Disney considering VIP and other add-on options to their tickets....

[danstadnik]

As far as the "tour-only" tickets...
Wouldn't it be wise if say... Mom and little Susie get regular tickets and Dad and little Bobby get tour only tix...
The boys go eat and shop, etc while the girls ride, then meet up at the parade or something, trade tickets, and now the boys ride while the girls shop and such.
Obviously there's a lot of variations on this theme, but you get where I'm headed with it.

 

[devoy1701]

I think that's a load of spit. And it's simply envy rearing its ugly head.

I'm a bit envious of people who have nothing better to do and a pantload of free time to sit on various Disney boards and wring every bit of info on every tip, trick, and discount possible...and sit on the phone and online all day securing prime ADRs right at that 180 day window. I don't think it's particularly fair, but that's life. Oh, well.

agreed. not fair either that I couldn't get ADRs to Le Cellier for next Friday being that it's my GFs favorite restaurant and I'm proposing... but oh well...Though Disney should know that I would have been willing to pay extra to get in that evening...

 

[David S.]

And in response to the Holiday ticket, how is blacking out part or all of a day and charging a premium for it any different at all then shutting a park down early because of a hard ticket party or event like Grad Night or night of Joy? It's not like Disney would shut down all 4 parks on one day and say the only way you can get in would be to pay an additional $100. And it doesn't say anything about restricting APs.

I hope you're right that they wouldn't restrict APs. I think they would though, or else how could they ensure that the people paying the upcharge got the "intimate" experience they were paying for?

To answer your other questions, this WOULD be different than the after-hours parties or grad night because a) it would apparently be for the whole day, and b) you can plan around those other hard-ticket days. In other words, if there is a hard-ticket party or grad night on any given Friday, May 14, (just a random day I made up) there is no compelling reason for me to want to use my AP at the MK on that given date. I'd just schedule my MK day on a different day.

However, in the holiday case, I am specifically wanting to be at the MK on New Year's Eve and Easter Sunday. So if I'm shut out, I can't just go another day to get that same experience. As far as the other parks being open to me, frankly that wouldn't be the same to me, as my passion for MK is stronger than the other three combined! AK is my second favorite WDW park and they don't even do a New Year's Eve display. Frankly, if I couldn't do MK on New Year's, I'd be just as likely to choose Busch Gardens or Sea World as I would Epcot or Studios!

I know it's a business but part of being a business is to keep your existing customers happy. And that includes AP holders! I don't complain about resort guests getting extra perks like EMH even though I moved to the area seasonally to be closer to the Magic and therefore don't need a hotel! But IF this potential* new policy blocks out my AP on New Year's Eve and other holidays, I will complain. Heck, they are taking surveys so they are looking for feedback. I'm just leaving mine, too!

I will say that I've had Annual Passes at Busch/Sea World, Dollywood, Silver Dollar City, Cypress Gardens, Wild Adventures, the Six Flags chain, the Cedar Fair chain, and several other parks, and the sense of "ownership" of the parks at Disney is lesser (in admitedly at times subtle ways) than the other parks I've had an annual pass at. With the other APs I've had you get the sense that the park considers you it's Most Important Class of guest, but if you're a local AP at WDW, you can tell that's reserved for resort guests.

* I bolded "potential" because someone will inevitably point out that things on a survey won't necessarily happen. The bold "potential" indicates that I am aware of this and am not "upset" about something that hasn't happened yet, and might not happen. I am just discussing theoretical possibilities, the same as everyone else!

 

[danstadnik]

One other point... Don't you all think some of these perks have already existed and just haven't been promoted?
I've never waited in line with any movie or TV stars or athletes or anything... You know they go to WDW, you see their pictures in the Disneyparks blog all the time...
Someone's sneaking them around or something, right?
(Sorry if I'm showing ignorance of a glaring well-known fact, I'm more of a passing visitor to these forums!)

 

[WDWFigment]

There are lots of people who can't afford to go to Disney World as it stands, so they don't in fact do anything for the little guy. They serve the middle guy, and above.

