New Classification System for Walt Disney World Hotels?

[DizneyFreak2002]

Any thoughts on what "class" of hotel this would be? On first hearing of it I figured it would definitely have to be a value. However in reading it now you would have to think it would be ultra-deluxe?

There will no longer be classes for hotels... That is going away...

[baldburke]

There will no longer be classes for hotels... That is going away...

Really? All Stars won't be considered value resorts and Port Orleans a moderate?

[VWL Mom]

There will no longer be classes for hotels... That is going away...

I don't understand?? There has to be classes or levels for pricing, no? Even though, with the gondola addition I'm sure POP and AoA will be hiked up/reclassified.

[antnyh]

Don't see how they cannot be categorized. Even with added transportation options, the resorts simply don't compare. Poly and Pop are just too different.

[DizneyFreak2002]

Let me reword.... Value, Moderate, and Deluxe would go away if, and again stressing IF, they institute a plan they had... I believe the hotels would strictly be categorized solely by proximity to theme park or Disney Springs... So Polynesian wouldn't be a deluxe, just simply MK resort...

[texas211]

As far as the doing away with classes. Based on what i see on pricing, all disney hotels fall into the delux pricing. Waldorf or Gaylord here I come.

[Anthony007]

There will no longer be classes for hotels... That is going away...

Huh? There will still need to be cheaper hotels and expensive hotels, no one is going to pay Poly prices for ASM.

Are they just changing the categories?

[BrerGnat]

Huh? There will still need to be cheaper hotels and expensive hotels, no one is going to pay Poly prices for ASM.

Are they just changing the categories?Rumor is that hotels will be classified based on location. MK area, Epcot area, Disney Springs area, etc.

Obviously there will be different pricing depending on the resort amenities and room sizes.

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[Anthony007]

Rumor is that hotels will be classified based on location. MK area, Epcot area, Disney Springs area, etc.

Obviously there will be different pricing depending on the resort amenities and room sizes.

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So like the way the magical express classifies the resorts.

As for the Stars Wars Experience, I'm not sure people are understanding. If you do this experience, you are not travelling to the parks (except DHS). Your entertainment IS the experience. Not my thing, but if it was $650 a day sounds about right for room, costume, food, and experience. Not cheap, but not over the top.

[texas211]

I think w/ SW land, everything else, I think the room rates are really going to be increased.. So, I think the idea of moderates will fade out. There new reclassification I think will allow them to more easily sneak in substantially higher prices.

[BrerGnat]

I think w/ SW land, everything else, I think the room rates are really going to be increased.. So, I think the idea of moderates will fade out. There new reclassification I think will allow them to more easily sneak in substantially higher prices.Yep. Especially when 2 of the moderates and two values will be part of the gondola transportation system...

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[PopPhan]

Yep. Especially when 2 of the moderates and two values will be part of the gondola transportation system...

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One would believe that this is a driving force in the rehab of Pop -- to bring the rooms up a notch (or four) and justify pricing increases.

[Cinderelley]

One would believe that this is a driving force in the rehab of Pop -- to bring the rooms up a notch (or four) and justify pricing increases.

From the pictures I've seen, they haven't gone up any notches. This is probably the first time I've planned on staying at Pop that I had doubts after our first visit.

[BrerGnat]

From the pictures I've seen, they haven't gone up any notches. This is probably the first time I've planned on staying at Pop that I had doubts after our first visit.Switching to queen beds, adding a coffee maker, 55" TVs, hard flooring, a sliding privacy divider near the sink, dual shower heads, and convertible bedding is a notch up from what most value rooms have.

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[texas211]

Yeah, but I see the pricing jumping way on up.

No thanks. I'll stay at offisite premiums, enjoy my rental Tahoe, and still be way less expensive and a better value. I don't mind paying premium rates, but I feel like the Disney hotels just really dont do enough to justify such prices. Other hotels, sure.

[Cinderelley]

Switching to queen beds, adding a coffee maker, 55" TVs, hard flooring, a sliding privacy divider near the sink, dual shower heads, and convertible bedding is a notch up from what most value rooms have.

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Well, I don't drink coffee or watch TV. I prefer carpet to hard flooring, because it is warmer. I'm also only 5'4", so queen beds aren't a big deal to me. The privacy divider will be nicer, but what in the world do you need dual shower heads for? I like to shower by myself. I'm a water hog I guess. :P Being able to put the second bed up will be nice for extra room, but I really don't bring enough stuff with me to have to worry about room. My clothes are packed in the drawers or hung up and then the suitcases are put away.

