Pirates Queue Modifications

[Buried20KLeague]

The Argument that I was trying to make is that Pirates Fastpass+ Usage probably won't be nearly as high as other high profile attractions, such as Space and Splash that already offer fastpass. So on off-peak times when Pirates wait isn't long, and there is essentially no fastpass usage they can still send Stand-by down the other side. They'll fill the boats, obvious fastpass first, but when there is no fastpass usage in the morning and evening they can fill them with stand-by.

I still have to disagree. I think Pirates now comes with a reputation that will keep its draw very high with this program. There will be TONS of first-timers that know the movies that want to see the ride. It's iconic. Even people that have never been to a Disney park know about PoTC... Just like they know Haunted Mansion. Because of this, I think it's a perfect example of a horrible choice for this program... Not only is it normally a people-eater, but the demand will be higher than it probably should be because of the movies.

I'm guessing at that, obviously. But it makes sense to me.

 

[Buried20KLeague]

I can't conceive of an implementation in which this isn't the effective standard.

Day guests will still be allowed something akin to the current FP implementation. Resort guests will receive the FP+ benefit (while also still possibly being able to utilize the current FP implementation).

Anecodotal evidence points to Disney having a hell of a time with their resort capacity and need to fill rooms badly. This sort of "on site perk" is easily marketable.

I said this from the beginning, actually, but changed my tune on it... Reason being, Iger made a comment in reference to Nextgen that they decided "they wouldn't have to charge for it" because they would be able to "realize other streams of revenue" because of it. I'm paraphrasing, obviously... But that's what I recall... So since then, I'm really at a loss on how they're going to do it.

My current thought is that they'll go the "drug dealer" route. They'll give it away for free to everyone. Get everyone used to it. Get them to remember all the extra fastpasses they used in their trip. Get them to remember walking past all those people in standby for PotC. Then they'll pull it back and start charging and people will think "well, if I don't buy it or stay onsite, I'll be that dude in the standby line for PoTC and HM and I don't want to be that guy".

 

[ChrisM]

I said this from the beginning, actually, but changed my tune on it... Reason being, Iger made a comment in reference to Nextgen that they decided "they wouldn't have to charge for it" because they would be able to "realize other streams of revenue" because of it.

Couldn't that possibly be interpreted to mean exactly what I proposed and you initially believed? It won't be an extra cost for resort guests, but they are hoping to increase their hotel/DVC sales because of it.

 

[Buried20KLeague]

Couldn't that possibly be interpreted to mean exactly what I proposed and you initially believed? It won't be an extra cost for resort guests, but they are hoping to increase their hotel/DVC sales because of it.

Sure. It could have been a "spin" answer. But if I recall, the statement was in response to a question that was asked. It wasn't a "talking point", at least not as part of a speech. To me, it came off more as a direct answer than something ambiguous.

Plus, it seems to me that the interview was something like a year ago. A lot of things could have changed since then to make what was said in the interview outdated.

TDO has had a mentality of "if we charge for it, people will buy it" for most everything, plus they see Express Pass down the street at Uni. It wouldn't surprise me a bit if what Iger said turns out to not be accurate any longer.

 

[MichWolv]

I said this from the beginning, actually, but changed my tune on it... Reason being, Iger made a comment in reference to Nextgen that they decided "they wouldn't have to charge for it" because they would be able to "realize other streams of revenue" because of it. I'm paraphrasing, obviously... But that's what I recall... So since then, I'm really at a loss on how they're going to do it.

My current thought is that they'll go the "drug dealer" route. They'll give it away for free to everyone. Get everyone used to it. Get them to remember all the extra fastpasses they used in their trip. Get them to remember walking past all those people in standby for PotC. Then they'll pull it back and start charging and people will think "well, if I don't buy it or stay onsite, I'll be that dude in the standby line for PoTC and HM and I don't want to be that guy".

Of course, offering added Xpasses for on-site guests is one "other stream of revenue" because it would encourage people to stay on site. But I don't think that's all he means, and I don't think he plans to go the drug dealer route.

