CRT New Pricing Poll

[All Aboard]

In what way did Disney "screw up royally" regarding Early Entry?

By insulting the guests by replacing an hour and a half of crowd-free theme park touring with five minutes of character time a couple of days a week, calling it "a new kind of magic", selling it as a fair trade-off, and telling us that "we asked for it".

Given your registration date on these boards, you were around for the pages and pages of outcry by the members here. I'm sure you've read about the volume of email, letters, phone calls and visits to City Hall that Disney was inundated with.

If the "reason" and the "goal" was to anger guests and then later placate them by giving it back with much hoopla, then yes, it was a rousing success.

 

[DW mouser]

I booked for CRT today, before I knew of the price increase. The CM didn't tell me. I was also put on hold for 30 minutes while he got help from dining support to fix a $255 charge on my cc for breakfast at CRT. I had to convince him that it was indeed on the dining plan! Now, I will call back tomorrow to cancel because I can use those credits for 2 nice meals elsewhere!! All of you who have been already or got this free are sooooo lucky!!!! My 2 granddaughters will have to be satisified with 1900 Park Fare!!

 

[cigar95]

If the "reason" and the "goal" was to anger guests and then later placate them by giving it back with much hoopla, then yes, it was a rousing success.

given that we don't know their goals at the time, and we don't know the reasons, anything we might say here is nothing but speculation. The response of a tiny sliver of WDW guests on these boards doesn't tell us much.

The goal might indeed have been to find out what the response to removing the hours would be. The only way to answer a question like that accurately is to do it and see what happens.

Along the same lines, we'll see if CRT continues to sell out. If so, the price increase will stick. Just like the Hoop de Doo sells out most of its shows for $50, even though fried chicken and strawberry shortcake - good as they are - aren't worth that kind of price on their own. If, on the other hand, the restaurant is suddenly only half full (not a chance in the world), we'll see some sort of modification.

 

[bicker]

I'm sorry, where was that question up for debate?

If you'd like to debate it Matt, take it to the Debate Board. Thanks!

 

[bicker]

It isn't rational to interpret business decisions as personal affronts. I think that's where a lot of folks go off course with their so-called criticisms of the decisions the company makes. Business decisions are made, if anything, dispassionately, based on what is knowable. If anything, companies strive to make customers feel valued; few if any ever seek ways to annoy their customers.

We customers have projected the message very very clearly: This specific experience is worth far more than the company was charging for it. Gosh -- look at the sticky thread!!!!!!!!!! If anyone thinks that doesn't indicate that the experience was more valuable than the price, please fill us in on the basis for such objection.

 

[All Aboard]

The response of a tiny sliver of WDW guests on these boards doesn't tell us much.

From what I've heard, the elimination of EE generated more guest complaints than any other issue in WDW history. If true, this "tiny sliver" was representative of guests on the whole.

Business decisions are made, if anything, dispassionately, based on what is knowable. If anything, companies strive to make customers feel valued; few if any ever seek ways to annoy their customers.

Of course, but intent and impact are two entirely different things.

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

We customers have projected the message very very clearly: This specific experience is worth far more than the company was charging for it. Gosh -- look at the sticky thread!!!!!!!!!! If anyone thinks that doesn't indicate that the experience was more valuable than the price, please fill us in on the basis for such objection.

Somewhat agree. I know all about fair market value, supply/demand........business graduate here ..............

But what I "really" understand is what my family is willing to pay for such a thing. When we went in 2001, I think it was around the same price that it is now for breakfast.....$21.95....it might have been a few dollars less, I can't remember. What I DO remember is my DH commenting on how much we were going to pay for breakfast!! He thought it was rediculous then! But, it was for our 2 DD's and it was special, so we did it. (And I know that is how a lot of people will still feel, even though the price is much higher........just not us anymore)

Now, I must just interject something..........we are upper middle class......we are not rolling in money by any means, but we are well cared for..........just stating this so you "know" where my family is coming from. I certainly don't feel I am better than anyone else, quite the opposite. But even though we could "afford" the new pricing, there is a limit or a line I won't cross. I could afford a new car but I choose to buy used and hold onto it for 10 years. I think A LOT of people are like me on these boards.

And although I do feel the popularity warrants a price hike (that demand thing again ), I don't think it needed a 45% price increase. But that's just my opinion, as is all of this.

I'm sure CRT will still be filled. It just won't be filled with our family, no big deal.

