Disney does not want or need FastPass+ Haters business!

[JBS2]

It seems like Disney has decided to join the ranks of businesses that have recognized which customers are good for their business and bottom line----and those customers who are bad for business.

The park goers who used FastPass to the fullest extent are no longer welcomed or desired at Disney. They use up the most resources.....likely to pay the least when compared to others...... and are the most likely to maximize discounts and savings. This group gets their money's worth and some.

I agree with you 100% that Disney no longer cares for the locals because that is exactly who you described.

 

[jl234]

I'll wade in here after having my FP+ MB for about 5 months and being a local AP. For my family, it works out great. We can decide during the week what to do and then head over to the park, do the reserved things, maybe do another one or two, and go on with our weekend. If anything, it's made our short trips better.

They are also running commercials here saying to come and participate in the FP+ "test". I find that kinda crazy, but they are saying it themselves - they aren't done. They clearly went with the most conservative - and simplest - method to get this rolled out. Once they have this part down, they can add back in the complexities. To me, this much is obvious. They can't possibly continue to charge extra for park hopping and not allow for multi-park FP+ selections.

They are risking too much to not have this go right in the long term so if in the short term some of the die hards who've been coming for years and years get upset for a year (or two ) while they work out the kinks and roll out the platform fully - they are betting those same people will be back to try it out once it's to their liking.

 

[Mad Hattered]

- they are betting those same people will be back to try it out once it's to their liking.

So you are saying there is hope that FP+ goes away. I like it.

 

[clsteve]

Man, I wish I was good at photoshop. That would be quite an image.

I'm glad you're not---- I'd like to get some sleep tonight and Hattered's Flamingo Guy is going to make that hard enough already.....

 

[Silock]

I hardly feel marginalized. They give $145 off APs and PAPs year round. Yes, in 2012 the PAP 3 month promo was $300 off and this year it's $245 off. But that's still huge, 34% off. They didn't have to give anything extra or even the $145 off anytime. When I bought 14 years ago, the AP discount was ZERO. My maintenance dues went up 3% this year, hardly anything to complain about.

The way I understand it, there's no REGULAR annual pass discount. So, you now basically have to spend the $500 for a Premium Annual Pass. DVC owners have always had discounts on regular Annual Passes . . . until now. So, now you get to spend MORE money. And they've added a time limit on the discount now.

It's probably a better value if you're somewhat local, but there are a lot of DVC owners that go once a year, and don't need or want a PAP. A family of four in that case would spend nearly $200/day just on tickets for a ten-day stay. If true, the regular annual pass is now SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive for a DVC holder than it used to be, which was one of the allures of DVC in the first place. You could get cheap APs, come down and spend your points and be good to go. But now, you have to buy more expensive APs, and get less for your money. I call that a pretty big change. Because if you're not getting a PAP, it doesn't make any sense to even own DVC, when you can rent DVC for a cheaper outlay.

 

[redrosesix]

Not to mention to even the playing field out for those who have only gone once and don't know how to use the Fastpass to it's fullest extent.

Fastpass the way it was clogged the lines. I think we will end up seeing shorter wait times once the dust settles. With any new thing, there will be a learning period where glitches are worked out of the system.

I do feel like Disney wants to weed out the seasoned veterans who have APs and don't really spend as much on parks or resorts. I am ok with this because if every guest was an AP holder who brought their lunch in a cooler and bought glow sticks for the kids at Target, my Happy Place would be shutting down. I cannot have that!

I wasn't going to get involved in this one but.... What about the first visit family that has saved for years to get to wdw and has to bring their lunch in a cooler and buy their glow sticks at Target? Are they welcome in the park or not?

I want everyone to have a great time in the parks.

Just saying...you have to be careful because you sounded pretty mean.

