WDW Cracking Down on Third-Party Businesses

[Tha Realest]

Except many of these services they’re cracking down on, now, sprung up after Disney discontinued offering those services. Those displaced and terminated CMs that used to book the resort photography sessions or BBB makeup filled that gap after Disney closed those businesses and stopped offering those services. And they did so with a tacit approval for years by Disney.

Look, Disney is fully within its rights to discontinue allowing them to do this. But these were largely gig economy type jobs that provided services Disney withdrew from. That may be changing soon, hence the crackdown.

 

[DisneyHead123]

That was just stupidity…anyone named “Bob” is an idiot

Not Mr. Evans!!!

 

[WondersOfLife]

Selling desserts is an extreme example. I think most people are in agreement at the far ends, on either side of the discussion. To my mind the “grey area” stuff would be akin to bringing a birthday cake to a restaurant that doesn’t sell birthday cakes, or wine to a restaurant with no liquor license. Some restaurants allow it, some don’t.

"extreme example."

*uses the same type of examples.*

 

[WondersOfLife]

I mean this with no ill will or malice towards whoever might have used this service before, but the door decorating service is one of those modern day businesses that I learned about and my immediate reaction was “how in the hell have we found ourselves here as a society?”

That might sound dumb coming from me since I’m only like 28 but it’s also how I feel about services like DoorDash. You’re paying over double for bad fast food to arrive on your door instead of getting in the car? You’re paying someone to show up and stick .25c decorations on your hotel door?

If people enjoyed it and could afford it, so be it and sorry to stir the pot, it’s just one of those frugality things where I just can’t understand the value prop

I hypocritically agree with all of this... But I'm still renewing my ubereats premium subscription.

Its like asking why do people choose first class on a plane as opposed to economy when youre going to the same place? Or why do people spend thousands of dollars on lightning lanes when they can just stand in line for free?


..........Convenience. as far as food delivery is concerned.

As far as door decorating is concerned, its like you said. They have the money, so why not.

Everyone at some point pays more for a convenience they dont have to deal with to make their lives either lazier or more enjoyable for a split second. Thats the beauty of America, to be honest.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

They really ought to bring back the UnDISCOVERed Future World tour, i took it back in 2008.

Nothing is “coming back” from that era…bad management has been supported since…so you’ll get less unique things and more fees for the same things.

Decisions have consequences

 

[DisneyHead123]

"extreme example."

*uses the same type of examples.*

Show up at a restaurant and say “Hello, I’m selling cake slices at this stand in the corner of your restaurant.”

Show up at a restaurant and says “It’s my friend’s birthday, I’m bringing a cake out after dinner to sing Happy Birthday.”

See if you get two different responses.

 

[EeyoreFan#24]

So beyond the point of private property rights, I see a few arguments along the lines of Disney having a void of various services.

I’m not sure how that matters, I don’t think they really are “missing services” or a gap if the decision was made to cut or not offer. To me they are just services not offered by a business, and it’s not up to the public to decide to offer them.

 

[ToTBellHop]

So beyond the point of private property rights, I see a few arguments along the lines of Disney having a void of various services.

I’m not sure how that matters, I don’t think they really are “missing services” or a gap if the decision was made to cut or not offer. To me they are just services not offered by a business, and it’s not up to the public to decide to offer them.

Correct. No hotel is obligated to let you hire a servant to cook meals for you in the kitchenette they provide you.

 

[dmc493]

The interesting one I saw on Facebook was of photographers that do shoots on property but not in the parks. Made me realize Disney doesn't have any resort-area Photopass services available (unless I'm blanking). But feels like it could be a profitable opportunity for Disney to offer (not on demand but reservation-based similar to the Capture Your Moment offerings)

 

[davis_unoxx]

I saw Photopass photographers at Saratoga Springs practicing taking photos two days ago....

In Congress Park Area the walkway that overlooks Disney Springs across the lake.

 

[DisneyHead123]

So beyond the point of private property rights, I see a few arguments along the lines of Disney having a void of various services.

I’m not sure how that matters, I don’t think they really are “missing services” or a gap if the decision was made to cut or not offer. To me they are just services not offered by a business, and it’s not up to the public to decide to offer them.

I think the point is just that there is a need there. How pressing that need is remains to be seen. For example, if a resort hosted weddings but did not allow hair and makeup people onsite (and didn’t offer those services), they could probably expect to lose a significant number of bookings. But in other cases it’s completely insignificant.

I said in another comment, I don’t think a huge percentage of guests use these services, however, the ones that do are likely spending a ton of money and want every bell and whistle. There may be some very vocal complaints when their favorite local chef informs them they can only go to Universal resorts. For that reason I wouldn’t be shocked if Disney goes to an approved vendor program in a couple of years.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

So beyond the point of private property rights, I see a few arguments along the lines of Disney having a void of various services.

