Will Disney World Offer Huge Discounts After Reopening?
“Will Walt Disney World offer deals when the parks & resorts reopen?” and “will WDW raise prices to make up for lost revenue during the closure?” are two common reader questions right now. While they’re phrased very differently, the idea is the same, and we’ll attempt to answer here based on history and our expectations.
This is going to be an ongoing series, coming in response to feedback and concerns raised in response to our Will Walt Disney World Reopen on April 1, 2020? post. Other topics we’ll tackle along these lines include how crowded the parks will be for the remainder of 2020 and how Disney will modify the guest experience in light of the current (and potentially ongoing) public health crisis.
A few people, presumably new to the blog and not familiar with my “methodical” (a nice way of saying long and rambling) approach, felt the previous post was verbose. Our short and sweet answer is that Walt Disney World will eventually end up offering incredible discounts after reopening. If you want to be notified immediately when these deals are released, sign up here for our FREE Disney newsletter here. What follows is the why and when of that…
For starters, let’s dispense with the question of whether Walt Disney World will raise prices to make up for the lost revenue during the closure? We’ve addressed this countless times in the past, but to reiterate: Disney charges what the market will bear. They don’t hold off on price increases as a nice gesture to guests.
When Disney increases prices, the company does so not at the rate of inflation or because its costs are increasing at a commensurate level, but because they can. When they offer discounts, it’s out of necessity, not corporate benevolence. Walt Disney World is an extremely savvy and sophisticated business—they are going to maximize profits to the greatest degree economically feasible.
It’s not as if Walt Disney World has ever dropped prices when attendance was high and increased prices when attendance was low. To the contrary, Disney charges the highest prices when demand is up (e.g. Christmas and New Year’s) and drops them when attendance is low (e.g. September). Simply put, if Walt Disney World could have freely increased prices without seeing a corresponding lack of demand, the company already would have.
I think this is difficult for some Walt Disney World fans to grasp because our view of the parks is fundamentally different than the vast majority of guests. For many of us, visiting the Disney parks is a near-essential. Sure, we’re keen on deals and cutting costs. However, one way or another, we will find a way to go, even if that means financial belt-tightening in other aspects of life.
This is not how the vast majority of guests view Walt Disney World. While there might be an emotional component to the calculation for that “rite of passage” vacation, most people are not willing to pay any amount that Disney tells them is the cost. They do have a balking point or price ceiling.
If middle class Americans considering a first-time trip–far and away Walt Disney World’s single largest demographic–go to price out a vacation on DisneyWorld.com and the package price is staggering, that’s it–they’re done. They move on to the next-best alternative, whether that’s the local Six Flags or a road trip to see America’s National Parks.
For regular readers, we probably sound like a broken record with regard to Walt Disney World’s pricing. Exactly two years ago, we published Is Walt Disney World Eroding Fan Goodwill?, which is an assessment that could’ve been written two weeks ago. Just last month, here’s what we wrote in response to ticket price increases:
At this point, it would seem that price increases will continue unabated until the next economic downturn. Given the staggering number of “Most Expensive Day Ever” and “#BROKE” shirts (among hundreds of other similar Etsy designs) visible in the parks right now, we do think Walt Disney World has a serious pricing reputation and perception problem.
However, as long as consumer confidence remains high, people will pay the prices…and then spend even more to wear shirts complaining about said prices. The serious issue will come down the road when people are not feeling so hot about their economic circumstances and future.
At that point, it’s a question of whether discounting will be enough to incentivize guests to return, or if irreparable brand damage will have been done during the last decade or so of increases. We don’t have an answer to that—no one does—but it’s definitely something about which we’re curious.
This is all to say that Walt Disney World’s long-held reputation of being expensive has accelerated in recent years, and there’s now the perception even among guests who choose to go that it’s overpriced. Just a few weeks ago, it was something many laughed off by spending even more money on shirts poking fun at that fact.
That now feels like an entirely different era–a time when the economy was booming and consumer confidence was at record highs. Since then, the stock market has plummeted and estimates of unemployment have skyrocketed at a record rate. The former has yet to find its bottom, while the latter will continue to rise until the current situation is under control.
