The new "Magic Pass" poll

[Richyams]

The new "Magic Pass" basically offer a five day hopper plus some extras for four of the next five years. It costs about $750 for an adult or child. Will you take advantage of it?

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs", Karl Marx,This has failed every time it has been tried, why do we still have liberals?

[Richyams]

Lets bump this up to the top and see if we can get some support for the "Magic Pass"

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs", Karl Marx,This has failed every time it has been tried, why do we still have liberals?

[Fenceman]

Being a HHHO (Happy Hilton Head Owner) we only plan on going to WDW every other year. The pass would be useless to us.

[Stinson]

I've never heard of this. Can you tell me where I can find more information about the "Magic Pass". Thanks.

[Werner Weiss]

I appreciate that Disney tried to develop a pass that reflects the unique needs of DVC members who might be likely to visit for a week or so every year, but might skip one year in five to visit another destination. But the problem with the Magical Years Pass is that the savings are minimal in relation to the highly restrictive rules.

Buying three 7-day Hopper Plus Passes appears to be a much better deal because they offer so much more flexibility than one Magical Years Pass. 7-day Hopper Plus Passes don't expire. And if you want to use 4 admissions one year and 6 the next, there's no problem. If you decide to visit another destination two years out of five, there's no problem -- whereas with a Magical Years Pass you'd lose a year's usage.

Unless someone's plans for the next five years exactly match the Magical Years Pass rules, the discount just doesn't seem to be enough to justify the lack of flexibility. It would be too easy to lose days or not to have days available when you want an extra day or two some years.

The Magical Years Pass either needs much more flexible rules or a very substantial price reduction before I would consider purchasing it.

-----
Werner Weiss, Curator of Yesterland (http://www.yesterland.com), featuring discontinued Disneyland attractions

[pluto109]

that ticket is an insult

[diskat]

The magic pass is only a 5 day pass. Any time we go we like to have more than the 5 days to visit the parks. :(

[Richyams]

I didn't want to put my comments in till we had some votes.

I hope someone at Disney sees this poll and realizes just how useless this crappy pass is.

The real funny part is how dumb they are. I know, they make zillions and have been running this for years, they all have to be the smartest people ever to draw breath in our world...but...when we had "The Golden Handcuffs", we spent virtually every day at a park spending money.

An annual five day pass means that people who take seven or more day vacations actually are encouraged to spend time at Universal or somewhere else when they aren't trapped by the "Golden Handcuffs"

Everyone having an AP would be a resurection of the "Golden Handcuffs". It would have the added benefit of it no longer being a choice between hoppers or an AP. I think 10% is too small. I think they should have a 25% discount an APs of all types and that would be the best thing for them and us. As it is now, they are giving people incentive to spend time and money off WDW property.

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs", Karl Marx,This has failed every time it has been tried, why do we still have liberals?

[wdwnut]

rich: as usual, i truly enjoy reading your posts. crappy pass, indeed! we've been ap holders for about 10 years. for the one ap, we can get 2-3 one week vacations in before the year is up. do you think if we all e-mail ms requesting a significant or even a crummy 10% discount on aps it will help? dee

[mickey7861]

This pass would be useless to my family. We only go to WDW once a year but we stay for 2-3 weeks. With our AP's we stay in August one year then in July the next so we get 4-6 weeks out of each AP. Definitly a better buy than the Magic Pass.

[DisneyHumbug]

Maybe Disney should give all DVCers a free membership in the Disney Club, then we could use that for a discount.

FW 86,90,93,94
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[WebmasterCricket]

I would burn up too many days just going to EPCOT to eat and watch fireworks.

Give me half off, and THEN POSSIBLY I'd buy 2.


JC

[Richyams]

Mr Cricket brings up another great point.

I can't even count how many times my only visit to a park was to eat a meal. Would I burn a day on a pass to simply eat a meal or pick up something in an EPCOT shop that my wife and I had viewed and were discussing? Of course not.

They have some myopic pecil pusher looking at one little column and whining about discounts not being a good idea. If they were to step back and look at the big picture, they would see that DVCers with APs are their best bet for profit.

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs", Karl Marx,This has failed every time it has been tried, why do we still have liberals?

[WebmasterCricket]

Can't you get into a park on a shoppers pass or something like that?

Why don't they give a eaters pass?

I know, I know........ stay on topic.

JC

[PamOKW]

Here's the rough info on the pass.

For DVC members and family only. $749 per person (adult or child).

For four of the next five years, five days per year admission to MK, Epcot, MGM & AK with park hopping. Choice of 2 options per year from PI, any of the water parks, or Disney's WWofS. There are also some smaller discounts for miniature golf, etc.

I think many DVC'ers spend 2+ weeks per year at the parks, so this pass isn't very helpful.

[DebbieB]

We go twice a year and get 3 trips out of 1 AP by scheduling the trip the next year one week earlier, right before the AP expires. We usually use about 20 park days with each AP. The AP's we just bought in December were $309. So for 20 park days I'm going to pay $750 with this pass? I wonder how many of these passes they have sold? The vote is now 53/0!

