Paid FP options coming soon to WDW?

[preemiemama]

IIRC, one of the earlier theories in what this would be like was more like the Shanghai and/or Paris Disney model- tiers of FP for a certain cost. I don't remember all the specifics, but I believe the earlier discussion on this was pricing levels based on number and type of ride...

 

[JakeAZ]

Might as well do a VIP tour and hit all the headliners if you’ve got two parties or a larger family.

I've never liked the idea of the "human fast pass" and being "on the clock". Too much stress having to run around and maximize that kind of spend. Also, having to make conversation with some stranger isn't my idea of a relaxing vacation. I'm sure the guides are very nice, but still.

While I don't think something like Universal's EP is going to come to WDW, the EP is just so much more straight forward. Pay X, get full access to EP lines. Every family can use it however they want, for the entire day(s).

 

[chasgeese]

Actually, it kind of does disprove it. You said NOBODY is going to balk at the cost. You've already had three people point out that yes, they will. People WILL balk at it. People will not go to Disney because of it. Other people will choose to still go, but skip the FP add on. No one said it would be the majority of people, just that some/plenty of people will - when you were claiming no one would.

While many hardcore Disney visitors might start balking at staying on-site with the changes the PP is mostly correct here. Disney makes more money per capita off the one and done or every so often type of guests than they do off the regulars. Once things get back to normal, Disney will likely be able to replace the revenue lost from “regulars” staying off-site with new people or only once in awhile guests no problem. Also, while there is definitely evidence on Disboards (which is a very small percentage of those who visit WDW) that these changes might alienate some hardcore Disney fans, there are still plenty of people here who will still stay on-site no matter what (to say nothing of those who already gave Disney a ton of money by buying into DVC). Disney knows the line where it can still get away with small upcharges and/or taking away some perks and that’s not likely to change in the future.

 

[chasgeese]

couldn't agree more.

Pricing it so most would do it defeats the purpose.

Unless the purpose is just that they realize most people would pay $25 for something they are now getting for free (especially because if you don’t it materially makes your trip worse, even though the fact that because everyone is paying for it it doesn’t make it materially better).

Part of the problem for Disney is I don’t see how they could implement a more expensive system that works as well as Universal unless they charged A LOT more for it. Universal’s system works because there is a capacity limit on days when it’s necessary and because Universal’s parks have more attractions per visitor than Disney. Even with the Express Pass in place most Universal rides have tolerable waits unless they are brand new, and that is not the case at WDW. If Disney wanted a paid FP it would have to limit those who use it, either by putting an artificial cap on those who can get it (which would probably have to be smaller than the number of on-site rooms available) or pricing it high enough to make it inaccessible to all but those able or willing to spend a lot on it. If Disney could have come up with a low cost or free to on-site guests version of FP that worked, they probably would have by now.

 

[JakeAZ]

especially because if you don’t it materially makes your trip worse, even though the fact that because everyone is paying for it it doesn’t make it materially better

This is exactly the point I was tying to make in a previous post. You summed it up very nicely!

 

[mshanson3121]

While many hardcore Disney visitors might start balking at staying on-site with the changes the PP is mostly correct here. Disney makes more money per capita off the one and done or every so often type of guests than they do off the regulars. Once things get back to normal, Disney will likely be able to replace the revenue lost from “regulars” staying off-site with new people or only once in awhile guests no problem. Also, while there is definitely evidence on Disboards (which is a very small percentage of those who visit WDW) that these changes might alienate some hardcore Disney fans, there are still plenty of people here who will still stay on-site no matter what (to say nothing of those who already gave Disney a ton of money by buying into DVC). Disney knows the line where it can still get away with small upcharges and/or taking away some perks and that’s not likely to change in the future.

Again. I was commenting on the fact he originally said NO ONE would balk at the price, which was incorrect. All I (and others I might point out) said was that yes, some will balk.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

That source on the other board seems to not be too reliable? The thread in question had him teasing a new system dating back to 2019 that still hasn't materialized. And all he does is post teasing "coming soon" type posts with no information whatsoever.

 

[JakeAZ]

That source on the other board seems to not be too reliable? The thread in question had him teasing a new system dating back to 2019 that still hasn't materialized. And all he does is post teasing "coming soon" type posts with no information whatsoever.

To be fair, Covid got in the way. I think it was safe say there would have been some FP changes when Genie should have launched last year.

 

[jpeterson]

To be fair, Covid got in the way. I think it was safe say there would have been some FP changes when Genie should have launched last year.

I've been pretty skeptical of most rumors around paid FP for the last couple years. The change would just be too big and disruptive, IMO. However COVID absolutely gave them the chance to hit the reset button. So any changes might be a lot bigger and more abrupt than they might have been.

 

[Eric Smith]

I've been pretty skeptical of most rumors around paid FP for the last couple years. The change would just be too big and disruptive, IMO. However COVID absolutely gave them the chance to hit the reset button. So any changes might be a lot bigger and more abrupt than they might have been.

