More offsite hotels to offer Extra Magic Hours and extended FastPass+ booking window

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Evening EMH when MK closes at 11 PM was great. Park really emptied between 12 AM and 1 PM. Night owls for the win!!

But now...with 25% + higher aggregate crowds than when emh was implemented...they close the parks at 7,8,9 pm - adhering to the 1970-80-90s model of operations....

And then sell you 3 hours afterward that would be the normal hours if it were based on that same model...

See how that works?

“This is how freedom dies...to thunderous applause”

 

[winstongator]

Don't forget that for FP jockeying, the Tier System and limitations to only one park for advanced FPs, mean that the competition is for just one FP per day. If you grab a FP for FEA, you can't also grab one for Soarin' or for any other Tier 1 in Epcot or for any other park for that day.

So, for each family group, the real competition is just for one very popular FP per day.

Also, these top tier E-Ticket rides are increasing their throughput. With the third tracks for Soarin' and TSMM, with FoP, SDD, MMRR, RotR, SW:SR, and everything else that's coming. There will be thousands of new FP slots available (what is the formula... 70% of the increased capacity for all these rides operating 10 hours a day?).

When the big three E's open up in DHS, I'm sure they'll all be Tier 1. And so, people at the 60 day mark can only grab one of them per day.

Also... while EMHs will be more crowded, they do have the effect of convincing some people not to go to the MK several times in one trip. It sorta pushes them away from the most crowded park.

Say capacity for the 3Es is 1800/hr, 1200/hr FP+, 15hrs open, 18k/ride, 54k total tier 1 fp+. That’s an annual attendance pushing 20M. I think there will be a lot of grabbing one of the GE fp+ then hopping to another park to avoid the crowds. Do that for 2 days to hit both rides. I think the land will be worth visiting without the rides too. My younger daughter has done 3 days at WWoHP and the only ride she did was flight of the hippogriff, once.

Will guests who go to DHS solely for SWGE do much of the other attractions there? Our trips to universal had my family visiting just the potter attractions (I snuck away for a few hours to hit hulk and rip ride rock it). How people tour DHS will be interesting for me to see. I don’t even know how I’ll plan to do it.

 

[larryz]

"This is how freedom dies...to thunderous applause”

There's no requirement to go to WDW. Clearly, anyone who doesn't like the business model (i.e., shut up and open your wallet) is free to spend their money in Branson or Las Vegas.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

There's no requirement to go to WDW. Clearly, anyone who doesn't like the business model (i.e., shut up and open your wallet) is free to spend their money in Branson or Las Vegas.

It was tongue in cheek...I was making a bad Star Wars reference...

Next time I’ll laugh about reaganomics

 

[MrPromey]

That just shows me - with a lot of forecasting experience - that their forecasting is not showing anything great. If it were...you’d see a lot of blocks and extra fees rolled out.

But that doesn’t mean developments like these aren’t longterm damaging to the overall product.

The BOBS specialize in that. Why on earth would they care?

It's possible they may be thinking the Star Wars bump won't be as high at WDW since something identical will already have opened on the west coast in a bigger, nicer park that also happens to be in a better climate.

The BIG fans will hit it at DL before it opens at WDW and if they really are identical, may not feel the need to rush to the second one.

Trying to think... Little Mermaid opened like this, right? and our lines never got crazy... TSM didn't though, right? We had that long before Cali, right?

... Don't get me wrong - I'm sure it'll still be a madhouse but it might not be FOP crazy or at least not FOP crazy for as long as FOP has been... maybe. (oh, who am I kidding?)

 

[MrPromey]

I know Disney IT isn't sophisticated enough to handle this, but if they want to extend a FP benefit to certain hotels I sure wish it could be 45 days instead of 60. Give them a jump on the 30-day folks but still keep the 60-day window as a perk for DISNEY guests.

Only there isn't much value in that because the passes you can get at 45 days probably looks just about like the ones you can get at 30. I'm sure the ones peoplke want that 60 day window for are long gone by that point.

 

[Kris A]

I'm so glad I sold my DVC a few years back. The advantages to DVC/on property hotels are disappearing and the prices for everything are just getting ridiculous. I no longer see the value in a WDW vacation, and I was a die-hard going back to the 70s. I will enjoy my WDW memories and spend my vacation dollars elsewhere.

I am on my way to joining you. Visited from the UK for two weeks a year since 1990. Purchased DVC in 2006, but enough is enough. We were planning a September visit, but for the first time in 29 years we will not be coming. Just booked a New England vacation for the Fall. I thought the introduction of Resort parking fees was going too far but this FP change just makes me mad. I didn’t think I it was possible to out-grow Disney but I almost have.

 

[Capsin4]

I always price out several options for every trip. I’ve watched the conditions they add to discounts eat away the value of the discounts and the last few years, the difference between onsite and offsite has come down to the fast pass window. Now that it’s potentially gone, we most likely will be too.

 

[Capsin4]

Most of the season variation in attendance is from offsite guests. They do a “good” job leveling the onsite guests with promotions.

I’m sure there’s a ton of value in Disney knowing where those offsite guests plan to be an extra 30 days out.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

It's possible they may be thinking the Star Wars bump won't be as high at WDW since something identical will already have opened on the west coast in a bigger, nicer park that also happens to be in a better climate.

