Is Disney sinking itself?

[Rockbro]

I get your frustration and agree with several of your points, especially the communication. But unfortunately I don't think things will get much better for AP holders anytime soon, especially with Chapek's comments yesterday during the earnings call. He specifically pointed out that regular visitors are more profitable than AP holders. While I agree we (AP holders) are the most loyal group of customers Disney has, we are not the most profitable....at least by the metrics Disney execs are going by. Of course he did mention that "regular, one time guests" have cancelled more in Q2 than AP's so they were able to fill in the gaps with AP holders. I unfortunately think this Disney management group looks at AP holders as a necessary evil.

My personal guess is AP prices will go up or be limited in some way going forward. I think Disney will want to maximize their per guest revenue as I think capacity will be limited for the foreseeable future. I do think they will anger many of their most loyal customers. I hope I am wrong. But honestly I think management is way over their skiis here.

First, thank you for that information. Where did you access it?

Second, I agree with everything you said, and this is especially true for Florida residents AP. The company makes much more money on a weeklong out of state vacationer in terms of resort reservations, dining (especially those who rely on Dis transportation), merchandising, $3.50 bottles of water, etc. My wife and I dump hundreds (maybe even thousands) of $ into Disney above and beyond the AP's. We only live an hour away, but occasionally, we will even stay on property (don't get me started on the resort parking fees), but let's do some math... and I'll be way off here.

Florida gold AP = About $1000 for 2 of us
Occasional on property stay (deluxe, club level) = About $1,200 we only stay one night
Dining (signature) = About $120
Merchandise = nothing
Popcorn/ice cream = About $10

Disney's takeaway = $2330 for the year. Add in operating expenses, salaries, etc. They're probably taking a loss on us. (Again, I may be way underestimating here)

Resort guest (7 days)

Value $350/night
Dining (even just quick service, family of 2, to keep things even) = $60/day
Merchandise = $100
Snacks = $50 (conservative)
Special events = up to $200

Disney's takeaway = $3220

I understand the business model, and I get that Disney needs to make a profit. But I used to see WDW as a friend, now I see it as a money grab.

 

[Rockbro]

It seems to me like many people are really upset with the way that Disney is operating, some people upset since before COVID. Just out of curiosity, what makes you keep an annual pass if you are this upset about how Disney runs?

I've been going to Disney for around 35 years. Only AP for 3. Disney has helped me get through a lot of bad things in my life. I can't fault the parks for the decisions of management, but I can certainly fault management. Six Flags, Universal, Bush Gardens, Carowinds... they'll never hold a candle to Disney in my eyes, but I can complain occasionally. Everybody argues with a husband/wife sometimes. It doesn't mean you stop loving that person.

 

[Dismrk155]

I just feel as though it is not even a matter or poor training, it is a lack of common sense. You had better believe if that happened to me, I would be evacuating myself and my family, as well. The cast member panicked, flat out. She was not helpful, she was , in fact, detrimental.

When in doubt just promote the person to management. Lack of proper training is everywhere. Not staffing the rides with enough people is another problem.

 

[Rockbro]

I still haven't gotten my answer to my question up thread

Is that directed at me? If so, I don't know what "upthread" means.

 

[jerseygal]

It's funny how things can anger some people and others laugh at it. People need to chill out and realize this is crazy and won't anytime soon. What is the fact that Disney services aren't what they use to be?

Restaurants, many signatures are closed..we were at Riviera last week, menus are very limited!, at quick serve and the signature, Topolinos Terrace, guests of these resorts need more choices, especially since the food on site is more expensive than eating offsite..we do it for convenience,,but if menus are so limited, will strongly will consider eating offsite when we will stay at the resorts In future.

 

[yulilin3]

Is that directed at me? If so, I don't know what "upthread" means.

up thread means up the thread. I asked you if you really wish DIsney would sink, as per your original statement

 

[Dismrk155]

What's an upthread?

 

[Walt4ever]

With regards to the CM, she was correct in her concern over the guests evacuating on their own, but probably could have communicated it better. These rides are dangerous pieces of heavy machinery. Just because the log sank does not mean the ride had stopped. The guests put themselves at risk of serious injury for the sake of trying to stay dry. You absolutely should NOT evacuate on your own.

 

[Rockbro]

No... I don't wish Disney would sink. I overreacted.

 

[Rockbro]

With regards to the CM, she was correct in her concern over the guests evacuating on their own, but probably could have communicated it better. These rides are dangerous pieces of heavy machinery. Just because the log sank does not mean the ride had stopped. The guests put themselves at risk of serious injury for the sake of trying to stay dry. You absolutely should NOT evacuate on your own.

I had to evacuate myself and my family on a Disney ride. Sometimes you don't have an option. It's a very difficult and dangerous decision, but what is those kids couldn't swim? The water may have only been a few feet, but lives trump protocol.
I don't say this often, because I respect others' opinions. You are wrong.

Because you board an attraction, you are not a hostage.

 

[Dismrk155]

Some responses just aren't worth responding to.

 

[Rockbro]

Some people like to stir the pot.

 

[Rockbro]

Let's bring this back to our "happy place."

This is Disney... there's no place for anger!

 

[Dismrk155]

Let's bring this back to our "happy place."

We can try but Disney laid off tinker bell?

 

[Rockbro]

We can try but Disney laid off tinker bell?

She was an unneeded commodity... she needed a line to fly. A FRAUD!

 

[Rockbro]

I have a very bad sense of humor....