Start paying for Fast-Pass?

[NewfieFan]

I think some people should read the article again. No where is there indication that Disney plans to start charging for FP. What seems to be under consideration is utilizing technology to more efficiently manage the FP system and offering resort guests priority in obtaining and utilizing them. This seems perfectly reasonable and in no way does it diminish Disney's reputation for treating their customers as "guests".

Providing some additional benefits to their own resort guests is important. Having a streamlined approach to getting guests into attractions with less of a wait is a benefit of considerable value, but I'm sure they will never implement a plan that would result in increased wait times for their other guests.

Thank you, I was about to say the same thing. People are reading way too much into this! I'm sure Disney kind of knows what they're doing (they have been in the theme park business for awhile now)! And if (key word here is IF) these changes come to pass and guests of deluxe resorts get additional benefits the rest of us probably won't even notice.

 

[MrBug]

And if (key word here is IF) these changes come to pass and guests of deluxe resorts get additional benefits the rest of us probably won't even notice.

Of course we'll hear about it cause you know how those rich bas... er, people, love to lord it over the rest of us.... I bet we'll be overrun with posts complaining about the brand of complimentary champagne they were served on board the new monorail spa car, etc etc...

 

[nyfrenchy]

There are too many people who collect fastpasses simply because they are free and do not use them, thereby just pushing the return time back for others. If there was a charge, or a priority system, only people who are entitled, or are really going to use them will collect them and this will reduce the return time.

Well here's a my free solution to this problem:
force people to use their fastpass in order to get the next fastpass.
How? Fastpasses could include a unique barcode ID, which will be scanned when collected at the entrance of the ride.

 

[nyfrenchy]

First off. Six Flags already has you pay for their version of the system.

But does Six Flags charge $71 + tax to get in?

 

[nyfrenchy]

If the best things in life are free tell me where they are :ROFLOL: .

Hum.. love making?

 

[KingStefan]

But does Six Flags charge $71 + tax to get in?

No, $60 + tax, $85 + tax for a park hopper, plus $71 for a gold flash pass

Nobody pays this, however, there are discounts everywhere.

 

[dox]

I think some people should read the article again. No where is there indication that Disney plans to start charging for FP. What seems to be under consideration is utilizing technology to more efficiently manage the FP system and offering resort guests priority in obtaining and utilizing them. This seems perfectly reasonable and in no way does it diminish Disney's reputation for treating their customers as "guests".

Providing some additional benefits to their own resort guests is important. Having a streamlined approach to getting guests into attractions with less of a wait is a benefit of considerable value, but I'm sure they will never implement a plan that would result in increased wait times for their other guests.

Well, I think there is more here than just offering "resort guests priority". It's separating the resort guests into castes and classes and then offering each person perks depending on what they pay far beyond what the resort offers. So in a sense yes it is a pay as you play. It takes the Universal model a notch "lower" and makes it even a bit more distasteful.

I also think it is somewhat shortsighted. We used to regularly visit Universal but after spending two nights on Universal property one year and using their resort guest express lines, followed by another one day visit while staying at a Disney resort, we decided never again we will visit Universal unless we are staying on property. At this point, its been 3 - 4 years since our last Universal visit. I don't think Disney understands how the Fast Pass system in place is so valued by tourists whether staying on or off property and has become a normal everyday part of their trip to the world.

 

[KingStefan]

... I don't think Disney understands how the Fast Pass system in place is so valued by tourists whether staying on or off property and has become a normal everyday part of their trip to the world.

I think you're wrong. At least I hope so. I think that Disney does understand, and that's why they haven't implemented something like this (they've had the capability for a very long time) and if they do, it will be very subtle. As I said earlier, they would have to find a point at which it is perceived as added value by the resort guest, and not anger the day visitors. They understand that very, very well, and that's why I think any change will be a subtle one. If there is any at all.

 

[dox]

I think you're wrong. At least I hope so. I think that Disney does understand, and that's why they haven't implemented something like this (they've had the capability for a very long time) and if they do, it will be very subtle. As I said earlier, they would have to find a point at which it is perceived as added value by the resort guest, and not anger the day visitors. They understand that very, very well, and that's why I think any change will be a subtle one. If there is any at all.

Well I hope you are right, but I don't see how guests staying at the Moderate and Value Resorts aren't going to get somewhat offended if they aren't included in any kind of fastpass perk. Especially since more often than not guests staying at moderate and value resorts book longer stays. I can hear the complaints now. If average guests at Universal notice the difference and complain, how are moderate/value resort guests v. Deluxe guests not going to complain. Not that I approve of the Universal system, but at least they don't discriminate between resort guests.

 

[jasondiff]

I don't think Disney understands how the Fast Pass system in place is so valued by tourists whether staying on or off property and has become a normal everyday part of their trip to the world.