 

[Lewisc]

Makes sense. I'd hope, but don't expect, Disney would improve the menu to reflect the new prices. For $30 I'd expect eggs cooked to order, and something like Eggs Benedict and not just a scoop of scrambled eggs. I agree demand for CRT indicates a price adjustment is good business but making sure guests feel they're getting quality for their $$$ is also good business.

It's really not fair making the meal 2 credits. It is the least expensive 2 credit dinner. Many of the 1 credit meals cost more than dinner at CRT.

If business drops too much Disney will just fine tune the policy. I think this is one way of taking care of the dessert only customers.

Currently the CRT reservations go to customers willing to use multiple phones to call at the crack of dawn. Make sense for the reservations to go to guests who're willing to pay extra. Some guests may decide not to dine at CRT every trip. This may make it easier for first time visitors, people who make reservations late and even some walk ups to get served. Also a good thing.

It isn't rational to interpret business decisions as personal affronts. I think that's where a lot of folks go off course with their so-called criticisms of the decisions the company makes. Business decisions are made, if anything, dispassionately, based on what is knowable. If anything, companies strive to make customers feel valued; few if any ever seek ways to annoy their customers.

We customers have projected the message very very clearly: This specific experience is worth far more than the company was charging for it. Gosh -- look at the sticky thread!!!!!!!!!! If anyone thinks that doesn't indicate that the experience was more valuable than the price, please fill us in on the basis for such objection.

 

[phisigprincess]

With the TSCs, we'll still be in - espeically since we're going on my birthday and I'm making the ADRs, FI will come along for the ride. If I had to pay for it without my TSC, I wouldn't do it.

 

[cigar95]

What I DO remember is my DH commenting on how much we were going to pay for breakfast!! He thought it was rediculous then! But, it was for our 2 DD's and it was special, so we did it.

You've hit on the clear point of what's happening - when we go to CRT for breakfast, we aren't going to have breakfast. We're going for what might be called a "unique Disney experience" that isn't available anywhere else - not even at PSB, in quite the same way. So the the issue of whether or not the particular meal served is worth the price being charged is something of a non-issue, since the price isn't simply the price of a meal, but of the whole event.

The ironic thing is that for the past few years, I've been one of the rare ones who goes to CRT because I *do* love the food. As long as Belle comes to my table, I wouldn't be upset if the other princesses just bypassed me.

And although I do feel the popularity warrants a price hike (that demand thing again ), I don't think it needed a 45% price increase. But that's just my opinion, as is all of this.

Well, that raises an important question - and I'm not asking this to badger you - but apart from basic supply & demand, what *does* determine what the appropriate price increase would have been? As you point out, the restaurant will almost certainly still be full.

 

[cigar95]

From what I've heard, the elimination of EE generated more guest complaints than any other issue in WDW history. If true, this "tiny sliver" was representative of guests on the whole.

That's a more relevant piece of evidence to cite.

But even *that* doesn't, by itself, tell us that the original decision was a mistake.

 

[DW mouser]

I orginally said I was going to cancel and I did cancel the breakfast, but I booked dinner. I figured if we were going to be paying that much we're going to be eating steak or prime rib!!! I also booked 1900 Park Fare for cinderella for my 2 granddaughters. They don't know that the princess' are in the castle in the morning or for lunch. Didn't like the lunch menu. Now, if they change and cheapen up the dinner menu, I will cancel out!! We have never did the castle so I thought we should just one time!!

 

[2diamonds&a~gem]

We will eat @ the Palace, but not this trip. DD is only 2 & while she will have a great time & truly enjoy it, she will not be able to have great memories of it & think back on them fondly. Now dont get me wrong, @ 2 yo she has been to WDW 3 times & we are heading down again in Feb & Sept, but I want her to remember eating @ the castle & talking to the princesses. That being said I also have a long list of places I want to eat @ in Feb, so I dont want to spend 2 TS credits on CRT this time. So instead we are doing the Princess breakfast in Epcot. But I look forward to the day we can eat @ the castle, maybe in 2007 or 2008.

 

[bicker]

And although I do feel the popularity warrants a price hike (that demand thing again ), I don't think it needed a 45% price increase. But that's just my opinion, as is all of this.

I agree. My guess would have been that a $7 increase would have been appropriate, not a $10 increase. By the same token, I acknowledge that Disney has better information than I do, and they're probably closer to the correct answer than I am.

If business drops too much Disney will just fine tune the policy. I think this is one way of taking care of the dessert only customers.

Two extremely good points!

 

[Lewisc]

I agree. My guess would have been that a $7 increase would have been appropriate, not a $10 increase. By the same token, I acknowledge that Disney has better information than I do, and they're probably closer to the correct answer than I am.

The photo package has some value to most guests. Probably less than the $30 Disney is claiming but probably at least $3/guest.

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

You've hit on the clear point of what's happening - when we go to CRT for breakfast, we aren't going to have breakfast. We're going for what might be called a "unique Disney experience" that isn't available anywhere else -

Totally agree, as I said in my post. BUT.......what I would have done is dine there mulitple times (was thinking about it for next Oct/Nov trip maybe). Instead, now I am crossing it off of my list.

Not sure if that matters, because it's like we said, they just will get lots of first timers, which is enough to fill up the castle everyday. (probably) They just might not get a lot of repeat customers, unless of course they have younger children that weren't along on the first trip.

And what does determine the price? Yes, I'm sure WDW has their professionals to figure that out. And if it is too much, they will do something else. (the pros have made mistakes before)

 

[bicker]

The photo package has some value to most guests. Probably less than the $30 Disney is claiming but probably at least $3/guest.

It varies a bit, I suppose. However, that really raises a good point. Perhaps there is so much demand that there are sufficient potential guests that would place a high value on the photo package. So while the change may be unpalatable to some guests, there are enough that would find it acceptable with the $10. The point that raises is that it is very reasonable to aim a limited-capacity offering at a smaller segment of the customer base, by adding on high-profit extras that that smaller segment will be willing to pay for. In a way, that's the difference between first class and economy on an aircraft. If folks could purchase a first class seat for 50% more than a discounted economy seat, many of them would. However, that isn't worth it for the airline. They are indifferent between filling that space with 12 first class passengers or 18 economy passengers. So the airline piles on more extras (pre-boarding, additional personal attention from flight attendants, better food service, etc.). The extra premium they charge for first class seats is far higher than the value of the additional services they provide, but the limited capacity and high demand substantiates the additional premium they charge.

 

[DisOrBust]

We will not eat at CRT anymore. As I explained to my 8 and 11yo the price is to a point sinful IMHO. I have to be a role model to my girls and to waste money this obsenely(sp) example 33$ for breakfast, is not teaching them to be good consumers. The value isn't there at this price point to us and my girls agreed. They did feel that their 3yo little sister should be able to go and even said I should just take her. Although that maybe a ploy to ride Splash a few more times....

Not anymore for us...and I don't think we are alone...we will just have to wait and see if they continue to fill up CRT. I am guessing during slower times they will have their share of empty seats.

I should also add that this increase had me for the first time in years "visit" the Universal boards and offical websites if I find more bang for our vacation buck we will go elsewhere. Michelle loves Barney too!!

 

[Lewisc]

You know a lot more about airline pricing than I do. For what it's worth I've read some airlines don't really like first class. Most of the seats wind up going to elite fliers who get free upgrades. The concern is dropping first class would jeopardize the business of full fare coach business travelers who are loyal to an airline due to their elite status. On many routes having the extra coach seats to sell would actually be better for the airline if it didn't result in business travelers gravitating to other airlines.

Back to CRT--The new dinner menu seems to feature a table appetizer selection and a very limited entree selection. Looks like nothing will be cooked to order and probably a faster turnover of tables.

In a way, that's the difference between first class and economy on an aircraft. If folks could purchase a first class seat for 50% more than a discounted economy seat, many of them would. However, that isn't worth it for the airline. They are indifferent between filling that space with 12 first class passengers or 18 economy passengers. So the airline piles on more extras (pre-boarding, additional personal attention from flight attendants, better food service, etc.). The extra premium they charge for first class seats is far higher than the value of the additional services they provide, but the limited capacity and high demand substantiates the additional premium they charge.

 

[cigar95]

Not sure if that matters, because it's like we said, they just will get lots of first timers, which is enough to fill up the castle everyday. (probably) They just might not get a lot of repeat customers, unless of course they have younger children that weren't along on the first trip.

That's one place where my "Hoop de Doo" comparison comes in. I'm guessing that few WDW regulars visit Pioneer Hall more than once every two or three years.

Similarly, I know that after my February trip, I probably won't eat at the castle again for a while - maybe three or four years. But I *will* go back eventually, because I enjoy the experience even without kids.

If a family who visits annually takes their twin 6-year-old daughters to CRT, they might want to take them again when the girls are 9 or 10, just as an example. By the time the girls are 12, though, the "princess thing" will probably have lost interest. So the dynamics of this event are different than those of HDD.

To all, btw - I'm glad that the discussion in this thread has been mostly civil, even when there are disagreements.