 

[redrosesix]

I said it once before, but it was the annual passholders, dvc members, and florida residents who kept those parks open when everyone was afraid to travel and the economy went south. When they were shuttering entire resorts, when they were discussing alternating park opening days it wasn't the causual once-every-few-years guests or international guests that kept it alive. All it takes is one more wall street crash or one more oil crash or one more fear off terrorism and they will be begging for those reliable customers back.

I think you are wrong, by the way, in interpreting this as trying to maximize the casual guest at the cost of the experienced guest. I think it is more about trying to get everyone locked in to staying on property, the same basic strategy they have been doing for the past 40 years.

ITA with all of this

 

[dfb]

FP+ is designed to keep you in the parks longer??? 80/20 rule???

I’m a DVC member, AP holder sometimes, D23, Disney Visa etc.
From 1972 – 2008 we made 3 trips to WDW. Loved Disney but too crowded, lines too long not enough value to return that often.

2008 – 2013 we made 30+ trips to WDW. Largely due to FP legacy. We had such a good time riding all the rides we wanted, shows, tours, experiences, etc. It was a good value we returned often. Stayed in parks from rope drop to past closing (sometimes 2,3 and 4 am). Slept, ate, played, breathed Disney. Had the best time ever and spent more money than ever!

I’ve not yet used FP+ but using 3 FPs and then sent to standby lines does not sound very enticing to me? With the restrictions placed on FP doesn’t make me want to stay in the park.

If riding minimal rides and / or standing in long lines is service and value to you then good luck!

If Disney’s business plan is to get rid of customers like me… well I don’t think that’s much of a plan!

I don’t know if I’m the 20% or 80% but I know what I like. I’ll go as long as I’m feeling the magic. Right now I’m skeptical. We’ll see next trip??

 

[vicki_c]

Silock, a DVC AP costs $464 (think that's about $494 with tax). Regular price for an AP is $648 with tax. Still a discount. The PAP discount is just bigger (and more restrictive in terms of when you can get it).

And we haven't always had discounts on APs, that is a relatively new DVC perk only started a few years ago.

Your facts are incorrect (and I disagree with your interpretations as well but that's been debated a d nauseam innthainthread).

 

[pilferk]

The way I understand it, there's no REGULAR annual pass discount. So, you now basically have to spend the $500 for a Premium Annual Pass. DVC owners have always had discounts on regular Annual Passes . . . until now. So, now you get to spend MORE money. And they've added a time limit on the discount now.

It's probably a better value if you're somewhat local, but there are a lot of DVC owners that go once a year, and don't need or want a PAP. A family of four in that case would spend nearly $200/day just on tickets for a ten-day stay. If true, the regular annual pass is now SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive for a DVC holder than it used to be, which was one of the allures of DVC in the first place. You could get cheap APs, come down and spend your points and be good to go. But now, you have to buy more expensive APs, and get less for your money. I call that a pretty big change. Because if you're not getting a PAP, it doesn't make any sense to even own DVC, when you can rent DVC for a cheaper outlay.

Not correct. And I just confirmed.

On the dvcmember site, you can click on Membership Magic, and select perks. Then select "Discounts on Annual Passes and Premium Annual Passes".

AP is 464 plus Tax ($145 discount)
AP Renewal is 394 plus tax ($70 discount)
PAP (without the special discount promo they are running, now) is 585 plus tax ($145 discount)
PAP renewal is 494 plus tax ($90 discount)

Click (on the right) purchase now and it takes you to the WDW ticket purchase page with exactly the above prices.

They have, the past couple (few?) years run a promo giving an ADDITIONAL discount to DVC members on the PAP. And that's what they're pushing, now, via their "new" (ie: rebranded) perks page. But the old discounts are still there, too. And while they could disappear tomorrow...I'm not suspecting that they will.

 

[goofy4tink]

No one has to go to WDW....ever. It is not a God given right to go to a theme park. If you don't like the policies at a theme park, don't go. There are other places to spend your vacation dollars. If local people find that they no longer get enough 'bang for their buck', they will stop going. If Disney feels a thinness in their wallets, then they will change things. It's really pretty simple. Go where you enjoy spending time.