The BIG fans will hit it at DL before it opens at WDW and if they really are identical, may not feel the need to rush to the second one.

Trying to think... Little Mermaid opened like this, right? and our lines never got crazy... TSM didn't though, right? We had that long before Cali, right?

... Don't get me wrong - I'm sure it'll still be a madhouse but it might not be FOP crazy or at least not FOP crazy for as long as FOP has been... maybe. (oh, who am I kidding?)

I do sorta agree with you in this: if you’re a Star Wars nut...a 2-3 day to California just to do that makes more sense than an equivalent foray to Orlando.

Up the road, a similar trip length to USO has been very successful in enticing Potter fans.

You don’t have to make the same financial or time commitment as you do in WDW.

But also...WDW crowds tend to be booked farther in advance...and again - much bigger commitments. I’ve watched people postulate as their attendance has been more or less flat for the last 3 years on forums repeat again and again “people are waiting for SWGE () to book”...but that never fit the clientele. It fits the more local and short term type at Disneyland much better.

...at least it will be over soon...so I can only hear “for the 50th”...which again is only a thing here on our little geekdom clubs.

 

[eliza61nyc]

I have not read the replies but wanted to share an email I got from DVC. I had sent a letter and an email just expressing my feelings toward this new move.

Thank you for contacting us regarding Disney Vacation Club Member benefits.

I am very sorry for your disappointment regarding the addition of our Good Neighbor Hotels to include the additional benefit of a 60 day booking window for Disney FastPass+ selections. Please know, this perk is only available for Guests that are booking Resort reservations and services through the Walt Disney Travel Company and staying one of our qualifying Resorts. This includes Resort Packages made at some of our Good Neighbor Hotel Partners. Our Resort Packages include some benefits and services that are provided by the Walt Disney World Resort which is one of the reasons our Partners have been included in some of these benefits.

We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us. The feedback we receive from our Members is very important to us. As we strive to improve the benefits and services we provide to our Members, we are constantly evaluating our operation. You may be assured your input will be taken seriously.

Should you have any additional questions or would like to speak directly, I would be happy to discuss your comments further. I am typically in the office Saturday through Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET and can be reached by calling . You may also provide me with your telephone number and the best time to call as a reply to this message. I am happy to contact you.



I also got a phone call and a voice message. haven't decided if I'm going to call to discuss further or not.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Please know, this perk is only available for Guests that are booking Resort reservations and services through the Walt Disney Travel Company and staying one of our qualifying Resorts.

Well... that's not true.

Plenty of anecdotal evidence of people booking at a GNH directly and then getting the Disney Resorts benefits.

 

[HauntedMansionFLA]

According to some, EMHs are going away. And traditional FP+s are going away.

And yet, WDW keeps adding hotels to have the perks of EMHs and FP+s.

Didn't anyone tell WDW they were doing away with EMHs and FP+s?!

It would be interesting to see how long Disney has agreements with the off site resorts.
I have to say the Jimmy Buffet resort down on 192 is looking good.

 

[HauntedMansionFLA]

Great analysis...as usual. However, for Disney, I don’t think this is about fees...

It’s “training” all those that think going to WDW is special ( or more accurately...they are) to dump more money down the well

Just as a “Halloween party” two weeks before Labor Day is...or rolling upsells out for 3 “festivals” at Epcot they are damn near identical for 6 months

I’m waiting for the summer festival to come along.

 

[homerdance]

When you open it up to the masses it begins to look a little bit like socialism.

That’s not how socialism works.

 

[Lensman]

It's not anecdotal, it happens extremely often with my agents and clients.

Great info!

What percentage of clients booking direct get Disney resort benefits? Or are you saying that everyone who has mentioned it to you has gotten benefits? That would be additional great info! Is it 100%?

 

[seascape]

That’s not how socialism works.

Some people will not get how socialism works and what it is. Socialism is giving everyone fast pass no matter how much they paid for their ticket. Socialism is giving everyone 30 days advanced registration for fast pass no matter where they stayed. Giving 60 days advanced registration for anyone staying in a hotel that pays Disney Parks for that privilege is pure capitalism. Disney is changing for this benefit.

Now, I think from a purely business standpoint, I believe Disney should open not only Extra Magic Hours and 60 day fast pass plus to these hotels but offer Disney Transportation with 30 minutes rather than 20 minute intervals. By offering these benefits it makes WDW more popular because the resorts would be directing their customers to WDW and not the other parks.

 

[eliza61nyc]

Well... that's not true.

Plenty of anecdotal evidence of people booking at a GNH directly and then getting the Disney Resorts benefits.

OK, I'll return the call and say that. keep you posted on her reply....

 

[wdisney9000]

I've long since stopped going to evening EMH hours, they are the absolute worst. At this point just get rid of them entirely and offer the After Hours hard ticket multiple times per week.

Five years ago I would have called you insane for such a thought, but now, and especially after experiencing a few After Hours, I completely agree. At last for MK.

 

[wdisney9000]

I would like too see the looks on the Disney executives faces if they were to go play a round of golf at their country club (which they pay a premium for), only to pull up and see hoards of people and then discover that the club decided to allow the general public in to play golf, swim at the pool, dine, and use all the facilities for a small fee (much smaller than what the executives pay).