Call for Ideas: New Membership Program Perks
- Thread starter Nicole
- Start date
So here's another idea that would have to be a premium perk to work, and even then I'd have no idea if it is feasible. I often find myself leaving my cup at home or in my car. What if there was a way for the park to keep those bottles in the park like the Stein club?
Maybe in some sort of pass member lounge...
So, I just re-read the entire thread to see if anything else popped into my head. I honestly think we have already covered a lot of ground.
In addition to my previous ideas, here are a few additional thoughts (in no particular order):
Rhine River Cruise. Perhaps tied to a few of the special events, dedicated cruises for Members could be cool. Obviously, I don’t mean just the normal trip up and down the Rhine. I was thinking of something HOS themed (someone suggested ghost stories), a special wine and cheese reception (like the F&WF Booze Cruise), a dessert party, or other similar options. Clear,y this would have to be a paid ticketed event. I guess this would be sort of like Disney’s Tables in Wonderland special events.
Member ornament. In addition the Member-only merch I previously suggested (T-shirt’s, tumblers, pjs, plastic passes, pins, etc), I’d love an annual Member Christmas ornament, themed to BGW. I don’t think this should be very difficult, since BGW already offers so many different designs each year.
F&WF testers. The year the Asia booth was added to the F&FW, we were given the opportunity to taste the new dishes and provide feedback at a Pass Holder event. In fact, Chef Justin came over and chatted with everyone participating to hear their thoughts directly. I would love to have an annual Member event where we served as testers for potential new dishes. It was fun for us, and hopefully useful for the Culinary team, as well.
Season long locker rental (either or both parks). Given my basic frustrations with the locker system, which are not appropriate for this thread, I would love to be able to purchase year-long access to lockers at either or both parks. Much like a year-long cupless drink program, I am willing pay for the convenience of year-long locker rentals.
Magic Bands. I just want throw out there how much I adore Disney’s Magic Band system. I know it requires enough of a capital investment that they aren’t even replicating it in additional parks, but being able to have everything coded to a single wearable object that I scan for access is just amazing. Also, I love the designs of the bands, themselves, and have purchased several (My current favorites are my two Dooney & Bourke limited edition bands, my Flower & Garden Festival band, and my Haunted Mansion band). Disney’s new Magic Keepers are great, too. Tony has the Mickey Mouse caribeaner, which clips to his belt loop. Perhaps, QQs, credit cards, passes, and other up-charges could be consolidated on our plastic passes or phones, at least? I think Universal’s Tapu Tapu system may be a better model financially for the park?
Member reserved seating. As others have mentioned, other SEAS parks offer reserved seating at shows and concerts. Admittedly, I try to avoid both at BGW, but have always loved being able to avoid waiting in line for a hour before the shows at SWO without fear of not finding a decent seat.
In addition to my previous ideas, here are a few additional thoughts (in no particular order):
Rhine River Cruise. Perhaps tied to a few of the special events, dedicated cruises for Members could be cool. Obviously, I don’t mean just the normal trip up and down the Rhine. I was thinking of something HOS themed (someone suggested ghost stories), a special wine and cheese reception (like the F&WF Booze Cruise), a dessert party, or other similar options. Clear,y this would have to be a paid ticketed event. I guess this would be sort of like Disney’s Tables in Wonderland special events.
Member ornament. In addition the Member-only merch I previously suggested (T-shirt’s, tumblers, pjs, plastic passes, pins, etc), I’d love an annual Member Christmas ornament, themed to BGW. I don’t think this should be very difficult, since BGW already offers so many different designs each year.
F&WF testers. The year the Asia booth was added to the F&FW, we were given the opportunity to taste the new dishes and provide feedback at a Pass Holder event. In fact, Chef Justin came over and chatted with everyone participating to hear their thoughts directly. I would love to have an annual Member event where we served as testers for potential new dishes. It was fun for us, and hopefully useful for the Culinary team, as well.
Season long locker rental (either or both parks). Given my basic frustrations with the locker system, which are not appropriate for this thread, I would love to be able to purchase year-long access to lockers at either or both parks. Much like a year-long cupless drink program, I am willing pay for the convenience of year-long locker rentals.
