Open Message To The Directors Of The Tower Of Terror Race

[windwalker]

Several of the WISH team, probably about a hunderd in all did your race last year. We are for the most part experienced racers and loyal Disney fans. We do really thank you for your hard work in putting the event together.

However there is a rumor that the entry fee will be raised in order to add a one day park pass. Most of us are annual pass holders and many are DVC members. It is unreasonable and counter productive for you to charge twice for the tickets since we have already paid for annual passes. We buy those passes so we can spend more time in the hotels and the parks each trip.

A suggestion would be to charge a set fee for the race and then offer the option of a reduced price ticket with it.

This may sound petty but we are loyal to Disney and feel our voices should be heard. We know that you want to make the experience as enjoyable as you can and also keep the race a big hit. You listened to us last year when we asked for the finish time to be more liberal, it allowed many more people to try racing and enjoy the event.

Please consider this request to reconsider the extra cost to cover a pass which we can't use.

Other WISH members please add your comments, agree or disagree so they can know how their customers feel. I don't speak for the WISH so please let them know how the rest of you feel.

A concerned Disney Fan.

Dave

[ultramickeymouse]

I second that Dave:thumbsup2

I buu AP's so I can enjoy the parks. I sign up for races to do an event. I don't need or want a extra worthless ticket forced upon my wife and myself. I own lots of DVC points and pay lots of money every year. Now it seems that the powers at be want to take an extra perk away from us($5 per race). It's not the dollars but the principal. I probably spent $160,000 for the DVC points and almost $8000 a year in maintenence dues. Any break is appreciated.

[wtpclc]

I totally agree!

Not an AP holder. I could buy the reduced price tic for the Minnie. However, if I had an AP or tix through a package for my length of stay and had to pay for a tic through the event, I would avoid the race and the double-payment for a park tic.

[sunshine girl]

I agree. I am an annual passholder and will not do the races if the race price is increased by a large amount for a park ticket.

I would also like to see an option for the Everest Challenge that does not include a park ticket. At this point, I haven't registered for that race because I do not need the park ticket, and therefore the price is steep. This ticket situation is the ONLY reason I am not registering.

Disney will be "losing" all the extra money that I spend on those weekends I come for races (i.e., hotel, food, souvenirs, for me and my cheering fans), if I no longer race due to this new ticket-inclusion idea!!

I support a reduced-price no-ticket-included race!!!

:sunny:

[twoWDWfools]

Excellent letter Dave.

I completely agree. We also have APs and are DVC members and therefore have no use for a one day ticket. Making it an optional add-on versus a mandatory cost makes far more sense.

Disney could even require either the AP number or DVC number in order to omit the ticket and pay the reduced fee. It is counter productive to force tickets on people who truly have no use for them.

If one-day tickets start becoming the mandatory standard for WDW races, we will have to seriously re-think attending more than one race per year.

Thank you.

[scoolover]

I don't really get it. Are they making the assumption that everyone wants or needs a park pass? How much extra are they charging?

[Steffwalks]

NOT having to buy a ticket shouldn't be just for DVC and AP's! If you do like we did last year and stay for 8 days with a hopper pass, the extra cost of the ticket is a waste of money!

[SamSam]

I agree! As DVC members and AP holders, we make several trips a year to WDW, and I feel like I'm being taken advantage of (ripped off) when a one day ticket added to an event raises the entry fee. I certainly do not need a one day admission ticket and I resent that the only way I can sign up for an event, like the EE in Sept, is to pay an over-inflated fee because it includes the park ticket.
Sharon

[deekaypee]

I agree with the above WISHers. A race entry fee, with an optional park ticket add-on, makes the most sense. It is the most flexible and inclusive registration structure. That way, AP holders, DVC members, guests who choose to make the Tower of Terror event part of an extended vacation, and race-only guests may all be accommodated.

Such a structure benefits not only Disney guests, but corporate interests. First, a more flexible registration-fee structure will improve the race's reputation among runners; given that the race is still relatively new and experiencing growing pains, any decision that seems runner-friendly is bound to be received warmly. Second, Disney guests who are also runners bring a great deal of discretionary income into the resorts--staying and eating onsite, buying race merchandise as well as photographs and other souvenirs, and bringing spectators who do the same. We do so without necessarily adding to park congestion in terms of attractions. Third, a registration structure that assumes a runner wishes to complete as many Disney events in a year and makes it easy and reasonably economical to do so will have a better chance of realizing just that outcome.

On a more personal note, neither I nor my partner will have a use for extra tickets. Indeed, a registration fee with mandatory park-ticket purchase will deter us from taking part in the Tower of Terror event. That is a pity, not only because we are interested in the event, but because we will most likely replace a Disney race with a non-Disney event at that same time of year. If such a registration structure becomes the dominant model, we too will reconsider our plans to attend Disney races more than once per year.

