Does Disney even care about AP Holders Anymore?

[civileng68]

Please, before you read this...............please approach this with the upmost maturity and keep your flaming to yourself. This is my opinion and though MANY will see it differently, if you can't post maturely, please dont do it at all.


Now, to my point.............click this link and read before moving forward.

The link below is just ONE example that leads me to believe that Disney just doesn't care about it's Annual Passholders.

Sure some people pay 15K for a vacation, as listed in the topic linked above, however, I doubt that is the "norm". Sure, those that stay in resorts such as Grand Floridian are paying lots of cash to stay there. However, they get their perks as it is. They are getting monorail access to the parks. They are staying in resorts MUCH nicer than others. They have incredible access to the Magic Kingdom (think travel time), they have perfect views of fireworks and the park in general right outside of their room (think, get up at 3:00 am to take a pee, look out the window and see Cindy's Castle). I think people get the perks already. Do you deserve even MORE perks for staying in a place like that? I think it's fine if they do but I dont know that those people DESERVE it. I think that the perk is in the resort and the access to the areas surrounding it. From Grand Floridian, you can go to MK without getting in a car OR a bus AND don't have to walk more than a few steps to get to either MK or Epcot, and that's just walking from the monorail to the park entrance.
Resort guests also get to use Extra Magic Hour, allowing them into a park earlier than other guests and 3 hours later than other guests. That to me is a perk above all perks. As a guest who has stayed on site and used the Extra Magic Hour, I can say that this perk is worth every penny you spend.

Also, as a Florida Resident AP holder, I can say that I spend more at Disney World within a 12 month period than most do on their one "big family vacation" during the year. Sure, I don't stay on site, because I cannot afford to and still go as many times as I like. However, we do spend freely within the parks on food and drink and desserts. We also take 3 big vacations to disney each year along with our monthly 4-day trips. If I were to spend my money on a nice resort, I'd only be able to go to Disney maybe 1 week during that year. However, I'd probably end up spending the same amount of money, if not less during that week than I do over the course of a year as an AP holder. I can better afford going throughout the year and being able to save, take a cheaper trip and being able to go more.

Annual passholders used to have AP Lounges where we could go in at MK and Epcot and go somewhere and relax and chill out for a while. We could use it to "cool" off a little. It was a "perk" for being an AP holder. Well they were all closed.

Sure AP holders get perks for restraunts and things such as that, but they are minimal at best. Many are nothing more than a simple coupon's value. We get free parking, which is nice, but personally that's the only perk I really see "value" in.

I think a perk for being an AP holder is that we get to go to the parks as many times as we like for the one price we paid at the beginning of our pass. However, the money these pass holders bring in is substantial. Believe it or not folkes (many of you know this), there are times during the year where Disney is not packed. You can go and nearly walk up on any single attraction you like, even headliners. In many cases, the AP holders are what keeps the parks revenue coming in during these times.

Personally I dont think that ANY of us DESERVE more perks. Not even AP holders. However, I do have a problem if Disney starts giving more perks to resort guests and not AP holders. I think we all are "ok" where we are. However, to keep "perking" resort guests, and not AP holders is nearly a slap in the face and almost like Disney telling us we dont matter to them.

I have an even bigger problem with the idea that giving another perk to a resort guest will TAKE AWAY a perk of another guest. Only allowing resort guests (even with a charge) to use FP, is really a slap in the face to every other guest at the parks, being that Disney would be taking it away from every non-resort guest, which is even worse. It's one thing to add a perk and another to add a perk by taking it away from the others. If you think lines are long now, wait until this goes through, if it does. ON many occassions FP lines are already short (at times), think of if only paying resort guests were able to use it. All of the other people that used to use it are now going to pile into one long line.

Also this will prevent others, such as myself who go to the parks regularly from even being able to ride those attractions. I don't waste my vacation standing in 90 minute lines. I will only ride something that has a long line if I can get my FP. If that is taken away, quite frankly I'll wonder why I even am in the parks. I think doing this "proposed" move would cost Disney alot of AP holders that may feel such as I do. Those that live right around the corner from Disney may have mixed feelings as they can go "after work" even, but those like me who live in Florida still have to make at least a weekend out of it, and because I'm not there for as long as a family vacation, I may not have time to stand in lines and do everything. FP is the only way possible.

I ask that Disney re-evaluate how many perks they are giving to resort guests and especially taking away from the the others.

Resort Guest perks (just some of them):

1. The Resort Itself - Beautiful hotels and theming.
2. Location - Right at the parks
3. Free Parking - If you even have to use it depending on where you stay.
4. Bus Service - You can park and never touch your car.
5. Monorail service from hotel - depending on where you stay.
6. Hotel delivery for park purchases
7. Can stay in parks 3 hours past closing time
8. Can enter parks 1 hour before opening


I just think enough is enough. Not that those at the resorts wouldnt like more. We all would. I just think that enough is enough, especially when adding more now may take away from others.

 

[Lewisc]

You missing the point. The entire thread is based on Jim Hill making a "troll" post based on a year old patent application.