I believe the "other streams of revenue" are the additional things they can sell to people who are waiting in line less. On average, this new scheduling system should result in less time waiting in line. I think Disney believes that people will use some of the extra time to shop, eat, drink (preferably alcohol), take advantage of upcharge experiences (e.g., segway tours, behind the seeds, Wild Africa Trek, Characters in Flight), etc. In addition, the other NextGen elements will allow customized merchandise and perhaps other experiences to be offerred ata price. Plus, the increased guest satisifaction that flows from this will allow (drumroll please) increased ticket prices.

 

[Goofyernmost]

To me it appears they have created a quick zip to the loading dock. If its slow, there is no need to go thru the entire queue. They can move the red dash line to go north/south instead of east/west (like it does in the diagram) and that will make the walk shorter... It is sort of like what they do at Big Thunder with the ropes. Just move one and then people can queue around a different way. Brilliant!

That makes more sense then any Fastpass need, but it does open that possibility up more easily. I think it is to shorten the distance and for us older folks with bad knees that would be a blessing.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I said this from the beginning, actually, but changed my tune on it... Reason being, Iger made a comment in reference to Nextgen that they decided "they wouldn't have to charge for it" because they would be able to "realize other streams of revenue" because of it. I'm paraphrasing, obviously... But that's what I recall... So since then, I'm really at a loss on how they're going to do it.

My current thought is that they'll go the "drug dealer" route. They'll give it away for free to everyone. Get everyone used to it. Get them to remember all the extra fastpasses they used in their trip. Get them to remember walking past all those people in standby for PotC. Then they'll pull it back and start charging and people will think "well, if I don't buy it or stay onsite, I'll be that dude in the standby line for PoTC and HM and I don't want to be that guy".

Personally, I would be one of the dude's not going anymore. I love Disney parks but I will not be treated like a second class "guest". Equal opportunity or run it without me. I don't mind if resort staying guests get a few extras, heaven knows they pay enough of it, but it has to not exclude opportunities for those that don't stay on site and spend a lot of money anyway.

 

[Buried20KLeague]

Of course, offering added Xpasses for on-site guests is one "other stream of revenue" because it would encourage people to stay on site. But I don't think that's all he means, and I don't think he plans to go the drug dealer route.

I believe the "other streams of revenue" are the additional things they can sell to people who are waiting in line less. On average, this new scheduling system should result in less time waiting in line. I think Disney believes that people will use some of the extra time to shop, eat, drink (preferably alcohol), take advantage of upcharge experiences (e.g., segway tours, behind the seeds, Wild Africa Trek, Characters in Flight), etc. In addition, the other NextGen elements will allow customized merchandise and perhaps other experiences to be offerred ata price. Plus, the increased guest satisifaction that flows from this will allow (drumroll please) increased ticket prices.

I'm betting against this.

There are reports that already during trials they've had all sort of issues creep up... I think there are a lot of decisions that were probably made on this whole thing by people that have little or no experience with what happens on the front lines within the parks.

I think it's a fair bet that the entire Nextgen project was driven solely by numbers and the people behind those numbers. Reports have stated that this was being stuffed down the throats of the OPS people... That would make sense, if they didn't have much input in the process.

I think this is the theme park equivalent of "Moneyball"... And we all know how many Championships the A's have won since then.

 

[PhilharMagician]

Well, now with a few more mods they could finally add another scene to the end of the ride. Guests could ride from the new final scene up the elevator to the load area and then they could load on the port side of the boat and depart on the starboard side at the same time just like in Small World.

 

[Buried20KLeague]

Well, now with a few more mods they could finally add another scene to the end of the ride. Guests could ride from the new final scene up the elevator to the load area and then they could load on the port side of the boat and depart on the starboard side at the same time just like in Small World.

I thought the overhead clearance up the lift hill was really low and couldn't be modified. Not sure where I remember hearing that from.

 

[jensenrick]

Worst case scenario, it's not even possible for some of us to use the system, thereby shutting us out. That would blow your theory of "the same person being affected positively and negatively"... It would only be completely negatively.

The moderately bad possibility would be FP+ being included when people stay onsite, with the availability to purchase FP+ for AP's and off site people for the day. In this case, it would be possible for everyone to be on a level playing field, but those that choose not to purchase (or CAN'T, for whatever reason) will be at a huge disadvantage.

Okay, mostly I'd say the "theories" about FP+ reach "X-files" levels of absurd conspiracy theories, BUT if it *does* turn out that a AP holder like myself either can't get FP, or has to pay for it- that will be the last time I darken Disney's door. The end.

