Park hopping option to end?

[Telynn]

Okay...My husband's buddy has heard a rumor that WDW was going to end the park hopper option on the passes. Can anyone here confirm or dispell this horrible rumor? Thx in advance!

[Brer Rabbit]

I'll confirm this is an awful scary rumor and they already charge extra for it. I would think they would just go up on that ticket option

[indiesgirl4ever]

we are booking a trip to go in sep 2009 and they didnt say we couldnt get the park hopper so i would have to disagree

[Traveliz]

Haven't heard anything but I can't fathom what the upside would be for Disney on this.

Liz

[fairestoneofall]

Why would they do that?

[CanadianGuy]

If true.. Disney could have a number of tricks up their sleeve..

1. The most obvious is a major realignment of the ticket pricing sometime in August 2008 that could mean a pretty hefty increase across the board -- BUT -- park hopping would no longer be optional. It would/could come with every ticket.

2. They could decide to roll Waterpark Fun & More and Parkhopper together in to something like a "PLUS PACK" - charge more and only sell them as a pair.

A few minutes of thinking and you can probably come up with a number of other scenarios that gets rid of the "Park Hopping" option off the ticket menu but may or may not mean you can't actually hop parks..

[ShellyLynn3630]

I agree about them making it available on all tickets and really jacking the prices up. I have seen that one coming for some time. We never do get the park hopper, but we do get the water park and more added on.

[Condorman]

Prices increase every year. Disney has the right to jack up the price even more due to the economy, but unless they are providing a greater service it may keep even more people home.

They could never do away with the Park Hopper aspect. It may stop being an option and be included on all tickets but they can't eradicate it. Imagine if you couldn't hop parks and on any given Saturday 75% of everyone staying at a resort, and every local visiting for the day, all decided to go to MK? They couldn't be turned away because they wouldn't have Park Hoppers, so then what happens?

If Disney restructures its pricing and either includes all features to make it seem like a greater value, or else, splits everything up and prices things individually, they could increase pricing and few would know or complain.

[Another Voice]

'Park Hopping' tickets will only be available to those staying at a Disney resort (and maybe only to those buying a package). It's another step in the 'Destination Disney' concept to get people to spend all of their time on property.

Don't worry, there will be plenty of plants on-line explaining why this is a "good thing" and you'll read plenty of press releases about how the public have been demanding removing the park hopping option. By this time next year people will think staying in one park all day is the "only magical thing to do".

And it will also REALLY help when the busses go away...

[Mikelly1221]

And it will also REALLY help when the busses go away...

HUH?!?!?! :confused: Can you elaborate????

[MyGoofy26]

A twisted side of me wants them to add the parkhopper back into the tickets just so I can see the anger of all the people being "forced" to pay for park hopping whether they want it or not. Anyone else remember the rage when they split all the options to do MYW tickets? I think I was one of the few that realized that we'd ALWAYS been paying for park hopping, they weren't now charging you more. . . just giving you the option to opt out of it now. No matter how many times or how many people explained that it was never "free" instead it was built into the price, people couldn't get past having to pay for the option. I bet now that people are used to a stripped down option that they can customize, the earlier horror of the situation will be forgotten and a whole new drama about how Disney's just trying to get one more thing over on Joe Tourist will be upon us.

[Lollipop's Mom]

I went over to the WDW UK site where they allow people in the UK to book a package for 2009 now, and found this ticket - is this new for 2009? They only offered a 5 and 7 day (for the dates I put in) of this type of ticket...
I also noticed the new benefits of staying at WDW property - but maybe its just a UK thing - I can't see them being able to offer reserved spots for the fireworks for ALL guests.
http://www.ssb6.net/users/21275/disney5day.jpg
http://www.ssb6.net/users/21275/disneyben.jpg

[Lollipop's Mom]

I also just found this - is this a way to keep business at WDW travel and not having people go through TA's? Preferred viewing for people who book direct....
(again maybe just a UK thing?)
http://www.ssb6.net/users/21275/disneybook.jpg

[SpaceAce]

This could be to ease operations.

Many people forego the park-hopper option, thinking that they can use extra days on their tickets to parkhop if they want. My parents tried this - they eventually let them in, but only after seeing they were Polynesian residents. I don't think they would have let someone from off-property off the hook. (Think about how cheap extra days are at the longer stays, just a couple of bucks, compared to parkhopping option.)

This creates quite a headache at the turnstyles - and makes many people mad when they can't get into a park even though they are willing to use a day of admission to get in. I could easily imagine making all tickets park-hoppers to get rid of this acute PR-problem. It will also mean less people at the customer service window outside the parks!

I would say that this rumor is probably true - but will Disney will make everyone pay for the parkhopping option, not eliminate it.

[CanadianGuy]

The 7 Day premium ticket is a UK option and it's basically a 7 day ticket with park hopping and WPFM. The UK ticketing options include 14 and 21 day tickets with "all in" -- unlimited WPFM admissions and access to the themeparks for those 14 or 21 days. None of these options are new.

As for the bit about the buses..

HUH?!?!?! :confused: Can you elaborate????

A/V has been saying for a while now that the Disney transportation system is due for a bunch of major changes and Disney will either completely remove the buses between resorts and themeparks and/or possibly begin charging for DME from the airport etc (which I highly doubt) or dramatically alter the service quality such as to render it useless for the vast majority of guests (somewhat more likely).

Disney has a habit of changing things such that people are far less inclined to use those products or services and then eliminating them by saying "fewer guests wanted or used" the product or service etc.

While this would be a boon to the car service and car rental agencies in the Orlando area.. I just don't know if Disney is willing to go quite that far.. just yet. Everything depends on the price of diesel (and therefore oil in general).

I still suspect this oil situation is in fact a 'bubble' and not a 'new reality' and that the price of oil on a per barrel basis will probably fall back down to between 100$ and 110$ ... which while still overpriced on a demand/supply basis.. is more operationally feasible for Disney.

