Rumor of tiered FP and DVC - thoughts?

[corpcomp]

Disney never really was a "Value" destination that the average American family could afford more than maybe every 3-years or more. They introduced "Value" resorts simply as bait to hook some loyal customers into their boat ...and it worked! The folks that can afford an upgraded vacation is what they want -as most businesses. They realize some will let go of the hook, but they're fishing in some pretty fertile waters. They have exactly ZERO concern. Not saying you or anyone else doesn't have the right to be upset -sure you do. They would willingly allow, me, a guest of over 35 years to walk because they have families lined up behind me. I realized this a long time ago -fortunately my situation has improved over the years and I'm able to keep up(or at least accept) the changes.

Understand. I also can afford the changes. I just don't like getting hit with so much at one time - having to pay for fast passes on top of losing the free magic bands and magical express. But then again I go twice a year so being locked in my house for 14 months - I've saved up a lot that is begging to be spent. At least here in CT we have a store called Stew Leonards that sells real mickey bars - package of 6 for $7. I get a pack every two months just to keep sane. haha

 

[Heather07438]

We we booked a stay at Portfolio Bay in Jan. based on the free Express Pass perk. As an already financially committed DVC owner, what benefit does Disney get extending that offer to me?

Keeping you happy so you continue going to WDW and spending well, and on the flip side I don’t think they’d do anything that risked owners selling off their DVC in droves.

 

[GAN]

Except that no one is actually lined up behind you unless the resorts and parks are at 100% capacity every day. The theory that if you leave, there's someone else waiting to take your place doesn't hold water unless people are currently being turned away because you are occupying a spot. In actuality, those people would be going to Disney anyway. A customer lost is a customer lost. It isn't an opportunity to replace them with a more profitable guest.

There are definitely people behind me. Disney Parks don't need to run at 100% to remain very profitable -new people "discover" the magic every day. And to your point -yeah, they lose people too. If you leave Disney forever right now, I guarantee a new person walked through the gates at Magic Kingdom today in total amazement. The fact that they managed to successfully navigate one of the worst things that could happen to a business like theirs is proof of their strength, not only to keep loyal guests but to attract and maintain new ones. After years of visiting, I don't think things in general are as good now as they were ...new guests don't know any different.

 

[kanerf]

One thing that many of you are missing here is that DLP does not have much competition like we do in Central Florida. At WDW if you don't like the pricing there are plenty of other parks that will take your money. You don't really have that with DLP, so they can get away with this sort of pricing structure which I don't think will fly at WDW.

 

[Marionnette]

There are definitely people behind me. Disney Parks don't need to run at 100% to remain very profitable -new people "discover" the magic every day. And to your point -yeah, they lose people too. If you leave Disney forever right now, I guarantee a new person walked through the gates at Magic Kingdom today in total amazement. The fact that they managed to successfully navigate one of the worst things that could happen to a business like theirs is proof of their strength, not only to keep loyal guests but to attract and maintain new ones. After years of visiting, I don't think things in general are as good now as they were ...new guests don't know any different.

I didn't mean to imply that the parks need to run at 100% capacity in order to be profitable. I think you missed my point entirely if that was your take away.

That new person who walks thru the gate and is immediately wow'd would have walked thru that gate whether I was there or I decided never to visit again. And they may become a life-long guest with multiple visits annually. But again, that is independent of whether I am also regularly going or not.

But if I'm a happy guest and this new visitor is a happy guest, it's a net gain of +1 for Disney. If I leave and never return because they raised ticket prices, eliminated EMH or stopped serving my favorite flavor of ice cream, the net gain for Disney is zero.

 

[WaltFanRob]

I would expect Disney to roll out a paid FP system and that it will not be cheap. They need to price it high enough so that too many people don't buy it. If they have too many people buying it then the value would not be there. Why spend money and you still have long waits? Therefore, the standby lines should move along nicely.

I could also see them making it an option to Deluxe hotels/DVC. Just like you could buy extra FP if you stayed on club level. My reasoning is what would you choose 1) a cheaper room at like POP and use your money to buy FP access or 2) expensive room and no FP. (Assuming that your budget doesn't allow both). Disney could see a number of people downgrading their resort hotel to save $ for FP.

This could give us a choice. I would not buy a FP for EPCOT but I would buy for HS if it means I can get on ROTR! Choice is fine.

Will be interesting to see how this evolves.

That is a really interesting analysis about downgrading rooms to be able to afford fast passes. I hadn't considered that. I think that is even more of an incentive for them to give some free passes to on site guests and to tier that based on value/moderate/deluxe resorts.

 

[bp2412]

At least here in CT we have a store called Stew Leonards that sells real mickey bars - package of 6 for $7. I get a pack every two months just to keep sane. haha

I love Stew Leonards! I'm right in Newington so there's a store just a couple miles away. Walk right past the Mickey bars on my way to the hot bar and it is always tempting to grab a box!

 

[howardlee2]

not feeling the love to pay for fast passes in addition to park entry.......

 

[npatellye]

At least here in CT we have a store called Stew Leonards that sells real mickey bars - package of 6 for $7. I get a pack every two months just to keep sane. haha

I’ve never looked for them at Stew’s since I usually only go there for produce but I will now! Our local (in central CT) Stop and Shop and Super Walmart carry them, along with the the Mickey ice cream sandwiches. My kids love them so we always have them in our freezer.

 

[zavandor]

I wouldnt be just yet. As already pointed out, completely different park and set of pricing (65 per day vs 110+ per day). Its another way for them to generate more revenue there. DLP has historically been the worst performing park profit wise.

I wouldn't be so sure.
DLP price for an undated ticket ot at the gate is around $120. Dated tickets in low season and mid week are lower, but the full price is similar to WDW prices.