The problem with introducing premium experiences is the way it adds layers to the parks. The creation of an upper-level guest entails the simultaneous creation of a *lower-level* guest. Who wants to feel they're having the second-best experience in the most fun place on earth? I like the fact that once I enter the gates I'm pretty much the same as everyone else (a few VIP tourers aside).

For this reason I'm not in favor of Golden Oak, VIP tix and Night Kingdom (may it rest in peace).

I guess I don't quite understand this reasoning. The Grand Floridian has rooms that cost ~$500/night, while many stay in Pop at ~$80/night.

Guests staying on property get early/late access to different parks on select nights. Guests staying off property do not get this.

Guests willing to pay a set hourly rate get VIP guides that give them white glove treatment and "expedite" access to attractions. Guests who don't pay for these guides don't get that treatment.

Guests willing to pay $125-600/person may dine at Victoria & Albert's. Guests who cannot afford that price may dine at Cosmic Ray's for $8-15/person.

What is the difference between any of these distinctions and the survey options? Nothing. None of what's currently offered, nor what's proposed, is some "in your face" guest hierarchy that puts some sort of scarlet letter of "poorness" on those who opt for the cheaper routes in their visits.

To suggest Disney shouldn't offer varying priced options because of egalitarian concerns, to me, seems absurd. It is not Disney's role as a for-profit corporation to ensure that all guests have an identical experience. As a for-profit corporation, however, Disney would have an interest in ensuring that everyone out there who had these same "fairness" concerns wasn't alienated (and thus stopped bringing their money to WDW), so Disney would implement any disparate treatment in a discrete manner (just as such treatment is currently fairly discrete) so no guests felt as if they were "second class tourists."

 

[njDizFan]

I also definatley see this as another use of the RFID tech coming soon. But do we really need all these new ways to experience the magic? As it is you need to be incredibly informed and prepared to truly get the most of your disney vacation. With all these different options, it could really get your mind spinning. Forget about the once in a lifetime guest.

Also, I am confused about the resort VIP option. Is this just for the resort guest? or like myself who stays offsite can I go to a resort and use their pool and eat all the food I want? Can I go to multiple resorts? Can I eat at the Poly for breakfast,spend a day at Stormalong Bay pool and eat at Jiko all for $40/person? Count me in if that's the case

 

[mp2bill]

I love it. Vacations should be customizable based on how much you are willing to spend.

Agreed

 

[mp2bill]

Maybe they're thinking about going back to the old E Ticket system. :lookaroun

I hope not.

 

[wdwfan22]

VERY stupid. At least some of these options are. Fastpass was open to every one, making it a privilege to those able to pay more would annoy a lot of guests who couldn't afford it and would feel as a second-class guest. It feels very undisneyesque. I wouldn't pay for this privilege and I don't know if I even would accept it. Perhaps I would even boycott Disney as long as they introduce this. And going back to the ticket-system is by far the greatest mistake they could do. I would definitely not go to WDW any longer if they brought back the ticket system, I don't want to think about what I am spending my limited tickets on. I want to be free in my choices.

Disney has been classing it's Guests for years. Value, Moderate & Deluxe Resorts. VIP Tour Guides, Signature Dining. A VIP FASTPASS would just be a cheaper version of the Tour Guides. I personally see no reason to boycott them over a FASTPASS. If people are willing to pay for the privilage then so be it.

 

[devoy1701]

Disney has been classing it's Guests for years. Value, Moderate & Deluxe Resorts. VIP Tour Guides, Signature Dining. A VIP FASTPASS would just be a cheaper version of the Tour Guides. I personally see no reason to boycott them over a FASTPASS. If people are willing to pay for the privilage then so be it.

it's definitely the entitlement mindset or envy setting in IMO. If people can't justify/comprehend/afford an amenity or luxury, why should anyone else be able to?

 

[Dwarful]

My first thought to this was "Wow!" then I immediately thought...Disney better step up its game if they really want to offer these 'perks'. The food service area has already seen a major slide over the past several years in reduced menus, rushed service, etc.,

Also, if you already have a whole park full of guests using FP's as they are now, then throw in premium FP's - others have mentioned the Voluntears FPs but those are limited for each Voluntear and for specific rides - couldn't use all of them for SM had to use some for "Donald" rides...but my concern with this would be the increase in time of the stand by line....will they limit the number of VIP FP's for each park, each day? Honestly I'd probably buy them on Christmas Day when it is crazy at MK...are they only available to onsite guests? Will the next level be only available for those at Mods/Dlx?

