Demand Based Pricing Will Be A Reality - Let's Be Objective

[JourneysEnd]

Assuming they go this route, I can't see how they are going to execute it. Will you have to log on and pick your days and then get the price? And then will those tickets only work on those days? What if you go up to the gate with tickets from a low-cost day and it's a high-cost day? Do you get turned away? Do the lines at Guest Services back up into infinity with people trying to do adjustments? Will MDE finally implode, permanently stuck on a picture of Stitch or Donald?

If you look at Disneyland Paris, that's how it will work. One type of ticket works every day, the next level down works all but Christmas, New Years, the next down no weekends and no holiday dates. So there are 3 tiers. This will be really confusing for a lot of people at the beginning. Difference between full access and next level was about $12 a day

 

[Chef Mickey]

"No one deserves a trip to Disney."

Wow. Why haven't they hired you for their marketing team yet? You could make it their new slogan.

And now you want $300 tickets? Per day? "If that's what it take"? If that's what it takes for what? To keep everyone but you and your select elite few out of the park?

Unreal.

I'm struggling to understand your position. You do think people deserve to go? I think that's unreal. Unreal!!! Forget a specific price...no matter how cheap or expensive, you can always find people who can't afford to go.

Don't exaggerate my intentions. I'm simply saying if it takes an expensive ticket to reach the desired effect, I'm all for it.

You can fight this all you want, but Disney already agrees with me that they need to do something to maintain the guest experience. I'm simply realistic in understanding that they are not going to simply allow fewer people in for the same price. No way. They are going to extract that missed revenue from the people they do let in, and I'm totally fine with that.

If it means paying $300 to get in during New Years, yes, I would be fine with that. I think $300/day would be a little steep for an off peak time, but this kind of pricing will be driven by demand, so I'm not sure how high they'll let it go.

I was very clear in stating I would not support an inflated price without a visible reduction in crowds. Everyone has their price. If $300 is too much, maybe you'd pay $150? Or $200? Ultimately, the demand will determine the price and we'll have to see if it's worth it. I can tell you this. I'd pay $300/day if parks were limited to 10,000 people. I'd pay $3,000/day if it were just me and maybe 1,000 other people.

Ultimately, that's what we are talking about there. How much are you willing to pay for meanfingful reduction in crowd. For everyone worried, Disney is never going to let it get to true demand based pricing. They are always going to allow X amount of people in the park. It's not going to get so exclusive the prices will get that exorbitant. I do think prices will need to be raised a meaningful amount to deter anyone.

 

[raven]

Lots of correct, and some misconceptions.

The # of rooms on property affects park demand. ...which is bad when the parks are at near capacity.

Price in a luxury model always affect demand. Period. You are correct, it will cater to a different income bracket, but it will absolutely limit crowds.

If they limit the crowds by raising the park prices, how do they plan to fill all the rooms they have. People aren't going to pay to stay in a value resort then just not go to the parks.

 

[Chef Mickey]

How do you feel about "skip the line" passes? I really dislike those tactics with a passion and I applaud Disney for sticking with a fair for all system.

I can understand your meaning that raising prices for all is still equal.

I'm against skip the line passes.

 

[Chef Mickey]

If they limit the crowds by raising the park prices, how do they plan to fill all the rooms they have. People aren't going to pay to stay in a value resort then just not go to the parks.

That's a huge issue. They have to at least sell the amount of tickets equal to the number of rooms on property. No doubt about that.

To be honest, call me crazy, but I think Disney will eventually have enough hotels to fill all parks to capacity and they can say, "stay with us, or you can't visit." That might be a little ambitious.

 

[DisneyFans4Life]

I'm struggling to understand your position. You do think people deserve to go? I think that's unreal. Unreal!!! Forget a specific price...no matter how cheap or expensive, you can always find people who can't afford to go.

Don't exaggerate my intentions. I'm simply saying if it takes an expensive ticket to reach the desired effect, I'm all for it.

You can fight this all you want, but Disney already agrees with me that they need to do something to maintain the guest experience. I'm simply realistic in understand they are not going to simply allow fewer people in for the same price. No way. They are going to extract that missed revenue from the people they do let in, and I'm totally fine with that.

If it means paying $300 to get in during New Years, yes, I would be fine with that. I think $300/day would be a little steep for an off peak time, but this kind of pricing will be driven by demand.

I was very clear in stating I would not support an inflated price without a visible reduction in crowds. Everyone has their price. If $300 is too much, maybe you'd pay $150? Or $200? Ultimately, the demand will determine the price and we'll have to see if it's worth it. I can tell you this. I'd pay $300/day if parks were limited to 10,000 people. I'd pay $3,000/day if it were just me and maybe 1,000 other people.

Ultimately, that's what we are talking about there. How much are you willing to pay for meanfingful reduction in crowd. For everyone worried, Disney is never going to let it get to true demand based pricing. They are always going to allow X amount of people in the park. It's not going to get so exclusive the prices will get that exorbitant. I do think prices will need to be raised a meaningful amount to deter anyone.

I can't agree with you more. There is NO way that WDW is going to say, "ok, we've hit 10,000 people today...no one else can come in until someone else leaves."

I feel like I'm in a different situation then others because I only live an hour away and go multiple times a month. For someone who lives further away, or even out of state, and only comes a couple times a year...I can see how the price increase is frustrating. I look at it this way...WDW is doing some major construction around the parks, and somebody has to pay for it. I'm not surprised one bit that prices went up. If anyone is surprised...then they are out of touch with reality. WDW is NOT something that everyone should be able to do. Heck...I'd love to go to the Superbowl...but it's too expensive, but you don't see me complaining about how high the prices are.

Why aren't we complaining because we can't get into Club 33? Shouldn't everyone be able to be part of that club?? Shouldn't everyone be able to stay in a luxury suite in GF with a nice view? Man...I'm going to call them now and complain that I can't do any of that and see what kind of freebies they'll give me (sarcasm).

 

[Chef Mickey]

I can't agree with you more. There is NO way that WDW is going to say, "ok, we've hit 10,000 people today...no one else can come in until someone else leaves."

I feel like I'm in a different situation then others because I only live an hour away and go multiple times a month. For someone who lives further away, or even out of state, and only comes a couple times a year...I can see how the price increase is frustrating. I look at it this way...WDW is doing some major construction around the parks, and somebody has to pay for it. I'm not surprised one bit that prices went up. If anyone is surprised...then they are out of touch with reality. WDW is NOT something that everyone should be able to do. Heck...I'd love to go to the Superbowl...but it's too expensive, but you don't see me complaining about how high the prices are.

Why aren't we complaining because we can't get into Club 33? Shouldn't everyone be able to be part of that club?? Shouldn't everyone be able to stay in a luxury suite in GF with a nice view? Man...I'm going to call them now and complain that I can't do any of that and see what kind of freebies they'll give me (sarcasm).

You make an excellent point. If we start talking about "too expensive and "deserve to go" it's a slippery slope. Too expensive relative to what? And where does deserve stop? Does it stop at a trip to Disney? 1 day ticket? 2 day? 5 day? Pop Century? Or as you said, don't they "deserve" a cheap hotel near the park? Like Grand Floridian? Is a regular guest room enough, or don't they deserve a suite? Suites cost 10X more than a regular room. Shouldn't they be cheaper?

It's absurd when you say it aloud, but there are people who think they are owed something in this life and that life is fair.

Guess what? If prices are reduced 50%, there are still a TON of people who can't go. And probably almost everyone outside of the US/Europe/some parts of Asia still couldn't go. Why don't people complain the big bad airlines make it too expensive to fly? Everything has a cost and you can either afford it or not. You might be able to go once, but someone else can go twice. And someone else can go three times or four times.

Life is not fair and it's not Disney or any company's responsibility to make it "affordable" for you, because "affordable" is a relative term, different for everyone. Companies will charge what the market will bear and the market is clearly showing too many people are going to Disney, yes even at current prices.

 

[PhilharMagician]

If you've followed my posts over the years, you know I have been a huge supporter of increased ticket prices, particularly during the most crowded times. Crowd control is important in maintaining a positive guest experience and preventing Disney Parks from becoming a "beating" to visit. Disney finally agrees. The parks are too crowded and something needs to be done.

Demand Based Pricing is the only solution to Disney's current crowd problems. As you've all heard by now, Disney is seriously considering moving to dynamic ticket pricing, depending on congestion. You want to go during a popular time like Christmas? You'll pay more for your ticket. It already happens at their hotels of course and we see this in many industries like Hotels, Airlines, Uber, and Tollways.

Let me be clear - I am in no way supporting Disney's path to get here, but we are here nonetheless. I simply recognize that this is a possible solution in the interim.

What do you think about dynamic pricing?

I do somewhat support the demand pricing, but want to point out that they will be NO INTERIM. There will only be the new normal!

You did point that this was brought on by an fail on TWDC's part by not expanding. It was an EPIC fail to invest over a billion dollars to try and corral guest and control them through their new magical system and ignoring the fact that there is still not enough actual capacity in the parks. I am in no way saying that next-gen isn't cool or helpful at times but the same money spent on actual expansion to the parks would have helped far better.

Another issue that would bother me if I had to pay a premium price to go during the holidays when the parks are at or near capacity is the simple fact that you are restricted. While Disney would be raking in the big bucks, the guest will get 3 FP's to ride and then be standing in 2 hour long queue's. Then try to get a burger for lunch to find yourself in a 45 minutes queue line to just place your order. Why would I want to pay a premium price for all of this?

I am sure that a significant price increase round holidays would reduce the amount of guests, but the ones there would certainly want more for their money and Disney still has not done their share. Maybe in a few years when all of this construction opens.

 

[Chef Mickey]

I do somewhat support the demand pricing, but want to point out that they will be NO INTERIM. There will only be the new normal!

You did point that this was brought on by an fail on TWDC's part by not expanding. It was an EPIC fail to invest over a billion dollars to try and corral guest and control them through their new magical system and ignoring the fact that there is still not enough actual capacity in the parks. I am in no way saying that next-gen isn't cool or helpful at times but the same money spent on actual expansion to the parks would have helped far better.

Another issue that would bother me if I had to pay a premium price to go during the holidays when the parks are at or near capacity is the simple fact that you are restricted. While Disney would be raking in the big bucks, the guest will get 3 FP's to ride and then be standing in 2 hour long queue's. Then try to get a burger for lunch to find yourself in a 45 minutes queue line to just place your order. Why would I want to pay a premium price for all of this?

I am sure that a significant price increase round holidays would reduce the amount of guests, but the ones there would certainly want more for their money and Disney still has not done their share. Maybe in a few years when all of this construction opens.

Agree, 100%. I'm not sure how they'll do it, but they absolutely have to give guests something for the premium. If going during Christmas is a true beating, even with significantly increased pricing, it's a fail.

Also, I completely agree the dollars spent on next gen could have been more effectively used in expansion and should have been used for expansion.

Since it wasn't, they are basically forced to do this, like I've been saying since I first said crowds and capacity are major issues.

 

[draybook]

The "pricing people out" argument is WAY more annoying/tired than charging what the market will bear

Almost as annoying as bringing up living conditions in other countries. Sure, there are places where people would love to have two pieces of toast and some butter. There are also places where a "normal" every day car is a Ferrari, I'm not sure what wither has to do with us wanting Disney to make vacationing there affordable.

 

[space42]

Agree, 100%. I'm not sure how they'll do it, but they absolutely have to give guests something for the premium. If going during Christmas is a true beating, even with significantly increased pricing, it's a fail.

Also, I completely agree the dollars spent on next gen could have been more effectively used in expansion and should have been used for expansion.

Since it wasn't, they are basically forced to do this, like I've been saying since I first said crowds and capacity are major issues.

They are going to do it just like the AP increase. The guests that can only vacation during holidays are still going to go then and pay the premium. I predict it will have no effect on crowds.

 

[JourneysEnd]

They are going to do it just like the AP increase. The guests that can only vacation during holidays are still going to go then and pay the premium. I predict it will have no effect on crowds.

Unfortunately, I think you're correct.

 

[Chef Mickey]

They are going to do it just like the AP increase. The guests that can only vacation during holidays are still going to go then and pay the premium. I predict it will have no effect on crowds.

That's why they have to decrease the number of tickets sold if they refuse to allow the price to rise enough to deter guests.

 

[216bruce]

Reading this thread makes me wonder if "Partners" might be replaced by a statue of Ayn Rand. Sad.

 

[Raineman]

Almost as annoying as bringing up living conditions in other countries. Sure, there are places where people would love to have two pieces of toast and some butter. There are also places where a "normal" every day car is a Ferrari, I'm not sure what wither has to do with us wanting Disney to make vacationing there affordable.

Absolutely. It seems as if some people on this thread think that asking for more affordable Disney vacations is the same as asking for a handout from Disney, and the line of thinking that no one "deserves" a vacation. Does a family with hard-working parents that provide everything their kids need and have to scrimp and save for years to afford a Disney trip "deserve" the trip just as much as the wealthy family who could pay for the trip with the cash in their wallet? Yes. Raise the prices significantly, and that trip will be out of reach for the lower income family.

 

[Chef Mickey]

Almost as annoying as bringing up living conditions in other countries. Sure, there are places where people would love to have two pieces of toast and some butter. There are also places where a "normal" every day car is a Ferrari, I'm not sure what wither has to do with us wanting Disney to make vacationing there affordable.

OK, forget living conditions in other countries. It's still not a birth right to go to Disney for the people here. Very simple.

Disney doesn't owe you an affordable vacation and again, affordable is relative. There are places in the world WAY more expensive than Disney and it isn't even close. I think Disney is VERY affordable and a VERY good value for the amount of entertainment you receive.

 

[JillC LI]

It's absurd when you say it aloud, but there are people who think they are owed something in this life and that life is fair.

Guess what? If prices are reduced 50%, there are still a TON of people who can't go. And probably almost everyone outside of the US/Europe/some parts of Asia still couldn't go. Why don't people complain the big bad airlines make it too expensive to fly? Everything has a cost and you can either afford it or not. You might be able to go once, but someone else can go twice. And someone else can go three times or four times.

Life is not fair and it's not Disney or any company's responsibility to make it "affordable" for you, because "affordable" is a relative term, different for everyone. Companies will charge what the market will bear and the market is clearly showing too many people are going to Disney, yes even at current prices.

You are correct that Disney does not owe everyone affordability. But Disney also does not owe us lower crowds or more E-ticket rides or whatever it is that a particular Disney fan wants. You seem to prioritize crowd control over cost. Others (perhaps including Disney?) may not agree. I am making no judgments one way or the other.

 

[DisneyFans4Life]

Absolutely. It seems as if some people on this thread think that asking for more affordable Disney vacations is the same as asking for a handout from Disney, and the line of thinking that no one "deserves" a vacation. Does a family with hard-working parents that provide everything their kids need and have to scrimp and save for years to afford a Disney trip "deserve" the trip just as much as the wealthy family who could pay for the trip with the cash in their wallet? Yes. Raise the prices significantly, and that trip will be out of reach for the lower income family.

I think in a situation like this, a trip to Disney is going to be the last thing on their mind. If you know money is tight, then you forego the unnecessary items. Disney is an unnecessary item and something that families absolutely do NOT need to spend money on. School, books, clothes, food, etc are all items that should come before a trip to Disney.

 

[Chef Mickey]

Absolutely. It seems as if some people on this thread think that asking for more affordable Disney vacations is the same as asking for a handout from Disney, and the line of thinking that no one "deserves" a vacation. Does a family with hard-working parents that provide everything their kids need and have to scrimp and save for years to afford a Disney trip "deserve" the trip just as much as the wealthy family who could pay for the trip with the cash in their wallet? Yes. Raise the prices significantly, and that trip will be out of reach for the lower income family.

Man, some of you are unbelievable. I guess it's just a different mindset.

Working hard doesn't mean you get a trip to Disney. There are people who don't work "hard" at all and go all the time. Life isn't fair and this isn't just about Disney "making it affordable." With your logic, anyone can define affordability and be upset if any item or service is unattainable due to its price. How does that make any sense? Forget Disney. Is this how you think about cars, houses, nice restaurants, other vacations, and a pair of Jordans for your son?

Some people choose to buy an expensive house and expensive car (Typically with a loan). Maybe if they skipped the navigation on their depreciating Infinity they can't afford, they could go to Disney? People have no problem spending $899 for an iPhone and $2,000 for cell service annually, but now Disney needs to make it "affordable?" No company makes things affordable! They charge what people will pay.

Some of you need a reality check or a class in business or economics. This is the big leagues, not a Disney movie.

The rich people you mentioned don't "deserve" it more than than the hard working family, but guess what? The family with money gets to go. That's life. They get the nice toys. They get the nice cars. They get the hot girls. Does the other family want it? Go get it...you live in America...nothing stopping you. The lower income family needs to get to higher income. The onus is on them, not Disney.

 

[space42]

That's why they have to decrease the number of tickets sold if they refuse to allow the price to rise enough to deter guests.

I guess that's my point.
Disney doesn't want less people in the parks.
That would be disasterous for DVC and hotel occupancy.