Epcot After Hours Tasting - New event

[BigTxEars]

I think it was right after the rep from WDW said it was all about cultural enrichment.

I did not read that part and after checking again I see why, it was not there. So you guessing, I get it now.

Based on WDW and the way they run their restaurants I am thinking that you might be off a bit in your guess.

But I guess we will soon all know. Question is when that occurs if any of the pro or con people will be back here to admit they were incorrect. I will if I am, I will also be posting how I canceled my reservations. You coming back to admit you were wrong it you are?

 

[cw1982]

I did not read that part and after checking again I see why, it was not there. So you guessing, I get it now.

Based on WDW and the way they run their restaurants I am thinking that you might be off a bit in your guess.

But I guess we will soon all know. Question is when that occurs if any of the pro or con people will be back here to admit they were incorrect. I will if I am, I will also be posting how I canceled my reservations. You coming back to admit you were wrong it you are?

I think @Fe Maiden was saying that no one ever did say those things. I haven't seen any indication that this has anything to do with "cultural enrichment" either, aside from taking place in WS to begin with, so I have a hunch this was a way of agreeing with you

 

[BigTxEars]

I think @Fe Maiden was saying that no one ever did say those things. I haven't seen any indication that this has anything to do with "cultural enrichment" either, aside from taking place in WS to begin with, so I have a hunch this was a way of agreeing with you

This is what he posted:

"But no, we'll have you pay $35 a person to sit around while our cleanup crew finishes up. Oh and we'll serve you some unique authentic dishes "cough cough leftovers cough cough" that we didn't get rid of earlier in the day and you can wash it all down with some drinks that we know won't be nearly enough to satisfy so you'll be shelling out even more money.

And don't forget to lift your legs up for the CMs when they come by with the vacuum."

Am I mis reading what he is saying? If so then I am sorry. I could be taking it out of context. I have not had coffee yet

 

[cw1982]

This is what he posted:

"But no, we'll have you pay $35 a person to sit around while our cleanup crew finishes up. Oh and we'll serve you some unique authentic dishes "cough cough leftovers cough cough" that we didn't get rid of earlier in the day and you can wash it all down with some drinks that we know won't be nearly enough to satisfy so you'll be shelling out even more money.

And don't forget to lift your legs up for the CMs when they come by with the vacuum."

Am I mis reading what he is saying? If so then I am sorry. I could be taking it out of context. I have not had coffee yet

Ah. I was reading from my phone when I read that part of the conversation, right after I woke up (hadn't had my morning caffeine yet either LOL) so maybe I was wrong.

In all fairness, it does make sense that there would be some cleaning up going on if they are only using certain sections of the lounges for the Wind Downs. I would have a hard time believing, though, that vacuuming would be going on in the sections where people are still sitting. Also, seeing as how these are sitdown lounges and not snack carts, I doubt there will be leftovers being served (though I could be wrong) but isn't a flight of drinks a pretty typical serving size? My understanding is that it's not normally three full-sized drinks but rather more of a sampling of each... but again, I could be wrong on that too.

 

[71jason]

you can wash it all down with some drinks that we know won't be nearly enough to satisfy so you'll be shelling out even more money.

@BigTxEars did a good job addressing most of your other strawman arguments ... but I will say if 3 shots of tequila in 2 hours "won't be nearly enough to satisfy," perhaps you should be looking into meet-ups in church basements rather than EPCOT bars.

 

[cw1982]

@BigTxEars did a good job addressing most of your other strawman arguments ... but I will say if 3 shots of tequila in 2 hours "won't be nearly enough to satisfy," perhaps you should be looking into meet-ups in church basements rather than EPCOT bars.

Is it three full-sized shots, though? I've been trying to learn about this, and when I Google it all I get is information about drinking on airplanes

 

[71jason]

I am realistic about this. As 74 said they have to show extra profits and this offering is all about that.

With all respect to the Spirit, I don't know that I get that. At least two, maybe three of these, are third party. Even assuming a generous $10 cut for the Mouse, there's not that much capacity at these events (and it sounds like Spice Road had one table last night). Three nights a week. Even $10k a month to Disney is a pittance. The $2 parking fee increase probably brings in double that on a daily basis.

