Disney is creating a World of Haves & Have-Nots

[PirateLover]

We have some pretty passionate posters on either side of this issue. I only have one thought to add.

I think the comparison to Universal is a faulty one. Uni's pay system is inherently different because it was never offered to everyone. WDW has now been employing the FastPass system, equally accessible to anyone with a park ticket, for well over a decade. Now, they are making a huge change to that system. For all these years the system was "fair" to everyone, whether you were on-site, off-site, a day tripper, or someone who planned things out days in advance--everyone had the same opportunity every day to get FastPasses. Now it is changing in a way that is not quite as "fair," and I can understand why it is leaving a bad taste in people's mouths. If this system had been in place from the get go it would be a different story.

[mcjaco]

Go less often. Honestly, we used to go very often until 2004, then we spaced out our trips over every few years (by necessity, not desire). This really keeps it fresh for us.

This.

I went three times in one year. Way too much. I was so bored by the third time, it wasn't even fun. From that point on, I decided I need to go only once, and even better, at least only every other year.

Thank goodness that work, life, kids, etc. got in the way, and I'm finally making my way back down next week. I'm excited to see that changes!

[merciantinkerbell]

Hope I don't step on any toes with my opinion - being a newbie here - but here goes. I agree with others that the world is unfair, there is always those who have more than others. As to Disney not being good value? I think that's subjective. For hubby and I, we took our first trip last year after a 30+ year wait! Couldn't afford it before. It was well worth it because despite hubby's limited mobility and other health issues Disney offered us a lot we could do together that other theme parks - both in UK an US - couldn't. I read on another site that Fastpass+ will be available at special kiosks on the day so those that can't/don't want to book in advance won't miss out. Just my 2 cents

[Disnamic Duo]

The have/have nots argument is just ridiculous. A WDW vacation is not a right, it is indeed a privilege that is available to those who can afford and choose to do it.

As with just about anything in this world if you can afford to pay more, you get more. The same applies to vacations. While I would love to take an all inclusive trip to the Poly each year for a week we just can't afford it. I don't however begrudge that to those who can.

And as others have expressed I'm so tired of being told I need to wake up and see that Disney is pulling the wool over my eyes. Is disney expesnive? Yes. Disney is a business, not a not for profit charity. Are other vacations just as pricey? You betcha. But time and time again when we take a Disney vacation we walk away feeling like we really got so much for what we spent. And we've felt that way for many years.

I'm also tired of the panic over fast pass +. Give it a chance, see how it works. People really can't expect disney to remain stagnant with their technology. When Universal introduced a different front of the line technology it only made sense for disney to yet again counter with something new.

Agree with this 100%.

PLEASE, let's stop with the socialism already...

[spoiledraf]

Disney is indeed a business and people will vote on their decisions with their wallets. If they continue to raise prices and cut services, they will feel a backlash. The parks are starting to feel their age. The cutbacks on customer service are starting to irritate long time visitors, myself included. Some costs have doubled in less than ten years while the economy has stumbled. There are plenty of people who can still afford the vacations Disney offers but even if you have cash to burn, a $39 buffet lunch of chicken nuggets and cold pizza Is a little much to meet Winnie the Poo. $100 plus an hour to go fishing? And the last time I went we didn't even get anything. Fast pass plus may be a good way to increase revenue but even folks who can afford what Disney offers are going to start to back away if they don't feel they are getting their money's worth. I hope to go the first week of December since I have never seen the Christmas decorations. I just read another post that they don't put up nearly as much as they did even three years ago. If they don't offer a room discount, that certainly won't happen. I just can't justify the cost for the return.

[MNNHFLTX]

\
Let’s face it we all are getting older things are not as grand as they use to be when we were younger.

Yes. This.

That is what I was saying in my last post. Disney World is fun, but I don't expect it to "Wow" me anymore. It's a comfortable feeling, like going home. I can take my time more, enjoy the little things I used to rush by. If a cast member has an off day or it rains or whatever--it's not the end of the world.

But I'll still let y'all work out the bugs in the Fastpass+ system before I go back again.

[TikiLounger]

The have/have nots argument is just ridiculous. A WDW vacation is not a right, it is indeed a privilege that is available to those who can afford and choose to do it.

