What kind of hours are these!!!!!!

[coachv]

Just looking at the June hours and I am not happy. Our last day at the world is Friday, June 20 and we planned on staying at MK until dark and finishing up with the fireworks show. A perfect ending to a great week. WELL, the hours posted are closing at 7:00 PM with an e-ride night from 7-10!! We are staying off-property this year so that will not help. Surely, they will not chase everyone out at 7:00 PM during the summer months. Are the e-nights usually like from 10-12 at night? I have heard the hours are not written in cement but to post those hours is ridiculous!!! Just had to vent!!!

[mommystieg]

I am right there with you...at first I thought "how bad could it be?" Until I saw the posted hours--yikes my local Six Flags stays open later on Friday nights than MK. I am also hopeful that these are just "preliminary" hours-I will just plan on switching some things around so we can see Spectro and FITS. Where did you find the schedule for the e-nights?

[coachv]

On the homepage for DIS under Themeparks at the top!!! I just can't believe they would chase out the majority of people on Friday night. The tuesday hours for e-night are later than these.

[grinningghost]

I can see why you're frustrated. In 2000, we did an E-night that didn't START until 11:00. We were in the park until 2:30 AM. That was in June.

I really hope Disney gets alot of complaints on these hours - it's just wrong. People pay alot of money to go to these wonderful theme parks and travel from great distances. Later hours are the least they could do for their guests.

[samlab25]

We just got back and MK was only ever open til 7pm. It was so frustrating. They had actually had planned NO fireworks for the week we were there (how can they do this) and at the last minute added one night of fireworks. We had a castle/lagoon view room at the poly and booked it so we could see the fireworks every night. The only night they had the fireworks was the night we had scheduled our fantasmic dinner package, so, we went to dinner and ditched Fantasmic because we wanted to see the fireworks from our patio. I was so frustrated.

[coachv]

I am going to call and email Disney. Everyone else needs to as well. The middle of June is a busy time of year, especially on Friday. I can't believe I am going to pay that much for tickets and get cheated at least 2 hours and fireworks. Email and call today!!!!!!!

[samlab25]

Email Disney? I don't even know where to email about something like this...

[zulaya]

Not defending Disney but the year 2000 saw record crowds. I read somewhere that hours are based on resort capacity and attendance guesstimates so that each guest can do 8 major rides/attractions. If they are closing at 7pm most nights, then odds are it's not as busy as you think. And e-nights are only 2 out of 7 days - Tuesday and Friday.

You can call and complain, but what's gonna lengthen those hours are "butts in the seats" - people have to get over their fear of terrorism, SARS, the economy and start going to the parks again.

[coachv]

You can email them from their website www.disneyworld.com. I don't think the parks business is going to be that bad. They are trying make more money by cutting back on CM hours and they don't think anyone will care. They get enough complaints they will look to expand the hours. What harm can be done by trying?

[kcarp]

I can see Disney not staying open late when the crowds are small, but when summer starts, it should stay open late. I remember my last trip years ago leaving the park between 12 and 1am in the morning in June. I guess those days are long gone.

Good Day

[mickeymom629]

I don't seem to be finding the times for e ticket nights for my stay in June/July. Can someone tell me how? I did find the park hours on Disney's site for those months, just not e night.:rolleyes:

[coachv]

I just emailed Disney and told them I was not happy about the posted hours for June. Its summer, not winter!! Look on the park hours and it should be listed either on the days or at the bottom of the calendar for e-nights.

[kcarp]

I just emailed Disney too, everyone needs to tell them how we feel, maybe they will get the message.

Good Day

[Pat_Elliott]

Another email delivered, my second in three weeks. In poor economic times, I think Disney's trying to save money, but they're doing it at the expense of the people who are still hauling down to Orlando and they're lowering the value of my vacation dollar. I for one am about as displeased as I can get.

[coachv]

Great!!! I am also going to call!!! I encourage everyone to call and email WDW.

[WDSearcher]

Originally posted by Pat_Elliott
I for one am about as displeased as I can get.
But you're still going.

If you REALLY want to send a message, cancel the trip. If people started canceling reservations or shortening trips ... if they started spending their time and money at the local Six Flags instead because it's open later, THEN Disney will get the message.

Just an opinion ...

:earsboy:

[Pat_Elliott]

Originally posted by WDSearcher
But you're still going. :earsboy:

With a Priceline hotel, a business trip rerouted to have me in Savannah in early June, and six months of planning, you bet I'm still going. And that's why Disney gets away with this. But you can bet that from a family that tracks down twice a year, there's already been discussion about not making more plans until Disney's economy "stablizes." No doubt, I probably love Disney more than they love me, but it's a love affair that's been tested the last year.

[sln88]

If those are the June hours, by the time I get there in October's 'off season', they will only be open from 12-5!!!:confused:

[WDSearcher]

Originally posted by Pat_Elliott
With a Priceline hotel, a business trip rerouted to have me in Savannah in early June, and six months of planning, you bet I'm still going. And that's why Disney gets away with this. But you can bet that from a family that tracks down twice a year, there's already been discussion about not making more plans until Disney's economy "stablizes." No doubt, I probably love Disney more than they love me, but it's a love affair that's been tested the last year.
Disney "gets away with it" because we all still go. In your case ... you have a Priceline hotel (which means you're not on property) and a re-routed business trip. But unless you already have passes that HAVE to be used in June, there's no rule that says that just because you're in Orlando you have to go to WDW. It's not like there isn't anything else to do there. I'm just saying that the message would be more powerful if it were, "I'm a loyal Disney fan who is fed up with the short hours. So even though I'm in Orlando and planned a Disney vacation, I'll be spending my time and money at SeaWorld and Universal instead." Disney gets away with it because we still all go.

:earsboy:

[Took]

I am going to WDW in May. When hours and fireworks times (or lack of them) were posted in April, I sent WDW an email politely but firmly protesting the options. I received an email and a phone call back (though the phone call took 3-4 weeks) and WDW changed the hours and fireworks presentations. Telling disney does work.

Took

[coachv]

I am starting to rework my plans now. Instead of a 5 day hopper plus I may go with a 3 day pass and go to Universal for 2 days. My kids are wanting to go anyways and my dollars may go a little further at Universal. I hope they make the adjustments because I don't want to change my plans, especially my ps's I have for different places.

[*Fantasia*]

Originally posted by WDSearcher
But you're still going.

If you REALLY want to send a message, cancel the trip. If people started canceling reservations or shortening trips ... if they started spending their time and money at the local Six Flags instead because it's open later, THEN Disney will get the message.

Just an opinion ...

:earsboy:

Oh no!! Plz don't cancel! I'm afraid Disney might cut down some more hours if there is not enough visitors. And they may just cancel all the parades and fireworks.

Even though the hours isn't great...I am just thankful that we are able to go. I am just happy to be there.

[MOQ3424]

Do you think the july hours will be like this?

[kcarp]

US closes @ 7:00 and IOA closes @ 8:00pm Where do you gain?

[turbodisney]

I guess E-night will be July 1 and will start at 9 instead of 10. Actually, I will be glad that its not late...the last couple of years it went on to 1 a.m. and was after 1:30 before we were back at the resort...made the next day tough to get up.

At least MGM will be open til 10 a couple of nights that I am there. I really wish they would keep Future World open longer at Epcot.

We are still going and still looking forward to it. Our annual passes run out and we need to get some use out of them. I am looking forward to our upgrade to WL and its our 25th wedding anniversary....so a lot to look forward to...

I have the sneaking suspision that the hours will change if the crowds pick up in the latter part of June.

[Bob NC]

We have been to WDW the last week of April/First week of May for the past 5 years. Last year the tourism industry was really in the crapper. Before we went, Disneys posted hours were short and shorter, no nite time parades, fireworks, nothing. Once we got there they had adjusted their hours and we were able to see fireworks many nights and we saw Spectro for the FIRST TIME EVER. Spectro had NEVER been scheduled during that week during the previous 4 YEARS.
It's tough for them to forecast hours in this economy and travel situation.
I really believe that if the closure of the MK at 7 is going to ruin your vacation, well, perhaps you should rethink your vacation destination options.

WDW is a big place, there are other options for activities during the, what(?), 2 or 3 hours you were expecting the MK to be open at night.

[coachv]

It is not about what I will miss because I can change my schedule, it is the principle of the matter. I cannot imagine closing early on a Friday night in the summer. I would be willing to bet that most people who are there are not staying on property but off. So they are going to send most of their crowd home early to make a little bit more money off resort guests. 7:00 pm on a Friday night is way too early to shut down! I just hope they have the fireworks during the week and don't decide to cut that out!! If they are going to cut the hours--they should cut the prices as well. I love Disney but I am not getting the same bang for the buck I use to.

[mrslane]

My message to WDW:

I've read that park hours are going to be decreased
in June, especially for MK. This is not right. I know
that money is tight, but those of us who are still planning to come this summer have expectations.
Walt understood expectations and would not close a park at 7PM to save a dollar. Please reconsider closing parks at such an early hour.

Power in numbers. We should all write.

[Eeyore2U]

Originally posted by coachv
It is not about what I will miss because I can change my schedule, it is the principle of the matter. I cannot imagine closing early on a Friday night in the summer. I would be willing to bet that most people who are there are not staying on property but off. So they are going to send most of their crowd home early to make a little bit more money off resort guests. 7:00 pm on a Friday night is way too early to shut down! I just hope they have the fireworks during the week and don't decide to cut that out!! If they are going to cut the hours--they should cut the prices as well. I love Disney but I am not getting the same bang for the buck I use to.

Sorry but the prices are based on a 6pm close. And can you convince me why if crowds are down why Disney is obligated to stay open. When people go, the parks will stay open. When they don't the hours will be short. I know, this about you, you , you. I go in February and I pay the same as you.

[Eeyore2U]

Originally posted by mrslane
My message to WDW:

I've read that park hours are going to be decreased
in June, especially for MK. This is not right. I know
that money is tight, but those of us who are still planning to come this summer have expectations.
Walt understood expectations and would not close a park at 7PM to save a dollar. Please reconsider closing parks at such an early hour.

Power in numbers. We should all write.

The key word in your email is expectations. You created those.

As far as Walt. He would have sold his soul to keep HIS business viable.

[samlab25]

Here's the problem for families with young children when the park closes early. We go in the am, have lunch at the park and go back to the resort nap and swim. Have dinner and head to the park for two hours and get in two more rides tire out the little ones and go back to the resort to get them in bed at a decent time. Then the park closes at 7, you can't really do that. By the time you get there, its time to leave. If they were to just stay open until 9 it would make a huge difference. We would probably spend more money in the parks and have dinner or dessert there instead of in conceirge or outside restaurants. How big of a difference is two hours really? The mall stays open til nine. You think the Magic Kingdom would too.

[coachv]

Sorry Eeyore2U,

It is not about me but my family and getting my dollars worth. When you go in Feb. you expect the park to close early. But when you go in the summer, you expect the park to stay open later. I live near Six Flags over Texas and as the day gets longer so does the hours. They have never, that I know of, cut back on hours in anticipation of crowds being down. Their hours are posted now for the whole summer. Big difference in it getting dark at 5:30 compared to 9:00 or later.

[Eeyore2U]

Originally posted by coachv
Sorry Eeyore2U,

It is not about me but my family and getting my dollars worth. When you go in Feb. you expect the park to close early. But when you go in the summer, you expect the park to stay open later. I live near Six Flags over Texas and as the day gets longer so does the hours. They have never, that I know of, cut back on hours in anticipation of crowds being down. Their hours are posted now for the whole summer. Big difference in it getting dark at 5:30 compared to 9:00 or later.

As I stated, you are a victim of your expectations.

I thank God disney is not Six Flags.

It seems that US/IOA isn't staying open much longer if longer at all.

Can you tell me why your expectations aren't about you.

[coachv]

I was not comparing Six Flags to Disney. There is no comparsion. But both are in the same line of work and I will spend a whole lot more money at WDW than at SF. I may be a victim of my expectations but I can only expect what I have got before---many times. I am not alone in this thought.

[kevind65]

Eeyore2u:
we have been to the world many, many different times during the month of june and MK has NEVER closed before 9pm! It's a completely different animal in june as compared to february. the crowds are about 1/4 to 1/3 the size in february as compared to june; therefore allowing guest to experience about the same amout as they can with the longer hours in june. without the longer hours, the guest is getting cut short due to heavier crowds and longer waiting times. I know many will say: "go in february then", but, for some of us who have spouses that are teachers; that's not an option. As far as WDW remaining a viable, profitable business: please keep in mind that when these financial reports come out saying "profits are down"; they are saying just that "profits" are down; not that disney is losing money. BTW: I just returned from the world last month and there were plenty of people there. I've also tried to make ressies for the middle of june and most of the resorts were full.

[onceuponadream]

Are the crowds really down?? I just tried to make Fantasmic Dinner Package reservations....we will be in WDW from June 1-13 and there was VERY little availability. We really wanted to make a reservation after the parade but none available. Same goes with Chef Mickey's reservations...totally booked. The CM stated they have been "really busy for quite a while" :confused: . So, IF crowds are truly down then shorter hours won't be AS difficult to adjust to. We have always traveled over our Spring Break (early March) and are park commandos so the early closing was okay. However, in the summer I don't think it's possible to be as "commando" as the heat will wilt the kids. That being said it is probably going to be difficult to take an afternoon break and have time to get to the MK in the evening if it closes at 7. We will plan on being at MK only on days it closes late and maybe doing an e night (will cost us $64 for a family of 6) to enjoy the magic at night. We have made several PS so Disney changing the hours a day or two before will not benefit us as PS is difficult and usually impossible to change. Either way we will have a ball but it would be much easier to plan if MK was open until 9 and we could enjoy an afternoon break instead of toughing it out all day. Just my .02 :)

[Planogirl]

We dealt with this when we were at WDW just last month. MK closed at 7 every night except one when it stayed open until 8. And that was unfortunately the only night Spectromagic was being shown which meant the park was jammed. We fled and spent the evening at nice quiet Fort Wilderness.

MK is extra magical at night and if wanting to see that makes me selfish, so be it.

[mommystieg]

I sent an e-mail to WDW yesterday too. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the hours will change. I checked my schedule from last June when we went and MK was open until 9 pm most nights and 10 on Fridays. The shorter hours does make it difficult to take a midday break with kids and still enjoy all that MK has to offer.

Hey coachv we live in Irving-are you close to us?

[ThAnswr]

I am extremely disappointed in the hours. We'll be in WDW from 6/19-6/25. Yes, I know with 6 days you can work around a schedule, but it bothers me that I have to. And, frankly, I don't like the idea of hanging my hat on whether or not the hours will change.

Quite honestly, I do not know of any type of amusement park that sets hours with so little lead time and then changes them on a daily basis. I'm not saying WDW is an amusement park. If anyone knows of any other group that has that policy, please let me know. It would certainly make me feel better.

[welovedis]

Take heart! When the May hours were released we were all moaning and groaning--shortened hours, TL & BB closed for many days, Spectro and FITS were not plentiful enough. If you take a look at the May calendar now it looks pretty good in comparison, so my feeling is that this is just the first of many schedules put forth by WDW.

HTH!

[mickeymom629]

We will be there 6/28-7/3 and the one night for e ticket (9-midnight) is the only night the Studios are open late with a second showing of Fantasmic that we prefer going to. The night of my birthday when we were going to 'Ohana's for dinner, there will be no fireworks at the MK.

It is a little difficult to plan fitting all we want in to the time slots. I can only hope that attendance is down so that we can get through lines quickly!

