Where are the Discounts?

A lot of people have complained that the discounts we have come to expect are no longer being offered.  It's not really shocking when we look at the facts.  Bob Iger came right out and said that Disney was trying to ween people off of discounts.  This makes us question if the timing of decision.  The economy is still struggling and fewer people can afford to go on vacation never mind an expensive Disney World vacation.

To figure out why Disney is not back peddling on their decision you need to look at their bottom line.  Right now that's on the up tick.  Since Disney has been making more money off of the parks why would they offer additional discounts?

Right now Disney is making more money on fewer people.  There is no reason to offer a discount to get people into the parks.  If Disney did that they would be making the same gross income but would have to pay more in expenses because they would have to ensure they had enough cast members to handle the larger crowds. 

When can we expect to see some discounts like we saw in the past?  For the discounts to come back one, and only one, thing needs to happen.  Disney's income needs to drop.  If Disney sees their income at the parks decrease then we will see discounts offered.  For the income to drop people need to stop going to Disney World.  

If the economy stays awful we might see the day when park attendance drops to the point where Disney needs to offer discounts again.  In the meantime do not hold your breath. Instead keep an eye on Disney's numbers.  When you see them drop you can get excited.

CMDTA's Guide To Disney DIning

Disney has almost countless dining locations.  Nothing is worse than going on vacation and spending a bunch of money on bad food.  That's just one of the reasons I'm releasing this Disney Dining guide.  It's a collection of all of my dining reviews.

I want to make one quick comment before the list.  Chefs de France is not on the list.  I just found out that I must have never written the review.  I just want to say it's in the top ten dining locations in Disney World.


Magic Kindom

Liberty Tree Tavern

Crystal Palace


Epcot

San Angel Inn

San Angel Inn 2

Le Cellier

Garden Grille


Disney Hollywood Studios

Prime Time Cafe

Prime Time - Tune In Lounge

The Brown Derby


Animal Kingdom

Yak and Yeti


Tusker House


Resorts

The Hoop Dee Doo Review 

Hoop Dee Doo Review 2

The California Grill

Citricos


Kona Cafe

Narcoossees

Kouzzina


Chef Mickey's

Big River

The Wave

Artist Point


Downtown Disney


Raglan Road


Other Tidbits


Turkey Legs

Deluxe Dining

If You Can't Afford to See the Help

Times are really tuff right now.  Considering this weekend you either wanted to see "The Help" or the remake of the Planet of the Apes.   Personally I'd rather go to the dentist than see the that awful looking Planet of the Apes remake so that leaves "The Help."

I loved the book and I plan on seeing the movie.  I'm sure a lot of other people are in the same boat but what if you are really trying to cut back and going to the movies just isn't in the budget right now?

Do you have Netflix or can afford a rental?  If so there is a movie that will at least tied you over until until you can see "The Help."

In 1989 a movie was released that was so well done that it won multiple Academy Awards and has really stood the test of time.  It also is a perfect match for anyone who wants to see "The Help."  I'm talking about "Driving Ms. Daisy." 

"Driving Ms. Daisy" takes place a few years after the beginning of "The Help."  If you have not read "The Help" and want to get some background on the atmosphere before seeing rent "Driving Ms. Daisy." 

Now I could give an overview or review  of "Driving Ms. Daisy" but that would fall a little flat.  Instead I'd rather issue a challenge.  Watch "Driving Ms. Daisy" and don't cry during the last scene.  I won't tell you what that final scene is about I'll just tell you it's one of the most touching scenes in the history of film making. 

There the gauntlet has been thrown down.  Let me know if you beat (or want to admit you beat) that challenge.

Photo of the Week: The Contemporary Magic Kingdom View

Last week I did an overview on the Bay Lake view at the Contemporary.  This week I'm giving everyone who is still trying to decide a view from the Magic Kingdom side of the tower.

As you can see the view isn't as clean.  You have the parking lot between you and the Magic Kingdom.  This is still a great view and you get to see the fireworks from your hotel room but keep in mind that there is much more light pollution on this side of the tower than the other side.  This side is also more expensive.

To see an overview and a sample view of the Bay Lake side of the tower check out last weeks post.

Photo of the Week - The Contemporary?!?

When most people decide to stay in the tower at the Contemporary they pick the Magic Kingdom view.  While this might be a good view that decision overlooks some vital facts. 

The view of Bay Lake from the tower in the Contemporary is amazing but that's not the coolest feature.

Most people don't realize that the Bay Lake side of the Contemporary offers a decent view of Illuminations.  Yes you can not only see Spaceship Earth from the Contemporary you can see a majority of Illuminations. 

Finally if you stay on the Bay Lake side of the Contemporary you can watch the Electric Water Pageant from your room. 

Considering all of that how can the Magic Kingdom side beat it?