Resort Survey ... on Resort Fees

[Eoghann]

Yup..that's why a "Oh it's $15 per night" isn't exactly what it boils down to for all who go to WDW..plus my trip isn't until September 2017 so I know that the resort pricing will only be higher. I started planning in August 2015 so I used September 2016 for a base rate for budget reasons.

I can certaintly appreciate that $15 a night isn't a big deal to all but to some any increase is cause for frustration/annoyance.

Throw on top of that the increases in food prices (it's just a few extra dollars) and the increases in park ticket prices (just another $50) and you see why the "Oh it's only" argument is logically weak. Because it isn't "only", it's "on top of".

 

[mom2rtk]

The amount itself is important, certainly, but the fact that they would do this at all (if it comes to pass) is troubling to me.

In the past, we went to WDW knowing that we'd pay a bundle up front, but would have a "magical" trip in the most magical place on earth. Recently, though, that "magic" has eroded to the point that we have no interest in going to WDW, and I'm someone who's been going since spring of 1971. It's taken a lot of negative things to make my family lose the "magical" feeling and even the pleasant nostalgia of past trips can no longer overcome the negatives of recent trips in our minds. Among the negatives are: the combination of FP+ and 180-day ADRs making us feel we have to plan our trips to the minute, skyrocketing prices for everything, including moderate resorts compared to offsite costs, constant cross selling of DVC, upcharge events, etc. in the parks and resorts, and loss of many favorite attractions with no appropriate replacements for years, if ever. Some of the "magical" aspects of WDW are disappearing with those attractions.

WDW seems to be going back to the early days of MK where park entry only gains you entry and a few rides, and then you'd have to pay for tickets to keep riding rides like at a carnival. Doing away with that was one of the best things WDW ever did, though it meant a large ticket price increase. I feel like a "resort fee/parking fee or combo of all the above" is sort of like a return to the ticketing concept used in MK in the 70's, but for the resorts, and without the resorts getting one penny less expensive. It seems cheap of WDW, IMO. It's a money grab, no more and no less. They can certainly try this, but I can go to parks much closer to me and get the same degree of "magic" I've felt from WDW in the last few years, if not more.

Fascinating business approach. Price high, but justify by saying it's "all inclusive". Wait a little bit, then start redefining "all inclusive".

 

[HopperFan]

Yea, in Gulf Shores/ Orange Beach a one Bedroom condo will run u $275.00 a day. Then u have to pay a parking fee, cleanup fee, resort fee, booking fee.. And these resorts are nowhere as nice as the ones at WDW... But people are always so quick to jump on the hate ban wagon!!!

Well I would never pay that for that condo (and I have been there). I've stayed on the beach in lovely 2 bedroom condos for much less.

Not seeing any hate.
I think the reason folks are upset is because -
Disney's prices are not in line with non-Disney hotels of equal quality - certainly not in terms of space and room quality.
Guests are already paying quite the premium for their hotel rooms but it's made more palatable because these items were included.
To take a list of things they have prided themselves as included amenities and now say you must pay extra for them is just bad PR.

We all know there are going to be increases but to, within months, increase parking cost, increase ticket prices, increase hotel prices, increase menus across the board, increase dining plan, cut CMs working while attendance is rising and more ..... all supposedly to make up for the overspending at a park that very well could flop .... and now this is just the last straw to many folks.

Myself, don't care, I am long past having to stay onsite. 5-6 weeks a year at Disney and used to be 60/40 on/off that slowly moved to 50/50 as value/moderate prices became unreasonable compared to resorts offsite ......... and if this is added I really can do way better staying off property. For many, it's not the $15 (although $15 at a value is a joke) - it's the nickle and diming that is occuring long before 3 major lands are even close to opening.

I don't even mind if it's the cost of doing Disney World because they are hurting - but it's not. With 90% occupancy, parks bursting at the seams, all numbers up ........... they are doing this to save the Shanghai budget.

New mantra "We just got Shanghai-ed"

 

[wisblue]

And if the airline charges you $200 plus a $50 bag fee?

Then the total price would be $250.

Not sure what your point is. I'm going to react differently to a price doubling in one year than I am to one increasing by 5-10% in a year, regardless of what combination of base prices and other fees are used to get there. When I gave the example of two resort prices I am talking about prices for the same resort. I am certainly not expecting an onsite Disney resort to cost less than an even remotely comparable offsite resort.

I understand that it costs a lot more to stay at a Disney resort than an offsite resort. The things that would be covered by the resort fee described in that survey have always been included in the hotel price, but I certainly never thought that they made up the difference in price. The debate about onsite vs offsite has been going on forever and this isn't going to end that.

 

[EricInPA]

I would be interested in seeing the question with answers, as well as other survey questions just to gauge the context this was asked (is it a marketing spiel wording question? a how likely would you re-visit question?).

