FastPass+ Most Certainly Not Coming Back As It Was

[Sirwalterraleigh]

You are 10 THOUSAND percent wrong that people staying at the Poly would not care. In fact ill go as far as saying they might care MORE!
And for me, the perks were a major incentive but I love staying at a Disney hotel just because i like being close to the parks and enjoy the entire experience but everyone is different.

Nah…I don’t think most at the poly will care.

they’ll pay.

except maybe the majority of dvc…they might be surly.

I gotta ask: do you honestly think people won’t pay, this won’t become “the norm”, and it won’t be “integrate or be left out”?

We don’t have an announcement…but if there is one…be sure they know that what I just said will be true. They wouldn’t take a flyer on this.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Funny how every other finite capacity thing manages that. Hotels, events, etc.

True…but Disney parks rarely “fill”

 

[RobbinsDad]

I do think there is some hope that backlash/anticipated backlash could get resort guests something. Even just one free pass/day would probably be lapped up and a genuine reason for those really into the parks to continue staying on site (even if it is still an erosion overall).

They could even spin it as more choice for the customer as opposed to FP+ that you can use it anytime day of on any ride (pending on DPA availability for the attraction of course).

Although, I suspect they will just give those staying on site "priority" to purchase DPA.

They're already giving resort guests early EMH, and apparently deluxe will start getting some evening EMH. They could think that's enough.

 

[MrPromey]

From an article on CNBC describing opening day at Disneyland: "A one-day ticket to Disneyland in 1955 cost $1 for adults and 50 cents for children. In addition to the price of entry, each of the park’s 35 rides had a fee. Many of the attractions cost around 25 to 35 cents for adults. 'If you are a glutton and try everything, it could cost you $8.70 for yourself,' Thomas wrote."

$8.70 in 1955 = $87.38 in 2021 dollars. It's not too terribly far off today's price of $105/1 park pass for Magic Kingdom for an adult.

So if Disney can't use pricing for gate control, what's the solution? Because if prices fall, demand - which is already creating large crowds in the parks despite the high cost - will increase even more. Sell a limited number of tickets each day and when the admissions are gone, they're gone? Book your vacation three years in advance to ensure you get a park reservation?

Yeah but look what he says right there in the article - "If you are a glutton and try everything". What percentage of things, particularly e-tickets, is it possible to do in one day at the current $105-$125 price point? (don't forget, $105 is the starting price which changes by day of the week, meaning it is not the regular price and does not cover the spectrum of days on most trips)

And if you only get six total "experiences" in (that includes thinks like the Tree House), which is Disney's metric for a successful day these days, how much do they rebate that admission?

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

You still do get something. Free parking, 10% off of F&B and Merch, Discounted Room rates. But I agree with your assessment that they are diminishing and that Disney views this as a necessary evil. Once they feel they can cut this cord completely, they will. And they won't think twice about it.

Yeah…that’s all the same stuff you always got…for a much larger price very soon.

nothing EXTRA extra

 

[Parker in NYC]

Nah…I don’t think most at the poly will care.

they’ll pay.

except maybe the majority of dvc…they might be surely.

I gotta ask: do you honestly think people won’t pay, this won’t become “the norm”, and it won’t be “integrate or be left out”?

Agreed. Disney's banking on the next generation (as in, people who visit the parks for the first time post-changes) to think nothing of these changes. Because they won't be changes to them.

Meanwhile, those of us lamenting the loss of Horizons will continue to gather dust on the shelf. Fabulous dust, but dust all the same. Like, the dawn of recorded time. Us and the mammoths.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

They're already giving resort guests early EMH, and apparently deluxe will start getting some evening EMH. They could think that's enough.

It’s nothing…but that certainly can be spun as the carrot to avoid the pay to play questions

 

[RobbinsDad]

Agreed. Disney's banking on the next generation (as in, people who visit the parks for the first time post-changes) to think nothing of these changes. Because they won't be changes to them.

Meanwhile, those of us lamenting the loss of Horizons will continue to gather dust on the shelf. Fabulous dust, but dust all the same. Like, the dawn of recorded time. Us and the mammoths.

Spot on.

 

[ctrlaltdel]

They're already giving resort guests early EMH, and apparently deluxe will start getting some evening EMH. They could think that's enough.

Don't doubt that. Just not discounting that something like that (bare minimum free stuff that they can market) to ensure they are good with ensuring that they don't devalue the perceived advantage of staying on-site too much. Though it's clear that isn't really effecting their calculus at the moment.

 

[Parker in NYC]

They're already giving resort guests early EMH, and apparently deluxe will start getting some evening EMH. They could think that's enough.

30 minutes tops for what, one ride? And that's if you've successfully made it through the gates on time. It'll be a race with every other guest at every park. Every day. It's hardly a perk. (Not directed toward you, of course!)

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Agreed. Disney's banking on the next generation (as in, people who visit the parks for the first time post-changes) to think nothing of these changes. Because they won't be changes to them.

Meanwhile, those of us lamenting the loss of Horizons will continue to gather dust on the shelf. Fabulous dust, but dust all the same. Like, the dawn of recorded time. Us and the mammoths.

Yeah…I think they know boomers are bout done…and Xers need to be silenced…being the only other generation that remembers not getting/spending all the time

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Don't doubt that. Just not discounting that something like that (bare minimum free stuff that they can market) to ensure they are good with ensuring that they don't devalue the perceived advantage of staying on-site too much. Though it's clear that isn't really effecting their calculus at the moment.