Magic Bands. I just want throw out there how much I adore Disney’s Magic Band system. I know it requires enough of a capital investment that they aren’t even replicating it in additional parks, but being able to have everything coded to a single wearable object that I scan for access is just amazing. Also, I love the designs of the bands, themselves, and have purchased several (My current favorites are my two Dooney & Bourke limited edition bands, my Flower & Garden Festival band, and my Haunted Mansion band). Disney’s new Magic Keepers are great, too. Tony has the Mickey Mouse caribeaner, which clips to his belt loop. Perhaps, QQs, credit cards, passes, and other up-charges could be consolidated on our plastic passes or phones, at least? I think Universal’s Tapu Tapu system may be a better model financially for the park?
Member reserved seating. As others have mentioned, other SEAS parks offer reserved seating at shows and concerts. Admittedly, I try to avoid both at BGW, but have always loved being able to avoid waiting in line for a hour before the shows at SWO without fear of not finding a decent seat.
Ok look, I've got the platform so I'm taking the opportunity. BGW staff people, I have one thing to say to you: Okay two things:
1. Thank you*. First and foremost, and above all.
2. Bring back the Olde World (with a pretentious e) theme.
* Emphasis on thank you. I love you. And I love BGW. You are rockstars in my eyes.
1. Thank you*. First and foremost, and above all.
2. Bring back the Olde World (with a pretentious e) theme.
* Emphasis on thank you. I love you. And I love BGW. You are rockstars in my eyes.
So I spent this past weekend at Pittsburgh Beerfest, and I got the connoisseur ticket, and an idea hit me:
A few "member only" restrooms.
At that the showroom floor always had a line to go, but there was a special room for those of us in the connoisseur ticket, with restrooms. The restrooms were kept nicer and far far less busy.
A few spots in the park where you show your pass or swipe of scan and can go into the member only restrooms. Again doesn't have to be a lot of them. Maybe one in France, one in Italy to hit the corners or the park.
A few "member only" restrooms.
At that the showroom floor always had a line to go, but there was a special room for those of us in the connoisseur ticket, with restrooms. The restrooms were kept nicer and far far less busy.
A few spots in the park where you show your pass or swipe of scan and can go into the member only restrooms. Again doesn't have to be a lot of them. Maybe one in France, one in Italy to hit the corners or the park.
Perhaps in some sort of pass member lounge area...
Another idea came to me over the weekend. It would be nice to have a dedicated line/window at Guest Services for members. There have been times when I needed to ask a quick question or give some complementary feedback but the line was too long so I just waited until I got home and handled things via email. It would be nicer to just be able to handle things right then in the park.
The little desk outside outside of Castle O'Sullivan would be perfect. Especially if there was a pass member lounge inside.
I usually get shot down when I post but here goes.....Part of the reason given for the new membership is because of how huge the crowds get at certain times due to too many passholders. I would think any attempt to create a lounge or something along those lines would be overwhelmed and create havoc. I have seen the Bier Haus full of stein club members with no place to sit so I would think any attempt to create a lounge big enough to hold a reasonable number of people is probably not going to happen. I have been in and seen the lounge offerings at Disney and they fill up and create long lines in a very short period of time.
I remember BG giving out stocking caps, blankets, tote bags and various other knick knack type things. I have seen them offer free mugs after so many visits and free tickets after more visits. It would seem to me that offerings along those lines may be more appropriate where you don't create a mad rush for a limited supply. The first year of the stein club offering is a prime example of just how crazy things can get.
And my number 1 subject that always seems to create the most hostility is a seniors program. They used to have Soaring Eagles and discontinued it. No reason was ever given. It just stopped. BG Tampa actually has a pass level for senior citizens while they do nothing here. I just don't get why they ignore a large segment of the local population. I buy food & drinks just like everybody else so they are making money off of me. As a matter of fact the old Soaring Eagles encouraged me to go to the park on days I wouldn't have normally gone. Once our activities were done we always stayed around and ate lunch so there was another revenue source.
I remember BG giving out stocking caps, blankets, tote bags and various other knick knack type things. I have seen them offer free mugs after so many visits and free tickets after more visits. It would seem to me that offerings along those lines may be more appropriate where you don't create a mad rush for a limited supply. The first year of the stein club offering is a prime example of just how crazy things can get.
And my number 1 subject that always seems to create the most hostility is a seniors program. They used to have Soaring Eagles and discontinued it. No reason was ever given. It just stopped. BG Tampa actually has a pass level for senior citizens while they do nothing here. I just don't get why they ignore a large segment of the local population. I buy food & drinks just like everybody else so they are making money off of me. As a matter of fact the old Soaring Eagles encouraged me to go to the park on days I wouldn't have normally gone. Once our activities were done we always stayed around and ate lunch so there was another revenue source.
