Disney extending 60 day FP to non disney resorts

[kboo]

re: throwaway room reservations - I have never done this, but have read about it - that depending on a hotel's cancellation policy, some people would reserve a room they didn't intend to use, in order to get a jump on FP reservations. I'm not sure if Disney has done something to close this loophole.

 

[WDW_Ding]

re: throwaway room reservations - I have never done this, but have read about it - that depending on a hotel's cancellation policy, some people would reserve a room they didn't intend to use, in order to get a jump on FP reservations. I'm not sure if Disney has done something to close this loophole.

They don't then cancel the Fast Passes? Yikes.

 

[hakepb]

They don't then cancel the Fast Passes? Yikes.

inside 30 days, I don’t think they do.
(There might be a cancellation if >30 days out)

I think the more common “throwaway” is booking the night of your 1st park day. Then you get (2) days of parking (check in and check out) magic bands and a rolling 60 Day FP+ booking window.
With online checkin, you don’t have to go in the room.

 

[WDW_Ding]

inside 30 days, I don’t think they do.
(There might be a cancellation if >30 days out)

I think the more common “throwaway” is booking the night of your 1st park day. Then you get (2) days of parking (check in and check out) magic bands and a rolling 60 Day FP+ booking window.
With online checkin, you don’t have to go in the room.

It's crazy to think that it is cheaper to just rent a hotel room you won't use in order to get those perks. With All-Star rooms sometimes going for $90/day, I can see how the math might work out though...

 

[msb578]

It's crazy to think that it is cheaper to just rent a hotel room you won't use in order to get those perks. With All-Star rooms sometimes going for $90/day, I can see how the math might work out though...

Campsites at Fort Wilderness are even cheaper. It’s become a problem... campers are having trouble finding sites because of the throwaway campsite bookings.

 

[Ben E N]

Campsites at Fort Wilderness are even cheaper. It’s become a problem... campers are having trouble finding sites because of the throwaway campsite bookings.

But that is not a problem for Disney. They still make their money. This current change I think has the potential to cost them money.

 

[hakepb]

But that is not a problem for Disney. They still make their money. This current change I think has the potential to cost them money.

The “empty campsite” problem probably resulted in the Disney springs hotels getting 60 day FP+
Disney gets more $ from the Springs hotels and probably gets more campsites to sell to others (actual campers and/or allows others to book a campsite)

 

[Ben E N]

The “empty campsite” problem probably resulted in the Disney springs hotels getting 60 day FP+
Disney gets more $ from the Springs hotels and probably gets more campsites to sell to others (actual campers and/or allows others to book a campsite)

I bet it was more about them wanting to lock more people into committing to come to Disney 2 months in advance.
Empty, paid for campsites mean that there is less of a strain on their garbage removal and clean up, meaning free money for them. It also gives them the 60 day guaranteed guests, who, because they are actually coming from off site, are more likely to stay in the parks all day long. That equals more meal money for Disney.
I bet they actually like throwaway rooms quite a bit.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

If you think about it, letting Club Level ("concierge") get a 90-day booking is no different than what they do on DCL. On DCL, they have check-in priority tiers, but if you are sailing concierge you go first, regardless of your Castaway Club status. On most sailings, it is very unusual for any of the Castaway Cay cabanas to go to anyone but concierge, for instance.

Club/Concierge is being sold as a higher service level. But really, for Club Level, all it's been getting people is snacks and booze. They killed itinerary planning, in part because if those guests only got 180/60 planning like everyone else, it's not all that effective to have those concierges doing the bookings for dining and FP+, being able to do one guest at a time, sequential, while others are online simultaneously doing their own bookings.

By "adding time" to concierge, giving them advance booking on the bourgeoisie, it means that they can look at itinerary planning as a benefit again, because if the Club guests have the extra lead, it is then possible for a concierge to do sequential bookings.

 

[Ben E N]

If you think about it, letting Club Level ("concierge") get a 90-day booking is no different than what they do on DCL. On DCL, they have check-in priority tiers, but if you are sailing concierge you go first, regardless of your Castaway Club status. On most sailings, it is very unusual for any of the Castaway Cay cabanas to go to anyone but concierge, for instance.

Club/Concierge is being sold as a higher service level. But really, for Club Level, all it's been getting people is snacks and booze. They killed itinerary planning, in part because if those guests only got 180/60 planning like everyone else, it's not all that effective to have those concierges doing the bookings for dining and FP+, being able to do one guest at a time, sequential, while others are online simultaneously doing their own bookings.

By "adding time" to concierge, giving them advance booking on the bourgeoisie, it means that they can look at itinerary planning as a benefit again, because if the Club guests have the extra lead, it is then possible for a concierge to do sequential bookings.

Yes, it is similar, but also different. On a cruise, advance booking means you get to sign up to pay for something. I am doing a Disney cruise in a couple of months and got advance booking, but declined to sign up for anything because we were happy with what is already included.
As great as Spaceship Earth and Nemo are, when I go to Epcot, it is for the E-Ticket rides. Very few people go to WDW to not go on any rides or attractions.
It would be like giving concierge guests on the cruises the best spots on the beach before anyone else can get out there.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Yes, it is similar, but also different. On a cruise, advance booking means you get to sign up to pay for something. I am doing a Disney cruise in a couple of months and got advance booking, but declined to sign up for anything because we were happy with what is already included.
As great as Spaceship Earth and Nemo are, when I go to Epcot, it is for the E-Ticket rides. Very few people go to WDW to not go on any rides or attractions.
It would be like giving concierge guests on the cruises the best spots on the beach before anyone else can get out there.

...that's kind of what this is doing, though. Much like one pays for a cabana, they are paying for the early access.

 

[Ben E N]

...that's kind of what this is doing, though. Much like one pays for a cabana, they are paying for the early access.

This is getting very specific in terms of a Disney cruise, but the cabanas are all located behind the beach, not in the way of it. Somebody claiming a spot on FOP at 9:25 am stops me from getting it if I wanted to go on at that same time.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Well that's probably true for 99% of people, but I think Disney is targeting the 1%ers with this move.

I have some relatives who are in that group. They did Disney ONCE and won't ever be back. So while they are "targeting", is the audience within that 1% all that interested in Disney? I actually kind of doubt it. I think they are targeting the "we will go into massive credit card debt to go to Disney" group.

 

[tjkraz]

The FastPass system doesn't have enough capacity/flexibility to endlessly increase paid add-ons. There are 3500-4000 two bedroom equivalent DVC villas on property now, typically housing 20,000+ guests. Even with guests spread over the 4 parks, that's too many people for Disney to sell them guaranteed paid FPs for the likes of Flight of Passage, Frozen, Mine Train and eventually Star Wars.

I think it was a very calculated move to offer this to Club guests only, not just because of the willingness to spend but also the small population. If it does expand to other groups like DVC, I'd expect the price to rise dramatically and possibly a daily cap on the number of paid participants.

Frankly I'm stunned that people are already acting like $17 per attraction is some reasonable fee that thousands would be willing to pay. That's $64 for my family of four. (And unless you're going to go bonkers park-hopping over the 3-day minimum purchase period, you're actually paying $50 per person for one ride on FoP...plus trips on Everest and Kilimanjaro which are easy to get via the free FastPass offering.)

I'm not paying that kind of additional money for something that's previously been built into the cost of my trip. And if Disney creates an environment where I'm obligated to do so in order to avoid a 3 hour standby line, that may be the point where it's time to cash out.

 

[Ben E N]

And if Disney creates an environment where I'm obligated to do so in order to avoid a 3 hour standby line, that may be the point where it's time to cash out.

I am in very similar shape. I checked out of my local six flags for the same reason, and have been mostly avoiding Universal Studios as well.

 

[tjkraz]

I am in very similar shape. I checked out of my local six flags for the same reason, and have been mostly avoiding Universal Studios as well.

Agree. And I don't actually fear Disney going down this road. I was a little surprised to not get FoP FastPasses for our last trip. I may have been a couple days inside of the 60 day window, though. We hadn't done Navi River yet so I was fine with that. We got everything else we wanted.

I'm very comfortable using the smartphone app and we've typically pulled 7-8 FPs per day by getting extras after the first 3. I understand why some people are opposed to the advance planning aspect. Personally I find that far preferable to crossing the park to grab paper tickets with uncontrollable return times.

 

[Wakey]

It would certainly make paying for the Copper Creek club lounge more attractive if you got access to the additional fastpass option during those crazy busy times of the year like Christmas etc. Otherwise, it is only the AKL club rooms that qualify right?

All part of the plan I'm sure.

 

[kmorlock]

So, the hypothetical I'd like to present is: will those limited to the 60 day FP selection and checking in at exactly 60 days to get fast passes, only to find they cannot get any or most of their "must do" attractions, decide to cancel their trip?

 

[Ben E N]

So, the hypothetical I'd like to present is: will those limited to the 60 day FP selection and checking in at exactly 60 days to get fast passes, only to find they cannot get any or most of their "must do" attractions, decide to cancel their trip?

That is one good possibility. Although I doubt it would happen for most people. It costs a lot to cancel a flight.
More likely is they would decide it is no longer worth it and would not come back, or they would pay for the service but shorten their next trip.

 

[Party.Of.4-NY>>>FL]

So, the hypothetical I'd like to present is: will those limited to the 60 day FP selection and checking in at exactly 60 days to get fast passes, only to find they cannot get any or most of their "must do" attractions, decide to cancel their trip?

Nope.

Recently returned from a short 3-day trip booked at only 30 days out. I was able to get every FP I wanted. FOP (on day #2 then Navi same-day, then another FOP same-day), FEA (then Soarin’ and TT same-day), 7DMT, etc., etc.

I think those are willing to spend a little time planning will still be able to enjoy the parks just as they are now. This is a luxury add-on IMO. Not a necessity by any means. But a very convenient offering for those that find it appealing.