It’s entirely possible that the economic recovery will be swift, with the stock market recouping its losses in short order and many furloughed or laid off employees quickly going back to work. Things could be largely back to normal by Christmas. It’s also entirely possible that things will worsen and theme parks are the last thing on any minds this holiday season. There are also a number of possible scenarios in between the extremes.
It should go without saying, but there’s so much future history here that remains to be written. Two weeks ago, how many of you would’ve predicted what your lives look like today? It’s safe to say that any forecasting of the future two months or even two more weeks from now is inherently unreliable.
One thing that is safe to assume is that the longer this drags out, the less likely it is that the United States economy quickly bounces back, and the more likely there’s lasting or even irreparable damage. For many small business owners and their employees, things are already at that point. Even if the overall economy recovers quickly, it’s very difficult to envision unemployment numbers going back to where they were at any point in the next 2 years.
Ditto consumer confidence, which is the best indicator of how willing people are to spend big on lavish vacations. Just as with past recessions, this will take a psychological toll–our collective memory of this won’t immediately be vanquished from minds once people can get out of the house and go back to work. At least initially, consumers will be more conservative with spending and cautious about saving.
Once this is over, there will unquestionably be pent-up demand and a strong desire for vacations. In some regards, Walt Disney World will likely benefit from this. That’s especially true as the parks offer a good mix of nostalgia, safety, comfort, and escapism–all things Americans will almost certainly be seeking after all of this.
However, a desire to get out of the house and put this in the rearview mirror does not equate to on-site hotel occupancy (the main consideration for offering deals–and why this is a separate post from our crowd predictions). First, there’s the obvious–desire doesn’t translate to ability or action. If economic circumstances, anxiety, or available credit don’t allow for a trip, it’s not happening.
Second, people can visit the theme parks without staying in Disney-owned hotels. We’ve been asking the question, Is Walt Disney World’s On-Site Advantage Disappearing? for a while now. In good times, many people brush it off–they want to stay on-site to be immersed in the “Disney Bubble.”
It’s as simple as that–cost and value for money considerations don’t even come into play. Going forward, if staying off-site is the difference between going and not going, we suspect that calculus will change for many people.
History is somewhat instructive on both of these points. Post 9-11, Americans were eager to prove that we wouldn’t live in fear, but we were still collectively apprehensive of air travel. Following the Great Recession, there was anxiety about personal finances and savings. At the very least, everyone knew someone who lost their job or home. Although it’s still early, it seems like the aftermath of this is poised to have a mix of the two moods.
Most of my knowledge of deals post-9/11 comes via anecdotes, as my family was still staying at Shades of Green at that point (and thus insulated from the realities of WDW’s actual pricing). However, there are numerous stories online of people paying <$200 per night for Deluxe Resorts, Wilderness Lodge in the low $100s, with Value and Moderate Resorts in the $40-80 per night range.
We vividly remember the deals during and coming out of the Great Recession. It was a great time for Free Dining, along with other more novel discounts. We did several inexpensive stays at Pop Century and Saratoga Springs Resort thanks to deep-discounts and stacking deals. We were also big fans of the “Buy 4, Get 3 Free” deal, which provided 3 free hotel nights and ticket days–plus a $200 gift card–when you booked 4 nights.
Once the current crisis is behind us, we would similarly expect Walt Disney World to get creative with ways to increase hotel occupancy as well as the average length of stay (that 4/3 deal accomplished both). It’s also likely we’ll see a surge in “traditional” deals like Free Dining and room-only discounts (likely ‘sweetened’ versions of both) as well as Disney dumping unsold inventory onto blind-booking sites.
Speaking of the Free Disney Dining Plan Deal–as that is one specific promo about which many of you have asked–we would absolutely expect another wave of that offer to be released for late 2020 travel dates. We previously would’ve anticipated this being released in April 2020, as is normally the case.
However, we now expect the second wave of 2020 Free Dining to be released at least a few weeks after Walt Disney World’s official reopening plans are unveiled. This is both so Disney can space out demand on its phone lines and can gauge what hotel occupancy numbers are looking like for the remainder of the year.
