Disney email survey, Q about Disney being "Greedy"

[tarheelalum]

Just did an email survey from Disney. They asked a lot of questions about my opinion of AP days and then towards the end of the survey one of the questions had a list all that apply about Disney and one of the items in the list was something like, do you think Disney is greedy? Of course I said yes. I guess they are getting sensitive about their greed.

 

[tiffjoy]

I'm not sure what they expect... lol. I didn't do the survey yet- I feel like it's a lot of time and I'm not sure of the value I get out of it, honestly. Do they change anything really based on responses?

 

[ddwlms]

They are a business, and as such have the right to charge whatever the public is willing to pay. I don't understand why people think that is greedy. Starbucks charges $5 for a coffee. Taylor Swift charges $100+ for a ticket. Why does Disney get labeled greedy. They have a duty to their shareholders to make money. --I personally do not like their high prices, however, based on the crowd levels, it seems that they do not charge enough.

 

[courtneybeth]

I did the survey and of course marked things about expensive and greedy. Three price increases in 12 months is ridiculous.

 

[bumbershoot]

Why does Disney get labeled greedy.

Seems like they are labeling themselves as greedy. Who am I to disagree?


Starbucks doesn't charge $5 for a *coffee*. Big ol' mocha frap, sure, but not a brewed coffee. At least not in my area!

 

[LizzyS]

That's interesting. I know a lot of people think Disney doesn't care about anything but making money, but I'd dare to say that they are aware of their public perception and don't want that to be negative at all. Someone's job is to review survey results so they know what their customers think of their products and services, etc.

 

[Dr. G]

I'd be curious to know why someone is greedy if they are selling something for Fair Market Value? Supply and demand/simple economics dictates the price, and plenty of people are paying it. Disney is a business not a charity so they get to choose the price they charge. The rest of us are consumers, not slaves, so we get to decide if we pay the price or not. I'd also be curious to know how many people complaining about the demand pricing model actually buy one-day tickets, as opposed to park hoppers or annual passes, though I realize those prices are going up too. Anyway, not trying to start a fight or derail the topic, but my perspective is that most companies are "greedy", if that is defined as trying to maximize profits. Public companies are legally obligated to maximize shareholder value, if I understand things right. Disneyland is a luxury, and unfortunately not everyone can afford luxuries. No one is required to reduce the price of a luxury to the lowest common-denominator price. I personally think Disneyland is such a great value that they should do away with the lower pricing on So. Cal passes and have the price start at the Deluxe level. Those So Cal price points are absolute bargains. I wish I could get in at that price rather than having to pay $599 for a Deluxe AP, just because I live somewhere else. But, we had so much fun at Disneyland in January that we upgraded our 5-day parkhoppers to Deluxe APs. Bring on the trips! Back to the topic at hand, if I were to answer the question I'd prefer to say Disney is expensive, rather than greedy, but that just shows that I'm a trained capitalist. I look forward to hearing other opinions and following the discussion!

 

[mom2rtk]

Others reported getting that question on a survey last summer. Yet that didn't stop what they're doing (cutting front line employees in spite of record profits). Interesting that they are asking again.

 

[sheetz]

That's interesting. I know a lot of people think Disney doesn't care about anything but making money, but I'd dare to say that they are aware of their public perception and don't want that to be negative at all. Someone's job is to review survey results so they know what their customers think of their products and services, etc.

One of Disney's most valuable assets is their public image. There are millions of people who view their company as representing "family values" and will pay a premium to purchase their goods and services, particularly for their children. If Disney is seen as too much like any other company then they could very well lose that advantage.

 

[tarheelalum]

I'd be curious to know why someone is greedy if they are selling something for Fair Market Value? Supply and demand/simple economics dictates the price, and plenty of people are paying it. Disney is a business not a charity so they get to choose the price they charge. The rest of us are consumers, not slaves, so we get to decide if we pay the price or not. I'd also be curious to know how many people complaining about the demand pricing model actually buy one-day tickets, as opposed to park hoppers or annual passes, though I realize those prices are going up too. Anyway, not trying to start a fight or derail the topic, but my perspective is that most companies are "greedy", if that is defined as trying to maximize profits. Public companies are legally obligated to maximize shareholder value, if I understand things right. Disneyland is a luxury, and unfortunately not everyone can afford luxuries. No one is required to reduce the price of a luxury to the lowest common-denominator price. I personally think Disneyland is such a great value that they should do away with the lower pricing on So. Cal passes and have the price start at the Deluxe level. Those So Cal price points are absolute bargains. I wish I could get in at that price rather than having to pay $599 for a Deluxe AP, just because I live somewhere else. But, we had so much fun at Disneyland in January that we upgraded our 5-day parkhoppers to Deluxe APs. Bring on the trips! Back to the topic at hand, if I were to answer the question I'd prefer to say Disney is expensive, rather than greedy, but that just shows that I'm a trained capitalist. I look forward to hearing other opinions and following the discussion!

