Call for Ideas: New Membership Program Perks

[netdvn]

Universal has a Facebook group dedicated to passholders. I think a member-exclusive page for BGW would be a nice little thing to have. The park will moderate what people post.

It would give everyone a chance to interact directly with the park, it's not too expensive, its a great way for people to get questions answered/exchange advice, and its a great way to advertise.

 

[Zachary]

Honestly I'd like to see something like that just so the park could provide more targeted information via social media.

For instance, updates about Membership events and the like. Posts about new or nearly sold out limited run Membership-exclusive merch. News about limited time membership exclusive discounts, etc.

Often these things get posted to the membership portal (if they are mentioned online at all) and very few people end up seeing them. There has to be a better way.

 

[Mamunia]

Late comer here, but I would LOVE a separate entrance for members. I think some people mentioned there's a gate in Ireland? That would be amazing. I don't know about the logistics for all member levels, but at least for Premier members who park in England. The only reason I bought Platinum is to park in England and bypass the first entrance and longer walk (and no tram). Bypassing the main gate and walking right into Ireland would be like heaven.

I also like the idea of a lounge or somewhere we can get out of the elements. Right now the only place you can take a breather and maybe eat a snack indoors is Fest Haus and that can be very crowded and loud, especially during show time.

Finally, since it doesn't look like a Germany train station is feasible, I would love to be able to either bypass the line for the skyride or be able to stay on it for at least one loop. I tend to like Germany and New France for food and shows best, but there's been countless times I left early, or considered stopping by the park for dinner/show and didn't, because it takes so long waiting for the skyride or walking (and huffing and puffing if I'm tired) - and again on the way out. Even if it was something like an after-5pm perk, I'd definitely spend more money more often if it was easier/quicker to get to the back of the park. In order to keep numbers down, and also give added value to the Premier membership, I propose this be for Premier members. Premier members could have a different colored pass to show the skyride attendants and entry could be at the disabled access and similarly staggered.

 

[WDWRLD]

Ok, here is the problem with many of the mentioned "perks" so far. The number of pass holders at BGW is astronomical compared to Seaworld and even KD. Having things like a exclusive pass holder entrance in Ireland wouldn't work because that parking lot isn't big enough to put all the cars. In addition a separate pass holder line would be many times longer than the regular entrances. Same would be true with re rides like they get in Florida....too many pass holders would jam up the queues. What would work but would still impact operations to a lesser degree is a system for every so many visits you get one quick queue for one ride as you enter the park that day. Or a system of after scanning your pass at dining locations so many times you get a free meal. For both of those scan and get things options there should be higher levels of each pass level, example less visits to the park for premier to get a quick queue than gold to get one. The major problem with anything though is the amount of pass holders. Look at just about every pass holder preview, its just a normal park day as far as crowds. The pass holder CT night a few years ago was a prime example, you literally could not move in many park areas. How about a separate pass holder entrance to see Santa? With the new multiple rooms have one dedicated to pass holders. How about use the new "event space" for weekly dance parties, have a DJ or band and its exclusive to pass holders only. Food and Wine, have a gift for pass holders who visit every booth and make a purchase, such as a Member Food and Wine glass. For WCUSA how about member movie nights, put up a big screen at the wave pool, fill it with inner tubes from other rides and let people cool off and enjoy a after hours movie on hot summer nights. Or a band, put Slap Nation at the end of the wave pool and have a huge pool party, have a reasonably priced buffet right at the wave pool that could be simple hamburgers and hot dogs. Again, it needs to be a good price, some comparable to going to a food stand in the park. That the problem with current Black Forrest Picknic events, prices are outrageous and you are getting regular park food. But movie nights and Dj parties at BGW need to occur more than once or twice a season, have them every week and again have a small prize for those that attend them all.

 

[Nicole]

Just my opinion, but I have no interest in a DJ or a dance party. To be honest, I never see a lot of people paying much attention to the DJs, when the park brings them in.

In my mind use of the Ireland entrance would make most sense as a Premier Membership perk, since those people already use the England lot.

 

[WDWRLD]

Just my opinion, but I have no interest in a DJ or a dance party.  To be honest, I never see a lot of people paying much attention to the DJs, when the park brings them in.

In my mind use of the Ireland entrance would make most sense as a Premier Membership perk, since those people already use the England lot.

The England lot while used by some pass members was a tightly kept secret. The majority of passholders used the regular entrance. I really think the employee entrance perk will be gone by summer. Now that its widely published the line is going to be long backing up and disrupting employees getting to work. It will become more of a issue the first time James City Fire gets there and cant get in on the 1 lane narrow road because Pass members are jamming it up.

As far as the Djs, I think its they way they have been used in the past. Putting a DJ in the middle of a walkway never works. Put it in Darkastle, put in some decent stage lighting, throw in some high tops and seating such as couches and tables, and a few drink stations that have rotating specialty drinks based on the season and I think it would do good. They could even do specialty snacks each weak, loaded tater tot baskets, specialty fries, sliders. Again keep the costs reasonable, dont try to pay for all the employees for the week by overpricing the snacks. Make it a place to come hang out in on Saturday nights in the summer. Have specialty weeks that the regular park guests would never see so it wouldn't affect the themeing of the park. Im not a Karaoke person at all, but even a open mic night would work.

