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.

Back in the World

Against all odds it looks like I’m going back to Disney from October 19^th to the 26^th, 2011. I guess Food and Wine was a big enough draw from my wife and my niece. I’m also banking on the fact that Disney is going to release a round of discounts for that time period. I just hope it’s not the normal “free dining.” I want a good room discount. 40% off a deluxe room is much better than free dining.

I’ll be hitting up some new stuff to review. Here are some of those subjects:

Resort Review: The Polynesian

Dining Review: Ohana

Dining Review: Tony’s Town Square Restaurant

Dining Review: Biergarten

Dining Review: Momma Melrose

Dining Review: Akershus

Dining Review: Jiko

Dining Revisit: Chef’s De France

Dining Revisit: Le Cellier

Dining Revisit: San Angel Inn

Dining Revisit: Kona Café

Dining Revisit: Yack and Yeti

Dining Revisit: Brown Derby

Dining Revisit: Liberty Tree Tavern

Dining Revisit: 50’s Prime Time

Random Disney Stories

Food and Wine Festival

Review: Star Tours: The Adventure Continues

Overview: Fantasy Land Expansion Progress

These subjects could change. I think that goes without saying. We’re 13 months out and nothing has even been reserved yet.

Sorry I seriously doubt I’ll be doing Fantasmic so don’t ask. The only guaranteed way I’ll end up seeing it is if it starts playing everyday. There is a chance that if one of our days ends early and Fantasmic is playing that night we might head over to see it.