I own DVC, have had an AP for many years. I am not a local....I have 3 hr flights to get there. I don't spend a ton of money at WDW....food but very few souvenir type things. So, I'm probably not the guest that Disney really wants to attract.

All I know is that things change....all the time. Disney has consistently made changes to many things in their parks. And people have complained. But, in the long run? Disney has kept on trucking...the parks are busier than ever the resorts are close to full most of the time......which is why we are not seeing nearly as many great room discounts. Things are going pretty well for Disney. I doubt they much care about losing people due to FP+.

 

[DebbieB]

The way I understand it, there's no REGULAR annual pass discount. So, you now basically have to spend the $500 for a Premium Annual Pass. DVC owners have always had discounts on regular Annual Passes . . . until now. So, now you get to spend MORE money. And they've added a time limit on the discount now.

It's probably a better value if you're somewhat local, but there are a lot of DVC owners that go once a year, and don't need or want a PAP. A family of four in that case would spend nearly $200/day just on tickets for a ten-day stay. If true, the regular annual pass is now SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive for a DVC holder than it used to be, which was one of the allures of DVC in the first place. You could get cheap APs, come down and spend your points and be good to go. But now, you have to buy more expensive APs, and get less for your money. I call that a pretty big change. Because if you're not getting a PAP, it doesn't make any sense to even own DVC, when you can rent DVC for a cheaper outlay.

As others have said, not true, the regular AP discount is still there, about 25% off. Stick to your FP+ rants.

 

[EMode]

I own DVC, have had an AP for many years. I am not a local....I have 3 hr flights to get there. I don't spend a ton of money at WDW....food but very few souvenir type things. So, I'm probably not the guest that Disney really wants to attract.

All I know is that things change....all the time. Disney has consistently made changes to many things in their parks. And people have complained. But, in the long run? Disney has kept on trucking...the parks are busier than ever the resorts are close to full most of the time......which is why we are not seeing nearly as many great room discounts. Things are going pretty well for Disney. I doubt they much care about losing people due to FP+.

They aren't trying to attract you, if you own DVC and purchase AP's every year they already did, and I'm sure they are happy to continue to take your money

I agree that they don't care about losing people to FP+, they only way they will care is if it effects their bottom line and it isn't going too. There will still be people purchasing into DVC, and AP's, and repeat families booking resort stays and new famlies doing the same.

 

[wdwfreak]

I think part of the problem is that people take things that are not in any way meant to be attacks...as attacks. (Keep in mind, I'm not pointing at anyone(s) specific).

For example:

"We're not going back to Disney, and are going to Universal instead" is not an attack on those who love Disney, and like the FP system. It's a simple expression of opinion based off a value calculation FOR THAT POSTER.

I don't think that's what the previous poster was referring to...just on this thread, those that have dared to try and defend FP+ or MM+ have been called heifers, cattle, Kool Aid drinkers, and catty. <---- As one poster responded, "Meow." Those, if you ask me, are attacks. People who don't like something don't have to be offended by those who do. Or react with negativity and name calling. There is a small contingent of posters on here who refuse to take anyone who likes or defends FP+ seriously and resort to the above referenced "attacks." They know who they are.

Can we just debate the two sides without resorting to this kind of stuff?

 

[kbelle8995]

I don't think that's what the previous poster was referring to...just on this thread, those that have dared to try and defend FP+ or MM+ have been called heifers, cattle, Kool Aid drinkers, and catty. <---- As one poster responded, "Meow." Those, if you ask me, are attacks. People who don't like something don't have to be offended by those who do. Or react with negativity and name calling. There is a small contingent of posters on here who refuse to take anyone who likes or defends FP+ seriously and resort to the above referenced "attacks." They know who they are.

Can we just debate the two sides without resorting to this kind of stuff?

I've heard attacks issued from both sides of the FP+ debate.