You figured it out

 

[ImperfectPixie]

Yeah…I think they know boomers are bout done…and Xers need to be silenced…being the only generation that remembers not getting/spending all the time

My Disney FB group may not last much longer at this rate.

I'm an Xer.

 

[MrPromey]

True…but Disney parks rarely “fill”

And that's half the problem.

Most people never fill a cup all the way to the top because they know the moment they go to movie it, they'll make a mess.

... Disney on the other hand, seems to welcome the mess because it provides them the opportunity to sell you a napkin, after.

 

[Parker in NYC]

Yeah…I think they know boomers are bout done…and Xers need to be silenced…being the only generation that remembers not getting/spending all the time

Apple pay... that's not money is it? What's another $80 for us to get on Peter Pan's Flight. It's just this once.

(20 minutes later). What's another $80 for us to get on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train? Just this once. Ooh, and we can get a special photopass photo! $10.99? Sure, why not. THEY'LL SEND A PRINT HOME TO US FRAMED and SIGNED BY DOPEY? $199 plus shipping? Hey, it's a once in a lifetime trip! Sure, I'll accept.

 

[ctrlaltdel]

30 minutes tops for what, one ride? And that's if you've successfully made it through the gates on time. It'll be a race with every other guest at every park. Every day. It's hardly a perk. (Not directed toward you, of course!)

It definitely should be increased to an hour. At least then you'll likely get a couple of attractions in before the park opens for everyone else (or at least be in a reasonable line for your 2nd attraction). But I'm a rope drop person and I value being able to do the attractions I want to do quickly over comfort in the mornings.

 

[dovetail65]

I wonder how much Disney factors in average guest satisfaction. Lets say a sliding scale of 1-10 for satisfaction of how long someone waits for FOP. At the 2019 level, standby is a 10, and currently at 105 minutes the satisfaction is a 7. Is Disney more thrilled with 95% of guests having a rated 7 satisfaction than 70% having a 3 (due to securing FP) and 30% having a 10? Coming back to potential paid FP, and assuming only 20% of people purchase, the numbers might look like something 20% have a 2 and 80% rating their wait satisfaction as a 8.

Any business only factors in custumer satisfaction in as much it effects their bottom line. If a business makes 10 million a year with a 50% approval rating and makes 8 million a year with a 99% approval rating they are going to deal wiht the 50% every time. It is counter intutive, but some businesses do not rely on ratings at all. Ever wonder how some horrible busnesses stay aound forever.

With Disney's newer offerings they seem to be going after a different and definitly newer on repeat clientele and that can work. Only people that are old cleints will compare old offerings to new. If Disney charges so much that 90% of the complainers are gone it won't matter. And again if Disney makes more money why would they care?

This is whay there is a window for current guest to make their complaints adn with money or lack therof at the start of newer programs and why after 6 months many times programs change.. If Disney can get a wealthier newer cleintele in a fairly short timespan and if they the new guests are happy with the new way of things before enough existing guests can effect Dinsy's bottom line it may be over, Disney may be for only the rich. Some say it is already that way.

My brother says to me the other day, what are you rich going to WDW so much. He makes far more money than I do and he hasn't gone since 84 and I took him on that trip.

 

[Parker in NYC]

It definitely should be increased to an hour. At least then you'll likely get a couple of attractions in before the park opens for everyone else (or at least be in a reasonable line for your 2nd attraction). But I'm a rope drop person and I value being able to do the attractions I want to do quickly over comfort in the mornings.

Still, though - the thing that gets me is that it's every single park. Every day. The pleasures of avoiding EMH mornings is gone! And if you do take advantage... I sure hope people aren't expecting to do much at MK or DHS.

 

[Waters Back Side]

Nah…I don’t think most at the poly will care.

they’ll pay.

except maybe the majority of dvc…they might be surly.

I gotta ask: do you honestly think people won’t pay, this won’t become “the norm”, and it won’t be “integrate or be left out”?

We don’t have an announcement…but if there is one…be sure they know that what I just said will be true. They wouldn’t take a flyer on this.

A lot of people will pay. But more then you think.. WAY more then you think either will not pay OR give up something else like a more expensive meal plan, or cut off a few days on their stay, or downgrade their hotel, or cut back elsewhere. Disney will make money for once avenue and lose it for another.

There is this perception that people in Deluxe resorts just freely spend on everything and do not care what Disney charges. Not only is is wrong, to a lot of people who stay there its offensive. Its not out of my league to stay at a Deluxe once or twice, but I spend a lot of time at the parks minus a resort/pool/rest day in between a week or 9 day trip. And to stay there means I'd have to eliminate other things. Not everyone who stays at the Deluxe resorts stay there all the time. They stay at different resorts on property and do not just splurge on every new upcharge Disney throws their way. Caving in on some things within reason and means is one thing. You are talking about people who have large families and to charge for going ON rides quickly will price them out.

 

[EeyoreFan#24]

FYI, the Reedy Creek Improvement District publishes a "Comprehensive Plan" every 10 years.

https://www.rcid.org/doing-business/planning-development/2020-comp-plan/

This is not what they will do, only what's possible.

I believe what you are referring to is a corporate strategy, which will be proprietary. Those with access to this typically have NDAs that would land them in a lot of hot water if they ever leaked it.

Some of Walt Disney Productions (now The Walt Disney Company) early annual reports make for interesting reading. Disney used to be much more open with the public about its plans, many of which never came to be.

Exactly what I was referring too, corporate side of things and, as you say, different from reports on development opportunities. Just pointing out that there is a difference.

I’ll have to look into those annual reports. I find it interesting on the way companies handle that piece when it comes to non-regulatory reporting.