Rumor Disney to sell FP for SWGE

[agamble]

I was expecting to find discussion about this here. In the March 5 WDW News Today video they suggest that Disney may begin selling FP for rides at GE. They say that this is done in other Disney parks around the world and that Disney is considering this for GE. That Disney would neither confirm or deny this possible tactic.

What do you guys think?

I would not be a fan of this. But I could see this as a great money maker for Disney.

 

[Magical2017]

Selling them for SWGE would be disappointing. I guess we will wait and see. It would not be surprising.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

I can’t get the video to load, so I don’t know any specific details they may have mentioned about how this would work.

I would be somewhat disappointed, but not necessarily surprised, if they sold FPs or monetized the ride experience in some way - some sort of special package or something, kind of how they do Fantasmic dining packages.

I would be very disappointed if the only way to obtain FPs was by buying them (not including needing Maxpass - I kind of expect them to be “Maxpass-only” so that they don’t have to deal with installing FP machines, although I realize that may be controversial).

In my opinion, if I’m in DL, with Maxpass, I should have a shot of getting FPs without paying for them additionally. But if they want to offer some optional upcharge, while not my preference, I don’t necessarily mind that. If I was a stockholder, I’d probably think they should capitalize on the demand somehow.

 

[agamble]

I can’t get the video to load, so I don’t know any specific details they may have mentioned about how this would work.

I would be somewhat disappointed, but not necessarily surprised, if they sold FPs or monetized the ride experience in some way - some sort of special package or something, kind of how they do Fantasmic dining packages.

I would be very disappointed if the only way to obtain FPs was by buying them (not including needing Maxpass - I kind of expect them to be “Maxpass-only” so that they don’t have to deal with installing FP machines, although I realize that may be controversial).

In my opinion, if I’m in DL, with Maxpass, I should have a shot of getting FPs without paying for them additionally. But if they want to offer some optional upcharge, while not my preference, I don’t necessarily mind that. If I was a stockholder, I’d probably think they should capitalize on the demand somehow.

They don't really suggest how it can be done. They did make it sound like half the FP could be for sell and the other half obtained through MP. I personally feel that they just rose the price of MP and that GE will be a huge incentive for people to buy MP and I hope they stick with that. Sell ticketed events and let people pay for that. Don't mess up the good FP system.

 

[mom2rtk]

Lots of discussion here:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/how-much-would-you-pay-for-a-swl-ride.3737026/

 

[SeaDis]

Examples I've seen at Sea World and Six Flags: Their paid "express" product limits certain popular rides to one per day, or excludes them. And at Sea World they were offering express rides on new Electric Eel for $15 each, ala carte.

I wasn't a fan of the complications or user experience. But, I get it.

 

[dieumeye]

I just posted this in another thread discussing SW:GE, but I would guess that "sell FPs" doesn't mean they would charge for regular FPs - that is, FPs would be free like they always are. Instead, "sell FPs" could mean that there will be a way to buy FPs for GE - probably as part of some other tour, dining, or hotel package.

There's plenty of that already in the parks, for example, you can book a dining package which is essentially paying for dinner & a FP, there are hotel packages that come with FPs, and you can pay for various tours that get you on rides, so some paid promotion that includes some GE FPs is not that different from what's currently available.

 

[agamble]

Lots of discussion here:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/how-much-would-you-pay-for-a-swl-ride.3737026/

Thanks for linking that thread. The discussion seems to be heavily WDW with a lot of emphasis on Club FP already available for purchase and extra hour offerings. Things we don't see at Disneyland. Also people worrying about getting their FP 60 days in advance and how hard that will be. Of course that isn't something we see at Disneyland. Here it would be the "need" to buy MP because SWGE ride FP will be gone within 30 minutes of park opening. And potentially no paper FP machines. So if people feel "forced" into buying MP, they are already paying to get the FP.

What I think would be nice is if Disney only allowed those with a FP to queue for the ride. Give out more FP than normal, but require one to enter the queue. Due to the digital nature of Max Pass at Disneyland they could add more FP availability throughout the day to ensure there is a steady stream of guests without a lengthy wait. Both rides are set to have immersive waiting areas prior to the ride, which give guests an attraction experience before they ride the ride. So it would be reasonable for guests to wait 30 minutes in the queue before heading to the interactive portion of the queue even if they have a FP. After all FP do not guarantee immediate entrance. And with rides like Haunted Mansion and Guardians where there is a pre show element before the ride all guests wait through the second waiting area.

 

[mom2rtk]

Thanks for linking that thread. The discussion seems to be heavily WDW with a lot of emphasis on Club FP already available for purchase and extra hour offerings. Things we don't see at Disneyland. Also people worrying about getting their FP 60 days in advance and how hard that will be. Of course that isn't something we see at Disneyland. Here it would be the "need" to buy MP because SWGE ride FP will be gone within 30 minutes of park opening. And potentially no paper FP machines. So if people feel "forced" into buying MP, they are already paying to get the FP.

What I think would be nice is if Disney only allowed those with a FP to queue for the ride. Give out more FP than normal, but require one to enter the queue. Due to the digital nature of Max Pass at Disneyland they could add more FP availability throughout the day to ensure there is a steady stream of guests without a lengthy wait. Both rides are set to have immersive waiting areas prior to the ride, which give guests an attraction experience before they ride the ride. So it would be reasonable for guests to wait 30 minutes in the queue before heading to the interactive portion of the queue even if they have a FP. After all FP do not guarantee immediate entrance. And with rides like Haunted Mansion and Guardians where there is a pre show element before the ride all guests wait through the second waiting area.