Part of the problem is that the Fastpass system is so valued by the people that know how to use it, and it's still not a normal part of everyone's trip no matter how much Disney tries to tell people how it works. There's just lots of people that for one reason or another don't use it.

I think you're wrong. At least I hope so. I think that Disney does understand, and that's why they haven't implemented something like this (they've had the capability for a very long time) and if they do, it will be very subtle. As I said earlier, they would have to find a point at which it is perceived as added value by the resort guest, and not anger the day visitors. They understand that very, very well, and that's why I think any change will be a subtle one. If there is any at all.

Honestly I think Disney is leaning more and more towards not caring too much if they anger the day visitors as long as they can fill the Disney resorts. The offsite day guests don't spend nearly the amount of money that onsite guests do, so as long as the resorts are full, the incremental additional revenue from offsite day guests is relatively small. Thus the more Disney can "convert" offsite guests to onsite guests (EMH, Magical Express, Fastpass perks, Western Beltway expansion, Four Seasons) the more money they make. There are many many things Disney does to encourage people to stay onsite. Different levels of Fastpass perks would just be one more added to the list.

Well I hope you are right, but I don't see how guests staying at the Moderate and Value Resorts aren't going to get somewhat offended if they aren't included in any kind of fastpass perk.

I think all Disney resort guests would be included, as well as AP holders. Just different levels of perk depending on your resort. For example, only concierge guests at AKL can do the sunrise safari. Do guests at the value resorts get offended? Do regular guests at AKL get offended? I know I wish I could do it, but I am not offended that I can't. All I need to do is pony up the $$$.

Especially since more often than not guests staying at moderate and value resorts book longer stays.

Do you have any data to support this conclusion?


Imagine this scenario, which Disney could do right now, that has nothing to do with Fastpass. Call it "Extreme EMH". During slower seasons, one park per day is open only to Disney resort guests. Sure that would upset a lot of offsite guests, but it might encourage them to stay at a Disney resort next time. It's all a balancing act - if Disney can encourage enough people to stay at a Disney resort there is a point at which the economic benefits to Disney will outweigh negative outcomes from upsetting offsite guests. Not that I necessarily agree with any of it, and it's sure not the way Walt would do it, but it's the way publicly traded companies operate in today's world.

 

[NewfieFan]

Well I hope you are right, but I don't see how guests staying at the Moderate and Value Resorts aren't going to get somewhat offended if they aren't included in any kind of fastpass perk. Especially since more often than not guests staying at moderate and value resorts book longer stays. I can hear the complaints now. If average guests at Universal notice the difference and complain, how are moderate/value resort guests v. Deluxe guests not going to complain. Not that I approve of the Universal system, but at least they don't discriminate between resort guests.

Universal doesn't have enough resorts to discriminate between resort guests - Disney does! I stay at a value resort and I can't get upset or offended if my pool doesn't have a slide, or there's no table service restaurant, or there's no recreation, etc. I picked a value resort and that's what I get for my money. People pay more money for deluxe and get more for paying that money. I really don't think anybody (or at least the masses) is going to care if the deluxe resorts include some kind of fastpass perk!

 

[DABIGCHEEZ]

Universal doesn't have enough resorts to discriminate between resort guests - Disney does! I stay at a value resort and I can't get upset or offended if my pool doesn't have a slide, or there's no table service restaurant, or there's no recreation, etc. I picked a value resort and that's what I get for my money. People pay more money for deluxe and get more for paying that money. I really don't think anybody (or at least the masses) is going to care if the deluxe resorts include some kind of fastpass perk!

But that is what they are paying the extra money for... nicer restauarants and pools, recreation, bigger rooms, nicer grounds and sometimes closer proximity to the parks. That is why the price is higher.

I think if they were to offer it, as it works now, to only WDW resort guests.... all resorts should get it regardless os resort classification. But to some resorts and not others doesn't sound like the correct way to do it.I can see them maybe giving something(at check-in) like say 4 FPs per person in a Deluxe, 2 for a Mod, and 1 for a Value. These can be used anytime during you stay. Just an idea

 

[MickeyJman06]

jim hill = :fork:
stupid rumor
oh, i think it is wrong to pay for a fastpass

 

[KingStefan]

But that is what they are paying the extra money for... nicer restauarants and pools, recreation, bigger rooms, nicer grounds and sometimes closer proximity to the parks. That is why the price is higher.

I think if they were to offer it, as it works now, to only WDW resort guests.... all resorts should get it regardless os resort classification. But to some resorts and not others doesn't sound like the correct way to do it.I can see them maybe giving something(at check-in) like say 4 FPs per person in a Deluxe, 2 for a Mod, and 1 for a Value. These can be used anytime during you stay. Just an idea

This is the simplest solution I've heard, and requires the least technology!

