‘Pent-up demand’ may mean fewer deals at Disney resorts

Mary Yanni May 10, 2012

1 minute read

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort.

There are clues in Disney’s strong quarterly earnings report this week that suggest great deals may be harder to come by at Disney resorts this year, SmartMoney.com reports.

Attendance at Disney’s North American parks was up 7% during the quarter ended March 31 and per-capita spending was up 5%, the New York Times reported. Park revenue was up 10%, with operating earnings up a whopping 53%.

Could Disney fans be suffering frugality fatigue? Disney must hope so, because SmartMoney said fewer deals seem to be available now, and fewer resorts are included.

“I view the parks as pent-up demand,” one analyst told SmartMoney.

Perhaps Disney is feeling confident because of the expansion of California Adventure, where the 12-acre Carsland is set to open June 15. Disney CEO Bob Iger told the Los Angeles Times he has high hopes: “I believe the completion will result in a park that will stand on its own but also serve as an important and worthy neighbor to Disneyland and finally enable the two to become the destination resort we once envisioned.”

If you’re still hoping for a bargain, WDWinfo.com keeps an up-to-date list of Disney discounts, which currently includes free dining or discounts of 25-30% off rack rates for hotels.