I like the idea of a senior membership level for a few reasons. It would benefit members like my parents who love to spend the day at the park but, due to health reasons, can no longer take advantage of most of the rides. I think it would be beneficial to the senior members because it would return to their wallets the surplus they're spending for rides many are probably not using. Such an "income effect" could boost their spending on other items in the park. Perhaps this effect would actually increase revenue for the park above what they would earn by not offering senior memberships, because if most seniors do more shopping and eating than they do riding rides, they will be spending less time standing in ride lines and more time spending money on food and merchandise.
Although I agree that the Bier Haus and other such areas do fill up quickly, I don't think the potential for a full member lounge is a reason to discount the idea. It may be a logistics issue that needs to be addressed, but I do believe there are ways to mitigate those crowds. Do you have any suggestions that may help? My first thought would be to build more than one member lounge (perhaps 2 or 3 in various areas of the park) to help spread out the crowds.
Although I agree that the Bier Haus and other such areas do fill up quickly, I don't think the potential for a full member lounge is a reason to discount the idea. It may be a logistics issue that needs to be addressed, but I do believe there are ways to mitigate those crowds. Do you have any suggestions that may help? My first thought would be to build more than one member lounge (perhaps 2 or 3 in various areas of the park) to help spread out the crowds.
I guess I just don't see a difference between someone not taking advantage of the rides, because of their age versus someone not taking advantage of the rides, because of some other medical condition. Does my friend with vertigo also get a discount? Furthermore, I know seniors who do still go on coasters. Should they get a discounted rate?
Furthermore, I don't go to shows or concerts. So, I imagine that someone who does those, but skips the rides, gets just as much benefit from the park, as I. Why does that person get to pay less, when I don't?
Additionally, I don't see how the park polices such a policy. How does a ride operator determine if a guest paid for a regular membership or some discounted rate? How do they verify ages, etc?
Ultimately, I think that adding more types of passes and loopholes just creates all sorts of problems for the park, and I'm not sure it is really fair to everyone else.
Furthermore, I don't go to shows or concerts. So, I imagine that someone who does those, but skips the rides, gets just as much benefit from the park, as I. Why does that person get to pay less, when I don't?
Additionally, I don't see how the park polices such a policy. How does a ride operator determine if a guest paid for a regular membership or some discounted rate? How do they verify ages, etc?
Ultimately, I think that adding more types of passes and loopholes just creates all sorts of problems for the park, and I'm not sure it is really fair to everyone else.
Good points. I guess I'm looking at it more from a perspective of how the park could maximize its profit from its various demographics. Statistically speaking, seniors are more likely to have health problems that would prevent them from riding rides. So seniors wouldn't be prevented from riding rides even if they had a senior pass, but perhaps the amount that don't ride rides and spend money elsewhere would offset the ride utilization by those who do.
I also see your point that the park can't just start creating individual memberships based on their preferences once inside the park. That would benefit no one. Too many options could also create decision paralysis when people go to purchase their memberships, and some might give up and not purchase at all.
I also see your point that the park can't just start creating individual memberships based on their preferences once inside the park. That would benefit no one. Too many options could also create decision paralysis when people go to purchase their memberships, and some might give up and not purchase at all.
As usual!
As a member of Soaring Eagles there was no park discount. It was just a way for seniors to get together. Grant (the employee that administered the program) had measured out the distance once around the park. The main idea behind SE was to walk laps. It was a "for your health" thing. That's all it was. Sure, we got a t-shirt and a lanyard but that was the only expense incurred by BG. We paid the same price for our pass as everybody else.
And, I guess the last thing I have to say is there is no reason for marketing to monitor these boards. It seems as though any ideas that don't meet the criteria of certain individuals get pushed aside anyway. Another board I regularly read refers to them as cheerleaders. I guess this board is being trolled by cheerleaders and probably employees as well. For some of the comments I read I am certain these cheerleaders are receiving some sort of compensation. It's just over the top obvious at this point. I guess the best thing for me to do is leave these boards behind since there seems to be only one opinion that counts! See ya!
As a member of Soaring Eagles there was no park discount. It was just a way for seniors to get together. Grant (the employee that administered the program) had measured out the distance once around the park. The main idea behind SE was to walk laps. It was a "for your health" thing. That's all it was. Sure, we got a t-shirt and a lanyard but that was the only expense incurred by BG. We paid the same price for our pass as everybody else.
