Orange County Commissioners vote & rumor leaks...

[HopperFan]

Thanks! Sorry I missed this, I was busy writing below. Could've saved myself some work. As discussed that should only happen once in the year in May. January also comes close with a quick Bronze-Silver-Gold back to back to back scenario. Besides that you can pick most weeks and know it will either be Bronze/Silver or Silver/Gold.

While all three prices in one trip may not be often I just glanced at the calendar and plunked in my dates from last year. I hit all three prices twice and most other trips were two prices.
- January trip three prices
- February trip two prices
- April trip two prices
- May trip all three prices
- August trip two prices
- Sept trip two prices
- Oct trip two prices
- December trip one price

I think the issue is that there are good odds are you will have to buy a higher priced ticket than you might need for the bulk of your trip unless they are somehow going to coordinate prorating with multi-day tickets.... Many don't research enough and am sure when that page pops up many will choose the cheapest tickets then be surprised at the gate when they show up on a higher priced day. If they do this, it will be a cluster. I just hope at that point they have AP only ticket lines.

 

[DDLand]

While all three prices in one trip may not be often I just glanced at the calendar and plunked in my dates from last year. I hit all three prices twice and most other trips were two prices.
- January trip three prices
- February trip two prices
- April trip two prices
- May trip all three prices
- August trip two prices
- Sept trip two prices
- Oct trip two prices
- December trip one price

I think the issue is that there are good odds are you will have to buy a higher priced ticket than you might need for the bulk of your trip unless they are somehow going to coordinate prorating with multi-day tickets.... Many don't research enough and am sure when that page pops up many will choose the cheapest tickets then be surprised at the gate when they show up on a higher priced day. If they do this, it will be a cluster. I just hope at that point they have AP only ticket lines.

I think what you described goes perfectly with what I'm saying. Both January and May are oddities like I pointed out. Besides that, you can plan for a semi expensive vacation (Bronze/Silver) or a very expensive vacation (Silver/Gold). I think Disney will focus their fire power on selling Silver vacation tickets. This could actually be the next generation of park hopper. Many people buy park hoppers as an added feature and either don't use it enough or at all in order to justify purchases. Disney could get someone who's staying over let's say 5 days of Bronze and 2 days of silver to buy an entire silver 7 day pass. That's extra cash in Disney's wallet, and a surprisingly thoughtful move.

I wouldn't get nervous about people walking up with the wrong pass. This is the era of MyMagic+ and FastPass+. The computer will know as soon as you start trying to get FP+ for certain days or booking certain days that the tickets in your account aren't valid. You'll be locked out of booking. Actually I wouldn't be surprised if Disney wouldn't have had the infrastructure or the confidence to go forward with this if not for MyMagic+. This could finally be the way it pays itself off in a Magical Way.

 

[HopperFan]

I think what you described goes perfectly with what I'm saying. Both January and May are oddities like I pointed out. Besides that, you can plan for a semi expensive vacation (Bronze/Silver) or a very expensive vacation (Silver/Gold). I think Disney will focus their fire power on selling Silver vacation tickets. This could actually be the next generation of park hopper. Many people buy park hoppers as an added feature and either don't use it enough or at all in order to justify purchases. Disney could get someone who's staying over let's say 5 days of Bronze and 2 days of silver to buy an entire silver 7 day pass. That's extra cash in Disney's wallet, and a surprisingly thoughtful move.

I wouldn't get nervous about people walking up with the wrong pass. This is the era of MyMagic+ and FastPass+. The computer will know as soon as you start trying to get FP+ for certain days or booking certain days that the tickets in your account aren't valid. You'll be locked out of booking. Actually I wouldn't be surprised if Disney wouldn't have had the infrastructure or the confidence to go forward with this if not for MyMagic+. This could finally be the way it pays itself off in a Magical Way.

But if guests go September 18-28 which is reasonable especially if there on Free Dining (if it survives) and dates I went often. They have 2 bronze, 2 silver, 5 bronze, 2 silver. They buy 10 days of tickets to enjoy the park the evening on arrival which is likely less crowded. Looking at ticket prices, the bronze will be the most appealing especially since they have 7 days of bronze. In all the planning of FP+ and ADR, tickets are not even thought about after they are in the computer. Maybe the computer will flag you if you try for FP+ on silver days but not feeling confident in that bit of programming. Pros and cons to WDW to flag it. So family shows up to park Saturday morning but all they have are bronze. Lots of blue Mickey heads .........

I think you are giving too much credit for folks to understand, hey they still come on here and ask if they can just buy bigger tickets and use two to hop Purchasing the most expensive ticket because they have just a couple higher priced days is not going to come naturally to folks.

 

[DDLand]

But if guests go September 18-28 which is reasonable especially if there on Free Dining (if it survives) and dates I went often. They have 2 bronze, 2 silver, 5 bronze, 2 silver. They buy 10 days of tickets to enjoy the park the evening on arrival which is likely less crowded. Looking at ticket prices, the bronze will be the most appealing especially since they have 7 days of bronze. In all the planning of FP+ and ADR, tickets are not even thought about after they are in the computer. Maybe the computer will flag you if you try for FP+ on silver days but not feeling confident in bit of programming. So family shows up to park Saturday morning but all they have are bronze. Lots of blue Mickey heads .........

I think you are giving too much credit for folks to understand, hey they still come on here and ask if they can just buy bigger tickets and use two to hop Purchasing the most expensive ticket because they have just a couple higher priced days is not going to come naturally to folks.

This is in effect bringing the same sort of structure that exists in the hotel market to theme park tickets, and probably where the idea comes from seeing as WDW has that corporate relationship. The way you'll buy tickets will be completely on what days you'll be there. People around here are famous for buying and holding tickets, being strategic at the time of buy, and even holding on for extended periods of time. We are not who these changes are for. This is for the guest buying either a one day ticket, or who are planning months out. Most people don't spontaneously book a room at Disney hotel the week before there going They have dates on their calendar, and Disney is going to have to be up front and ask what days will you'll be visiting. You'll know exactly what type of ticket to buy because Disney will tell you which one to buy.

In the same way people with reservations at a hotel don't walk in and find out that each night costs different, they already know that. Because they pre-booked. Just like they pre-booked their FP+ selections, or their dining reservations, or their Magical Express, or Airplane Tickets. This Ticket will be pre-booked on a website or travel agent who will let you know what type of ticket to buy over your vacation.

There could be a problem with third parties, but I doubt Disney will care. More direct sales could result.

I'm getting a little offtrack from the thread now... lol I'll stop it here as long as I have will power.

 

[manning]

They would have to if they want to compete and make that third gate profitable. I can't imagine with Disney providing transportation to all parks from their hotels and manageable for those driving in. If it is a 3rd gate I don't think people would be happy staying "on property" and being told to find their own transportation.

There is rumored that universal may be looking at Skytran. If it proves out and they get right of ways It could prove interesting.
http://money.cnn.com/2015/10/23/smallbusiness/skytran-air-taxis/index.html

Cost to build 6-8 million dollars a mile
Speed up 150 MPH
Point to Point travel. The pod goes onto a station spur out of the way of traffic flow.

It's a long shot granted. This could be a game changer.

 

[Keels]

There is rumored that universal may be looking at Skytran. If it proves out and they get right of ways It could prove interesting.
http://money.cnn.com/2015/10/23/smallbusiness/skytran-air-taxis/index.html

Cost to build 6-8 million dollars a mile
Speed up 150 MPH
Point to Point travel. The pod goes onto a station spur out of the way of traffic flow.

It's a long shot granted. This could be a game changer.

Holy. Crap.

I feel like that's about as close as we'll all get to our Jetsons' Flying Car ... wow.

 

[rteetz]

There is rumored that universal may be looking at Skytran. If it proves out and they get right of ways It could prove interesting.
http://money.cnn.com/2015/10/23/smallbusiness/skytran-air-taxis/index.html

Cost to build 6-8 million dollars a mile
Speed up 150 MPH
Point to Point travel. The pod goes onto a station spur out of the way of traffic flow.

