FastPass+ Most Certainly Not Coming Back As It Was

[Sirwalterraleigh]

But, to my daughter, all the rides are new.

Would me and my late wife be paying to go there alone for Boo Bash? No way in hell. Would I pay it just for me for a massive ride-a-thon and ice cream? Perhaps. BUt that would be my only visit there that trip.

WDW is really only worth it with lots of park hopping now. That's why my non expiring tickets are sitting in my safe. Not hopping until 2 makes it a waste to use them.

I totally get you…

but from a realistic standpoint…both your and many of my actions are self defeating.

they’re still getting us…we aren’t “winning”

withholding business is the ONLY effective strategy against Disney if you don’t like what they’re doing. I think I just gave away “the secret”

 

[aliceismad]

It's an incredibly inefficient use of that piece of property; there aren't even a bunch of shops/restaurants there. There's a ton of empty space.

I have no major issue with TSL. We enjoy it. But I agree that Disney, in general, does not seem great with efficient use of land. At least not in several decades.

 

[LittleBuford]

I’m not saying they would. A lot of the appeal is nostalgia…

but just how much cost increases is reasonable for that nostalgia? The amount of money - especially being now sold twice almost daily and the spectre of selling access to the SAME attractions again via micro transactions ….at some point hits critical mass.



Yeah…that’s the mistake.

I know I'm in the minority here, but I consider ticket prices (whether for park entrance or the after-hours events) excellent value for money. The enjoyment I get far exceeds the amount I spend on it. A paid FP system would probably make me feel differently, though I'll still find ways to visit and have fun.

 

[WDWTrojan]

Well, since the vast majority of those victims were not people who visit the parks, uh, yeah. You do realize kids and 40 year olds were a very small part of those victims, right?

That's an awfully narrow view of who visits (and works at) the parks.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I know I'm in the minority here, but I consider ticket prices (whether for park entrance or the after-hours events) excellent value for money. The enjoyment I get far exceeds the amount I spend on it. A paid FP system would probably make me feel differently, though I'll still find ways to visit and have fun.

Fair…

though I dispute “value”. The problem is people compare the costs to the wrong things…Jersey shore rentals…nfl tickets…kpop concerts…etc.

the comparison is: what does the same magic kingdom cost me now (that’s a per hour thing…sadly…and may become per minute) vs 2015 vs 2010.

and that’s where it gets ugly…right there.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

That's an awfully narrow view of who visits (and works at) the parks.

It’s also borderline hoaxer crap. It was always about stopping the spread…not how many 18 year olds dropped dead on the spot outside of Casey’s.

 

[LittleBuford]

Fair…

though I dispute “value”. The problem is people compare the costs to the wrong things…Jersey shore rentals…nfl tickets…kpop concerts…etc.

the comparison is: what does the same magic kingdom cost me now (that’s a per hour thing…sadly…and may become per minute) vs 2015 vs 2010.

and that’s where it gets ugly…right there.

A more meaningful comparison from my perspective is what it costs relative to everything else I pay for these days. But perception of value is a very personal thing, and I respect the fact that you feel differently from me.

 

[UNCgolf]

I know I'm in the minority here, but I consider ticket prices (whether for park entrance or the after-hours events) excellent value for money. The enjoyment I get far exceeds the amount I spend on it. A paid FP system would probably make me feel differently, though I'll still find ways to visit and have fun.

I've complained about numerous things here, but I agree with you about ticket prices. There isn't a huge difference between Disney ticket prices and Universal ticket prices -- I think a Universal one day park hopper ticket is around $165 and a Disney one is about $190, but the Disney one gives you access to four parks instead of two (not that it would be really worth it to try to go to all four in one day).

Beyond that, look at a place like the Georgia Aquarium. It's one of the best aquariums in the country (probably the world), but most people aren't going to spend more than 2 hours there. That roughly 2 hour experience will cost you $37. Or a sporting event, where you're likely paying well over $100 (or more, depending on how close you want to be) for 2-3 hours.

I understand looking at the ticket price and thinking it seems incredibly high compared to the past, but that's not really the right way to think about it. You have to compare it to tickets for other entertainment experiences. Everything is far more expensive than it was 20 years ago; it's not like Disney's tickets have increased whereas all other options have stayed roughly the same.

