The hours cut and sustainability

[Rockbro]

Now that Disney has decided to cut hours again due to lower-than-expected attendance, is anyone else fearing that this might be the end of the Disney theme parks for good at some point? I mean, you can cut hours all you want, but eventually people just won't come. Add into that what I suspect is the cash cow that is Animal Kingdom (veterinarians, animal handlers, food, etc.), I have this bad feeling that the parks may be at the brink.

Unless Disney can leverage certain enterprises such as Disney +, the cruise lines, ABD, ABC network, Hulu, etc., I don't think the parks can survive. Unless park hours increase and there is more availability for passholders in terms of reservations, we will not be renewing.

I guess the rest of the world is going to have to recover, as well (i.e. DL Paris, Shanghai, etc.)

Additionally, what happens when the NBA and MLS revenue goes away?

My wife and I have been pining to return to the parks, but with almost only weekday availability and our schedules, we just can't do it. Plus, we would love Studios, but would settle for MK, but the only thing available to pass holders is Epcot.

 

[ljlaurajane]

Definitely not, they are just doing what they need to do to survive in a very difficult period. Why stay open late when the demand is weak. September has always been historically quiet anyway. They don't need the crowds to be as high as they have been the last few years in order to be profitable. Do I think the experience will change? Yes of course. But let's not forget it was only a few years ago that the parks stayed open 24 hours on occasions, and attendance has still increased since they cut back heavily on the extra hours available, so I have no doubt people will still keep going even with shorter hours. How many people really do rope drop to close anyway?

If you look at other parks, like here in the UK 10am till 5pm is quite typical, people still go and the parks remain profitable. Will Disney have to reduce the cost of tickets to account for the reduced hours? Maybe, but I doubt it. I think actually they will focus on those guests who do still come, to making them more profitable. Those big fish that do the VIP tours etc. aren't going anywhere any time soon.

Also, international travel won't be closed forever, and international guests are a huge revenue source for Disney, people like us who stay on site for 2 weeks, with full dining plans and bring back a million souvenirs, I imagine long stay guests are more profitable for DIsney than a lot of annual pass holders who won't stay for dinner etc.

 

[Praying Colonel]

Definitely not, they are just doing what they need to do to survive in a very difficult period.

They could try cutting prices.

Quit laughing, I'm serious....

 

[Starport Seven-Five]

All of the videos I have seen from the parks shows them to be emptying out by mid afternoon anyways. Why keep the parks open later than they need to? I'd assume as attendance and wait times go up, the parks will be open later to accommodate.

I think it is unfortunate for locals who used to go after work on weekdays though.

 

[Lumpy1106]

I don't see this happening for WDW as a whole, but I could see them closing a park each day - at least AK and EPCOT. EPCOT is kinda needed because dinner options are primarily there and DS, and DS is having no such issues. I think the cut in hours coming in Sept. is about as short as they can go.

 

[StageTek]

Now that Disney has decided to cut hours again due to lower-than-expected attendance, is anyone else fearing that this might be the end of the Disney theme parks for good at some point?

Not me. Shorter hours during a governmental economic shutdown does not idicate that Disney will shut down the parks forever. The economy will bounce back. People will want to vacation again.

My wife and I have been pining to return to the parks, but with almost only weekday availability and our schedules, we just can't do it. Plus, we would love Studios, but would settle for MK, but the only thing available to pass holders is Epcot.

This, too, shall pass.

You currently have AP's; if you could get into Studios next week would you go?

 

[Rockbro]

Not me. Shorter hours during a governmental economic shutdown does not idicate that Disney will shut down the parks forever. The economy will bounce back. People will want to vacation again.

This, too, shall pass.

You currently have AP's; if you could get into Studios next week would you go?

Absolutely, but it would have to be a Sat, Sun, or after 4 PM. We're locals.Like the above poster said: locals need later hours. But, I'll admit, it's not all about us. The resort guests are the primary concern, as they are pouring the most money in. It does stink, though that we can't go to theme park restaurants due to schedules and park availability to AP holders.I got a $100 gift card for my birthday and wanted to go to 50's, or coral, or even Tiffins, but it just is not a possibility right now.

 

[StageTek]

It does stink, though that we can't go to theme park restaurants due to schedules and park availability to AP holders.

A lot stinks right now.

My entire industry (live entertainment) is gone. And likely for a long time. But I don't believe that live entertainment will be gone good. And I don't believe that what is happening right now (and for at least the next five months) might be the end of the Disney theme parks for good.

As a local you're ready to go back as soon as things get more normal. I'm coming all the way from California and staying on property. It's going to be difficult for Disney but this does not mean the end of the Disney theme parks for good.

 

[kimmar067]

...How many people really do rope drop to close anyway?...

...apparently, you never met my family....

 

[Forevermarypoppins]

I'm praying, hoping for a 2021 vacation to replace my 5/2020 vacation that we canceled. I still have tremendous confidence in The DISNEY Brand.

 

[a1tinkfans]

This too shall pass and we’ll all be complaining about crowds lol