Do You Think Non-Dis Vets are Beginning to Notice Penny-Pinching?

[Arielfan98]

I read an article that Disney is no longer selling lightsabers with its box. Instead, guests are given clear plastic bags. I also noted that some non-Dis folks are disappointed with the new Galactic hotel. What do you think?
If this is the case, then I think this is a good thing. If I recall correctly, Pete said Disney is now trying to appeal to the rare masses that make WDW a once in a lifetime expensive trip....BUT if those folks are beginning to complain and make a fuss....this may finally turn things around for everyone. What do you think?

 

[Brett Wyman]

Im not sure if guests have, but major news organizations are starting to run with the story. I saw an "Is the Magic Gone?" article from a major outlet the other day. That being the case it may impact regular guests from attending in the future, if they get a negative feel from those stories. But they will never really have a feel for the loses as they don't go frequently enough to make a comparison. FP VS G+ for example. Look at the thousands of people who had no idea they even had FP and just stood in the stand-by queue, mouths gaping wide, as we strolled passed them. They probably wont care that G+ cost money as it doesn't feel like a loss to them. They may even like being able to buy their way into ROTR or FOP since their park visit is probably one or done.

 

[BorderTenny]

At least get your facts straight before complaining. The lightsaber plastic bag thing is due to SUPPLY CHAIN issues, not penny pinching.

 

[Beer Me]

At least get your facts straight before complaining. The lightsaber plastic bag thing is due to SUPPLY CHAIN issues, not penny pinching.

There may be a supply chain issue but providing a plastic bag instead of the sturdier case is undoubtedly saving Disney money. If they weren’t penny pinching they could provide a voucher for a free bag when they become available or a discount for the bags they sell. It definitely comes across as a cost cutting move.

 

[Prince John Robin Hood]

I'd be curious how much once in a lifetime visitors really spend on average. It seems like when we talk to friends and family that go only once, they don't go crazy. If anything they spend less than we do because they're confused about things like ADR's.

 

[BorderTenny]

There may be a supply chain issue but providing a plastic bag instead of the sturdier case is undoubtedly saving Disney money. If they weren’t penny pinching they could provide a voucher for a free bag when they become available or a discount for the bags they sell. It definitely comes across as a cost cutting move.

The bags they sell are in short supply, too. I read they were being offered for $50, but I don't know whether or not that's the full price. And I think I saw that they did eventually reduce the pricing for the experience. I don't know what good a voucher for a free bag would be for the average guest who isn't a frequent visitor to the parks and probably doesn't even know the lightsaber is supposed to come with a bag.

 

[Narcoossee11]

They could just stop selling lightsaber . That is not what guest want.
The consumer has to decided what they want to do.
This supply issue is not minor . It will be MONTHS before they come back.

 

[Pens Fan]

According to this, they are now offering a 10% discount due to the case supply issue.

 

[The Foolish Mortal]

I am still not convinced that Disney wants once in a lifetime visitors. But i do believe they want fewer visitors willing to pay more for the experience (and for them to return, but not as frequently as current fanatics of the parks). That would resolve crowding problems that have grown in recent years and help the company's bottom line (it would cost less to operate the parks with fewer visitors and visitors would have more time to spend money on food, gifts, etc).

But that said, if that strategy turns out to be wrong, its not as though Disney would pivot anytime soon. The changes many people are complaining about were years in the making. With regard to its parks, Disney does not make rash or quick changes. So even if there is a pivot back to what things were previously (or more likely, something new entirely), its many years away

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

So here’s the thing about those bags (and I’m not defending anyone just from experience and what I’ve heard): it’s a supply shortage.
In September I did both Savi and droid depot. Got the lightsaber bag no additional charge. Droid however was a plastic bag or a reusable bag. I paid a couple extra dollars for the latter.
Now with the droid boxes I can tell you that when we had mine shipped from Screendoor at Boardwalk they had a box! So don’t be afraid to ask your hotel.

I do hope the supply issue ends soon. Savi’s is worth it IMO.

 

[Arielfan98]

At least get your facts straight before complaining. The lightsaber plastic bag thing is due to SUPPLY CHAIN issues, not penny pinching.

Oh darling, believe me, I'm not complaining....I wouldn't spend $219.99 plus tax for a lightsaber with a box and all....

 

[Arielfan98]

I am still not convinced that Disney wants once in a lifetime visitors. But i do believe they want fewer visitors willing to pay more for the experience (and for them to return, but not as frequently as current fanatics of the parks). That would resolve crowding problems that have grown in recent years and help the company's bottom line (it would cost less to operate the parks with fewer visitors and visitors would have more time to spend money on food, gifts, etc).

But that said, if that strategy turns out to be wrong, its not as though Disney would pivot anytime soon. The changes many people are complaining about were years in the making. With regard to its parks, Disney does not make rash or quick changes. So even if there is a pivot back to what things were previously (or more likely, something new entirely), its many years away

I agree with your assessment. I mean, do you remember in the early 2000s when even the QS food was good?

 

[Obi-J Kenobi]

At least get your facts straight before complaining. The lightsaber plastic bag thing is due to SUPPLY CHAIN issues, not penny pinching.

I guess we are going to have to agree to disagree about the OP's original question. And that's okay.

For me, I didn't get the sense that the OP was ignoring supply chain issues, but I took the question about lightsaber packaging and Starcruisers mixed reception (from Disney's official pictures and promo videos) as a question of whether infrequent Disney guests notice that WDW simply isn't providing that wonderful Disney experience for its guests, like it did in the past, with very high prices? Assuming that is the OP's point, my answer is yes. Last year, my DW and I took our kids to WDW. My parents were a bit stunned at the WDW price given the reduced experiences available (like no fireworks, reduced Mousekeeping, no parades, no Fastpass, etc.) My parents have been to WDW 10 times, more or less, with the last time being in 2012. Purely anecdotal example, but it speaks to me about how non-Dis vets may think the WDW experience isn't worth the price paid.

Frankly you are absolutely correct that there are supply chain issues for WDW (just like a lot other businesses). To me, it is a "penny pinching" solution to a supply chain problem by offering a clear plastic bag with a lightsaber purchase.

As an aside, when you book your reservation for this experience, wasn't it promised by WDW that guests receive a protective sleeve with the experience? I may be wrong about that.

It seems to me that WDW must have CMs hired to do inventory and purchasing, and therefore, WDW should have the foresight that supply chain issues may need to modify experiences. With that foresight, what should a huge entertainment company like Disney do for its guests? My opinion is something better than a clear plastic sleeve. I really think that WDW should have planned a reasonable alternative, in advance, realizing that supply chain issues have and will continue to grip the nation. But, perhaps it is simply easier to politely hand a guest a clear plastic bag while he/she pays more than $200 for a replica lightsaber experience than to realize that the supply chain issue is going to be a problem and work out a reasonable alternative for its guests in advanced?

 

[Jrb1979]

I read an article that Disney is no longer selling lightsabers with its box. Instead, guests are given clear plastic bags. I also noted that some non-Dis folks are disappointed with the new Galactic hotel. What do you think?
If this is the case, then I think this is a good thing. If I recall correctly, Pete said Disney is now trying to appeal to the rare masses that make WDW a once in a lifetime expensive trip....BUT if those folks are beginning to complain and make a fuss....this may finally turn things around for everyone. What do you think?

IMO it's not going to change anything. The focus is on Disney+. The parks are just background noise now. The fact as much as the hardcore Disney fans complain they still are going. Why change anything.

 

[PaladinButters]

I don't know what good a voucher for a free bag would be for the average guest who isn't a frequent visitor to the parks and probably doesn't even know the lightsaber is supposed to come with a bag.

Nonsense, I would love to spend several hundred dollars to fly back to Florida and pick up my free bag. Wouldn't anybody?

To answer the original question though - no, I don't think they are noticing anything at Disney that they aren't noticing anywhere else. Supply chain / shipping delay issues everywhere, prices going up everywhere, staffing shortages everywhere. **Gestures vaguely at everything**

A non-Dis vet might think a dole whip is a lot of money or they might not, but they sure don't know it just went up from last week or last year or ever. A first time visitor being only presented with the Sunshine Flyer doesn't know the Magical Express existed for free.

 

[Jrb1979]

Nonsense, I would love to spend several hundred dollars to fly back to Florida and pick up my free bag. Wouldn't anybody?

To answer the original question though - no, I don't think they are noticing anything at Disney that they aren't noticing anywhere else. Supply chain / shipping delay issues everywhere, prices going up everywhere, staffing shortages everywhere. **Gestures vaguely at everything**

A non-Dis vet might think a dole whip is a lot of money or they might not, but they sure don't know it just went up from last week or last year or ever. A first time visitor being only presented with the Sunshine Flyer doesn't know the Magical Express existed for free.

Agreed they may not know a lot of that. I do think word of mouth is getting out there. Even now there a lot of complaints from the hardcore Disney fans then ever before. With all the cuts and nickel and diming going on people are noticing. Disney isn't as magical as it once was.

 

[Tarikanova]

Chiming in as a non-Disney vet visiting next month. I 100% noticed and cringed at what Disney has been doing to squeeze the middle class out of the parks. While I may not go to Disney every year, the lack of perks for an expensive vacation package leaves a terrible impression for me. The fact that some experiences have been cut and those that remain are extremely difficult to access through advance registration such as dining or the ILL system in addition to genie+, taking away airport transportation, and magic bands.. what Disney is doing is 100% greedy. I expected so much more to be included, not get hit with so many incremental fees. We’re paying premium prices to just get a base model vacation.. everything else is a la carte. C’mon, where’s the magic in that?