As for timing of other discounts, that largely depends upon internal projections of hotel occupancy and attendance upon reopening. Even though the Great Recession and 9/11 are instructive, this is still fairly unprecedented. My fear here is that people within the company will initially overestimate the strength and resilience of the parks & resorts.
Walt Disney World has enjoyed an era of unprecedented prosperity–a time during which it felt like the business segment’s leaders could do no wrong. Even unpopular decisions were begrudgingly accepted, and Disney reaped incredible financial results. A decade like the last one can give rise to delusions of invincibility, and a lack of appreciation for the fickleness of consumers.
From my outsider’s perspective, the current closure would be an ideal opportunity for Walt Disney World to hit reset on a lot of things. We’ve previously remarked that Disney takes the Kohl’s approach to pricing–never lowering “tag” prices, just offering aggressive and sometimes illusory discounts for their psychological appeal.
Now would be a good time for that to be rethought. Use the closure as a sort of soft reboot, eliminating fees that have not been well-received (the hotel parking fee is top of mind there) and correcting other prices for the current and future market. My fear is that Walt Disney World’s recent memories of success will result in a slower pivot, with aggressive discounting taking more time to roll out.
During both recent economic downturns, Walt Disney World also made operational changes–some of which we could see play out here. Post 9/11, some venues were mothballed and costs were cut to the greatest extent possible. It was almost as if the Y2K party was over. Following the Great Recession the approach was very different, with Disney leaning in to the idea of a party. The parks had some of their longest hours ever, “What Will You Celebrate?” was the promotional campaign, and the “Summer Nightastic!” event debuted.
What path Walt Disney World takes here on the road to recovery remains to be seen. If I had to guess based upon corporate attitudes and recent strategies, I’d bet on a period of austerity measures followed by a massive party. That might not seem like a bold prediction given likely attendance patterns and Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary on the horizon, though. We’ll tackle those two topics in follow-up posts, so stay tuned!
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
Do you think Walt Disney World’s prices will rise or fall once the parks & resorts reopen? Are you anticipating colossal savings on hotels, tickets, or dining? Will you be ready to pounce on deals–or will you wait for a full economic bounceback? Do you agree or disagree with our commentary? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
I had a vacation planned for April 1st I just rebooked for 3rd week in May, 2 reservations and both reservations are getting $400+ back! They say because a down period but I would have thought May would have cost originally a bit more than early April. But still satisfied enough as now I’ll have extra spending money for the trip!
I think disney should give back the parks to the children, after the chain of events the children have been through disruption of school, isolation to their homes and their parents financial change, they will definately need a world of imagination. To fill the parks the most logical way is to make it affordable for families. My suggestion children free admission{ disney would still make their money food, beverages and souveiners}. This is good business and would help the parks get back on their feet quicker, the best advertisements would be live pictures of the parks up and running again. Do it for the children………….
While I still have my fingers crossed for our early May big family trip, I know we’ll probably not be going. It would be nice for Disney to keep our dining reservations and fast passes intact, but I have no illusions about that.
My main question is about your incredible pictures! I love checking out all that you write just to see the pictures! I’ve been checking online for a glossy coffee table book filled with them…is there one? There must be! Can you post the name, please? And thanks for still blogging!
Very insightful article Tom. I think the economic impacts will last far longer then social distancing. My husband and I were also musing about DVC exactly what you were talking about. I can see Reflections just sitting (a la Pop Century Phase 2) and Riviera slowing to a snails pace. Who will buy with no idea of when they can actually use it. And it’s a luxury that many impulse buyers won’t even consider now. Our next trip isn’t until Aug and even that makes me wonder what a post Corona WDW will look like. I also really appreciated your KOHL’S reference.
I truly believe all will eventually be ok again. I may be an optimist, but, negativity has never been my long suit. Disney will recover just like all the other businesses in the world. I stand with you, Tom. Just know that things WILL get better and eventually that “curve” WILL straighten out. God bless and stay positive!. Stay strong! This too shall pass.
