anyone have any REAL IDEA when Annual Passes will come back..

[Jrb1979]

It's exactly what Disney is doing right now, so I don't believe that it's overly complicated. Unless you believe that it's too complicated right now? I don't, personally.

Universal is irritating people every week when their parks hit capacity. Disney is looking looking at satisfaction between each ticket group. Universal is currently a "free for all" that could prohibit some people from being able to use their tickets if they show up too late, while others use their passes weekly at those people's expense. At Disney, if you reserve, you'll get in as long as you show up and pass the screening. IMHO, I prefer Disney's system. I'd like to know that if I bought a three day ticket, that I won't be denied entry due to capacity. You just have to plan ahead.

I think most AP's will have no issue getting reservations when capacity increases, unless you are wanting specific peak days. It's pretty easy to get a reservation right now for the most part, it'll only get easier. The point will be to control capacity and adjust staffing, not to limit capacity.

I would imagine that Disney will offer same day availability on most days while limiting people of all ticket types on key dates, NYE, Easter week and weekend, July 4th, possibly others. Coupled with blockout dates, AP members will need to plan ahead if they want to visit on key dates.

To control capacity they will limit how many days each level of AP is allowed to hold at a time.

 

[jt04]

It's exactly what Disney is doing right now, so I don't believe that it's overly complicated. Unless you believe that it's too complicated right now? I don't, personally.

Universal is irritating people every week when their parks hit capacity. Disney is looking looking at satisfaction between each ticket group. Universal is currently a "free for all" that could prohibit some people from being able to use their tickets if they show up too late, while others use their passes weekly at those people's expense. At Disney, if you reserve, you'll get in as long as you show up and pass the screening. IMHO, I prefer Disney's system. I'd like to know that if I bought a three day ticket, that I won't be denied entry due to capacity. You just have to plan ahead.

I think most AP's will have no issue getting reservations when capacity increases, unless you are wanting specific peak days. It's pretty easy to get a reservation right now for the most part, it'll only get easier. The point will be to control capacity and adjust staffing, not to limit capacity.

I would imagine that Disney will offer same day availability on most days while limiting people of all ticket types on key dates, NYE, Easter week and weekend, July 4th, possibly others. Coupled with blockout dates, AP members will need to plan ahead if they want to visit on key dates.

Yes, staffing, maximizing per guest discretionary spending and guest satisfaction surveys (higher surveys reflect repeat visits) are all part of the formula. For example, overcrowded stores and restaurants probably decrease profits. Even long term due to a bad guest experience.

Universal is likely learning some of these lessons currently with frequent capacity closures.

IMO.

 

[CJR]

To control capacity they will limit how many days each level of AP is allowed to hold at a time.

They're doing that now. I believe what they're doing now will be staying. Maybe modified, possibly expanded. If you have a Platinum pass, you'll likely get more days to reserve on a rolling basis, for example, than a silver or theme park select pass. Those passes will also still be subject to their block out days.

As capacity increases though, I believe it'll be possible to get same day reservations on most days, IF you haven't already filled up your allotment, if that makes sense.

So if I have a silver pass, get three rolling reservations, booked Memorial Day and October 1st, I could book one for today if they had availability. After I go today, I could book one for tomorrow if there's any. I'd still be "guaranteed" (as much as they can be, at least) those days further out.

However, if I booked next Saturday, I wouldn't be able to go today, if it were otherwise available, because I would have used my three. Of course, I could cancel next Saturday, go today and then reschedule it later, if it stays available, but that's a risk.

Still, I don't think it's complicated really, unless we make it complicated. You get to reserve the amount of days that you get to reserve. I think that concept is staying with us for the long term.

They limit how many days you can “hold” at a time. There’s technically no monthly limit on how many days you can visit. It’s not exactly easy right now unless you’re trying to go mid week or are booking several weeks in advance.
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That's correct, and I personally don't believe there's a point to a set monthly limit or expect one. The limit will be how many reservations a member already has. I believe that they will continue the existing reservation system in place with a rolling number of days and possibility expand the number of days that select passes (Gold to five, Platinum to seven, for example, nothing for certain) can reserve.

Availability for all ticket types will likely increase as overall capacity goes up, making it easier to get reservations on most days, reducing the need for far in advance reservations, except on peak dates.

I'm expecting something very similar to this in California too. Just a hunch from what I've heard people say.

