HydroGuy
A Pirate's Life For Me
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2005
Since you asked...I just want to know, what are "crowds" such an issue? DL doesn't ever allow the parks to go over capacity, but there IS a capacity.
To Disney crowds are an issue because they can swamp parking capacity and provide a logistical nightmare for new things like the summer Nightastic earlier this year and the new World of Color next year. So much so that they are considering the unprecedented "ShowPass" idea for WoC.
For visitors they are an issue because
1) they can show up at DLR but be blocked from entering if it is at capacity
2) higher crowds means longer lines and one cannot get on as many rides or see as many shows
3) stress from higher crowds really affects some people - especially if they have mobility or other health issues or have small children that get afraid
It makes a huge difference because many SoCal local AP holders behave differently than other visitors and it is worth understanding why. It is easier for this group of people to "sit" for an extremely long time for new shows and rides. That is why DLR has people camping out in the Esplanade for new things like Nemo Subs. I do not follow WDW as closely but I have never heard of thousands of people camping out overnight to ride new rides there.What difference should it make WHO is in there?
This is a behavioral difference that reflects on:
1) Easier theme park access for a larger number of people because of the population density around DLR
2) Many devoted followers (i.e., "fans" aka "fanatics")
If you read the articles you will see that they are working on changing it. It is not that they do not "like" it but that it is having unintended consequences. It is a problem but what many in business would call a "good problem" as in too many customers and too successful.I mean, DLR chose to offer those two low level So. Cal AP's. They didn't have to. Back when I first got my AP, there were only 3 options. That ultra cheap So Cal Select AP and the "monthly payment plan" is really something Disney offered out of desperation to tap another market of locals...the ones who couldn't afford even the regular So Cal Select pass.
But, prior to that, and even now, So. Cal residents can get super cheap hopper tickets through places like Costco. So, really, it's not like there is a huge money loss.
The truth is, DLR for MANY years was, in reality, primarily attended by LOCALS. It's just the way it was. The DISNEY company is the one who chose to add another park, hotels, and Downtown Disney to make it a "destination", and now that it's working, they're upset about the 850,000 AP holders who have been making up a large bulk of their attendance for the past 30+ years??? Whatever. I honestly don't think Al Lutz knows what he's talking about. If Disney didn't "like" their AP program, they'd change it like that! They are allowed to do that...
The Orlando area has a small fraction of the population as the greater Anaheim/SoCal population. So the impact will be less.Just for comparison, they JUST (like yesterday) announced that they will offer a similar "select" pass for ORLANDO locals to WDW...obviously, they feel the AP program is working WELL at DLR, and they are looking to duplicate that over in Florida.
Actually Disney wants a profitable park. If they could make the same profit with zero crowds you can bet that is what they would do. If the crowds (or type of crowds) reduces profitability they will work to change that. Anything that reduces profitability they will work to change. That is what they do. They are a business. Nothing wrong with it.A crowded park is what the Disney company WANTS. Why would they do anything to ruin that?