Annual Pass Help

[HPotter]

Planning on 2-3 one week trips to WDW in 21. REALLY would like save some money and buy an annual pass. Any suggestions or thoughts, since APs are no where to be found?

 

[yulilin3]

Nothing to do but wait for Disney to start selling them again

 

[Naomeri]

Basically, cross your fingers and beg Mickey to take your money. I’m in the same boat. I’ve got an 8-day trip in December, and want to do a shorter trip in March, and maybe randomly some other time, but the ticket prices are a deterrent.

 

[mitsukoshi samurai]

Probably start selling when the park reservations end

 

[skeeter31]

Probably start selling when the park reservations end

Park reservations are here to stay. Josh D’Amaro has stated that they are part of the WDW plan for the future.

 

[jimim]

Park reservations are here to stay. Josh D’Amaro has stated that they are part of the WDW plan for the future.

kinda a good way to make sure season pass holders always have trips planned and tickets renewed so we can book park days when we book a room if DVC at 11 meh windows.

 

[HPotter]

Maybe now that the waterparks are opening up APs will.

 

[LauraLap]

We were going to come for a long, extended stay but without Annual Passes it doesn't make sense. I'm sure there are many like me. It's definitely a missed opportunity.

 

[DisneyOma]

Park reservations are here to stay. Josh D’Amaro has stated that they are part of the WDW plan for the future.

Well, that's going to curtail a lot of trips from this household. They haven't gotten a penny of money from us in 3 years, and we were just thinking of planning a few trips once the pandemic is over. Not going to do it if we have to commit to a certain park each morning in advance. Disney is getting too hooked on people going on the internet, accessing their apps, etc, to make it a fun, comfortable experience, IMO.

 

[skeeter31]

Well, that's going to curtail a lot of trips from this household. They haven't gotten a penny of money from us in 3 years, and we were just thinking of planning a few trips once the pandemic is over. Not going to do it if we have to commit to a certain park each morning in advance. Disney is getting too hooked on people going on the internet, accessing their apps, etc, to make it a fun, comfortable experience, IMO.

It’s really going to be no different than the FP+ reservations were prior to the pandemic. Once the parks are back to 100% capacity there won‘t be any blacked out days at a park (save for maybe 2-3 times a year that happened every year during Christmas or 4th of July). You’d be able to make your park reservation the morning of before you get ready to head out.

 

[DisneyOma]

It’s really going to be no different than the FP+ reservations were prior to the pandemic. Once the parks are back to 100% capacity there won‘t be any blacked out days at a park (save for maybe 2-3 times a year that happened every year during Christmas or 4th of July). You’d be able to make your park reservation the morning of before you get ready to head out.

Then why do you have to make one?

 

[lanejudy]

Then why do you have to make one?

Assuming they do continue, I suspect park reservations may help determine staffing for any given day.

 

[skeeter31]

Then why do you have to make one?

It’s all going to be data directed for Disney. Those park reservations tell them how many people are coming for staffing, merchandise purchases, food, etc.

 

[WorldOfPooh]

Basically, cross your fingers and beg Mickey to take your money. I’m in the same boat. I’ve got an 8-day trip in December, and want to do a shorter trip in March, and maybe randomly some other time, but the ticket prices are a deterrent.

Yeah, it's hard to start Disenying when you plan on annual pass. Basically in a holding pattern till the APs come back.

 

[DisneyOma]

Assuming they do continue, I suspect park reservations may help determine staffing for any given day.

It’s all going to be data directed for Disney. Those park reservations tell them how many people are coming for staffing, merchandise purchases, food, etc.

Yeah, like Disney is going to hire more people to do the work it's going to take to train staff to work at different parks at the drop of a hat, get the staff into position in a timely manner, etc. I think it's so they can close down more things in the parks, if they think there's going to be a smaller than usual crowd, which means the people that do go to that park will have less to do. It's not going to be for our benefit, KWIM? Disney is getting less and less fun by the year, and it looks like they are nickel and dime-ing the magic out.

 

[yulilin3]

Yeah, like Disney is going to hire more people to do the work it's going to take to train staff to work at different parks at the drop of a hat, get the staff into position in a timely manner, etc. I think it's so they can close down more things in the parks, if they think there's going to be a smaller than usual crowd, which means the people that do go to that park will have less to do. It's not going to be for our benefit, KWIM? Disney is getting less and less fun by the year, and it looks like they are nickel and dime-ing the magic out.

you're missing the point. The reservation system allows Disney to know how many guests are coming into the park on any given day, this way they can schedule CM accordingly. If it's a slow day they don't need so many for each attraction/show/merchandise or dining location. If it's busy they will schedule accordingly
They've always been a company out to make money, anyone thinking otherwise is fooling themselves, yes they have been making odd choices the last 15 years or so, but as people continue to come Disney will continue to re-act.
The reservation system is not so they can shut things down

 

[DisneyOma]

you're missing the point. The reservation system allows Disney to know how many guests are coming into the park on any given day, this way they can schedule CM accordingly. If it's a slow day they don't need so many for each attraction/show/merchandise or dining location. If it's busy they will schedule accordingly
They've always been a company out to make money, anyone thinking otherwise is fooling themselves, yes they have been making odd choices the last 15 years or so, but as people continue to come Disney will continue to re-act.
The reservation system is not so they can shut things down

Not missing the point at all, just a difference of opinion - we'll see what happens. But if one park has lower numbers than expected for a day, do you really think they are going to keep everything in that park open?

 

[yulilin3]

Not missing the point at all, just a difference of opinion - we'll see what happens. But if one park has lower numbers than expected for a day, do you really think they are going to keep everything in that park open?

If there are cms scheduled to work it, they have to

 

[DisneyOma]

If there are cms scheduled to work it, they have to

What if they decide not to schedule workers until the last minute that way then? Cut the number of workers, put a pool of them on call. None of this is good for us, or the CMs. It's about lining the pockets of the investors by squeezing every last drop of Walt's vision and others' great imagination and creativity out of the parks.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Universal Studios Orlando has continued selling their APs.
Now that I am a local, I understand why so many locals with children prefer UO over WDW.( I think local seniors are loyal to both ...)
Surprised Disney is not selling AP.s yet. Maybe soon.?.

I do worry about current changes to attractions, and entertainment , and dining choices will become standard operating procedures.
For example.... think about the most popular question on boards...
Bus Uber Lyft or rental car? And complaints about bus and monorail ,water taxis , reliability, etc... Seems to be changing guests to choose personal more costly options . That could become permanent excuse to reduce transport as lost perk to guest . I believe Disney is busy analyzing anything & everything that does not create revenue.