I'm not a doom and gloom person. Change happens and honestly, Disney needs to figure out new revenue streams to recoup its COVID losses. I also believe Disney fans will scream at even the slightest of changes, but will grudgingly accept it over time and hand over their credit cards anyway. With that all being said, I can't get past the feeling that Disney might have pushed things a bit too far this time with the Genie+ and Annual Pass announcements. I've been watching the reactions from the big YouTubers - the DIS and their competitors and their messages all seem to be the same - it's just too much.
I'm getting the feeling that these two recent announcements could be what brings Disney to the tipping point of fan dissatisfaction. First, they cancel Magical Express. Then they limit the benefits of staying on property. Price increases for parties are higher than ever with less of a return on money spent. Now, Disney is targeting APs, DVC members, and non-Florida residents with a pass that doesn't even include Photo Pass? Add onto that the whole mess about Genie+ and the confusion over what rides will or won't be included and you have people starting to object.
Disney always nickel and dimed their guests. We came to expect it, but at least they had the class to hide it under the pretense of a magical experience. That's not the case anymore - they're just shaking guests down.
Did the Bobs not read the room? COVID hit their bottom line, yes, but it also hit the bottom lines of families across the country that might just say screw it, we're going to Universal - especially with their new gate under construction? Do they not see the economic realignment that's going to take place in the near future?
I'm not putting a value judgment on this either. I'm one of those "dual income no kids" families that can afford the upcharge, but even I'm starting to question what I'm getting for the increased price. Long story short. Is Disney making a short-term decision that will cost them long-term losses? Are they alienating guests and giving Universal an opening they really didn't need to give?
I'm getting the feeling that these two recent announcements could be what brings Disney to the tipping point of fan dissatisfaction. First, they cancel Magical Express. Then they limit the benefits of staying on property. Price increases for parties are higher than ever with less of a return on money spent. Now, Disney is targeting APs, DVC members, and non-Florida residents with a pass that doesn't even include Photo Pass? Add onto that the whole mess about Genie+ and the confusion over what rides will or won't be included and you have people starting to object.
Disney always nickel and dimed their guests. We came to expect it, but at least they had the class to hide it under the pretense of a magical experience. That's not the case anymore - they're just shaking guests down.
Did the Bobs not read the room? COVID hit their bottom line, yes, but it also hit the bottom lines of families across the country that might just say screw it, we're going to Universal - especially with their new gate under construction? Do they not see the economic realignment that's going to take place in the near future?
I'm not putting a value judgment on this either. I'm one of those "dual income no kids" families that can afford the upcharge, but even I'm starting to question what I'm getting for the increased price. Long story short. Is Disney making a short-term decision that will cost them long-term losses? Are they alienating guests and giving Universal an opening they really didn't need to give?
COVID