I am sure some people are happy with the changes, but they don't really do much for me. I liked the atmosphere of the old Pop and the new rooms seem very austere to me.

[Cinderelley]

Yeah, but I see the pricing jumping way on up.

No thanks. I'll stay at offisite premiums, enjoy my rental Tahoe, and still be way less expensive and a better value. I don't mind paying premium rates, but I feel like the Disney hotels just really dont do enough to justify such prices. Other hotels, sure.

I see it becoming a thing where staying on site is a draw because you can schedule your fastpasses/dining reservations/etc earlier when staying on site, not really because the resorts are worth as much as they charge for them.

[TikiLounger]

So, basically, there will still be pricing based on resort amenities and room sizes, but they're just getting rid of the "deluxe, moderate, and value" descriptors? I agree with those who are saying that this is a way for them to sneak in higher prices in all the resorts...moderates and values, especially. Guest will stop expecting "value", if the word isn't used.

[Stu29573]

Wow, just when you think they can't screw things up any worse, they prove you wrong. My Disney days might well be over....

[DizneyFreak2002]

Just want to reiterate these are just rumors... Rumors based on a plan, yes... but just rumors at this point...

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[Speedy1998]

Yeah, but I see the pricing jumping way on up.

No thanks. I'll stay at offisite premiums, enjoy my rental Tahoe, and still be way less expensive and a better value. I don't mind paying premium rates, but I feel like the Disney hotels just really dont do enough to justify such prices. Other hotels, sure.

Amen to that. The week of Thanksgiving I am staying in a 3 bedroom, 3 bath townhouse for $1000 less than it would have cost me to get two rooms at an all-star resort. Even when you consider the extra money I will have to pay for parking I am still saving $800 by staying offsite. And that is not even including the savings on food, because we will be cooking breakfast at the townhouse rather than buying it in the resort food court.

[texas211]

I see it becoming a thing where staying on site is a draw because you can schedule your fastpasses/dining reservations/etc earlier when staying on site, not really because the resorts are worth as much as they charge for them.

Oh I totally think that is their idea. However, since they now have so many resorts, and building more, it matters less to me. All the best FPs are taken all the time. You can still get them, but just at less preferred times.

We were seeing 300-400 for POR, and up from there. Again, if I liked it enough I'd pay it. But I feel like I'm being ripped off. It'd be like buying a ticket to go to just DHS right now with most of the place under refurb.

[Tekneek]

I see it becoming a thing where staying on site is a draw because you can schedule your fastpasses/dining reservations/etc earlier when staying on site, not really because the resorts are worth as much as they charge for them.

Paying a premium to be able to pre-book attractions months in advance is even beyond my love for vacation planning. If weather or ride closures disrupt this months-in-advance plan, you're back into the pool with everybody else anyway. FP+ was sold as making things better for the customer, but it really is about making things easier for Disney. If it were about making things better for the customer, it would be a lot more powerful and wouldn't require booking so far in advance.

It is a testament to the power of marketing that Disney does all of these things and people so easily believe it is for them. They have truly found the Holy Grail. I tell you pretty much all businesses wish they could make things easier for themselves, while charging their customers more, and have their customers believe it is about providing them a better experience (rather than simply padding the profit margins). They have people willingly boxing themselves into plans made months in advance, even believing it is in their interest to pay a premium for the opportunity.

[Cinderelley]

Paying a premium to be able to pre-book attractions months in advance is even beyond my love for vacation planning. If weather or ride closures disrupt this months-in-advance plan, you're back into the pool with everybody else anyway. FP+ was sold as making things better for the customer, but it really is about making things easier for Disney. If it were about making things better for the customer, it would be a lot more powerful and wouldn't require booking so far in advance.

It is a testament to the power of marketing that Disney does all of these things and people so easily believe it is for them. They have truly found the Holy Grail. I tell you pretty much all businesses wish they could make things easier for themselves, while charging their customers more, and have their customers believe it is about providing them a better experience (rather than simply padding the profit margins). They have people willingly boxing themselves into plans made months in advance, even believing it is in their interest to pay a premium for the opportunity.
Yep

[DizneyFreak2002]

Paying a premium to be able to pre-book attractions months in advance is even beyond my love for vacation planning. If weather or ride closures disrupt this months-in-advance plan, you're back into the pool with everybody else anyway. FP+ was sold as making things better for the customer, but it really is about making things easier for Disney. If it were about making things better for the customer, it would be a lot more powerful and wouldn't require booking so far in advance.