I don’t believe they will drop prices. However, with so many people out of work and more to come, they will have to offer some serious discounts. Us diehards will be back, but those seriously affected by the economics of this virus won’t be booking Disney trips
Do you think they will release free dining soon for the uk in 2021 we have lost this years holiday, we were due to come out this week rebooked for some of us later in the year but not all of us due to school working times, want to rebook for next year but want to wait for free dining.
That was a lot of waffling to essentially say nobody really knows I wouldn’t normally mind but the title made it sound like you had an answer. I don’t usually fall for click bait but Disney Tourist Blog is usually more honest in their titles.
That’s a really unfair comment, Bob. There was no waffling. This is an article, not a Google answer.
Tom’s thoughtful question in the title gave way to a thoughtful response – that the answer is highly likely yes, and soon. The extent of which is unknown, of course, because everything right now is unknown. In fact, he already gave updates that there ARE steep discounts for this summer.
Let’s be a little more kind and fair, especially in these times, especially with people who are still bringing a little Disney to our lives.
We are just chatting. No need to get upset
I don’t think this is click bait at all and that is a harsh comment. I really appreciate Tom taking the time to ponder, speculate and theorize on a variety of topics. I know he doesn’t have a hot line to WDW top level corporate strategy or plans and that is fine by me! Disney Parks news is thin on the ground these days and this helps me mentally go to my happy place, even just for a few moments. thank you Tom 🙂
Great article, as always. I have a July arrival date. Thoughts on the ability to book FastPass+ for when the time comes if the reopening date continues to be in limbo?
I’d book the FastPass+ reservations. Why not–what do you have to lose?
I booked my May fastpasses last week. Even if you’re leaning on the side of not going now, at least you have them if you decide the situation has improved enough that you believe traveling is safe.
If you’re actually asking whether MDE will let you book FP+ when the opening date is in limbo, the answer is yes. According to Disney, they reopen on 1st April, and all their systems are set as such. You can book a hotel for 1st April right now, so you’ll certainly be able to book FP+ for your trip. Of course, if Disney announce an extension to the closure (which we all know they will – Tom has covered why it’s only a fortnight at present in a recent article), they will cancel the associated hotel bookings, ADRs and FP+ for the corresponding period. So expect to be allowed to book FP+ for your trip, and go ahead with booking them as normal.
Let’s be realistic here. Since DW draws people from around the globe, there is no remote chance they can open until COVID-19 is under control, e.g. a proven medical solution. The US government appears to be fumbling around with its leader telling everyone he has a good feeling. lol Even the “rich” are being affected by this and will be soon. And they are the first to hang on the purse strings. So if Disney wants to survive, we will probably see a massive roll back on a number of pricing or a lot of “incentives”.
Just an educated guess from a PHD but, this virus has not yet shown to have any more of an impact on a person health than influenza. Some studies (very preliminary, I understand) that the deaths caused by this strain of corona-virus were over 90% likely to occur with influenza as well. The only deaths thus far are of people with already existing serious health conditions. Whether you believe that or not is up to you. I certainly have not seen any evidence that we should not be treating influenza with the same regard. It infects millions every year and kills hundreds of thousands. They also say that children are more resilient to this corona than they are to influenza.
Maybe, but you telling me that many people in China, UK, Italy and Spain were going to die this year and flood the medical systems past capacity? We have not seen anything like this on a global scale. It will come and pass but the way it is going we won’t be enjoying Dole Whip anytime soon.
In all fairness you need to get the facts straight. The virus is highly contagious and everyone is susceptible. Older people especially those with pre existing conditions are more susceptible . Stay home if you can and act as if you have the virus.
Yes, so far it appears to be more contagious than influenza. However, its effects on a persons health is not as severe. That’s all I am trying to get across. I am not intimately knowledgeable with the capacity rates of other countries health systems. I can not say that your statement is true or false. I can say that here in the US, all the chatter is about “preparing for” the possible millions of cases. We are far from “capacity” for this event. Will we reach capacity, NO ONE KNOWS.