 

[jasondiff]

jim hill = :fork:
stupid rumor
oh, i think it is wrong to pay for a fastpass

It's not really a rumor, more speculation based on publicly available information (patent).

This is the simplest solution I've heard, and requires the least technology!

I agree, however I think Disney wants much more out of it. As I mentioned it's all about making money, putting heads in beds, etc. but there is a lot of information that Disney can gain by incorporating the whole wireless/cellphone/interactive TV things with Fastpass. Just giving out Fastpasses to resort guests doesn't really gain them much information.

 

[jt04]

Fastpass Limits

For me the most positive aspect of this is to limit the amount of FP's given out each day. It is far too many and too many people abuse the system which hurts the guest experience of many. Just my opinion.

 

[DABIGCHEEZ]

It's not really a rumor, more speculation based on publicly available information (patent).



I agree, however I think Disney wants much more out of it. As I mentioned it's all about making money, putting heads in beds, etc. but there is a lot of information that Disney can gain by incorporating the whole wireless/cellphone/interactive TV things with Fastpass. Just giving out Fastpasses to resort guests doesn't really gain them much information.

But if they give FPs to only Deluxe lets say...I think it can backfire on them with people thinking they can get the same lack of disney perks off WDW propety at cheaper rates then at the Mods or Values.

Maybe they'll only allow fastpasses if you stay at a Deluxe that was booked with your Disney Visa with no discounts, agree to buy into DVC and $750 worth of stuffed Goofys, pins, and the newest rage at Once Upon A Toy...... sew your own Disney wallet and watch how fast it can be emptied, have only a Disney Mobile cell phone and have already turned you upside down and shook you to ensure there is no loose change left in your pocket...... then you get your fastpass.

 

[lentesta]

Especially since more often than not guests staying at moderate and value resorts book longer stays.

I have access to detailed data on many tens of thousands of WDW hotel stays taken over the recent past. They're all in the same ballpark, but there are statistically significant differences:

Moderates seem to have the longest average length of stay, at 4.84 days.

Deluxes are next, at 4.74 days. These include DVC resorts, but not Fort Wilderness, the Swan or Dolphin

Value resorts are next, at 4.61 days.

Hope this helps!

Len

 

[CSUFSteve]

I have access to detailed data on many tens of thousands of WDW hotel stays taken over the recent past. They're all in the same ballpark, but there are statistically significant differences:

Off-topic, sorry:

Interesting. I wonder if you know the answer to this:

At one point, well in 1994 actually, a friend told me that Poly had the 'highest guest return rate of any Disney hotel at WDW'. I have often wondered if that is still true? It wouldn't be my 1st choice, but then I've also never stayed there.

 

[jasondiff]

But if they give FPs to only Deluxe lets say...I think it can backfire on them with people thinking they can get the same lack of disney perks off WDW propety at cheaper rates then at the Mods or Values.

Maybe they'll only allow fastpasses if you stay at a Deluxe that was booked with your Disney Visa with no discounts, agree to buy into DVC and $750 worth of stuffed Goofys, pins, and the newest rage at Once Upon A Toy...... sew your own Disney wallet and watch how fast it can be emptied, have only a Disney Mobile cell phone and have already turned you upside down and shook you to ensure there is no loose change left in your pocket...... then you get your fastpass.

That is one reason why I think if there is a resort guest Fastpass perk it will be extended to ALL resort guests. Probably extended to different levels for different resorts, but anyone at a Disney resort will get some perk above an offsite guest.

I have access to detailed data on many tens of thousands of WDW hotel stays taken over the recent past. They're all in the same ballpark, but there are statistically significant differences:

Moderates seem to have the longest average length of stay, at 4.84 days.

Deluxes are next, at 4.74 days. These include DVC resorts, but not Fort Wilderness, the Swan or Dolphin

Value resorts are next, at 4.61 days.

Hope this helps!

Len

Thanks for the info Len. My not-so-mathematical analysis of those numbers means that although mods have the longest stay, the difference between mods, deluxes, and values is pretty small, about 5%. My conclusion is that people don't choose a cheaper resort in order to stay a few days longer, but rather they decide their length of stay then choose the resort that fits their budget. The values have the shortest stays due to people with smaller budgets staying fewer days.

Another interesting way to look at the numbers would be to compare the percentage of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc night stays at each resort level and see if there are any trends. For example, if the largest percentage of stays at mods is 6-nights, while the largest percentage of stays at deluxes is 5-nights, then maybe my conclusion above is wrong. But if they both have the largest percentage of stays for the same # of nights, while the values are lower, then that lends support to my conclusion. (Len, I'm not really asking you to do extra work to calculate these numbers, so feel free to ignore this!)