Grand Californian Fitness Class in the park BEFORE Opening!

[bwvBound]

Glad it is back ... but $25???? No way.

 

[DizMe]

Glad it is back ... but $25???? No way.

You know, I didn't catch that at first. It seems like a ridiculous amount for something that used to be free. One person? Not so bad. But $50 for a couple, when it used to be an on site perk offered gratis is discouraging and seems to be an unfortunate trend with Disney these days. It's not like you aren't already paying for things like that built into the cost of staying at GCH, and the percentage of guests actually using it would be quite small.

 

[DLgal]

You know, I didn't catch that at first. It seems like a ridiculous amount for something that used to be free. One person? Not so bad. But $50 for a couple, when it used to be an on site perk offered gratis is discouraging and seems to be an unfortunate trend with Disney these days. It's not like you aren't already paying for things like that built into the cost of staying at GCH, and the percentage of guests actually using it would be quite small.

Exactly. I mean, I could handle a small nominal fee for a sunrise walk around the park. Like $5 per person just to secure your spot and make sure people are serious about attending, but $25 is literally 1/4 the daily admission fee for DCA on a one day ticket, for a 45 minute walk around the park? Absolutely unreasonable price gouging. For that price, it should include a post walk breakfast.

 

[EPCOT-O.G.]

You know, I didn't catch that at first. It seems like a ridiculous amount for something that used to be free. One person? Not so bad. But $50 for a couple, when it used to be an on site perk offered gratis is discouraging and seems to be an unfortunate trend with Disney these days. It's not like you aren't already paying for things like that built into the cost of staying at GCH, and the percentage of guests actually using it would be quite small.

I truly believe they used the Covid pause to reassess every aspect of the company and figure out how to monetize each and every interaction with guests, above and beyond the base costs of admission/hotel stays. If something was previously “free” or baked into the baseline cost of the stay (Magical Express, Fastpass, morning power walk, etc), no more.

 

[DizMe]

Exactly. I mean, I could handle a small nominal fee for a sunrise walk around the park. Like $5 per person just to secure your spot and make sure people are serious about attending, but $25 is literally 1/4 the daily admission fee for DCA on a one day ticket, for a 45 minute walk around the park? Absolutely unreasonable price gouging. For that price, it should include a post walk breakfast.

Right! Give something that justifies the cost or limit the charge to a nominal amount or handle it like a dining reservation where you reserve ahead with a cc and forfeit $x if you're a no-show.

I truly believe they used the Covid pause to reassess every aspect of the company and figure out how to monetize each and every interaction with guests, above and beyond the base costs of admission/hotel stays. If something was previously “free” or baked into the baseline cost of the stay (Magical Express, Fastpass, morning power walk, etc), no more.

I'm afraid you may be right. I suspect that the Chapek model will bring us many such fees. What's the reason for the delay in tram returns? Are they trying to figure out a way to charge while forcing a very long walk on everyone who uses the parking structure? I wouldn't put it past management to put people through a miserable walking experience to increase the likelihood they'd fork over money to ride the tram.

 

[EPCOT-O.G.]

Right! Give something that justifies the cost or limit the charge to a nominal amount or handle it like a dining reservation where you reserve ahead with a cc and forfeit $x if you're a no-show.

I'm afraid you may be right. I suspect that the Chapek model will bring us many such fees. What's the reason for the delay in tram returns? Are they trying to figure out a way to charge while forcing a very long walk on everyone who uses the parking structure? I wouldn't put it past management to put people through a miserable walking experience to increase the likelihood they'd fork over money to ride the tram.

My theory is that they’ve realized they’ve done all they can to juice and boost attendance throughout the year. Since they clearly choose not to build out, or new parks to accommodate new and more guests, the only way up is to increase per guest spending. They’ve mentioned this in investors calls. They only way to do that is to diminish the visits of APs (done), in favor of daily guests, charge for things that used to be free (done), increase existing costs (done), introduce variable ticket pricing for daily park visits (done), implement a new system where you now pay per ride/attraction (done), and create new, expensive opportunities only for those who are foolish enough to pay exorbitant prices (SW Galactic Starcruiser, coming March 2022).

 

[DizMe]

My theory is that they’ve realized they’ve done all they can to juice and boost attendance throughout the year. Since they clearly choose not to build out, or new parks to accommodate new and more guests, the only way up is to increase per guest spending. They’ve mentioned this in investors calls. They only way to do that is to diminish the visits of APs (done), in favor of daily guests, charge for things that used to be free (done), increase existing costs (done), introduce variable ticket pricing for daily park visits (done), implement a new system where you now pay per ride/attraction (done), and create new, expensive opportunities only for those who are foolish enough to pay exorbitant prices (SW Galactic Starcruiser, coming March 2022).

Now that's a very astute assessment, though it saddens me to see it coming to life.

I know 4 people who are madly prepping for their GS "voyage." I'm not a SW fan so I've no interest, but I'd be hard-pressed to justify the entry-level cost of $6000 for the lowest tier room for 2 nights even if I were a fan. However, worth is all relative and it's not really more than the signature suites at DLH. I doubt I'll ever rent one of those, either, except maybe the Fairy Tale Suite which is the smallest and cheapest. I've stayed in that one and don't regret it.

 

[whoever]

I tried to do this back in the day, but it kept getting cancelled. Glad to see it's back.

 

[kateklein]

My sister chatted about it in this video!

 

[Nonsuch]

My sister chatted about it in this video!

Thanks for sharing.
Their description of the Power Walk makes it clear, I’m not doing that.

Nice to see the Studio villa

 

[tankgirl!]

I was hoping to do the walk before heading to the park for rope drop, but it looks like it might be too strenuous for that plan! Thanks.

 

[Mufasa2018]

When can you sign up for the walk. The night before, 30days in advance. Thanks

 

[CeCe0906]

I'm just amazed that people want to add MORE steps to their day, and pay for the privilege! By the end of a Disney Parks Day, my feet are done!

 

[bwvBound]

Good news for DVC Members: The morning power walk has returned to the DVC Perks pages as "Free" for DVC members!

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.g...relaxation/disneyland-neighborhood-power-walk

 

[Astylla]

Good news for DVC Members: The morning power walk has returned to the DVC Perks pages as "Free" for DVC members!

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.g...relaxation/disneyland-neighborhood-power-walk

I have a rather dumb and probably obvious question but is this available to those renting points or does a DVC blue card need to be shown if you know ?
I rent points often at GCV so curious !

 

[bwvBound]

I have a rather dumb and probably obvious question but is this available to those renting points or does a DVC blue card need to be shown if you know ?
I rent points often at GCV so curious !

Sorry, I don't know. Following the clues, I suspect it is only for DVC Members as it must be booked by phone through DVC Member Services. So ... it would be up to the member you are renting from to place that call and try to put your group's name on the event roster?? Worth a try!! and Good luck!

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Good news for DVC Members: The morning power walk has returned to the DVC Perks pages as "Free" for DVC members!

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.g...relaxation/disneyland-neighborhood-power-walk

Fantastic! I'd like to try to do this on the weekend because I need to stay on East Coast time for work (4am start time). Thanks for the tip!