I think they should have a flat percentage off all types of passes, that way whatever your vacation style is, you would benefit. Disney Club is only 5%.

[drusba]

At time of this post it is 55 to 0. The question was a little skewed because you had to answer that it was really good for you to vote yes, but even so getting no votes yet is truly a thumbs down. Rich, you left a little out of your comments. Doesn't having just a 5 day pass encourage people to go only Sun to Fri and avoid those weekends, thus overloading demand for for weekdays? I would like to know what their sales of that pass have been? (Have they made up the cost of promoting it yet?) Posters ask why don't they just get us the same discount as Disney Club gets. I have a more basic question. Why have they never bothered to even try to get us that kind of discount?

[Peggy Sue]

When I found out how this new pass was set up I immediately thought it was a "crappy" pass...

Most of us do visit WDW more than 5 days a year. I like the flexibility of an AP to be able to hop in and out of parks to have dinner, catch a show or just to visit one attraction. We no longer visit in "commando" mode. Like Rich states..we've never left a park without parting with some of our cash.. With a 5 day hopper I would have to go back into the mode of making sure I maximized every day I used..and we don't want to vacation that way anymore. I really enjoy coming back to the resort with "happy feet" instead of dragging myself back after a 12 hour day in the parks.

I would like to see WDW off DVC members a good discount off of ALL passes available, so each member can make a choice that fits their individual vacation style!

Have a wonderful day!

[john23tc]

It is useless to us too. We just back from a 2 week trip to WDW and were there for a week in November. Out of those 21 days we were in a Disney park for 19 of them. We did decide to go to U/IOA for the other two days, because my 10 & 21 year old insisted this time.

[SueOKW]

Even for people like me who only go one week a year it stinks! I have learned not buy into anything that has a time limit like that - even if it is 5 years away! (40 years - another story altogether!!!)

Before I joined DVC I bought a package - and I hated it. UMP - I felt like we had to go to the parks every day, or I was getting ripped off.

Right or wrong - I feel this ticket would have the same effect on me. So - I'll stick with buying my 5 day plus passes, and only using whatever i need, and carrying them over to the next trip. Ultimately - I want to get so that our usual trip is where we only go into the parks 2 or 3 days out of 7!!!! (Unless they bribe me with some kind of Golden Handcuffs as Rich calls them.) But these passes? Pathetic.
Sue

<img width="200" src="http://www.geocities.com/dmurphydis/cleveland.gif">

[PinMan]

rich i have to agree with you 100 %, this pass is useless as --- on a bull ! it's an insult to dvc members,they stand to profit much from us, give us a real break !

[jennybobenny]

I was the 65th 'no' vote, and agree with everything already said. I think the passes are a joke and an insult and can't for the life of me figure out how Disney thought they were doing anyone a favor.

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<font face="Class Garmnd BT"><font color="ff69b4"><big>Jennybºoº benny</big></font>
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[TheLionKing]

Count me in the useless category......

The pass that is. :D

****************************
Past
DL multiple times
WDW '92, '96, '98, 2000

Future
Disneyana Conv 2001 at GC
DIS Convention 2001 at Y&B
OKW and BWV New Years 2002

[ScottOKW2K]

Add another NO vote - and another vote on some type of "DVC" discount on the annual pass, or maybe even a new type of annual pass - good for more than one year. They have already implicitly recognized that we are the long-term type of Disney guests, simply by offering a multi-year "Magic Pass." Why not simply offer a 2,3, or 4 year AP for DVC members ?

Of course, it would have to be enough of a discount to get the "skip-year" type off the fence, especially with the recent rule change last June on AP renewals. I know that I did not renew my AP, but bought new because it was a better decision financially for me. Also, as has been stated on this board more times than I can count, if one has an active AP, you are more likely to make arrangements for that "extra" trip that you really, really *need* right now, than if you had to buy new admission. Disney needs to help "feed the need !"

http://www.monmouth.com/~jtighe/pics/dvc.gif

11/99 DxL
11/00 DxL
6/01 VWL
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[Pat Marlton NJ]

We visit 2 to 3 times a year, buying this pass is a losing proposition for us!! Just give us a equitable discount on park passes, you will certainly may it up on my wife's next shopping spree!

[baileybrad]

some of you already receive this great discount due to the fact that you are actually FL residents. This is the type of discount that I am looking for to encourage many DVCers from Disney parks and restaurants in the future.

[Jimmac]

After reading the description of this pass I had to re-read it several times thinking that there must be something that I'm missing or skipping over. Afterwards, I could only conclude who in their right mind would buy a pass that is so exspensive and so restrictive?

