Costco 4-day hopper tickets and the impact on holiday crowds

[23bw]

For the past few years, DLR has been making headlines news for overwhelming crowds during the holidays. Assuming this Christmas is going to be the same, what is DLR trying to accomplish by offering discounted tickets through Costco? Are they trying to set new park attendance records? Are projected ticket sales soft for the coming months? The way I see it, DLR is only making the situation worst by offering this deal.

With that said, we have our tickets purchased from Costco for the upcoming holidays. We would have bought them anyway at full price through their website.

 

[kaci]

For the past few years, DLR has been making headlines news for overwhelming crowds during the holidays. Assuming this Christmas is going to be the same, what is DLR trying to accomplish by offering discounted tickets through Costco? Are they trying to set new park attendance records? Are projected ticket sales soft for the coming months? The way I see it, DLR is only making the situation worst by offering this deal.

With that said, we have our tickets purchased from Costco for the upcoming holidays. We would have bought them anyway at full price through their website.

To the bolded, we're in the same situation. And I think (while utterly lacking in any business or marketing experience or education) that many people will be the same.

The tickets are a good deal, but are they a good enough deal to inspire someone to spend, what will likely add up to thousands of dollars, on a vacation that they weren't already planning?

Or maybe that's what I'm telling myself so I don't get too freaked about crowds

 

[sheetz]

The tickets are a good deal, but are they a good enough deal to inspire someone to spend, what will likely add up to thousands of dollars, on a vacation that they weren't already planning?

I think this is the key. Most people will not buy 4 day tickets on impulse--even with the discount that's a huge expense for a family of 4. People who buy them are probably already planning on going, or at least are waiting around for a good discount before deciding to go.

 

[mianmike]

I think this is the key. Most people will not buy 4 day tickets on impulse--even with the discount that's a huge expense for a family of 4. People who buy them are probably already planning on going, or at least are waiting around for a good discount before deciding to go.

Count us in the camp of buying on impulse. The deal seemed to good to pass up. We will contribute to the crowd Dec 26-Jan 1.

 

[coaches24]

we bought ours from Costco too. DW got a larger than expected bonus through her work so we thought about using it to do DL. We were trying to figure out dates when we saw the deal and couldn't pass it up. At first we were thinking about waiting till June but the tickets changed our mind and we found we can go Jan 1-6 (2-5 in the parks).

 

[Dizzy4DL]

I was planning on going anyway, but in mid January. I bought ours today, and our Costco had a TON left, the checker didn't even know they had them.
I guess they aren't that popular here.

 

[kaci]

I think this would make an interesting poll. Whether people bought their tickets for a trip they were already considering/planning OR were inspired to take a trip after becoming aware of the tickets.

 

[23bw]

Interesting replies so far.

For folks who frequent this board, I wouldn't have expected the Costco deal to entice an unplanned visit over the holidays.

 

[DollBabyKG]

We bought ours, but were already planning on going. I actually got a cheaper flat rate ticket through last minute travel, but with the $50 gift card, it was much better.

And I wouldn't freak out too much about the crowds. We went last year from Dec 5-11, and other than evenings/weekends it was great. We thought the crowds were virtually nil until after 5:30/6:00 pm, and on Saturday. Evenings and weekends were insane, but with the low crowds during the weekdays, we had plenty of time to do all we wanted in 3.5 days!

 

[DisneyHeather]

To the bolded, we're in the same situation. And I think (while utterly lacking in any business or marketing experience or education) that many people will be the same.

The tickets are a good deal, but are they a good enough deal to inspire someone to spend, what will likely add up to thousands of dollars, on a vacation that they weren't already planning?

Or maybe that's what I'm telling myself so I don't get too freaked about crowds

Count my family and I in as people who weren't planning a trip until seeing the deal at Costco. We'll now be there November 17-21. My moms called DVC member services from Costco to book rooms and one sister didn't want to go so now there's room in the car for my son and I so we're all taking the trip.

I can't wait even though it will probably be busy I'm excited about Cars Land.

 

[BFPAWG]

somewhat off topic, does anyone know, can you apply the price of the costco ticket to an annual pass if we get one while we are ther?

 

[kaci]

somewhat off topic, does anyone know, can you apply the price of the costco ticket to an annual pass if we get one while we are ther?

There have been multiple reports on this board (and others) that you can, and that the value you are given towards your chosen upgrade is $275 :

 

[kaci]

Count my family and I in as people who weren't planning a trip until seeing the deal at Costco. We'll now be there November 17-21. My moms called DVC member services from Costco to book rooms and one sister didn't want to go so now there's room in the car for my son and I so we're all taking the trip.

I can't wait even though it will probably be busy I'm excited about Cars Land.

: How fun to have an impromptu trip! I love that your mom called Disney *from* Costco