obviously my posts have struck a chord with some. Not looking to offend anyone. Just offering my perspective. Never meant to “lump” everyone together.
Fact is, a lot of AP holders are upset by the announcement. I still stand by the fact that Disney cares less about AP holders than it does about those who purchase tickets without an AP. But not meaning to offend anyone. Just sharing an opinion. I’ve never had an AP and likely never will, as we don’t vacation there that often. If I had an AP (like I do to our local amusement park), I can guarantee that I personally would spend a lot less in the park. That’s just my perspective.
No intention to upset anyone.
You didn’t upset me. I appreciate the discussion and perspective. But there is a huge difference between a local and non-local AP.
For non-locals, Disney makes its thousands up front whether we make our trips it or not. For us, that’s an automatic $6,000 we stand to lose. So we have to make sure we make our trips and are breaking even or better. We always stay onsite, which means spending even more money at Disney.
Going back to your statement about Disney finding value in the APs (otherwise they wouldn’t sell them), they actually call us “Valued Passholders.” Local, near, far, wherever, the APs are the consistent ones who carried the parks through the lean years, the Great Recession, Covid. Disney loved reactivating cancelled APs immediately after the pandemic closure. We were there. The parks were empty for months and most guests were AP. We were spending money
in the park (still do)
. CMs were thanking us for our repeated business and support. The company, on the other hand, used to appreciate us, but in recent years changed their tune to calling us,” unfavorable guests.” It’s a bit cruel.
I also think one of the reasons this is probably bothering many APs is the timing of this announcement right after people shelled out thousands last month. One person on Twitter said he felt “duped.”
Last year I had the Disney Pixie with Water Park (I am not local at all) AND Universal Preferred for less than an upper tier Disney. I could be at a park somewhere every single day.
I know locals who dropped Disney because of the prices, the fact that they had kids (which Pixie is pretty useless for) and the Park Reservation system was a negative for locals in early times. They could get Universal and SeaWorld for less than an upper tier Disney, have no block out dates, access to likely the best Christmas (SW), one of the best festivals (SW), Mardi Gras (UO) and both have good AP benefits for food & merchandise.
The locals are likely the ones that spend the least (no hotels) - but they are also the ones who don't take up much space other than a few hours here and there, they enjoy the bars and restaurants and Food & Wine spending money. They don't take away rooms in a way their money is like cash overflow.
I think it's funny folks think that AP guests don't stay in Disney hotels or only stay value, they don't eat food, they don't take tours, they don't buy T-shirts, they don't pay for After Hours or Parties. They just go in the parks and ride all the rides. All AP do is pre-purchase their tickets at a discounted rate. Everything else is the same as any other guest.
BUT most are not local, are huge Disney fans so likely stay in Disney hotels, especially if we fly in. AP stay in ALL levels of hotels based on what we enjoy, not because we somehow don't have any money to spend. The fact that we "pre-purchase" our tickets doesn't mean we are not arriving with pockets full of cash. We might not spend it all in one trip but we spend it. Having no tickets in each trip's budget means we have the budget to do all the extras. Some trips I do TWO parties, I love the Fireworks Dinners, I can do all the tours I want, African Trek, Club Villain, After Hours, Early Morning Magic. We can shop, spend hours and money in Trader Sam's, eat at a TS last minute without worries. Why do folks associate Annual Passes with being too poor to be big spenders on our trips? We are likely less worried about rides like most guests and spending our time spending.
Why are DVC folks so upset APs have not been in play? Because they bought DVC to go to Disney theme parks. DVC folks invest heavily in the company. Sure they have kitchens but I bet most spend a pretty penny dining at Disney. They bought in to an expensive DVC because they love Disney.
So correct. They stay in villas offsite or offsite moderate or split stays because they are doing Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove. They want to see everything in their big one trip!
Let me tell you, not even a payment plan could keep my FL family from dropping their APs lol. The price increases were too much for something they feel is in their backyard when they want it. Right now they don’t want it. Plus, like you said, they have other cheaper options. But it’s sad, because I miss our trips together.
And like the repeat Disney casino guests that we are, we are here again onsite. This AP hasn’t saved us any money. Bad assumption. We may get a few discounts, but definitely spend and splurge more. Just had another lovely meal at Narcoosees last night. We, too, enjoy TS, events, parties, merchandise, tours, trying out new resorts, etc. But rarely do park commando, because we renew every year. Taking rides and
Genie+ away from the ticket travelers is the last thing on our mind, which is probably why they offered us an after 2 pm entrance. Yet, ticket guests think we do, because they don’t know.
My biggest issue with this is announcement is that we purchase Incredi-Pass to unblock those few limited weeks of the year (Christmas and New Years). With capacity limitations, park reservation requirements, and date-based tickets free to come and go, this doesn’t sound great or fair so far.
