AP Holders: Should Disney "Stop the Clock" on passes until there is a Vaccine for COVID-19 ?

[midaroco]

I'm sure they are covered legally, but what you are legally obligated to do and what you should do ethically as a company can be two different things.

What Disney has done, ethically, is great. They have absolutely taken care of the consumer. Simply because it doesn’t mathematically work for you, and you don’t get what you want out of it, does not mean they have sidestepped some ethical obligation. You do realize you, the consumer, made the choice to purchase a pass good for 365 days that you more than likely would only use for less than 6% of the time you purchased it for.... and that’s being generous. We did have other options available to us. We chose to purchase APs in hopes of realizing savings through multiple trips. There was always the possibility of a personal event that may have kept us from those vacations... illness, deaths in the family. The difference here is the masses don’t like that they have no say, so they cry foul. When in actuality, Disney has been very generous given the billions they have lost.

 

[Sarahslay]

I believe you have a choice as to extend your pass or get the partial refund. I honestly think they should refund the entire thing.

That's kind of crazy to me. I mean, yes, I had one trip messed up because of this but I already had 6 trips under this AP that was more than paid for after the second trip. The trip that I had to move wasn't even a big trip, just a very last minute weekend trip to go to F&G that I had never planned to do anyway. I wasn't going to have any more trips until after I had renewed, and figure at this point Disney owes me nothing (I am taking a partial refund though as the extension might not be long enough to cover my next trip). Of course it's a different situation for those who had just bought or renewed their passes when this closed, and who had done so because of upcoming trips that they now can't go on, but for most people I see what they are currently doing to be fair and reasonable, and I see no reason for them to halt the sale of AP's. If we do get to go on our next trip my husband will be upgrading his tickets to an AP because of 2 other trips we have within the year after this coming trip, and we know the risk in that, but there is always that risk that the trips might not happen just because of life. I believe buying or not buying an AP is squarely on the consumers shoulders, they don't have to buy an AP. If they are uncertain then they shouldn't buy one.

 

[midaroco]

I was fine paying for it and not using it for 3 months last year, but I never expected to have to pay for 6 months I didn't plan to use...And I understand it's not their fault, but it's not mine either, and I'm the one paying...They need to come up with some premium solutions for annual pass holders instead of the two simple, lazy options that you would expect from a $20 a month gym membership.

How exactly are you paying ?!?! If you are being refunded for the days that they are closed, how are you paying? What exactly is your proposal? Your ticket a day for every day they are closed is not feasible since you didn’t have plans to be there every day. What’s more, they are already offering to refund you for the days they’ve been closed...so we’ve covered that. If adding the time onto the end of your pass doesn’t work for you, then take the refund for the time they were closed. Maybe this will teach us as consumers to understand what we are purchasing and not to expect irrational accommodations.

 

[yulilin3]

I'm not good with lowered expectations.

It's not about having higher or lower expectations, it's about having realistic expectations. Only expect what it's actually being offered on paper, no more no less

 

[Disney Bobby]

Wait...so if you had bought the AP with the plan to go in April, that means you’ve not activated it yet and therefore will be able to activate it at a later date, thus enjoying 365 days of uninterrupted non-use. Unless you purchased it the year prior and were trying to get another trip in, in the last week or two of the 365 days of the prior years pass? If so, smart! However, you can’t expect that Disney would allow you to add on days at your choosing as you knew the terms of the pass. If you had some personal circumstance pop up that disallowed you from using the last 60 days of your pass, you wouldn’t expect Disney to accommodate this. It’s generous that they are extending the pass at all, in my opinion.

I'm sure they have weighed the financial backlash for doing nothing against the cost of extending. It took some coaxing for them to stop charging the monthly folks. Doing the right thing isn't generous. It's the least they could do without falling back to the fine print.

 

[vinotinto]

1. For those saying, "other parks are extending until 2021," - it's not an apples to apples comparison because they are extending only a season. I used to have Six Flags passes. You purchased a pass for the season and their season was about 5 months long: opened on the weekends starting in April, opened every day during the summer, closed for part of the fall, and then reopened for weekends in October and December for their Halloween and Holiday days. So, if they are not open during the summer this year, boom, you basically lose the entire season.

