Originally Posted By RoadTrip I think people really need to put their money where their mouth is. I think WDW is a lot of fun and a satisfactory value, so I keep going there. If you don't, why on earth do you go? There are several very nice non-Disney parks in Orlando that you could visit. If you've got the Disney jones really bad, go to California instead. Airfare doesn’t cost that much and everything else will be cheaper than it is at WDW. I just don't understand why people will constantly complain about something but then keep buying it. Did Ford start improving their quality because people were unhappy? No. They improved their quality when people started buying Toyotas instead of Fords. I'm not saying love it or leave it; I think it is appropriate for good customers to make their views known to a company they do business with. Just realize that it won't make nearly as much difference as changing your buying habits. One of the more surreal experiences on this board was when a person was complaining consistently and loudly about the Disney Dining Plan. About how it was making reservations impossible to get and was resulting in menus being dumbed down. Then that SAME person talked about how on their upcoming trip they were going to use the DDP because it was too good a value to pass up. Knock, knock McFly... is anyone home in there? That is sheer lunacy. I think the DDP sucks for the reasons that have been outlined on these boards. My wife, daughter and I are going to WDW next week. Even though we plan to have dinner every evening in a Disney table service restaurant we are not purchasing the DDP. Why on earth would we do that when we think it is doing bad things to Disney dining? I don't understand. If you really don't like something, don't buy it. How do people not get that?
Originally Posted By jonvn "Seriously? Hummm.... really really?" Yes. People go on these with families, it's a wonderful time. I am not sure about Disney cruises, though, because they cost more than other lines do for what you get. You might like to go on the Royal Caribbean line. I liked that one. Lots of activities for you to do on board. Here is their website. Their ships are an absolute marvel: <a href="http://www.royalcaribbean.com/gohome.do" target="_blank">http://www.royalcaribbean.com/ gohome.do</a> Alaska is an incredible experience, for the whole family. We went on the Radiance of the Seas. It was just a floating palace. In the Caribbean, they have ships called the Voyager class, which are even larger. They even have an ice skating rink aboard. They also have a Johnny Rockets aboard, as well as Ben & Jerry's. There are also youth programs for kids of all ages. Not to mention the off shore excursions you can go on, that allow you to explore all the different locations you're at. The thing is so big, that it has what they call a "Main Stree USA" section, which is a shopping district which is so large, they actually have a PARADE go down it during the cruise. Take a look at this ship from their website: <a href="http://www.royalcaribbean.com/multimedia/virtualTour/ship.do;jsessionid=0000NqP5F1cfjhlpenbmqaxyM5j:12hbiodf7?shipClassCode=VY" target="_blank">http://www.royalcaribbean.com/ multimedia/virtualTour/ship.do;jsessionid=0000NqP5F1cfjhlpenbmqaxyM5j:12hbiodf7?shipClassCode=VY</a> The Disney Cruise line also has a lot of good stuff, too, but it is pricier for what you get, and does not go to as many destinations. There are of course other lines as well, each catering to different groups of people. But not only are there cruises to go on, but as someone else suggested, going to Yellowstone or Yosemite are incredible things to do. Visiting San Francisco or NYC is a really fun experience. San Franciso is basically a city that has turned itself into a theme park. It has some issues, but for a fun place to go, it really is an amazing city. Just some ideas.
Originally Posted By fkurucz <<Honestly, I am not sure people do realize it's a business.>> FWIW, I know more than a few people who refuse to go to a Disney themepark in the US "because its a rip-off".
Originally Posted By DVC_dad <<<I just don't understand why people will constantly complain about something but then keep buying it.>>> That is what is happening to me slowly but surely. One complains in hopes that it will make a difference.
Originally Posted By fkurucz <<During peak attendance periods, the restaurants are simply filled to the gills. Disney would be idiotic NOT to raise prices during that time---restaurant capacity is fixed, and if demand outstrips supply, the only rational reaction is to raise prices to try to better match demand to capacity.>> DLR keeps sounding better and better.
Originally Posted By jonvn Not if you complain to us. And really, they are not going to do a thing if you complain, yet still fork over thousands. Would you? You have to just let the things that bother you go, and concentrate on the things you enjoy, or you'll tear yourself up inside. I was doing that, and it was ruining my experience. The stuff I was saying a long time ago has all just gotten worse, but there is not a lot I can do about it except refuse to be a part of it if I don't like it. Now, I'm seeing things take even more turns for the worse. I am annoyed. I see what will be in a few years time. These parks will ghosts of themselves even more so, with the cartoons and the constant character tie ins. But the only thing Disney can know, as a company, is tht people are still willing to spend thousands and thousands on them. When that stops, that's when they will do something. Unfortunately, that something is generally tone deaf and ham fisted.
