Rumor about “modified experiences” when Disney reopens (read 1st post for potential modifications being considered)

[SaintsManiac]

Sorry if this was already posted:

https://blogmickey.com/2020/04/disney-doesnt-anticipate-a-closure-of-more-than-6-months/

 

[mickeystoontown]

They are losing money everyday and they could lose more money by being open. One thing i've wondered is, how many people have to enter the park on a given day to turn a profit? If it costs disney say $1,000,000 just to pay cast and buy supplies, they would need at least that coming to justify opening the doors. At some point there has to be a break even or justification to open the parks at a low crowd level. I cant see opening for 20-40,000 people worth it.

Were you saying it cost $1,000,000 for all four theme parks to be up and running or per park? I wasn't sure so the following numbers may not apply to what you were stating.

If you have 20,000 guests X $88.00 per ticket (the average cost of a five day base ticket) and then add to that what the guests will be spending on food and souvenirs, it adds up quickly.

 

[Nox]

Can you imagine a face mask on a 101 degree, super humid day at the parks? yuck.

Exactly.

I'm a local. I live 45 minutes from Disney, so it isn't as big an expense for me to go as others (no airfare, no hotels), but even so - I'll spend my ~$225 (tickets for me and my husband) on something I can fully enjoy. Disney will eventually, fully reopen, and I'm sure I'll still be living right here when it does, so I'll go then.

 

[woody337]

Were you saying it cost $1,000,000 for all four theme parks to be up and running or per park? I wasn't sure so the following numbers may not apply to what you were stating.

If you have 20,000 guests X $88.00 per ticket (the average cost of a five day base ticket) and then add to that what the guests will be spending on food and souvenirs, it adds up quickly.

I was just throwing a number out there. Not meaning thats even close to the cost of running the park. Basically asking what the return on investment was.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I was just throwing a number out there. Not meaning thats even close to the cost of running the park. Basically asking what the return on investment was.

Gotcha. Wasn't sure.

 

[yulilin3]

Per this article it's around 38 million per day
https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando...-lost-the-daily-pandemic-cost-for-disney.html

 

[Lewisc]

We're missing a big part of the issue. Disney has to make sure CMs don't infect other CMs and guests. An infected guest may have contact with hundreds of other guests. An infected CM thousands of guests.

There are holes with every possible check. Checking temperatures will catch some infected people, but miss many. Face masks, even if just by CMs will reduce transmissions. "Overkill" promotion of hand sanitizers will reduce transmissions. Eliminating the number crowds staying in one place for an extended period of time, parades, fireworks etc., will reduce infections. Hopefully the combined effect of multiple actions will reduce infections to the level which will permit opening.

 

[Bethany10]

this has been an interesting read. Like many of you, the mask is a hard stop for me going to the parks. We have plans for Universal in late August with a one day stop at Disney and I'm unwilling to do any of it if I'm being asked to wear a mask. We are in the wait and see camp as well and will stay home until the parks are fully open. If it means waiting until 21 or even 22 I'm ok with that.

At the same time, I get that Disney needs to reopen and should be looking at ways they can get that done, as well as discuss worst case scenarios that involve NOT opening for the remainder of 2020. No one wants to see that happen, least of all Disney execs I'm sure, but it needs to be on the table.

 

[zumfelde]

Just cancelled our July family trip. None of us would wear mask and not worth it if not all parks are open or even all inside attractions.

 

[EveDallas]

That's why I don't think it's opening anytime soon. Especially after reading the article with Bob Iger mentioning mass testing before people will feel safe to return to the parks

I think Iger is seriously underestimating. There are people that would be there today if it was open- -virus or no.

 

[bookwormde]

I assume the parks being profitable is not the financial metric for opening, but rather a reduction in the losses from when the parks are closed.

There is a level where revenue from a limited opening exceeds the additional direct costs,

My guess is that this is at the onsite only level which is about 20 to 25% attendance.

Based on the link above that would generate about 16M per day (42% of standard) excluding DVC sales which might be 1M per day

So as long as incremental operating cost above closed cost are less than that if makes financial sense if there are not other non financial overriding negative factors

 

[SaintsManiac]

I think Iger is seriously underestimating. There are people that would be there today if it was open- -virus or no.

They won't open until they feel it is safe for their CMs. It is not safe yet. And yes before you say it, I know they need to get to work and make money. Disney isn't going to gamble with spiking infections, though.

 

[yulilin3]

I think Iger is seriously underestimating. There are people that would be there today if it was open- -virus or no.

Me. Lol. I cannot wait, I'll be there bright and early

 

[SaintsManiac]

Me. Lol. I cannot wait, I'll be there bright and early

To be fair, you're local. You don't have to book flights and resort. You can go and if you don't like what you see you can go home. Not sure how many will gamble with thousands.

 

[yulilin3]

To be fair, you're local. You don't have to book flights and resort. You can go and if you don't like what you see you can go home. Not sure how many will gamble with thousands.

100% agree. Im definitely not saying im in the majority, I was just commenting on the pp post

 

[EveDallas]

100% agree. Im definitely not saying im in the majority, I was just commenting on the pp post

I've been more of a Universal girl for the past several years, but I'd do Disney in a hot minute if I could.

 

[Spridell]

But will DVC owners even want to go if the parks aren’t open?

I think people living within Driving distance and people with a lot of points WOULD DEF go.

I have a trip planned for June and July at OKW and I am in South Florida and I would go just to get away and a change of scenerey. Even if it meant I could not go to the parks I would still go.

 

[yulilin3]

I've been more of a Universal girl for the past several years, but I'd do Disney in a hot minute if I could.

Im mentally preparing there won't be an HHN this year

 

[bookwormde]

For those close enough to do a day trip if you would otherwise go, would you be willing to book an on site room if that was required in addition to a ticket to enter the parks

 

[jdrasin]

They are losing money everyday and they could lose more money by being open. One thing i've wondered is, how many people have to enter the park on a given day to turn a profit? If it costs Disney say $1,000,000 just to pay cast and buy supplies, they would need at least that coming to justify opening the doors. At some point there has to be a break even or justification to open the parks at a low crowd level. I cant see opening for 20-40,000 people worth it.

I have strong feelings about the timing of the opening which I've been silent on because it might get me kicked out, but what you bring up I think is a very interesting analysis. Clearly if they open and 100 people come, they are better off being closed. So where do those lines cross and how much cheaper does running the parks become with less parades/fireworks/etc...

Joseph