I’m not sure how that matters, I don’t think they really are “missing services” or a gap if the decision was made to cut or not offer. To me they are just services not offered by a business, and it’s not up to the public to decide to offer them.

Bingo…this is what is being lost here.

Did someone say there’s a “need” for Princess makeup in a room?

On October 31st…the rest of the time be normal.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I think the point is just that there is a need there. How pressing that need is remains to be seen. For example, if a resort hosted weddings but did not allow hair and makeup people onsite (and didn’t offer those services), they could probably expect to lose a significant number of bookings. But in other cases it’s completely insignificant.

I said in another comment, I don’t think a huge percentage of guests use these services, however, the ones that do are likely spending a ton of money and want every bell and whistle. There may be some very vocal complaints when their favorite local chef informs them they can only go to Universal resorts. For that reason I wouldn’t be shocked if Disney goes to an approved vendor program in a couple of years.

But you missed the point…it’s not up to customers to decide “what’s missing” and go rogue to get it. Your right is not to patronize it.

The weddings (have some experience in that) is an outlier that often comes up. That’s not a “normal” business concern…it’s an outlier in the margins. No sense trying to use the minnow to beat the whale.

Very similar to when people were guzzling ticket and line fees (which you pay for in the tickets) and justifying it with Taylor swift prices.

Good news: Taylor was temporary…but you’re stuck with bad choices on Disney until they price you out.

 

[DisneyHead123]

The interesting one I saw on Facebook was of photographers that do shoots on property but not in the parks. Made me realize Disney doesn't have any resort-area Photopass services available (unless I'm blanking). But feels like it could be a profitable opportunity for Disney to offer (not on demand but reservation-based similar to the Capture Your Moment offerings)

My guess is that staffing shortages play some role here. For example, at Great Wolf Lodge you pay $50 to just under $100 for them to put a cake and a few decorations in your room. With the popularity of in room parties, I’m fairly certain that would be a money maker for Disney, but since they don’t even offer room service, I’m guessing they have nowhere near the needed staff for that.

 

[DisneyHead123]

But you missed the point…it’s not up to customers to decide “what’s missing” and go rogue to get it. Your right is not to patronize it.

I don’t think customers went rogue here. At worst they were guilty of not seeking out all the fine print involved in resort rules but honestly - who does? Room parties, breakfast boxes, in room makeovers, photography and such went on for years and if Disney had an issue with it, again, it was buried in fine print somewhere, not something that was apparent to guests.

If guests demand these services back, then as long as they’re sticking to the proper channels (sending complaints, staying offsite, making angry TikToks, etc.), I don’t see a problem. At worst Disney continues to say “no”, the way they did after the DAS backlash. (Although I think allowing approved offsite vendors might be more of a win-win for them so long as they can limit their liability and make sure it doesn’t impact the resorts negatively in terms of health, safety, general vibe, etc.)

 

[flynnibus]

But these were largely gig economy type jobs that provided services Disney withdrew from. That may be changing soon, hence the crackdown

You keep saying this - while ignoring the history of these waves of crackdowns.

 

[WondersOfLife]

Show up at a restaurant and say “Hello, I’m selling cake slices at this stand in the corner of your restaurant.”

Show up at a restaurant and says “It’s my friend’s birthday, I’m bringing a cake out after dinner to sing Happy Birthday.”

See if you get two different responses.

"Bringing wine to a restaurant with no liquor license"

But ok. You may win the argument. Congratulations.

 

[DisneyHead123]

"Bringing wine to a restaurant with no liquor license"

But ok. You may win the argument. Congratulations.

I’m genuinely confused. Are you thinking this wouldn’t happen (it’s common practice where I vacation in NJ) or that it’s not analogous?

 

[Calmdownnow]

Its their property and technically liable if anything happens not to mention they dont want other profiting off them (Main reason) whether or not they provide the service or not is irrelevant. Its money from their pocket bc the people willimg to pay a chef or caterer would have no choice but to spend at their restaurants instead.

Most small businesses issue their own contracts identifying potential liability/ risk and insurance (if they are a genuine business). So I'm not sure where the risk to Disney is that everyone is talking about.

Also, if you can afford a private chef catering for your group, you can afford a limousine ride to a top notch restaurant off property. You are not going to say "Heck, I can't book my private chef, I'd better make a reservation at O'hana or California Grill with it's $99 dumbed-down menu" So, the "no choice" argument is just bogus. Unless you are saying that Disney is trying to protect bookings at a limited number of places (like Monsieur Paul where every plate costs $195 plus tax, gratuity and a day ticket to enter EPCOT at $130+).

 

[peter11435]

So I'm not sure where the risk to Disney is that everyone is talking about.

You serious?