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

If u are planning that far in advance. You need to probably be aware that ticket prices go up every year.

Of course (I've gone to WDW about every 5 or 6 years since 1994 and as I was really little I know I went sometime before 1994)..that's why I bought my UO tickets a few days after they increased but through UT at the old prices with a 2 day park to park get 3rd day free (came out to $199.21 including tax per person) and I bought my WDW tickets a day before they increased through UT at the old prices with a 4 day hopper get 5th day free (came out to $367 including tax per person).

I completely appreciate the concern though it's great to have DISers watching your back

ETA: While I have been to WDW multiple times before I was a lot younger in the early days plus things were different in the early days and my knowledge is a teeny amount compared to the wonderful people here on the boards who def.know and help immensely.

 

[Ballmomof2]

W

Well I would never pay that for that condo (and I have been there). I've stayed on the beach in lovely 2 bedroom condos for much less.

Not seeing any hate.
I think the reason folks are upset is because -
Disney's prices are not in line with non-Disney hotels of equal quality - certainly not in terms of space and room quality.
Guests are already paying quite the premium for their hotel rooms but it's made more palatable because these items were included.
To take a list of things they have prided themselves as included amenities and now say you must pay extra for them is just bad PR.

We all know there are going to be increases but to, within months, increase parking cost, increase ticket prices, increase hotel prices, increase menus across the board, increase dining plan, cut CMs working while attendance is rising and more ..... all supposedly to make up for the overspending at a park that very well could flop .... and now this is just the last straw to many folks.

Myself, don't care, I am long past having to stay onsite. 5-6 weeks a year at Disney and used to be 60/40 on/off that slowly moved to 50/50 as value/moderate prices became unreasonable compared to resorts offsite ......... and if this is added I really can do way better staying off property. For many, it's not the $15 (although $15 at a value is a joke) - it's the nickle and diming that is occuring long before 3 major lands are even close to opening.

I don't even mind if it's the cost of doing Disney World because they are hurting - but it's not. With 90% occupancy, parks bursting at the seams, all numbers up ........... they are doing this to save the Shanghai budget.

New mantra "We just got Shanghai-ed"

would love to know where u stay in Orange Beach. I hate it there. But this is my 4th year bc of ball!! Can not find a two bedroom for under 375.00. And that is not really what I would call nice. Plus not taxes or fees have been added..

 

[HopperFan]

W

would love to know where u stay in Orange Beach. I hate it there. But this is my 4th year bc of ball!! Can not find a two bedroom for under 375.00. And that is not really what I would call nice. Plus not taxes or fees have been added..

No, sorry, I meant I have stayed in nice condos on "the beach" for less - but not there. That would not be my choice.
I have stayed there in a hotel on the beach a couple times, and while the sand/water is really nice - I don't care for the area and the lack of anything to do.
I'm one of those that can be at the beach all day, but I want to do other things, especially in the evenings.

 

[PJHuntleyCO]

That is just greedy. They keep taking away perks that were always included and decreasing the entertainment.

 

[Shanti]

I agree that Disney is pushing the envelope for what they charge extra for.

What is next?

I'm sure they have Imagineers working on this, as there are just so many possibilities. A few I thought up:

1. A "Holiday Decorations Fee" added from November through New Years.

2. A "Transportation Fee" that is tiered based on the transportation options available at your resort. ($ for bus-only; $$ for bus & boat; $$$ for bus, boat and monorail.

2. A required, prepaid "gratuity" for DME that it turns out isn't really a gratuity that goes to the driver.

I could do this for hours. Maybe I should apply for a "Fee Generator" position at Disney. If there isn't such a position now, there likely will be soon, at least until the job gets outsourced to India.

 

[Planogirl]

There will be lots of belly aching..... but in the end, people will stay at the resorts anyway. Even staying in close proximity off site will cost you resort fees. My Hilton Bonnet Creek stay had me coughing up an extra $25 a night PLUS parking.

We won't. We often don't anyway and with everything going on we are no longer visiting WDW.

Plus you can find nearby resorts without fees. Caribe Royale has a great location and is quite nice without charging fees. I hope that they stay that way.

 

[Planogirl]

If parking is a benefit of a resort fee I the guest must pay, then as far as I'm concerned all visitors to the resorts must pay to park.

Just saw this.

I would NEVER pay to park when I am only visiting briefly to dine. I suppose that they could charge an hourly rate up to a maximum number. But if not I will miss Boma.

 

[TeresaWen]

In years past we always stayed at the Yacht or Beach club. 9 nights. Then 2 years ago we wanted a quick inexpensive vacation. We had our annual passes but booked a 2 bedroom suite with a full kitchen, laundry room, dining room, and screened in porch at a Marriot very close to Disney for a week for less than one night in a tiny on site room. We did not expect to love it.

