Christmas Town
- Thread starter Party Rocker
- Start date
I'd really like to go this Sunday; need my annual Christmas picture! I don't want a repeat of last Sunday though.
Anyone feel like England has become a huge bottleneck? The carolers were singing on the front steps of the theater when I got there, and so people stopped there to watch, while throngs of people were trying to enter and leave the area. As nice as that little facade is near the photo pickups, it makes that bottleneck worse. I was pushing a stroller through that area and extremely uncomfortable with that situation. I don't like feeling like cattle.
Anyone feel like England has become a huge bottleneck? The carolers were singing on the front steps of the theater when I got there, and so people stopped there to watch, while throngs of people were trying to enter and leave the area. As nice as that little facade is near the photo pickups, it makes that bottleneck worse. I was pushing a stroller through that area and extremely uncomfortable with that situation. I don't like feeling like cattle.
They tickets are good for 12 days plus they added 5 additional days. I heard that sales of the discounted tickets soared way beyond expectations.
As much as I like a sale (I snagged a few for Christmas gifts for family members), I'd rather they NOT do such a sale again. I wasn't able to buy food in the restaurants Sunday, and only bought one ornament. If that had been the only day I'd planned on being there, they would have missed out on some additional dollars from me. I detest the park on super crowded days, which is why I always pick Sunday as my park day of the week. If I have to deal with that level of crowds every time, I don't think I'll be doing the Christmas season much longer.
EDIT: I was only in the park for less than three hours that day, but had planned on being there the entire day. That would have been a meal, several snacks, and Christmas shopping.
EDIT: I was only in the park for less than three hours that day, but had planned on being there the entire day. That would have been a meal, several snacks, and Christmas shopping.
If you're mad about the crowds on $12 ticket days, go on days where the deal wasn't offered, it most likely won't be as busy...
Dec. 12, 14, 24, 29, and 31 - They were sent out in an email to those who had bought the tickets, or they can pay $10 more and go any day they want. Someone posted a screenshot as a reply to a Facebook post on their page.
Imaginique said:
Yes, many of my Orthodox friends have the same issue. Since you can not drive on Saturday or operate machinery it becomes a very difficult proposition. I suppose if you have a Sabbath Goy who offers to take you and the ride op operates the harnesses and your Sabbath Goy does all the buying it becomes a more reasonable proposition.
On the other hand...
You would not be at home reading Torah, and that is what you are supposed to be doing.
Actually, it leaves most of their weekly operations and Sundays around Christmas, not only Saturdays.
I imagine many who bought $12 tickets did not know when they would use them. However, last Sunday had such amazing weather, many figured they would go then instead of waiting until closer to Christmas and hope the weather would be nearly as nice. So, I imagine last Sunday had a much larger percentage of the $12 tickets used than was anticipated.
Also, by adding the 5 days (and allowing an "upgrade" to an any day ticket), it's clear they sold more $12 tickets than anticipated. This would suggest they were underpriced.
Regardless, a potential positive to the crowds is that they might expand Christmastown next year (Sesame Street and/or Dragonland, and maybe a 2nd coaster). Or, at least fix up Deck the Halls and increase the cast to Miracles. Or, maybe more street performers.
I think one of the obstacles to expanding Christmastown was that, in past years, on slow days, there already were empty areas in the park, leading to operating expenses that would go unutilized. But, if they keep discount tickets for what would otherwise be slow days (perhaps $20 instead of $12, so they don't oversell), crowds may be more consistent throughout the season, and allow for expansion.
Also, by adding the 5 days (and allowing an "upgrade" to an any day ticket), it's clear they sold more $12 tickets than anticipated. This would suggest they were underpriced.
Regardless, a potential positive to the crowds is that they might expand Christmastown next year (Sesame Street and/or Dragonland, and maybe a 2nd coaster). Or, at least fix up Deck the Halls and increase the cast to Miracles. Or, maybe more street performers.
I think one of the obstacles to expanding Christmastown was that, in past years, on slow days, there already were empty areas in the park, leading to operating expenses that would go unutilized. But, if they keep discount tickets for what would otherwise be slow days (perhaps $20 instead of $12, so they don't oversell), crowds may be more consistent throughout the season, and allow for expansion.
Jonquil said:
I think it depends on how orthodox they really are. I doubt the Ultra Orthodox would, but they rarely leave Baltimore, NYC, Norfolk, and so forth. But the run of the mill Orthodox might if their kids demanded it. Certainly Bubby would take her perfect little grand children if they asked. They are beautiful, smart, and so sweet!
I would point out that the $10 upgrade is yet another slap in the face to Pass Members. I paid $25 for my CT pass; they can get the same thing for $22?
I don't think they get a CT pass for $22, they can just use the ticket on a date that wasn't included in the $12 deal.
It has been said before BGW does not expect to make money at the gate, they make money when things sell. I suspect the deep discount tickets get a notable increase of butts in the park. If they are all buying food and trinkets, it is probably a decent model. It would all depend on how many butts those $12 tickets actually attract. But also consider for season pass holders the xmas pass was what 25ish bucks. That amortizes out with <3 visits. So the same applies to our group.
From a marketing standpoint this is not really a bad way to go especially early in the season when fair weather is a reasonable expectation.
Is it nice for us, of course not, but I just want the park to make money and frankly I am glad they are trying something new, because clearly the old model did not work.
From a marketing standpoint this is not really a bad way to go especially early in the season when fair weather is a reasonable expectation.
Is it nice for us, of course not, but I just want the park to make money and frankly I am glad they are trying something new, because clearly the old model did not work.
Nicole said:
I do agree; however, imagine how many pass holders will get upset if the price goes up. They already complain it isn't included. Also, tis' the season for offering deep discounts, especially with Black Friday towards the beginning of the event.
I am curious to see how many pass holders actually do cancel their passes because of the pricing for Christmas Town.