Fast Pass to become "Pay for Play"?

[tlbwriter]

I probably didn't make myself clear.. laugh... I'm packing - cause we leave tonight..

And you're trying to think about anything else??? Are you insane???

Have a great trip!

 

[pamlet]

And you're trying to think about anything else??? Are you insane???

Have a great trip!

Well my dryer has decided to "slow down" So laundry seems to be taking longer than usual... or maybe I'm just impatient... I must say for the first time in YEARS I'm ahead of the game... yippee... AND my 16 yo announced he's only taking his XBOX not his usual assortment of electronic JUNK... at least w/the XBOX we can watch DVDs on the way..

Thanks for the wishes - I can't wait to get there!! hmmm better use those fast passes while I can huh?!?!?!

 

[Lewisc]

More than 10 years ago Disney said the "average" family goes to Disney twice in their lifetime and are willing to go into credit card debt to pay for it. That's one of the reasons Disney built all of the resort. Look at all the extras Disney added to capture $$$.

One of the reasons Disney adds the celebrations and new attractions is to promote repeat business. I haven't seen any updated statistics but you sure can't base statistics on the people who post on disboards.

I would LOVE to see Disney's stats on repeat vs first time/occasional visitors. I think that we get on this board and it seems like the ONLY way to enjoy a trip to Disney World is to stay onsite and "do it right"... lots of "commandos" out there... people who go ALL the time - yet I also think the "bread and butter" are for Disney are the "non-planners" they don't know all the "tricks" ... We see all the time folks posting about using Fastpass and cannot believe that others aren't using it... apparently they way it's working now is NOT distributing the traffic around the parks like they'd hoped - they're looking for another angle... this may just be one more way to do it..

 

[crabmeal]

I just read this now and wanted to add my 2cents-I'm saving for Disney so that's all I could afford! When we bought Universal tickets last year we could have paid to get FOTL privelages. I think it was $25 a ticket. We didn''t buy it but I think it would be nice if Disney added that option to its tickets.I don't think it would be fair to give that perk only to resort guests. They are already getting all the perks of staying on Disney property.We bought a timeshare before we knew about the DVC. We use that so we are able to go to Disney more often. I wouldn;t want to be penalized for not staing onsite-KWIM.

 

[Luigi's Girl]

My point is offering perks to existing DVC members won't do anything to create additional revenue for Disney.

With no disrespect to you, I beg to differ. The more perks we get along with the many other wonderful reasons we have for being DVC Members, makes for very happy campers. The more happy campers the more we spread the word. I have been successful in getting family and friends to join DVC thus creating ADDITIONAL REVENUE!

 

[pamlet]

One of the reasons Disney adds the celebrations and new attractions is to promote repeat business. I haven't seen any updated statistics but you sure can't base statistics on the people who post on disboards.

Laugh - Oh I realize that!!! That's the point I was making - this board tends to make people think that DISnuts (I say that Lovingly.. ) are the only ones heading down there.. It's obviously not the case ... in fact in my last job I worked in a travel agency call center - over 500 employees - of those very few had actually BEEN to Disney ( we didn't do leisure travel - only government and corporate..) And the travel business has some of the VERY BEST discounts!! So realistically there's a lot of "Disney Virgins" out there that Disney needs to convince that going to Orlando and laying down as much money as possible at THEIR property is the BEST vacation experience out there!

I think it's interesting to watch marketing campaigns... the current universal - but 2 days get 3 free is interesting huh? When we went to Disneyland in CA a few years back they had the same deal ... guess what we DID it!! Stayed offsite (tho this was before the new park there and our little 20.00 a nite motel was TECHNICALLY on Disney property ... we actually walked to the park!) But let me tell you those extra 3 days we the money we would have spent cruising around Southern California or Las Vegas were spent at DISNEY.. I really should go into marketing - I find it SO fascinating!!!

 

[BostonRob]

but I think it would be nice if Disney added that option to its tickets.QUOTE]

I've been following the thread and most people opposed to this refuse to acknowlegde that if Disney moves towards this, it wouldn't be to be 'nice', it wouldn't be to offer guests more choices, IT WOULD BE TO MAKE MONEY.

If they offered it as a $25 dollar add-on to the ticket, they won't make much more money. But if they attach it to a $400 room that was otherwise vacant, they probably stand to make a lot of money.

If Disney is having trouble filling its Deluxe resorts and they think this will help them fill those resorts AND MAKE MORE MONEY, that is exactly what they will do.

They run their business as they see fit.

 

[The_Disney_God]

Gosh I hope Disney doesn't do this.

 

[bicker]

You have to separate legally enforceable promises that are contained in your contract and offering documents with what your DVC guide told you.

That's a very important point. You're absolutely correct.

My point is offering perks to existing DVC members won't do anything to create additional revenue for Disney.

Except to the extent that not offering it depresses demand for new DVC properties.

 

[Lewisc]

......Except to the extent that not offering it depresses demand for new DVC properties.

