WDW’s fundamental weakness is that 3 of its 4 theme parks don’t have enough desirable attractions to keep guests visiting WDW for longer stays. Rather than solve that problem by adding attractions, corporate Disney has decided to use FastPass+ (FP+) to reallocate existing resources to concentrate on its high-value guests. What’s a high-value guest? Anyone who is staying onsite, particularly those in Deluxe Resorts.
FP+ neither adds nor subtracts ride capacity. It’s a zero-sum game. FP+ is about redistributing wait times from Disney’s low-value to its high-value guests. It’s designed to encourage guests to stay onsite, and encourage those already onsite to stay longer. Corporate is counting on these factors to more than offset the low-value customers that it will lose with FP+.
FP+ will have winners and losers.
FP+ Winners
With FP+, there will be winners and there will be losers.
Of course, we all could have been winners if Disney simply used MM+’s $2B+ budget to create really exciting attractions at their theme parks.
FP+ neither adds nor subtracts ride capacity. It’s a zero-sum game. FP+ is about redistributing wait times from Disney’s low-value to its high-value guests. It’s designed to encourage guests to stay onsite, and encourage those already onsite to stay longer. Corporate is counting on these factors to more than offset the low-value customers that it will lose with FP+.
FP+ will have winners and losers.
FP+ Winners
- Those staying onsite – Disney wants you. Well, they really want your money but know they have to make you happy to get your money. A theme park view room at the Grand Floridian this Christmas is $1026/night, the first time a non-suite, non-concierge level room has broken the magical $1000/night barrier. Less than 2 months to go and plenty of availability. Won’t you please, please, please book it?
- Those who sleep in – No need to be at rope drop anymore. Relax, slow down, and enjoy your morning. After all, it’s a vacation!
- Those unfamiliar with FP – WDW is a big, intimidating place for the inexperienced. Disney will help you plan your day and guarantee you short waits for 3 attractions each day.
- Those who enjoy planning – MyMagic+ (MM+) is a planner’s dream, a great way to map out your entire vacation.
- Those staying offsite – Sorry but WDW simply doesn’t have enough ride capacity to make everyone happy. With limited E ticket capacity at 3 theme parks, Disney’s got to figure out a way to keep those spending $1000/night to stay at the Grand Floridian happy. When it comes to FP+, onsite guests will have a booking advantage. Most offsite guests will be left with scraps at Epcot, DHS, and DAK. If you don’t like it, just stay onsite. Disney will welcome you (and your money) with open arms. They've got thousands of empty rooms just waiting for you!
- Those who arrive for rope drop – Are you a morning person? Bummer. Unlike FP, FP+ return times will begin right from opening. Expect to watch those in the FP+ line walk right past you from the get-go.
- Those who use FP – Do you enjoy collecting FP tickets? Are you really good at it? Do you likes those days when you ride multiple attractions using FP? Sorry, those days are over. It’s 3 and only 3, no matter how good you are at the FP game. And not even 3 good ones. Sure, you might get Test Track. But you might be stuck with Captain EO and Journey Into Your Imagination with Figment as well.
- Those who like spontaneity – Do you enjoy waking up in the morning and asking yourself, “Where do I feel like going today?” Wow, you are really out-of-luck. Corporate views this as very bad behavior. They can’t schedule resources around you and, worst of all; you might actually spend the day offsite! That just won’t do. Learn to plan, plan, plan every day of your vacation. You’ll get 3 FP+ per day if you do! What’s Universal offering you? Really exciting and new attractions. So what, we’re Disney. We’re magical!
- Those who park hop – If you’re staying onsite, FP+ will allow you to make desirable FP+ selections for later in the day, freeing you to visit other parks in the morning. No need to be at DHS or Epcot first thing in the morning for TSM or Soarin’. Disney has solved that problem. Of course, with FP+ being added to numerous attractions and FP+ return times starting immediately at rope drop, it means you’re going to spend more time in other lines than you did in the past.
- Those who change their plans – FP+ won’t be much different than ADRs. You’re going to have to plan in advance if you want the good FP+ selections. FP+ offers some flexibility but, let’s be real, if you can’t make your 10 AM TSM FP+ and want to rebook it for 4 PM, availability will be limited. The system should allow for some flexibility but Disney is banking on the overwhelming majority of guests not changing their FP+ selections. It’s a matter of probability & statistics, and it will be interesting to watch how this plays out. A few changing their plans; no problem. A lot changing their plans; big problem.
- Local Annual Pass Holders – Disney doesn’t want to alienate you. They want to do the best they can for you because you represent multiple visits and multiple revenue opportunities. Unfortunately, you tend to spend less per day than other guests. Sorry, but it’s not like you’re booking Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or Cinderella’s Royal Table every visit. You're definitely not spending $1000/night at the Grand Floridian. Resources are finite and Disney would prefer more onsite guests but, right now, they need you. For Disney, it’s a balancing act. If FP+ is a big success and occupancy rates skyrocket, you could become the first casualty of FP+'s success.
With FP+, there will be winners and there will be losers.
Of course, we all could have been winners if Disney simply used MM+’s $2B+ budget to create really exciting attractions at their theme parks.
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