poor disney...if they listened to any of the developers in this area or sandestin, they would be told endlessly that families with children don't vacation here! just rich old guys who like to golf and their wives. hahahaha!
now with sandestins big $79-$99 a night marketing push, be on the lookout for a new influx of spring-break college kids to invade the area.
Bobby J said:
Families dont vacation here?
doh! apologies to all! i always forget sarcasm DOES NOT translate in print!
my point was actually that it's sandestin that seem to think all those children on the resort are munchkins!
by my comment, i meant that if you speak with local developers and see the marketing plans and promo material for regional resorts & developments you will find that they are in DENIAL about the fact that the primary demographic for this area is FAMILIES. even the old folks here don't go anywhere without their grandkids!
and yet all the big money goes to retail that is clearly targeted to retirement-aged couples. case in point- there are no wading pools for toddlers or little kids at any of the developments, few restaurants suitable for kids, no skate parks, very few classes and programmed activities for visiting families. we heard at least 3 kids on the beach last summer tell their parents that they wanted to go to myrtle beach or orlando next time.
anyway..my point was that OBVIOUSLY if DISNEY gets it. why don't people who already do business here get it??
the comment about the $99 rooms at sandestin is that by charging those rates and promoting them to spring breakers, they have made a clear decision to market to college-aged kids. most parents don't want their children exposed to non-stop boozing during their family breaks.
i've been to minigras and applause for kids in baytowne village and when you see the HUNDREDS of toddlers and school aged kids in attendance it becomes even more obvious and shocking that there isn't MUCH more of the same available for families on the resort.
hope that clears that up!