I think it is a slippery slope. I noticed a lot of people already cutting back on their trip this past summer...we saw a lot of people hauling in backpacks full of bottled water/drinks, wearing those water bag back packs (not sure what they are called), bringing in coolers w/lunches in an effort to save some $$$. We also heard a few people at our resort YC complaining of the 'riff raff that had started coming to their home resort because of all the discounts available'. Clearly you will always have some people willing to pay premium prices for premium events...but if Disney can't do this without making the average Joe upset they better really think long term impact because if I read the other thread correctly there are more Value Resort rooms available than there are Mod/Dlx and they are finishing off Pops other half to add even more rooms..so who is there most frequent guest?? Big time Charlie or Average Joe? I don't know. just something to think about.

 

[Buried20KLeague]

someone already pointed out that voluntEARS who chose fastpasses as their reward already have access to more FPs beyond your normal park guest. It certainly isn't noticable to most visitors. You make it seem like half of the park goers are going to be using this and half are SOL. Chances are a majority of the visitors won't even know these options exists and another good portion will know but wouldn't think twice about paying for it. We're probably talking about a very small amount of the daily guests who would utilize something like this.

I think you might be grossly underestimating this potential impact, personally.

If Disney does this, they're going to go full bore. They're going to spend millions in advertising pushing this.

Guess we'll have to wait and see.

 

[Spike-in-Berlin]

Why worry about something that isn't going to affect you directly. Is it the idea that bothers you? Are you bothered by the fact that you'll (and most of us for that matter) will never get to stay in the Castle Suite or get to access Club 33????

Making Fastpass a privilege you have to pay for to do IS affecting me directly. At the moment fastpass is available to every guest, they don't even discriminate between day and resort guests like Universal does where you either have to stay on property or have to pay for their Universal Express or how it is called. And I am not jelaous at people who get these privileges, I just consider it an insult to the other guests in general. If Disney makes the Fastpass a feature you have to pay for I will not, even though I can afford it . 150$ or something in that range for a 10 day stay is no problem to me at the moment if I pay it only once for my entire stay. But although it would mean to me to avoid lines I still don't like it, I am not that egoistic.

 

[Buried20KLeague]

I think that's a load of spit. And it's simply envy rearing its ugly head.

I'm a bit envious of people who have nothing better to do and a pantload of free time to sit on various Disney boards and wring every bit of info on every tip, trick, and discount possible...and sit on the phone and online all day securing prime ADRs right at that 180 day window. I don't think it's particularly fair, but that's life. Oh, well.

So... You think you can't effect public opinion on your company with your offerings? You think that over a prolonged period of time, trends you create can't negatively impact the business you do (or hope to do)?

Check these boards and the overall tone from two years ago vs. today. That public opinion is being swayed negatively as we speak. Anyone who doesn't think so has their heads in the sand.

 

[devoy1701]

Making Fastpass a privilege you have to pay for to do IS affecting me directly. At the moment fastpass is available to every guest, they don't even discriminate between day and resort guests like Universal does where you either have to stay on property or have to pay for their Universal Express or how it is called. And I am not jelaous at people who get these privileges, I just consider it an insult to the other guests in general. If Disney makes the Fastpass a feature you have to pay for I will not, even though I can afford it . 150$ or something in that range for a 10 day stay is no problem to me at the moment if I pay it only once for my entire stay. But although it would mean to me to avoid lines I still don't like it, I am not that egoistic.

The survey doesn't say that as a result of offering this unlimited FP for a premium, that the normal use of the FP for everyday guests will no longer be available.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

I guess I don't quite understand this reasoning. The Grand Floridian has rooms that cost ~$500/night, while many stay in Pop at ~$80/night.

Guests staying on property get early/late access to different parks on select nights. Guests staying off property do not get this.

Guests willing to pay a set hourly rate get VIP guides that give them white glove treatment and "expedite" access to attractions. Guests who don't pay for these guides don't get that treatment.

