Would a half day or evening ticket make sense?

[epcotisbest]

As we get older and spend more time at the resort, we often find ourselves not even going to a theme park. Our last trip in May we spent the entire week at the resort, not a single day in any theme park. We may just do the same thing in September, enjoying the resort (AKV), maybe some time at DTD, resort hopping and more. We have multi-day tickets with several days left that don't expire.
One thing we both have mentioned is if there was a half day or evening ticket at a fairly reasonable price we would buy them in a second. You know, head over to Epcot WS for an evening stroll and Illuminations, or maybe a drop or two at ToT before Fantasmic. Maybe an early morning ride on KS then take in the Festival of the Lion King before heading back to the pool.
So anyway, if we could buy part day tickets for part day prices we would definitely do it, spending more money in the process.
It seems to me this would make sense and there have to be more of us aging boomers who are spending less time in the parks. What do you think?

 

[MissM]

Well, Florida residents have the option of an "Epcot After 4pm" annual pass. Clearly targeting locals who mainly want to come to dine and drink. So there's definitely some basis for such a ticket. I just don't think that Disney would ever want to truly expand it to everyone/all parks. Especially when MK can often get very crowded in the evenings as people hop there for the late closing. (A clear indication to me that having all three other parks extend their hours should be a no-brainer!)

 

[NYwdwfan]

It would be nice to have a visiting option - just to use the shops and restaurants - but it would probably be a logistical nightmare. Although it did work in the old days - you needed tickets for the rides - so here it would be your band or RFID card. It would be a nice option - my mother in law hates rides and won't come with us to pay to go to the parks to just walk around.

 

[epcotisbest]

It would be nice to have a visiting option - just to use the shops and restaurants - but it would probably be a logistical nightmare. Although it did work in the old days - you needed tickets for the rides - so here it would be your band or RFID card. It would be a nice option - my mother in law hates rides and won't come with us to pay to go to the parks to just walk around.

Yeah, and there have been times when we were just passing through and stopped at DTD for a few hours on the way to somewhere else. Would have loved to pop in at Epcot instead, but would not waste a whole day ticket.

 

[DGRYAN1977]

Hershey Park in PA has where if you buy a ticket for the following day you can enter the park the night before at like 6pm. I never understood why Disney does not do that. Atleast offer a half price ticket only valid after a certain time.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

I know they sell after 4pm tickets at CSR. I've seen the signs for them on the concierge desk... I think they target the guest from conventions for those not sure if just anyone can buy them.

 

[Mawg]

I think it makes sense as long as it is for the evening. Trying to kick people out in the middle of the day is difficult or trying to keep them off rides. But not letting people in until a certain time is a little easier.

I don't like it when they offer different options depending on where you live. I can understand discounts for locals, but below are some examples I don't like.

1. I went to Disneyland once and wanted a one day Park Hopper. I was told it was only available to Southern Californians and I was a Northern Californian at the time. DCA was under major construction at the time and I just wanted to see what was going on and enjoy a few rides but spend most of my time at Disneyland. I don't see why they would not sell it to me but I could only get the Park Hopper with a 2 day pass or greater.
2. Why can't I get a 14 day ticket at WDW that the international people can get?
3. Why were only FL residents offered the Epcot evening option?
4. Why are international guests offered more Free Dinning promotions? I guess I can understand this one but it still bugs me a little.

Number 1 was the one that really bugged me the most though and I just could not understand why if I was willing to pay more I couldn't have it. They don't want my money or they thought I would actually stay for 2 days.

 

[PigletIsMyCat]

i think an evening ticket would make sense, something like the epcot after 4pm ticket. but that would kind of suck during low season where parks close at 5 or 6 sometimes. with all the shopping and dining options, i'd think opening up an epcot after 4pm ticket to the masses would be a cool idea.

re: the 14 day ticket at WDW, in other countries it's common to take two-week vacations, especially when you consider the travel time/cost. in the US we don't generally take domestic vacations to single destinations that last two weeks.

re: int'l guests and free dining, my theory in that is that disney wants to do what they can to keep international guests on property FOREVER. if offered a package that includes lodging, tickets, and dining, there's so much less of a reason for guests to leave. and because many international guests seem to vacation for two-weeks plus, that's A LOT of time for disney to keep guests on property.

 

[DGRYAN1977]

what? sorry..too mesmerized by PigletIsMyCats beauty...

 

[jencor]

I thought AK was already a half a day