As a business Disney can charge whatever they want. As a consumer I can pay or or not. I can also express my dissatisfaction as a consumer.

 

[Dr. G]

Completely agree. If enough express dissatisfaction by not buying the product the price, in theory, should drop. I'd love that! Also appreciate the comment about Disney's public image and how they want to appear--that factors into their long-term profit too. Did the questionnaire actually use the word "greedy"? Thanks for the info/insights!

 

[ddwlms]

Seems like they are labeling themselves as greedy. Who am I to disagree?

I'd just ready that word multiple times over the last year or so, both here and on other Disney forums

 

[sherilaine]

Aren't they a publicly traded company that have to provide a return on investment to their shareholders? How are they any more greedy than Apple or any oil company or sports franchises or touring artists that charge $200 a ticket to see their show? The park is crowded! Prices still need to go up more in my opinion. I'd pay 50% more for lower crowds and I am not alone. Supply and demand people, magic is not free nor is it anyone's right. Disney is a business, not a dear friend.

 

[ImSoExcited]

I'd be curious to know why someone is greedy if they are selling something for Fair Market Value? Supply and demand/simple economics dictates the price, and plenty of people are paying it. Disney is a business not a charity so they get to choose the price they charge. The rest of us are consumers, not slaves, so we get to decide if we pay the price or not. I'd also be curious to know how many people complaining about the demand pricing model actually buy one-day tickets, as opposed to park hoppers or annual passes, though I realize those prices are going up too. Anyway, not trying to start a fight or derail the topic, but my perspective is that most companies are "greedy", if that is defined as trying to maximize profits. Public companies are legally obligated to maximize shareholder value, if I understand things right. Disneyland is a luxury, and unfortunately not everyone can afford luxuries. No one is required to reduce the price of a luxury to the lowest common-denominator price. I personally think Disneyland is such a great value that they should do away with the lower pricing on So. Cal passes and have the price start at the Deluxe level. Those So Cal price points are absolute bargains. I wish I could get in at that price rather than having to pay $599 for a Deluxe AP, just because I live somewhere else. But, we had so much fun at Disneyland in January that we upgraded our 5-day parkhoppers to Deluxe APs. Bring on the trips! Back to the topic at hand, if I were to answer the question I'd prefer to say Disney is expensive, rather than greedy, but that just shows that I'm a trained capitalist. I look forward to hearing other opinions and following the discussion!

I think a lot of non-locals don't appreciate that paying $18 per day to park really helps to almost wash out the SoCal pass with the deluxe pass. Going ten times during a year isn't totally out of the question and adds $180. parKing has the least overhead for Disney and is probably a large profit margin for them, compared to actual tickets and passes.

 

[Shanti]

I'd be curious to know why someone is greedy if they are selling something for Fair Market Value? Supply and demand/simple economics dictates the price, and plenty of people are paying it. Disney is a business not a charity so they get to choose the price they charge. The rest of us are consumers, not slaves, so we get to decide if we pay the price or not...if I were to answer the question I'd prefer to say Disney is expensive, rather than greedy, but that just shows that I'm a trained capitalist. I look forward to hearing other opinions and following the discussion!

Greedy. Yes, they are. Expensive, yes, that too. None of the facts or economic theories you mentioned changes the reality that we're talking about greed, & that's what it is. Please don't camouflage or try to excuse it. Greed is real.

 

[Dr. G]

Don't Deluxe AP holders have to pay to park too? Granted some walk from across the street. But others are either paying to park just like everyone else or paying $5/person/day for ART. So in my mind I compare Annual Pass to Annual Pass price. Keep in mind my comments are biased by a jealousy of those who live close to Disneyland!

 

[courtneybeth]

Don't Deluxe AP holders have to pay to park too?

Yes. Pass levels below Signature and Signature Plus do not have parking and you cannot purchase parking any more. (You pay as you go, $18 per day)

Keep in mind there are also those with parking already purchased - they're are grandfathered in. So technically as long as those passholders renew year after year, they can have parking passes. So confusing!

 

[Dr. G]

Greedy. Yes, they are. Expensive, yes, that too. None of the facts or economic theories you mentioned changes the reality that we're talking about greed, & that's what it is. Please don't camouflage or try to excuse it. Greed is real.