It's a long shot granted. This could be a game changer.

I like this but I don't know if this could handle the mass transit at universal. It's like a 2-4 person pod. What about families of 5 or more? I definitely think this has potential tho.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

This is a generally good discussion...I thank everyone here.

The only pennies I can add is that I think an "arms race" could be revving up because Comcast and Disney have the SAME problem that manifests itself completely differently.

Disney is in danger of losing one of its best pure profit sources - the ESPN franchises...
And when that happens - if it does - it will be in a position of having to bank on another pillar -
And that...is walt Disney world...perhaps it's overall most profitable enterprise ever. Not going out on a limb...

And why would cable go? Because the old system is going to deregulate and go into a free for all that's it's never been before. I know many don't see ESPN declining...but i do.

And that...is a bigger problem for Comcast...cable cutting. That's the big banana at their hq down the street from me. They will recoup much of their losses with the ability to charge obseen data rates...so called "internet freedom"...as big of a crock of crude as "right to work state" and "no child left behind"...

Well...so Comcast...being far more on their ball than Disney seems
To be...needs a new pillar. Wouldn't a 40% share of one of the biggest tourism Meccas the world has ever seen be a nice one? And in the process crippling one of your three other mega media competitors (there are only 4)?

Boy...that sounds like at least a decent plan, don't it?

 

[rteetz]

This is a generally good discussion...I thank everyone here.

The only pennies I can add is that I think an "arms race" could be revving up because Comcast and Disney have the SAME problem that manifests itself completely differently.

Disney is in danger of losing one of its best pure profit sources - the ESPN franchises...
And when that happens - if it does - it will be in a position of having to bank on another pillar -
And that...is walt Disney world...perhaps it's overall most profitable enterprise ever. Not going out on a limb...

And why would cable go? Because the old system is going to deregulate and go into a free for all that's it's never been before. I know many don't see ESPN declining...but i do.

And that...is a bigger problem for Comcast...cable cutting. That's the big banana at their hq down the street from me. They will recoup much of their losses with the ability to charge obseen data rates...so called "internet freedom"...as big of a crock of crude as "right to work state" and "no child left behind"...

Well...so Comcast...being far more on their ball than Disney seems
To be...needs a new pillar. Wouldn't a 40% share of one of the biggest tourism Meccas the world has ever seen be a nice one? And in the process crippling one of your three other mega media competitors (there are only 4)?

Boy...that sounds like at least a decent plan, don't it?

I agree but I don't think cable going away is going to be as quick as some think.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I agree but I don't think cable going away is going to be as quick as some think.

You'd be surprised, my friend...

Cable tv is largely the same as it always was according to price structures...
Digital, on demand are nice...but it still a tightly regulated enterprise where people
Are paying for bundles regardless of usage.

It's kinda like VHS...it could unravel very quickly

 

[Keels]

You'd be surprised, my friend...

Cable tv is largely the same as it always was according to price structures...
Digital, on demand are nice...but it still a tightly regulated enterprise where people
Are paying for bundles regardless of usage.

It's kinda like VHS...it could unravel very quickly

I'm still waiting for the LaserDisc market to materialize ...

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I'm still waiting for the LaserDisc market to materialize ...

I believe Japanese laser disc is still the only option you have to obtain the "real" versions of Star Wars at this point.

 

[DOOM1001]

I still have a VHS!!

 

[rteetz]

You'd be surprised, my friend...

Cable tv is largely the same as it always was according to price structures...
Digital, on demand are nice...but it still a tightly regulated enterprise where people
Are paying for bundles regardless of usage.

It's kinda like VHS...it could unravel very quickly

I think my family will be one of the last ones to switch. Heck we still have a home phone yet my mom has been contemplating getting rid of that.

We have about 10 TVs in our house half with time warner cable and the other half with directv...

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I think my family will be one of the last ones to switch. Heck we still have a home phone yet my mom has been contemplating getting rid of that.

We have about 10 TVs in our house half with time warner cable and the other half with directv...