Guests willing to pay $125-600/person may dine at Victoria & Albert's. Guests who cannot afford that price may dine at Cosmic Ray's for $8-15/person.

What is the difference between any of these distinctions and the survey options? Nothing. None of what's currently offered, nor what's proposed, is some "in your face" guest hierarchy that puts some sort of scarlet letter of "poorness" on those who opt for the cheaper routes in their visits.

To suggest Disney shouldn't offer varying priced options because of egalitarian concerns, to me, seems absurd. It is not Disney's role as a for-profit corporation to ensure that all guests have an identical experience. As a for-profit corporation, however, Disney would have an interest in ensuring that everyone out there who had these same "fairness" concerns wasn't alienated (and thus stopped bringing their money to WDW), so Disney would implement any disparate treatment in a discrete manner (just as such treatment is currently fairly discrete) so no guests felt as if they were "second class tourists."

Well said. Even in the old ticket book days the more money you had, the more rides you could see, the more often you could see them and experience more of the better ones.

It's the tourism industry, you have to expect some degree of this kind of catering and Disney has been dong it for a long time now.

Now opinions:

- After 3 tickets: Sounds great. Sea World does this.

- Touring Only ticket: In the old days this existed, but I imagine it would be harder to enforce now since nobody is collecting tickets in queues anymore.

- Convenience add on: For $100 per group of six I could see the value in this when it comes to touring during busier times.

- VIP FASTPASS: Sounds fair to me and at that price point it's obviously designed to discourage too many guests from taking advantage of it. This would appeal more to the "Diamond Plan/Package" (or whatever it's called) crowd.

- All inclusive Disney resort: The unlimited food and drink makes it sound like a good deal to me.

Overall, I think they are good ideas.

 

[devoy1701]

Well said. Even in the old ticket book days the more money you had, the more rides you could see, the more often you could see them and experience more of the better ones.

It's the tourism industry, you have to expect some degree of this kind of catering and Disney has been dong it for a long time now.

Now opinions:

- After 3 tickets: Sounds great. Sea World does this.

- Touring Only ticket: In the old days this existed, but I imagine it would be harder to enforce now since nobody is collecting tickets in queues anymore.

- Convenience add on: For $100 per group of six I could see the value in this when it comes to touring during busier times.

- VIP FASTPASS: Sounds fair to me and at that price point it's obviously designed to discourage too many guests from taking advantage of it. This would appeal more to the "Diamond Plan/Package" (or whatever it's called) crowd.

- All inclusive Disney resort: The unlimited food and drink makes it sound like a good deal to me.

Overall, I think they are good ideas.

Epcot already does this for Florida residents as well. It's called "EPCOT after 4"

We also have a weekday Waterpark Pass. Both of those are along the same concept.

As I said in my first post in this thread, I think the Touring pass will be most widely used by parties who have someone in their party who loves to be there in the action with the family but doesn't like to ride anything. Grandparents or parents who just want to be there with the kids, taking pictures, etc... They shouldn't have to pay the same as someone who is going to utilize all the attractions anyway. I agree though that the logistics might be complicated and that without significant infrastructure improvements we could get bottlenecking that the queue entrances.

And who doesn't love all-inclusive resorts???

 

[Horizons1]

I've got a ticket idea for you Disney. It's called lowering prices.

 

[WDWmazprty]

I've got a ticket idea for you Disney. It's called lowering prices.

:sohappy::sohappy::lol::sohappy::sohappy:

 

[ChrisM]

So... You think you can't effect public opinion on your company with your offerings? You think that over a prolonged period of time, trends you create can't negatively impact the business you do (or hope to do)?

Check these boards and the overall tone from two years ago vs. today. That public opinion is being swayed negatively as we speak. Anyone who doesn't think so has their heads in the sand.

This board doesn't mirror the opinions of the public at large. And, as I've mentioned in other posts in this thread, Disney is currently underserving a very lucrative market. They've realized it and are likely going to aggressively pursue it. It's extremely unlikely that the pursuit of this market is going to noticeably impact their other markets, if at all.

In fact, what Disney is probably realizing is that they've catered too extensively to those of modest means and it's hurting them with their premium, and more potentially lucrative, customers. Time to turn that Walmart-ization trend around.