And yes Mike, we have seen this on a Global scale several times through history. Recently, SARS (which is also a corona virus), H1N1 and others. This definitely has been the largest reaction we have ever seen.
Yes! 34000 died in usa in 2019 and 64000 the year before.
SML, please don’t make comparisons to SARS and H1N1 as COVID-19 has already surpassed some of them by a large margin. New York already said they will be out of medical supplies within the next 10 days. It is the largest reaction because the numbers do not lie nor the images of people dying. US can easily be the next Italy in the oncoming weeks. Do not panic but this is no regular flu season either. Without a vaccine, the health care systems around the world cannot handle the influx that COVID-19 brings with it. Social distancing is here to stay for months not weeks or days. The more people get on board, the sooner we can plank this worldwide and one day get back to Disneyworld.
What are your thoughts regarding Disneyland in all this?
Disneyland has less exposure because they only have 3 hotels and a large amount of their business is driven by the local Los Angeles and Orange County markets. Crowds and deals will both follow different patterns for those reasons.
Discounts are possible at Disneyland, but not to as large of a degree as will be necessary at Walt Disney World.
“It’s not as if Walt Disney World has ever dropped prices when attendance was low and increased them when attendance was high. ”
I think you mean the other way around.
On a different note, do you think Disney is hurting their Vacation Club brand by not allowing extensions right now, in addition to the resale restrictions they have added over the past couple of years? It seems to me that the security of a strong resale and rental market would increase the confidence of people wanting to buy directly from Disney. That might not make a big difference in a market boom, but it could have a huge impact in a bust. And Disney collects the annual fees (not an insubstantial amount on most contracts) regardless of point of purchase. But anyone who rented points or booked with expiring points during this closure is going to have a very negative feeling towards DVC, and those stories will circulate.
Thanks for the heads up on the typo.
I think a lot of what will happen with DVC remains to be seen. I’d expect impacts but it’s hard to say what the course of action there will be beyond hitting pause on Reflections. For most buyers, DVC is an impulsive and emotional decision, so I don’t think Disney is overly concerned with stories that circulate in the fan community. People not being able to afford an expensive product and foreclosures are likely the larger concerns.
For me, the more important part of this conversation is the WHEN. When will they reopen? My arrival date is 05, April. Being a Military family vacations only come so often. But I understand that there may be thousands of people in almost my exact position. From what I’ve read so far, WDW has done a good job of refunds and such. I have dessert parties and other extra curricula activities scheduled and am awaiting the news about those refunds (if they close during my scheduled stay). I never heard of the “not refunding” DVC points thing. Tom, any news on that? Because I have two hotels using my points for my little trip.
DVC returned all 407 points I used to book a one week stay at the Grand Floridian to their original use year no questions asked. I think that was very fair but also expected.
Not a DVC owner, but from what I’ve seen in the comments most of the “not refunded” complaints are from people who rented points via a 3rd party site. I would be shocked if the official owners of the points weren’t being offered some kind of accommodation for trips that can’t happen because the parks and resorts are closed.
In my opinion, this will make the Great Recession and 9/11 look irrelevant by comparison. The Fed has now predicted 30% unemployment by next quarter with no definitive end in sight. I fear the only thing that we can compare this to in recent history is the Great Depression. For reference the height of unemployment in the Great Depression was 24.9. Of course, we pray that this pestilence will not even come close to rivaling the length of the Great Depression.
I agree with you that Disney will far overestimate what they can get away with, and there’s a chance people will do what they always do, and find a way no matter the cost. However, there is certainly the chance that if it is as catastrophic as it has the potential to be, it may not be “cool” to go to Disney for a while. It may be the type of thing you actually hide it from friends and family, because of the stigma that you would be so “irresponsible” to spend that kind of money on something frivolous, while others are struggling. I agree that Disney would be wise to offer heavy discounts.
“However, there is certainly the chance that if it is as catastrophic as it has the potential to be, it may not be “cool” to go to Disney for a while. It may be the type of thing you actually hide it from friends and family, because of the stigma that you would be so “irresponsible” to spend that kind of money on something frivolous, while others are struggling.”
This is an interesting thought. I think it’s premature at this point, but definitely not implausible or far-fetched.