I don't think we'll see FP+ come back in its previous form. I expect that whatever they do will include some kind of paid option with likely more of a distinct perk for on site guests

 

[BrianL]

I don't think we'll see FP+ come back in its previous form. I expect that whatever they do will include some kind of paid option with likely more of a distinct perk for on site guests

I think it's possible that they may go to a MaxPass type situation where FP there is still free FP availability, but paying the fee can enhance your access. One thing they should do to be more like Disneyland is to not have FP for EVERY ride/attraction - some just don't need it.

 

[JakeAZ]

I don't think we'll see FP+ come back in its previous form. I expect that whatever they do will include some kind of paid option with likely more of a distinct perk for on site guests

These are my thoughts too. 2 birds with 1 stone.

If they brought back FP in it's old form with no monetization, the entire upper management team should be fired for business malpractice. It's low hanging fruit with very low overhead.

 

[yaya74]

I think it's possible that they may go to a MaxPass type situation where FP there is still free FP availability, but paying the fee can enhance your access. One thing they should do to be more like Disneyland is to not have FP for EVERY ride/attraction - some just don't need it.

You mean going back to the paper FP with physical FP kiosks? I dont even know if FP kiosks existed at WDW prior to covid since almost everyone would manage their FPs on the phone.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

You mean going back to the paper FP with physical FP kiosks? I dont even know if FP kiosks existed at WDW prior to covid since almost everyone would manage their FPs on the phone.

There were still kiosks for people who didn’t have smart phones. I can’t imagine they would go back to this, it would be completely illogical.

 

[BrianL]

You mean going back to the paper FP with physical FP kiosks? I dont even know if FP kiosks existed at WDW prior to covid since almost everyone would manage their FPs on the phone.

No paper - the kiosks at DL actually stopped using paper FPs - they would issue a "reminder" card but the FP went onto your ticket and you would scan that at the FP entrance. The paper cards were not useable and I think they were phasing them out altogether.

 

[yaya74]

No paper - the kiosks at DL actually stopped using paper FPs - they would issue a "reminder" card but the FP went onto your ticket and you would scan that at the FP entrance. The paper cards were not useable and I think they were phasing them out altogether.

Thanks! I just googled the digital FP at disneyland and Maxpass system. It seems that both of these programs can be incorporated into the Genie program.

 

[BrianL]

Thanks! I just googled the digital FP at disneyland and Maxpass system. It seems that both of these programs can be incorporated into the Genie program.

Yeah, sure could. I still think there will be a free tier for FPs, but I can totally see some kind of expansion/advantage for those who pay.

 

[SleighBelle]

If they brought back FP in it's old form with no monetization, the entire upper management team should be fired for business malpractice. It's low hanging fruit with very low overhead

1,000% agree. People are willing to pay for something that costs you nothing extra (except for the technology to build and maintain it) so let us give you money!

Remember when they tested letting Club level hotel guests pay for 3 FPs? Yep, I was one of those people who paid extra!

How to maximize value for guests and drive behavior. . .? Hmmm.
Maybe “day guests” get 1 free.
On-property guests get 2 free
AP Guests get 3 free
AP Guests staying on property get 4 free?

You can pay for 3 extra.

Plus, let people reserve and ‘modify’. Those were both great options!

The cost of my AP went up by $200 so something is definitely afoot!

 

[JakeAZ]

1,000% agree. People are willing to pay for something that costs you nothing extra (except for the technology to build and maintain it) so let us give you money!

Remember when they tested letting Club level hotel guests pay for 3 FPs? Yep, I was one of those people who paid extra!

How to maximize value for guests and drive behavior. . .? Hmmm.
Maybe “day guests” get 1 free.
On-property guests get 2 free
AP Guests get 3 free
AP Guests staying on property get 4 free?

You can pay for 3 extra.

Plus, let people reserve and ‘modify’. Those were both great options!

The cost of my AP went up by $200 so something is definitely afoot!

While I agree they will most likely move to some type of tiered system to incentivize on-site stays, I don't believe they'd prioritize AP over Deluxe / Club Level / GV on-site guests.

I do agree with your assessment that something will be included and then you can pay for more. As you said, they already trialed this with CLFP.

Unfortunately, WDW knows people that have AP will come regardless. The incentive for them is to use the pass they bought before it expires.


EDIT: Maybe they'd do something similar to Universal where the highest AP gets some type of expedited access after a certain time (4pm)?

 

[mshanson3121]

I'm getting more and more discouraged about our next trip (which is getting more and more iffy). If the Early Morning Entry stays the same, and if they discontinue free FP+ for off site guests, there's no way we'll go back. We'd be at way too much of a disadvantage, and the extra cost to stay on site and pay for FP+ will be too much. At most I can see us doing 1 night on site, using our 1 day comp tickets and then saying bye to Disney forever likely.