[EDIT] ALSO - worth mentioning. I believe passes will resume sales right when any of these possible modifications are made. That'll likely be when capacity restrictions are no longer in place.

If they increase allotted reservations for higher tier passes without changing the overall AP structure (silver, select, gold, and Platinum), I imagine that existing Gold and Platinum members would get the new "benefits" at rollout; since it would be an addition and not a subtraction.

 

[castlecake2.0]

The reservation system isn’t going anywhere, and I don’t think we will ever go back to “normal capacity” as we know it. Like mentioned above, once there’s too many people in, profits start to drop. Is it worth cramming in more passholders if that means you need more staff for people that aren’t going to spend that much?

 

[disneygeek90]

So if I have a silver pass, get three rolling reservations, booked Memorial Day and October 1st, I could book one for today if they had availability. After I go today, I could book one for tomorrow if there's any. I'd still be "guaranteed" (as much as they can be, at least) those days further out.

However, if I booked next Saturday, I wouldn't be able to go today, if it were otherwise available, because I would have used my three. Of course, I could cancel next Saturday, go today and then reschedule it later, if it stays available, but that's a risk.

This right here is literally the worst part about the entire system. As a pass holder I shouldn’t have to weigh the risk of dropping a Saturday pass so I can attend Epcot for dinner after work one night. The value of the AP has been heavily diminished yet we know they will raise prices anyway.

If they don’t want APs showing up in evenings to boost some evening sales because they already have other days they’re planning on in the future, they should just cut them off like DL. I’d even be okay if they allowed entry after 2 for “non reservation” days.

 

[Bullseye1967]

I was under the impression that they were looking to expand the AP program in early 2020 before COVID hit. Why would this change in any way after the capacity limits are removed? Even if they kept the reservation system (which I doubt they will) there would be plenty of reservations slots to go around. Most AP holders are blacked out on days that come close to capacity crowds.

 

[Jrb1979]

I was under the impression that they were looking to expand the AP program in early 2020 before COVID hit. Why would this change in any way after the capacity limits are removed? Even if they kept the reservation system (which I doubt they will) there would be plenty of reservations slots to go around. Most AP holders are blacked out on days that come close to capacity crowds.

They do want to expand the AP program but they also want more money from them. It has nothing to do with the amount of slots available. It's all about how to make more money from AP holders.

 

[castlecake2.0]

I was under the impression that they were looking to expand the AP program in early 2020 before COVID hit. Why would this change in any way after the capacity limits are removed? Even if they kept the reservation system (which I doubt they will) there would be plenty of reservations slots to go around. Most AP holders are blacked out on days that come close to capacity crowds.

Because going forward capacity is going to be based off of what creates the most profit, rather than “how many people can we physically fit in here”. The reservation system now let’s them control what type of guest they let in compared to the old/universal studios method of just open up the gates and see who shows up.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I’d say October 22 unless they are lagging attendance in a full restart scenario late 21/ early 2022?

you have to consider that both spray tan Bob and slappy Bob have made it well known for quite some time that they don’t want annual passes...at least not in the old form. They portray it as “leaving money on the table”

yes...that means what you think it means.

luxury...pure luxury

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

They do want to expand the AP program but they also want more money from them. It has nothing to do with the amount of slots available. It's all about how to make more money from AP holders.

1. money first
2. Expansion after

1 > 2

 

[jt04]

Because going forward capacity is going to be based off of what creates the most profit, rather than “how many people can we physically fit in here”. The reservation system now let’s them control what type of guest they let in compared to the old/universal studios method of just open up the gates and see who shows up.

I believe it is also a powerful means by which to control overhead costs. You know exactly what is required to run the park each day. From the number of employees to the amount of perishable goods.

This has become a priority and will increasingly be one as the cost of doing business increases.

Reservations definitely has a silver lining once in the parks too. Too often they become overwhelmed without reservations. Uni has experienced this lately. Employees will also have a better grasp on what is required on a daily basis. I expect this will raise quality even higher from CMs.

 

[Disstevefan1]

I think it’ll be until they have enough data to see what the best options will be. Right now I’m sure the data is showing they don’t need anywhere close to the amount of APs they had before, as the parks are reaching capacity for weeks now. I have a feeling moving forward they’ll rely more on the guests staying on property who typically spend more per night per room, than locals and APs. Bob even mentioned it in a recent earnings call that they don’t necessarily want as many APs back.

