How are Disney going to charge $500 to $1000 a night

I think most middle class can afford moderate or value resorts. But as with anything it is a matter or what are your priorities? I have a new to me 2011 suv, and only have that because my 2003 chevy died last year. But that is how I afford my Disney trips, by not having a new car or the latest gadget out there. Others may choose to buy those things, which is fine. But then they shouldn't complain that they can't afford a Disney vacation. Some people can't have it all.
I agree to a point. Mostly on “priority“ people put on things but someone should have to sacrifice either. Eating Ramen noodles to go to Disney isn’t “affording” it.
To me the biggest difference in Disney and other hotels from a cost prospective is that you get way more bang for your buck most other places. So even if one can afford Disney they are still not getting the best value.
similar to if you buy a brand new car and driving it off the lot costs you a couple thousand vs buying the same car used - you are not getting the best value even though you can afford to buy new

Disney has the edge/draw based on extras like fp+ at 60 days, not from a resort alone standpoint imo
which does add value in a different way

ps, not saying I feel you are sacrificing or making the “wrong” decision, saying in general Disney is not the best value
 
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I think most middle class can afford moderate or value resorts. But as with anything it is a matter or what are your priorities? I have a new to me 2011 suv, and only have that because my 2003 chevy died last year. But that is how I afford my Disney trips, by not having a new car or the latest gadget out there. Others may choose to buy those things, which is fine. But then they shouldn't complain that they can't afford a Disney vacation. Some people can't have it all.

I had a long comment here about being solidly middle class raised by a single mom, retired nurse and Army veteran but it doesn't really matter. Like you said it's all about priorities in life. I can stay at Deluxe resorts (my preference) because of the choices I make in other areas of life (and I don't eat cup noodles 24/7), and because I was given a solid financial education growing up that I continue to build on. Travel is my #1 priority and I have champagne taste on a beer budget so I make it work.

Not for nothing but I also think a startling number of people are desperate to keep up with the Disney Joneses so to speak and a lot of that is fueled by social media. Some folk think that to "do" WDW they have to blow it out in a monorail resort, kids go to BBB, buy every overpriced dry fondant purgatory Instagram cupcake, etc because that's what they see on their FB feed, in the mommy groups, etc. That's just not the case. Everyone's financial situation is wildly different and comparison is the thief of joy.
 




I had a long comment here about being solidly middle class raised by a single mom, retired nurse and Army veteran but it doesn't really matter. Like you said it's all about priorities in life. I can stay at Deluxe resorts (my preference) because of the choices I make in other areas of life (and I don't eat cup noodles 24/7), and because I was given a solid financial education growing up that I continue to build on. Travel is my #1 priority and I have champagne taste on a beer budget so I make it work.

Not for nothing but I also think a startling number of people are desperate to keep up with the Disney Joneses so to speak and a lot of that is fueled by social media. Some folk think that to "do" WDW they have to blow it out in a monorail resort, kids go to BBB, buy every overpriced dry fondant purgatory Instagram cupcake, etc because that's what they see on their FB feed, in the mommy groups, etc. That's just not the case. Everyone's financial situation is wildly different and comparison is the thief of joy.

I think the "add-on-itis" has gotten a bit ridiculous. Dessert parties for $80+ when you can buy a much tastier dessert for $10 and watch an ever-so-slightly imperfect view of the fireworks for free. VIP tours that cost more for a single day than most people spend for their whole vacation. Paying hundreds of dollars extra a day "Theme park view" rooms, when you can see the same view from any of the resort's common areas and will probably spend no more than an hour or so of your vacation sitting on your balcony. Hundreds of dollars for a cabana at the hotel pool next to free, readily available shaded lounge chairs.

When I got married, I had a budget and stuck to it even though the wedding magazines and tv shows kept bombarding me with countless ridiculous ideas for ways to spend more. I had some good advice from a friend: pick three things that really you care about, and those are things you get to splurge on. Everything else, economize. I did exactly that. I went to town getting a nice dress, excellent food, and an open bar for my guests. Then we slashed costs on everything else--recorded music with a playlist we chose ourselves instead of a live band, ceremony in a park with natural beauty so I didn't have to decorate, inexpensive simple (but tasty) cake which we decorated ourselves, a student photographer who cost next to nothing and gave us a CD instead of having to pay for prints, homemade table decorations. And you know what? Everyone in our family still often says it was the best wedding they've been to. I've recycled the exact same philosophy for our Disney vacations and it's never failed us. For us, our splurges are deluxe resorts (though we always take advantage of discounts) and a dining plan so we can enjoy our food and drink. We don't need park hoppers, special paid events or tours, club level or anything else. And we do shorter trips to offset the higher hotel costs. It's all about compromises.
 