What's more, I believe that my response is not an unusual one. The Disney racing community is an inclusive one--made of runners, walkers, wheelchair-division athletes, families, and spectators--and a close one. We share experiences, expectations, and positions on the various Disney events. The generally positive reviews of the Tower of Terror event, combined with my sense of how many of my W.I.S.H. teammates are planning to attend, has led me to seriously consider participating in the 2009 race. Should my W.I.S.H. teammates' opinion of the Tower of Terror shift, in response to race fees or pacing requirements or course changes, my interest in the race most likely will shift as well.

Generally, I have been very pleased with Disney's organization and execution of events, its offering of races throughout the year, and its response to runners and running organizations. I applaud Disney for recognizing runners and for offering special events that promote healthier lifestyles. I appreciate its development of races in a variety of distances, venues, and emphases to attract a diverse group of runners: new and experienced, young and old, competitive and recreational, single racers and families. The Tower of Terror event represents just such event, one which I would be delighted to run alongside my teammates and fellow Disney enthusiasts. Please consider a registration structure that will enable as many of us as possible to attend.

Best,

Debra (W.I.S.H. team member)

[TnTsParty]

It would be beneficial for Disney to make it an option to include the ticket in the cost of the entry fee or not like they have for the Minnie. That way the people would would like/need a park ticket can get it but its not an added cost if not needed.

[MiniGirl]

Here, Here, Dave. I completely agree. I am a CM, and my family are pass holders and we have absolutely no need for a one day ticket. Also, keep in mind the ticket included in the cost of the EE Challenge is only good for a certain amount of time (like 3 weeks?) and is only good for 1 of 2 parks. Now, we did sign up for it because my dh said he would do it, and I'm excited about getting to do this with him. I'm also excited about it being the innagural. However, unless this changes, it'll be our first and only EE Challenge. Pity, too, because I'm sure it'll be a blast.

[ultramickeymouse]

I just received a reply from Disney!

Disney has resisted the trend with EEC and will do the same thing as last year.

They stated there WILL be a DVC discount and a theme park ticket will not be attached to the registration, but you will have the option to purchase additional theme park tickets if you would like.:banana: :banana: :banana:

They sure read this post quickly and feared the WISH force:woohoo:

I guess I will do the race again this year:thumbsup2

[sk8ingmom]

I completely agree. The Expedition Everest Challenge will be the one and only time that I will be willing to register for a race that includes a park ticket that I don't need, don't want, and can't even give to a friend.

[wtpclc]

I just received a reply from Disney!

Disney has resisted the trend with EEC and will do the same thing as last year.

They stated there WILL be a DVC discount and a theme park ticket will not be attached to the registration, but you will have the option to purchase additional theme park tickets if you would like.:banana: :banana: :banana:

They sure read this post quickly and feared the WISH force:woohoo:

I guess I will do the race again this year:thumbsup2

Great news!

[CarolA]

I just received a reply from Disney!

Disney has resisted the trend with EEC and will do the same thing as last year.

They stated there WILL be a DVC discount and a theme park ticket will not be attached to the registration, but you will have the option to purchase additional theme park tickets if you would like.:banana: :banana: :banana:

They sure read this post quickly and feared the WISH force:woohoo:

I guess I will do the race again this year:thumbsup2

Well can they start on time? Or are they going to charge you for a "party" they cut an hour short by thier own actions?:rotfl2:

[windwalker]

I just received a reply from Disney!

Disney has resisted the trend with EEC and will do the same thing as last year.

They stated there WILL be a DVC discount and a theme park ticket will not be attached to the registration, but you will have the option to purchase additional theme park tickets if you would like.:banana: :banana: :banana:

They sure read this post quickly and feared the WISH force:woohoo:

I guess I will do the race again this year:thumbsup2


Thank you race directors for listening to us. We are loyal Disney fans and your considering our concerns keeps us that way.

Dave

[twoWDWfools]

I just received a reply from Disney!

Disney has resisted the trend with EEC and will do the same thing as last year.

They stated there WILL be a DVC discount and a theme park ticket will not be attached to the registration, but you will have the option to purchase additional theme park tickets if you would like.:banana: :banana: :banana:

They sure read this post quickly and feared the WISH force:woohoo:

I guess I will do the race again this year:thumbsup2

Thanks to the Disney Race Directors for taking our concerns into account and allowing Disney regulars to continue to enjoy the races.

Liz

[lenshanem]

I totally agreed with the OP and I'm glad Disney listened!

[SamSam]

I would also like to thank the Disney Race Organizers for paying attention. :goodvibes

[wdw4us]

Thank you race directors for listening to us. We are loyal Disney fans and your considering our concerns keeps us that way.

Dave

Ahhhhhhhhhh, the power of the internet!

denise

[Cruella de mom]

I am glad to hear that the park tickets will be optional. Even though I am in the minority for this board because I would need to purchase a ticket, I can see the issue for other people.

