Price of Tickets for the Non-Riders

[MALE*RN*777]

I'm not wanting a debate. But I was wondering what people thought about those who can't or don't like to ride the rides at the parks. Do you think they should/could pay a different (less) price for the tickets to the parks. I would pay full price but I know what rides to stay away from but I feel sorry for some of those who go just to be with family who can't due to health or fear issues. I know we are paying not just for the rides but thats a big part/cost of the parks. IMO I think they should pay a lesser price but couldn't tell you how much. What do you all think? Again, be nice...

 

[limabeanmom2003]

I think it would be nice if Disney offered a senior citizen discount. Maybe ages 70 and above. I don't see how they would enforce a discounted ticket for people who just don't ride the rides. There is so much more to do and see at Disney beyond the big rides.

 

[CleveRocks]

I understand what you're saying, and I'm not flaming you. But let me be a geek and say that there would be NO PRACTICAL WAY to enforce it.

Really, the only way to do it would be to have "riders" wear a special wristband or something. There's no way Disney would make 98% of their guests do such a thing every day for the 2% who want a cheaper admission. Of course, you can say give the non-riders the wristbands, but then what's to prevent that person from simply removing the wristband and riding???

It would also be unnecessary stress and fatigue on ride and attraction CMs to have to be on the lookout for the rider tags every second. I realize they must do this during EMH evenings, but at each park that may be only once a week, maybe twice a week tops, and only for three hours rather than during an entire shift.

You could devise a locked-on electronic ankle bracelet for non-riders, similar to a house arrest bracelet. There could be sensors at the entrance of each ride/attraction that make alarms go off or sharp poison-tipped spikes rise from the ground or something. Of course, that would be VERY expensive, and the only way to pay for it would be to charge non-riders MORE than riders, to pay for/amortize the extra equipment. But then that would sorta defeat the purpose, wouldn't it?

Real life often interferes with good ideas. Better luck next time!

 

[jayandstacey]

I would agree that the rides are only a part of it and that much fun can be had by not riding.

Besides, the "rides" cover such a broad range of fast/slow, loud/quiet, dark/bright, etc - that if there is really someone that can't ride ANY ride, they probably wouldn't survive in the park at all anyway. Some of the rides are quieter / calmer etc than the park itself.

 

[codimouse]

My 2 cents. There is so much more to do than rides. I am not a rider, however my ticket price suits me fine as I do almost everything else.
It's not like any other park. So much to do. So little time.

 

[MALE*RN*777]

I agree with all the posting so far that it would be hard to enforce and yes like I said previously Disney is more than just rides. You/I would pay the same ticket price just to see some of the shows that they offer. I loved the Lion King show. I think it was the highlight of our Animal Kingdom day. And the kids loved It's a Bugs Life. Again thanks for the non flaming answers.

 

[srdipert]

Some amusement parks offer jmainly thrill rides and I can see there being a cheaper ticket for non riders but Disney has such a variety of rides and attractions that everyone benefits the same. When I was pregnant and at Disney I still felt like I got my money's worth from my tickets even though there were a few rides I could not do.

 

[Sammy]

I am not a "ride person" by any means and when I take the kids to the local amusement park, I hate having to pay full price just to walk around the park with them. There's nothing else to do there if you don't ride. However, at every Disney park, there is so much more than just the "big rides" and I enjoy every minute of being there. Combined at all parks, there's only 11 rides I stay away from (I think this covers all the big rides! )

MK:
Splash Mtn
Big Thunder RR
Space Mtn
Tea Cups
Astro Orbiter

AK:
Kali
Everest

Epcot:
Mission Space

Studios:
Tower of Terror
Rockin' RC
Star Tours

There's soooo much else to see and do that I don't feel "deprived" at all just because I don't do the e-ticket rides.

 

[pjb_hockey_mom]

I'm not a rides person and I agree with a few of the other posters....so much to do so little time. I understand your thought process and where you're going with it, but I just don't think its feasible.

What I would like to see at the buffets and restaurants is a "tweens" pricing for the kids older than 10 but not quite eating adult portions.......just my two cents.

 

[Geoff_M]

In effect that's what was in place when WDW opened in 1971. You paid a small park admission and then most, but not all, of the rides were ticketed.

 

[SueM in MN]

There are a lot of rides that my youngest DD can't ride because of her disabilities. I think that the admission price is fine the way it is.
As others have said, it would be hard to enforce and there are quite a few things to do besides the rides.

 

[TDC Nala]

I think there is so much to do at WDW besides rides that it does not bother me at all that there are no reduced price tickets. If they started that sort of thing they might cut costs by limiting or eliminating street entertainment.

 

[JikoMarie]

I'm with the others. I don't really see a significant need for a two-tiered pricing system. That being said, I do think it's too bad that WDW doesn't offer a senior's rate.

 

[Sammy]

Just wanted to jump back in and echo a previous poster. I would LOVE to see a jr. pricing level for the buffet and character meals. I have to pay adult prices for my 11 year old who eats like a bird!

 

[Deb & Bill]

I'm a card-carrying AARP member. Have been for years. My family probably has more disposable cash than most families staying at the value resorts which is probably similar to most senior guests visiting Disney. Why should seniors be given a discount? Don't agree with that one at all.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

In effect that's what was in place when WDW opened in 1971. You paid a small park admission and then most, but not all, of the rides were ticketed.

Oh no. Disneyland veteren having flashbacks to the scads of A and B tickets left over. I was so happy when they went to pay one price instead of those blasted ticket books. I'm sure it wasn't the case, but as a kid it always seemed like anything good was an E or a D. And of course you were out of them lickety split. it seemed even the merry go round was a B.

 

[Trixie15]

Nah - it's about the whole experience, not just the rides. I think there is plenty to do even if you don't ride any rides. JMO, though!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I'm with the others. I don't really see a significant need for a two-tiered pricing system. That being said, I do think it's too bad that WDW doesn't offer a senior's rate.

Today while outside BB I had at least three people asking me about senior discounts. Two of them I suspected being less than my 66. Last month I was with a grandnephew and, among others, rode ToT, SM, EE, RnRC. And all the shows are accessible.

And for the ones who say they won't go in the water, or on any of the slides, my response is we have no way to police the claim once they are inside.

 

[livingthedream]

I don't think the rides are the most significant cost (although I understand that Expedition Everest costs alone were in the neighborhood of $1 million!)...BUT!

Think about all the details in the theming, and how much theming there is in each park! I always point things out to my teen sons, and they are just amazed at the creativity and level of detail everywhere. They appreciate all the work the imagineers have done to give a person the whole Disney experience, and I think THAT more than anything else justifies the cost of the parks.

Just my two cents worth.

 

[emma'smom]

I'm a card-carrying AARP member. Have been for years. My family probably has more disposable cash than most families staying at the value resorts which is probably similar to most senior guests visiting Disney. Why should seniors be given a discount? Don't agree with that one at all.

I would count yourself lucky...there are a lot of retirees with tight pensions who still enjoy the magic! I think a senior discount would be completely appropriate and a real service to families who want to bring grandparents along to enjoy their grandchildren.