Originally Posted By jonvn "FWIW, I know more than a few people who refuse to go to a Disney themepark in the US "because its a rip-off"." Yes, most people I know feel like this, actually. They go because they want their kid to see it, perhaps, but there is a bit of resentment over it, and some people I know actively do not want their kids to be treated like a resource for a corporate money hog. It will take time, but as long as folks thinks it's some sort of magical fairyland, and that they should pay Disney more for the same thing you can get elsewhere for less, they'll keep up with exactly what they are doing. This is exactly what they are supposed to do as a company.
Originally Posted By demderedoseguys I can't wait until all you complainers stop going, then I'll have the parks all to myself.) Bottom line, as long as we keep paying what Disney is charging, they'll keep charging what we're willing to pay.
Originally Posted By fkurucz <<Not if you complain to us. And really, they are not going to do a thing if you complain, yet still fork over thousands.>> That is the problem. The place (WDW) is packed and guests spend money like drunks. As far as the sharp pencil guys are concerned its firing on all cylinders.
Originally Posted By fkurucz <<It will take time, but as long as folks thinks it's some sort of magical fairyland, and that they should pay Disney more for the same thing you can get elsewhere for less, they'll keep up with exactly what they are doing. This is exactly what they are supposed to do as a company.>> I hear you. Personally, I am amazed that people will fork over huge sums of money to stay at the DLH or GC. It did it once, and felt totally ripped off (never again).
Originally Posted By jonvn It's too much for what it is. But somehow they have people by the emotional heartstrings, and it's really crazy. It's why I keep saying "it's a business." People say they KNOW it is a business, but they don't ACT like it is a business.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip Back when the Canadian loonie was worth about .60 of the U.S. dollar WDW was running special discounts for Canadian visitors. Now that the U.S. dollar is worth about .60 of the Canadian loonie do you think WDW will run discounts for us? LOL
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>If you don't, why on earth do you go? There are several very nice non-Disney parks in Orlando that you could visit. If you've got the Disney jones really bad, go to California instead. Airfare doesn’t cost that much and everything else will be cheaper than it is at WDW. I just don't understand why people will constantly complain about something but then keep buying it<<< I am voting with my feet. Instead of buying DVC, I bought MVCI. We are going to California next year and DLP. WDW will not be in rotation for some time unless they pull up their socks.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo BTW - I don't feel WDW is expensive, I just feel that vlue has been eroded. Thank god there is DLP, DL, and TDL to turn to.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> <<<I just don't understand why people will constantly complain about something but then keep buying it.>>> << >> That is what is happening to me slowly but surely. One complains in hopes that it will make a difference. << That's where I was at this time last year. >> I think people really need to put their money where their mouth is. I think WDW is a lot of fun and a satisfactory value, so I keep going there. << So did I at one time. >> If you don't, why on earth do you go? << You are absolutely right. That's why for the first time in many moons I will not be going. That's where I'm at now. >> can't wait until all you complainers stop going, then I'll have the parks all to myself.) << I hope you continue to enjoy yourself. >> Bottom line, as long as we keep paying what Disney is charging, they'll keep charging what we're willing to pay. << I agree completely.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >> Bottom line, as long as we keep paying what Disney is charging, they'll keep charging what we're willing to pay. << Simple Keynesian Economics elasticity of demand model.
Originally Posted By DVC_dad Yes but for some reason, the demand for the WDW product doesn't work exactly like the price of Florida Oranges. What would happen if suddenly the oranges grown in Florida were of terrible taste and quality? Think about it. There are people on this board talking about spreading their ASHES at WDW. It has reached a religious status in our American Culture for many people. I am beginning to think it's like the price of gas...people will pay whatever it is no matter how high the price goes and no matter how low the quality sinks, because you HAVE TO HAVE IT! They think they just can't live without it! We now worship at the Church of WDW, and Walt is the Messiah. (His body is frozen, no wait it isn't it's only his head, no wait that's a lie, because Michael Eisner visited the grave)....blah blah blah.... It's a mouse house...not it isn't, it's a madhouse! It's a madhouse! We've all gone nuts! Me included. Like I said, maybe my expectations are just too high and unreasonable.
Originally Posted By DVC_dad I guess if I am going to complain I should just go elsewhere. Let my feet do the walking. But alas, my kids won't let me....so... *deep breath* *exhale* ...I'm stuck in the Disney machine...and they know it.