I think it's more likely this is (1) a bone to the third party operators and (2) a trial balloon for something else. What I'm not exactly sure.

 

[71jason]

Is it three full-sized shots, though? I've been trying to learn about this, and when I Google it all I get is information about drinking on airplanes

From Touring plans, "Each of the 3 tequila samples is 1/2 oz, plus 1/2 oz mescal & 1/4 oz vodka." So still a fair amount of (high quality) booze in realistically less than 2 hours.

BTW, apparently 9 people in La Cava last night, so again, I don't see this is purely a cash grab.

 

[cw1982]

From Touring plans, "Each of the 3 tequila samples is 1/2 oz, plus 1/2 oz mescal & 1/4 oz vodka." So still a fair amount of (high quality) booze in realistically less than 2 hours.

BTW, apparently 9 people in La Cava last night, so again, I don't see this is purely a cash grab.

I didn't think to check Touring Plans lol.

As far as there being 9 people in La Cava, I wonder if this is because the offer is still new, and thus hasn't had a chance to really "take off" yet? It'll be interesting to see how the numbers fare when we get into the summer.

 

[Fe Maiden]

I did not read that part and after checking again I see why, it was not there. So you guessing, I get it now.

Based on WDW and the way they run their restaurants I am thinking that you might be off a bit in your guess.

I was being a bit sarcastic as I don't think they'll actually vacuum under your feet.

But the "it's not about the bars being open but a cultural experience" reason that was quoted in the Sentinal article is laughable.

I'm all for paying for extras, I have no problem paying for a character meal so that I don't have to wait in line to see characters. Chef Mickeys and Akershus gets it all done for my family (I'm not a crack smoker so you'll never see us at CRT).

Back in 2007 we even paid for a second MNSSHP just so we could spend our last night at the MK since we would have had to leave at 6. I wasn't thrilled with it but we got to ride all our favorites as many times as we wanted. Not to mention the parade, candy, etc. At least there was value there.

I just think this wind down program is really stretching the idea of an exclusive event with benefits. It feels like they sat around a room to see who could come up with the crappiest idea that people would go for.

 

[GoofGoof]

With all respect to the Spirit, I don't know that I get that. At least two, maybe three of these, are third party. Even assuming a generous $10 cut for the Mouse, there's not that much capacity at these events (and it sounds like Spice Road had one table last night). Three nights a week. Even $10k a month to Disney is a pittance. The $2 parking fee increase probably brings in double that on a daily basis.

I think it's more likely this is (1) a bone to the third party operators and (2) a trial balloon for something else. What I'm not exactly sure.

Interesting point on the 3rd party vendors. I hadn't thought of that.

Don't get me wrong. I actually don't mind a good cash grab if they are offering me something I want. For people who this appeals to I actually think its a pretty good deal (by Disney standards).

The trial balloon idea intrigued me a little. If this took off and expanded to include some live entertainment it could be even better. I don't expect WS to turn into PI or anything, but kicking back with some tequila and a live band seems like a mello way to end a day at EPCOT.

 

[GoofGoof]

I was being a bit sarcastic as I don't think they'll actually vacuum under your feet.

But the "it's not about the bars being open but a cultural experience" reason that was quoted in the Sentinal article is laughable.

I'm all for paying for extras, I have no problem paying for a character meal so that I don't have to wait in line to see characters. Chef Mickeys and Akershus gets it all done for my family (I'm not a crack smoker so you'll never see us at CRT).

Back in 2007 we even paid for a second MNSSHP just so we could spend our last night at the MK since we would have had to leave at 6. I wasn't thrilled with it but we got to ride all our favorites as many times as we wanted. Not to mention the parade, candy, etc. At least there was value there.

I just think this wind down program is really stretching the idea of an exclusive event with benefits. It feels like they sat around a room to see who could come up with the crappiest idea that people would go for.

Wait until they roll this out with the new nighttime entertainment at AK...the possibilities are endless.