Knox

[GOOFYsince71]

Sounds like you really found some "hidden" secrets in the works!
Keep me posted,,,We will all love to know what is going on!!!!!!!:confused3

:surfweb:

[GOOFYsince71]

I still suspect this oil situation is in fact a 'bubble' and not a 'new reality' and that the price of oil on a per barrel basis will probably fall back down to between 100$ and 110$ ... which while still overpriced on a demand/supply basis.. is more operationally feasible for Disney.

Knox


Sorry,,,I am off topic just for ONE second!!!!!
Is Knox your First name....
You know why I am asking;)

[CanadianGuy]

Yes. Angelina and Brad named their child after me. I met her when I worked on the Tonight Show and she just LOVED the name.*

Knox

* Or you could buy the 'public' version which is that Brad Pitt is related to the famous artist, Archibald Knox and they have named the children with an eye to their family trees. Pffft. ;)

[GOOFYsince71]

Yes. Angelina and Brad named their child after me. I met her when I worked on the Tonight Show and she just LOVED the name.*

Knox

;)

:worship:.

[CanadianGuy]

I fear I should have used a bigger drop of sarcasm.. ;)

[Telynn]

Thank you all for the info! This is why I LOVE this board!

[Mikelly1221]

Thanks for the update about the buses. Please help me understand..I can see how eliminating/drastically cutting the buses would save the bottom line. What options would they give guests staying at their hotels on how to get around the World? Wouldn't that shoot their resort operations in the foot?

I'm very dense on things like this-educate me! :teacher: Thanks!

[Lollipop's Mom]

I personally do not see them cutting the bus service. It will only drive people to stay offsite at cheaper hotels. One of the reasons many people pay $100+ at a value resort is for the buses,etc..
I can stay at a nice 4* hotel with a waterslide off property for almost the same as a value, but choose onsite for the transporation (and other reasons).
I would say the buses going is simply a rumor. All they have to do is hike up resort costs $10/nt to cover the gas.

[CanadianGuy]

I personally do not see them cutting the bus service. It will only drive people to stay offsite at cheaper hotels. One of the reasons many people pay $100+ at a value resort is for the buses,etc..
I can stay at a nice 4* hotel with a waterslide off property for almost the same as a value, but choose onsite for the transporation (and other reasons).
I would say the buses going is simply a rumor. All they have to do is hike up resort costs $10/nt to cover the gas.

Barring someone stepping forward with sources cited, this is definitely still "very much big time" a rumor..

[DisOrBust]

Welcome back AV! Have yo been banned else where?;) ..or have you been on your Disney cruise??:rotfl2:

[doubletrouble_vb]

Okay...if they eliminated the busses between the theme parks and the resorts where would the busses go? They'd definitely have to provide transportation between the resorts and someplace that would get people into the parks.

[doubletrouble_vb]

Oh and with the demise of Pleasure Island that does render the "fun & more" option less valuable. Maybe they will just roll it into fun & more to encourage people to use those options. Otherwise it'd just be going back to the pre-MYW days...also not the worst idea from a monetary standpoint. The fewer options they have to check on the easier it is.

[Gatordad]

'Park Hopping' tickets will only be available to those staying at a Disney resort (and maybe only to those buying a package). It's another step in the 'Destination Disney' concept to get people to spend all of their time on property.

Don't worry, there will be plenty of plants on-line explaining why this is a "good thing" and you'll read plenty of press releases about how the public have been demanding removing the park hopping option. By this time next year people will think staying in one park all day is the "only magical thing to do".

And it will also REALLY help when the busses go away...


I like your writing style.

[Anne's Family]

I also noticed the new benefits of staying at WDW property - but maybe its just a UK thing - I can't see them being able to offer reserved spots for the fireworks for ALL guests.

I'd be willing to bet it's just a UK thing. Disney absolutely loves UK business I've noticed. They really want you guys there (with the dollar so poor right now, it makes sense.) You guys are just special!:lovestruc

[raidermatt]

A twisted side of me wants them to add the parkhopper back into the tickets just so I can see the anger of all the people being "forced" to pay for park hopping whether they want it or not. Anyone else remember the rage when they split all the options to do MYW tickets? I think I was one of the few that realized that we'd ALWAYS been paying for park hopping, they weren't now charging you more. . . just giving you the option to opt out of it now. No matter how many times or how many people explained that it was never "free" instead it was built into the price, people couldn't get past having to pay for the option. I bet now that people are used to a stripped down option that they can customize, the earlier horror of the situation will be forgotten and a whole new drama about how Disney's just trying to get one more thing over on Joe Tourist will be upon us.

Except that when they make something "optional", it very rarely works out that you can actually get it for the same price as you paid before. SOME of the tickets did work out that way, but they were the exception, not the rule, and that was due to an overall shift in pricing strategy to entice longer stays.

For an example of the rule, see the dining plan.

[ChristmasElf]

Yes. Angelina and Brad named their child after me. I met her when I worked on the Tonight Show and she just LOVED the name.*

Knox

* Or you could buy the 'public' version which is that Brad Pitt is related to the famous artist, Archibald Knox and they have named the children with an eye to their family trees. Pffft. ;)


Knox was the middle name of Brad Pitts grandfather.

[CanadianGuy]

Latest rumor on the ticketing front...

- Replacing or supplementing the WPFM ticketing option would be a Disney Surf & Turf package.. (I made up the name) basicailly it's a "Disney Recreation" ticketing option. It might include the waterparks, DisneyQuest, mini-golf, golf, watermice rental, etc.

Makes sense on the surface. We'll see if it gets implemented.

[disrailfan]

As long as I can still get Annual Passes, this does not bother me. :confused3

[GOOFYsince71]

Latest rumor on the ticketing front...

- Replacing or supplementing the WPFM ticketing option would be a Disney Surf & Turf package.. (I made up the name) basicailly it's a "Disney Recreation" ticketing option. It might include the waterparks, DisneyQuest, mini-golf, golf, watermice rental, etc.

