Crowd Control Theories

[Kstewart]

I don't think raising prices will help much at all. Not in this age of credit cards. They will just pay them off later, or (as another poster said) not at all. So, I don't think this is the answer. Don't really know what the answer is, except opening another park, or massive increases in their 4 parks, which they are starting on.

IMo.....i think that instead of adding new attractions to existing parks, they need to open up a new park, with all new rides and attractions to help disperse the crowds.

 

[Paper straw fan]

I’d be fine with a new park. I’m guessing they won’t do that until it’s a reactionary move to Universal opening their third (non water) park. It seemed like MGM was a response to Universal, and AK to Busch Gardens once they saw people adding it to their itinerary back in the 90’s.

 

[Tanna Eros]

The problem with radical jumps in prices is that one does so at the risk of alienating the consumers. Even now, Disney offers discounts (or free meal plans) to try to get more attendance. If the price jumps too radically, then comsumers may come to believe that the product isn't for them (when was the last time you priced a DeLorean?). At that point, Disney will have lost that consumer forever. When the economy turns (and it will) Disney would have a hard time re-establishing a customer base. Drastic spikes in price might create the current desired outcome (less crowds) but it does so by risking the long-term viability of the parks.

As for the argument that price spikes might actually increase attendance, this is only true for die-hard Disney fans. For more common people, they will just determine that Disney is out of their price range. Disney vacations (if ever taken) will be one-and-done events. The strategy also opens up a real possibilty for someplace else to assume the role of the "family park." Disney spends a lot of money to reinforce the idea that it is the ideal location for families. Yet, if their prices are out-of-reach for most families, then no amount of advertising will convince otherwise.

I agree with you. I came to this site to better my knowledge of a Disney vacation, and I'm learning this product isn't for me.
I'll be one less person to bump into, so that's good.
Sounds like the park is like that one episode of Star Trek where there were crowds of people (Actually, the same ten extras) walking back in forth jostling each other outside the leader's window.