I think an optional deeply discounted park ticket for the runner would be an awesome idea for Disney. Here is why:

As a runner, the parks are actually a distraction on race weekend. However, if I get a cheap ticket I am probably going to go to the parks. And so are all the people that come with me. Once in the parks, I am going to spend money. So are all the people that come with me. So instead of hanging out in our hotel room watching tv, we are giving Disney our cash. They definately make up the cost of the discounted ticket. Man, I am such a sucker. ;) :)

[bridgerunner]

Woo Hoo, that is great news shared amongst hundreds of walkers/runners :cool1:.

And with this great news, I am sure to register for the Tower of Terror since I am opting out of the Disney Marathon for 2009, and I really, really, really want to meet everyone on the Hakuna Matata team (and the others :lovestruc)!!!

Donna

[TnTsParty]

Thank you Disney Race Directors for listening to us and thanks Robert for keeping us up to date with an "in" with the Disney Race people!! :thumbsup2

[Scott H]

Thanks for listening, I was going to post I agree with the aforementioned points, but thanks again.

We are also DVC members adn AP holders.

[DianeL]

Thanks to the Race Directors!!!!! At the cost of EE5K I wouldn't be able to do as many. I am signed up for the EE5K because my DH was so excited about it. But I am doing the Minnie 15K and sorry still have to sign up but plan on doing the Minnie 5K too. Had the cost of the EE5K not been so high we possibly would have come down again for the Race for the Taste 10K as that had been are plan all along. I love the Disney races as it gives us a chance to be together as a group in a place we all love.

Looking forward to many yEARS of doing Disney races :cloud9:

Thanks again to the Race Directors!!!! Now if May would only get here sooner so we can play!!!

[sunshine girl]

Still, they aren't changing the current structure for the EE5K... $100 entry is pretty steep! For a 5k!

I really want to do it, but I'm having trouble justifying $100 for this event, even with the obstacle thing and post-party (if the post-party is similar to the ToT post-party last year) if I do not need that park ticket!

[bonzie1]

Thanks for listening, I was going to post I agree with the aforementioned points, but thanks again.

We are also DVC members and AP holders.

DITTO! :thumbsup2

Just found this thread while searching for info on TOT race!

Thanks Dave for getting our voices collectively heard. I wrote a similar letter just last night, to the EE Event organizers, asking why they decided to "include" a ticket in this event instead of "offering" one, but haven't yet heard a response.

We are DVC members + AP holders, have been for years. Disney's tightening of their purse strings shouldn't penalize those who have already heavily invested in Disney and all they have to offer.

Thank you directors for listening. :goodvibes

[bonzie1]

DITTO! :thumbsup2

Just found this thread while searching for info on TOT race!

Thanks Dave for getting our voices collectively heard. I wrote a similar letter just last night, to the EE Event organizers, asking why they decided to "include" a ticket in this event instead of "offering" one, but haven't yet heard a response.

We are DVC members + AP holders, have been for years. Disney's tightening of their purse strings shouldn't penalize those who have already heavily invested in Disney and all they have to offer.

Thank you directors for listening. :goodvibes

Just got my response from the EE Challenge. Too bad those directors aren't listening, and dodn't even address the initial question. THANKS AGAIN TO THE TOT DIRECTORS!!!

Subject:
Re: Expedition Everest Challenge Question
From: WDW Sports Marathon Endurance <wdw.sports.marathon.endurance@disneysports.com>
Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:00:38 -0800
To: bonzie1

Georgie -

Thank you for taking the time to send your feedback to us. Due to the limited capacity of this Inaugural event, discounts and special pricing will not be available. We will, however, take your feedback into consideration for next year's event.

Thank you,
Disney Sports


Original Message Follows:
-------------------------

Hi!

I'm sure you've gotten tons of e-mails on this already.

We are interested in this event, but as AP holders do not need/want to purchase a separate park ticket for the event. Is there a reason you decided not to have 2 different ticket prices, one for AP holders and one for those who need a ticket? This decision by WDW has left many with a disappointed opinion on the future path of Disney events, and your creative increases in prices.

One would assume this is a way to for Disney "make extra $" on the event. I don't want to fall into that category of naysayers, and wanted to sk as to why this was done. I can understand if you are selling this as a hard coded ticketed event i.e. MNSSHP or MVMCP, etc, but in past races, the event price included the party afterwards, so I am left feeling puzzled at this new approach.

Thanks for sharing your insight.

Georgie

[sunshine girl]

Thanks for posting that reply from Disney about the EE race.

I guess I just have to decide now if I can handle forking over the money. My boyfriend wants to do this one, and he's never done a race, so just for the sake of getting him out on the course I might have to do it!

Or, we might wait until next year. :sunny: