Why doesn't Disney have the same age policy world-wide?

[Samaya]

Why doesn't Disney have the same age policy world-wide?

I've just checked out the different Disney Theme Park web sites, Paris, Hong Kong, Tokyo, LA and Orlando and find it strange that Disney has different age categories for their ticket prices.

In Paris Disney child prices are ages 3 to 11 and Adults prices are 12 and over.

While in Japan child prices are 4 to 11, Juniors 12 to 17 and Adults 18 and over.

In Hong Kong child prices are 3 to 11, Adults 12 to 64 and Seniors 65 and over.

While in both USA locations child prices are 3-9 and adult are 10 and over.

Therefore why don't Disney treat all children of the world the same?

A universal age category would be great, especially if they mixed the best of the bunch, such as........

Child ages, 4 to 11, Juniors 12 to 17, Adults 18 to 64 and Seniors 65 and over.

Might even prove a commercial success in the long run.

What do you think?

 

[Megan_J]

They probably have the lower age at the US locations because they know that people will pay just about anything to take their kids to those two parks because they are the most famous. If the market couldn't take it then they wouldn't be charging such high prices to take them.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Different countries, different customs = different cut-offs. Makes perfect sense to me.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Different countries, different customs = different cut-offs. Makes perfect sense to me.

This

 

[Kath2003]

Different countries, different customs = different cut-offs. Makes perfect sense to me.

I suspect the Paris one has a lot to do with schools. In the UK, we only have 2 schools. You go to "Elementary" school from age 4 to the year you turn 11. After that, you go to "High" school - so the age 11 cut-off seems an appropriate one.

 

[bicker]

Why doesn't Disney have the same age policy world-wide?

Disney doesn't even have the same pricing models applied to different market sectors, even different guests, in the same hotel.

Pricing, as a business management discipline, is a task whereby you determine how to package and present your offerings so as to maximize the long-term value to the owners of the company. Many businesses have found that they can benefit from segmenting their market (separating customers out into groups, by demographics) and targeting different offerings (sometimes the same thing at different prices) to different market segments. Sometimes is it just a matter of where they publicize the different offerings. Sometimes they PIN code special offerings, qualifying the customer to ensure that they are within the target market for that special offering and thereby preventing other customers from taking advantage of the special offering.

What you're pointing out is several levels even broader than those special PIN code offerings. There is no benefit to Disney to hamstringing their pricing such that any specific conditions apply universally, and lots of benefit to Disney to be had from adjusting their offerings for each resort worldwide specifically focused on presenting the offerings at each that will deliver the best financial results long-term.

 

[SueM in MN]

Different countries, different customs = different cut-offs. Makes perfect sense to me.

Agree With this and with the other posters.
They are pricing the way it works best/brings in the most customers for each place.

 

[Disneymadhouse]

There are always adverts on the Tv here in England for DLP that advertises "children under (usually 7, sometimes 12) stay and play for free", so that may also be a reason for age differences

Claire

 

[Kimberle]

Disney doesn't have full ownership of the foreign parks. They are only part owners and therefore, don't have 100% "say".

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Disney does not have a majority interest in any of the non-US Parks.

 

[tvguy]

Different countries, different customs = different cut-offs. Makes perfect sense to me.

Same reason the alcohol policies are different, and smoking policies are different.
People in France were outraged in 2008 when they instituted non-smoking areas in Disneyland Paris. There were people who just did understand why smoking restrictions were necessary.

 

[NotUrsula]

It also might have something to do with the average growth charts and the ride height restrictions at the various parks. In the US, most 10 yo's are tall enough ride everything on WDW property, which might not be so in Paris or Tokyo. (I know there are exceptions, but they set them based on averages.)

 

[phamton]

I may be dating myself, but I remember when Disneyland sold junior tickets.

 

[KiminChicago]

I remember when WDW used to have junior pricing -- at least they did on some of the packages they were offering back in the 90's. I wish they'd do that again, at least for things like the dining packages, or at least the buffets. My kids are 12 and 14, so they are considered adults for everything, but at least in DD's case, she never finishes an entire adult portion. She usually orders off the children's menu if there is one available, but that obviously won't work at the buffets.

 

[PixieDustandEeyore]

I feel that different markets have different target audiences, for each target audience you must give them what they want. Alot of teenagers go to the disney parks in Asia , so I assume disney felt making a teenage category was important (and man do they go crazy for Duffy!)

I know in some cultures elders are considered sacred and revered so maybe that is why there is a senior price in Hong Kong. Whatever the actual reasons Disney knows what they are doing and what each niche and market needs to be the most successful and of course most profitable for The Walt Disney Company.

I think it's hard to make universal prices within one company when everyone in the world lives such different lives. For example McDonalds may be world wide but in each country its a bit different like European McDonalds have alcohol, east coast Canada McDonalds have the McLobster, and in China they have fried shrimp! Companies tend to adjust their franchise depending on the area's demographics and what will make the most profit

Though I wish I coulda got junior ticketing or we had senior ticketing !

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Because they've done a fair amount of research and know what makes them the most money.

Americans, apparently, are willing to pay for tickets for 3 year olds. If market research told them lots of families would come if 3 year olds were free, we'd see tickets start at 4.

Similarly, Disney gives military discounts because it's good marketing. People like it when you honor the military here. In Hong Kong, in a different culture they get more mileage from honoring the elderly so that's who they give tickets to.