Do shorter standby times mean more $$ or fewer $$ for Disney?

[kay1864]

I've always thought that if guests spend more time in standby lines, then they're more likely to need an extra day to see a park, which means extra ticket revenue, food revenue, merchandise revenue, possibly even resort revenue.

But as more guests use FP, standby time will decline (eventually).

OTOH, the more time guests spend in standby, that's time they don't have to shop, plus they're grumpier and thus maybe less likely to buy merchandise. More important, return visits would decrease if guests had an unhappy experience. But the ticket, food, and possibly resort revenue *for that visit* would still increase though, if the guest needs an extra day.

From a purely revenue standpoint, it seems like it would be in Disney's interest to increase standby time, not decrease it. Maybe they're looking for more return visits instead of guests needing an extra day or two for their trip.

Thoughts?

 

[Reddog1134]

I think the number of guests that add days because they didn't do everything they wanted is small.

Disney wants you out of lines and in the shops and restaurants spending money, which was the original thought behind Fastpass.

 

[disneynutz]

I think the number of guests that add days because they didn't do everything they wanted is small.

Disney wants you out of lines and in the shops and restaurants spending money, which was the original thought behind Fastpass.

I agree, merchandise and food is where the money is. Iger has stated that MB's has increased spending by 20% and MB's are being used to move people through the parks.

Bill

 

[wareagle57]

I think the number of guests that add days because they didn't do everything they wanted is small.

Disney wants you out of lines and in the shops and restaurants spending money, which was the original thought behind Fastpass.

True, but what about veterans that know how much time they need to do certain things. They could start shaving a day off of their visits.

 

[cmwade77]

True, but what about veterans that know how much time they need to do certain things. They could start shaving a day off of their visits.

Again, this is actually a very small percentage at WDW and if other guests find the waits to be too long, word will get out and people will go elsewhere, such as Universal, Sea World, etc. that all have options to bypass the lines.

At DLR, the majority of the guests are passholders, especially during times that kids are in school. If lines are too long, especially in the off-season, passholders will not renew at present prices. Which affect the bottom line as well, as they are what makes up for the lack of tourists during this time.

So shorter stand-by times are better for Disney all around.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I think it's more complicated than just how long guests are standing in line.

It really depends what else they are doing.

 

[EMode]

I've always thought that if guests spend more time in standby lines, then they're more likely to need an extra day to see a park, which means extra ticket revenue, food revenue, merchandise revenue, possibly even resort revenue.

But as more guests use FP, standby time will decline (eventually).

OTOH, the more time guests spend in standby, that's time they don't have to shop, plus they're grumpier and thus maybe less likely to buy merchandise. More important, return visits would decrease if guests had an unhappy experience. But the ticket, food, and possibly resort revenue *for that visit* would still increase though, if the guest needs an extra day.

From a purely revenue standpoint, it seems like it would be in Disney's interest to increase standby time, not decrease it. Maybe they're looking for more return visits instead of guests needing an extra day or two for their trip.

Thoughts?

I think there are probably very few people that just add a day, locals can do it no problem but it isn't easy for those traveling. Adding a day means changing flights, maybe taking another day off work/school or whatever.
I'm pretty sure their goal is to keep people out of lines so they can spend in the parks, more souvenirs, more food, snacks and drinks. I'm sure they have considered people adding days but if they already have tickets then adding days to them isn't going to give Disney as much revenue as the extra spending you do in the park all week when you aren't in line.

If my SB time increases I assure you (and Disney if you are listening) that I will not plan a return visit any time soon

 

[mom2rtk]

I think there are probably very few people that just add a day, locals can do it no problem but it isn't easy for those traveling. Adding a day means changing flights, maybe taking another day off work/school or whatever.
I'm pretty sure their goal is to keep people out of lines so they can spend in the parks, more souvenirs, more food, snacks and drinks. I'm sure they have considered people adding days but if they already have tickets then adding days to them isn't going to give Disney as much revenue as the extra spending you do in the park all week when you aren't in line.

If my SB time increases I assure you (and Disney if you are listening) that I will not plan a return visit any time soon

 

[HM]

I think the number of guests that add days because they didn't do everything they wanted is small.

Disney wants you out of lines and in the shops and restaurants spending money, which was the original thought behind Fastpass.

I agree with this.

My trips to WDW have gotten shorter and shorter over the years. Mostly due to time and money constraints (with all the price increases there). If lines were longer, I'd just be missing out on more during my short trip. I could and would not add days at today's prices. If they brought the prices back in line with what I was paying in 2000, than maybe I'd be able to add more time to my trip.

 

[disneynutz]

The size and number of shops and restaurants at Disney Springs pretty much tells you where there is money to be made.

Bill

 

[disneymac000]

But with FP+ creating more people in Standby lines at rides that previously had no lines aren't they still losing money based on more people being forced to be in line?

 

[shyjade]

I think there are probably very few people that just add a day, locals can do it no problem but it isn't easy for those traveling. Adding a day means changing flights, maybe taking another day off work/school or whatever.
I'm pretty sure their goal is to keep people out of lines so they can spend in the parks, more souvenirs, more food, snacks and drinks. I'm sure they have considered people adding days but if they already have tickets then adding days to them isn't going to give Disney as much revenue as the extra spending you do in the park all week when you aren't in line.

If my SB time increases I assure you (and Disney if you are listening) that I will not plan a return visit any time soon

I agree with this 100%! Our trip lengths are determined by airfare, limited # of days pulling DD16 out of school, etc. and not by how long it will take us to do each park. Longer lines won't lead to us spending more days, it will lead to us spending our vacations elsewhere.