As with just about anything in this world if you can afford to pay more, you get more. The same applies to vacations. While I would love to take an all inclusive trip to the Poly each year for a week we just can't afford it. I don't however begrudge that to those who can.

And as others have expressed I'm so tired of being told I need to wake up and see that Disney is pulling the wool over my eyes. Is disney expesnive? Yes. Disney is a business, not a not for profit charity. Are other vacations just as pricey? You betcha. But time and time again when we take a Disney vacation we walk away feeling like we really got so much for what we spent. And we've felt that way for many years.

I'm also tired of the panic over fast pass +. Give it a chance, see how it works. People really can't expect disney to remain stagnant with their technology. When Universal introduced a different front of the line technology it only made sense for disney to yet again counter with something new.

My thoughts, exactly.

[thejens]

Reading this it made me think that it is an experiment about the soul of American capitalism. Is WDW about the triumph of a brilliant and imaginative, hard working mid-westerner who proved that unwavering commitment to quality triumphs? Or is it about shareholders squeezing the magic and every penny out of a mega enterprise?

I adore WDW, the myth, the magic, the show, the history and the truly unique experience. Admittedly, I am one of the haves, who can afford a week or so onsite each year. But the smallish details, which begin to feel less magic and more big business led me to travel to other destinations in recent years. I'll be back this fall, but I wonder if I will find magic or big business. For me, this would be the question I have about any new change.

I will be wondering if the attention to detail and guest experience is still there. Are cast members full of pride and loyalty? Do the gift shops feel like exciting extensions of the magical experience or do they feel like money grabs you must wade through at the end of each ride featuring similar merchandise to the local mall? Do I spend a lot of time running or waiting? Or is every moment special? Do I feel like I am being nickle and dimed? Or do I feel like I get extra surprises and treats as I go along? Are there new surprises and am I still immersed? Or does the man behind the curtain show from time to time. Is it still a unique experience, or has Universal created something equal? I'll see in September and let you all know my thoughts.

[thejens]

Must add, the introduction of McDonalds and then Starbucks, does not make me feel excited or encouraged.

[mcjaco]

^ My only thought on that is that Walt himself went out and got sponsors for DL, and places like the Frito Cafe (or whatever it was called), the Dole stand, were apart of the experience even way back then. So adding McD, and Starbucks really isn't all that different of a business model. I think we're all just tired of seeing those brands.

[CuteAsMinnie]

Unless I missed something (which is entirely possible) isn't FP+ based on your ticket and not your room reservation?

I thought if you buy your ticket, link it into MDE, you can participate in FP+ (once it is rolled out?




After speaking at length to CL CMs about the whole thing, it will definitely become a World of the planners and the plan-nots. If you can, and choose to, plan every minute of your vacation, kudos to you. If you do not, well....

Definitely a huge disadvantage for day guests.


We are very happy we enjoyed WDW this year as we have always known it to be. We have no idea when our next trip will be.

[Mickey'sGirl]

It is also what people choose to spend their money on.

I am not a shopper, we do not always have all the latest and greatest stuff, I need a new couch .... We don't smoke, drink,I don't have my hair coloured and "done" except for regular cuts, my car is 11 almost 12 years old, we usually drive, I make most of the food we eat at home. We have an awesome family vacation each and every year. It is our priority.

A co-worker of mine hasn't had a family holiday in 6 years, but she and her daughter are beautifully dressed, they have 4 newer model cars in their driveway and all the latest gadgets. They prioritize their spending differently than I do.

I am not criticizing or saying my way is better, I am just saying that we all spend our ever-dwindling excess cash differently, and perhaps the have nots are really just have differentlies?

[Anthony007]

So should magical express be available to those who stay off site? I think it's a good business move on their part to encourage people to stay on site.

[BrerGnat]

Disney World has always been (and will always be) a world of "have's and have not's".

Disney World is an expensive endeavor, any way you slice it. It is not accessible to a VAST MAJORITY of Americans. Ever.

This system is not going to exclude those offsite. However, I assume it will be "better" for those staying onsite. I have a suspicion that the FP+ entitlements will be based on what resort you stay at. And, so what? You want more? You pay more. Can't or don't want to pay more? You miss out. Such is life. Everywhere.

I miss out on FP all the time because I sleep in and don't end up at "rope drop". It's my choice and I deal with the repercussions every trip when I show up and all the FP are gone for the day. When I'm really motivated to ride something, I CHOOSE to get my butt out of bed early and get to the park. That rarely happens. Rides are not that important to me, in the grand scheme of my vacation.