It is a testament to the power of marketing that Disney does all of these things and people so easily believe it is for them. They have truly found the Holy Grail. I tell you pretty much all businesses wish they could make things easier for themselves, while charging their customers more, and have their customers believe it is about providing them a better experience (rather than simply padding the profit margins). They have people willingly boxing themselves into plans made months in advance, even believing it is in their interest to pay a premium for the opportunity.

Get ready to pay for pre-booking FP at WDW....

[Tekneek]

Get ready to pay for pre-booking FP at WDW....

Isn't Disney MaxPass (the $10 per ticket add-on for Disneyland) the testing for that? I assumed that would end up being the new FastPass scheme for everyone eventually. I am surprised I have not seen a lot of talk about that.

[Fangorn]

Isn't Disney MaxPass (the $10 per ticket add-on for Disneyland) the testing for that? I assumed that would end up being the new FastPass scheme for everyone eventually. I am surprised I have not seen a lot of talk about that.

Could be. But MaxPass is sort of a different animal in that Fastpass at Disneyland is still the old system (with a tech overlay now), and FP isn't used by guests there to the same extent that it is in WDW. We were there in June and other than Radiator Springs Racers and GotG, it didn't seem to be used much. We consistently were able to get FP for rides with return times of NOW, while the standby line was 30-40 min. There's a different mindset at Disneyland.

The interesting thing about MaxPass, is that it's a mixture of products. It includes FP and what would be Memory Maker at WDW. But, and this is where I think there may be some testing going on, there is a daily charge PER TICKET for it. Annual passholders have the option to pay a $75 annual upcharge.

MaxPass FP can only be made once you are in the park, and only 1 at a time. You don't actually get to schedule them - it's just the old FP System using your phone instead of running to the machines.

But (putting my business consultant hat on), it will be interesting to see if/how they position a pay to play FP+ structure at WDW. As a guest, however, I'll hate it.

Steve

[texas211]

Well, maybe if it goes to a pay to play format, it'll be a bit more usable as less people will buy in.

[DizneyFreak2002]

Isn't Disney MaxPass (the $10 per ticket add-on for Disneyland) the testing for that? I assumed that would end up being the new FastPass scheme for everyone eventually. I am surprised I have not seen a lot of talk about that.

I don't know if that is the test or not... it may be... All I have heard was they want guests for FP at Disney World... Just when this is going to happen, your guess is as good as anyone's...

[DizneyFreak2002]

Well, maybe if it goes to a pay to play format, it'll be a bit more usable as less people will buy in.

Don't know about that... Disney has an uncanny way of convincing people to part with their money LOL...

[Roger's #1 Fan]

Don't know about that... Disney has an uncanny way of convincing people to part with their money LOL...
Yep, they find a way to monetize almost anything.
I have travelled to WDW 3 times over the last several months (my kids are DCP) and have seen first hand how FP+ has totally screwed up the park experience. People eater rides that would normally be walk-ons all have waits because of how FP+ embargoes the queue. I have noticed, however, that I have been able to get at least a tier 1 and two other FP each day for a park of my choice with little to no advance planning (3-4 days early) which I feel shows that their attendance numbers are not that great.

Back on topic - Again having stayed at several resorts over the past few months, I also see how Disney has managed to try and lower costs at the values by cutting staffing at the food courts and other smaller changes in the rooms as well. If I wasn't getting a break on some of these stays, I would definitely be staying off-site.

[texas211]

Yep, they find a way to monetize almost anything.
I have travelled to WDW 3 times over the last several months (my kids are DCP) and have seen first hand how FP+ has totally screwed up the park experience. People eater rides that would normally be walk-ons all have waits because of how FP+ embargoes the queue. I have noticed, however, that I have been able to get at least a tier 1 and two other FP each day for a park of my choice with little to no advance planning (3-4 days early) which I feel shows that their attendance numbers are not that great.