Right now, Disney is very much en vogue for a range of demographics–and people both try to keep up with the Jonses and spend big on upcharges for fear of missing out. Does all of that change significantly following this? Time will tell.
Your blog is my favorite of all the Disney blogs. I appreciate the thought and detail of your posts.
You are correct in that time will tell. If this virus “flattens out” soon and normalcy is restored, I feel like the damage to Disney won’t be too bad.
However, they just ordered everyone in my state to stay home for 3 weeks yesterday, so the thought of posting a bunch of pictures of us blowing through money at WDW, while 75-80% of my state is not allowed to leave their house for anything but groceries, makes me nauseous right now. and if this carries on for months, I think it will have the same effect for many more.
@Perelandra – I don’t see Walt Disney World reopening while there are any stay-at-home orders.
We have a vacation planned the week of Labor Day. Dining is all booked and plans are set for the week. However, this crisis has me wondering what Disney will be like at that time. It’s been four years since our last visit and something I always look forward to. After reading blogs I’m not sure everything will be open and how they will ‘social distance’ everyone on the rides if that’s still necessary. We really need a ‘happy place’ right now but not sure we should be spending all this money if Disney won’t be the same.
If they can figure out how to run the operations with social distancing, perhaps they can somehow resume operations. But how you going to do that with the lines? Let only in so many people per park per day? Wipe every ride car down after each use? Seems impossible.
Very well stated Tom. Please don’t stop being verbose. We love it and frankly we expect it. I personally think that Disney may have some initial discounts to get people to pull the trigger on a trip, then resume normal pricing. Though, honestly if the return crowds are overwhelming for their staffing, i can see a price increase at the New Year.
Haha, I don’t think I even know how to *not* be verbose!
Unfortunately, in the limited character social media era, people want a one word or one sentence response to a titular question. That’s not the way I operate, especially when it’s a speculative matter that (for me, at least) necessitates “showing my work” to support my conclusions.
Well said, and your speculations are very much enjoyed
You just keep on being Bricker! Your writing style and detailed assessments are precisely why most of us subscribed. That, and your superlative photos!
Great article! Based on your information, it sounds like I should wait to rebook my trip that got cancelled for this week since there is potential for future savings once the park re-opens.
I don’t think it really makes a huge difference if you’re planning on taking the trip one way or another. Booking now locks in the hotel you want and gives you the FastPass+ booking window–you can always apply future discounts. Waiting gives you flexibility, too.
I don’t think there’s really a wrong answer there.
If you book now and Disney offers a discount in the future for which your identical resort and room type are eligible, is it possible to simply “apply” the discount to what you previously booked, or does there have to be an identical room to “switch” the reservation to? Essentially I’m thinking if the hotel is sold out, will you not be able to apply the discount to a previously booked stay (and thus lose out on the cheaper price)?
Hi Tom,
We rented points through a 3rd party and did not receive any refund (>$6,000) because Disney is currently choosing to not allow the owner’s points to be extended. Meanwhile the owner is refusing a refund and our travel insurance is refusing, saying a “pandemic” is not covered. I understand from the traffic I have seen there are many people in this situation.
We set this up and saved for over a year, to get the perfect location (Boardwalk) bought premium dining, maxxed all the fast passes and special dining reservations for the grandkids. And then nothing… Oh and not even a thank you for the $6,000.
DVC needs to do the right thing and allow folks to re-book at a later time. Can you pass this along to your contacts? If you have any suggestions I will cry on anybody’s shoulder.
Sounds like truly a worst-case scenario, but you know Tom doesn’t work for WDW or DVC?? He might know a hit man or two to take care of your crappy owner situation, though….
I think we’ll likely see additional announcements from DVC on this, but my near-term advice would be continuing to press the third party on a refund or making right on the situation.
It’s unfortunate that anyone is ‘left holding the bag’ (so to speak) in this.
