Are you averse to the 'new' 5-day pass only? Please read and comment...

[ValpoCory]

so yet another excellent idea from the poster who requested to Disneyland that their comments be logged as a formal complaint.

The response to the formal complaint request email I sent...

8/22/2012


Dear Cory:

Thank you for your e-mail to the DISNEYLAND® Resort. We appreciate you
taking the time to share your experience with us.

We are concerned with the disappointments you mentioned in your e-mail.
As you are aware, our goal is to provide the finest service and
accommodations. Please be assured we do take our Guest comments very
seriously, and take them into consideration when evaluating our
operation. Your remarks have been forwarded to the appropriate leaders
so they are aware of your experiences.

It is never an easy decision to modify or eliminate any of our ticket
offerings. However, we believe that the entertainment, food,
merchandise, and attractions offered are the best available for the
prices charged. Any changes in the DISNEYLAND® Resort prices or
offerings are made after thorough research.

Again, thank you for contacting us. Comments such as yours are welcomed
in that they assist us in evaluating our operation and our success in
generating happiness for our Guests. We hope you will have the
opportunity to visit the DISNEYLAND® Resort soon and that our
attractions and entertainment will delight you in every way.

Sincerely,

Lauren Brooks
DISNEYLAND® Resort
Guest Experience Services

 

[ValpoCory]

So if you stay on property is the 6-day pass available for purchase? We don't have the dough to splurge staying on property but maybe we could change our trip to every other year and stay on property because that is one of my dreams! Or is the 6 day taken away completely from everyone? Hoping Disney rethinks their decision!

The 6-day pass, and the ability to upgrade that 6-day pass to an 8-day pass at the ticket booths, was taken away completely from everyone.

 

[dadzgirl70]

Hello All! I have sent three emails addressing these changes. I've been quite frank in each email. I have yet to receive a response. I told them how disappointed I was in Disney for this decision and how it hurt many families financially, including mine. What's worse is being told to head over to Knott's Berry Farm or the Beach. I wasn't coming to the Disneyland Resort to go to Knott's or the Beach (not that there is anything wrong with them), I'm addicted to Disney and that's where I wanted to be.

I know that it will take much more then a few emails to make the necessary changes, but I have high hopes that someday I will be able to spend my entire vacation in the Disneyland Resort without having to spend that kind of money to do so.

 

[jory29]

Thanks, ValpoCory, for sharing that email with us. This is the part that I don't understand:

"However, we believe that the entertainment, food,
merchandise, and attractions offered are the best available for the
prices charged. Any changes in the DISNEYLAND® Resort prices or
offerings are made after thorough research."

It's not the best available because they can offer 6 and 7 day Park Hopper passes if they wanted to. I'm curious to know what their thorough research is, because they do make a lot of changes. I was looking at my 6 day Park Hopper that expired in Jan. 2012 and it was only $216. To imagine paying $270 now for a 5 day Park Hopper is pretty bad. This means that for our family of 4, we are now paying $216 more than we would have for 6 days, but for only 5 days, not 6. That is a pretty big increase over time, around 33% actually, and this thread isn't to complain over raising prices, but this example does provide a good indication of why guests may be getting frustrated over the taking away of the extra days on Park Hoppers. Not only that, but every time we go, there are numerous renovations, which have been nice for sure in the long run, but is has also been very difficult to navigate in and around the Parks when all of those boards were up. Hotels often section off different areas while they renovate, but the guest is not as badly affected as we all have been for the past several years due to the renovations, when the renovations take place in theme Parks.

 

[ValpoCory]

Thanks, ValpoCory, for sharing that email with us. This is the part that I don't understand:

"However, we believe that the entertainment, food,
merchandise, and attractions offered are the best available for the
prices charged. Any changes in the DISNEYLAND® Resort prices or
offerings are made after thorough research."

It's not the best available because they can offer 6 and 7 day Park Hopper passes if they wanted to.

I think they are comparing their ticket offerings with other amusement parks.

I'm curious to know what their thorough research is, because they do make a lot of changes.

Me too. The paragraph is probably the most disconcerting paragraph I have read so far on the situation. It shows they are firm in their actions and are not likely to change anytime soon. That being said, I love this thread. Hopefully it is making a blip on their radar.

 

[jory29]

Hello All! I have sent three emails addressing these changes. I've been quite frank in each email. I have yet to receive a response. I told them how disappointed I was in Disney for this decision and how it hurt many families financially, including mine. What's worse is being told to head over to Knott's Berry Farm or the Beach. I wasn't coming to the Disneyland Resort to go to Knott's or the Beach (not that there is anything wrong with them), I'm addicted to Disney and that's where I wanted to be.