Back on topic - Again having stayed at several resorts over the past few months, I also see how Disney has managed to try and lower costs at the values by cutting staffing at the food courts and other smaller changes in the rooms as well. If I wasn't getting a break on some of these stays, I would definitely be staying off-site.

One of the reasons we are exploring other vacation options for next year.

[Cinderelley]

One of the reasons we are exploring other vacation options for next year.


I highly recommend cruising.

[texas211]

I highly recommend cruising.

That is what Im told and being led to. I'm apprehensive of being trapped on a boat with so many others. Wife wants to do a disney cruise, some friends recommend another. I'm like, if I can't smoke a cigar, somewhere, I'm not going...

My vote is Hawaii or possible a lake rental somewhere.

[Cinderelley]

That is what Im told and being led to. I'm apprehensive of being trapped on a boat with so many others. Wife wants to do a disney cruise, some friends recommend another. I'm like, if I can't smoke a cigar, somewhere, I'm not going...

My vote is Hawaii or possible a lake rental somewhere.

Well, I know it is the Disney name, but I think Disney cruises are outrageously priced. I like Royal Caribbean, and I know they have smoking areas. You aren't really trapped on the boat. You get off and do stuff in port. Then come back to your ship. Try a short cruise and see how you like it.

[Wayne]

Well, I know it is the Disney name, but I think Disney cruises are outrageously priced.

You're not the only one.

[texas211]

You're not the only one.

That staterooms look pricey ,and just hate to spend it if I don't love it.


And my Mark Twain quote:
“It has always been my rule never to smoke when asleep, and never to refrain when awake.” Mark Twain

[RunDMV]

One of the reasons we are exploring other vacation options for next year.

My wife and I were annual+ visitors for the better part of two decades but stayed away after the Forsaken Plan, er, Fast Pass was implemented. We recently moved to Florida, so I decided to give DW a try. I absolutely hated it. Essentially, we were told what we could and could not do and when we could and couldn't do it.

There are more enjoyable ways to spend my hard earned money.

[Cinderelley]

That staterooms look pricey ,and just hate to spend it if I don't love it.


And my Mark Twain quote:
“It has always been my rule never to smoke when asleep, and never to refrain when awake.” Mark Twain

If you like to drink and smoke, Carnival Cruises may be for you.

[texas211]

If you like to drink and smoke, Carnival Cruises may be for you.

I've heard they'd directly conflict with my personality. The wife wants disney, I've been looking at Norwegian and Royal as thats what folks told me I should try.


But on topic, yeah, and the soap thing...

Just watch, the test plan for opting out of getting your room refreshed daily... That will be a mandatory thing at some point. And everyone cheaping out to and taking that for the current gift card, is causing the bobsled to that even faster.

I watch on tube the old 90's A Day at the MK and a Day at Epcot Center. The further disney gets from that, the less I want to come.

[DizneyFreak2002]

Yep, they find a way to monetize almost anything.
I have travelled to WDW 3 times over the last several months (my kids are DCP) and have seen first hand how FP+ has totally screwed up the park experience. People eater rides that would normally be walk-ons all have waits because of how FP+ embargoes the queue. I have noticed, however, that I have been able to get at least a tier 1 and two other FP each day for a park of my choice with little to no advance planning (3-4 days early) which I feel shows that their attendance numbers are not that great.

Back on topic - Again having stayed at several resorts over the past few months, I also see how Disney has managed to try and lower costs at the values by cutting staffing at the food courts and other smaller changes in the rooms as well. If I wasn't getting a break on some of these stays, I would definitely be staying off-site.

I want to like this post 100 times... Yes, FP is off topic, and we have discussed this many times... But yes, it has skewered the wait times, and not in a good way...

As for hotels, they have recently removed the bars of soap and bottles of shampoo and conditioner from the rooms... replacing them with dispensers on the wall... Now I have seen pictures of this from Port Orleans and have heard reports they have rolled this out to the value resorts as well... Not sure how this affects DVC... but more than likely, it will... Discussions about this on other sites say this is the new industry standard... I can say I haven't stayed in any hotel recently where bars of soap or shampoo, conditioner, and body wash aren't provided in bottles... I am talking casinos in Atlantic City, Sheratons, and Hiltons...