 

[Merboy]

Not that I'm opposed to a party or basically any club scene, but like... what?

 

[Ghost of Pretzel Kaiser]

I've used this point before in how Demon Street is a terrible thing that should never have been conjoured into existence, but why would I want to go to a theme park for club atmosphere when I could just go to a proper club? I think of BGW as a place where you go to for experiences that aren't common around here, but you can't walk a few hundred feet in Norfolk without tripping over a club. I feel that anything BGW does for pass members should enhance a visit to the park or provide unique experiences for members.

 

[WDWRLD]

I guess what I have in my head does not come through on paper. Im thinking more of a place for members to go and meet up earlier in the evening on Saturdays. A place where you will start seeing the same people every week, somewhere you can make new park friends and well as hang out and have a drink or two and a snack along with entertainment. Im thinking that 6-8pm time frame when the park is still packed, then by 8ish you can head out into the park to enjoy some rides with maybe other members. Think White Rabbit DJ Mad T Part at Disneyland.

 

[Merboy]

I see your point, and it's a good point, and I agree with you. I think what you're describing is the member lounge for which we're all calling. But also one could argue that you're describing Grogan's Pub. Or the bar in the festhaus. Or anywhere else in the park. Because the park is amazing.

 

[warfelg]

As far as the parking thing:
I wish it was something a little on the low key that not all members knew about. This is one area where I wish they would rip a page from Disney. So now that we know that they do look on here, they could do something like let some of the people in their loop of a "password". Like you go to employee parking, show your pass, and for a few weeks you can say "Nessie" and they let you in. A few weeks later and it's "O'Taters". Change it again to "Griff". So they could let people like Zachary and Nicole know these passwords, they can share it on here, and we could share it with a few of our friends.

Now not every pass member would know the word, not every pass member could get in there, but the 'perk' is still available if you know the word. Could eliminate some of the logjam at the door. I would even encourage a password at the main parking to get you the upgraded or England parking lots.

 

[WDWRLD]

I've used this point before in how Demon Street is a terrible thing that should never have been conjoured into existence, but why would I want to go to a theme park for club atmosphere when I could just go to a proper club?  I think of BGW as a place where you go to for experiences that aren't common around here, but you can't walk a few hundred feet in Norfolk without tripping over a club.  I feel that anything BGW does for pass members should enhance a visit to the park or provide unique experiences for members.

Demon Street dosent count as a DJ, its just a electronic pre recorded beat that loops over and over all season.

---

As far as the parking thing:
I wish it was something a little on the low key that not all members knew about.  This is one area where I wish they would rip a page from Disney.  So now that we know that they do look on here, they could do something like let some of the people in their loop of a "password".  Like you go to employee parking, show your pass, and for a few weeks you can say "Nessie" and they let you in.  A few weeks later and it's "O'Taters".  Change it again to "Griff".  So they could let people like Zachary and Nicole know these passwords, they can share it on here, and we could share it with a few of our friends.  

Now not every pass member would know the word, not every pass member could get in there, but the 'perk' is still available if you know the word.  Could eliminate some of the logjam at the door.  I would even encourage a password at the main parking to get you the upgraded or England parking lots.

It would probably make it worse with all the cars lined up with old passwords.

 

[warfelg]

I think there's some overestimating of what could happen there. Make everyone go through the main gate, give a different colored tag to send them back to those lots.

 

[WDWRLD]

I see your point, and it's a good point, and I agree with you. I think what you're describing is the member lounge for which we're all calling. But also one could argue that you're describing Grogan's Pub. Or the bar in the festhaus. Or anywhere else in the park. Because the park is amazing.

But a member lounge needs to be big enough to make it accessible and not be full when 10 people are there. And not filled with Coke crap either. I dont want to feel like im in a television commercial. I think if done well it could be profitable. Have island weekends in summer, during Bier Fest have a Oomph Band and one or two featured brews from the festival. What if during Halloween it was transformed into the "Demon Lounge" and was integrated into a haunted house where through one way mirrors you could watch the inside of the house almost room for room and the people getting scared.

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I think there's some overestimating of what could happen there.  Make everyone go through the main gate, give a different colored tag to send them back to those lots.

If everyone goes through the main gate dosent that defeat the purpose of the employee entrance perk?

 

[Ghost of Pretzel Kaiser]

I've used this point before in how Demon Street is a terrible thing that should never have been conjoured into existence, but why would I want to go to a theme park for club atmosphere when I could just go to a proper club?  I think of BGW as a place where you go to for experiences that aren't common around here, but you can't walk a few hundred feet in Norfolk without tripping over a club.  I feel that anything BGW does for pass members should enhance a visit to the park or provide unique experiences for members.

Demon Street dosent count as a DJ, its just a electronic pre recorded beat that loops over and over all season.

