I write about the disconnect between fan complaints and the proliferation of upcharge and hard ticket events in my Orange County Register column this week. My take? People who complain about one type of upcharge event sometimes are the first to put down their money for another.
We've all got something for which we'd be willing to pay extra to experience at a theme park, even if you can't imagine paying extra for another thing that other people like. With tens of millions of people visiting the Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts each year, Disney needs to hit that target for a tiny fraction of its visitors to run a successful event. And the more upcharge and hard ticket events that Disney runs, the more people whose targets Disney hits. So what's the problem?
The big one is a lack of variety. If you're not interested in a fireworks dessert party at one Disney theme park, you're probably not going to be interested in one at another park. So you get frustrated when Disney keeps adding variations on its other upcharge events rather than program the unique event you'd actually like to save up to buy.
In my column, I list some of the upcharge event suggestions that Theme Park Insider followers shared on Twitter last week. Some are funny and others serious. But I probably shouldn't have been surprised to read that the most popular suggestion was any event that excluded children.
Yes, we think of parks as family destinations, but as countless holiday comedies have shown us... sometimes "family" gets on our nerves. Even theme park fans want to get away from the kids sometimes. I guess that's as fair as any of the other upcharge options that the parks offer. If you don't like one, ignore it and wait for another that does appeal.
So let's continue the conversation. What's the theme park upcharge or hard ticket event that would entice you to part with your hard-earned cash?
Read Robert's column:
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Those giant strollers have got to go.
My family's picks are Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party, Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party, and Party of the Senses
Universal could have done the same with the Ollivanders 'pick-a-wand' show, when you look at the demand. But they did build 3 additional theaters, payed 3 extra actors to give people a less frustrating wait without asking for extra money. Do these small shows produce great sales, sure, every amazing ride and show will produce sales in souvenirs but not if the experience is bad.
Again, after hours or behind the scenes tours, great. The rest, not so much.
The issue with parades and fireworks viewing is Disneyland has not yet been upgraded for premium viewing unlike the Magic Kingdom that completely rehabbed their hub. Disneyland needs to remove all those planters that keep people out of prime viewing spots. The trees need to be cut down. The restaurants around the hub perimeter need better placement of their tables and their umbrellas removed at night. The Tomorrowland rocks must go away. Increase the setback of the land gateways to increase guest space.
Premium Fastpass means every single popular E-Ticket attraction is available for the guest at any hour of the day. This is not unlimited, but it ensures you can avoid lines at least once an hour. If you skipped a ride for lunch, your Fastpass rolls over into the next hour.
A Meet and Greet Upcharge with Fastpass and instant photos or ready after the end of the day.
Deep down I am fine with upcharges - you have the choice NOT to do them. But for me they have to be really worth it. The Tower of Terror thing recently in DCA, I would have done.
Those cabanas...no no no.
I'd be willing to pay for dinner in Haunted Mansion, ToT, maybe Jungle Cruise. And after 2015 at Spectromagic (fiasco for us) I think we are now willing to pay for that meal deal or whatever it is.
I think experience is a major factor. If you had a bad experience last time, you might throw money at it to make it better.
But that makes me think about first timers. Do they feel its their only chance to ever do these things and so they take the upcharge on everything?
I have opened a can of worms in my head.
Dapper Nights. Like Dapper Days but a private event in the evening with fancy dress, cocktails, and finger foods.
Nintendo Night. Yeah I realize we have a few years but just an evening for Nintendo fans to geek out together about video games.
The transportation system / park hopping process does leave much to be desired. "If you don't like our slow, cramped, time consuming option, join us for a much more magical experience!(at a cost of course)"
Why fix a problem when you can get guests to foot the bill for your improvements!? And long after you covered the cost of the improvement, let the guests keep paying for it..don't open it up for all to access.
I could really picture this...."Try our brand new MARK XI monorail we call "PLATINUM! For an additional $163.52 per day, per person, you can travel in style on the PLATINUM monorail. PLATINUM includes great additional features such as new tires that aren't worn out and shock absorbers that won't creak and moan around corners. PLATINUM is guaranteed to never have an electrical failure, but if it were to happen, on-board generators keep your AC on so you stay cool and comfortable. PLATINUM includes a driver trained especially to keep you informed in the event your trip is delayed. Yes, make sure your magicband is preloaded with PLATINUM access so you can access it by the special monorail shaped scanner. We vaccumed the carpets this morning JUST for you!"
yeah, I think I have resolved my internal upcharge conflict with the express service.
As others have noted above, the big problem comes when these events encroach on the experience of regular park guests. For example, all of these roped-off, reserved areas for dessert parties means less prime viewing spots for everyone else. That's when you're reminded that Disney is all about $$$$.
It's like paying for a VIP guide... it's pretty much the Premium Pass that Anon Mouse speaks of above. Sure it lets you get on pretty much any attraction nearly instantly, but it costs about $3k for 8 hours for up to 8 people I think? Something like that. That's what kind of price people would have to pay to do so. It's what celebs use when they visit. If they lowered the price, then too many people would try to utilize it.
But anyway, to get back on topic, I do enjoy the additional events for after hours. Whether it's the Halloween ones at Disneyland, or the Halloween events at Universal/ Six Flags/ Knott's, they're all worth it now.
Honestly, I don't think I'd pay for an adults only day at Disneyland or Universal etc. Adults can just be as bad as children especially with alcohol involved. While strollers and crying children sometimes can be a pain, there are just as many adults who think they own the world and can break rules just because no one is there to enforce them. Yes this can apply to an event where the cost is an additional fee. Money doesn't make people have more respect for others.
I like being able to have a guaranteed spot for Fantasmic! or World of Color, so I'm a fan of those.
Yes it's relatively expensive to visit Disneyland especially without an AP. But like all entertainment, this is for those with disposable income... not a privilege. Save up if you want to go. If it was $40 to get in everyone would be complaining that it's too crowded even more than they do now.
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