Makes sense on the surface. We'll see if it gets implemented.


"Surf and Turf"........we all saw it here first.!
And Knox, if they try to use it,,,,,get some royalties:rotfl:

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I do not see them getting rid of the option even for off site guests. Epcot and MK get a lot of business from people doing DAK in the morning and going there for the fireworks at night. World Showcase especially gets a lot of business this way due to the number of dining establishments. If people cannot park hop, they will take their dollars elsewhere. A lot of people will not spend an entire day in one park, they will get bored. If they can't go to another park, they will go off site and Disney will lose those dollars. Aint' gonna happen.

The 7 Day premium ticket is a UK option and it's basically a 7 day ticket with park hopping and WPFM. The UK ticketing options include 14 and 21 day tickets with "all in" -- unlimited WPFM admissions and access to the themeparks for those 14 or 21 days. None of these options are new.

As for the bit about the buses..



A/V has been saying for a while now that the Disney transportation system is due for a bunch of major changes and Disney will either completely remove the buses between resorts and themeparks and/or possibly begin charging for DME from the airport etc (which I highly doubt) or dramatically alter the service quality such as to render it useless for the vast majority of guests (somewhat more likely).

Disney has a habit of changing things such that people are far less inclined to use those products or services and then eliminating them by saying "fewer guests wanted or used" the product or service etc.

While this would be a boon to the car service and car rental agencies in the Orlando area.. I just don't know if Disney is willing to go quite that far.. just yet. Everything depends on the price of diesel (and therefore oil in general).

I still suspect this oil situation is in fact a 'bubble' and not a 'new reality' and that the price of oil on a per barrel basis will probably fall back down to between 100$ and 110$ ... which while still overpriced on a demand/supply basis.. is more operationally feasible for Disney.

Knox

No way no how. Disney will not get rid of busses. First of all, they just spent a bundle on a new dispatching system (which does have kinks to be worked out). Secondly, the resort and parking lots will not be able to handle to the increase in car traffic. Don't forget we also get a lot of international drivers that may not be able to drive in the US (I believe you have to have an international license). Again, Disney wants you to stay on property, they want you to get around so you can go places and spend your money.

[CanadianGuy]

EB:

I agree with you.. I was pretty much explaining Another Voice's suggestive post from earlier in the thread.

:)

Knox

[Mikelly1221]

EB:

I agree with you.. I was pretty much explaining Another Voice's suggestive post from earlier in the thread.

:)

Knox


Yes, and I appreciate the explanation! :thumbsup2

[BellesFavoriteBook]

I hope this isn't true! I Might be going to Disney World in Jan or Feb 2009 and the park hopper option is one I'd use.

[Fizban257]

The current rumor is that bus service will no longer take you from your hotel directly to either the Magic Kingdom or Epcot, but to the TTC, where you can use the Monorail or Ferry. DHS and DAK will obviously still have direct service.

[Lewisc]

Latest rumor on the ticketing front...

- Replacing or supplementing the WPFM ticketing option would be a Disney Surf & Turf package.. (I made up the name) basicailly it's a "Disney Recreation" ticketing option. It might include the waterparks, DisneyQuest, mini-golf, golf, watermice rental, etc.

Makes sense on the surface. We'll see if it gets implemented.

Adding some more options, such as min-golf, will make it easier for Disney to avoid having to issue partial refunds if/when DQ closes. It might also make the ticket more valuable (expensive).

The current rumor is that bus service will no longer take you from your hotel directly to either the Magic Kingdom or Epcot, but to the TTC, where you can use the Monorail or Ferry. DHS and DAK will obviously still have direct service.

I don't think the monorail from the TTC to EPCOT could handle the increased guest volume. I guess Disney could add enough ferry boats to cover the TTC-MK traffic.

[doubletrouble_vb]

I could actually see re-routing the busses to the nearest access point for the mono-rails. The one exception should be FW and WL/VWL because they are already past the TTC and the bus would be back tracking. Also the other MK resorts would have to catch the monorail to get a bus anywhere.

This would mean for the EPCOT resorts that the bus would run to the front entrance of EPCOT rather than over to MK.

The negative would be having to change transportation frequently. The positive would be that there shouldn't be as long a wait for a bus to get somewhere...instead it would be a long ride. Perhaps this would inspire them to put in some type of light rail between EPCOT, MGM and AK.

[racefanof88]

Disney will have to watch closely the changes they are making. With Universal offering 2 park 7 day passes for 90 bucks...........hmmmmmmmmmmm can you say SpongeBob?.......:rotfl2:. With all the rumored changes Disney will become more expensive with less offerings? :sad2: I hope they have their eye on the economy real close and realize if you keep taking away things and add costs people will find less expensive things to do with their money to still be able to take a vacation. :teacher: I know that doesn't affect the foreign trade as our dollar is very weak right now. I know there will be price increases as this happens every year(sometimes more than once a year.....;) ). If they take the park hopping away it was be very bad for the DDP, if they get rid of the buses, as stated prior, international travelers and people who fly in will have more expense and trouble, if they change the fastpass system then they are excluding alot of their visitiors due to the fact that there are day visitors who buy APs because they live within driving distance and Disney just does not have enough rooms to house all the people who visit the parks in a given day.

WOW did I run on enough :lmao:

[disneymath]

If the transportation options were taken away, a major reason for my family returning to WDW (so often) would disappear.

We love the parks and atmosphere and dining and .... but one of the big draws for us is that it truly is a vacation for my dad (the primary out of town driver). He, more than any of the rest of my family, REALLY appreciates not having to worry about driving anywhere on vacation.

[binkytell]

hi, we booked this package last year, the uk has always this ticket package and it is only available to uk residents, but they definately make up for it in the price we pay, the only part not on package was the preferred viewing for fireworks, this maybe new.

i have booked this years holiday through US disney and i have saved us $2000, yes thats $2000 not $200, wot a bargain.

sarah

[bytheblood]

If this happens, I would expect that it would be mandatory on any ticket instead of an option. Disney would not benefit at all by ditching the option altogether.

Not that Disney ever really cares about anything outside of their bottom line, but it would be ridiculous of them to do away with hopping considering that their 180-day reservation window makes it hard for people to always eat in the park they are visiting.

It would be especially hard at peak times if a park reaches capacity during the day, say you leave for dinner and want to come back but cannot get back in because the park is packed? It would be unfair for them to tell you that you cannot enter any park at all because they did away with hopping.

[racefanof88]

If this happens, I would expect that it would be mandatory on any ticket instead of an option. Disney would not benefit at all by ditching the option altogether.

Not that Disney ever really cares about anything outside of their bottom line, but it would be ridiculous of them to do away with hopping considering that their 180-day reservation window makes it hard for people to always eat in the park they are visiting.

It would be especially hard at peak times if a park reaches capacity during the day, say you leave for dinner and want to come back but cannot get back in because the park is packed? It would be unfair for them to tell you that you cannot enter any park at all because they did away with hopping.


:thumbsup2 Just what I said. So if we are thinking this, the powers that be must be thinking it too.

[bytheblood]

hi, we booked this package last year, the uk has always this ticket package and it is only available to uk residents, but they definately make up for it in the price we pay, the only part not on package was the preferred viewing for fireworks, this maybe new.

i have booked this years holiday through US disney and i have saved us $2000, yes thats $2000 not $200, wot a bargain.

sarah


:earseek: :earseek: :earseek: :earseek: :earseek:

[jfinke]

The current rumor is that bus service will no longer take you from your hotel directly to either the Magic Kingdom or Epcot, but to the TTC, where you can use the Monorail or Ferry. DHS and DAK will obviously still have direct service.

I don't understand the benefit in that. To save on gas for going the last mile around the lake?

[nless_dream]

i dont' think they'll get rid of it but probly have it built into park tickets. i don't mind paying a little more.

[daannzzz]

I don't understand the benefit in that. To save on gas for going the last mile around the lake?


Can you also imagine all of the resort buses dropping everyone who wants to go to Epcot at the TTC and them all trying to get on the monorail!!!! And then when Illuminations is over everyone taking the monorail back to the TTC and transferring to buses!!!! Sounds like a little bit of a bad idea to me.

[CanadianGuy]

The current rumor is that bus service will no longer take you from your hotel directly to either the Magic Kingdom or Epcot, but to the TTC, where you can use the Monorail or Ferry. DHS and DAK will obviously still have direct service.

While Disney certainly has a ready track record of equally poor decisions in select instances.. any effort that would try to funnel every WDW Resort Guest who rode a bus to Epcot thru the monorail to the TTC ... would a nightmare of monumental proportions that would completely fall apart on the very first night it was implemented.

UNLESS of course they were to add a crapload of new monorails to the system. But given the cutbacks, that kind of expense seems unlikely and there is a practical limit to the number of trains that can be operating on the same track concurrently. Ad the monorail is powered by a 600v line. And that electricity has to be paid for just like diesel fuel....

Knox

[Another Voice]

And that electricity has to be paid for just like diesel fuel....
The monorails might be powered by electricy that, it's said, Disney generates in the North Service Area. Of course some wags claim Disney can make more money by selling it into the state's power grid and then buying power back off the grid for a lower price (you people in Florida really ought to write your laws better).

Also, cheap busses "are rumored" to be part of the large sponsorship deal General Motors has for 'Test Track'. Who really thinks GM is in much of position these days to spend millions and millions and millions of dollars just to have their logo displayed to amusement park goers? Suddenly, the economics of having a massive bus fleet aren't so magical once you actually have to pay for the busses.

As for park hopping, doesn't it make sense that Disney would be more concerned about coming up with an incentive for people to book $200+ a night motel rooms rather than worrying about what some off-property-staying loser might spend on a hamburger if they hop parks? The cheapest way to create a new "perk" for some people is by denying it to other people.

[yitbos96bb]

The 7 Day premium ticket is a UK option and it's basically a 7 day ticket with park hopping and WPFM. The UK ticketing options include 14 and 21 day tickets with "all in" -- unlimited WPFM admissions and access to the themeparks for those 14 or 21 days. None of these options are new.

As for the bit about the buses..



A/V has been saying for a while now that the Disney transportation system is due for a bunch of major changes and Disney will either completely remove the buses between resorts and themeparks and/or possibly begin charging for DME from the airport etc (which I highly doubt) or dramatically alter the service quality such as to render it useless for the vast majority of guests (somewhat more likely).

Disney has a habit of changing things such that people are far less inclined to use those products or services and then eliminating them by saying "fewer guests wanted or used" the product or service etc.

While this would be a boon to the car service and car rental agencies in the Orlando area.. I just don't know if Disney is willing to go quite that far.. just yet. Everything depends on the price of diesel (and therefore oil in general).

I still suspect this oil situation is in fact a 'bubble' and not a 'new reality' and that the price of oil on a per barrel basis will probably fall back down to between 100$ and 110$ ... which while still overpriced on a demand/supply basis.. is more operationally feasible for Disney.

Knox

I can't see ANY POSSIBLE BENEFIT for Disney to remove transport between the busses and Resorts.... I'd love to hear A/V's logic behind this rumor... HOW would people get to the parks and WHY would they stay on property? There would be LITTLE LOGIC to this, unless they replaced it with a new transport system.... but Disney will ALWAYS have some way to get people from Disney Hotels to Disney Theme parks... otherwise the whole system at WDW won't work.

Now they may run them LESS. I could see that. Personally, I think we may see a change to the busses to a more green (and cheaper) fuel alternative... electric, natural gas, biodeisel, etc. Maybe more centralized hubs to lessen fuel usage but requiring transfers... But No way will they kill transportation from the resorts to the parks.