Now we are offsite only. What we get for the price is amazing. I do feel like Disney is moving in the direction of forcing the onsite option by making it impossible for offsite guests to get on popular attraction or eat in the latest restaurant.

this resort fee would be a slap in the face to onsite guests. And making it hard to stay offsite will just push me completely away.

 

[Shanti]

There will be lots of belly aching..... but in the end, people will stay at the resorts anyway. Even staying in close proximity off site will cost you resort fees. My Hilton Bonnet Creek stay had me coughing up an extra $25 a night PLUS parking.

I've often thought of staying at HBC or Waldorf instead of on-property, but the former's resort & parking fees were always a sticking point. If Disney's already overpriced resorts join them in the game, it will be one less barrier to me cutting the onsite cord and switching to offsite.

 

[DoingDisney]

Although we are DVC owners, we don't always use DVC points for our visits. So, this fee has the potential to affect us just like everyone else. I don't see why the fact that I only care about the net price should be taken as if I am somehow defending huge price increases.

Fair enough, but I think you might want to worry about this as DVC owners (just like we are) ... while I would like to think this wouldn't apply to DVC stays, I think that is only wishful thinking, and its quite possible, perhaps likely they will apply this to DVC stays as well.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

While I wouldn't be surprised on this one - Disney sends out all kinds of surveys regarding hotels.
Last year I got one after I stayed at POFQ.
Here are just a few of the items it asked me if I would be interested in or find valuable regarding my room:

- Towel Warmer
- Robes and disposable slippers
- Bedside control of lights, thermostat and drapes
- Microwave
- In Room Smart TV
- Borrowing special phones
- View fireworks on my room tv
- Reading materials on Disney History and storybooks - that I can take home
- Ability to select pillow styles
- Complimentary 32 oz water
- Hardwood floor or vinyl instead of carpet
- Filtered water dispenser
- White noise machine
- Viewing of hotel bill and booking of hotel services on phone
- Dimmable lights
- Step tools and toilets with built in child seats
- Touch screen device allowing MDE booking etc
- Utilizing smart tv as a computer
- Bathroom scale
- Xbox or Wii in room
- In room snacks
- Smart TV had about 14 options but equal to computer uses
- HUGE list of bathrooms options both in design and extras


AND the list went on and on. They are always testing the waters so hopefully they get LOTS of NEGATIVITY on this slippery slope.

I want to give them some negativity, but they wouldn't let me take the survey since I answered that I recently returned from a trip and will be heading back soon. The survey said I did not fit the profile.

So...... should I go back and deny that I have a trip coming up soon?

I consider myself to be very honest and would not feel good about doing that. But I am annoyed that they aren't interested in my opinion on this issue. I have been extremely loyal to Disney Parks and would like to provide my input. They are not interested.

 

[pixie921]

So, we now have to plan our every activity and meal months in advance, base our choices on available tiers, ever-rising admission and room rates, and now the possibility of extra resort fees. WDW is getting way too complicated and expensive to be an enjoyable vacation.

 

[jacknsally19]

A couple of thoughts:

1. Poly service is nowhere near where is used to be but Boardwalk is pretty great. Regardless, I have paid way more than $350 a night to stay there so where is that number coming from?
2. Nickel and diming customers is annoying - especially when a lot of those services actually benefit Disney. Magic Bands, Wifi, and Disney transportation is about WDW maximizing their bottom line. I don't begrudge them that but don't pretend that it's a special benefit that I should be paying for.... Also, my family uses the same magic band every time we stay - will I get a discount?
3. The fee probably won't stop me for visiting but it does leave a poor taste in my mouth. The reason I continue to visit Disney is that I enjoy the experience... If I am getting annoyed about little things here and there - eventually, it will impact my return visits.
4. Finally, aren't they making $$$ enough with all these ridiculous VIP experiences??

 

[EricInPA]

1. Poly service is nowhere near where is used to be but Boardwalk is pretty great. Regardless, I have paid way more than $350 a night to stay there so where is that number coming from?

This is one of the main reasons I would like to see the rest of the survey.

 

[wisblue]

Fair enough, but I think you might want to worry about this as DVC owners (just like we are) ... while I would like to think this wouldn't apply to DVC stays, I think that is only wishful thinking, and its quite possible, perhaps likely they will apply this to DVC stays as well.

I'm not going to worry about this unless and until it becomes closer to being a reality.

I am confident that imposing a resort fee on DVC reservations would cause a huge uproar from the DVC owners. Even if Disney thinks they can justify it as a matter of law and contract, they would be making it a lot more difficult for themselves to make future sales and would adversely affect the market value of the outstanding contracts. It would certainly make for an interesting association meeting. I also think they would be open to a legal challenge based on how DVC sales have been marketed.