Have to vent...a little!

[dizneydeb22]

I have been noticing quite a bit of hostility towards Disney as far as pricing and cost cutting. Yes, our family has felt it also...there is more time in between trips, but as we all know, the economy stinks. I think everyone is forgetting that although WDW is a Magical place, it is also a business. They are in business to make money. I don't know many family places that are enjoyed by all family members that: provide transportation to all points of the resort( albeit, slow), offer all levels of hotels so that more people can have an on property experience, and provide entainment not only in the parks, but at onsite hotels as well! And all that isn't even the tip of the iceberg! I am not foolish enough to believe that a huge profit is not being made, I know it is, but I'm still going to plan my trips and love it! Ok, I'm done...22 days and counting until my magical trip!

[Cara121078]

I agree! If my family of 6 went to the beach for a week, I KNOW that we would end up spending almost as much as we do at WDW, but I also know that we would not enjoy it nearly as much, so I am willing to pay a small premium for big fun.

[Ms. Mode]

I agree Cody!
Yes they make money, they also spend a lot...and hopefully one day I'll be retired and working there.

I love WDW, and it drives me crazy to see people downing it....just go somewhere else if there's no magic left for you here. Actually, a lady I go to church with says this, "If you went to Disney and didn't have a wonderful time; you're doing it wrong!"

[disneymom15]

I agree Cody!
Yes they make money, they also spend a lot...and hopefully one day I'll be retired and working there.

I love WDW, and it drives me crazy to see people downing it....just go somewhere else if there's no magic left for you here. Actually, a lady I go to church with says this, "If you went to Disney and didn't have a wonderful time; you're doing it wrong!"

Well said. I totally agree.

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

We still love Disney. It isn't much cheaper for us to go somewhere else (and we compare the cost of every vacation to Disney), and we usually have a better time at WDW.

That being said, there is something special about Disney, and I hope it doesn't get lost in the realities of running a themepark in tough times.

[ransam]

Awesome! you said it perfectly.

[tazlikesrobots]

Right on! From my point of view it is still cheaper to go to WDW than other destinations. What people tend to forget is all the value added services you get when you stay at WDW. There is a reason Disney is the gold standard when it comes to them parks.

[MississippiDisneyFreak]

We have considered other places and I have priced some other vacations thinking I could take a smaller cheaper trip when I couldn't afford Disney and guess what, they weren't any cheaper when you consider accommodations, meals, transportation and entertainment.

Its still a good value for us...plus, its DisneyWorld!!!!

[DisneyMom12]

I agree as well. Well said.

[disneymom15]

We have considered other places and I have priced some other vacations thinking I could take a smaller cheaper trip when I couldn't afford Disney and guess what, they weren't any cheaper when you consider accommodations, meals, transportation and entertainment.

Its still a good value for us...plus, its DisneyWorld!!!!

Back in the late 90's, we did a long weekend in Chicago (2 nights). We paid about the same amount as we did for 7 nights at a value resort. Not to mention, all the money spent on shopping, food and parking. Disney to me is still a great value!

[TheVBs]

Well said! We totally agree. I do understand people wanting to vent, but raising prices is a reality everywhere. We go to Disney once every 2 years and take trips to other locations in between. We have a good time on almost all our trips, but we end up paying just as much to go somewhere else, and we certainly do not get as much bang for our buck as we do at WDW.

[gerald72]

I agree with everyone. I am on vacation right now (not Disney) and it's costing me much more than it would at Disney.

[Goofeygal]

we go about 3 times a year so I agree that it doesn't cost anymore maybe less then alot of other places.

[texas211]

Besides, what does it matter what it costs. I'm not saying finances don't matter, they do. But, you want to do something like Disney, well, its going to cost. You want cheap, go to one of those carnivals in a mall parking lot ( we won't discuss maintenance issues).

Short of me having to take out a 2nd mortgage to go, price is worth it. You can find ways to save as the experts here mention, so, go, enjoy, limit the 13 dollar pins, and have fun.

[Tink#64]

We have considered other places and I have priced some other vacations thinking I could take a smaller cheaper trip when I couldn't afford Disney and guess what, they weren't any cheaper when you consider accommodations, meals, transportation and entertainment.

Its still a good value for us...plus, its DisneyWorld!!!!

We have spent just as much on beach vacations & half of that time is spent just lounging, which DH & I enjoy for awhile, DS's get bored way sooner! We're all used to our lively, fun packed, go, go, go, WDW vacations! Still a GREAT value for us!

[dizneydeb22]

Thanks everyone for the positive feedback! I thought I was going to get blasted!!

[Terra]

Add me to the list that agrees and we are a very very modest income earning family. We go when we can and I'm thankful for each time. And I realize in the end it IS a business. I also look at it this way. They hire/employ 30,000+ employees. Without WDW here in Central Florida that would be a lot of unemployed people! They bring business here! That's something to be thankful for!!

[donnine]

We have spent just as much on beach vacations & half of that time is spent just lounging, which DH & I enjoy for awhile, DS's get bored way sooner! We're all used to our lively, fun packed, go, go, go, WDW vacations! Still a GREAT value for us!

I so AGREE with you all!!! Sometimes I think I SHOULD go somewhere else because people think we are crazy, but why spend almost as much and not be where you know you really want to be on vacation.

[scooterca42]

Even coming from Canada on the airlines that charge an astonishing amount of tax, we find that the value for money is exceptional. The consistency of the experience is what we appreciated when we do Disney.

It's always nice to get a deal - we always stay Value and take advantage of the free Dining (I know, I know, it's not 'free') when possible. We can do a fabulous holiday for a week for what works out to a very reasonable price.

[mdricks]

I'm in charge of planning a 4 day weekend getaway for 4 adults to wdw every year. I keep detailed records and budget to the penny (I was only 1cent off on the 09 trip! )

I don't see the oft maligned cost increases. Our room this year is the cheapst its ever been. I try to build in cost adjustments but outside of plane fare they don't seem to materialize.

I guess my point is you can spend as little or as much as you want to at wdw. If properly planned it is one the cheapest value destinations out there. My family of 4 spends more at the beach per day then 4 druken midlife crisis idiots at disney!