[Bella the Ball 360]

The 7 Day premium ticket is a UK option and it's basically a 7 day ticket with park hopping and WPFM. The UK ticketing options include 14 and 21 day tickets with "all in" -- unlimited WPFM admissions and access to the themeparks for those 14 or 21 days. None of these options are new.

As for the bit about the buses..



A/V has been saying for a while now that the Disney transportation system is due for a bunch of major changes and Disney will either completely remove the buses between resorts and themeparks and/or possibly begin charging for DME from the airport etc (which I highly doubt) or dramatically alter the service quality such as to render it useless for the vast majority of guests (somewhat more likely).

Disney has a habit of changing things such that people are far less inclined to use those products or services and then eliminating them by saying "fewer guests wanted or used" the product or service etc.

While this would be a boon to the car service and car rental agencies in the Orlando area.. I just don't know if Disney is willing to go quite that far.. just yet. Everything depends on the price of diesel (and therefore oil in general).

I still suspect this oil situation is in fact a 'bubble' and not a 'new reality' and that the price of oil on a per barrel basis will probably fall back down to between 100$ and 110$ ... which while still overpriced on a demand/supply basis.. is more operationally feasible for Disney.

Knox

IMHO I think Disney uses buses as part of the plan to keep people on property. If they dump this then they could lose dollars from those who will find out YIKES there is a whole big bright world outside the parks.

[Bella the Ball 360]

I can't see ANY POSSIBLE BENEFIT for Disney to remove transport between the busses and Resorts.... I'd love to hear A/V's logic behind this rumor... HOW would people get to the parks and WHY would they stay on property? There would be LITTLE LOGIC to this, unless they replaced it with a new transport system.... but Disney will ALWAYS have some way to get people from Disney Hotels to Disney Theme parks... otherwise the whole system at WDW won't work.

Now they may run them LESS. I could see that. Personally, I think we may see a change to the busses to a more green (and cheaper) fuel alternative... electric, natural gas, biodeisel, etc. Maybe more centralized hubs to lessen fuel usage but requiring transfers... But No way will they kill transportation from the resorts to the parks.

Of course there is the new Disney Tread Mill Attraction. The more you ride the tread mill (which would be a power source) the more benefits you get. Walk 100 mi get a fast pass for Winnie the Pooh! lol. They can turn anything into an attraction.

[CanadianGuy]

Also, cheap busses "are rumored" to be part of the large sponsorship deal General Motors has for 'Test Track'. Who really thinks GM is in much of position these days to spend millions and millions and millions of dollars just to have their logo displayed to amusement park goers? Suddenly, the economics of having a massive bus fleet aren't so magical once you actually have to pay for the busses.


Yeah.. umm.. those rumors would be about as reliable as Jim Hill these days.. ;)

GM hasn't been in the bus making business for years. And any rumors of this deal would have to take into account it would be long since expired... since GM sold the RTS brand, designs, trademarks and intellectual property (basically the entire bus division) in 1987 by all accounts, and since then they have passed on to other companies. Did Disney offer bus service in 1987 to the resorts? I dunno, I never went to Disney til the mid-nineties. Even so, in order for those agreements to have ever existed, they would have had to be part of the "World of Motion" deal vs. the Test Track deal based on the dates of GM's sale of that division.

Disney Transport operates a fleet of TMC RTS, Nova Bus LFS, and Gillig Advantage bus models. The RTS models (and certain models from the Nova line) were originally based on a General Motors design but it's been years since GM has had a hand or a dollar in the creation of either models ... near as I can tell.

And at least one of the bus makers above is pretty much owned lock, stock and barrel by Volvo Group - AB Volvo (the commericial vehicle division of the Swedish automaker that was NOT sold to Ford); the second is owned by a cooperative of employees and the State of New Mexico, and the third of the manufacturers, Gillig, is based in Hayward, CA ... is privately held and isn't owned by GM either.

As stated earlier in this thread, Disney DOES get subsidies for public transportation based on a percentage of the sales tax collected on their property and frankly that subsidy is quite generous in paying for a good chunk (definitely not all) of the Disney transportation system.

Now, Disney could be receiving some fine cash compensation from GM for their transportation system.. but given that they are using everything BUT GM products for the buses -- for the life of me, I couldn't possibly figure out why.

But then again, GM hasn't exactly been run by "top drawer" talent lately.

As for the idea of 'greener' buses, Disney did in fact test an alternative fuels bus earlier this year (February). I haven't heard if that bus is still being tested or not.

Knox

[SpaceAce]

I wanted to mention the problem with the current optional park-hopping option. Disney does not allow guests to use an additional day of admission to get into a 2nd park on the same day (at least not without a fight to try to get the parkhopping money first.) This causes great angst.

Disney's point of view: "If you wanted to park-hop, you needed to pay us for that priveledge."

Customer's point of view: "I paid for a day of admission, and you won't admit me for even part of the day."

Since the MYW ticket was so cheap for extra days, many people bought extra days instead of park-hopping option. This is a nightmare at the turnstyles and park relations desks that didn't exist before the MYW ticket pricing (becuase the incremental costs for extra days are so low on these.)

I really think they want to get rid of this nightmare, but probably by making all tickets park-hoppers. The only other option I see is to stop the MYW madness!

[Another Voice]

Did Disney offer bus service in 1987 to the resorts? I dunno, I never went to Disney til the mid-nineties.
Well there's your problem.

It used to be that if you wanted to go from the Polynesian to the Contemporary you could have taken the monorail, taken a motor launch, or taken a bus. Disney has always provide bus service - and this used to include all the non-Disney owned hotels down at the hotel plaza. Disney has also always provided bus transportation to all of the parks (or to the TTC for the Magic Kingdom). Sadly, the history of transporation at WDW is one of cutbacks and shortfalls ever since the Eisner era.