 

[BigTxEars]

Who knows what will occur, we will get reports soon. Everybody is just guessing at this point. Based on WDW food service history it will not be small portions of left overs. Like I said I will be the first to say I am wrong and cancel my reservations if it sucks. I just wonder how many of those guessing about the left overs and small portions will be back to admit they are wrong if they are wrong.

I also doubt WDW will want this to be anything but a success, knowing that I do not think they will be pushing guest aside to clean. They want good word if mouth to increase future reservations.

I was being a bit sarcastic as I don't think they'll actually vacuum under your feet.

But the "it's not about the bars being open but a cultural experience" reason that was quoted in the Sentinal article is laughable.

I'm all for paying for extras, I have no problem paying for a character meal so that I don't have to wait in line to see characters. Chef Mickeys and Akershus gets it all done for my family (I'm not a crack smoker so you'll never see us at CRT).

Back in 2007 we even paid for a second MNSSHP just so we could spend our last night at the MK since we would have had to leave at 6. I wasn't thrilled with it but we got to ride all our favorites as many times as we wanted. Not to mention the parade, candy, etc. At least there was value there.

I just think this wind down program is really stretching the idea of an exclusive event with benefits. It feels like they sat around a room to see who could come up with the crappiest idea that people would go for.

And there in lies the issue for me, why do you have to imply that those of us who Are doing this fell for a crappy ideal? Just be because it's not for you does not mean its a crappy ideal to the rest of us. We are looking forward to this, if you don't think it's a deal you want then don't go. I have yet to see anyone going insult the choice of anyone not going, but a number of folks on here can't seem to stop themselves from implying those who are going are somehow being duped by WDW. Why is that?

 

[Bolna]

With all respect to the Spirit, I don't know that I get that. At least two, maybe three of these, are third party. Even assuming a generous $10 cut for the Mouse, there's not that much capacity at these events (and it sounds like Spice Road had one table last night). Three nights a week. Even $10k a month to Disney is a pittance. The $2 parking fee increase probably brings in double that on a daily basis.

I think it's more likely this is (1) a bone to the third party operators and (2) a trial balloon for something else. What I'm not exactly sure.

I agree with you that this would not even be a dent on the whole TDWC balance sheet. However, I think it might be a sign of the current instructions that trickle down from the top which might very well be: Get us an increase in guest spending. This is what Iger and Rasulo want to be able to say in the next conference call, that they see an increase in guest spending, and preferable one that is not only caused by increased ticket prices. That's what the whole Next Gen was sold on: it will increase guest spending. I think the number @WDW1974 originally said was 10%?

So, we don't know how much Next Gen has increased guest spending. But it seems very much that at the moment there is a property wide initiative to give the guests more opportunities to hand money over to the Mouse. Illuminations dessert party, World Showcase bar events, the VIP tour for the Star Wars Weekends 8for 500 $ per person!, there must be more profit in that than in the bar thing at Epcot)...

To a certain degree I think there might even be something good coming out of this - kind of a bit remembering WDW's core values by creating new experiences. I do have a problem with the price tag though. And I am not amused that my favourite Illuminations location is now permanently used for a private party...

 

[71jason]

The trial balloon idea intrigued me a little. If this took off and expanded to include some live entertainment it could be even better. I don't expect WS to turn into PI or anything, but kicking back with some tequila and a live band seems like a mello way to end a day at EPCOT.

I would say the #2 complaint among "high-roller" guests at WDW is the lack of nightlife. (#1 is the price-gouging, but that's nothing new). I agree I expect nothing like PI, but I could see WS playing a larger nightlife role.

 

[xdan0920]

Weren't people complaining that park hours SHOULDN'T be so late because that cuts into the park's maintenance (yes, laugh away at that word, heh), so they go back to 'normal' hours and now the parks need to be open until 11 or 12 ...

But I see some valid reasons to complain about this and question it. It's a clear money grab under the guise of 'something special.' Not knocking the offer, I'm sure many will enjoy it, but it's just obvious why they're doing it and LOL at that lady from Epcot trying to justify it. I burst out laughing reading that statement.

I'm sure I'm late here....

But the real solution is not shorter operating hours, it's more 3rd shifters.