I think that regardless you should be able discuss without going into attack mode.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I've heard attacks issued from both sides of the FP+ debate.
I think that regardless you should be able discuss without going into attack mode.

Amen. Just look at this thread title. As I said earlier in the thread (before any references to kool aid or RCG were made)...it seems to be perfectly OK to use labels/names for those who aren't fans of FP+, but not the other way around.

 

[wdwfreak]

Amen. Just look at this thread title. As I said earlier in the thread (before any references to kool aid or RCG were made)...it seems to be perfectly OK to use labels/names for those who aren't fans of FP+, but not the other way around.

It does? Who says it's okay? I don't think either side should engage in this.

Personally, I don't hate the idea of FP+. But I haven't used it yet. And I almost always stay on property. Maybe after I use it in March, I will feel differently. I am someone who loved the previous system and made good use of it. I am choosing to try and stay positive and adapt my touring to the current system that is in place, as opposed to declaring I'm done with Disney or trying to dissuade others from going.

I have been called names and been made to feel foolish for my stance.

Oh well, I am trying to stay above the name calling.

I plan to be in the (non EMH) parks at rope drop and hit 5 or 6 rides before the park fills up, eat lunch, my FP+ are all scheduled for noon or later and then I'm hopping to a park for the evening fireworks and/or parade. Maybe that will work for some people, maybe it won't. That is my plan.

I don't feel as though Disney has coerced me or forced my hand in any way, other than to adapt to theie new system, but that is my choice. FP+ or MM+ won't keep me away.

 

[Angel Ariel]

It does? Who says it's okay? I don't think either side should engage in this.

I wasn't saying you were OK with it, but in general, no I don't see many people having an issue with the many negative labels that have been tossed about for those that don't like FP+. I have, however, seen people who are using those labels for the negative side suddenly take issue when a label gets applied to them. It's more than a bit hypocritical (again, I'm not referring to you, wdwfreak - just commenting on what I have observed).

I have been called names and been made to feel foolish for my stance.

Oh well, I am trying to stay above the name calling.

I have also been called names and been made to feel foolish for my stance, and I am also trying to stay above the name calling. I haven't personally used the labels like kool-aid/RCG (other than in referencing their existence). I'm just tired of it from all sides, TBH.

 

[wdwfreak]

I wasn't saying you were OK with it, but in general, no I don't see many people having an issue with the many negative labels that have been tossed about for those that don't like FP+. I have, however, seen people who are using those labels for the negative side suddenly take issue when a label gets applied to them. It's more than a bit hypocritical (again, I'm not referring to you, wdwfreak - just commenting on what I have observed).



I have also been called names and been made to feel foolish for my stance, and I am also trying to stay above the name calling. I haven't personally used the labels like kool-aid/RCG (other than in referencing their existence). I'm just tired of it from all sides, TBH.

Thank you (seriously) for your respectful and reasonable response. Would that we could all interact in the same way.

 

[Silock]

Not correct. And I just confirmed.

On the dvcmember site, you can click on Membership Magic, and select perks. Then select "Discounts on Annual Passes and Premium Annual Passes".

AP is 464 plus Tax ($145 discount)
AP Renewal is 394 plus tax ($70 discount)
PAP (without the special discount promo they are running, now) is 585 plus tax ($145 discount)
PAP renewal is 494 plus tax ($90 discount)

Click (on the right) purchase now and it takes you to the WDW ticket purchase page with exactly the above prices.

They have, the past couple (few?) years run a promo giving an ADDITIONAL discount to DVC members on the PAP. And that's what they're pushing, now, via their "new" (ie: rebranded) perks page. But the old discounts are still there, too. And while they could disappear tomorrow...I'm not suspecting that they will.

That's good to hear. It just wasn't announced anywhere, nor ever mentioned alongside the new discounts. Not being a DVC member, I couldn't check on the prices myself, nor could I find any concrete information until your post. Thanks for the info!