And, I guess the last thing I have to say is there is no reason for marketing to monitor these boards. It seems as though any ideas that don't meet the criteria of certain individuals get pushed aside anyway. Another board I regularly read refers to them as cheerleaders. I guess this board is being trolled by cheerleaders and probably employees as well. For some of the comments I read I am certain these cheerleaders are receiving some sort of compensation. It's just over the top obvious at this point. I guess the best thing for me to do is leave these boards behind since there seems to be only one opinion that counts! See ya!
Nobody "pushed aside" your idea. This is a conversation thread where any idea can be discussed. Nobody said your ideas were not valid or have they been censored. There are problems with the idea you suggested and people are fine to point them out. If you have suggestions to address those problems, then maybe you should post them instead of accusing people of conspiracies.
I hope I am not being accused of either working for or cheer-leading for the park? I think that is really the exact opposite of our reputation, especially with BGW Marketing.
I was merely providing my perspective, as another interested party. I believe everyone has the right to express their opinions here without being accused of having some kind of nefarious agenda.
And I didn't realize that the Soaring Eagles was not a discount like the Pre-K Pass. I apologize. If it is indeed just a program for seniors, then I think it is a reasonable idea to propose to the park.
I was merely providing my perspective, as another interested party. I believe everyone has the right to express their opinions here without being accused of having some kind of nefarious agenda.
And I didn't realize that the Soaring Eagles was not a discount like the Pre-K Pass. I apologize. If it is indeed just a program for seniors, then I think it is a reasonable idea to propose to the park.
Rothbury, I'm a little confused as to why you feel your ideas were pushed aside. I agreed with you about a senior discount, and I still do. However, I also recognize that Nicole makes some good points that may inhibit the possibility of a senior discount. Ultimately, if the park were to consider a senior discount it would likely be through some sort of cost/benefit analysis, and good analysis considers all perspectives available, not just the perspective of one individual.
I also agreed with you that certain areas of the park do get overcrowded, and invited you to engage in a discussion to suggest ways crowds could be mitigated. I even made suggestions of my own to start such a discussion.
Since you presented some salient points in your initial post, I tried to engage you further (the exact opposite of pushing your ideas aside).
The civil engagement, different perspectives and debates that I've seen on this board in the short time I've been posting are exactly why marketing has every reason to monitor the board. You'll need to choose whether you want to add value to the board by engaging in a productive discussion, but I see no reason for you to detract from the discussion by becoming needlessly offended.
I also agreed with you that certain areas of the park do get overcrowded, and invited you to engage in a discussion to suggest ways crowds could be mitigated. I even made suggestions of my own to start such a discussion.
Since you presented some salient points in your initial post, I tried to engage you further (the exact opposite of pushing your ideas aside).
The civil engagement, different perspectives and debates that I've seen on this board in the short time I've been posting are exactly why marketing has every reason to monitor the board. You'll need to choose whether you want to add value to the board by engaging in a productive discussion, but I see no reason for you to detract from the discussion by becoming needlessly offended.
Rothbury said:
Let me rewrite that for you:
"I can't handle criticism or questioning, however mild, by people whose knowledge doesn't match mine in some areas - nor by people whose knowledge exceeds mine in other areas. This free exchange of ideas makes me uncomfortable and apparently I haven't encountered it before during my considerable calendar history of being a living human being. Therefore it is necessarily a bad thing, and it follows logically that you, not I, are entirely at fault. Also, this place is a badly overcurated echo chamber secretly controlled by a cabal of paid bad actors; nefarious conspiracy is a reasonable thing to presume on a message board where the return on any trolling-for-cash investment would be negative. I am a perfect detector of intent amongst people I have never met, and my odds of making a Type I error here are exactly zero - so I am taking my ball and going home."
Welp... Bye. Addition by subtraction.
I've never said that about anyone else before, EVER, but the conspiratorial nonsense and personal victimhood on display up there are just pathetic. Normalizing that person is worse than getting right up in their face with a mirror.
If that makes me a conspirator, then would an admin please PM me so I can reply with my home address. I am looking forward to receiving the same fat check everyone else is getting. I also am open to dead drops in the park at midnight. Let me know.
Anyways, I think a special entrance would be nice. And parking benefits. Ommmgggg parking benefits.