For right now, there's a huge benefit to staying on site. For the time being at least, on site guests will get first dibs on reservations to get into the parks. If you're wanting to go, that may well be the only way to secure entry.

I won't get into the pros and cons of staying on site in general, but for now, on site makes a huge difference.

Any truth to this? So if one books a room with them today in for next month they'll get 1st dibs?

I thought disney has stopped all new park reservations.
 
Any truth to this? So if one books a room with them today in for next month they'll get 1st dibs?

I thought disney has stopped all new park reservations.

Only those with reservations that were booked for prior to opening can modify. But yes, it is true. Resort guests with valid tickets will have priority for park reservations.
 
Only those with reservations that were booked for prior to opening can modify. But yes, it is true. Resort guests with valid tickets will have priority for park reservations.
Thanks for the response. But I am talking about someone who booked a new reservation TODAY.
 
It's all about compromises.

That's really the bottom line, isn't it? All of what you said is 100% valid, but the way my gf and I do trips would make you shake your head, we are definitely the "Add-on itis" types lol. Vacation is where we choose to splurge and we compromise elsewhere. But we're also Childless Millennials(tm) and only do couples trips, it's a lot easier with only 2 people. If we had kids, our trips and priorities might look a lot different. I also don't think the way we vacation at Disney is the best for anyone but us. It's just what we like to do and we save and use discounts and credit card hacks to make it happen. For all we love our fancy spa treatments and cabanas if you just sit me in the Tiki Room with a dole whip I'm having the time of my life.

So I don't look down on folks who stay in Values/Mods(or *gasp* offsite!), nor do I think people who do the VIP tours and whatnot are crazy. There's no right or wrong way to Disney as long as you and yours enjoy yourselves. My only concern is that SM and "influencers" (barf) and sometimes even these boards have created unrealistic expectations to the point there's people who believe they can't have fun if they don't Add-On to death, and start maxing out credit cards or blowing college funds because they sincerely believe that's the only way to have The Perfect Vacation. I swear I see the impact of that in every guest in the parks having a meltdown at their family/CMs/other guests yelling "we paid so much for this!!!"
 
Only those with reservations that were booked for prior to opening can modify. But yes, it is true. Resort guests with valid tickets will have priority for park reservations.
I would hope that those of us that booked last year or early this year and have tickets would get first dibs but I won't hold my breath on that.
 
We don’t know that they’re even opening Deluxe. The only option people who got cancelled 6/14-6/21 are being given are DVC or FW through the end of the year.


The confirmed reopening list for June 22 will include:

  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
  • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
  • The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/resorts/
Aren't some of those open for non DVC?
 
There’s no confirmation one way or the other on maid service.

Disney isn’t going to reduce prices regardless. They’re charging the same prices for the parks with major cuts, no way they reduce resort rates.

They can do it because enough people are willing to pay it. Don’t blame Disney for charging what people are willing to pay.

There is:

Cleaning

When you stay at a Disney Resort hotel, enjoy peace of mind knowing that your room will be thoroughly cleaned prior to your arrival and serviced during your stay. Plus, common areas will receive enhanced cleaning.

Common Areas
We’ve increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more.

Housekeeping
Prior to your arrival, your room will undergo thorough cleaning—with attention to:

  • High-touch areas, like TV remotes and door handles
  • Housekeeping tools will be cleaned between rooms
  • Floors, which will be steam cleaned and vacuumed between Guests
Inside your room, you’ll find:

  • Extra linens and towels wrapped in single-use packaging
  • Individually wrapped glassware
  • Double-cased pillows
  • Additional items that have been cleaned and wrapped in single-use packaging
And during your stay, your room will receive a light cleaning service every other day, which will include:

  • Removal of trash and used towels
  • Replenishment of towels and amenities throughout the room and bathroom
  • Wiping and cleaning of the vanity and counter surfaces
  • Vacuuming if needed
You can also decline every-other-day service.

Please note that:

  • If you’re a Disney Vacation Club Member using your Membership to stay, you’ll receive service on the 4th and 8th days, unless you decline that service.
  • If there is more than one room on your reservation and you choose to decline service, your selection will apply to all rooms on the reservation.
  • We reserve the right to enter any room at a Disney Resort hotel for maintenance, safety, security or any other purpose, even if the Room Occupied sign is displayed on the room door. View Walt Disney World Resort Property Rules.
 
In general hotels are losing a lot of business to time shares and vrbo. Would not be surprised to see daily maid service phased out
 
Aren't some of those open for non DVC?
Most are attached or connected to Deluxe resorts, but because they specify (the freestanding) Kidani section only of AKL, it appears that while some restaurants inside those resorts will be open, the resorts themselves will not. Yet.
 

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