You better travel to WDW now, 2011 going to get more expensive.

[DisneyMusician2]

They really aren't doing much to attract foreign tourists away from their own better Disney parks.



I wonder how the stock holders are going to feel when attendance drops and visitors are still not buying the expensive merch.

Then the discounts will be reinstated. But pricing had to return to normal. The real question is if Disney will raise their rack rate prices this year, or simply erase the discounts.

If they do both, it will probably be too much. If they just eliminate the discounts, I can't argue with that.

 

[marni1971]

This was announced last year. Of course it`s coming. Disney has cheapened itself too far. The discounts of the past few years are unsustainable.

 

[xdan0920]

This was announced last year. Of course it`s coming. Disney has cheapened itself too far. The discounts of the past few years are unsustainable.

Very succinct and I agree with you 100%.

 

[DisneyJoe]

I wonder how the stock holders are going to feel when attendance drops

In relation to these discounts, resort occupancy is the key statistic, not attendance.

The number of guests that occupy Disney resorts is a small percentage of overall park attendance.

 

[JWG]

This was announced last year. Of course it`s coming. Disney has cheapened itself too far. The discounts of the past few years are unsustainable.

1) Didn't Iger actually say the discounts would end in 2010 and not continue through (my assumption) the high attendance season? If I do a thread search I'm confident I'll find this same thread based on his comments late 2009. I guess they didn't want to send him to the well twice since his first statement wasn't so true.

2) Yes. I agree. And frankly, it's disappointing they've been as long and deep as they have because they do negatively impact the true "invested" Disney fan. By invested, I mean the ones who' committed large sums of money upfront, not the usual "fan" definition. Those who are members of DVC or get premium annual passes every year, etc. It diminishes the value of their memberships and investment into the company. At some point that has to stop or those who most invest into the parks will stop. Which, they must have seen as DVC is now offering (or will) contracts for lower minimum point requirements, my aunt and uncle were getting ridiculous FL passholder deals sent to them, etc.

And no, I have not paid into DVC nor have I ever owned a season pass, so this isn't my soap box.

 

[NewtoDisney2009]

If I'm not mistaken, there was a thread on this exact same topic last year. I don't think things changed that much!

 

[mikeymouse]

squeeze what they can out of us before the world ends in 2012...:brick:

:lookaroun:drevil:

 

[Korfar]

1) Didn't Iger actually say the discounts would end in 2010 and not continue through (my assumption) the high attendance season? If I do a thread search I'm confident I'll find this same thread based on his comments late 2009. I guess they didn't want to send him to the well twice since his first statement wasn't so true.

2) Yes. I agree. And frankly, it's disappointing they've been as long and deep as they have because they do negatively impact the true "invested" Disney fan. By invested, I mean the ones who' committed large sums of money upfront, not the usual "fan" definition. Those who are members of DVC or get premium annual passes every year, etc. It diminishes the value of their memberships and investment into the company. At some point that has to stop or those who most invest into the parks will stop. Which, they must have seen as DVC is now offering (or will) contracts for lower minimum point requirements, my aunt and uncle were getting ridiculous FL passholder deals sent to them, etc.

And no, I have not paid into DVC nor have I ever owned a season pass, so this isn't my soap box.

I will preface this by saying I understand you are not a DVC member or annual pass holder. But your 2nd comment gets on my nerves. I can't stand it when the DVC people think that just because they forked over large sums of money up front that they are entitled the parks more than anyone else. As Walt Disney himself said when Disneyland opened, to all that visit this place, welcome. Notice the words to all, not only to DVC members and pass holders, welcome. If Disney loses any single group of it's customers they will go under. They can't cater to only one segment of thier customer base.

 

[geubux]

They need to both get rid of discounts and raise the rack rate. When the discounts abound, you tend to get a lower class of guests who expect the top service for low dollar and no tips.

It will be good to get where only the elite can go again.

 

[geubux]

If Disney loses any single group of it's customers they will go under. They can't cater to only one segment of thier customer base.

Actually, the people on a tight budget, who don't eat in the parks and don't buy souvenirs, WDW can do without. Oh, and those who ONLY travel on discount rates too.

 

[Figment632]

Things change. I don't see the economy improving that much, in fact the chances are it gets worse. You will continue to see discounts if that happens.

Agreed I things geeting worse in the near future not better.

 

[xdan0920]

I will preface this by saying I understand you are not a DVC member or annual pass holder. But your 2nd comment gets on my nerves. I can't stand it when the DVC people think that just because they forked over large sums of money up front that they are entitled the parks more than anyone else. As Walt Disney himself said when Disneyland opened, to all that visit this place, welcome. Notice the words to all, not only to DVC members and pass holders, welcome. If Disney loses any single group of it's customers they will go under. They can't cater to only one segment of thier customer base.

Thats what he was saying. With all the deep discounts it is reducing the value of being a AP holder, or a DVC owner. So by catering to the discount group they are losing those people who invest the most money in WDW.

 

[wm49rs]

They need to both get rid of discounts and raise the rack rate. When the discounts abound, you tend to get a lower class of guests who expect the top service for low dollar and no tips.

It will be good to get where only the elite can go again.

Right, how dare the plebians dream of visiting WDW?

 

[wannabeBelle]

If it is any consolation, the same announcement regarding weening off of discounts was made for 2010 as well. I am taking a wait and see stance on this one. Have a great day all!! Marie

 

[Korfar]

Actually, the people on a tight budget, who don't eat in the parks and don't buy souvenirs, WDW can do without. Oh, and those who ONLY travel on discount rates too.

The park is also a gigantic advertisement for it's movies. You can't quantify that effect even on people that don't spend money in the parks. There certainly are some people that go to Disney that most of the rest of us would prefer don't because of bad attitudes or hygene. However that does not mean all people on a tight budget are a problem. As we all know Disney wants as many people in the parks as possible regardless of how much they spend. I personally am fine with any one that wants to go being able to go. Too many people want the parks empty so it is easier for them. If that happens there will be no Disney World.

 

[bgraham34]

I am a DVC member and I am not bothered by the discounts, the only thing I dont like is the free dining because it makes it more difficult to make dining reservations. I bought DVC for the future, just because there are discounts now does not mean they will have them in 10 years.

 

[xdan0920]

Repost

 

[Korfar]

Thats what he was saying. With all the deep discounts it is reducing the value of being a AP holder, or a DVC owner. So by catering to the discount group they are losing those people who invest the most money in WDW.

DVC owners may invest the most per person but not as a whole. The average visitor from out of town makes up the bulk of thier revenues as a whole.

 

[geubux]

Right, how dare the plebians dream of visiting WDW?

Yes. Glad to see you agree with me. Don't get me wrong, I want the poorer element to enjoy vacations too. That's why six flags and IOF will ALWAYS have a market.

Hey, even Wal Mart employees need a day off!

 

[xdan0920]

DVC owners may invest the most per person but not as a whole. The average visitor from out of town makes up the bulk of thier revenues as a whole.

That is not really the point. I was just saying, you don't want disney to ignore any part of the market, and with all the deep discounts they are hurting their highest paying market.