I know that it will take much more then a few emails to make the necessary changes, but I have high hopes that someday I will be able to spend my entire vacation in the Disneyland Resort without having to spend that kind of money to do so.

I would suggest to obtain a different email account, and perhaps send your email(s) again. Maybe try gmail or hotmail? Is it possible they replied but you missed seeing them in the junk mail? The first time I wrote, I got a reply 3 days later, and today, upon pointing out this thread to them, while replying to their email, I received a response within a few hours. Good luck!

 

[jory29]

I think they are comparing their ticket offerings with other amusement parks.



Me too.

I was thinking too, that they are doing that, (comparing themselves with other amusement parks) but why? NO place on earth as far as amusement parks go even remotely compares to DL. They were the ones that sought to obtain a Resort status name for themselves, they surely can't expect everyone to be happy with say, the Knott's Berry Farm traditional one or two day passes. DL is better than everyone else. Steps ahead. I hope they keep in mind their prices on food, etc. are pretty high, and they are always making far more money back in a day than just the ticket price. I can understand the prices being higher, but they still should keep them reasonable (that 33% price increase example was a prime example of a not-so-reasonable price increase IMO) and they should still offer people the # of days they want on their passes, and I still stand by the idea that the more money a family or even one person sinks in on getting a better deal per day if they buy more days, ultimately DL comes out ahead financially and it makes them look really good too, because they paid attention to their loyal customer base.

I believe like you, at this point they feel strong/confident that their research is pointing the way - but the more people contact them, and the more attention this issue gets, I honestly do believe they will make changes. Look at how they now offer to view Walt's Apartment in the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour. I assume this is something that they had contact with people asking, over, and over, and over again.

I do think they will change this as they realize what it is like for travelers from afar, who have a strong need for more than a short 5 day park hopper.

 

[dadzgirl70]

I would suggest to obtain a different email account, and perhaps send your email(s) again. Maybe try gmail or hotmail? Is it possible they replied but you missed seeing them in the junk mail? The first time I wrote, I got a reply 3 days later, and today, upon pointing out this thread to them, while replying to their email, I received a response within a few hours. Good luck!

I used three different email addresses. My own, my husbands and my sons. We got the standard reply, we've received your email, just not a specific response from an individual. I hope to see something soon. I will check the email link and ensure I am sending it to the correct department within Disney. Thank you much!

 

[jory29]

I used three different email addresses. My own, my husbands and my sons. We got the standard reply, we've received your email, just not a specific response from an individual. I hope to see something soon. I will check the email link and ensure I am sending it to the correct department within Disney. Thank you much!

You are very dedicated! That's good that you would try to communicate to them your concerns. I think though, overall, we are all getting a pretty standard reply with no real explanation. I understand Disney may be trying to figure their position on this, and how best to create the changes we are all asking for. In the meantime, all they can do is the standard reply.

I am hoping they will be able to follow up on this, because if all we ever get is a vague, generic response, this is not what we are hoping for at all.

 

[ValpoCory]

Also, be sure to voice your concerns on their Twitter Feed.

https://twitter.com/disneyland

 

[jory29]

Also, be sure to voice your concerns on their Twitter Feed.

https://twitter.com/disneyland

Thank you, I had not thought to do that! Great idea!

 

[8timesblessed]

I'm going to send a letter. We have a trip booked for our family Dec 1-10. We have flights booked, hotel booked and I bought the 5 day park hopper from AAA because I thought I could get the perks but since the price increase happened on the weekend our local AAA office was closed. Had I known we wouldn't be able to upgrade I would've bought our annual passes then. Now they are $100 more then they were in May when I bought our tickets and for our family of 10 that's alot of money. But since we are already booked for 10 days I feel like we just need to plan to buy annual passes and we are DVC so we save $20 per ticket.

We weren't planning another DL trip though, we were planning to go to WDW next year. Now I'm sure we will go back to DL instead with our annual passes. Our points don't go as far at VGC so we were going to do WDW instead. It's hard when you own at VGC but you have to plan so far out!

 

[jory29]

I'm going to send a letter. We have a trip booked for our family Dec 1-10. We have flights booked, hotel booked and I bought the 5 day park hopper from AAA because I thought I could get the perks but since the price increase happened on the weekend our local AAA office was closed. Had I known we wouldn't be able to upgrade I would've bought our annual passes then. Now they are $100 more then they were in May when I bought our tickets and for our family of 10 that's alot of money. But since we are already booked for 10 days I feel like we just need to plan to buy annual passes and we are DVC so we save $20 per ticket.

We weren't planning another DL trip though, we were planning to go to WDW next year. Now I'm sure we will go back to DL instead with our annual passes. Our points don't go as far at VGC so we were going to do WDW instead. It's hard when you own at VGC but you have to plan so far out!

Family of 10... first off, congrats! Secondly, how on earth do you manage an entire household with that many? It is really too bad that you purchased that weekend prior to the change, as that is so much extra money in the parks that you could have spent towards meals, etc. I am glad you will be writing in to them. I REALLY hope Disney is beginning to understand now just how important implementing a change BACK to 6, 7, etc. Park Hopper passes really is. Thanks for your input! Have fun on your trip!

 

[DnA2010]

Just sent my own email-


Dear Disney,

I am writing today to express my frustration in your recent changes in ticketing. We have been Disneyland visitors all my life growing up when we would head from Canada to visit my grandparents in LA to now, as parents ourselves, sharing our love of Disneyland with our children. After our last trip of 3 days we decided that we would definitely be doing a week on our next trip. It upsets me now to read on my favourite planning site (disboards.com) that no longer can passes be purchased greater than 5 days nor can we add additional days once there. It really bothers me to hear that people have been told to simply go somewhere else or go to the beach..I'd much rather be enjoying Disney at my own pace and enjoying eating in the great restaurants and shopping along with the attractions.

I just looked on the WDW site and I see that I can buy a 10 day ticket for WDW yet I can't even get 6 days at DLR?

My husband really wants to go back to Hawaii, and I'm afraid unless the ticketing changes, he is going to win. I hope to receive a positive reply.

Regards,

Allyson ********

 

[jory29]

Just sent my own email-


Dear Disney,

I am writing today to express my frustration in your recent changes in ticketing. We have been Disneyland visitors all my life growing up when we would head from Canada to visit my grandparents in LA to now, as parents ourselves, sharing our love of Disneyland with our children. After our last trip of 3 days we decided that we would definitely be doing a week on our next trip. It upsets me now to read on my favourite planning site (disboards.com) that no longer can passes be purchased greater than 5 days nor can we add additional days once there. It really bothers me to hear that people have been told to simply go somewhere else or go to the beach..I'd much rather be enjoying Disney at my own pace and enjoying eating in the great restaurants and shopping along with the attractions.

I just looked on the WDW site and I see that I can buy a 10 day ticket for WDW yet I can't even get 6 days at DLR?

My husband really wants to go back to Hawaii, and I'm afraid unless the ticketing changes, he is going to win. I hope to receive a positive reply.

Regards,

Allyson ********

THAT is an awesome email! You expressed everything right from the heart, and I am encouraged with your letter as I believe Disney has good-hearted people involved with this entire decision-making process. Fingers crossed!

 

[StyledSugar]

I sent an email as well. We are staying 8 nights at PPH and I find it horrible that we can only purchase 5 nights or upgrade to an AP. Horrible customer service!

 

[jory29]

I sent an email as well. We are staying 8 nights at PPH and I find it horrible that we can only purchase 5 nights or upgrade to an AP. Horrible customer service!

I'm glad you did send an email, and I hope that by the time you take your trip things will turn around for you. Thanks for posting. Best wishes!!

 

[MyYearWithTheMouse]

First off, thanks for the lovely comment back on page 1 Jory .

I really DO think they will change this if they get enough feedback. While they have never lowered prices (outside of promotions), they have certainly corrected mistakes. For example, when DCA first opened, you could get a 1-park AP or pay more for a parkhopper AP--cue hysterical laughter. They remedied that pretty quickly. So I do think that with enough outcry, they will change.

Combating the fraud can be exceedingly simple. Just require EVERYONE to show a picture ID at the gate EVERY time. Of course do lots of publicity so everyone knows to bring their ID and have it ready, they can print someone's name on the ticket at the time that it's printed (or heck, just write it in like they do now--don't even need a signature) and then routinely check ID. It's not that hard. Will it eliminate ticket fraud? Of course not, but people will be much less likely to attempt fraud if they know their ID will be checked. Same with the biometrics--do they work 100% of the time? No, but you know it's pretty risky to try to trick the system. When the risk is very high, fewer people will turn to fraud.