2. For those saying, "I am an out of state AP and I cannot just get back when they reopen, I would like to see my AP paused and the ability to restart later" - I think this is a valid idea and would make many APers happy, especially since the out of state APs are the most expensive and you buy your Platinum or Platinum Plus thinking about specific trips and specific dates.

I just worry how it all works logistically on the back-end. You would need to have each AP call and pause it instead of taking the refund or the automatic extension, and then call again to "restart" it, and how would that work with 30 and 60 day FP windows? And the amount of manual man-power to deal with this on the back end at the same time as they have to reissue refunds, etc. Disney is an entirely different beast than the local zoo, where you can just show up the day you want to go and get your pass extended.

3. And at the end of the day, it all depends on *when* they reopen and *when* they announce that reopening. There was enough discussion on the (now closed) coronavirus thread to understand that they reopening is a complex issue. Whenever they decide to reopen, it will take some time to actually reopen. They will need to call back the furloughed CMs, make certain health and safety modifications, train them, procure food and supplies that have been paused for a while, etc., so we may get much more of a heads up of reopening than what may be assumed in this thread.

I also see some comments that are making assumptions on when the reopening will take place and calculate the "value" of the extension based on those assumptions. But, what if the reopening is not then? IMHO, we need to have the reopening date in hand *before* we can assess whether the refund option or extension of the expiration date will work or not.

 

[DGsAtBLT]

There’s expectations and there’s desires.

I don’t expect more than an extension based on the exact amount of days lost, and to a lesser extent I don’t expect that clock to start until at least all 4 parks are open.

I do hope they will take individual situations into account if their given solutions don’t work well for those individuals. I don’t think asking for the extension to be applied in a way that allows that individual passholder to actually see value in having an annual pass is outrageous. Everyone’s circumstances are different, I *hope* but not expect that Disney is willing to address that.

 

[disney rules]

We bought our passes for two 14 day trips, one last August and the one again for this July-Aaugust up to the exp. date, The extention does nothing for us because of school/work, etc. , and I am sure a partial refund will not cover what they really should refund. The right thing to do would be to extend the pass through summer of 2021 or issue us a new 14 day hopper pass to use whenever. Since we already have hotel reservations on disney property for this summer, they can see we already have planned our next trip. Most people by the annual passes based on calculations of days going to the park at certain times of the year or we wouldn't be purchasing these tickets, especially with the amount of times the have increased the prices of the last year.

 

[chicagodisneyguy]

We only buy AP every other year. Like most, we plan at least 2 trips and try for a few more long weekends. Our current AP we did a 4 night November trip, 2 day December trip, and a 6 night January trip. We have a Sep trip planned...but doubt that will happen. I feel like the two options presented are pretty fair all things considered. Obviously, it won't allow people to maximize the passes exactly how they would like.

I do think those who only used a few days should be allowed the third option of getting a refund of difference of the AP and corresponding ticket that covers their days used. So for example, the poster who only used 6 days of their AP, I think it would be fair to refund the difference of the AP and a 6 day park hopper. Those like me who got 10+ days of use already, I think a refund/pass extension of days closed is fair. IMO we received a fair value from our annual pass.

While I think the option of allowing people to "hit the pause button" and chose when they can use their extension would be amazing, I just don't see that as a viable option. The logistics are probably too great to manage to individuals situations. And doing case by case will afford some people more value than others. Once one report of Disney making a special exception hits the internet then everyone will expect one.

I agree with yulilin3 above that I think we need to have realistic exceptions as to what Disney can/will do.

 

[midaroco]

I'm sure they have weighed the financial backlash for doing nothing against the cost of extending. It took some coaxing for them to stop charging the monthly folks. Doing the right thing isn't generous. It's the least they could do without falling back to the fine print.

There was no coaxing. The fact of the matter is, no matter how much you will it to be so...Disney didn’t have to stop monthly payments for APs, they didn’t have to offer partial refunds, they didn’t have to offer extensions. Simply because it’s what you think should be done, doesn’t make it the “right” thing to do.