The thread you linked to, which I posted in, isn't even based on rumor. I'm not even sure I'd go so far as to call it speculation. There isn't any indication that Disney is even thinking of making any of those changes.

Many of us think Disney is just patenting anything they can think of in case they either want to use it in the future or to try to extort licensing fees from companies using a similar system.

 

[civileng68]

You missing the point. The entire thread is based on Jim Hill making a "troll" post based on a year old patent application.

The thread you linked to, which I posted in, isn't even based on rumor. I'm not even sure I'd go so far as to call it speculation. There isn't any indication that Disney is even thinking of making any of those changes.

Many of us think Disney is just patenting anything they can think of in case they either want to use it in the future or to try to extort licensing fees from companies using a similar system.

Here is a quote from the article though.

"WDW visitors may soon be able to book a day's worth of FastPasses before they head out for the theme parks. The only catch is ... In order to do this, you'll have to stay on property in a Disney-owned hotel. Jim Hill explains the particulars." I just hope it doesnt happen.

 

[kandmwedding]

I personally think there's no point in getting up in arms about something until Disney has verified it's authenticity. Why waste the brain cells??


ETA: Rereading I realized that my comment may have come off a little harsh. That said, I truly think there's no reason to get worked up about something that you have no control over, especially when the information is shady at best. The only one being affected by your concern is you, and why put yourself through that if there's a huge chance that the whole thing could be wrong.

 

[Ziggie]

I'm thinking that being an AP holder isn't as *exclusive* as it once used to be. Most people I know are AP holders of one type or another (Florida seasonal, annual, etc.)

And (donning flame suit) I do believe people who stay on site should receive little extra perks (over day guests and off site guests). I don't want to get into a huge debate.. it's just my humble opinion at this time.

And I agree with the poster above. People are becoming concerned about something that isn't even an issue yet.

 

[civileng68]

I'm thinking that being an AP holder isn't as *exclusive* as it once used to be. Most people I know are AP holders of one type or another (Florida seasonal, annual, etc.)

And (donning flame suit) I do believe people who stay on site should receive little extra perks (over day guests and off site guests). I don't want to get into a huge debate.. it's just my humble opinion at this time.

And I agree with the poster above. People are becoming concerned about something that isn't even an issue yet.

No need to don flame suit, lol, at least not with me. I'm not a flamer and like different opinions. I love debate.

I agree though that on site guests should get more perks that others. My point however is that I think they already do, as listed in my first post. My point is, IF this were to happen, IF IF IF, I think it's wrong because giving them that perk would take that same perk away from every other guest.

I agree that it's not happened yet, and Jim Hill is often "controvesial" in his opinions, however, many of his what used to be "crazy ideas" have often come to pass.

 

[civileng68]

I personally think there's no point in getting up in arms about something until Disney has verified it's authenticity. Why waste the brain cells??


ETA: Rereading I realized that my comment may have come off a little harsh. That said, I truly think there's no reason to get worked up about something that you have no control over, especially when the information is shady at best. The only one being affected by your concern is you, and why put yourself through that if there's a huge chance that the whole thing could be wrong.

Oh I'm not really rizing up in arms, as much as I'm basically just going along with the idea of "what if this does happen".

 

[benebire]

I believe Jim Hills entire article is SPECULATION. That means he has no clue whether Disney is planning to do any of the things in the article he wrote he is guessing what he thinks it means. I think its a waste of our time to worry about it at this point in time.

 

[BAST]

We will be going to Universal for the first time this August and I will stay in their hotel in large part to get the FOTL access. This is only available to hotel guests at Universal.

My guess is that WDW is simply planning for the possibility of doing the same - the fact that they have a patent, does not mean they have to use it. That said, I would have no problem if WDW instituted something like FOTL for onsite guests, or some sort of Fastpass system that rewarded people in deluxe resorts more than in other resorts. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for and I would be happy to pay for the added convenience of better Fastpass rights.

 

[civileng68]

As the saying goes, you get what you pay for and I would be happy to pay for the added convenience of better Fastpass rights.

I agree, however, my point is, when does it get to the point where you are already getting what you paid for? I think right now you get what you pay for.

 

[zurgswife]

I'm just surprised that someone put so must credence into something put out by Jim Hill Media. I read the first few sentences and walked away thing YEAH SURE!!!.

Really, I don't think I would believe any of it until something factual was put out by Disney. If they do a test run or something maybe but until then...the article is just blowing smoke in my opinion...

 

[married@wdw]

I think everybody has to be happy with the perks that work out for them and be happy for others when the perks aren't to their liking. As a DVC member who takes three 4- to 6-day vacations and one 10-day vacation per year to WDW, I'm saddened by the fact that I can't use the MYW dining program. However, a discount AP and, thereby, a discount DDE, have made up for that -- though probably more costly in the end.

I think Disney tries to "share the wealth" and AP holders get a ton of the wealth! I was really pleased with all the additional discounts I get that I didn't even know about -- 10% at World of Disney (DVC members don't get this anymore), discount mini-golf, AP room rate (for when my points run out for the year), waterpark, PI and DQ discounts, not to mention a bunch of restaurant discounts even if you choose not to get a DDE.