[PinMan]

how much of a discount for being a florida resident ? :cool:

[bunnymkc]

This is not good for our family at all!!!Since we joined DVC in 1997 we have bought an AP and gotten 3-4 trips a year out of it. The last one we renewed was in May of 2000, then went down in Dec and again in Feb. As we are not going down again till Sept and they have changed the pass as to when it starts we havn't made up our minds as to renew or just get a new one in Sept, I am leaning towards renew as we will be going down in Dec also, and I think we could get 3 trips out of it, depends on the price. We use our AP's as our fun in DW, we go to Epcot to just eat or see something special, it just feels so different when you have an AP, you feel like you don't need to rush and do everything and it makes our vacations so much better. The worst thing "they" did was to change the AP's to their current status. I wish they would go back to the old way as it made it so much easier for us....Ah well just wishful thinking...I wonder whose brainstorm that was...Marianne... :eek: :(

[Richyams]

I pay like $160 a year for a "seasonal" pass. This is an AP with blackout dates. The black out dates are eight or nine weeks in the summer, Easter week and Christmas week. I think there are discounts for a regular AP also, I would never go during the black out dates anyway, so I have never really looked into it.

Who was the lonely "yes" vote?

Why didn't they give a reason?

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs", Karl Marx,This has failed every time it has been tried, why do we still have liberals?

[jctwizzer]

Prediction. This poll will be about as useful as the Pass. You have too much time on your hands! :D

[SwampFox]

I'm amazed that this company even stays in business. You'd think that anyone with any sense would have run a poll as probing as this one. They then could have seen that since 86 people(when I just checked ...and not necessarily even members) out of 45,000 think this pass won't work for them, obviously the whole idea stinks. It's obvious that this company won't be around very long with decisions like this.

It's also apparent that the ending of the previous pass program has deterred most of these same respondents from even going into the parks.

Oh....wait.... most of the replies have stated they bought AP's and therefore don't need any other passes...and they bought those without any special incentives from DVC. Some even have an AP (FL res variety) even though I remember comments stating they would spend their $$ elsewhere. Unless Disney sees some drop off in park attendance from DVC members- there is no reason to offer some better incentive. Businesses need to be motivated to offer incentives- even businesses as poorly run and failing as Disney (at least by the tone of the posts above) "obviously" is!

I've also seen posts here spouting how bad UMP's are- I bought 2 for our last trip and saved $$ over any other type pass- even an AP.

[MdmMim]

That pass is no good for me, either. I usually go to WDW and spend 3-4 weeks there in the winter. An AP is the only thing that works for me!

Now, a nice DVC discount on the AP would make me smile! :)

[This message was edited by MdmMim on 03-21-01 at 07:50 PM.]

[Richyams]

Maybe the opinion of 100 or so people out of 45,000 doesn't mean much, but as a statistical sampling that is running 99% for useless, that is pretty meaningful.

I have too much time on my hands?? It took hours to make up 90 usernames to vote, then e-mail people and tell them what to post, man, this has been an exhausting day.

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs", Karl Marx,This has failed every time it has been tried, why do we still have liberals?

[SwampFox]

"Meaningful" statistical sampling?? Oh, yeah- you'll get lots of meaningful responses when you taunt those who disagree with you... calling them "lonely" voters.

You're completely right, this company has no future at all. With meaningful surveys like this proving beyond a doubt how inept they are, they don't stand a chance.

[profdsny]

I think the pass is, at best, poorly planned, and not giving us anything. Regarding Epcot restaurants, there should be some form of validation, like for parking, where you can eat a one of the restaurants only without having to use up a day ticket. You'd have to spend a certain amount, and maybe only for dinner.

"I wouldn't belong to any club that would have me as a member." Groucho Marx. This has never been more funny. So, why do we still have timeshares? (What, this doesn't make any sense? Well, it makes as much sense as Rich's.)

[mikesmom]

Rich, the other guy may have been laying it on a little thick with the sarcasm, but he has a point. Why should they give us a discount on the AP? We all bought them anyway! No one (apparently) is sitting on their hands refusing to go to the parks until there is a great deal on a pass. Certainly no one that is a DVC member - it's just a little too convenient. Yeah, I'm sure you went to the parks more when you had the "Golden Handcuffs", but apparently not enough more (for you or anyone else) to make that much difference to Disney.

Besides, I suspect we may be missing the point. They gave you the free ride to get you to buy into DVC, which was once a big unknown. That reason is gone - unless folks stop paying their dues and quit DVC because they don't get a free ride or discount, there is no compelling reason to give that discount. Actually, to really make a statement people would have to stop buying into DVC because admission was once included and now is not. That's hardly the case. Folks are rushing to buy in (including me)even as the price gets higher, the rooms get smaller and ressies get harder to make.

IMHO, there were never free passes into WDW that Disney gave you. I suspect the marketing budget for DVC bought the passes and passed them along to you. They certainly have NO need to do that any longer.

I'm not slamming Disney for the decision. I'm in marketing and there are solid reasons when I recommend to my clients to give something away - it's usually to start or beef up sales. Sometime's it's to cause a little "buzz" so that word of mouth gets the news out on the company or product.That's already happened here. As a matter of fact, every time one of us posts we are adding to the buzz.

