News Star Wars Galaxy's Edge opening day reports - Disney's Hollywood Studios

[wdisney9000]

People are talking about how short the wait was later in the day and it's bad for Disney...

Repost it, if thats what it says. I have seen references to the low crowds not being good press for disney. Again, that is NOT complaining.

 

[Andrew C]

Guests began arriving at 3am, the park reached capacity at 6am? How's that a poor opening day for SWGE? Am I missing something?

The ride did not break down multiple times throughout the day to inflate the wait time to 300+ minutes?

 

[mikejs78]

People are pushing those vacations back again, right?

Yes, it happens every time there's a hurricane in Florida. People spend a lot of money on Disney vacations, and they don't want to have it interrupted by a hurricane, even if it's only a potential. I've done it once before myself. And it is known fact that attendance in late 2017 was higher than usual, because people rescheduled from the hurricane that year.

They think they do. That’s more important to them. They’ve even advised media to refer to SWGE as their new theme park, the same way Uni did, even though Potter and SW are lands inside existing parks.

But I agree with you: SWGE should be a component of a bigger experience, not the sole reason to visit DL or DHS. That’s why Disney was concerned when summer attendance dropped in Cali, and it’s why I think pricing plays a bigger part than Disney is willing to publicly admit.

I actually think that pricing has a ton to do with the lack of crowds the last year or so, not people anticipating galaxies Edge. Disney thought they had an unlimited ceiling when it came to price increases, but that was not the case. They finally hit the point that people are not willing to pay. They're either going to have to start applying discounts, or really increase the value of the experience.

I, for one, am happy to see these openings underperform if it means it's the tipping point that forces TWDC to alter their overall approach towards "Disney Parks, Experiences and Products" and WDW, in particular.

I'm worried that they'll learn the wrong lesson. I'm worried that they'll determine that investing in the parks does not generate a return, and therefore just spend on cupcakes and other such events. It's a be careful what you wish for scenario.

 

[mikejs78]

The ride did not break down multiple times throughout the day to inflate the wait time to 300+ minutes?

Does anyone remember how many times flight of passage broke down opening day?

 

[BoarderPhreak]

...Beautifully themed shade:

Yes, the Imagineers worked extra hard to provide shade, after they learned their lesson in neighboring TSL...

 

[wdisney9000]

Guests began arriving at 3am, the park reached capacity at 6am? How's that a poor opening day for SWGE? Am I missing something?

Please show me which part of my post says it was a "poor opening day for SWGE". I was referring to the claims of spikes in attendance we would see resort wide. And while the first part of the day was extremely busy, it certainly did die down. I checked wait times yesterday evening and Smugglers Run had the same wait time as FoP and 7DMT (75 min). That is great for guests who visited yesterday, IMO.

 

[ColdSarsaparilla]

Guests began arriving at 3am, the park reached capacity at 6am? How's that a poor opening day for SWGE? Am I missing something?

That tide receded almost as fast as it came in.

Underperforming company projections/public expectations on their bellcow project = relatively poor opening day(s)

 

[wdisney9000]

Yes, it happens every time there's a hurricane in Florida. People spend a lot of money on Disney vacations, and they don't want to have it interrupted by a hurricane, even if it's only a potential. I've done it once before myself. And it is known fact that attendance in late 2017 was higher than usual, because people rescheduled from the hurricane that year.

I have no doubt that its true. I just dont believe enough people cancelled their trip that would have any major impact on overall attendance. And rescheduling a WDW trip isnt exactly easy for non-locals. We have two friends that left last night for WDW. They are they now (at Epcot) sending me pics as I type this. They didnt cancel their trip. But i do agree, some people will cancel their trips, but not enough to have a major impact, IMO.

 

[mikejs78]

That tide receded almost as fast as it came in.

Underperforming company projections/public expectations on their bellcow project = relatively poor opening day(s)

Really? The lines stayed very long and at capacity for 9 hours - 4 AM to 3 PM.

 

[MrHappy]

Please show me which part of my post says it was a "poor opening day for SWGE". I was referring to the claims of spikes in attendance we would see resort wide. And while the first part of the day was extremely busy, it certainly did die down. I checked wait times yesterday evening and Smugglers Run had the same wait time as FoP and 7DMT (75 min). That is great for guests who visited yesterday, IMO.

I took it that you were suggesting that, my bad. But since the park reached capacity, did they stop letting guests into the park and/or land? If so, when. That could explain the slow down.

The ride did not break down multiple times throughout the day to inflate the wait time to 300+ minutes?

That's unrelated to guests showing up in droves though before 6am.

