Missed Marketing Opportunity for Dining

[katallo]

We noticed for our Spring trip that we've had no problems making or changing dining reservations. With the economy and tourism suffering, I've always wondered why Disney has not offered guests staying onsite the chance to eat at Epcot's World Showcase restaurants without paying for a full day admission. They could have guests make reservations after 7:00 pm with admission no earlier than 6:45 and limit the opportunity to a few weekdays. Honestly, if you have a 7:00 pm reservation you will not finish your meal until 8:30 and the most you will see is Illuminations. Future World closes at 7:00 pm, so you can't see any shows or rides. When you take part in the offer put a set amount (50.00) on a credit card hold and if the restaurant confirms you kept your reserevation the credit card hold will be removed. I'm sure there would be details to work out, but I think it would definitely increase the restaurant's revenues. Just a thought.

 

[ROEDISNEY]

I always wished they did this. Like give you a stamp on your hand so you can't ride the rides but you still can eat there or in that matter any of the parks.

 

[katallo]

I always wished they did this. Like give you a stamp on your hand so you can't ride the rides but you still can eat there or in that matter any of the parks.

That's true. It could be done at any park, but it would be so easy at Epcot since Future World closes at 7:00. The only thing to do in the short amount of time following dinner would be to shop! More revenue

 

[onelilspark]

They do offer a FL Resident after 4pm pass at a significantly reduced cost. It's only good at Epcot.

 

[tinka-belle]

They do have something like that, just for Florida residents with proper I.D. It's an after 4pm Epcot Annual pass, current price $129 plus tax.

Since most FL residents who frequent the parks have an annual pass anyway, I'm not sure how popular the after 4pm Epcot one is.

What's available to other than FL residents staying at Disney properties or outside the park is a park hopper, $50 plus tax added to the cost of your base ticket.

 

[Faldred]

Two things:

1) I wasn't under the impression that there was a lot of vacancy at restaurants -- even if you can swing last-minute ADRs, I imagine most places will fill up with walk-ins (unless there are no-show ADRs holding tables open).

2) Most of the Epcot restaurants aren't Disney-owned, so they have little incentive to go through the hassle of special entry to allow people to dine at them.

 

[GoodFairies]

I've noticed they "say" Future World closes at 7pm but I'm pretty sure the only attraction that is actually closed by then is U of E. The Land, Living Seas, and Test Track pavilions are always opened after 7pm and FP handouts go on until park closing time.

 

[disnut8]

Future World doesn't completely close at 7:00. There are a few attractions that are not available anymore but a lot of them are. Also, all of world Showcase is available until 9:00. There are three films plus three attractions back there. Additionally, all the entertainment is available until around 8:00 or even later.

I cannot imagine the nightmare of attempting to segregate the total park guests with the "only eating" guests. The attraction Cast Members would have to check everyone's hands for stamps? I don't see that as very feasible.

There are plenty of restaurants outside a park turnstile that Disney guests may use. California Grill, Yachtsmen Steakhouse, Victoria and Albert's, Shula's, Narcoossee's, Spoodles, Flying Fish, Citrocos, are all top notice restaurants and are not even inside a park.

 

[fall08CP]

Well if someone is staying more 3-4 days then isn't adding the extra day only like $3 or something? That would be much cheaper than $40. I'm not sure who your target is... locals? Someone staying less than 3 days?

 

[CarolA]

Ummm.... Aren't the resturants FULL most nights NOW? Why would Disney need to do this when they are already booked up?

Convention visitors can also buy an after 2 ticket to use if they want.

I don't see any reason for Disney to do anymore unless the resturants need more traffic (which they don't seem to right now!) If there is no place to sit more guests it's NOT going to increase revenue!