A view on the VIP Tours

[Ufgator27]

Hi Guys... I really enjoy the podcasts!! I usually listen to them a few times/week while I am doing laundry, driving around, etc.

Just thought I would toss in a view on the VIP Tours.

While I am far from rich, I am fortunate that both my husband and I have been lucky in our careers and make a nice living. My husband is not a Disney freak like I am and this tour is what will make our annual 5 day trek bearable for him.

After this years' disaster with FastPass+ and MDE, we agreed that next year (2015), we would do the private tour (max 10 people, about $350/hour I think?). They told me it was back door access to the parks and Fast Pass line for the rides. You get to choose the rides. I wonder if this flexible option will still be an option or if people will have to choose one of the 2 options.

Is it a "money grab"? I think any business person would call it an "opportunity". Shareholders appreciate the latest revenue efforts with hard ticketed events...and yes, the VIP tours. As Pete or Dustin pointed out, this event is not taking away from anyone else. My fear about doing it is that my kids feel a bit too special - I don't like that. As a matter of fact, I would feel better if they said that for every family that buys into the VIP package, Disney donates the same package to a GKTW family.

I agree with Kevin - it feels a bit different than the old days... but the truth is that it IS different than the old days. I have been going since opening day in 1971 (I was 10 months old). I am hooked. I am a fan. My two kids (ages 7 and 9) are too. But.... it is too freaking crowded. I usually go in Feb, low season - and it is still just crazy!

If I wasn't already a big Disney fan, I'm not sure that I would be - if I went for the first time today. But... the VIP tour would help.

Thanks for the info, the chats, the camaraderie, the laughs. I'm a big fan.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Good points! Thanks for sharing here.

You mentioned that you used FP+ at some point this year. How long ago was that? I strongly encourage you to try it again before paying $350 an hour for a VIP experience. I think you'll notice a drastic difference.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I agree with Kevin - it feels a bit different than the old days... but the truth is that it IS different than the old days.

If I wasn't already a big Disney fan, I'm not sure that I would be - if I went for the first time today.

I think these two sentences say a lot about how I feel.

Disney has been a huge part of my life and the fact that it has changed so drastically unsettles me a bit.

I understand that things in the park change. Things come and go. We cheer the things we think are good and bemoan the things we will miss. I get that.

I don't know why but this change seems to have rocked me a bit.

Your last sentence is the one that hits me the hardest. I feel the same way.

WDW always seemed carefree. Sometimes, it doesn't feel that way anymore.

 

[MaestroTK]

This really creates a conflict in my mind. Paying more by making others wait is a completely new thing for Disney to roll into. I'm sure this idea has been thrown around the disney exec offices for a long time and I guess someone was always the voice of reason against this. With a secondary market emerging (handicapped tour guides for hire) Disney decided to take the lead themselves.

There are many places where what you spend yields different experiences:
Dining seating categories
Value/moderate/deluxe Resorts

I know I don't like the idea of this, but I am in favor of letting the market decide. After all, even if money is not an issue who would want to just check off the boxes and say you did these attractions in one day?

Wouldn't you want to enjoy being in the park, watching shows, hearing the music, experiencing each land, meeting characters, taking pictures everywhere, oh and actually spending time with your family. Who would pay to just "get it over with." Nothing special about this to me, but to each their own.

 

[mnra]

i guess I agree with kevin. things just seem different now. When we started going to parks their were no fast passes if you wanted to go on a ride you arrived early or waited. we usually spent lots of time in the parks together along with our kids. Yes we had to wait but we enjoyed it as that was part of being together. I know they always had tour guides and we watched them and it never really bothered us. Yes disney is a business and they are in the business of family entertainment as well as many others buinesses it just seems like everything has a price tag associated with it which is understandable but I still enjoy the parks and the family time. In fact over the years we have made other family members big disney fans and hope to continue to do that as our family grows with grand kids. It still is a place that holds lots of memories for me and will always even if they change how things are run.

 

[kbelle8995]

I agree with Kevin. Thing have changed and perhaps for me it has changed too much. These new VIP tours for those who can afford it.

I tried FP+ and I didn't care for it. I wanted to be fair so I tried it and it was just not for me. We are planners in my family but this was a step too far.

The new VIP tours, More parties and higher priced park tickets. I am dreading what Disney will put out next to Make a "better" guest experience.

 

[jesscahens]

I wanted to shed a new prospective on this topic. I do agree with everything that has been said. And I have tried the FP+ and am a fan but I do feel that it is available to everyone as it is free. These VIP tours are so outrageously priced they are clearly only marketing these to a very select group.

My theory is that they are making this available for the people that need to ride these rides so badly that they are willing to hire differently abled people for their GAC card. I think someone mentioned it being a response to that issue. But in all reality they have to make an option for these people because they will find a new way to abuse the new accessibility system. And I don't think they have anywhere else to really go with that system since they are using the system that most all other amusement parks in the country uses.

