How do APs impact DL crowds?

[Hound 109]

TeamTnC just posted an excellent Trip Report on the DL Trip Report board, and we started a conversation that might be better answered over here.

It was stated that the previous Friday & Sunday were LESS crowded at DL than this past Monday & Tuesday. None of us could figure this out. Is it possible that AP was available on Mon. & Tues. (but not on the other days)??

If this is INDEED the reason, should AP dates be more of a factor (in deciding) when people (who don't have AP) plan a vacation?

Thanks.

 

[HydroGuy]

And please - I am not trying to ignite a flame war.

We followed HydroGuys excellent suggestions. In line at EE at 6:30 (for a 7AM opening). Got into a pretty short line. Make it quickly to Nemo. Got on the sub at 7:30. Off at 7:45.

Here's my seditious statement. What's the Big Deal with the Nemo ride? I certainly wouldn't ride it again. Even without waiting in line at all!

Again, a simple question. Why are people waiting 3 hours in line for it? Because it is new?

I have written that the Nemo lines will die down sooner rather than later because it is not that good of a ride. So I agree with your assessment.

I think the excitement is because it is a ride with lots of nostalgia. And because it is new. Personally, the subs never did a whole lot for me when I was a kid. But many people have a strong emotional attachment to them.

There are certain rides that blow you away like IJA, SoC, SM, etc. FNSV does not fit into that category. Don't get me wrong. It is a fun ride. But it is not "blow you away" good.

 

[Califgirl]

I believe that the So. Calif AP's are completely blocked out during July, but Deluxe is only blocked out on the Saturdays. Premiums have no block out dates at all. Therefore, it seems that in your scenario the Annual Passholders had no impact whatsoever on the park attendance.

 

[HydroGuy]

I believe that the So. Calif AP's are completely blocked out during July, but Deluxe is only blocked out on the Saturdays. Premiums have no block out dates at all. Therefore, it seems that in your scenario the Annual Passholders had no impact whatsoever on the park attendance.

I do not know the numbers with high confidence, but I seem to remember that 85-90% of all AP holders are SoCal or SoCal Select and are blacked out in the summer. You are quite right that the DAP and PAP are not blacked out - at least not as solidly as the SoCal holders.

The total number of AP holders (of all varieties) is somewhere between 600,000-700,000.

If my numbers are correct, that would leave somewhere around 60,000-100,000 DAP/PAP holders who could potentially show up in the summer.

FWIW I suspect this is not enough to sway attendance that much. If each of the DAP/PAP's showed up twice a month for a day trip, that would average to 2,000-3,300 extra people per day. If they showed up weekly, it would of course be twice that much.

 

[Hound 109]

I believe that the So. Calif AP's are completely blocked out during July, but Deluxe is only blocked out on the Saturdays. Premiums have no block out dates at all. Therefore, it seems that in your scenario the Annual Passholders had no impact whatsoever on the park attendance.

Thanks Califgirl. Maybe there were tour groups or something.