I can say, cutting down costs are happening everywhere with staffing and house keeping... On a recent stay in Atlantic City's Sheraton, I had the option of turning down housekeeping.. They state it is because they are going green and it is good for the environment if they don't have to wash our sheets every day if we are staying more than 1 night.. OK makes some sense... but still... let's call a spade a spade here and say what it is... Of course I turned down service because I was given 500 rewards points for doing such!!!! No such reward system at Disney for turning down service... Heck, they would probably tell you if you want service it's $100 a night and if you don't it's $150!!!!

[azcavalier]

As for hotels, they have recently removed the bars of soap and bottles of shampoo and conditioner from the rooms... replacing them with dispensers on the wall... Now I have seen pictures of this from Port Orleans and have heard reports they have rolled this out to the value resorts as well... Not sure how this affects DVC... but more than likely, it will... Discussions about this on other sites say this is the new industry standard... I can say I haven't stayed in any hotel recently where bars of soap or shampoo, conditioner, and body wash aren't provided in bottles... I am talking casinos in Atlantic City, Sheratons, and Hiltons.

Indeed this is the new standard. We recently went on a little road trip from Virginia to Illinois to St. Louis and back, and stayed in different chain hotels all along the way. They were all of the "Marriott Residence Inn" variety, and all of them had those dispensers on the wall. And, for the record, I'm cool with that. As long as they keep them full.

[azcavalier]

I think w/ SW land, everything else, I think the room rates are really going to be increased.. So, I think the idea of moderates will fade out. There new reclassification I think will allow them to more easily sneak in substantially higher prices.

I think that they could just raise the prices without reclassification. I don't think reclassifying has anything to do with trying to figure out a way to make more money, simply because they can raise prices whenever they want.

If you want to go to WDW cheap(er), there is always a way. Yes, it might necessitate staying off-property and eating off-property, or still going when there is free dining if you insist on eating at Disney restaurants.

12-14 years ago, we bought a couple of DVC contracts second-hand. 50 points at OKW for $4500. Man has that paid off many times over. For example, 11 months ago we planned a week-long trip to WDW with some friends. Bought our packages, got free dining, stayed at Port Orleans Riverside. On the last day of the trip, we went to a Guest Relations counter, and applying our existing MYW pass value, we upgraded to Annual Gold Passes. With a DVC discount, and what we had spent on the vacation we were currently taking, it was something like $150/person to upgrade. Maybe $200.

Then I came back for a conference in November (at the Dolphin), and had access to the parks in the evenings. Then in February my wife and I went to Hawaii, and had enough points to stay at Aulani for three days at the end of our trip. Then in March, we went back to WDW with my sister, used an AirBNB to stay off site, but had our APs for the parks. Then two weeks later, I had another conference (at a Disney Springs hotel) and again had access to the parks. Now, in less than two weeks, my wife has a class on Amelia Island for work, so we're taking our daughters down to WDW the week before and using our APs one last time before they expire, staying at Old Key West on our DVC points for six days. Since we have those APs and DVC points (which we paid off years ago), our only out of pocket expense will be food and any souvenirs we want. And since we have Disney Visa CC's, we have rewards points for a lot of that.

I mean, we certainly give a lot of money to Disney, it's true. But we have had multiple trips where our only out-of-pocket expense was food because of the judicious use of DVC points and APs. Every trip doesn't cost thousands of dollars.

[texas211]

I don't think people are necessary complaining about the price yet, but the value for that price. I'm spending a good fee on rooms, then I consider the soaps part of it. Given dispensers like at lower level chains, is not my idea of good value. Just disney cheaping out. If we are down to comparing disney to Residence Inn, then, boom, off site I go.

Just unfortunate.

[DizneyFreak2002]

Indeed this is the new standard. We recently went on a little road trip from Virginia to Illinois to St. Louis and back, and stayed in different chain hotels all along the way. They were all of the "Marriott Residence Inn" variety, and all of them had those dispensers on the wall. And, for the record, I'm cool with that. As long as they keep them full.
Thank you for confirming you have seen and experienced these new dispensers elsewhere, confirming this does indeed look like it is becoming the new standard... I'm with you on keeping them full.. I am also wondering how easy they are to remove and manipulate... People are mental... And I don't trust everyone to have good intentions... What is stopping someone from tampering with the soap???

***removes tinfoil hat***

[DizneyFreak2002]

I think that they could just raise the prices without reclassification. I don't think reclassifying has anything to do with trying to figure out a way to make more money, simply because they can raise prices whenever they want.

Agreed... I don't believe the reclassification (if and when they get to it) isn't about raising prices... They are going to rise anyway... I think it's to make thing a little easier classification-wise... People already kind of call Poly a MK resort... Well, this reclassification will just make it official lol...

Prices are going to go up once the gondalas open... And I do mean up... Not the typical yearly price increase... I believe they are going to skyrocket...

No I don't mean you will be paying 1000 a night for Pop... But you won't be paying 120 a night either...

[DizneyFreak2002]

I don't think people are necessary complaining about the price yet, but the value for that price. I'm spending a good fee on rooms, then I consider the soaps part of it. Given dispensers like at lower level chains, is not my idea of good value. Just disney cheaping out. If we are down to comparing disney to Residence Inn, then, boom, off site I go.

Just unfortunate.

Exactly... I think majority of the people that complain about Disney's prices are complaining because they don't feel they are getting the quality for the price... And they are right, in their perspective... Disney was at it's best 1990's to early 2000's.... Quality was expected... Management demanded it... Now?? Eh, good enough suffices... While I think they have slowly started turning that page with Pandora and soon Star Wars, they still go for cheap looking, little theme good enough Toy Story Land... The original concept was incredible... Now??? it is cut to bare bones... Truth is, it doesn't seem to matter because they are still going to get the crowds in Toy Story Play Land...

We know Imagineering and Disney can still do quality work... Management just needs to let those imaginations fly... Until Iger leaves and takes some of the theme park management with him, looking at you Chapek... Imagination will be stunted...

[texas211]

Exactly... I think majority of the people that complain about Disney's prices are complaining because they don't feel they are getting the quality for the price... And they are right, in their perspective... Disney was at it's best 1990's to early 2000's.... Quality was expected... Management demanded it... Now?? Eh, good enough suffices... While I think they have slowly started turning that page with Pandora and soon Star Wars, they still go for cheap looking, little theme good enough Toy Story Land... The original concept was incredible... Now??? it is cut to bare bones... Truth is, it doesn't seem to matter because they are still going to get the crowds in Toy Story Play Land...

We know Imagineering and Disney can still do quality work... Management just needs to let those imaginations fly... Until Iger leaves and takes some of the theme park management with him, looking at you Chapek... Imagination will be stunted...

And see, I thought you were taking a different stance. But I 100% agree with this.
They need to led imagination fly, and write the checks.

[Cinderelley]

No I don't mean you will be paying 1000 a night for Pop... But you won't be paying 120 a night either...

I'm not sure I would be paying $120 a night for the new Pop either. I really don't like the pictures I have seen of the rooms.

[texas211]

I'm not sure I would be paying $120 a night for the new Pop either. I really don't like the pictures I have seen of the rooms.

I bet it'll be in the 200's before long. Whether that be next year or StarWars year.

[Terra]

Agreed... I don't believe the reclassification (if and when they get to it) isn't about raising prices... They are going to rise anyway... I think it's to make thing a little easier classification-wise... People already kind of call Poly a MK resort... Well, this reclassification will just make it official lol...

Prices are going to go up once the gondalas open... And I do mean up... Not the typical yearly price increase... I believe they are going to skyrocket...

No I don't mean you will be paying 1000 a night for Pop... But you won't be paying 120 a night either...


Don't faint, I agree with you and Texas on this ;)

In all seriousness I live locally, little less than a hour away.
We do weekend trips sometimes and most always stay off site somewhere on 192 Tourist Trap.
My kiddos love it.
But we stay at the off site values.
Always pay less than $60 a night and often it has some kind of kid's suite and always has a coffee maker.
I adore Disney but not even putting a coffee maker in the "Value" resorts is just dumb.
I can't justify spending $140ish a night as a "value".
It's just not our family's budget.
I'd rather have that extra money for in park fun and souvenirs and not paying that for a bed to sleep in.

[PopPhan]

I just spent over $250 for 2 nights in a King room in a Comfort Suites in Monaca, PA -- about 10 -15 miles north of Pittsburgh (for my niece's wedding.) The room was half the size of a Value room at Pop. To say that the rooms in Disney resorts are overpriced for what you get, to me, is ludicrous. You have to have a frame of reference and understand where you are and what you are getting for your $$$.

