Speculation on annual passes?

[Trackmaster]

Sorry, I've gotta disagree with you on pretty much all points here.

It's a two way street and I don't think you grasp the revenue that the Counties and the State of FL receive from WDW and it's related tourism and employment. It's the biggest single site employer in the Untied States and the taxable assessed value of the hotels and especially the DVC resorts is astronomical (think hundreds of millions to billions of dollars...each). It's not just a cash cow, it's a golden goose riding a cash cow down a street made of gold.

You may not know this, but somebody (Roy O probably) at Disney was smart enough back in the day to get the state to create a political jurisdiction (several I think) just for Disney. So they are pretty well insulated from the kind of nuisance complaints you describe (owning close to 40 square miles also helps) and unlike any other park in the US in that respect. I believe that the whole of the WDW resort is within the Reedy Creek Improvement District- that creates all kinds of low cost ways to operate and finance infrastructure, fire/rescue, police, utilities, roads, etc. Then they created the City of Bay Lake and the City of Lake Buena Vista. Each has only a hand full of residents- all of which Disney controls. I don't live in FL, so I don't know all the ins and outs of the political structure, but I do know a good bit about politics and jurisdictional structures in general. The only way anyone could vote people into office that could force Disney to do ANYTHING would be in County (WDW is located in 2 different counties and I'm not even sure what regulatory powers FL Counties have over cities) or state elections. And Disney is one of the largest political contributors in the State of FL. So while I guess it's possible theoretically, to say the kinds of things you describe are unlikely would be a huge understatement. Also keep in mind that in many instances it's unlikely that they could pass laws that only impacted WDW- at least that would stand up in court- as the bills would likely have to be structured in a non company specific way that would also hit Universal and probably Sea World. State level bills would probably also hit Lego Land, Bush Gardens and probably other smaller attractions.

But back to the main point related to AP's... They don't need to be A-holes about it. If the amount of local AP holders becomes a real problem, they will just do what they are doing at DL. Traditional AP's will be "reimagined" into a new program that in some way limits locals from attending at peek times and too often...and I'm sure price increases are part of the plan regardless

I'm honestly chuckling at you bringing up Reedy Creek, like you think that anybody would ever let a corporation make their own city and regulate themselves. Reedy Creek is just utilitarian. It has its benefits to the park, but its powers only go so far. The stuff I'm talking about is at the county and state level. Disney doesn't even want to begin to even find out what's going to happen if popular opinion turns on them in Florida. I mean they could fine, the Republican government I'm sure would back the corporation over the people, but... Disney want to find out. Political regimes are tenuous and you never know which way the winds going to blow. They're still making money off of AP guests, they're filling in the hurricane seasons, and they're spreading a positive awareness of Disney. Disney doesn't need to rock the boat or find out what happens when you're public enemy #1 vs. the state's greatest ally.

 

[Trackmaster]

Or... I might be being overly dramatic about the politic aspect. It might just come down to my point about the aspect of "Disney's still making money off of APs, they fill in the hurricane season, and what harm does it do?" It somebody pays $900 for a Platinum and they only go six times, they're still paying $150 a visit. Still the same as if they bought tickets. Locals just have a different mentality. We'll still support the park, but we're not about to buy a ticket every single time we go. Tourists may spend some money, but they come at times of the year that are already going to be crowded. A family of Local APholders may actually end up spending more money in total throughout the year than a family of tourists, and they'll be more likely to fill in the days that Disney can't figure out how to fill in. Plus will be more likely to only spend a few hours and those hours might be slower times of the day too, so again no harm created. Plus, they'll tell their relatives up north how much they love Disney and get everyone to visit.

I still think everyone benefits. But I get what people are saying. We need to check our privilege. I certainly don't take the ability to go to these parks for free for granted. I go about 30x a year, so I get my money's month.

 

[lightguy]

I'm honestly chuckling at you bringing up Reedy Creek, like you think that anybody would ever let a corporation make their own city and regulate themselves. Reedy Creek is just utilitarian. It has its benefits to the park, but its powers only go so far. The stuff I'm talking about is at the county and state level. Disney doesn't even want to begin to even find out what's going to happen if popular opinion turns on them in Florida. I mean they could fine, the Republican government I'm sure would back the corporation over the people, but... Disney want to find out. Political regimes are tenuous and you never know which way the winds going to blow. They're still making money off of AP guests, they're filling in the hurricane seasons, and they're spreading a positive awareness of Disney. Disney doesn't need to rock the boat or find out what happens when you're public enemy #1 vs. the state's greatest ally.

Like I said, the state incorporated 2 cities within the Reedy Creek Improvement District...for Disney...that are 100% owned and controlled by Disney. Disney does in fact regulate it's self for the most part. That doesn't mean they are 100% exempt from all regulation...just like 75% exempt.

 

[Trackmaster]

Like I said, the state incorporated 2 cities within the Reedy Creek Improvement District...for Disney...that are 100% owned and controlled by Disney. Disney does in fact regulate it's self for the most part. That doesn't mean they are 100% exempt from all regulation...just like 75% exempt.

But city governments rarely have much teeth. Most of the power resides at the county or state level. And my point is that things are great for Disney now... since they've historically offered cheap APs to in state residents. If this continues to go on, and locals can't go to Disney, public perception will shift and there will be more calls to regulate Disney. Who knows, Disney could prevail, but its a fight that Disney would like to avoid altogether.

Theme parks are always a hassle or a nightmare for locals. Noise, sightlines, and traffic are always complaints from locals. Courts like to hear what nosy neighbors have to say and who knows how a judge will rule. The best way to shut them up is to put an AP in their hands and make yourself a treasured ally (dare I say "family" with all of the memes going around?) and not an enemy.