I think goodwill would require that Disney offer some FP perks to DVC people BUT Disney could simply offer bonus FPs to new DVC sales as an incentive. Disney used to give away 10 years of theme park tickets. Extra FP's would a relatively inexpensive perk to give away. Particularly when it would be timed to coincide with an increase in the price for points.

People who think Disney are going to go to a Universal system of giving all resort guests unlimited FPs are kidding themselves. Disney has too many hotel rooms for it to work. There is no way Disney can significantly increase FP access for all onsite hotel guests without having a significant impact on off-site guests. EMH is about all Disney can do for ALL resort guests without having a major impact on other guests.

 

[lllovell]

I think goodwill would require that Disney offer some FP perks to DVC people BUT Disney could simply offer bonus FPs to new DVC sales as an incentive. Disney used to give away 10 years of theme park tickets. Extra FP's would a relatively inexpensive perk to give away. Particularly when it would be timed to coincide with an increase in the price for points.

People who think Disney are going to go to a Universal system of giving all resort guests unlimited FPs are kidding themselves. Disney has too many hotel rooms for it to work. There is no way Disney can significantly increase FP access for all onsite hotel guests without having a significant impact on off-site guests. EMH is about all Disney can do for ALL resort guests without having a major impact on other guests.

The DVC free ticket perk was given to ALL DVC members when it was implemented. If they came along now and started selling a packages with those types of benefits and didn't offer them to the existing members, there would be a very serious uproar and the resale market would be flooded.

I believe the FP system that is in place now will remain in place, only those of us staying on-site will actually be able to schedule WHEN we want our Fast Pass times for certain rides with a certain number still being available for walk up distribution. There is NO WAY that Disney will make is to that the All Stars or Pop hotel guests don't get at least as many fast passes as they currently can under the present system. To think that they will "take away" from their bread and butter is crazy. They are very good at what they do.

Also, I think that EMH and ME are both programs for onsite guests and this is just going to be one more. They want to fill their hotels. They are in the business of making money and will do everything they can to make staying onsite even more appealing if possible. If I call up 3 months out and cannot get into ANY Disney hotel, then I think they have done what they set out to do - fill up the hotels!

Disney also will not let this come into play where their Florida Resident AP holders are not included. Right now, you can't buy into dining packages, but AP holders (both Florida and the rest of us) certainly CAN buy into the DDE program and it has also helped the boom that has been reported in the sit down service onsite.

Nowhere in that patent application did it mention taking away current things in place (which they certainly do from time to time). No where does it mention the minimum not being at least as much as right now (3 a day or so) or more. Everyone is assumming that they are going to pinch the family on a budget that is stretching every penny to be here. What I see is they are trying to get more of the families that are staying at the value and moderate hotels to move up the ladder. Shooting for that market of people that CAN afford more, but currently choose to spend less.

The assumption that Disney is going to make anyone feel 2nd class is crazy to me. This is what they do best - - provide us all with amazing vacations (awith a hefty price tag I might add). You pay an incredible price for the FOTL hotels at Universal (some has said the rates have gone up 300% - I dont know for sure myself, but I am sure is greatly increased) and we all agree that there are too many hotels onsite to give them all FOTL, but this sure seems like a great way to promote "upgrades" for some people and to reward everyone for staying on-site - - - their main goal.

If you are onsite, you spend all your money with Disney, nothing could make them happier.

 

[SoCalKDG]

My point is offering perks to existing DVC members won't do anything to create additional revenue for Disney.

Actually it just might. DVC members are known for not spending that many days in the parks. What better way to get a DVC member into the park to eat, shop, etc., give some FP's to them.


A question for everyone, as a EMH guest(we always went to non-EMH day parks) can you get Fast Passes during that first, early morning hour?

Currently many of the tours give 2-4 Fastpasses, as well as front of the line access. Have dinner at MGM, get reserved seating. Fantasmic dessert at DL, get balcony seating. Purchase a package through AAA(in association w/ Disney) at DL, you get FP. Folks, special FP are already being given out.

I have no problem allowing onsite guests the advantage of reserving FP on the following conditions:

1) All guests can get at least two FP for the day(say 2 for Value, 3 for Moderate, 4 for Deluxe, 5 for Concierge). This limit is for all 4 parks total, so you can't get 20 FP if you are Concierge.

2) Still have some FP being given in the park as well. This way offsite can still get a FP if they get there early

3) Make sure DVC is at least considered a Moderate in the above listed condition(hey, I'm a DVC member )

Having said all that, what pct. of people would actually use this service? When you consider how many people don't even use FP, how many people dont' use PS(or whatever they are now called), how many people don't even plan, etc., there are still going to be a great number of FP available.

The other big thing to note is that this could give Disney a wealth of info. Lets say they do what is mentioned above. To obtain these FP's, you must use your TV, reserve for the next day. So know Disney knows what parks and what times are going to be crowded. Adjustments to staff, as well as increasing or decreasing the number of ride vehicles can be made in advance.

WDW has been stagnating in attendance the last three years. Room occupancy is around 80%. They also have figures on how many days you go to the park compared to how many days you are staying in their hotel. If they can offer something that increases occupancy rates, as well as get people into the parks more frequently, while lessening waiting in line(or trooping across the park to get a FP), they are going to do it, as they should.

