Zero inside info, but, agree with this assessment to some extent.
Putting the business hat on I would think they are going the way of many theme parks: Pay a increased Ticket Price, Stay on-site, eat at my restaurants, buy my merchandise and you get a perk! The real question: Why did it take them this long to figure out?
My daughter and I went to a local Six Flags park 7 years ago, and, I paid 20% to 30% more for 2 "Fast Pass Tix" for the entire day! Totally worth it - we spent zero time in lines. So, why is anyone shocked?
Disney, IMHO, is way behind the times on this option and is spending KaBillions (from what I have read on-line to create a new FP system) to catch up. Not a surprise to me!
My thoughts:
- Not sure they would limit it to only Tix WDW sells. Could be wrong though. Who cares who sold the ticket? The true money is getting folks staying on Disney property and not at rival hotels.
- Totally disagree with the UT theory. I have always believed that UT / AAA / Walmart / other re-sellers make nothing on selling WDW Tix. It gets you in the store, a membership perk, or, gives them an option to sell you tickets to the "Ye Olde Joust Fest Dinner & Pudding Extravaganza" in Kissimmee! Disney's price is Disney's price! I doubt they give anyone company a discounted price! Why? They don't have to!
- I believe Universal started this 5 or 6 years ago?
- I would guess this would be included in a AP. But, they would then raise AP Prices.
- There is no reason they could not offer this upgraded feature to those staying off-site, for an upgraded Ticket Price / Fee!
Follow the money trail! A cheap way to make money.
Look, I have no clue - but - this makes sense to me.