My family will make the most of it while visiting, but until we get a better value, likely won’t do it again.

 

[Arielfan98]

I guess we are going to have to agree to disagree about the OP's original question. And that's okay.

For me, I didn't get the sense that the OP was ignoring supply chain issues, but I took the question about lightsaber packaging and Starcruisers mixed reception (from Disney's official pictures and promo videos) as a question of whether infrequent Disney guests notice that WDW simply isn't providing that wonderful Disney experience for its guests, like it did in the past, with very high prices? Assuming that is the OP's point, my answer is yes. Last year, my DW and I took our kids to WDW. My parents were a bit stunned at the WDW price given the reduced experiences available (like no fireworks, reduced Mousekeeping, no parades, no Fastpass, etc.) My parents have been to WDW 10 times, more or less, with the last time being in 2012. Purely anecdotal example, but it speaks to me about how non-Dis vets may think the WDW experience isn't worth the price paid.

Frankly you are absolutely correct that there are supply chain issues for WDW (just like a lot other businesses). To me, it is a "penny pinching" solution to a supply chain problem by offering a clear plastic bag with a lightsaber purchase.

As an aside, when you book your reservation for this experience, wasn't it promised by WDW that guests receive a protective sleeve with the experience? I may be wrong about that.

It seems to me that WDW must have CMs hired to do inventory and purchasing, and therefore, WDW should have the foresight that supply chain issues may need to modify experiences. With that foresight, what should a huge entertainment company like Disney do for its guests? My opinion is something better than a clear plastic sleeve. I really think that WDW should have planned a reasonable alternative, in advance, realizing that supply chain issues have and will continue to grip the nation. But, perhaps it is simply easier to politely hand a guest a clear plastic bag while he/she pays more than $200 for a replica lightsaber experience than to realize that the supply chain issue is going to be a problem and work out a reasonable alternative for its guests in advanced?

Very well said and yes, you hit every note perfectly as far as my intentions. I am feeling fatigued to type too much since I am home quarantining and unwell. I figured I'd take this time off from work to reflect what I've been noticing even since my trip in Oct.

 

[Arielfan98]

Chiming in as a non-Disney vet visiting next month. I 100% noticed and cringed at what Disney has been doing to squeeze the middle class out of the parks. While I may not go to Disney every year, the lack of perks for an expensive vacation package leaves a terrible impression for me. The fact that some experiences have been cut and those that remain are extremely difficult to access through advance registration such as dining or the ILL system in addition to genie+, taking away airport transportation, and magic bands.. what Disney is doing is 100% greedy. I expected so much more to be included, not get hit with so many incremental fees. We’re paying premium prices to just get a base model vacation.. everything else is a la carte. C’mon, where’s the magic in that?

My family will make the most of it while visiting, but until we get a better value, likely won’t do it again.

Thank you for sharing. I went to Universal for the first time in Oct and was amazed. It was a lot cheaper than Disney too. I recommend you give Universal a try if you haven't already.

 

[starlite_]

Frankly you are absolutely correct that there are supply chain issues for WDW (just like a lot other businesses). To me, it is a "penny pinching" solution to a supply chain problem by offering a clear plastic bag with a lightsaber purchase.

As an aside, when you book your reservation for this experience, wasn't it promised by WDW that guests receive a protective sleeve with the experience? I may be wrong about that.

It seems to me that WDW must have CMs hired to do inventory and purchasing, and therefore, WDW should have the foresight that supply chain issues may need to modify experiences. With that foresight, what should a huge entertainment company like Disney do for its guests? My opinion is something better than a clear plastic sleeve. I really think that WDW should have planned a reasonable alternative, in advance, realizing that supply chain issues have and will continue to grip the nation. But, perhaps it is simply easier to politely hand a guest a clear plastic bag while he/she pays more than $200 for a replica lightsaber experience than to realize that the supply chain issue is going to be a problem and work out a reasonable alternative for its guests in advanced?

Agree! I am happy that they are giving ppl a 10% discount while the supply issue continues, it's the bare minimum. How can they expect ppl to carry around by hand that huge item all day thru the park? It's a hazard. You can't tell me that they couldn't hire emergency seamstress's locally to solve this but I guess that wasn't cost effective. Or eat the cost and give guests the $50 one from the store. Disney's supply issues are not on the guests to solve.


I remember Disney would replace your hat if you lost it on a ride or your balloon if it popped. Where did that customer service go? (Rhetorical question, I know where it went, to $hapek and friends )