Mouse Extra

Somehow I missed this great article from Lou Mongello on DisneyWorldTrivia.com, but I think it is fun enough to look at now and discuss the possibilities it brings out.  Here is a short excerpt from the “Rumor Mill” section of the site that talks about a survey one of Mr. Mongello’s readers reported taking…

There was no indication that this was a survey actually commissioned by Disney, but some of the questions on it were very interesting. Besides asking about frequency and  reasons for a guests visits, it asked specific questions about things the guest might like to see happen. Examples: Would the guest be interested in after hours, limited attendance events for an additional charge? Guaranteed discount prices for round trip airline flights when you book a Walt Disney World vacation package at least 6 months in advance? 50% off park admission tickets during select times of the year? How about VIP treatment for an extra cost - including front of the line access at attractions, a personal concierge, private poolside cabanas, complimentary snacks and drinks at a suite in the parks, and a guaranteed maximum 20 minute wait time for up to 5 pre-selected attractions in a park each day? Other questions asked about the free dining plan option, lines for the attractions being turned into “unique entertainment experiences using state-of-the-art technology and Disney magic” (a la Soarin’), kids programming such as arts and crafts at the resorts, to give parents time to themselves, at an extra fee, and up to 4 hours a day of free babysitting services a day for Walt Disney World hotel guests.

If this is true, it does confirm that at least Disney is considering some of the things that have been rumored recently.  We have heard that more hard-ticket parties or events are certainly being considered, and this article also seems to hint to the “premium FastPass” idea that is being tossed around.  Also, we have heard a lot recently about Disney taking their high-end accommodations to a new level and that seems to be part of this as well.

But what really intrigues me is the idea of 50% off park tickets during certain points of the year.  Disney has often toyed with ways to drive attendance during the off-season, but discount tickets have not been a part of that.  If they go through with this, I would imagine it would be a huge success.  Offering the dining plan for free was a good idea, but people coming in on a budget can always find a way eat cheaply.  But swallowing nearly a thousand bucks on tickets for a family of five is making it very difficult for some families to attend.  Offering this discount can get some of those people their while driving up off-season attendance.

Now don’t get me wrong.  Disney has priced their tickets way to high in my opinion.  And forcing people to pull their kids out of school to come to Disney World is not nearly the perfect remedy.  But it is a good idea nonetheless. But having said that, I will be stunned if they do it.