Disney will certainly alter this to make more money, I'd bet on it. There is nothing saying that the "rule of three" will apply to every one equally. I easily see them offering additional FP+ reservations as a benefit to people who stay on property or who travel during slower times, etc.
I'd suspect that you're right. In order to make the most money, they would probably need to offer both, advance FP+ and a day-of FP version, IMO.
They could eventually offer levels of FP+, maybe more FP+ for the deluxe hotels or perhaps unlimited for club level room guests. They already do this with the levels of "free" dining offered. Then, they could offer upgrades, for a fee: Deluxe FP+ anyone?
They could offer just 1 FP+ to offsite/day guests who associate it with their entry ticket or pass # and not with a hotel reservation, maybe a month prior to their visit. This would familiarize day guests with how it works and possibly entice them to move their reservation onsite, filling vacant hotel rooms in lower seasons. It would also explain to first-timers that this system
is available to them
and how it works... before they arrive. It would encourage them to actually
look at the attractions available (and even the map
) in advance, so fewer would be clueless on arrival... then miss out and complain.
Anything that improves the guest experience, especially for the first-timer, will increase profits. Happier customers spend more on souvenirs, splurges, upgrades and return visits. They shrug off higher prices in restaurants and shops, adopting a "why not? we're on vacation" attitude. IMO, this is the principle at work behind this costly, new FP+ program.