 

[Chip Chipperson]

Well, since the vast majority of those victims were not people who visit the parks, uh, yeah. You do realize kids and 40 year olds were a very small part of those victims, right?

I have a hunch that you're not privy to the medical histories of every guest or Cast Member to visit or work at the resort. Age is merely 1 item on a list of risk factors with this virus.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I've complained about numerous things here, but I agree with you about ticket prices. There isn't a huge difference between Disney ticket prices and Universal ticket prices -- I think a Universal one day park hopper ticket is around $165 and a Disney one is about $190, but the Disney one gives you access to four parks instead of two (not that it would be really worth it to try to go to all four in one day).

Beyond that, look at a place like the Georgia Aquarium. It's one of the best aquariums in the country (probably the world), but most people aren't going to spend more than 2 hours there. That roughly 2 hour experience will cost you $37. Or a sporting event, where you're likely paying well over $100 (or more, depending on how close you want to be) for 2-3 hours.

I understand looking at the ticket price and thinking it seems incredibly high compared to the past, but that's not really the right way to think about it. You have to compare it to tickets for other entertainment experiences. Everything is far more expensive than it was 20 years ago; it's not like Disney's tickets have increased whereas all other options have stayed roughly the same.

My issue is you’re making 1:2 comparisons…

the only 1:1 is UOR to WDW.

the thing here…right here…is that universals crowd control system is officially more effective.

I just got off the phone with someone from work who just got back from Orlando

“worst experience at wdw ever”. Rides are a quagmire…staffing is awful…menus have shortages and even merch locations are out of stock.

what are the idiots running this show doing??? No wonder spray tan quit

 

[LittleBuford]

the only 1:1 is UOR to WDW.

This is where I really disagree with you. For someone like me, Universal is not a substitute for Disney at all. They are fundamentally different products, and even if Universal cost only a tenth of what Disney does, it would still be a worse use of money for those those of us who specifically want Disney.

 

[Hawg G]

I totally get you…

but from a realistic standpoint…both your and many of my actions are self defeating.

they’re still getting us…we aren’t “winning”

withholding business is the ONLY effective strategy against Disney if you don’t like what they’re doing. I think I just gave away “the secret”

Disney gets a WHOLE LOT less of my business in the last 10 years. Our last on-site stay was when Free Dining truly was free. No tips, appetizer AND dessert, and the restuarants still had great food. Even then, I ran the numbers, and we probably only saved a couple hundred dollars. But, Disney has convinced the masses that they save huge amounts of money with the current, much less extensive, free dining.

Those folks are finally coming around. I mean, tomorrow, if I want to eat at Hard Rock or Toothsomes, or anywhere else, I CAN. Or a place at Portofino. ANd I don't have a single damn reservation made.

And if my daughter wants to ride the dinosaur (not Dinosaur) ride 5 times in a row (and she will), then we will, and it will only take us an hour or so.

Instead, we could be going to DHS, hoping to God I get a Boarding Pass again (and the stress ruining the day until 1 pm), eating chicken fingers and burgers, as all the restaurants were filled when FB would ban you for saying Covid came from a lab. And then we could wait over an hour for Slinky, or Tower, or (shudder) Smuggler's Run. Or probably even longer for the cute, but WAAAAAY overhyped Mickey ride. Yeah, I don't think so.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Disney gets a WHOLE LOT less of my business in the last 10 years. Our last on-site stay was when Free Dining truly was free. No tips, appetizer AND dessert, and the restuarants still had great food. Even then, I ran the numbers, and we probably only saved a couple hundred dollars. But, Disney has convinced the masses that they save huge amounts of money with the current, much less extensive, free dining.

Those folks are finally coming around. I mean, tomorrow, if I want to eat at Hard Rock or Toothsomes, or anywhere else, I CAN. Or a place at Portofino. ANd I don't have a single damn reservation made.

And if my daughter wants to ride the dinosaur (not Dinosaur) ride 5 times in a row (and she will), then we will, and it will only take us an hour or so.

Instead, we could be going to DHS, hoping to God I get a Boarding Pass again (and the stress ruining the day until 1 pm), eating chicken fingers and burgers, as all the restaurants were filled when FB would ban you for saying Covid came from a lab. And then we could wait over an hour for Slinky, or Tower, or (shudder) Smuggler's Run. Or probably even longer for the cute, but WAAAAAY overhyped Mickey ride. Yeah, I don't think so.

