Another Voice
Charter Member of The Element
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2000
[Fast Pass] is a non-revenue generating Perk for the WDW guest. It cost quite a bit to develop and even more to implement and staff. Yet, its only return is in visitor goodwill.
Actually, no.
Fast Pass was cost justified on the additional traffic to shops, restaurants and other attractions the process was supposed to generate. In the bluntest of terms if people are standing in line they are not out spending money. Having 6,000 guests waiting in line for two hours at Pirates doesnt add anything to the bottom line.
While it was assumed that many guests would use the extra time to visit other attractions, it was also assumed that many would also browse through nearby shops, have a quick meal or down a Coke. In reality, most people simply go wait in other lines and far fewer are spending additional money. You can also notice how the initially enthusiasm (and expansion) of Fast Pass has dramatically tapered off over the last year.
While opening capacity sensitive revenue generators can be seen as undoing cut backs (Look Mommy, another place to spend money!), the true guest goodwill comes from services that provide the visitors with enjoyment without such a blatant grab for money. The tangible you-get-what-you-pay-for feel is better suited to Las Vegas and tacky carnivals, not a Disney park. While I enjoy bar-b-que, I would much rather watch the submarines prowling through their lagoon once again.
Actually, no.
Fast Pass was cost justified on the additional traffic to shops, restaurants and other attractions the process was supposed to generate. In the bluntest of terms if people are standing in line they are not out spending money. Having 6,000 guests waiting in line for two hours at Pirates doesnt add anything to the bottom line.
While it was assumed that many guests would use the extra time to visit other attractions, it was also assumed that many would also browse through nearby shops, have a quick meal or down a Coke. In reality, most people simply go wait in other lines and far fewer are spending additional money. You can also notice how the initially enthusiasm (and expansion) of Fast Pass has dramatically tapered off over the last year.
While opening capacity sensitive revenue generators can be seen as undoing cut backs (Look Mommy, another place to spend money!), the true guest goodwill comes from services that provide the visitors with enjoyment without such a blatant grab for money. The tangible you-get-what-you-pay-for feel is better suited to Las Vegas and tacky carnivals, not a Disney park. While I enjoy bar-b-que, I would much rather watch the submarines prowling through their lagoon once again.