Some DVC members complained constantly that they deserved discount park passes because they bought a piece of the World. Now DVC members have a great AP discount, but there's still complaining because the APs just don't work for some folks. Well, nobody promised a DVC member anything but a roof over the head. And nobody promised an AP holder anything but entry into the parks. So needless to say, I love every little perk I get to use -- and more power to those who can use the perks I can't!!!

BTW, you could choose to use your Florida resident discount and stay in a Deluxe during value season once-in-a-while to take advantage of the Fastpass perk...that is, if it ever happens. So far, it's just a rumor based on Disney covering all the bases with a patent. In the end, they're probably patenting the system as much to make a profit off of others using it as they are with actually using the system themselves!

 

[Ilovestitch]

I'm an AP holder AND I stay onsite. I didn't buy an AP for any particular "perks"- I bought it b/c I wanted to take 3 trips and it's cheaper than buying 24 days worth of Magic Your Way tickets for myself.

I don't expect any extra discounts w/the AP, I feel its just discounted admission. If I get a discount at WOD or a discount on my hotel room, I feel that its just a bonus.

Don't forget about all the neat AP exlcusive pins you are allowed to buy!!!

I can see what the OP is saying though- that you spend a lot of money at WDW and just b/c you don't stay onsite its not fair you won't get perks like unlimited fastpasses. That's how it works at Universal, but I don't think it will happen at WDW any time soon. I wouldn't consider Jim Hill a reliable source on info.

 

[Ziggie]

No need to don flame suit, lol, at least not with me. I'm not a flamer and like different opinions. I love debate.

I agree though that on site guests should get more perks that others. My point however is that I think they already do, as listed in my first post. My point is, IF this were to happen, IF IF IF, I think it's wrong because giving them that perk would take that same perk away from every other guest.

I agree that it's not happened yet, and Jim Hill is often "controvesial" in his opinions, however, many of his what used to be "crazy ideas" have often come to pass.

Nice to meet you civileng68 ~ a fellow Floridian

I think where we might disagree is our individual definition of the word "perk" here. People who stay at the GF do indeed pay a lot more for their room than say someone at All Star Music or Sports. Easy access to the parks via the monorail system, a beautiful view outside their window... I don't consider these "perks". I consider them "added benefits that are paid for with the higher room rate". Do you know what I mean?

Think of someone who flies First Class. They have wider, softer seats... real "glasses" to drink from... and generally receive more attention from flight personnel.

Someone who drives a Mercedes/Lexus/whatever luxury car experiences the same thing. You pay more $$$, you get more options.

I hope I made some sense

 

[Pedler]

I think I now know how conspiracy theories get started. First someone finds a patent application, the same someone that doesn't like FP in the first place. Then they write a doomsday article about it. Next thing you know aliens are controlling Disney and Elvis is handing out fastpasses only to pink cadilac owners.

Seriously. This is all much ado about nothing at this point in time.

 

[safetymom]

I think if the rumored fast pass idea ever happens that Disney will do something for AP holders and DVC owners.

In the meantime I have the luxury of going to the parks quite often. Does Disney owe me anything? I don't think so. As many times as I go it works out to about $3 admission when I go. That doesn't include the free parking and all the money saved on AP discounts.

Yes I spend money but not like those that stay on site. So I reserve judgment on this whole issue until Disney announces Fast Pass generation 2.

 

[raidermatt]

If its for on-site or "deluxe" guests, that DVC would probably be included. I doubt APs would be included though. Just a guess.

I agree that there is nothing to get riled up about yet. But I also think its ok to post opinions on what if scenarios... this is after all a news AND rumors board. This may not be news, but its a rumor.

 

[Plus4206]

AP's have one HUGE perk. At the end of the year my PAP will have allowed me total access to WDW for $14.00 a day. Any other perk is just gravy. It's still offers the only discount at WoD (10%). The best discount at mini golf (50%). Possibly the best room discounts and several other discounts for dining, passes and tours. They've also offered AP holders the opportunity to purchase the DDE for $50.00.

 

[mickeyfantroy]

To me the biggest perk is (almost) unlimited access to the parks. We take so many trips that when you divide the cost of the pass we pay less then $10 per visit. On the other hand when you add how much we pay for food and other items it adds up to the thousands. The whole FP thing is of no concern to us since we seldom use it anyway. I don't like getting the ticket and being on the other side of the park when we realize we need to run back to use the pass. And since so many people use passes the standby lines are not near as long as they used to be. But still, it would be nice to see a few more perks for passholders if not in discounts how about a 'frequent flyer' type deal when they scan your pass before every purchase and the points add up? Passholders could cash in the points at some time, and this would let the folks at Disney know just how much we do spend.

 

[disrailfan]

I agree that this sounds to much like a big "IF". I have seen Disney over the years apply for patents for several things that have not come to fruition. Just because they apply for a patent does not mean that it will actually happen.