 

[Disney Bobby]

Maybe this will teach us as consumers to understand what we are purchasing and not to expect irrational accommodations.

Seems a little snotty and preachy. Disney had only been closed for something like 4 or 5 days SINCE 1972. We know it gets busy on some holidays and you might not be able to get into Magic Kingdom. We know that you might lose a day or 2 because of a hurricane in Florida. NOBODY could have reasonably been expected to interpret that as you might be shut out of the parks for months.

 

[midaroco]

The right thing to do would be to extend the pass through summer of 2021 or issue us a new 14 day hopper pass to use whenever.

What makes this the right thing to do? Because it’s what you want? Because it’s what works best for your situation? What about an individual whose pass expired in the beginning of April - they then get extended through to summer of 2021? That would be the right thing to do? Somehow, I feel like the same folks complaining about the options Disney has currently put forth would be in an uproar at the idea of some people getting something for free that they aren’t. The fact of the matter is, the only truly fair method is to extend everyone the same amount of days, or offer a refund for the days they are closed - through the end of their AP.

 

[ChipnDale79]

I'm sure they have weighed the financial backlash for doing nothing against the cost of extending. It took some coaxing for them to stop charging the monthly folks. Doing the right thing isn't generous. It's the least they could do without falling back to the fine print.

But they are doing the right thing. They’re giving you the 365 days you’re paying for, you’re asking for them to go above and beyond more than they already are.

 

[Disney Bobby]

There was no coaxing. The fact of the matter is, no matter how much you will it to be so...Disney didn’t have to stop monthly payments for APs, they didn’t have to offer partial refunds, they didn’t have to offer extensions.

There absolutely was a backlash on social media. It hit the media and they then decided to do something.

Simply because it’s what you think should be done, doesn’t make it the “right” thing to do.

Consumers have a voice and get to decide what they think is right or fair., especially in extraordinary circumstances. Disney has a choice to make. They can do what they customers think is right or they can go their own way and suffer the consequences. They will do the math and decide which way to go, but there is nothing wrong with customer setting expectations.

 

[New Mouse]

It's all about the fine print. Here's the fine print on the AP (this doesn't mean Disney can offer something else, BUT this is what you agree on when you bought the tickets and the company is in no way obligated to stray from this) you can interpret this as you will but Disney could very well stick to the bolded and they would be in their right to do so (again I'm not sticking or defending Disney, it's just what we signed up for) people tend to expect certain things that are not guaranteed and Disney is very smart to make sure they tell you what they are guaranteeing with their tickets and other paid offerings.They are saying with this AP you can come into the parks IF...they are not guaranteeing attractions/shows/fireworks/entertainment/food options/merch options



Passes do not guarantee theme park admission, especially during high attendance periods. Admission to the theme parks and availability of standard theme park parking are subject to capacity and other closures. Other restrictions apply.

All Passes: All passes exclude activities/events separately priced. Pass types, entitlements and prices subject to change without notice. Passes are nontransferable and nonrefundable.





*Disney PhotoPass® benefit for Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus Annual Pass and Premier Annual Passport includes Disney PhotoPass® photos and other digital content linked to the guest’s Disney account and captured while the annual pass is valid for admission to a Disney Parks theme park. A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Photos and other digital content linked to a Disney account with a Disney PhotoPass® benefit for qualifying Annual Passholders will expire 365 days from the date of capture. This Disney PhotoPass® benefit is subject to terms and conditions and also to the MyMagic+ terms and conditions. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Online registration required. Downloads are restricted to personal use by Passholder only. Subject to change without notice.



Monthly Payments valid only for Florida residents living in ZIP codes 32003-34997.

**The exact amount of each payment is specified in the Retail Installment Contract, which will appear on a subsequent screen.

They can say whatevet they want in the fine print. If they dont change their tune, i guarantee you no one will pay $1000 for an ap ever again.

 

[ChipnDale79]

There absolutely was a backlash on social media. It hit the media and they then decided to do something.