 

[sayhello]

I have to chime in here that I agree with you all. I'm originally from Southern California, so I grew up going to Disneyland. When I moved to Ohio 20 years ago, I took the opportunity to go to WDW, and found it another lovely way to enjoy Disney and the Mouse, and one that was more convenient from Ohio, and more conducive to a week-long getaway. Since I go "relatively" frequently, I don't feel a sense of urgency to do everything, so I would go with an idea of which highlights and rides I really wanted to hit this time, and plan accordingly, leaving a lot of flexibility if I found anything changed once I got there.

I can't do that any more. The first time I hopped from Animal Kingdom in the morning to Epcot after lunch, and headed directly to Soarin' to get a fastpass for later in the afternoon, only to find they were ALL GONE for the entire day, I was crushed. And then trying to find somewhere for dinner at DHS, only to find I couldn't get into ANY of the sit-down restaurants for the rest of the night... Piece by piece, the way I did WDW fell apart. I tried a trip where I planned to go to where I wanted to be first in the morning, and made lunch and dinner ADR's for every day, and I hated it. All the spontaneity, all the reacting to what was going on in the moment was gone. And I haven't even experienced this whole new Fastpass+ environment yet.

I don't have any immediate plans to go to WDW right now. I'm going to Disneyland in October, and it may be that most of my Disney trips will be heading out West instead of South (at least for a while). I just really, REALLY hope they don't do to Disneyland what they've done to WDW...

Sayhello

 

[Airship Ariadne]

I would never spend that money myself, but I can understand WDW setting it up after finding out about the rich families that would hire a handicapped individual to get them to the front of lines for the day.

It's always been like this, if you are willing to spend the money, you will get perks. Nature of the beast in vacations everywhere (except to a hippie commune I suppose).

I look at it like the rooms, yes I COULD pay a ton of money to have the nicest room in the entire resort with a view of MK and the fireworks, but I'll save that money and scale down...I COULD spend a ton of money to skip all the lines, but I have better things to do with it.

At least this way, the people that want the perk are doing so honestly and not making things more difficult for people with honest mobility needs that are there as regular guests.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I guess I don't understand why this is okay.

In the not too recent past, there was a huge discussion about those staying in Deluxe resorts getting more (or better) fast passes than those staying at Value resorts.

The discussion became heated quickly. People hated this idea.

Isn't that pretty much what we have here?

I would assume that if you are okay with one, you are okay with the other.

 

[DisneyKevin]

How would you feel if Disney started selling seats for parades?

It's not an outrageous idea.

You don't want the hassle of finding a spot early? Give Disney $100 bucks and walk uo seconds before the parade starts?

What about charging a premium for the most coveted dining times? If you want to dine between 5:30 and 7:30pm, there will be a $25 per person surcharge?

As it's been said...Disney is a business with stockholders.

 

[Suvadoo]

How would you feel if Disney started selling seats for parades?

It's not an outrageous idea.

You don't want the hassle of finding a spot early? Give Disney $100 bucks and walk uo seconds before the parade starts?

What about charging a premium for the most coveted dining times? If you want to dine between 5:30 and 7:30pm, there will be a $25 per person surcharge?

As it's been said...Disney is a business with stockholders.

Agreed, it is a business with stockholders. And as long as they have customers that are willing to pay premiums, these fabulous exclusive offers will continue. It's the same with their Adventures by Disney.

But as a previous poster said, I choose to spend my money on different things. I honestly think April 2015 will be my last trip to WDW. This is also the first trip where I will be dividing my vacation dollars between WDW and Universal.
I'm beginning to think I can have more fun spending my vacation dollars elsewhere. I will, however, continue visiting DLR.

 

[DisneyKevin]

It's the same with their Adventures by Disney.

While I agree with what you've said, I don't believe that ABD is a good comparison.

While ABD Adventures are not inexpensive, everyone pays the same price. Single travelers pay a higher price because pricing is based on double occupancy.

That being said...there are no up charges with an Adventure. Everyone on the trip shares the same transportation, accommodations, food and experiences.

This does not include the time spent on your own. Then what you pay is up to you.

 

[Suvadoo]

While I agree with what you've said, I don't believe that ABD is a good comparison.

While ABD Adventures are not inexpensive, everyone pays the same price. Single travelers pay a higher price because pricing is based on double occupancy.

That being said...there are no up charges with an Adventure. Everyone on the trip shares the same transportation, accommodations, food and experiences.

This does not include the time spent on your own. Then what you pay is up to you.

You're right. When I used ABD as an example I meant that compared to other travel companies, ABD charges more offers it's guests exclusive benefits.

 

[doconeill]

I'm a bit confused...I missed the start of the discussion on the podcast and haven't had a chance to go back and re-listen yet, so I don't know if there is something new coming out...


But the $300+/hr Premium VIP Tour, which has been available for a number of years, has included front of line access, when possible. They are careful about advertising it...the 2009 brochure said:

In the event you should desire an even greater level of service, you may want to upgrade to our Premium VIP Tour. Your personal VIP Guide will meet you at your resort in a private vehicle and whisk you effortlessly to the Disney Theme Park of your choice. This service allows you flexibility of start time, the possibility of visiting multiple Disney theme parks in a single day, and you may even get to experience some of your favorite attractions again and again. The Premium service has limited availability. So, if you are interested call right away to ask about the upgrade

The standard VIP tour (the cheaper version) does not advertise it, but at least before they introduced the Premium option, it was said that the VIP Guide often did get you in.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I'm a bit confused...I missed the start of the discussion on the podcast and haven't had a chance to go back and re-listen yet, so I don't know if there is something new coming out...


