By that logic, DVC is in the same boat for a whole lot more cash but are getting a teency bit of the perks APs are getting.
The whole AP thing is an entire class system can of worms at this point, some of us were long term APs who had a lapse of a couple months and found ourselves completely locked out, anyone holding an AP is already getting the advantages they paid for- to the tune of saving boatloads of money over those stuck buying tickets for individual trips. If this were about who is spending the most on Disney, they would have invited people who purchased to most tickets last year- we were locked out of APs at a cost of over $3,000 and that is after cancelling one of our trips to save on costs.
I do agree that some DVC have been in a tight spot with the hold on AP sales BUT I don't think DVC
guaranteed buyers anything to do with the parks. DVC is its own business, providing it's own perks. Yes they spend tons more than an AP holder, but what they paid for is not tied to the park side of the business. I get it - of course most bought a DVC to go to the parks, but DISNEY didn't set it up that way, likely on purpose, likely due to initial plans to do DVC in way more locations than WDW. It's probably why they keep building and selling them instead of hotels, they are growing a different business that is highly profitable to them. As always buyer beware.
The DVC link worked just fine. It even had a countdown to when the queue started.
BIG difference in the crush that would hit they system. DVC has estimated 220,000 members, reduced by many who live too far. While WDW AP numbers are a mystery I would venture it's way more than DL which is estimated at 1 million. With most who are close enough to travel easily. I'm sure the "party" that handles the online registration had input on what they could handle. Disney has done it this way for AP previews for as long as I've had one (over decade), just like random emails and magnets, and I have no doubt it is on purpose because of the large number of members.
D23 Members as well....
Might have been good if Disney had combined all of these into one pool.... preventing those doing a double or triple dip, and opening the experience up to more unique guest. But bottom line is this is a limited capacity preview that is a free perk. If you missed the preview, few weeks later you can still experience the attraction.
I would not consider a $99 membership to be in the same boat as AP or DVC members. Since they are all unique in what they pay (hence what they are offered in amenities) they should all get different pools to pull from with different processes.
In this case -
- D23 got their special event with ride plus more at small fee.
- DVC got emails at each step with time and date to book. (EDIT to add folks reporting they didn't get a follow up email BUT the date/time were announced in advance by just about every "news" source so DVC members could have been prepared to register.)
- AP got last minute link, and
may the odds be ever in your favor, as usual AP get the least amount of info.
Doing a one day special event for D23 is EXACTLY what D23 offers it's members. Always has. I have not been able to do one D23 event I've had interest in because the limited dates and locations or it closed before I got in. But that is how it works.
I get frustration if people got in via two avenues and yes, they could fix that with software BUT those folks also paid to be part of those different groups so I'm okay with it.