When you say “what the best opinions will be” you are totally correct. Let’s all understand it will be what are the best opinions FOR THE SHAREHOLDER..

It will be interesting to see what happens..

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Because going forward capacity is going to be based off of what creates the most profit, rather than “how many people can we physically fit in here”. The reservation system now let’s them control what type of guest they let in compared to the old/universal studios method of just open up the gates and see who shows up.

don’t buy that...

ive been in some of those types of discussions...better ideas then though

it’s “how far can we go” immediately followed by “then how do we pack them?”

every set of feet is an “opportunity”...

don’t believe the hype

 

[jt04]

don’t buy that...

ive been in some of those types of discussions...better ideas then though

it’s “how far can we go” immediately followed by “then how do we pack them?”

every set of feet is an “opportunity”...

don’t believe the hype

Every guest is a potential repeat customer. In addition, Uni and other options are providing significant competition that really didn't exist before. Labor costs are rising faster than most times in the past. Inflation looms on the horizon. Essentially all the old paradigms can no longer be counted on.

IMO.

 

[jt04]

When you say “what the best opinions will be” you are totally correct. Let’s all understand it will be what are the best opinions FOR THE SHAREHOLDER..

It will be interesting to see what happens..

They would have gone out of business decades ago if this was the mindset. True of every business. It really is a matter of balancing the priorities of everyone involved. From the majority shareholders to the occasional customer.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Every guest is a potential repeat customer. In addition, Uni and other options are providing significant competition that really didn't exist before. Labor costs are rising faster than most times in the past. Inflation looms on the horizon. Essentially all the old paradigms can no longer be counted on.

IMO.

labor cost isn’t more when you factor in aggressive price hikes

labor shortage has Been a thing for a long time

the competition is more of an issue.

APs make sense for “slow times”. Have their been any?

APs assume large amount of swag and booth revenue...is that the result?

APs make sense when people won’t pay full price. How’s that going now?

it’s something to watch...none of us know what the real math priority is right now.

 

[Disstevefan1]

don’t buy that...

ive been in some of those types of discussions...better ideas then though

it’s “how far can we go” immediately followed by “then how do we pack them?”

every set of feet is an “opportunity”...

don’t believe the hype

This thread is specifically about the annual pass. Bob Chapek said himself (I don’t have the exact quote) but something like AP’s at WDW do not spend as much money as non AP’s.

We know AP’s do spend money on each visit, but not enough for Bobby apparently.

What ever Bobby decides for WDW, it will be about how can I make the most money with the least expenses. In my opinion, the go anytime, free parking, no blackouts kind of AP at WDW will be gone.

It will be interesting to see what DLR’s AP looks like if/when it comes back. It’s a totally different situation over there, but it will be interesting to see what happens.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

This thread is specifically about the annual pass. Bob Chapek said himself (I don’t have the exact quote) but something like AP’s at WDW do not spend as much money as non AP’s.

We know AP’s do spend money on each visit, but not enough for Bobby apparently.

What ever Bobby decides for WDW, it will be about how can I make the most money with the least expenses. In my opinion, the go anytime, free parking, no blackouts kind of AP at WDW will be gone.

It will be interesting to see what DLR’s AP looks like if/when it comes back. It’s a totally different situation over there, but it will be interesting to see what happens.

In a rare occurrence...we’re 100% on the same page

why should they give us anything at wdw?

we can’t say no and flaunt it.
Shameful new money mentality

 

[DisneyCane]

What I don’t understand... Disneyland and Disney World both have continued to offer discounts for local AP’s... why? If they don’t want the local AP’s why encourage them with lower-cost AP’s?

I realize that Disneyland just “sunsetted” the entire AP program but I’m talking about prior to covid.

I think the discounts are to try and get the local passholders to spend money on things that they weren't going to at full price. I don't think it is to sell more passes.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

What I don’t understand... Disneyland and Disney World both have continued to offer discounts for local AP’s... why? If they don’t want the local AP’s why encourage them with lower-cost AP’s?

I realize that Disneyland just “sunsetted” the entire AP program but I’m talking about prior to covid.

they’re still down a significant amount of their customer pool

in the past...they have had no problem enticing Florida residents in a slowdown...and then slam the door on them

if it ain’t broke