From Carrie Hayward on April 26, 2011 at 11:29 AM
I couldn't agree more. If Disney really cared about our "health and wellness" they'd use 100% cotton bedding, VOC-free paint, and non-allergenic wrapped mattresses in all the rooms at no extra charge. Instead, you have to spend $$$ to upgrade to a Concierge-level suite if you want to be healthy and well. What a crock!

From 75.0.3.253 on April 26, 2011 at 11:44 AM
The one thing Disney does best is to find ways to part you from your money and make you happy about it. We find our luxury and price point in the DVC program and it was the best thing we ever did. Complaining about the cost means that you shouldn't be going. I like the fact that Disney allows you to pick what you want to pay and give you the experience you want. It is truly a personal vacation.

From Anon Mouse on April 26, 2011 at 12:24 PM
People often forget "sustainability" costs money and money is an energy that can be wasted. The best way to save the environment is let Disney go back to a swamp. Short of that promise, I recommend spending as little as possible.

The rooms are ridiculously priced. It is pricing me out of the market. I consider myself slightly north of the median middle class, but I always look for a deal as if I'm still a starving student. Yet once you leave your room, you enjoy the parks like anyone else, which is why I wonder why Disney doesn't cater enough to the upper middle and rich classes in the parks. They should consider separate queue areas for the high spenders. Or special dining areas for the discriminating dieters. Or nice plush seats in a separate seating section with no one to block your view from the show.

The worst thing is the transportation system. They must consider middle area between a taxi and a bus. I would pay more if I can go from my room to the hotel quickly. They should have a personalized van service, or maybe a personalize limo service for the super wealthy.

For myself, I'll stay off-site. Thank you for not serving my needs Disney.

From chris cona on April 26, 2011 at 8:16 PM
I love the last sentence

From Anthony Murphy on April 26, 2011 at 9:13 PM
Interesting, but I considered the Contemparary as a pretty high end resort. Is the Contemparary cheaper than Wilderness Lodge or Yachtt?

BTW, DVC, if you can swing it, is probably the best deal on hotels. The trick is making sure you try and go once a year!

From 68.125.48.203 on April 27, 2011 at 12:03 PM
You rock, Robert! Great posting.

From 68.106.88.173 on April 27, 2011 at 3:15 PM
I've stayed in many of the on property accomodations from value to deluxe according to my budget. I like the fact that Disney does offer something for everyone. If you want things as nice as you have it at home, stay home ! It blows my mind how some people will always have something to gripe about on vacation or even when in their own hometown. There's just no pleasing some folks. Personally, I like the bus service and think it works well as does the monorail system.
If you're accustomed to the finer things in life, then good for you. Have your chauffer, butler, and maids travel with you to watch over your every move. You can even bring along your chef. I think Disney does a great job for the money and I've never felt cheated.

From Robert Waldbauer on April 29, 2011 at 8:10 AM
I first visited Disney World in 1973, staying at the Polynesian Resort for three nights. My entire vacation package for that period was just less than $500. I'll be visiting again next month, staying at the Coronado Springs resort for six nights, at a cost just under $3000. So basically, that means the cost of my vacations at Disney have increased by 300% over the past 38 years. Unfortunately, my income has shrunk by roughly 30% over the same period. Guess that means Disney may soon be out of the picture as a vacation destination for me...

From Steven Pressley on May 1, 2011 at 7:24 AM
Disney has every right to have as many price points as possible. I really like how they continue to pull out all the stops to infuse the PC Princess into the picture regardless of how little profit she brought in. (Pocahontas had a higher profit margin and net profits in 1996 dollars than the frog princess, yet where is she? Ariel? Jasmine? Belle?)
Yes Disney can do what it wants. Me, I'll stay off site and enjoy the parks just as much as you will.