Technically, use of transportaiton required a separate ticket - one that was included in the cost your hotel room. That's what Disney is trying to get back to - transportation as a perk for paying Disney's hotel rates. The busses between the resorts and the parks will continue. But don't look for busses serving the needs of park hopping or off-property quests*.

As for GM, I don't know the specifics and that's why I labeled it a "rumor". Disney has all kinds of business deals that it cuts with sponsors both past and present - marketing dollars are very likely part of the mix. From the executive motor to parts and service there are many place were GM still works with deeply with DIsney (although they did draw the line at paying $15 million to design the Black Beauty for the now-abandoned Green Horent project).

Again - a key element in a lot of the changes coming is to make staying at Disney hotels seem like a better value. Park Hopping and transportation are nothing but extension of practices like Extra Early Magical Dream Wishing Hours.

* I can already see the press release now..."guests surveys show that most families enjoy a relaxing stop back at their resort between parks, so Disney is magical granting another wish come true as only dreams can at Walt Disney World".

[Bella the Ball 360]

If true.. Disney could have a number of tricks up their sleeve..

1. The most obvious is a major realignment of the ticket pricing sometime in August 2008 that could mean a pretty hefty increase across the board -- BUT -- park hopping would no longer be optional. It would/could come with every ticket.

2. They could decide to roll Waterpark Fun & More and Parkhopper together in to something like a "PLUS PACK" - charge more and only sell them as a pair.

A few minutes of thinking and you can probably come up with a number of other scenarios that gets rid of the "Park Hopping" option off the ticket menu but may or may not mean you can't actually hop parks..


I actually read option one in an article on another board but with a slight twist. They said they would make all the tickets hoppers and then raise the price a hefty amount.

[racefanof88]

We will know in a few days. One of the monthly newsletters I receive said the price hike will take place on Sunday, August 3 rd.

[jheigl]

I think that if the option was to be taken away, it would just be included with the purchase of your tickets, like it was in the 90s. Back then, when you bought park tickets, it included the waterparks and hopping. You did not pay extra for them.

[deej696]

Well there's your problem.

It used to be that if you wanted to go from the Polynesian to the Contemporary you could have taken the monorail, taken a motor launch, or taken a bus. Disney has always provide bus service - and this used to include all the non-Disney owned hotels down at the hotel plaza. Disney has also always provided bus transportation to all of the parks (or to the TTC for the Magic Kingdom). Sadly, the history of transporation at WDW is one of cutbacks and shortfalls ever since the Eisner era.


Well I think many would agree that this amount of service was over kill, and cutbacks had to be made. Until 1988 when Caribbean Beach opened, all the resorts and the two parks were connected by the monorail. Therefore busses from all points in between in my opinion was a waste, and if I were a manager at Disney then, I would have cut it too. Obviously the huge amount of growth at WDW from '88 on changed this dramatically, and I think to compare todays service to what was offered then is apples to oranges. Disney would have to ban guests with cars if there were busses from CSR to POFQ and all points in between....

I dont see them cutting the bus service. But I do think they will find ways to make transport on property more effecient. While I doubt the often hoped for expansion of the monorail will ever happen, some sort of other mass-transport option would not suprise me, ie lightrail or something of the sort....

[Another Voice]

and if I were a manager at Disney then, I would have cut it too.
Disney used to consider transportation as much entertainment as a practical issue of moving guests around. The motor launches were provfide because cruising on the Seven Seas Lagoon on a cool summer's evening is very pleasant. Service like that made Disney special. The resort monorail ran until 11:00 and served guests hopping between hotels for diner, shows and bars. Busses ran until 2:00am or 4:00am as additional capacity and "after hours" services. Busses also connected the resort hotels with Fort Wilderness and the Disney Village Marketplace.

And with the addition of the Caribbean Beach, Dixie Landings and Port Orleans Disney was going to both expand the monorail down to the Village and put a light rail for the new moderate resorts. The project was cancelled by Eisner after the Studios fell short of expectations.

[Lewisc]

We may be missing the rumor. One rumor is Disney will no longer provide bus service but will be outsourcing bus transportation, possibly to Mears.

I can't see Disney not providing transportation between resorts and theme parks.

[ransom]

We may be missing the rumor. One rumor is Disney will no longer provide bus service but will be outsourcing bus transportation, possibly to Mears.


Then why upgrade the routing system hardware?

[ransom]

My theories:

- Disney will continue to offer bus service to guests. They'll try really hard to make it more efficient, but the experience won't be substantially different for the average guest.

- The new tickets will be the same as the old tickets (minus PI), but they'll be more expensive.

[Another Voice]

I can't see Disney not providing transportation between resorts and theme parks.
It's really a question of who provides transportation to whom.

Mears already runs 'Magical Express' and the cruise busses. According to some whispers, Disney has been trying to get Mears to take over the resort busses for years.

[twooley2]

on a guess side,, I look for Disney to make the tickets all close to the same price within a few dollars to encourage people to use the famous its only ten dollar more for several additional days than you have to spend more in their parks too. ... more days mean more money in their parks on food and souvis and such.. example 5 day would be so much a 7 day 10.00 more and a 14 day 20 more

[CanadianGuy]

- The new tickets will be the same as the old tickets (minus PI), but they'll be more expensive.

That is so not what I'm hearing at all. Either way.. all should be clear by the end of this week hopefully.

[ransom]

That is so not what I'm hearing at all.

It's my prediction and I'm sticking by it. :snooty:

But seriously, I'll be surprised if there's some humongous change that makes every ticket sold so far for post-August 3 use invalid without upgrade.

Is that what you're hearing?



Either way.. all should be clear by the end of this week hopefully.

Yup! :thumbsup2

[disneymath]

But seriously, I'll be surprised if there's some humongous change that makes every ticket sold so far for post-August 3 use invalid without upgrade.

Is that what you're hearing?



Please tell us that this IS NOT what you are hearing!!!

[CanadianGuy]

It's my prediction and I'm sticking by it. :snooty:

But seriously, I'll be surprised if there's some humongous change that makes every ticket sold so far for post-August 3 use invalid without upgrade.

Is that what you're hearing?

Yup! :thumbsup2

Of course not. But what I am hearing sorta jives with what Another Voice has hinted at ..

[ransom]

Of course not. But what I am hearing sorta jives with what Another Voice has hinted at ..

Park Hoppers only for on-site Guests/only with a package, you mean?

If they raise ticket prices by ~$50, and then make park hopping a "free" perk for staying onsite, I can see how that could work out for them.

[CanadianGuy]

That.. (or something kinda like it) and the change to the recreation option and perhaps no more no-exp option.. (that one seems iffy)

[Another Voice]

I won't be surprised if you see something like Disneyland's "13 day" policy - meaning that all days on the ticket must be used within 13 days of first admission - tickets sold outside of packages. I also wouldn't be surprsed if all tickets purchased with resorts become "length of stay" as well. Ticketing is always a big bone on contention within WDW management (too many parties have too many behaviors they want to influence). The end result is always a comprimise of some sort.

[disneymath]

That.. (or something kinda like it) and the change to the recreation option and perhaps no more no-exp option.. (that one seems iffy)

I REALLY hope the no-expiration option isn't removed ... this is the first time we've ever bought non-expiring tickets with the intent of using them over several years of trips ... err, I guess I mean if it is removed I hope they keep honouring those partially used tickets with no-expiration on them!!!

[troynkasey]

I can't imagine them "taking away" the hopper option. I can see it included in the base ticket package and all tickets going up quite a bit.

For those who think ticket prices will go up "due to the economy" that is somewhat false and poor planning. Each year tickets will go up due to inflation. That increase each year is something that has to be done to maintain margins. Now, if Disney is losing many patrons due to the economy, they wouldn't astronomically raise the prices because then they would lose more. It comes down to raising prices and fees enough to maintain or slightly make more money, while not losing a ton of vacationers.

I don't see tickets going up much more than what inflation would require... Now, if they include some of these other options in the "base" ticket, then base tickets will go up. That's the benefit of marketing. Offer more, increase the price and people think they're getting a good deal. Here's the thing to remember about that logic...not everyone park hops, so Disney is making outmore in the end than if they offered it as a secondary package.

Shouldn't be but a month or less until we know the increase.

[jjohnson]

I REALLY hope the no-expiration option isn't removed ... this is the first time we've ever bought non-expiring tickets with the intent of using them over several years of trips ... err, I guess I mean if it is removed I hope they keep honouring those partially used tickets with no-expiration on them!!!

Do you have the tickets already or are you getting them for your August trip? You do not need to add the no exp. until your at the park. No need paying for something ahead of time that you may not need.

[DancingBear]

I REALLY hope the no-expiration option isn't removed ... this is the first time we've ever bought non-expiring tickets with the intent of using them over several years of trips ... err, I guess I mean if it is removed I hope they keep honouring those partially used tickets with no-expiration on them!!!I don't think you're in any danger of them not honoring your no-expiration tickets.

[disneymath]

Do you have the tickets already or are you getting them for your August trip? You do not need to add the no exp. until your at the park. No need paying for something ahead of time that you may not need.

Got them already .... months ago actually ... using the Mousesavers discount on Undercover Tourist. We are only planning on being in parks for 4 of our 8 days .... but even if we went each day we would have 2 days left over!

[deej696]

I won't be surprised if you see something like Disneyland's "13 day" policy - meaning that all days on the ticket must be used within 13 days of first admission - tickets sold outside of packages. I also wouldn't be surprsed if all tickets purchased with resorts become "length of stay" as well. Ticketing is always a big bone on contention within WDW management (too many parties have too many behaviors they want to influence). The end result is always a comprimise of some sort.

Personally I am ok with this idea. Either a) people will just need to plan better for the amount of days or b) it would make sense to underestimate, and then just add a day to the package if you need it. Come to think of it I'm not sure if you can even do that now?

Switching to a length of stay ticket, or the method Disneyland uses, would seem to simplify things as far as ticketing. I mean look at how many "can i upgrade this ticket from 1988" threads there are here on the DIS.

Making park hopping an "on site guest" only perk is not one I am in favor of, but if the object is to save $ on transportation by eliminating busses, then this would obviously be one of the easiest ways to accomplish it. As a stockholder, its a good idea. As a guest it stinks. (Although I never stay off site...)

[ransom]

That.. (or something kinda like it) and the change to the recreation option and perhaps no more no-exp option.. (that one seems iffy)

Sounds fine to me. We always stay onsite, and we never buy no-expiring tickets, and we always either get hoppers or use APs. So all of that would work just fine and dandy for me. :thumbsup2

It'll be really interesting to see what's announced (if anything) this Friday.

Wouldn't it be funny if Disney was just yanking our chain this whole time?

[minnie61650]

I won't be surprised if you see something like Disneyland's "13 day" policy - meaning that all days on the ticket must be used within 13 days of first admission - tickets sold outside of packages. I also wouldn't be surprsed if all tickets purchased with resorts become "length of stay" as well. Ticketing is always a big bone on contention within WDW management (too many parties have too many behaviors they want to influence). The end result is always a comprimise of some sort.

I remember using Lenght of Stay passes around 2003 and/or 2004.
The tickets expired at the end of our stay.

Here is the old price list from 2004:

2 and 3 Day Tickets


Not the same as Park Hopper Tickets. Can only be used for one park per day - Magic Kingdom, MGM, Epcot, or Animal Kingdom.

Adult Child (3-9)
2 Day Ticket $111.30 $87.86
3 Day Ticket $164.28 $129.13




Ultimate Park Hopper Passes

Ultimate Park Hopper Passes have replaced the Unlimited Magic passes.

They provide unlimited admission to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom, River Country, Blizzard Beach, Pleasure Island, Disney Quest and Disney's Wide World of Sports complex. They must be purchased for the full length of your reservation & by all members in your party. They are to guests staying at any Walt Disney World Resort, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts, and Downtown Disney area resorts.



Length of stay Adult Child
1 Night/2 Days $137.39 $110.76
2 Nights/3 Days $187.44 $150.17
3 Nights/4 Days $251.34 $201.29
4 Nights/5 Days $300.33 $240.69
5 Nights/6 Days $335.48 $268.38
6 Nights/7 Days $370.62 $297.14
7 Nights/8 Days $407.90 $326.96
8 Nights/9 Days $440.91 $353.58
9 Nights/10 Days $474.99 $380.21
10 Nights/11 Days $503.74 $403.64
11 Nights/12 Days $525.05 $420.68
12 Nights/13 Days $543.15 $435.59




Park Hopper Pass

If you're here to play in the Theme Parks, then the Park Hopper Pass is perfect for you! With it, you're welcome to visit the four Disney Theme Parks on the same day.

Unlimited admission* to the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios; and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Freedom to go from Theme Park to Theme Park on the same day

Use of Walt Disney World transportation -- monorails, ferryboats, and motor coaches

Unused days never expire

Saves you money when compared to the purchase of single-day tickets.



Adult Child
4-day $233.24 $187.44
5-day $265.19 $213.00




Park Hopper PLUS Pass

Unlimited admission* to the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom Park. Freedom to visit all these Parks on the same day, PLUS other fun options like Downtown Disney Pleasure Island; Disney's Water Parks: Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, and River Country; and Disney's Wide World of Sports complex. The number of options vary according to the number of days on your ticket.

Use of Walt Disney World transportation - monorails, ferryboats, and motor coaches. Unused days and options never expire. Saves you money when compared to the purchase of single-day tickets.



Adult Child
5-Day (2 options) $300.34 $240.70
6-Day (3 options) $332.30 $266.26
7-Day (4 options) $364.24 $291.83

[CanadianGuy]

I won't be surprised if you see something like Disneyland's "13 day" policy - meaning that all days on the ticket must be used within 13 days of first admission - tickets sold outside of packages. I also wouldn't be surprsed if all tickets purchased with resorts become "length of stay" as well. Ticketing is always a big bone on contention within WDW management (too many parties have too many behaviors they want to influence). The end result is always a comprimise of some sort.

They already have this unless you purchase the no expiration option. Sounds like DL doesn't have the 'no expiration option'.

LOS passes? Im not crazy for those but it would simplify packages.

[jjohnson]

Yikes Linda those LOS prices are high:scared1: I really do not want the other options included. I'm still trying to use up some from our 2005 trip.

[minnie61650]

Yikes Linda those LOS prices are high:scared1: I really do not want the other options included. I'm still trying to use up some from our 2005 trip.

Yes, the 2004 LOS prices were high.
And many complain about todays MYW ticket prices.

My MYW tickets cost less for an 8 nights stay this year than a 4 night LOS did in 2004.

[CanadianGuy]

It'll be really interesting to see what's announced (if anything) this Friday.

Wouldn't it be funny if Disney was just yanking our chain this whole time?

Now that would be the true ta-da moment of the month! :rotfl:

[Another Voice]

Changes like this involve a lot of people on both coasts and a lot of different interests and ideas. It's all a guess trying to balance out driving attendance, driving on site hotel stays and meeting the cash demands of The Company (WDW has been bailing out ABC for years now and its not going to stop).

And this is Disney as well, a corporate cultural that's been designed aroond the egos of Division Heads. It's all very possible that WDW has put together a tightly crafted plan and it to be smashed at the last minute by some suit in Burbank.

There's an old saying in Hollywood that the problem with the town is that there are lots of people that can say "No" to a project, and no one that has the authority to say "Yes".

[deej696]

Changes like this involve a lot of people on both coasts and a lot of different interests and ideas. It's all a guess trying to balance out driving attendance, driving on site hotel stays and meeting the cash demands of The Company (WDW has been bailing out ABC for years now and its not going to stop).

And this is Disney as well, a corporate cultural that's been designed aroond the egos of Division Heads. It's all very possible that WDW has put together a tightly crafted plan and it to be smashed at the last minute by some suit in Burbank.

There's an old saying in Hollywood that the problem with the town is that there are lots of people that can say "No" to a project, and no one that has the authority to say "Yes".


Or as we've learned with Disney, sometimes its a CEO that says "YES," and no one beneath him with the guts to say "NO."

[tfc3rid]

It will be more interesting to see now that Disney Parks noted a drop in attendance for the Quarter... I would imagine in the coming 6 months, park attendance will continue to drop due to a number of factors, including less flights to Orlando, high prices of flights, high gas proces, etc...

It's a difficult decision...

[GOOFYsince71]

It will be more interesting to see now that Disney Parks noted a drop in attendance for the Quarter... I would imagine in the coming 6 months, park attendance will continue to drop due to a number of factors, including less flights to Orlando, high prices of flights, high gas proces, etc...

It's a difficult decision...

I agree about the factors all changing,,and they are pretty important
"Deal Breakers" when it comes to vacation.
I made my reservations on United on June 9th for a Sept. trip, and the cost of the flight has gone up from $259 to $364 as of today!:scared1:
I know that if I hadn't "locked in",,that I would not be so quick to agree to
pay that much. Remember when a trip to Florida was about $119...everytime you wanted to go!!!!!!!??????????:sad:
That is but a memory.

[dee1952]

THERE ARE NO CURRENT PLANS TO ALTER THE PARK HOPPER. Do know that the agents you call ARE indeed the friendliest service I have met. They work hard to get you all of your requests plus all the added freebies for your trip IF YOU CALL AND BOOK. The reservation center at WDW id filled with great agents. Once you book it, pay your deposit, YOU FEEL TOTAL EXCITEMENT, At least I do.

[mrsR123]

:flower3: This is the closest I could find to a potted fern smilie. :rolleyes1