The Slow Erosion of Disney Perks & Experiences... What’s Next?

[gvel]

Hello all as many of us have noticed there has been a steady dilution of the magic. Disney has become increasingly willing to remove perks and experiences that were once included all in the name of improving the bottom line.

That got me thinking what do you think is next?

My guess is Early Entry. They just fot rid of it in Disneyland and I would not be surprised if at some point even on property guests are required to pay extra for it either as an add on or bundled into some new premium tier.

Curious what others think.
What perks feel the most vulnerable right now and which ones do you think are safe if any?

 

[gottalovepluto]

DL is not WDW. They don’t operate in sync. TBD how dropping EE for 1 lame LL works, I wouldn’t be surprised to see EE come back seasonally but I know DL on-site stays are geared toward a loyal particularly deep-pocketed base so maybe it works swimmingly for them.

As for WDW I’m excited for the new Soarin’ and hopeful they expand the resort luggage services beyond WN! Busy year coming up with America’s 250th and the World Cup!

 

[chicagodisneyguy]

I think the early entry is safe at WDW. There are so many more hotel/DVC guests to spread the cost of operating the parks around I think it's easier to swallow on the ole Disney accountant's spreadsheet. Plus if they mimicked the 1 free LL replacement that DL is doing I could actually see that negatively affecting LL lines on certain rides at certain parks (ie Test Track or Slinky Dog). Also, if they gave the 1 free fast pass, I could see people not buying LL on the day they plan to use their free one. We buy LL at Epcot, but if we had one free one and then could rope drop another top tier ride I don't think we'd buy LL at Epcot.

I think the biggest risk isn't that perks or experiences will go away....i think the risk is they will cost more. That seems to be the consistent trend with Disney and barring a real downturn in the economy, I don't see that changing anytime soon.

 

[hardcorestitch]

Hello all as many of us have noticed there has been a steady dilution of the magic. Disney has become increasingly willing to remove perks and experiences that were once included all in the name of improving the bottom line.

That got me thinking what do you think is next?

My guess is Early Entry. They just fot rid of it in Disneyland and I would not be surprised if at some point even on property guests are required to pay extra for it either as an add on or bundled into some new premium tier.

Curious what others think.
What perks feel the most vulnerable right now and which ones do you think are safe if any?

The most vulnerable? Perhaps charging for Disney Transport is in the near future… TDL’s Disney Resort Line makes you pay fares just to get to the parks/resorts.

 

[BrianL]

The most vulnerable? Perhaps charging for Disney Transport is in the near future… TDL’s Disney Resort Line makes you pay fares just to get to the parks/resorts.

The Monorail transport in Japan is a little different though because it is considered public transportation and falls under different governing laws. It is required to charge a fare and accept IC cards used for other forms of public transit. I don't see that happening at WDW. The fact is, Disney resort guests are already paying for transportation on the busses, monorail, and Skyliner, it's just built in to the (high) room rates. I doubt that will change.

 

[VGCgroupie]

I said this elsewhere, I know some will disagree. If eliminating EE at DLR proves to have helped them financially at DLR I think they will do it at WDW, but probably only eliminate it at HS and AK.

For us EE isn't eliminating any magic just eliminating a perk. For me eliminating magic is taking away parades and shows. One thing that has already impacted us is actually at DLH. We used to see characters at check in, we havent seen that in years now. I got absolutely hooked on staying on property at DLH when while I was checking in my son was watching cartoons with Pluto. Simply amazing. Something we wont ever forget. We will forget those mornings we didnt stand in line and enter 30 minutes early though.

 

[SL6827]

I think EE will go the way that extended evening hours went with Deluxe hotels. EE for Deluxe only.

 

[Cfabar1]

I believe Disney makes money off of Early Entry at WDW correct? Aren't several off-property venues paying Disney for that perk?

Honestly, I think Deluxe hotels don't have enough perks. Especially cash deluxe hotels. I think that will change in a downturn.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I believe Disney makes money off of Early Entry at WDW correct? Aren't several off-property venues paying Disney for that perk?

Honestly, I think Deluxe hotels don't have enough perks. Especially cash deluxe hotels. I think that will change in a downturn.

WDW has agreements with a number of off-site hotels to offer EE, the details of which are unknown but I can't imagine Disney said "hey I like your hotel, wanna offer this perk for free?"

DL back in the day used to essentially sell early entry too. Certain longer, maybe park hopper tickets?, came with 1 early entry to Disneyland. So they used to have a broader base to make the math work. And don't even get DL folks started on the security situation at the hotels, apparently it takes a stupid amount of time and multiple people had found themselves spending their EE time in line for 2000s style security screening...

 

[gvel]

I said this elsewhere, I know some will disagree. If eliminating EE at DLR proves to have helped them financially at DLR I think they will do it at WDW, but probably only eliminate it at HS and AK.

For us EE isn't eliminating any magic just eliminating a perk. For me eliminating magic is taking away parades and shows. One thing that has already impacted us is actually at DLH. We used to see characters at check in, we havent seen that in years now. I got absolutely hooked on staying on property at DLH when while I was checking in my son was watching cartoons with Pluto. Simply amazing. Something we wont ever forget. We will forget those mornings we didnt stand in line and enter 30 minutes early though.

I agree. However, I think that removing EE perks make me rethink staying in a Disney property. Don't get me wrong I will still visit the parks, but might not be willing to continue to be a DVC member or pay cash rate when I could get a similar experience at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek for a fraction of the cost if the remove more perks of staying in property.

 

[Cfabar1]

I agree. However, I think that removing EE perks make me rethink staying in a Disney property. Don't get me wrong I will still visit the parks, but might not be willing to continue to be a DVC member or pay cash rate when I could get a similar experience at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek for a fraction of the cost if the remove more perks of staying in property.

Very valid view.

Another view I would have is, why stay deluxe - particularly say Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge (or Riviera, Saratoga, or Old Key West) when you can stay moderate for a fraction of the price and there's no compelling perks.

Some of the other resorts have the enhanced benefit of walking to a park, but not all Deluxe resorts have that amenity... including the new giant tower being built across the lake by the way!

 

[VGCgroupie]

I agree. However, I think that removing EE perks make me rethink staying in a Disney property. Don't get me wrong I will still visit the parks, but might not be willing to continue to be a DVC member or pay cash rate when I could get a similar experience at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek for a fraction of the cost if the remove more perks of staying in property.

Not the same experience even with EE removed.

Another view I would have is, why stay deluxe - particularly say Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge (or Riviera, Saratoga, or Old Key West) when you can stay moderate for a fraction of the price and there's no compelling perks.

Some of the other resorts have the enhanced benefit of walking to a park, but not all Deluxe resorts have that amenity... including the new giant tower being built across the lake by the way!

This^^ You can stay for $99 a night and get the same EE perk as DVC, so EE to me really has no impact on being a DVC member.

 

[gvel]

Very valid view.

Another view I would have is, why stay deluxe - particularly say Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge (or Riviera, Saratoga, or Old Key West) when you can stay moderate for a fraction of the price and there's no compelling perks.

Some of the other resorts have the enhanced benefit of walking to a park, but not all Deluxe resorts have that amenity... including the new giant tower being built across the lake by the way!

Great point. Specially, if the remove the deluxe extra hours in the evening.

 

[Cfabar1]

Great point. Specially, if the remove the deluxe extra hours in the evening.

Which is already only like 2 days a week… so if your visit doesn’t include those days, it is a meaningless perk.