I have no problem paying the Disney prices because I am getting a good sized, clean room with amenities like transportation to/from the parks, the Disney 'feel', and more. Now, I DO agree that Deluxe rooms are ungodly expensive and Moderates are quickly reaching those levels, BUT they are filling those rooms! Value rooms are still in the 'reasonable' range, and rising, but not as bad as many are making them out to be.

Certainly prices are going up, and they will continue to do so as long as people are paying and they can keep over 75% occupancy. Supply and demand -- As long as the demand is there, they will keep increasing prices. There are a lot of comments when a new discount comes up and people are not able to get in on them because 'supply is limited'...Why is that? Could it be because there are that few rooms actually available to be discounted?

And this is one area that I don't believe that I have ever seen comparisons with Universal. What are the comparable rooms there price points?

Back to the original thread premise: Changing the resort 'categorizations'...Someone earlier commented that these proposed changes would match up better with the DME tag listings. This actually makes sense. It would seem, again to me, that selecting a location THEN selecting a price point would make things a lot simpler for a lot of people, specially the infrequent or first-time visitors. Will we see DVC, Deluxe, Moderate and Value categories go away? Doubtful. They will just be sub-categories to the location category.

Of course, these are just my opinions and like hemorrhoids, every butt-hole has them! :rotfl:

[texas211]

I just spent over $250 for 2 nights in a King room in a Comfort Suites in Monaca, PA -- about 10 -15 miles north of Pittsburgh (for my niece's wedding.) The room was half the size of a Value room at Pop. To say that the rooms in Disney resorts are overpriced for what you get, to me, is ludicrous. You have to have a frame of reference and understand where you are and what you are getting for your $$$.


Of course, these are just my opinions and like hemorrhoids, every butt-hole has them! :rotfl:

I think that is the point. We are now starting to compare the Disney experience with comfort inn. Its like comparing BMW to Kia. If BMW was coming down to that, I'd seriously look other vehicles. I look at Deluxe, Moderate and Value as Ferrari, Porsche and BMW b/c of Disney. Perhaps that expectation is being adjusted this way to Ferrari, Cadillac and Kia. I think that is where the heartburn is. We are still expecting BMW, and perhaps their thought is we should be expecting Kia.

But, if I was expecting Cadillac and Kia, there are plenty of better offsites that price for price are better. Its not the bargain I'm looking for, its the full value of what I'm getting. Saying theme and transportation is the tie breaker. I disagree. I feel they are doing less for the experience, transportation at values is mediocre (at best). Regardless, I only stay at Moderates or better. However, with the soap thing on top of this, less theme, nickel and diming, and already borderline transport, then I have to look at other options. We did a weekend getaway, I was able to book the Waldorf for the same price as Dixie Landings.

So, to go back to the original point. I do feel they are reclassifying. Its the boiling frog syndrome. The old moderate pricing will be the lowest tier, or some other pacifying grouping. They want to hit even bigger numbers, and are cashing out in Star wars land.

[DizneyFreak2002]

Don't faint, I agree with you and Texas on this ;)

In all seriousness I live locally, little less than a hour away.
We do weekend trips sometimes and most always stay off site somewhere on 192 Tourist Trap.
My kiddos love it.
But we stay at the off site values.
Always pay less than $60 a night and often it has some kind of kid's suite and always has a coffee maker.
I adore Disney but not even putting a coffee maker in the "Value" resorts is just dumb.
I can't justify spending $140ish a night as a "value".
It's just not our family's budget.
I'd rather have that extra money for in park fun and souvenirs and not paying that for a bed to sleep in.

I have said in the past there is more value offsite, and Disney fans ripped me cause I dare question Disney... Now, more people, even the hardened Disney fan, see it too...

Disney has conditioned their guests to think they have to stay onsite, and if they don't stay onsite, they are going to have a horrid vacation... Well, Potter opened, people finally left the Disney bubble and realized there truly is a more affordable, less stressful, and much better world outside Disney grounds... Hotels are cleaner, cheaper, and better... These people realized Disney had them fooled into thinking their vacations would be ruined if they didn't bow down to King Rat...

Disney resorts used to be something special... Now, eh, not so much... Other resorts are now themed... Other resorts actually give their guests perks and benefits... Disney, they find ways to remove what little perks are left, while charging you more for it...

