Is Disney feeling the Economic Crunch? About This Page:

[lovemickey44]

I didn't know where to post this. But I was wondering if Disney is seeing lower attendence because of the Economic crisis we are in? I'll be honest it is taking all the money we have to go on this trip!

[Colexis Mom]

My guess would be yes, and that's why they are coming out with all these promotions (like free dining beyond the usual September time frame)!! They are trying to be creative to get people into the parks

[DISNEY03]

I agree. Disney has to be feeling the crunch, we will all agree that this is a necessity to go to Disney, not a luxury but the truth is, it is. We have saved for 2 yrs for our upcoming trip but have canceled our Disney cruise for next year. We have also not been out for dinner since I can't remember, and to a movie or much of anything else. We also canceled some camping trips this year due to the gas prices.
I can only hope that it has to get better, but they say it is going to get worse. I'm trying to stay positive and just try to do what I can to cut back without cutting everything out. They say before an election this sometimes happens but I've never seen it this bad.
I try to not get worried I just keep looking up! Thanks for mentioning what is probably on most people's mind and talking it out makes me feel like I'm not the only one out there.

[lovemickey44]

To be honest the economy really scares me! But I am trying to be positive and hopefull! We too have cut out lots of things. Eating out, little trips,. We carpool if possible and on and on.

[mommadjones]

Disney will be getting significantly less $ from us in Jan. We usually just book the entire trip with their travel company. This year we opted out of the dinning, bought our park tickets through a broker and used AAA to get our room. If we had used the travel company this would have cost us about $900 more. We have taken out a Disney credit card to build up points for the kids spending money. They gave us a $40. gift card just to sign up between this and the $ we get from our spending this is all the kids will get for souvenirs. The credit card gets paid off when the interest starts in December so this way they (Disney) will not get any extra. Our next trip whenever that will be will be paid for with our AA miles and as I said when that happens is up in the air. I normally have a trip in the planning before we go on our current trip. This will not happen this time. I truly hope the economy gets better as my husbands salary is tied to it but I think we have a LONG road to travel before that happens

[SARH7]

I try not to think about these things.....we have had to cut out a lot in the past year...but we also bought a newer house with a higher mortgage an had a second child....so our budget is being stretched extremely thin these days....despite the current economy.

[MMMD]

I would expect to see less crowds next year at WDW because not many people will be planning new vacations now. But Disney is smart, they'll lower prices and run packages until they fill the parks.

[RobDVC]

Yes, they most definitely are. You can tell by the promotions they are running. Extending Free Dining to other slow times, offering a Free Dining bounceback for Aug/Sep vacationers, giving a free admission on your birthday... They're all enticements to get people to visit.

[thinkpink]

Hmmm....do they do other "costcutting" things (like less hours, less rides open)? Just wondering if any changed to ammenities or park activities would be changed.

[MickeyLover704]

I have to agree that Disney is probably feeling the crunch too, I think we all are. I am trying to put this stuff in the back of my mind until we come back from vacation, then I will worry. The ecomony scares me!

[Joanne929]

I'm sure they're feeling it too.

[jimmymac]

They have to be feeling it. Not just at the parks - they'e paying off 2 very expensive ships and a lot of land in Hawaii

[LizB]

I'm not sure about Disney, but I work retail here in Orlando. Our overall traffic has slowed down and our sales goal are not as high as last year (but we are being more profitable. . .so although our sales are down, our profits are still good!). But, with that said, we are seeing a lot of tourist from the UK and Central America in our stores and weekends are still hectic even though this is usually a slow time.

So, while Disney probably is feeling some crunch, I don't think it is as hard on them as others. . ..

but those are just my observations : )

[chezp]

I would guess they have to be. When things get tight, one of the first things to go is often vacations sadly.

[Magicdreamer287]

The answer to this question is yes and that's about all I can say as a CM. My family is finding it hard to visit me this year because of the crisis but I hope they make it. THey are trying to get a Grand Gathering together to visit me but its really hard because everyone is watching their money. It kinda stinks.