (meaning any level/view of room that was available) was $239 a night (overflows were sent to POR for $159 a night). Just wondering when the last time any of you had a Tower Room at the Contemp for $239 a night? (maybe
@ParentsOf4 will offer up one of his old posts where he tells you why people book DVC and what they are paying a night)
On the 26th, 164 rooms were blocked out. On the 27th, 183 rooms. On the 28th, 183. On the 29th, it was 125. Again, that doesn't include the POR rooms or the folks who came in early or stayed late. (on the 25th, for example, 60 rooms were blocked)
Think they got a good deal? You should be into urology (fanbois are perking up!) as they paid $199 a night for rooms. (they also had overflow, but at deluxe resorts including the GF and DAK Lodge). Their event ran from 10/30 until 11/2, but many came early or stayed late. For instance, on the 29th, they had 133 rooms blocked.
On the 30th it jumped to 391. On Halloween, it was 400. On the 1st, it was 280.
When you look at those numbers,you start realizing how important Disney's convention business is (recall Disney's issues with mega-casino resorts opening on Miami Beach because they know it would be huge blow to this business). On many nights, a tiny percentage of guests are staying at deluxe resorts and paying rack rate. This is why they plan more DVC conversions of existing Deluxe Resort inventory (check the 8th Wonder thread for more info).
The only way you get a MK view for $199 a night is either by coming with a convention or buying timeshare. Even those 60% off value season rates for CMs are practically non-existent because really ... George Kalogridis and Co don't want CMs using and abusing those great Disney Difference perks that are supposed to make things MAGICal when your $234 a week paycheck gets you living in an old motel room on 192 with two others.
~Rockin' The Spirited Jorts Since The 1980s~
