Water Parks Fun and More Option and Prem AP About This Page:

[mvmcgee]

With the retirement of the PI nightclubs Disney has decided to add a round of golf at their 9-hole course to the Prem AP and WPFM option. This seems like a very unpopular and unusable option to many folks. I know PI was more of an adult option, but why not say a round of mini-golf at Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland. It would seem a more viable and popular option. Just a thought.

[Colexis Mom]

I think you're alternative is a great option!!!

[dkfajr1]

I like that idea, then the kids can join in too!

[krisk11]

We would love a round of mini golf but would never use a 9 hole round of golf.

[MorenaSangre]

I have to add a reallyreallyreally passionate voice of agreement. I was peeved about the golf as a temporary benefit to replace Pleasure Island, and I've been desperately hoping that it would be replaced by something else in 2009. The PI benefit was something my DH and I used (and it saved us >$20 every time we used it). We will NEVER play a 9-hole golf course.

As you pointed out, access to the mini-golf courses sees a far more logical choice. It's a more family-friendly option; it appeals to a wider customer base; it provides 2 venues for passholders instead of 1.

I'm just really frustrated (and I'm trying hard not to rant). I paid for the Premium Annual Pass, and I enjoy the water park benefit, but I find the choice of 9-hole golf both elitist and inconsiderate. Disney's PR folks keep assuring us that they are "responding to customer feedback" in closing PI. They tell us that they put all this effort into market research to determine that people want MORE shopping and dining. If that is true, why didn't that research include a simple survey mailed to passholders offering us a choice of replacement benefits, and selecting a benefit by customer majority?

If the vast majority of passholders wanted 9-hole golf, then so be it. I'm a weirdo; I don't play golf, but I'll deal with it if it reflects what my fellow Prem AP holders want. However, my perception as a customer is that Disney has simply dictated that since I can't have the benefit I paid for, they're tossing me a "comp." To me, it comes off as thoughtless, erodes my company loyalty, and is, in essence, bad PR.

I understand that AP benefits go back to the bottom line, but I'm an easy sell. Provide a Premium AP area for viewing Wishes, Illuminations, and Fantasmic as a replacement for PI...give me a voucher code for a single free VIP tour every year...heck, give me the option of adding free CS dining any time I stay on property - which guarantees Dinsey the price of a resort room. Just don't give me a golf course, something not at all "Disney" - something I can find anywhere in the country. The AC was a uniquely "Disney" experience, and that's why I loved it. Even the mini-golf with its blatantly "Disney" theming is unique. This is...golf. Meh.

Okay, see, I ranted after all. Sorry, but I'm really frustrated with this. Do we know for sure that the 2009 PAP will just continue the golf benefit?

[mvmcgee]

That's exactly my point. I play golf and may actually use the option. But, not everyone does. Golf is not a sport where you can just pick up a club and start swinging and expect to have fun. Not everyone used the PI option either, but it was a viable option to everyone (except little kids at least).

[chezp]

I think you've got a great idea there.

[JPTexan82]

I don t understand it either, golf really???

[Starla4436]

I think its a good idea!

[gismo1554]

Personally I wouldn't want the Mini Golf option I would prefer a more adult option but as said this is just my opinion. I still think they could have replaced PI with Jellyrolls admission.

I think they chose the normal golf for the precise reason that it would appeal to adults and the option lost is only available to adults so it wouldn't make sense for them to replace it with a family thing as this would alienate another part of their clientel.

Not having a go at anyone or anything but I think that in general people tend to forget that it is not just your average 2 adults and 2 children that go to Disney and families come in all shapes and sizes! Personally I dont have kids and travel with my parents, sister, her husband and this time my boyfriend. As a group we liked being able to go to Pleasure Island and get a little bit of time away from other people's children. I accept that Disney is also a place for children and would never want to restrict them but I think it is also unfair to restrict the other side of Disney for those who want to use that. As it is the only really adult area is now Boardwalk and there is no way to get to or from here after Downtown Disney closes so not very fair on those of us planning on using Disney transportation or having a drink. PI used to be somewhere fun to go to have a drink and a laugh. There isn't anywhere else really in that area that has anywhere near the same atmosphere!

I also personally don't see why Disney needs any more restaurants or shops as I think it has plenty

For anyone with an Annual Pass - City Walk is giving free annual passes for those who had PI annual passes. Don't know the details but worth looking into.

[Aminspired]

Oh boy am I annoyed with this "golf" comp. I do not and will not play golf. I even asked if I could get one CS meal voucher instead and they said "no". I am really ticked off about the whole thing. Golf is not something just anyone can get up and do, anything but golf please!

[Meeko]

I agree with the golf being a poor substitute - nothing against golf, it's a great replacement if it is something you otherwise like to do. I know when I used to have a Premium AP I never used the water parks - I had it only to go to PI most nights of my trip. I don't think I would use min-golf either though - I don't have kids and am not any more into mini golf than regular golf. the only good option for me would have been Jellyrolls admission - I like that idea. I have to say I am glad I don't have a premium pass anymore.

[RobDVC]

I think their logic behind the replacement was to substitute an "adult only" option (Pleasure Island nightclub admission) with another "adult only" option (round of golf on a 9 hole course). Granted some children could and might want to play a round of real golf, but that's unlikely.

[gismo1554]

Originally Posted by RobDVC

I think their logic behind the replacement was to substitute an "adult only" option (Pleasure Island nightclub admission) with another "adult only" option (round of golf on a 9 hole course). Granted some children could and might want to play a round of real golf, but that's unlikely.

I don't think this really was the idea as it would have been cheaper for them to have given free entrance to Jellyrolls if they really wanted to substitute it for an Adult only option. I think more than likely they wanted to give an option that few people would use hence reducing their costs. Although golf is perhaps an adult more than child activity you could also argue that it is an elitist activity and that most people that would use this option would probably go and play golf with or without it so I think the idea that they choose it as an adult option isn't true but that's just my take on it

[revral]

I don't see why they couldn't offer you a choice of several different replacement options. Such as you can a)have 9 holes of golf b) a round of mini golf c) free Jelly Rolls admission or c) a voucher for a free counter service meal.