But the $300+/hr Premium VIP Tour, which has been available for a number of years, has included front of line access, when possible. They are careful about advertising it...the 2009 brochure said:



The standard VIP tour (the cheaper version) does not advertise it, but at least before they introduced the Premium option, it was said that the VIP Guide often did get you in.

There is a new VIP tour that is $299 per person and gets you into basically everything and lunch.

 

[doconeill]

There is a new VIP tour that is $299 per person and gets you into basically everything and lunch.

Ah, thanks...but it still seems like they've already offered it, they've just changed how it's paid for...

 

[Ufgator27]

Yes - another version of the VIP tour has been on offer for some time (not sure how long).

For the record, as the original poster and someone who will likely take advantage of this option, I never did nor never would hire someone with the handicap accessible pass. ew.

In the interest of sharing for discussion ... because everyone is different...

For my family, this option is good for two reasons:

1 - I practically grew up at WDW and am a lifelong, card-carrying member of the Disney Freak society - but I now live far away and can only bring my family once/year.

2 - My husband is NOT a Disneyfreak and this option allows us to minimize the parts that he has a hard time with while still allowing us all to enjoy the rides together - he can see the thrill on the kids' faces and scream with their joy and excitement.

Someone rightly pointed out all of the impromptu small things that happen during a visit (singing in lines, enjoying quick character interactions, leisurely snack stops, etc.), and this tour will likely not allow for those things. I agree with that this is probably true and on the podcast, John also made the point: It is A LOT! ... will it even be FUN!?!?

My plan is to try it once. I am thinking that if we check off all the E-ticket rides on Day 1 (and ensure kids are well rested and hydrated), we can then go back and do the other, fun stuff at a more leisurely pace. We can do the pools, mini-golf, and water sprites, ride the train, Hall of Presidents(!), search of Hidden Mickeys, etc. After the tour, my husband can come/go as he can handle it, while my sister and I take the kids to do Disney like we did when we were kids... plodding along with all of the other Disneyfreaks.

I do agree with Kevin - it isn't the same as it used to be. But, I believe that this isn't so much of a "moneygrab" as it is a smart (i.e., profitable) way of dealing with the massive amount of people that want to enjoy the Disney experience.

There are a lot more people trying to enjoy the World today than there were in 1971.

 

[Ufgator27]

I don't know why but this change seems to have rocked me a bit.

Your last sentence is the one that hits me the hardest. I feel the same way.

WDW always seemed carefree. Sometimes, it doesn't feel that way anymore.

Kevin.... It is sad for me that my passion and enthusiasm for Disney is hard to defend for newbies (like my husband). Because he is not a loyal Disney consumer like me (i.e., drinking the Kool-Aid since birth), I cannot blame him for NOT loving going to MK and dealing with intense crowds, lines, FP+, etc.

Having said that, I am listening to some old podcasts this weekend and just heard your review of your lunch with the AK animal trainer (?). ... a great experience! It reignited your passion for Disney, if I recall the quote correctly.

Maybe us "old-ies" or, "seasoned guests", need to continue to explore these options more - I find myself drawn to these types of learning experiences. I credit Disney with tapping into this consumer need actually.

Did you know that there are also "learning" day camp experiences for kids? Whole classes or single children can be registered for tours thru Epcot to learn about chemistry or physics, etc. Nope - these activities aren't cheap. We haven't done them but I have looked at it.

As Pete has said (also in an older podcast), there is really is something for everyone.

In terms of the separation of activities and people based on cost... well, this is a business principle. If you pay more, you get more. While I credit Disney with NOT giving people more fast passes b/c they are staying at Grand Fla or Poly, ... I've heard plenty of special favor stories for those who are on a concierge floor. That's ok, isn't it?

In my experience, whether it is with a concierge or at a guest services window, I find people's attitude and behavior is what is most relevant. A sad story accompanied by a bit**y and complaining tone warrants much less sympathy! sorry... getting a little off-topic on that comment.

 

[jesscahens]

I guess I don't understand why this is okay.

In the not too recent past, there was a huge discussion about those staying in Deluxe resorts getting more (or better) fast passes than those staying at Value resorts.

The discussion became heated quickly. People hated this idea.

Isn't that pretty much what we have here?

I would assume that if you are okay with one, you are okay with the other.

I can agree with this and agree it is basically what we have going on. But coming from the industry people who are paying these prices are getting out of hand and expecting these things. so my thought is that Disney just gave them the option to pay for it. Do I agree with it, no. It seems to be creating this customer that is so intitled it is almost impossible to please them.

I do believe there is a breaking point something along the lines of when you see some one from lets say poly with a special fastpass+ band getting pumped to the front of a counter service line just because they have that band. then I believe you will see the riot gear come out.

basically they are going to push the envelope until people start making enought noise for them to notice.