To make a little extra money, they can even create a "Disney ID" that you can buy that serves as picture ID for tickets as well as a nice, cute souvenir. Simply require all appropriate documentation and then issue them the same as the old APs that had pictures on them (now APs do not have pictures on the pass itself). Just an idea.

I can't speak for Disney obviously, but my *guess* is that the motivation behind this change is one, to prevent fraud, but two, to try to "force" as many people as possible into a Premium AP thinking this way--if you want a ticket greater than 5 days, you're probably a big Disney fan. So rather than letting you buy, say, a 7 day parkhopper and make one trip, if they can convince you to buy an AP, then you are very likely to squeeze in one more trip in the next 12 months to get your money's worth out of the AP. That is, if they sell a 7 day PH you will probably only come once a year, but if they sell you an AP, you will almost surely return for a second trip. This is, of course, flawed thinking, in that I think right now they overestimate people's desire and ability to pay the steep difference between the PH and the AP as well as making multiple trips in a 12 month period.

And of course it's deeply flawed in that 1) it completely contradicts their desire to be a resort vacation destination, and 2) even with the price increases, the vast majority of money Disney makes on guests is through food first, and merchandise second. I mean, Coke gives DLR their product for free and paper product pricing is negligible, so if I eat two meals in the park and pay $2.50 for a soda each time, that's $5 free and clear profit they just made off of me--for drinks alone in one day! Gate admission is not now and has never been the primary source of income. Financially it makes sense to have as many people in the parks as possible (that's why the SoCal APs are so cheap--because we fill the parks when the tourists don't), so it's really baffling that they would actively dissuade people from being in the parks.

Anyway, I'm rambling, but I really do hope this changes. I love DLR so much and it makes me really sad to see people cutting short their vacations due to this new pricing. Plus it infuriates me that honest people have to pay the price for ticket fraud.

 

[zavandor]

I don't understand why they don't allow to extend the tickets at least for people staying in the resort hotels.
I understand that someone might have resold partially extended tickets (but it's park fault not having a better security system). But I cannot see someone paying $2000 for 5 nights in the GCH and then reselling an unused ticket for what? $50?

 

[MyYearWithTheMouse]

I don't understand why they don't allow to extend the tickets at least for people staying in the resort hotels.
I understand that someone might have resold partially extended tickets (but it's park fault not having a better security system). But I cannot see someone paying $2000 for 5 nights in the GCH and then reselling an unused ticket for what? $50?

Oh much more than that. Check out eBay and Craigslist. For example, the first search comes up--2 adults and 1 child parkhopper, originally a 4-day ticket with 2 days left. The current bid if $450. The face value of the 4-day hopper is $805, so they will be making back more than half of what they paid.

And mostly it's that there are actual businesses who do this, that have a physical location that run an entire business on buying multi-day passes and selling individual days. From one ad on eBay:

You pick up your tickets at our office on the morning of your visit
(Our office opens at 7:30am - 7 days a week)
These are shared tickets, therefore they must be returned back to us!
(We have a dropbox at our office)

You return them to our office after you leave the park !
We Do Not Mail Tickets

Another eBay seller:

HOW EASY IS THIS?

I have an office less than 1 mile from the park. Simply pick up the ticket there the morning of your visit. Office hours are 7:30am - 11:00am everyday.

Tickets are returned to the office at the conclusion of your visit to the park.

And yet another seller:

1. Reserve tickets 24 Hrs in advance - by TEXTING to the number above XXXXXXXXXX
2. All tickets are to be PICKED UP at our office located 3 blocks from Disneyland - VALID ID REQUIRED
3. All tickets must be RETURNED to the office at the end of the same day - We have a 24hr drop box

And yet another seller:

These are rental tickets and must be returned whenever you are finished. On your visiting day, come to our store in the morning to pick up the tickets and then return them to the same office when you are finished at night. Our office is conveniently located in a retail shopping center about half a mile away from the Disney main entrance. We are a“Real Business with a Physical Location”. We promise you that “You get into the park or your money back”

And so on and so forth. Now mind you, this is NOT illegal. However, it IS against the terms of service printed on the ticket. Simply writing in names and requiring ID from everyone all the time would really cut back on these abuses by making this process very risky.

Edited to add: DLR is really cracking down on this lately. They don't always require ID but they are doing increasingly more "spot checks" at the gates and it's more common for a CM to write a name down or require a signature the first time they are used. It's not perfect, but this is much riskier than it used to be.