I don't see how following the rules of supply and demand equates to price gouging... they have plenty of options that are more reasonable. Who says just because you're loyal you shouldn't have to pay a premium when there's increased demand for a product? Your loyalty gets you first dibs at booking and that seems fair to me.
Sure great question that is the most obvious objectionable point. That is how you might run a short term small operation selling a widget with no concern about building brand value or dynamic customer experiences with repeat dedicated customers.
The revenue generated from one maiden voyage, even with a premium charge, will have a negligible impact on Disney’s overall profits. Disney's success comes from repeat business and positive brand image. A strong brand with loyal, satisfied customers leads to a higher company valuation. Avoiding premium charges on special experiences is part of a broader strategy that helps retain a positive brand perception, allows inclusivity so all guest can have an opportunity to experience the special moment, which, in turn, enhances Disney’s overall valuation more than minimal revenue generated from implementing premium pricing on a singular maiden voyage. The focus should be on delivering value over extracting it. This also falls under the strategic concept of “second-order thinking” employed by successful CEOs such as Jeff Bezos which is the ability to think beyond the immediate effects of decisions and consider the longer-term consequences and ripple effects.
Loyalty has a compounding effect. Satisfied customers are more likely to return, recommend the experience to others, and contribute to a lifetime of revenue, which ultimately can be far more valuable than the extra income from a single premium-priced sailing
A supply-demand pricing strategy (charging as high as possible) may maximize revenue in the short term, but it risks alienating a portion of Disney’s loyal customer base, who could perceive the brand as opportunistic. This could lead to customer attrition (I am one of them) and negative brand image which will erode long-term value.
Successful companies focused on long term prosperity will increase their company valuation and have a high brand value by operating with a customer-centric approach that prioritizes long-term brand value and loyalty over short-term profits. Just look at Disney's share price which has performed negatively for 3+ years*. Maiden voyage premium pricing is not increasing their company valuation whatsoever instead their company valuation has declined for 3+ years by over 52%.
*DIS stock price 3 years ago 9/12/2021 was $184.12 (company worth $336 billion).
Today is $88.32 (company worth $161 billion) A -52.03% loss of company value.