You guys should take a trip out of the 1980's

 

[Josh Hendy]

This is in effect bringing the same sort of structure that exists in the hotel market to theme park tickets, and probably where the idea comes from seeing as WDW has that corporate relationship. The way you'll buy tickets will be completely on what days you'll be there. People around here are famous for buying and holding tickets, being strategic at the time of buy, and even holding on for extended periods of time.

This all makes my head spin. The way I see it, a theme park is nothing like a hotel. A hotel has a fixed number of rooms and each room has a fixed number of beds. The demand must absolutely be adjusted with price because the supply is absolutely fixed.

Except on one or two of the busiest days in the year a theme park has no such absolute limit on capacity. Park hours can be increased or decreased, seasonal attractions and food venues can be opened and closed, tables, eating areas and cash registers can be opened or closed, live shows can have more or less frequent schedules, and many rides can operate at more or less capacity depending on the number of vehicles and tracks that are in circulation. Extra shows, such as streetmosphere actors, musical acts and firework displays can be added and deleted according to expected crowds. And if the overall product is in more demand then why not just go ahead and make more product to sell. It's not like WDW ran out of land or anything. Or ideas. Or maybe they did ...

Consider this - does Corn Flakes offer seasonal pricing because they noticed that sales are heavier from Nov - April than the rest of the year?

Disney can go ahead and try to push the industry into a direction that makes no economic sense, by pretending that they have to manage theme park capacity as if they own a virtual vacation monopoly with fixed limits on capacity. Whether the public will go along is a completely different thing.

 

[Planogirl]

You guys should take a trip out of the 1980's

We have DirectV. I prefer everything in one place from one source.

Besides Blue Ray was supposed to replaced DVD and the last report seems to indicate that people aren't jumping on that bandwagon.

 

[rteetz]

You guys should take a trip out of the 1980's

Hey we don't watch VHS anymore and all my music is digital so we are out of the 1980s except for the home phone but that will likely change soon.

 

[rteetz]

We have DirectV. I prefer everything in one place from one source.

Besides Blue Ray was supposed to replaced DVD and the last report seems to indicate that people aren't jumping on that bandwagon.

Every new movie we buy is usually a bundle of Blu-Ray, DVD, and digital copy.

I like directv mostly for the NFL ticket. We are big sports people so.

 

[Budshark]

This all makes my head spin. The way I see it, a theme park is nothing like a hotel. A hotel has a fixed number of rooms and each room has a fixed number of beds. The demand must absolutely be adjusted with price because the supply is absolutely fixed.

Except on one or two of the busiest days in the year a theme park has no such absolute limit on capacity. Park hours can be increased or decreased, seasonal attractions and food venues can be opened and closed, tables, eating areas and cash registers can be opened or closed, live shows can have more or less frequent schedules, and many rides can operate at more or less capacity depending on the number of vehicles and tracks that are in circulation. Extra shows, such as streetmosphere actors, musical acts and firework displays can be added and deleted according to expected crowds. And if the overall product is in more demand then why not just go ahead and make more product to sell. It's not like WDW ran out of land or anything. Or ideas. Or maybe they did ...

Consider this - does Corn Flakes offer seasonal pricing because they noticed that sales are heavier from Nov - April than the rest of the year?

Disney can go ahead and try to push the industry into a direction that makes no economic sense, by pretending that they have to manage theme park capacity as if they own a virtual vacation monopoly with fixed limits on capacity. Whether the public will go along is a completely different thing.

Or Disney anticipates a post Star Wars world where capacity is not a 1-2 day thing but rather a distinct possibility regularly during busy seasons.

And I think that is what is going on. FP+, variable pricing, EMH, DVC cost increases - are all in anticipation of wall to wall people in 2020.

Sorry folks but once Star Wars opens - this won't be your old Disney. I guarantee there has been enough market study to know that Star Wars will dwarf HP and the mouse better be able to control those crowds. Reduced annual passes, variable pricing will be part of it. I also foresee elimination of EMH for a new perk - guaranteed entrance. Stay on property and you won't be turned away. Stay off property and well - maybe you can come to the park today.