They get way less of mine now too…

…but they have no concern on that get until they get NONE of it.

and that “free dining” was a total trap…as predicted. It shields cost cuts and massive increases to food, ticket, and room prices. I’m not kreskin…but if you troll the DIS from 10 years ago (whatever the angry dwarf hasn’t deleted/banned yet…that is) - you’d see a kreskin routine there on that “great deal”

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

This is where I really disagree with you. For someone like me, Universal is not a substitute for Disney at all. They are fundamentally different products, and even if Universal cost only a tenth of what Disney does, it would still be a worse use of money for those those of us who specifically want Disney.

I would say they give the most similar offerings…a comparison…not that they’re equal.

but let’s face it: most of the “difference” was constructed from 1965-1998….how has it gone overall since?

 

[LittleBuford]

I would say they give the most similar offerings…a comparison…not that they’re equal.

but let’s face it: most of the “difference” was constructed from 1965-1998….how has it gone overall since?

I'm not sure what you're getting at. I go to WDW because it's Disney. That's where the difference lies and always will. If I fancy Indian food, I'm never going to be satisfied eating Italian, even very well-made and affordable Italian. Paying more for what I actually want is, for me, a better value.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I'm not sure what you're getting at. I go to WDW because it's Disney. That's where the difference lies and always will. If I fancy Indian food, I'm never going to be satisfied eating Italian, even very well-made and affordable Italian. Paying more for what I actually want is, for me, a better value.

Yeah…I got it. We’re talking about “aura” now…I’m more of a “bricks and mortar” type.

 

[LittleBuford]

Yeah…I got it. We’re talking about “aura” now…I’m more of a “bricks and mortar” type.

Well, in "bricks and mortar" terms also, Disney is a fundamentally different product. The dearth of really intense thrill rides is a huge plus for those of us who don't like them.

But yes, above all, my attachment is emotional, and I see nothing strange about that. I grew up on Disney and live in an apartment stocked with Disneyana, so of course WDW's "aura" is going to appeal to me above whatever Universal has to offer.

 

[UNCgolf]

My issue is you’re making 1:2 comparisons…

the only 1:1 is UOR to WDW.

the thing here…right here…is that universals crowd control system is officially more effective.

I just got off the phone with someone from work who just got back from Orlando

“worst experience at wdw ever”. Rides are a quagmire…staffing is awful…menus have shortages and even merch locations are out of stock.

what are the idiots running this show doing??? No wonder spray tan quit

I think those are 1:1 comparisons, or as close as you can get to one. They're all ticketed places for entertainment purposes (mostly; zoos and aquariums have other purposes as well).

Inflation is also a serious consideration -- that alone would account for a 20%+ increase over the past decade. The things I mentioned would all have cost less 10-15 years ago than they do today. It's not like Disney's prices have increased while everything else has remained stagnant.

There are plenty of problems with today's WDW, but the ticket prices aren't anything extraordinary. The food prices, on the other hand...

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I think those are 1:1 comparisons, or as close as you can get to one. They're all ticketed places for entertainment purposes (mostly; zoos and aquariums have other purposes as well).

Inflation is also a serious consideration -- that alone would account for a 20%+ increase over the past decade. The things I mentioned would all have cost less 10-15 years ago than they do today. It's not like Disney's prices have increased while everything else has remained stagnant.

There are plenty of problems with today's WDW, but the ticket prices aren't anything extraordinary.

About 300% in 20 years…if you’re tracking it

we agree on most…we won’t here and that’s cool.

 

[G00fyDad]

While I think TSL is one of the worst things Disney has ever built, that's not really the issue considering plenty of people like it.

The big issue is that they used a pretty large tract of land and only built two attractions. There should be at least three and maybe four on that piece of land. Putting some kind of Hot Wheels car ride that runs underneath Slinky would have been perfect, as other people have mentioned here before. Beyond that, neither of the rides they built are unique or special. Slinky is fun, but you can essentially ride it at any regional park in the country just without the Slinky Dog ride vehicle.

It's an incredibly inefficient use of that piece of property; there aren't even a bunch of shops/restaurants there. There's a ton of empty space.

Meet Dinoland USA: