Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[hertamaniac]

I've read some comments about folks stating they are going to the parks no matter what or the phrase I don't care. That is exactly what Disney wants to hear as it probably adds fuel to the increase the pricing meter. I fully anticipate hefty % increases in F&B, tickets and resorts starting in calendar early Q1/21. I also expect that the FL discounts will be in full-force, but laced with limited availability and drive the increases to other guest buckets.

I think they know they can squeeze guest spending even harder now; a virus tired home front = higher spending for those going to WDW that feel battle weary.

 

[Eric Smith]

I've read some comments about folks stating they are going to the parks no matter what or the phrase I don't care. That is exactly what Disney wants to hear as it probably adds fuel to the increase the pricing meter. I fully anticipate hefty % increases in F&B, tickets and resorts starting in calendar early Q1/21. I also expect that the FL discounts will be in full-force, but laced with limited availability and drive the increases to other guest buckets.

I think they know they can squeeze guest spending even harder now; a virus tired home front = higher spending for those going to WDW that feel battle weary.

I really don't think we're going to see ticket price increases. I think they could raise prices on resorts and F&B as those are harder to track and wouldn't result in the negative press that a ticket price increase would.

 

[hertamaniac]

I really don't think we're going to see ticket price increases. I think they could raise prices on resorts and F&B as those are harder to track and wouldn't result in the negative press that a ticket price increase would.

They could nest the ticket increases by manipulating the number of days availability. Offer fewer days at the whatever-value-term they use now and the net result is a "hidden" increase.

 

[Khobbs18]

Why get rid of Disney Junior dance party when its happening? Just read that they're being laid off as well.

 

[MickeyWaffles]

Why get rid of Disney Junior dance party when its happening? Just read that they're being laid off as well.

Have people been going to it? Perhaps they haven’t been filling shows even at limited capacity. If true, sad to lose one of the very few things currently at HS for the toddler set.

 

[MrsBooch]

Have people been going to it? Perhaps they haven’t been filling shows even at limited capacity. Sad to lose one of the very few things currently at HS for the toddler set.

I don't know about this one - it's an active show. Maybe just some part time people are being let go?
Everything else that has been cut was already dormant.

 

[ryanpatricksmom]

Disney isn't an inferior product. Universal has worse rides and worse food. Have a couple Dr Suess characters walking around and a Frog choir doesn't change that.

Inferior to the experience that was in place when I purchased my annual pass. I have accepted the changes made for safety concerns; I take exception to the changes that are above and beyond that.

 

[sullivan.kscott]

Especially with nighttime entertainment returning in some fashion, I think that overshadows losses of shows and smaller entertainment your casual guests may not even be aware existed.

Despite how sad this all is, I still don’t think we’re anywhere near the masses thinking Disney=Universal, or even Six Flags like some people have touched on. Disney has huge brand loyalty and IP recognition that I have to believe drives guests to choose Disney Parks over similar locations more than us more hardcore fans who just like how we feel there.

I don’t think we’re there yet because so much is on the forefront of our minds. Even the Disney loyalists are forgiving right now. Almost apologists as to why this needed to be done. I’ll throw myself in that bucket, and we’re far more loyal to the cruise brand than the parks.
As for the nighttime shows. Given the current climate, I think most guests when polled would rather have some semblance of the nighttime spectaculars in the parks over theater shows. I don’t think most realize what the streetscape entertainment brings until they come back once there’s wind of fireworks exploding over SSE or the castle again. That’s when word of mouth could trickle down that the parks have “gone stale.”
But, I agree with everything you said.

 

[SaintsManiac]

You can step away at any time. I do when it gets bogged down in stuff I don't care tovred.

While that's true, it would be nice if people would respect the wishes of @rteetz and just refrain from bogging it down.

 

[mattpeto]

Thread topic: cruise-and-theme-park-operational-updates-due-to-coronavirus

I don't disagree. Unfortunately, the topics you mention directly impact ^^^.

This thread has always been on shaky ground.

 

[JacknSally]

When is the next earnings call? Next Tuesday?

 

[rteetz]

While that's true, it would be nice if people would respect the wishes of @rteetz and just refrain from bogging it down.

Certainly would make my life easier

 

[osufeth24]

when the thread begins to go political....

My Head:
View attachment 535080

@rteetz is sensing a great disturbance in the force

 

[rteetz]

When is the next earnings call? Next Tuesday?

https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disneys-fiscal-full-year-and-q4-2020-earnings-results-webcast/
November 12th

 

[JacknSally]

https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disneys-fiscal-full-year-and-q4-2020-earnings-results-webcast/
November 12th

Ah, thank you! Don't know why I was thinking it was next week, lol. I must've misread something.

 

[rteetz]

Thread topic: cruise-and-theme-park-operational-updates-due-to-coronavirus

I don't disagree. Unfortunately, the topics you mention directly impact ^^^.

This thread has always been on shaky ground.

That is true. It’s hard thing to manage for sure. Political content is not allowed though. We for the most part have managed the covid content. It’s always going to be part of this thread like you note.

 

[Brianstl]

Yeah, let’s not with the “if this candidate wins, say goodbye to WDW” nonsense.

I didn't say that.

I am pointing out that these decisions are being made by Disney in an environment where Disney must act like being shut down again is a legitimate possibility. Disney has to plan to operate like the worst case scenario they never imagined before is going to happen because their survival as currently structured could very well depend on the ability to make it through that scenario.

If you want to accurately talk about the decisions Disney is making when it comes to park operations, you need to accept that reality.

It isn't about politics, it is about the business decisions Disney is making.

 

[Farro]

That is true. It’s hard thing to manage for sure. Political content is not allowed though. We for the most part have managed the covid content. It’s always going to be part of this thread like you note.

I get confused as to what we can and can't discuss, what stays, what doesn't.

Your house, your rules.

 

[LSUmiss]

What area of the country is operating at 80% normal and not exploding with cases? Most states are exploding with cases right now, so please be specific. This is a ridiculous claim.

My state is not anywhere near 80% normal and cases are spiking astronomically.

We aren’t exploding with cases anymore. We are in phase 3 & most things are open across the state to 75% capacity. We have a state-wide mask mandate.

 

[rteetz]

I get confused as to what we can and can't discuss, what stays, what doesn't.

Your house, your rules.

As always anything in question report. It’s all subjective. It isn’t easy. I do try my best.