 

[ColdSarsaparilla]

I have no doubt that its true. I just dont believe enough people cancelled their trip that would have any major impact on overall attendance. And rescheduling a WDW trip isnt exactly easy for non-locals. We have two friends that left last night for WDW. They are they now (at Epcot) sending me pics as I type this. They didnt cancel their trip. But i do agree, some people will cancel their trips, but not enough to have a major impact, IMO.

Agreed... Most people that were going to be at WDW for the opening of SW:GE were already there. Not enough people are catching early flights home to move the needle on this.

 

[wdisney9000]

The ride did not break down multiple times throughout the day to inflate the wait time to 300+ minutes?

In fairness, I have visited many times while FoP was in full operation and had 300 min wait times, months and months after opening.

 

[mikejs78]

I have no doubt that its true. I just dont believe enough people cancelled their trip that would have any major impact on overall attendance. And rescheduling a WDW trip isnt exactly easy for non-locals. We have two friends that left last night for WDW. They are they now (at Epcot) sending me pics as I type this. They didnt cancel their trip. But i do agree, some people will cancel their trips, but not enough to have a major impact, IMO.

It had a fairly substantial impact in 2017 for before or 5 days leading up to the hurricane, until a few days after. And then for the rest of the year. I personally know three people who rescheduled from the Boston area.

 

[bryanfze55]

Yes, it happens every time there's a hurricane in Florida. People spend a lot of money on Disney vacations, and they don't want to have it interrupted by a hurricane, even if it's only a potential. I've done it once before myself. And it is known fact that attendance in late 2017 was higher than usual, because people rescheduled from the hurricane that year.


I actually think that pricing has a ton to do with the lack of crowds the last year or so, not people anticipating galaxies Edge. Disney thought they had an unlimited ceiling when it came to price increases, but that was not the case. They finally hit the point that people are not willing to pay. They're either going to have to start applying discounts, or really increase the value of the experience.

I'm worried that they'll learn the wrong lesson. I'm worried that they'll determine that investing in the parks does not generate a return, and therefore just spend on cupcakes and other such events. It's a be careful what you wish for scenario.

Just anecdotal, but I know two guys at my work who took their families to Disney World a few years back and were interested in going again this year but saw how much the prices for hotels and tickets had gone up and backed out. It’s not as though they chose Universal instead, as that’s still a very expensive experience. I think one went to Great Wolf Lodge and the other went to Williamsburg.

I do think that price increases have had an effect on crowds, but I know no shortage of fans who’ve been asking for said price increases in order to decrease crowding. Maybe they’re getting their wish.

I don’t have an issue with current pricing. But I don’t think the experience is holding up as well anymore at WDW. March and April are still packed due to spring break, May through September is too damn hot, and October through December is a logistical nightmare due to MK closing early four nights a week for upcharge events. So I’m staying away from WDW for now, at least until 2022. Disneyland is not as bad yet, in terms of pricing or logistics. Thank God

 

[planodisney]

While I agree with you about a push yesterday...

It was not a successful opening from what I saw.

They had 6 hour lines for radiator springs and consistently long waits for a long time after it opened. 4+ hours for flight of passage.

They had a 4 hours wait for the Elsa meet and greet in Epcot

Again...we can’t make full judgements for awhile...including still with Disneyland.

But this is not a good launch for Disney any way you slice it. I guarantee they are not happy. It’s just about the reasons now...

You seam to feel as if you have your reputation invested on whether this was a failure or not.
Let it go.
You’re painting a broad picture to support your opinion but not looking into important factors to support or not support your opinion.
Carsland opened June 15. SUMMER, FAMILY VACATIONS.....
Pandora opened up on MEMORIAL WEEKEND.
You can understand what a massive difference that is right?

 

[Andrew C]

In fairness, I have visited many times while FoP was in full operation and had 300 min wait times, months and months after opening.

That is fine. My post was only a joke. Hence the

But if we want to be serious, I will be interested in seeing the wait times of RotR once that opens...or somewhat interested.

 

[mikejs78]

In fairness, I have visited many times while FoP was in full operation and had 300 min wait times, months and months after opening.

let's see how smuggler's run does in October, when food and wine end Mickey's not so scary are in full swing.

 

[wdisney9000]

let's see how smuggler's run does in October, when food and wine end Mickey's not so scary are in full swing.

We have a trip planned for mid October. I am curious to see how things will shake up. And while im sure "Smokers Run" was auto correct, I kinda like it!

 

[cjack300zx]

Day 2 and the Land is already a complete Bust lol you gotta love this forum

 

[ColdSarsaparilla]

Really? The lines stayed very long and at capacity for 9 hours - 4 AM to 3 PM.

They certainly expected more. It's not driving resort-wide growth yet. And it's only a 95 minute wait early on day 2, without virtual queuing.