 

[WDW1974]

I agree with you that this would not even be a dent on the whole TDWC balance sheet. However, I think it might be a sign of the current instructions that trickle down from the top which might very well be: Get us an increase in guest spending. This is what Iger and Rasulo want to be able to say in the next conference call, that they see an increase in guest spending, and preferable one that is not only caused by increased ticket prices. That's what the whole Next Gen was sold on: it will increase guest spending. I think the number @WDW1974 originally said was 10%?

The figure I have seen on internal docs is 11% and I believe that is the number that was pushed on the BoD and Iger as far back as 2008 or 2009.

And this absolutely is part of that ''trickle down'' (to use your term) deal ... it can be as in your face as ticket, hotel and parking prices going up ... or it can be all these 'special' a la carte offerings that Disney is putting out.

So, we don't know how much Next Gen has increased guest spending. But it seems very much that at the moment there is a property wide initiative to give the guests more opportunities to hand money over to the Mouse. Illuminations dessert party, World Showcase bar events, the VIP tour for the Star Wars Weekends 8for 500 $ per person!, there must be more profit in that than in the bar thing at Epcot)...

It hasn't. Not in any serious way to offset all the costs (and cost overruns) associated with implementing the NGE program and tech.

All of this adds up to extra revenue. And it's just the beginning ... there are other things coming (but again, not going to risk someone I like's job to satisfy fanboi curiosity).

So, you may have small term revenue increases with leaving four bars open after closing for spring and summer four nights a week, but that may well be completely dwarfed by insane Star Wars fans who are willing to drop an extra two or three grand for the family just to get this absurd VIP treatment.

And just repeat: THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING!!!

To a certain degree I think there might even be something good coming out of this - kind of a bit remembering WDW's core values by creating new experiences. I do have a problem with the price tag though. And I am not amused that my favourite Illuminations location is now permanently used for a private party...

No. I see nothing good coming out of this whatsoever, really.

 

[BigTxEars]

@BigTxEars did a good job addressing most of your other strawman arguments ... but I will say if 3 shots of tequila in 2 hours "won't be nearly enough to satisfy," perhaps you should be looking into meet-ups in church basements rather than EPCOT bars.

Had the flight at San Angel one time, felt pretty good the rest of the night!

 

[Fe Maiden]

I'm sure I'm late here....

But the real solution is not shorter operating hours, it's more 3rd shifters.

That's just crazy talk. Unless you're willing to pay for the help.

 

[RSoxNo1]

The figure I have seen on internal docs is 11% and I believe that is the number that was pushed on the BoD and Iger as far back as 2008 or 2009.

And this absolutely is part of that ''trickle down'' (to use your term) deal ... it can be as in your face as ticket, hotel and parking prices going up ... or it can be all these 'special' a la carte offerings that Disney is putting out.



It hasn't. Not in any serious way to offset all the costs (and cost overruns) associated with implementing the NGE program and tech.

All of this adds up to extra revenue. And it's just the beginning ... there are other things coming (but again, not going to risk someone I like's job to satisfy fanboi curiosity).

So, you may have small term revenue increases with leaving four bars open after closing for spring and summer four nights a week, but that may well be completely dwarfed by insane Star Wars fans who are willing to drop an extra two or three grand for the family just to get this absurd VIP treatment.

And just repeat: THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING!!!



No. I see nothing good coming out of this whatsoever, really.

Building a wholly immersive themed land with unique merchandise and food offerings seems to be the best way to increase revenue, right? Has any effort been more successful in achieving this than Cars Land or Phase 1 of Harry Potter?

If there is revenue in catering to Star Wars fans with disposable income, what is the delay in creating a Star Wars land in the Studios? Like Harry Potter it has a strong fan base of adults with disposable income. That's even more favorable than Cars Land, because the consumers will be adults rather than children. More importantly, it's an entity that adults will share with their kids.

We know it was teased at D23, and we know it's in the works in some capacity for California. The fact that earth hasn't moved yet is laughable. Yes, I want them to do it right, but they've had 24 1/2 years since the original Star Tours opened in MGM. It's safe to assume that the franchise is still popular and yet the only thing that's emerged since the D23 expo is a $1500 figurine.