 

[PhilharMagician]

I thought the overhead clearance up the lift hill was really low and couldn't be modified. Not sure where I remember hearing that from.

Yeah, the overhead is for the current queue walkway and needs to be complletely removed and would no longer be needed. Instead they would exit the boat on the starboard side then take a right to head up the current ramp. The the wall on the left would have to be removed to offer access to the Pirates Bazaar. Without have complete drawings of the area it is tough to understand if this could be done, but given the location in the building it sure seems doable.

Maybe Martin has some good stuff to share on this?

 

[Buried20KLeague]

Okay, mostly I'd say the "theories" about FP+ reach "X-files" levels of absurd conspiracy theories, BUT if it *does* turn out that a AP holder like myself either can't get FP, or has to pay for it- that will be the last time I darken Disney's door. The end.

So what do you do if as an AP holder you're allowed to book FP+, but only the "day of", but on site guests are allowed to do it for their entire trip on the day they arrive (or possibly even weeks or months ahead of their trip)? Will you be bothered by that? (Obviously in this scenario I'm suggesting that it would negatively impact the availability for prime attractions and/or times for AP holders because they'd already be taken by on site guests.)

I'm curious.

 

[ChrisM]

Okay, mostly I'd say the "theories" about FP+ reach "X-files" levels of absurd conspiracy theories, BUT if it *does* turn out that a AP holder like myself either can't get FP, or has to pay for it- that will be the last time I darken Disney's door. The end.

This is why I think some form of the existing FP system will remain in place while FP+ is layered on top as a resort guest perk.

Day guests and AP holders will be able to continue to use FP in some incarnation but likely won't have the "book ahead" option that FP+ users will have.

 

[Goofnut1980]

That makes more sense then any Fastpass need, but it does open that possibility up more easily. I think it is to shorten the distance and for us older folks with bad knees that would be a blessing.

Ooooo you are right... And I am getting up there in age! I need the shorter lines! lol

In addition, I eat way too much at the parks, and my belly is usually so full it hurts to walk!

 

[jensenrick]

So what do you do if as an AP holder you're allowed to book FP+, but only the "day of", but on site guests are allowed to do it for their entire trip on the day they arrive (or possibly even weeks or months ahead of their trip)? Will you be bothered by that? (Obviously in this scenario I'm suggesting that it would negatively impact the availability for prime attractions and/or times for AP holders because they'd already be taken by on site guests.)

I'm curious.

No, that doesn't bother me.

 

[flynnibus]

There's no reason to think that the "demand" will increase because they add fast pass, if like you say it's 1000 per hour, why wouldn't that break down to 500 stand by and 500 fast pass? there's no reason it would suddenly jump to 1500 people per hour

bad math

If you have conditioned people into thinking getting a FP is a 'score' and that if you see one, you should get it.. then that kind of mentality would increase demand for an attraction merely by waving a flag that 'hey, a FP is available'.

It's the very gimmick behind Surprise FPs..

 

[Clever Name]

If you have conditioned people into thinking getting a FP is a 'score' and that if you see one, you should get it.. then that kind of mentality would increase demand for an attraction merely by waving a flag that 'hey, a FP is available'.

It's the very gimmick behind Surprise FPs..

I have never redeemed a Surprise FP. I think most people either keep them or throw them away.

 

[marni1971]

Yeah, the overhead is for the current queue walkway and needs to be complletely removed and would no longer be needed. Instead they would exit the boat on the starboard side then take a right to head up the current ramp. The the wall on the left would have to be removed to offer access to the Pirates Bazaar. Without have complete drawings of the area it is tough to understand if this could be done, but given the location in the building it sure seems doable.

Maybe Martin has some good stuff to share on this?

Good idea. The uplift though isn't designed for people though, and isn't at a comfortable angle. There are also some cross pipes that would need moving and the like. As well as the right hand line bridge, as you said.

It was however looked at in 2005. They decided it was too much money for what they would achieve.

 

[WDWFREAK53]

If you have conditioned people into thinking getting a FP is a 'score' and that if you see one, you should get it.. then that kind of mentality would increase demand for an attraction merely by waving a flag that 'hey, a FP is available'.

It's the very gimmick behind Surprise FPs..

But at the same time...if every attraction has a FP...it puts them all back on the same level and cancels out this mentality.