We all admit we've gotten good value for our money - we'd like a little more, but I don't think Disney, as a business, can justify it. I'd love to have discounts on my AP, too, but frankly I don't think it's gonna happen.

[disneyma]

I can appreciate the thought from Disney but I agree that most of us would be very happy with a 10% discount off AP's or how about changing the renewal back to the way it used to be!!

:) Ed and Bryan

[larry_poppins]

The magic years pass is a joke.
Quite frankly I think the APs are too expensive also. I am only interested in 3 of the 4 parks.
So I am buying an AP at Universal (much cheaper than WDW). SPending the bulk of my time there.
For my EPCOT/MGM/MK fix I can use 2 days of a 5 day hopper. Spend the other 3 days next year and still have an easy entry into Universal/IOA

Sincerely,

Larry Poppins

[Caskbill]

I hope Disney doesn't get so smug that they think I'll buy an annual pass every year. In 1993 when we bought at OKW we got the free passes. When they expired in 2000 we spent many days at OKW and BWV's but only a few days at the parks, using old passports we still had from 1992. So for 2000, we bought AP's at Universal/IOA and Sea World/Busch Gardens which still gave us 4 theme parks, but much cheaper than Disney's AP. For 2001 we bought the Disney AP. When they expire, we'll probably go back to the other parks again. We love Disney, but by alternating passes we can enjoy everything. If Disney had a decent pass we'd go to their parks every trip. Too bad they don't see this. We can certainly enjoy our DVC resorts for exactly what they are: A time-share vacation. Being there doesn't mandate that we go to their parks also. There's plenty else to do.

[BobBrazeal]

Rich, I have really enjoyed your posts over the last week. Maybe it is just me getting used to your humor as I'm fairly new to this board but I've LOL at many of your recent posts. I've sensed more humor and less controversy but I think you are getting your point across all the same. Keep it up. I like the new Rich.

I voted no as well as it isn't really that useful to me. Yes, I'm also an AP holder. I can see the point of those that would argue that we are not the one toward which this pass is aimed. I bought enough points so that I could go more than once a year.

What come to my mind is the fact that the minimum number of points to get into DVC is now 150. Maybe many people are buying in at that minimum level. With the point costs of BWV and even moreso VWL that doesn't get you much more than a 5 days a year or even every other year in some cases. Maybe they were putting this pass package out there to give more incentive to those that are buying in at the minimum.

And there is nothing wrong with that. For those of us that want to go more than once a year, the AP is there. For those that want 5 days every year or so, this may be just the ticket!!

Just MHO.

<img src=http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/brazeal/sm14dvcdis.gif>

[MN_DizNut]

Altho I can't officially vote as I am still non-DVC...I am terrified to report that I'm actually agreeing with Rich on something...sounds like a crappy idea for a pass to me, too.

Sorry to agree with you, Rich, I'll try not to let it happen too often! ;) :D

Jon

WDW '85 offsite
DL '85
DL '87
WDW '89 offsite
WL '97
WL '97 (again!)
WH '99
WL '99
AStSp '99 (YUCKY!!!)
DCL/Poly Jun/July '02

[sratay]

I've forwarded this string onto Member Services. I'm not sure it will do any good, but at least they'll have it. My guess is that they monitor a lot of boards. It would only make good sense for them to do so. The Magic Pass IMHO is only a bit more than nothing. But leaving a waiter a 1% tip is also more than nothing, but is also an insult.
Hopefully DVC rethinks this idea. But if they don't, I'll still be spending 2-3 weeks a year at their resorts. Maybe just not inclined to visit the parks.
Steve in Iowa

[WebmasterDoc]

For those unaware of past "discussion" of this topic, here is a link to a thread from last summer.
At that time, there was no Magical Years Pass and the "discussion" consisted of comments about a replacement for the expired Park Admission Program offered at OKW for a few years.

You may find some similar comments....from a familiar cast of characters! Enjoy!

DVC DIScount DIScussion! (http://wdwinfo.infopop.net/OpenTopic/page?q=Y&a=tpc&s=40009993&f=14009194&m=567099591)

Doc
doc@wdwinfo.com

[PinMan]

you know rich $160.00 bucks a year is a bargain(florida residence), also who would want to go on the black out dates there so crowded.when i went to wdw in feb. the cost of plane fare& hotel was less than the hopper passes for my family& i.is that unbelievable or what ?......and yes we had a great time but, we will check out otherparks next time too. :D :D :D

[Richyams]

I am not going to be living in this third world country forever. I will be returning to civilation one day. When I do and I can no longer get the Fl Res pass, I will definitely be using the Orlando FlexPass or whatever incarnation exists then. Without the "Golden Handcuffs", the amount of money I spend at WDW will fall dramatically.

BTW, our old friend Scott Watum(sp) was the first I saw use the term "Golden Handcuffs"

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs", Karl Marx,This has failed every time it has been tried, why do we still have liberals?