---

As far as the parking thing:
I wish it was something a little on the low key that not all members knew about.  This is one area where I wish they would rip a page from Disney.  So now that we know that they do look on here, they could do something like let some of the people in their loop of a "password".  Like you go to employee parking, show your pass, and for a few weeks you can say "Nessie" and they let you in.  A few weeks later and it's "O'Taters".  Change it again to "Griff".  So they could let people like Zachary and Nicole know these passwords, they can share it on here, and we could share it with a few of our friends.  

Now not every pass member would know the word, not every pass member could get in there, but the 'perk' is still available if you know the word.  Could eliminate some of the logjam at the door.  I would even encourage a password at the main parking to get you the upgraded or England parking lots.

It would probably make it worse with all the cars lined up with old passwords.

---

The legitimacy of the DJ was not my point. My point was that BGW doesn't need a dance club because there are already hundreds of clubs in Hampton Roads. A social gathering someplace for passmembers is fine, but they need to make it special and matches the feel of the park. I'm not sure blasting (current popular artist) or (different current popular artist) woulf achieve it.

 

[lilleape]

Has there historically been a line at the employee entrance? Last year, I paid for the upgraded VIP parking a couple of times and there was never more than 1 car at the booth. And that was on Saturdays.

 

[CastleOSullivan]

If you parked in France, would an Ireland entrance still be a good perk? Tampa has something similar with a gate that is occasionally used for pass holders, and it drops people right in the middle of their park. Williamsburg hardly has a "middle of the park" area to speak of, due to their less square shaped layout.

I also worry that the park will jinx the employee entrance system, rendering an Ireland entrance less appealing. Until then, an Ireland entrance is a page right out of my greatest dreams.

 

[warfelg]

If everyone goes through the main gate dosent that defeat the purpose of the employee entrance perk?

Not at all IMO. I would prefer it be you pull up to the lot, give the password, and get in. If you don't have it then you get booted. If you give one that was cycled out 1-3 days ago they let you in. One try and that's it. I think (again) you're overplaying how many cars would be there.

And the point of the Employee lot/other entrance was to give Members a way that they feel exclusive. Finding a way to do that is part of it. If giving a password got you into that area, as opposed to making it a open benefit that everyone knew about, you would accomplish that.

Let's just say that there's 250 active members on here. And we each tell 1 other family or driver of a car about this. That's 500 possible cars going. What are the odds that (1) all show up on the same day, (2) all show up at the same time, and (3) a large number have the wrong password. And on top of that every one of them are Premiere Members to boot?

I think those odds would be slim. I think at worse you get about 15-20 cars in that line with only having 1 or 2 having the wrong password. And anyways, you would have to show your pass like you do now, but you would just hand if over saying "I'm here for Nessie's parking."

IIRC it's at Downtown Disney, where you could pull up, and say something like that (again last time I remember my uncle saying "I heard Goofy is in town") and they gave you a 'blank ticket' for parking which gave you a no fee for the day (it was an hourly lot). We then took transit over to Hollywood Studios for the day and spent the day there. No charge parking. (Or I actually think it was a cast member lot).

Well this is taking that to the next step of having to know that and be a member. It didn't slow them down to let them through the gate. It wasn't often someone had the wrong password (this isn't a generally known thing). And it's a small perk that really makes people feel special.

Even if all they did was barricade the far right (as you are pulling in) of the England lot, and at the ticket booth you gave the password that got you a special tag (to flash to the guys giving directions) so you could get back there, then you could enter through a small gate for members only at Ireland it would feel exclusive and special.

And at the end of it all that's really what most of us want. Give us a way to feel exclusive and special without doing too much. All it takes for something like the parking is to come up with a word and maybe print passes on a different color tag.

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If you parked in France, would an Ireland entrance still be a good perk? Tampa has something similar with a gate that is occasionally used for pass holders, and it drops people right in the middle of their park. Williamsburg hardly has a "middle of the park" area to speak of, due to their less square shaped layout.

I also worry that the park will jinx the employee entrance system, rendering an Ireland entrance less appealing. Until then, an Ireland entrance is a page right out of my greatest dreams.

Well, I think the idea here is the Ireland entrance is available but you don't have to use it. You could still go to the main gate if you parked in France or Italy or Ireland. That's why giving a way to park at those other lots goes hand in hand with the extra available gate for members.

At least that's the way I see it.

 

[WDWRLD]

Has there historically been a line at the employee entrance? Last year, I paid for the upgraded VIP parking a couple of times and there was never more than 1 car at the booth. And that was on Saturdays.

I saw a few busy days that there were 10 or so cars. But I only used it about 5 times the whole season. Its just quicker and easier to come straight off 64 and park in the preferred lot for me. Its always slower at that booth as the guard usually wants to talk.

 

[warfelg]

Has there historically been a line at the employee entrance? Last year, I paid for the upgraded VIP parking a couple of times and there was never more than 1 car at the booth. And that was on Saturdays.

I did it a few times after I learned about it and nothing.