Disney actually tested making attractions exclusively FP at DLR (with the Anna/Elsa meet) and at WDW (with TSMM and Soarin). Many have been waiting ever since to see what they were up to with that. I wouldn't be shocked to see something like SWL go that direction.

 

[dieumeye]

Disney actually tested making attractions exclusively FP at DLR (with the Anna/Elsa meet) and at WDW (with TSMM and Soarin). Many have been waiting ever since to see what they were up to with that. I wouldn't be shocked to see something like SWL go that direction.

Maybe they will make the queues FP only, but thinking about it, a 6+ hour standby line can hold a lot of people... and if general crowding is a big concern, then it should actually help with crowding to have a long standby line for both attractions.

 

[agamble]

Disney actually tested making attractions exclusively FP at DLR (with the Anna/Elsa meet) and at WDW (with TSMM and Soarin). Many have been waiting ever since to see what they were up to with that. I wouldn't be shocked to see something like SWL go that direction.

They know approximately how many people can ride a ride on any given day. So I definitely think it is feasible to make the rides FP only.

 

[mom2rtk]

Maybe they will make the queues FP only, but thinking about it, a 6+ hour standby line can hold a lot of people... and if general crowding is a big concern, then it should actually help with crowding to have a long standby line for both attractions.

Totally agree here. DL is going to be overwhelmed with people coming in for this new land. Every person they free up from that line is one more person I have to fight for space in the rest of the park.

 

[dieumeye]

Totally agree here. DL is going to be overwhelmed with people coming in for this new land. Every person they free up from that line is one more person I have to fight for space in the rest of the park.

I know. There's no way I'm waiting in a 6 hour line, so FastPass all the way for me... but when the crowd shows up at 8am to grab a FP for GE and has a return time of 10pm, that means all those people (me included!) will be crowding up the rest of the park all day.

 

[VandVsmama]

I'm not holding my breath on that. It might work in non-US Disney parks, but So Cal AP holders & other So Cal residents who just go to DL for the day once in awhile will hugely protest. If DL did this, it would negatively hit their bottom line because so much DL business is from locals.

 

[mom2rtk]

I know. There's no way I'm waiting in a 6 hour line, so FastPass all the way for me... but when the crowd shows up at 8am to grab a FP for GE and has a return time of 10pm, that means all those people (me included!) will be crowding up the rest of the park all day.

I've said all along that SWL will break DL. I still believe it will.

 

[dieumeye]

I'm not holding my breath on that. It might work in non-US Disney parks, but So Cal AP holders & other So Cal residents who just go to DL for the day once in awhile will hugely protest. If DL did this, it would negatively hit their bottom line because so much DL business is from locals.

I'm betting FPs will still be free and work like normal, but think we'll also see something like this...

Join us nightly this summer as the Plaza Inn becomes the site of a secret meeting of the Resistance!

Guests will enjoy their choice of one of the Plaza Inn’s classic entrees or one of two new “out of this world” dishes inspired by Star Wars:Galaxy’s Edge. As you dine, you’ll catch sight of Rey, Po, and other Resistance members as they attempt to avoid detection by agents of the First Order. Dinner includes a souvenir button and one FastPass to a Star Wars:Galaxy’s Edge attraction of your choice.

Price: $179 per person (ages 3+)

Send your evening into hyperdrive with an ultimate fan package that includes dinner, a souvenir mug, and one FastPass each to both Star Wars:Galaxy’s Edge attractions.

Price: $229 per person (ages 3+)

Package availability is limited and does not include theme park admission.​

And honestly, if the crowds and waits are as insane as everyone is predicting, I kind of hope they do offer something like this.

 

[mom2rtk]

I'm betting FPs will still be free and work like normal, but think we'll also see something like this...

Join us nightly this summer as the Plaza Inn becomes the site of a secret meeting of the Resistance!

Guests will enjoy their choice of one of the Plaza Inn’s classic entrees or one of two new “out of this world” dishes inspired by Star Wars:Galaxy’s Edge. As you dine, you’ll catch sight of Rey, Po, and other Resistance members as they attempt to avoid detection by agents of the First Order. Dinner includes a souvenir button and one FastPass to a Star Wars:Galaxy’s Edge attraction of your choice.

Price: $179 per person (ages 3+)

Send your evening into hyperdrive with an ultimate fan package that includes dinner, a souvenir mug, and one FastPass each to both Star Wars:Galaxy’s Edge attractions.

Price: $229 per person (ages 3+)

Package availability is limited and does not include theme park admission.​

And honestly, if the crowds and waits are as insane as everyone is predicting, I kind of hope they do offer something like this.

This wouldn't shock me at all. Along with the $799 after hours "limited attendance" previews.

 

[Steve Dixon]

Hey if they really wanted to maximize profits they would set up FP for GE as auction only items on Ebay or the like. They could milk that for at least 2 years.

 

[mamapenguin]

This wouldn't shock me at all. Along with the $799 after hours "limited attendance" previews.

$999 wouldn’t shock me, and I like the after hours idea. Maybe we will know more tomorrow with the opening announcement.

 

[Winnowill]

I know. There's no way I'm waiting in a 6 hour line, so FastPass all the way for me... but when the crowd shows up at 8am to grab a FP for GE and has a return time of 10pm, that means all those people (me included!) will be crowding up the rest of the park all day.

Geez. On Magic Mornings, it'll be entirely feasible (though unlikely - I imagine they've built these rides to be high-capacity fast loaders) that all of the FPs will be gone via MaxPass before non-MM people are even admitted to the park.