And as you said, it is a bed... No sense paying 150 for a bed when you get get it for 60 in a nicer hotel.. :)

[JerseyDad]

I'm not sure I would be paying $120 a night for the new Pop either. I really don't like the pictures I have seen of the rooms.

....I know of a place that gets $500/night for rooms that look like that ....it's called a hospital

[Cinderelley]

....I know of a place that gets $500/night for rooms that look like that ....it's called a hospital

LOL! That's probably why I don't like it. I work in a hospital.

[texas211]

LOL! That's probably why I don't like it. I work in a hospital.

I got to meet w some of the healthcare team at Disney (I'm in healthcare IT) and it is amazing.

[Cinderelley]

I got to meet w some of the healthcare team at Disney (I'm in healthcare IT) and it is amazing.

I have heard that you have to basically wait until someone retires before a spot opens up.

[DizneyFreak2002]

....I know of a place that gets $500/night for rooms that look like that ....it's called a hospital
Here in my town, you'd be lucky if the hospital only charged $500 a night lol...

[JerseyDad]

Here in my town, you'd be lucky if the hospital only charged $500 a night lol........... I was being instantaneously, and perhaps prematurely sarcastic! [emoji12]

........ With a little more research I probably would have come up with the $1,750 per room charge, when I didn't even take a room (emergency room visit when my daughter cut her big toe a few years ago). [emoji34]

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

[MNNHFLTX]

I don't think people are necessary complaining about the price yet, but the value for that price. I'm spending a good fee on rooms, then I consider the soaps part of it. Given dispensers like at lower level chains, is not my idea of good value. Just disney cheaping out. If we are down to comparing disney to Residence Inn, then, boom, off site I go.
I actually like the practice of having dispensers instead of the little plastic bottles. Whether it's to save the hotel money or not, it is also more eco-friendly.

[texas211]

Then they should stop selling bottled water, and use reusable cups for stinky florida water.

[MNNHFLTX]

Hey, I'm all for that too, or at least a better recycling program. I have to differ on the water though; unless you are drinking the reclaimed water from the sprinkler system, the tap water in Florida doesn't stink any more than the tap water here in Texas.

[texas211]

I think the water in Florida is horrible. But, it just may be coastal water. I.e. similarities to Houston, NO, etc.

No, we know they'll never stop selling water. Too much money in it.

But, I hate the soap idea. Just too nickel and diming. And some things, I don't care what the eco aspect is, I don't want. If I was super concerned, I probably wouldn't go to WDW. Just one more thing I have to pack now to go to my WDW.. Nah, Just stay at a better hotel offsite.

[big blue and hairy]

Well, I know it is the Disney name, but I think Disney cruises are outrageously priced. I like Royal Caribbean.
I agree completely, Oasis class is amazing.

:sulley:

[Tekneek]

Hey, I'm all for that too, or at least a better recycling program. I have to differ on the water though; unless you are drinking the reclaimed water from the sprinkler system, the tap water in Florida doesn't stink any more than the tap water here in Texas.

I found it is quite different than the water in Georgia. However, I also found that after the first day or so I became acclimated to it.

[PirateLover]

At first I didn't really think I had an opinion on the refillable soaps but after having recently used a shower that had those bottles in it, I did have a bit of a gut response of "ew." It's silly in the grand scheme of things, but I realized it takes me into reality and reminds me that plenty of other people have used this shower before me, vs. new unopened bottles giving you the feeling that the room is fresh and clean, just for you! (A false feeling, yes I know). We hardly ever use the soap/shampoo they provide, aside from the hand bars, but I think even just seeing it in the shower is a bit tacky. I guess I'll just have to look away!

[DizneyFreak2002]

At first I didn't really think I had an opinion on the refillable soaps but after having recently used a shower that had those bottles in it, I did have a bit of a gut response of "ew." It's silly in the grand scheme of things, but I realized it takes me into reality and reminds me that plenty of other people have used this shower before me, vs. new unopened bottles giving you the feeling that the room is fresh and clean, just for you! (A false feeling, yes I know). We hardly ever use the soap/shampoo they provide, aside from the hand bars, but I think even just seeing it in the shower is a bit tacky. I guess I'll just have to look away!

Just returned from a week stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge and Saratoga... Had the H2O products... On day 4 they replaced what ever was used with new... Didn't experience the dispensers in the showers... And now, I don't think I want to...