Just because you don't see value in the premium doesn't mean that others don't either. Very much like all those posts over the past year or so that lambasted anyone for using a FP+ for a meet and greet or a fireworks location.
I don't disagree with that at all. For example, the Feel the Force Premium Package did not yield a lot of value for me. But for someone who drank heavily, it could be seen as a bargain.
I'm not dismissing all of these upcharges out of hand. However, the feedback on these experiences which Disney has been putting out there in record numbers, has been mixed at best. Much more so than is typical for a Disney offering.
Even the Star Wars character meals got mixed reactions. How does Disney mess up a character meal themed to one of its most popular and demanded franchises?
My point is that there are a lot of people willing to pay for special access while there are others that will not under any circumstance, Disney has a responsibility to monetize as much as possible.
A want to pause to say that no everyone believes that. The profit motive didn't always govern every decision companies made. Yes, they were in business to make money. But how you make money is also important. Companies used to know this. Disney especially.
It is not an excuse, apology or anything else but is simply reality.
The way it's used here, it is an excuse. No matter what Disney does, someone is going to say "hey, Disney's a business. They gotta make a buck." Disney makes a lot of bucks. They aren't hurting.
And monetizing in every way possible is not a good business strategy either.
All these new offerings are the result of someone realizing that people will pay for special access, better and guaranteed viewing locations and are just now taking advantage of the opportunity. All the tours, special events, and up-charge activities have always been about generating revenue in return for an experience, anyone who felt otherwise simply did not want to believe it or was naive.
They have always been around. But why so many lately? Did Disney really not realize that tours and premium experiences were profitable until 2014? Or are they desperate to pad the bottom line after the launch of MM+?
The latter makes a lot more sense to me.
Harambe Nights is a great example of the same type up-charge just a different venue and experience yet a lot of people here are all over it as something new and exciting but anything they are not interested in is labeled a cash grab.
I read a mixed to negative review of Harambe Nights at the Disney Food Blog. The Disney Food Blog raves about every cupcake and specialty hot dog Disney comes up with on a daily basis. A mixed review from the Disney Food Blog is as rare as a working yeti! And yet, they were down on Harambe Nights and the Epcot After Hours thing. When the Disney Food Blog gives an experience a thumbs down, that is really speaking volumes to me.
Heck, Kenny the Pirate trashed the Feel the Force Program! And I agree with every word he wrote. These are some pretty pixie-dusted sites. And even they are taking Disney to task on these things.
But hey, Disney's a business. They have an obligation to soak everyone they can for every last penny. To do less would be unethical, right?