Consumers have a voice and get to decide what they think is right or fair., especially in extraordinary circumstances. Disney has a choice to make. They can do what they customers think is right or they can go their own way and suffer the consequences. They will do the math and decide which way to go, but there is nothing wrong with customer setting expectations.

I mean you’re basically asking Disney to give you non expiring tickets, what a can of worms that would be opening.

I’d be slamming Disney if they didn’t add on days to your ap to match the days they’re closed. However they are. This just proves that you can’t make everyone happy no matter what you do.

 

[New Mouse]

What Disney has done, ethically, is great. They have absolutely taken care of the consumer. Simply because it doesn’t mathematically work for you, and you don’t get what you want out of it, does not mean they have sidestepped some ethical obligation. You do realize you, the consumer, made the choice to purchase a pass good for 365 days that you more than likely would only use for less than 6% of the time you purchased it for.... and that’s being generous. We did have other options available to us. We chose to purchase APs in hopes of realizing savings through multiple trips. There was always the possibility of a personal event that may have kept us from those vacations... illness, deaths in the family. The difference here is the masses don’t like that they have no say, so they cry foul. When in actuality, Disney has been very generous given the billions they have lost.

How has Disney been generous?

 

[ChipnDale79]

They can say whatevet they want in the fine print. If they dont change their tune, i guarantee you no one will pay $1000 for an ap ever again.

Yes they will. Price hike after price hike and people keep buying them. Just like me, you may not buy them again, but this isn’t going to stop people from buying them.

I stopped buying them because I wasn’t going to spend that much on it anymore and I got sick of the price hikes, but people keep buying them.

 

[New Mouse]

How exactly are you paying ?!?! If you are being refunded for the days that they are closed, how are you paying? What exactly is your proposal? Your ticket a day for every day they are closed is not feasible since you didn’t have plans to be there every day. What’s more, they are already offering to refund you for the days they’ve been closed...so we’ve covered that. If adding the time onto the end of your pass doesn’t work for you, then take the refund for the time they were closed. Maybe this will teach us as consumers to understand what we are purchasing and not to expect irrational accommodations.

So what if you are a DVC member and can only get accommodations at 11 months out... all of a sudden offering me access to the parks in September doesnt work with the other part of your system that I have paid to be a part of. If my DVC res was for April, I cant just go change it.

 

[DGsAtBLT]

We only buy AP every other year. Like most, we plan at least 2 trips and try for a few more long weekends. Our current AP we did a 4 night November trip, 2 day December trip, and a 6 night January trip. We have a Sep trip planned...but doubt that will happen. I feel like the two options presented are pretty fair all things considered. Obviously, it won't allow people to maximize the passes exactly how they would like.

I do think those who only used a few days should be allowed to the third option of getting a refund of difference of the AP and corresponding ticket that covers their days used. So for example, the poster who only used 6 days of their AP, I think it would be fair to refund the difference of the AP and a 6 day park hopper. Those like me who got 10+ days of use already, I think a refund/pass extension of days closed is fair. IMO we received a fair value from our annual pass.

While I think the option of allowing people to "hit the pause button" and chose when they can use their extension would be amazing, I just don't see that as a viable option. The logistics are probably too great to manage to individuals situations. And doing case by case will afford some people more value than others. Once one report of Disney making a special exception hits the internet then everyone will expect one.

I agree with yulilin3 above that I think we need to have realistic exceptions as to what Disney can/will do.

As a person who only was able to use her pass for 6 days (maybe I’m the one you’re referring to) I tend to agree with you. I see a difference between wanting to get the full usage you personally planned, and wanting to just not see a loss having an AP.

It’s not Disney’s fault my almost 2 week trip was collateral damage here, nor is it their fault it may not be able to be taken before my pass expires. I plan on asking them to work with me on an individual level if their given options don’t work for us. If they won’t, they won’t, and we make the choice with refund/extension that best mitigates our loss. I don’t think it’s outrageous to think they may help in some fashion (and especially not outrageous to ask), over the years we have personally experienced Disney willing to go above and beyond what could be expected of them due to unique situations.