I agree greed is real, and it works both ways. Most of the complaints I see about admission prices that are using the word greed are mirroring greed and envy too. Greed generally implies taking more than one's share. I'm not camouflaging anything, but it appears my comments are highlighting the other side of greed as well: trying to pay less than one's share. Supply and demand is not an economic theory; it is economic reality unless someone or something steps in to alter the law of supply and demand (see: government, for example). I don't see companies raising prices on luxuries as greedy, as it relates to taking more than their share. There is HUGE demand for Disneyland right now. It is worth the price to a lot of people (I wish fewer people felt the value was there so the crowds would go down!). Disney provides an OPTIONAL service to those who buy entrance to their parks. They can charge whatever they want. NOBODY is hurt and nobody is forced to buy. Yes, people might be disappointed, but that doesn't mean they DESERVE entry to whatever they want at their picked price. They might even be angry if they feel they are ENTITLED to entrance to Disneyland at whatever price they deem is appropriate. But they are wrong. There are too many entitled people running around, and there are too many envious people running around saying the providers of goods and services are greedy. If someone doesn't like the service, product, or price, don't buy it. Vote with your dollars. Public companies owe it to their owners/shareholders to maximize their return on investment. As part of that they take into account the charitable giving that they wish to do to build goodwill and brand name. Disney gives a TON to charities. Disney gets to decide when and to whom they give charity, and they don't owe a cent of that charity to people coming through their gates unless Disney decides they want to (see: Make-A-Wish, and many other discounted/free entrances given).

My personal belief system is that everyone has an obligation to be charitable to those around them, but that charity has to be voluntary and at the individual level. Corporations are not obligated to be charitable (though I believe their owners are obligated), but I also believe it is in corporation's best interest to be charitable (Disney is). The shareholders should get maximum return on their investment in Disney. I believe they should share that blessing at an individual level according to the dictates of their own conscience, and that they'll be accountable for what they do. But that's just my belief and they should be allowed to do what they want. Forced charity is not charity; it's theft and slavery. But I digress... I guess to end with an olive leaf by way of peace: if we define greed as trying to get as much as they can, then yes it is greed to maximize profit. Just remember Disney is not taking that money from anyone; rather, people are WILLINGLY giving up their money and they feel they are getting appropriate value for it when they walk under those tunnels. Therefore, Disney hasn't taken more than their fair share; they've been given what the consumer of their product accepts as a fair price. They aren't stealing the money from their customers and they aren't forcing anyone to pay. Apologies if this comes across as overly harsh; it's something I'm passionate about as I see the current economic state of our country and where the entitlement mentality is taking us. Well, I've rambled on way too long, and I'll probably get flamed for this post. Doesn't change the fact that I envy (yep, I shouldn't but I do) those who get to go to Disneyland so often without paying for airfare, hotel, etc. . I have to keep reminding myself that anyone who has been to Disneyland, even if just once, lives a better life than most people who've ever graced the face of this planet in its existence. I forget that too often... First world problems!

 

[bakerudall]

Recently, I had a co-worker try to convince me that it only costs 50 cents to make a pair of jeans, and the rest of the purchase price was pure corporate greed. I tried to explain that the clothing company can't even transport a pair of jeans to him for 50 cents, let alone all the other costs involved, but to no avail. When people overuse the word "greed," they are really saying, "I don't understand the world around me, and I don't know how all this stuff came into my life."

As I said a few days ago in another thread, I want Disney Parks to make as much money as possible. That way, they can continue to have better rides, entertainment, food, restrooms, safety, service, etc., than any other amusement park, fair, or mass-entertainment venue. If they price themselves out of the market, they'll lower the prices. Currently, however, the value far exceeds all competitors. Where else can you spend 16 hours in one day and can't wait to get back the next morning?

I think what Disney is worried about with these surveys is public sentiment and what it can do to a company. There are so many people who hate Wal-Mart or McDonald's or George Bush or whatever, but they can't explain why. They're just "supposed to." Why are Target and Burger King okay? It's just public sentiment. Disney doesn't want to become one of "those" companies.

 

[tarheelalum]

Completely agree. If enough express dissatisfaction by not buying the product the price, in theory, should drop. I'd love that! Also appreciate the comment about Disney's public image and how they want to appear--that factors into their long-term profit too. Did the questionnaire actually use the word "greedy"? Thanks for the info/insights!

Yes. It said something like," do you think Disney is Greedy" with a check box next to it. It also basically had the same statement, in a more polite manner, right after the greedy statement.