Why Disney is Removing Benches and Planters in Star Wars Land

Recently, Disneyland has made several changes to its famous park layout, including the removal of fixed seating and planters, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming release of the new Star Wars-themed area called Galactic’s Edge. While this move may seem unkind to those visiting the park, the truth is that Disney's actions are driven by a focus on maximizing guest experience and generating more revenue. Let's explore the reasoning behind this change.

Enhancing Guest Flow for Increased Revenue

The primary reason for removing benches and planters is to improve what Disney calls "guest flow." By strategically removing these seating areas, particularly near attractions and restaurants, Disney aims to direct more visitors towards areas where they can make money. For instance, when patrons are flowing towards restaurants and bars, the company can generate more revenue through food and beverage sales. Moreover, this practice can also reduce the overall congestion within the park by encouraging visitors to move through different areas more efficiently.

Disney's spokeswoman, Liz Jaeger, stated in a prepared statement, "We continually strive to deliver a great guest experience and we are always looking at ways to enhance elements such as guest flow, seating, and landscaping which play an important part of a guest’s visit to the parks." This aligns with the broader goal of enhancing the park experience while also ensuring financial viability.

Anticipating the Influence of Star Wars: Galactic’s Edge

The changes are most pronounced during the preparation for the opening of the new Star Wars-themed area, Galactic’s Edge, scheduled to open next summer. This new addition is expected to draw huge crowds, and Disney aims to make the most of this influx of visitors by optimizing park layouts and resource allocation.

Replacements and Alternative Seating Solutions

While the current changes may cause some inconvenience to visitors, it's worth noting that Disneyland plans to replace the removed seating and planters through alternative means. For example, at Bengals BBQ in Adventureland, the outdoor seating has been expanded, and now offers 100 indoor air-conditioned seats. Additionally, new dining spots like the Tropical Hideaway, which will open next to the Jungle Cruise, are expected to provide more seating options for future visitors.

Conclusion: A Balancing Act

In conclusion, while the initial removal of benches and planters may seem intrusive, it's part of a larger strategy aimed at enhancing the guest experience while also ensuring that the park operations are financially sustainable. The key areas for improvement identified include guest flow, seating, and landscaping to create a more enjoyable and profitable environment for both visitors and the company.

For those who find these changes unsettling, understanding that this is a business decision driven by the principles of capitalism can provide some perspective. If you have more questions about how these decisions impact the guest experience and the business, feel free to ask.