Robert, I am a DVC owner and have rented points out for a trip in early May. Of course I can cancel that reservation and bank the points to next year. The usual cancellation restrictions have been lifted. The only thing at this time that has not been changed is the banking rules. I can bank my points from 2020 into 2021 but will have to use the 2020 points by the end of 2021 use year. If this goes on longer, I am sure pressure will be applied to extend the points further. They can’t force people to vacation.
Now the rental situation is tricky as the contracts are clear there is no refund regardless of what happens. That is because it is virtually impossible to go out and ask every owner to return the money. I for one have been using that money to pay for things. As such, I cannot provide a full refund. Instead, I can offer to re-book or if they cannot, I will put the points back up for rent. Once rented, I would have no problem then to refund the first family their money.
I have rented through a 3rd party for the Boardwalk at the end of April. My hope is that the family we “bought” from will be willing to rebook our trip for later in the calendar year. It was an affordable way to get to stay at a Deluxe (only $200 more for a 9-night stay than Port Orleans FQ) and I will be really bummed if it doesn’t work out. We have the perfect itinerary for us (got all the best fast passes), and it breaks my heart to think of losing all of this money and planning. Non-refundable wasn’t a big deal to me because we had trip insurance. I never would have thought last fall that a pandemic would ruin all of this.
This is why we would never rent a DVC through a third party. We have rented directly from Disney twice and yes $7000 last Christmas for a one bedroom at the Beach Club for eight nights Christmas week is a little steep but we maintain flexibility on our reservation. And we get Daily Mouse service! Third party rentals are less expensive in part because there is higher risk. But it is really unfortunate that you are having a problem with your renter. Their points were most likely expiring so they are stuck too! Or as someone else said, they have already spent your money!
Third party rentals are cheaper because Disney does not dictate the pricing. Any reputable company like David’s Rentals is not risky. Many people use them and purchase travel insurance. Win win.
Robert and Kevin-
I sure hope your sellers aren’t keeping your money and reselling or reusing the points! As an owner, even if I couldn’t use or resell the points, I would probably refund half the money. Otherwise it borders on stealing or is unethical at a minimum…very sorry for your situation.
Hi Beth–
Its too early for me to know (David’s DVC) is swamped and rightfully dealing with current cancelations. I would imagine that any seller would be willing to rebook for me within the same year (assuming they had the points to do so). As much as I would want a refund to reinvest in the trip, it would be hard to fault the seller if they already spent the money (considering I booked back in November). But yes, I certainly hope they wouldn’t pocket my money and then resell to someone else. I’d like to think that the type of people who would belong to DVC would generally be nice people. My hope is that if I can shift my trip to October, they still keep the money, and I still get a trip for my family. Fingers crossed!
Some of us don’t mind the “methodical” approach.
I’m (like most I suspect) very curious to see how this all plays out. I’ve randomly done some searches for room availability on site from 12/24-12/31 (i.e. busiest week of the year). The prices still seem astronomical, but I’ve been struck by the availability. If money is no object, you could stay anywhere you want. That is, it’s not just the Pirate rooms at CBR available. I feel like in a “normal” year you would not be seeing that type of selection nine months out…
I could very well be wrong.
I agree, I booked a trip for 17 to 31 Dec just two weeks ago before all of this craziness (I’m from the UK), and before Disney closed down their bookings I was keeping tabs and not only had the price increased (although this may be linked with the airfare), but there was little availability for where we’d booked.
I’ll be very interested to see if prices drop (or increase further) before our balance is to be paid…hoping if it drops I’ll be able to cancel & re-book without losing reservations, FP etc
However, as much as I’d love to save on the crazy price I’ve paid, I’d happily stick with it for the worldwide economy to come out of this unscathed.
That’s well-reasoned insight Tom. I’m mostly in agreement with your thoughts. I’ve been telling my wife to expect free dining shortly after the parks open back up (no way will that be on April 1) along with other promotions. There are the Disney faithful (readers of this blog) who are chomping at the bit to get back to our Favorite Place on Earth. But there is a broad swath of people who, perhaps rightly so, will be hesitant to subject themselves to the enormous crowds at Disney even after officials say it’s safe. That, plus the economic distress this will cause many families, are strong reasons for Disney to be aggressive in luring guests back into the parks.