My personal opinion on this whole thing is that, after extensive "testing" phases, and the reality hits Disney that it just isn't going to work smoothly, it will quietly go away and be written off as one of Disney's most expensive mistakes. They have a way of over complicating things that winds up biting them in the rear eventually. It won't be the first time.

[joonyer]

. . . .
My personal opinion on this whole thing is that, after extensive "testing" phases, and the reality hits Disney that it just isn't going to work smoothly, it will quietly go away and be written off as one of Disney's most expensive mistakes. They have a way of over complicating things that winds up biting them in the rear eventually. It won't be the first time.

And on the other hand, IF it does somehow work out and everyone decides that it works smoothly and makes getting on their favorite attractions easier, then in a few years the old way of doing things will be forgotten. Such is the mind of modern consumers, especially in the age of rapidly changing technology.
Nobody hardly remembers the old ticket books anymore, and I'm sure there were grumblings and complaints about them going away, but back then there was just no internet for those grumblings to "go viral" on .

[Cheshire_Girl]

Wow, the amount of denial here is astounding. People, the value is dropping. If we dont hold Disney to their own standards they are doomed. This isnt about FP+ in particular. Its about the total experience. Wake up!!!!

Thank you...Indeed it is about value. Not just the monetary value of the price of a ticket vs. the "magic" you experience. It is also about the value Disney places on their guests...And if it moves to an on-site guest only "perk" then that says they do not value any of their guests that are not staying on property.

Yes FP+ is here to stay-I think we all get that...The biggest problem at this point is the absolute lack of official information regarding their intentions for how this system will work.
As long as it is still available to other guests in the same manner-and we are all hating it and touting how it ***** eqaully-then fine...But if it ends up as the OP is suggesting-on site guests only-then that is a completely different situation and yes, it stinks.
The Magic is for everyone-not just the few that can afford to stay on property and THAT is why Walt would turn over in his grave-Hopefully he won't be.

[WiDisneyFan]

Long time lurker, first time poster here. I've wanted to respond to this string several times. As one of my old time teachers used to tell us all the time - "life isn't fair". There are haves and have nots in this world. I fall somewhere in between. We don't have fancy cars and fancy possessions, but we do spend our yearly vacation money on a trip to Disneyworld. We've stayed on sight and off sight an equal amount of times. One of the reasons we do stay on sight is the extra perks. This may sound harsh, but if things like this turn some people away from Disney, the experience for those who still go will be better because crowds will be smaller. This gives the haves of the world more incentive to go back. So in the end Disney still makes it's profits and the people that can afford to go get a better experience and may be inclined to return more. I think we can all agree crowd levels have increased, which has decreased the "magic" as the years have gone by. But my family will still love what Disney is, has been, and will be, for many years ahead. It's my little "island" of getting away from the riggors of daily life. People need to remember that Disney is a business. Things change, business changes, people change........... and as long as Disney remains in operation I plan to use it as my getaway. Fastpass+ is an interesting concept that we will use if given the opportunity in the future. Ok.........enough of the rant..........time to start packing for Orlando for next week!

[seanyred]

And on the other hand, IF it does somehow work out and everyone decides that it works smoothly and makes getting on their favorite attractions easier, then in a few years the old way of doing things will be forgotten. Such is the mind of modern consumers, especially in the age of rapidly changing technology.
Nobody hardly remembers the old ticket books anymore, and I'm sure there were grumblings and complaints about them going away, but back then there was just no internet for those grumblings to "go viral" on .

I made a similar point on another thread awhile ago. People in general don't like change and the interwebs provide more places to grumble. I am one of the few who likes the concept of MyMagic+ but that doesn't mean it won't be messed up by Disney.

[AgentC]

I don't really have anything to add to this thread but I wanted to jump in and say to Intercot to WiDisneyFan.

Glad you've come out of lurkdom.

[Aurora]

This system is not going to exclude those offsite. However, I assume it will be "better" for those staying onsite. I have a suspicion that the FP+ entitlements will be based on what resort you stay at.

I've assumed the same thing, which brings me to a question that I know no one can answer right now -- I wonder how many FP+ spots we DVC members will receive? A whole 'nother can of worms...