I just wanted to add a perspective on the tiered ticket matrix that is proposed in the survey as viewed by Theme Park Tourist. It includes a screenshot of the possible ticket scheme:
ETA: I had no idea that was a "banned" website. Sorry. Do a google search for the article.
Here's a screenshot of the proposed ticket scheme from Turkey Leg Jeff's Twitter account:
Parks that do tiered ticketing are not multi-day parks (same logic applies to sporting events and concerts). Their visitors are there for a day or two, while Disney's customers typically visit for around a week. The proposed ticket system has higher ticket prices on weekends than during the week, which means anyone visiting a park on a Saturday or Sunday (and in some cases also on a Friday or Monday) or arriving in one "season" but extending their visit into a premium "season" will have to bump their ticket purchase up to the next level for all days on their passes. An of course, with no more "no-expiry" option, you couldn't save those premium-level park days for another visit, while using a bronze-level ticket for the remainder of the week.I don't have a problem with tiered tickets, plenty of parks do that and I have in the past paid the fee for no waiting. My problem is that a guaranteed 30 minute wait isn't something I'd consider paying extra for because I wouldn't wait more than 20 minutes for a ride anyway. Now, give me a guaranteed 10 minute wait and I'd pay, not sure how much but I'd definitely do it if it was within reason.
Disney already has tiered hotel prices depending on what time of year you visit. Tiered or "dynamic" pricing for tickets isn't too surprising.
Parks that do tiered ticketing are not multi-day parks (same logic applies to sporting events and concerts). Their visitors are there for a day or two, while Disney's customers typically visit for around a week. The proposed ticket system has higher ticket prices on weekends than during the week, which means anyone visiting a park on a Saturday or Sunday (and in some cases also on a Friday or Monday) or arriving in one "season" but extending their visit into a premium "season" will have to bump their ticket purchase up to the next level for all days on their passes. An of course, with no more "no-expiry" option, you couldn't save those premium-level park days for another visit, while using a bronze-level ticket for the remainder of the week.
But the base price of the tickets didn't change at those parks.Exactly
Still doesn't change the fact that I would pay more to be guaranteed not to have to wait more than 10 minutes in line. Just because I may visit MK 2 or 3 times in a week doesn't mean I'd be willing to spend hours in line on each of those days.
Those other parks have dynamic pricing as well, the cost for no waiting was more during Spring Break than other times of the year.
But the base price of the tickets didn't change at those parks.
And IIRC, the OP's question was what you would be willing to pay to guarantee a wait of less than 30 minutes, not 10. While I might be willing to consider paying a premium to guarantee my wait did not exceed 10 minutes, I wouldn't spend a dime for a guarantee of "29 minutes or less".
My problem isn't with the price nor the profiting. My issue is with the level of complexity this adds to ticket purchases. Wasn't it confusing enough with hopping/WPF&M/(and the now-defunct) no-expiry combinations? Why add unnecessary difficulty when raising the prices across the board could result in the same level of profit?I know what the OP asked, and I answered. I said I wouldn't pay for a guaranteed 30 minute wait, but I would for 10.
Still, don't have problem with tiered pricing no matter what wait they say, its okay that you do and that others don't If there are those willing, and can afford to pay, good for them and good for the company making the profit.
My problem isn't with the price nor the profiting. My issue is with the level of complexity this adds to ticket purchases. Wasn't it confusing enough with hopping/WPF&M/(and the now-defunct) no-expiry combinations? Why add unnecessary difficulty when raising the prices across the board could result in the same level of profit?
Why add unnecessary difficulty when raising the prices across the board could result in the same level of profit?
My problem isn't with the price nor the profiting. My issue is with the level of complexity this adds to ticket purchases. Wasn't it confusing enough with hopping/WPF&M/(and the now-defunct) no-expiry combinations? Why add unnecessary difficulty when raising the prices across the board could result in the same level of profit?
No. It's just that I don't care that it's greed. Disney is a business, not a charity or a public service. They have a right to charge whatever they want and I have a right to either pay it or not. That's how capitalism works.
If the price gets beyond what I feel it's worth, then I just won't go. It's not that big of a deal.
Agree, fastpasses are great. But you really can't throw 6 Flags in there. I bought season pass for my family of 4 for $200!!! Added in 2 adult seasonal dining + a free refillable mug for an additional $220. At $420 total, that doesn't even cover my WDW APSix Flags and Universal charge for something that Disney gives away to its guests. To me it's incredible that this hasn't changed after all these years of price increases.
I couldn't agree more! I'm beginning to think that renting out my DVC points in the future will be a better choice for us. I can think of countless all-inclusive destinations and cruises that are more appealing than waiting 30 minutes in the Florida heat to see an inert Yeti, a bad screen on Soarin' or inoperable animatronics on Splash.Valid point. It is a tad cumbersome and this increases the level of complexity. There are some interesting comments that have been made. Who knows if or when this may happen, but I doubt there would be the same sort of emotion shown for Universal doing this. I would say most of us feel we "own" a part of Disney in some way. It's been a part of our lives since many of us were kids, so when the parks and resorts bump up prices it feels like betrayal on some level. If there were a guarantee that the overall service and experience would improve, I'd be willing to pay more. Nobody is forcing me to vacation at WDW. If it gets too high, I'll cut back and go less often. Haven't quite hit that magic number yet, but my elasticity is beginning to wane.
Agree, fastpasses are great. But you really can't throw 6 Flags in there. I bought season pass for my family of 4 for $200!!! Added in 2 adult seasonal dining + a free refillable mug for an additional $220. At $420 total, that doesn't even cover my WDW AP
Tack on $70+ each for the flashpass and you're closer to WDW prices.