[msdis]

Well, all we can hope for is that the economy continues to fall and Disney revenue continues to fall while ALL OF US have our hard earned dollars on the sidelines of the stock market ready and waiting for Disney to start negotiations with us. Hey, maybe we could form a DVC union or something. Just kidding of course! I voted no on the "crummy" pass also, and had been buying AP's like everyone else. I don't believe Disney has any plans on giving us a deal no more than the deal they offer those poor folks staying at the other resorts with their length of stay passes. I do however feel that by not offering a less costly alternative we too WILL make other choices in the future. IOA, Universal, and Sea World AP's DO look very reasonable by comparison and we have not gone to these parks in about 4-5 years. Even though I am also a Disney shareholder, I still look at my short term cash flow for the best deals.

[Werner Weiss]

The Magical Years Pass was never meant for those DVC members who spend two weeks or more weeks in the parks every year, and for whom annual passes make the most sense. Fine.

The Magical Years Pass was meant for families like ours. We're fairly likely to spend an average of five days each year, possibly for four of the next five years. So the the pass would be ideal for us, right? Wrong!

The restrictive rules almost guarantee that we would lose some of the days unless we can adhere exactly to the rules for next five years.

I can't predict my exact vacation pattern for the next five years.

DVC is about flexibility -- flexible resort usage, borrowing, banking, cruises, Concierge Collection, Disney Collection (including Paris and California), Getaways through Interval International, perhaps 10 nights at WDW one year and only 3 the next.

The Magical Years Pass is about rigidity. Exactly five park days and exactly two plus features during exactly four of the next five years. Period.

-----
Werner Weiss, Curator of Yesterland (http://www.yesterland.com), featuring discontinued Disneyland attractions

[This message was edited by Werner Weiss on 03-21-01 at 11:31 PM.]

[Toxicesq]

I love my Park Hopper. No pressure to use it or lose it. Doesn't cost me anything if I decide to spend a day at the pool, or shopping and DQ'ing at DD. These days, there are enough restaurants at the Resorts and DD to keep me from feeling deprived if I can't go to an Epcot restaurant one night because I don't want to "waste" a PH day that was otherwise unused. I bought an AP a few years ago, planning to go back for a second time within the year. Plans changed, ticket wasted. Who needs the pressure? That's the problem with the Magic Pass. You're committed to going to WDW (not HH or VB), and going once a year, no more, no less. (Unless you purchase additional tix--but then, what's the point?). Those of us who don't have unlimited vacation time just can't commit like that. Love WDW, but don't want to go there 4 years out of 5 to the exclusion of everything else just because I don't want my Magic Pass to go to waste. A DVC discount on the PH, or a bigger discount on the UMP would have been much more useful and appreciated.

[AnnK]

I agree Disney has no reason to offer a discount on AP's to DVC members because the majority of members buy them anyway. We used to buy them, but not anymore.( Beginning this year) Disney IS getting LESS of our money. We bought AP's at Universal because our kids are bigger now and they LOVE it there. Universal offers much better discounts for Ap holders than Disney EVER has. Toxicesq I agree with you. Our children are getting older and we can't always plan our vacation to land 3x within the calender year. We bought the 7 day PH plus (from Dis). We did not enter the parks just to eat as we have in the past, but we also are no longer on the use or lose philosophy.( Trying to get enough vacation days within the year to justify the Ap) We went to USF and IOA 6 days on oour last trip, and Disney 2. Did Disney lose money? We are a family of 7, had 3 extra guests,We all bought Aps at Usf and IOA. We spent 6 full days at those parks, spending our money IN those parks. I would say they lost a bunch from us.

[DownNeckBoy]

I've read the entire string of coments on this poll. I voted no, but also agree that the way the poll is structured, it would be hard to say that the plan is "perfect."

I have no desire to vacation at WDW every year. When I discussed purchasing a DVC interest with my spouse, we spent a significant period of time analyzing our past vacations and what we envisioned for the future. WDW every year was not in our plans, although our children (3 and 7)would surely disagree. Simply on that basis it would be hard for us to seriously consider this new pass. If there was no expiration date, that might be another issue.

Finally, can someone explain the "golden handcuffs" term for me? Thanks. <IMG SRC="/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif" alt="confused">

[eva]

I have no idea if this pass would ever fit into any of our vacationing plans. Some years we go for two weeks and some for 3 or 4 nights. This year we are going for 6 nights in May. We weren't planning on going into the parks at all until I came upon 4 5-Day passes with 1 day left on each of them. So I guess that my husband and I will spend 2 of our 7 days in the parks. If I could find a great deal on Hopper Passes, APs, or the UMP we would probably spend all 7 in the parks. I find that we are spending less time in the parks every trip. It is getting so expensive and there are other great things to do in the Orlando area.

[dianeschlicht]

My farmer grandfather would have had a good saying about what this pass is as useless as!! We get so much value with an AP, why would we spend so much to have so little use? I agree with Drusba that it seems to encourage Sun.-Fri. use of DVC. They did make the AP a little less for us when they made renewal automatic from the date of expiration, but I can still hot renew and just buy a new one and hold onto it for a year to save money. I would never go just 5 days in a year! It would be a wast of my DVC ownership! With travel costs what they are, we are planning to change from 3-1 week trips/year to 2-10 night trips/year. If we time them for within a 12 month period, we get at least 20 days on an AP. Last year we used our APs 29 days. That means we spent $10/day for passes. That really makes the Magical pass laughable!

Disneydiane http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/vltdisney/mickey36.gif http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/images/official_logos/keywest.gif

[bicker]

The issue here isn't whether or not the Magic Pass is "perfect" or not. The issue here is what admission option could DVC offer that was a win for them and a win for us. The Magic Pass could very-well be the best option that qualifies. For the folks who happen to visit WDW in such a way that the pass meets their needs, they clearly get a benefit from the pass. The structure of the pass probably tends to encourage a few members to change their touring habits a bit to visit the parks 5 days per visit instead of 4. In that way Disney sucks a little more business away from other area attractions.

A Win-Win scenario for a pass must be structured so that the customer gets a better deal for what they're buying than if they had bought that specific set of admission through other generally-available passes. A Win-Win scenario for a pass must be structured so that Disney gets more revenue that they would have gotten had the pass not been offered, and guests were forced to purchase their admission through those other generally-available passes.

The reality is that if you're buying APs, then there is no better deal that Disney could offer you and get more revenue. The only logic in providing a discounted AP would be if that would spur folks who would have otherwise bought less expensive passes to buy APs in such large numbers that the extra revenue makes up for the loss in revenue represented by all the DVC members who would have bought APs anyway. The fact is that so many DVC members buy APs that there is almost no chance that there are enough DVC members buying 4-day park hoppers who would buy APs instead at a discounted price to make up for the revenue lost represented by the discount granted to the DVC members who would buy APs anyway.

The multi-year aspect of the Magic Pass is perhaps the only way Disney can find a means to offer a discounted pass (other than LOS) that they would garner more revenue from than the generally-available admission choices.

Brian Charles Kohn
"in my own words" (http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/bicker/index.html)
Some Imagination, huh? - Mickey Mouse

[Mperry]

We also vote NO!! We did buy in (in 2000) at nearly the minimum with hopes to add-on. We've been three times with two more trips planned. That's 5 trips in 15 months! We have never bought an AP, but would in a heartbeat, if a discount was offered. Before we purchased our own DVC interest, we vacationed with DVC with parents for five years. We always buy some sort of hopper and do many things other than the parks. Usually, saving some days for the next trip. They would definitely get more money out of us, if there was a discount!

I would venture to say, that that will never happen and hoping for it would a waste of time. Instead, we should pray they don't take something else away from us. Ie; the no expiration rule on hoppers. Wouldn't that just be the straw that breaks a lot of backs!? :eek:

[Tony-NJ]

I agree with most! I never go to WDW for less than 8 days! And as others stated, we also go to parks at times just for meals. I'm sure they were not loosing money when they gave the passes away to members prior to 2000. I wonder if we, the members can write enough letters / email to possibly have DVC create something better? Hey, if they were giving passes away, and they offered the AP's to DVC members for lets say 50% off, then thats a 50% increase in income to Disney! Not bad! they would probably make more money that way than they are now.

[garrett79]

The last time I checked, planes, trains , and automobiles leave this "third world country' for New York and destinations beyond everyday. Why stay here and suffer? Martyrdom can be such a huge weight. I love the FL seasonal pass, it works great for us.

[WebmasterDoc]

The previous pass program was NOT free! DVD had to reimburse Disney about $35 for each day we used those passes. That cost was paid by DVD sales. It was not treated as an AP, but as a LOS.
There was certainly a cost associated with that program.

I can envision scenarios where the Magical Years Pass would benefit some guests. I don't really agree that it encourages 5 day stays (DVC members already use that strategy anyway). I think it is geared towards those who go for 1 week and will go to parks 5 of those days and water parks, IOA, etc, the other 2 days.
Personally, I will continue to purchase an AP and spend my time at WDW the way I have for many years. This pass is not something I will likely use, but it is another option. Whether it fits everyone's travel plans shouldn't really matter. It does allow for a viable option for some members- just like some enjoy staying in a studio and others will only reserve a 2BR or GV. It's nice to have those options also. Flexibility!

Doc
doc@wdwinfo.com

[diaman]

Here's a thought.... maybe Disney is using this "crappy" pass to drive us DVCer's to buying the AP which have NO discounts. We started buying APs when we became members since it worked out for our family the best. Hmmmm... wonder if their AP sales have gone up???

[kem330]

I voted no and I'm probably one it might be targeted to. As much as we love WDW, we do like to go other places and can only go down once a year- so an AP wouldn't help us. This pass is NOT flexible. As previously stated, what if one year we go down longer than another, etc. etc. I don't think LOS is that great a deal either. Personally I would rather have a discount on hoppers, because you can reuse them if you don't go in the parks all the time. A way to make this pass more attractive would have been to give you x amount of days to use within the 5 year time period,ie the same 20 days, just not split up into 5/year for 4 of 5 years. I think what is really iritating is that Disney promotes DVC as something SPECIAL- so you do have certain expectations that this specialness is more than a nice resort to stay in, but also privileges not afforded other guests. We are after all investing a good chunk of change in DVC and I feel conned when thrown these meaningless discounts- instead of bona fide values. It's like those cheesy offers your get, buy this get this and they are really no deal at all.

[http://wdwinfo.com/sites/family/dvcis.gif]

[pentex]

The MYP does nothing for my family. The bottom line is that Disney has become smug about their success during the booming economy....i.e., changing the renewals on Annuals, not coming up with any valid passes for DVC'ers, eliminating the Magic Kingdom Club for the joke of a Disney Club. If things slow in the economy (which they appear to be doing), they may have hurt themselves in the long run.

I refuse to buy annuals for all four of us; it would cost a fortune and who knows if we'd be able to use them. So, last year, we spent less days in Disney and tried some other parks out....we all loved Universal, and the kids loved Sea World. Spent 4 days in all at those parks, tried some great restaurants in Universal, etc. We plan on doing that again this year, and maybe even trying a few other places in Florida...I guess there is life beyond Disney, and it was Disney who showed us that. If we had a viable Disney option (i.e. Rich's suggestion on discount on annuals), I can say without hesitation that we would have spent the whole time at Disney and our money would have went there instead.

[TnRobin]

Here is my situation 2 adults and one child.

4 - 5 day hoppers for my family = $2459.20. (210.42 x 4 x 2 (adults) + 175.96 x 4) These never expire and I can use them in any combination I want. 6 days this year, two next year, etc.

3 of the Magic Passes = $2250.00. These are not flexible at all. These will also expire in 5 years.

Difference in total price if bought today (with my DC discount) $209.20.

I will buy hopper passes or APs

Note: my son's 4 - 5 day hoppers only cost $703.84 and Disney wants me to pay them $750 for this Magic Pass for him?

http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Resort/4382/jane.gif


Disney Vacation Club Board Co-Moderator
DVC and Cruise Chat Hostess
Cruise Board List Mistress

<font size=4 color=blue font face="Comic Sans MS">Robin

[sixcats]

It's definitely useless to us. If they want to do something for us, why not offer us a nice discount on an Ap? Or a good discount on hopper passes when we have a guest along?

Debbie

http://www.geocities.com/sixcats1/clip1.gif

[Werner Weiss]

sixcats asked:<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>If they want to do something for us, why not offer us a nice discount on an Ap?[/quote]
What would be the business motivation for Disney to offer a discounted AP to DVC members? Disney is a business.

When any business offers a discount, that business is doing so for business reasons -- typically to generate additional sales, to introduce customers to a new product or service, or to sell excess capacity.

Selling APs at a discount to DVC members who would buy APs anyway is a losing business proposition.

On the other hand, a DVC-only admission plan that reinstates the "golden handcuffs" to DVC members while staying in WDW DVC resorts could be a good business proposition.

-----
Werner Weiss, Curator of Yesterland (http://www.yesterland.com), featuring discontinued Disneyland attractions

[wdw4us2]

Wow! This is the first time I've ever read through 4 pages of posts. I'd have to agree with the majority - this plan stinks. I don't quite understand who Disney was trying to target with this offering, it sure isn't most of the DVC members I have met. As far as AP's go, in our family of four, I have one and the rest of the family has Fla. Resident Passes. This is only due to the fact that I became addicted to pin trading last year and had to get to the parks during the black-out dates. I definitely would not have one otherwise. We have actually discussed skipping a year of buying the passes because of the rising costs over the years. Especially when Universal and Sea World/Busch Gardens keep offering such great deals on their AP's. Just IMHO, of course.

[bicker]

You've really hit on it Werner. If anyone has an answer to Werner's question I'd sure love to hear it.

Brian Charles Kohn
"in my own words" (http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/bicker/index.html)
Some Imagination, huh? - Mickey Mouse

[tiggersnj]

No Thanks, I'll keep my AP. We are in WDW for more than (5) days and I like the fact that I can go as much or as little as I choose without all the restrictions. I don't see anything magical about the new pass. Just my opinion.

[sixcats]

Werner,

I said IF they wanted to do something for us. It would be a nice thank you, but I know that they wouldn't do it as it won't make money for them. Although if you only buy enough points for say a 6 night or so stay, a discounted pass might make buying it worth it to you over a six day hopper. You might want to add on to your membership so you can stay for two six night trips.
It wouldn't hurt for them to offer a discount on a pass that would be for a guest of a DVC member. If I bring my brother's family down with a discounted pass, and they are staying at a DVC resort with us, they may very likely be enticed to buy. Maybe they could tie the offer in with a tour? Jeez, I'd settle for a license plate holder instead of the full plate they sent.

Debbie

http://www.geocities.com/sixcats1/clip1.gif

[drusba]

Why not a discount on AP's (or even hoppers)? Disney may be in the business of making money but it is also in the business of making sure it continues to make money by keeping its customers happy and spending maximum time in WDW and minimum outside it. A discount on the AP would help that. Also, even if you stick a 10% or higher discount on the AP Disney's still going to make a huge amount selling them (I am fairly certain the margin on an AP is much higher than 10%). Next, DVD and DVCMC, the companies responsible for DVC and for getting discounts, may be Disney subsidiaries but they are our "fiduciaries" and they have a legal obligation to always act in our interests even if those would not necessarily be in Disney's (the parent's) interest. In other words, they should be out there trying to get us the best deals they can. I mind not having a discount far less than I mind their not even trying to get us one.

[ceejay13]

I too agree that this pass is useless. We were at the annual meeting last year at the BWV, which is when we found out about it. They only briefly mentioned it so I asked specifically the cost and details. They quickly told me that information would be out shortly. I thought it was strange at the time that they wouldn't be eager to talk about it, but as soon as I found out the details it made a whole lot more sense. I am sure the powers that be had to know that this wasn't the best idea they have ever come up with. We will stick with our AP's and my DH's CM passes for himself.

[gscott8075]

We plan on going every 12-18 months.

I think the 7 day hopper is the best value for us. It gives us 11 days of use for about $30 per day.

We can go to the parks for 2-3 days and a water park for a day and make them last for 3 trips -

[KNWVIKING]

How does 7 day hopper give you 11 days use ??

[nhmomx2]

I think they should bite the proverbial bullet and give the DVC Members a discount similar to the Florida Residents. The reason they would not do this (IMHO) is because they have a captive audience. Why give someone who has a vested interest, quite literally, in the resort the discount - we are bound to go there anyway, why make it any easier or less expensive for us?! We made it too easy for them to disregard us...we got hooked and bought into the world we love so much!!

http://disneyclipart.simplenet.com/Movies/Pinocchio/Jimminy_Cricket/jimminy06.gif

"Give a little whistle" - Jiminy Cricket
WDW- '76(Poly) ,'77(Poly) ,'79(Poly),'81(Poly),'83(Poly),'85(Poly),
'87(Poly),'89(X2-Poly/GF),'90(CBR),'96(FW),'97(Cont),
'98(FW),'99(FW), 9/00(BWV), 2/01 (OKW) and 8/01 (BWV)

[ScottOKW2K]

In answer to your question, the seven day hopper has four plus options, good for the water parks or disneyquest type admission. Therefore, one would have seven days worth of admission to the four major parks, and four days worth of admission to the "minor" attractions - eleven days total !

11/99 DxL
11/00 DxL
6/01 VWL
12/01 OKW-GV

[pluto109]

if you buy the new pass they will let you fit 7 in a studio

[KNWVIKING]

Is that a new feature of the hoppers ? I've only purchased LOS and now AP's, but maybe in the future this would be a cheaper alternative.

[gscott8075]

I think it makes the most sense if the AP does not work for you.

It has been offered for a long time in different incarnations.

The hopper lets you max out on the parks for 7 days - and then 4 plus options - water parks / DQ.

Best of all, they never expire.

[raidermatt]

Any benefits offered to DVC'ers makes DVC more attractive, increasing demand. Increased demand allows Disney to do one of two things:
1- Sell more supply, i.e. more new resorts.
2- Raise the price, i.e. more $ per point to buy into future resorts.

Now, I'm not saying that discounts on APs is good or bad for the bottom line because it would have to be studied. All I am saying is that it is possible. We thought long and hard about joining DVC, and came close to not buying in because of a perceived lack of "fringe" benefits. I'm sure others actually do back out.

Raidermatt

[raidermatt]

It is useless to us. Since we live in CA, our trips to WDW are going to be every 2-3 years, for minimum lengths of 8 nights. As Rich said, if we purchased the pass, it would encourage us to check out other things outside of the Mouse's House. While we will spend time at other places, a 5 day hopper just won't be enough.

Raidermatt

[AnnK]

GScott,
I agree with you. Originally bought PAP's after a few years found that we no longer went to the water parks enough, so we bought AP's. Now we've decided to go with the 7 day PH plus. We like the idea that they are good forever. We are not going to the parks as much as we used to. The AP's were nice because you could go into the parks for dinner, but now we can't always get enough trips in the calendar year, plus the new renewal policy, we went with the 7 day ph plus. We bought it from this site, (I recommend it.) The price was good, and they delivered it as promised to our hotel. :)

[sumessefui]

Rich, I agree that this pass is not a good deal. We go for 9 to 12 days or two shorter trips so it is useless to us. I can get a nice dicount on park hoppers and they are much more flexible. I believe that the DVC should poll it's members to understand what we really want as a pass. Many times we just go into a park to eat, maybe this will encourage us to eat off property more.