Is Disney Quietly Raising Room rates?

[Wendy]

In what is a promising sign for the health of Orlando's tourism industry — though maybe not so great a thing for tourists planning trips — hotel rates at Walt Disney World continue to trend up.

A survey of prices last weekend at the giant resort's company hotels found prices were up from a year ago in every category of room.

"Prices are higher year-over-year and we think, combined with fewer promotions, will be a big contributor to Walt Disney Co.'s parks results in fiscal 2012," analysts for UBS Investment Research, which conducted the survey, wrote in a note to investors.

Out of eight hotels categorized as "deluxe," all eight had rooms available over the weekend, compared with seven on the same weekend last year. But the 12-week average of room prices was up 6 percent from 2011.

Availability was the same as a year ago in Disney's moderately priced hotels, but rates were up 4 percent. There was slightly more availability this year in "value"-priced hotels, where rates were up 5 percent.

Have you noticed any increase in the prices you paid last year?

[Britchick]

Well when comparing with travel agents I would say 6% was about right, I guess they could say they are making improvements though, free wifi and fridges in all resort rooms.

[Johnie]

Oh yes rates are higher

[Tink]

Can't comment on room rates but an acquaintance of mine just told me that he's paying $400 for the same rental car he paid $130 for last year. (Same time frame too).

[Wendy]

Wow, that's a huge increase!