 

[andromedaslove]

I was just at WDW in April while EPCOT was running their Fast Pass testing. Basically, you could get multiple fastpasses at the same time as long as they were for different attractions. As soon as we arrived at the park my husband and I ran to Test Track and Mission Space and grabbed Fastpasses while everyone else headed to Living With the Land and Soarin'. It made it so much easier to be able to hold multiple fastpasses at the same time.

If they were to add this perk for guests who stayed onsite, they would still be able to keep fastpass available for everyone. We would just be able to grab a couple more. At Magic Kingdom you would be able to run and get FP's for Pooh, Philharmagic, and Peter Pan, then run to TomorrowLand to ride Space Mountain, and Buzz Lightyear. In my opinion it would be alot better than deluxe resort guests getting better perks than value resort guests. I hate seperating the perks into which resort you are staying at, and if that were the case probably wouldn't want to even stay on site. I go multiple times a year, and stay at Deluxe at least once a year, then moderate or value the rest. I just don't think that would be fair. Ok, now I am rambling!! Guess I need to take my behind to bed!!

Dana

 

[DanceRC28]

If this goes through, Disney is going to make a lot of people very unhappy. I love Disney but I don't stay on property because I also enjoy Seaworld, Universal and I-Drive attractions. You can bet I am spending as much as people that stay in Disney, I am just spending it at a variety of places instead. Our vacations both still cost $$$!!! As many people have said, park tickets all cost the same whether you are staying inside Disney or not so why should fp be distributed differently? DH and I use FP for almost every ride we do and I must say that if this is implemented, I won't be frequenting Disney nearly as much. This would turn it into two parks in one, one for the people staying on property and another for those who aren't. Disney should not be about dividing people like that. Yes I know they need to pay their bills, etc. but with all the money they take in, I'm sure their exec's have no problem paying their own bills. Hoping Disney drops this idea and fast....

Renee

 

[Luigi's Girl]

Actually it just might. DVC members are known for not spending that many days in the parks. What better way to get a DVC member into the park to eat, shop, etc., give some FP's to them.


Absolutely right! The most recently added perk of the discounted AP will be bringing us into the parks more than we have been in the past! Excellent point!

 

[IwasatWDWforamonth]

So far this a crazy confusing idea,
We spend a lot more per trip than most staying in a deluxe resort, either staying at a value for the whole trip spliting between value and moderates, in fact one trip my mom and I had 2 rooms kept our room at the value for our luggage, while we stayed at a moderate.
Yet people at the deluxes would have more perks, really doesnt seem right to me,

 

[dani12]

We CHOSE to stay at the ASMo resort b/c our kids are 4 and 5 and we thought they would enjoy this more than the other resorts. Sure, the other resorts may have been bigger and nicer but our trip was about our kids. And they loved staying in the Toy Story buildings with the larger than life figures. Why should we be punished b/c we picked something we thought our kids would enjoy as opposed to spending more money to have a nicer room?

 

[Sk8Leigh]

If this goes through, Disney is going to make a lot of people very unhappy. I love Disney but I don't stay on property because I also enjoy Seaworld, Universal and I-Drive attractions. You can bet I am spending as much as people that stay in Disney, I am just spending it at a variety of places instead. Our vacations both still cost $$$!!!

But you're not spending it all at Disney, which is the point.

 

[DanceRC28]

But you're not spending it all at Disney, which is the point.

But my tickets still cost the same price as yours do!!! If this goes through, the message Disney is sending is this "We don't care how much you spend on tickets, that isn't enough. Unless you are staying on our property and giving us even more money, you will be penalized by having to wait in line for everything while others can breeze by in the fp line." NOT FAIR!

 

[Lewisc]

THIS THREAD really belongs on the rumor board. This is a very long thread based on a year old patent application. We have no idea what features Disney is thinking of implementing and what features are just to try to cover all future possibilities and/or allow Disney to license the concept.

I've been to Universal and stayed on-site. Resort guests go the express pass return line by just showing your room key. During VERY peak periods you're limiting to riding each attraction once per hour but by the afternoon that restriction is lifted. Any guest can pay to take a VIP tour with "back door" access. In addition Universal sells Express Pass Plus which gives you one Express Pass for each attraction. They claim they limit the number of tickets they sell BUT timeshare companies have booths in the parks to solicit tours. They have access to an unlimited number of Express Pass Pluses to give (or sell?) as a perk for taking a tour.

THE RESULT by late morning, early afternoon all machine issued express passes are gone for the day. Lines for popular attractions may be several hours.

Disney couldn't come up with an unlimited FP system for ALL on-site guests without making it all but impossible for non-resort guests to enjoy the parks. EMH is Disney's answer and it's available to all resort guests.

Now if I wanted to start a rumor what if Disney decided to limit CRT and fireworks cruises to on-site guests? Link your reservation to your resort reservation so if you cancel your resort reservation your CRT reservation is automatically canceled at the same time.

Disney used to let on-site guests make dining reservation earlier than non-resort guests. They could go back to that.