At least they have early mornings back!

[nativetxn]

welovedis, that's great news. Thanks for posting about that.

To everyone upset about shorter hours:

I know that cutbacks in hours are frustrating and disappointing for many of you. I don't blame you one bit.

This was started as a vent of frustration and that is fine. Everyone is welcome to post about their frustration.

However, should you disagree with another poster's reasons for being disappointed or <i>not</i> being disappointed, please use the private message function or email to discuss this issue with them. Please.

By the same token if you are neighbors, please use a private message or email to discuss that too.

If we do this, this thread will remain on topic and remain open so that everyone has a chance to voice their displeasure or lack of displeasure, whichever the case may be.

I don't really care that the hours are shorter. My trips are all solo, I have 3 planned for this year, had 4 last year, so my circumstances are different from someone taking their family for what is perhaps their first trip ever or perhaps their only trip this year. I can understand their disappointment, though. I remember planning for my first trip and how excited I was and how anxious that everything go just the way I had it planned. It didn't but oh well.

If this was my first trip ever or only annual trip and the hours of operation were the most important thing to me, I would seriously consider cancelling.

Going to WDW when you are already as disappointed, frustrated and/or angry as many of the people posting to this thread appear to be, might not be such a great idea. You have to be open to the fun and magic to find it, anger, frustration and/or disappointment doesn't allow that to happen. I think that would be a terrible kind of trip. I wouldn't go, myself.

If having the park open late is the deciding factor here, if that's why you want to go to WDW so that you can stay late in the park, then you might be better off cancelling and planning another trip for when the hours are more to your liking.

If you decide to go afterall please go with a happy mind or you won't have fun at all. Relax and let the magic find you and it will find you everytime. Go with anger or frustration or disappointment and you will find more of those emotions everywhere you turn at WDW, I've seen it happen. Many times.

Peace, my friends, I hope you find the solution to your dilemma best suited to your family. Good luck with your decisions.

Katholyn

[coachv]

Sorry to anyone whose toes I might have stepped on. I was just frustrated at the hours and the time spent organizing this trip, including making PS's so far in advance. Once again, I encourage everyone who does not like the new hours for June to write, email, and call WDW and let them know why you don't like the new hours. Even if you are not going in June, you can still contact Disney about it. I still plan on going and if I have to adjust my schedule. I hope Disney sees the light and expands its hours.

[Pat_Elliott]

Originally posted by coachv
Sorry to anyone whose toes I might have stepped on. I was just frustrated at the hours and the time spent organizing this trip, including making PS's so far in advance.

Hey coachv,

For what it matters, after reading through the entire thread twice, I agree with most of your sentiments. I don't see the point in debating with folks who don't think the hours are a big deal. Wonderful thing, this America. One person, one opinion! I don't think another fifty posts will make them see my point, or vice versa. To each his own.

But I personally agree, it's very difficult to plan a very expensive trip that covers over a thousand miles each way, has to be made due to business obligations six months in advance, and still sit there in late April not knowing what you're doing yet the first of June, and even now not really trust what you see in the hours. Bottom line, it is my opinion that for the last several Junes, adjusted for inflation, I'm getting less for my entertainment dollar. And it's somewhat annoying.

I will still go to Disney. They win because they're Disney. And at least now, I still win, because I love Disney. But my expectations are my expectations, which are that a month before I leave, I'll know what I'm doing. I join you in writing Disney, and have done so. I hope it makes a difference.

Pat

[coachv]

Thanks Pat_Elliott,

My biggest problem is my ps reservations. I had CP for that Friday morning but I am now changing my big day to Wed at MK because that is the day for that week they have fireworks. I hope I can change my ps at CP to Wed. morning at this late of date. I guess I could hold out and hope for better hours. I just don't know.

[Pat_Elliott]

I think the hours will probably be fine. It's the lack of knowing that ticks me off a bit. I've heard I'm in small company with this remark, and acknowledge it, but I'd prefer they decide the minimum hours, release those way ahead of time, and let me plan my schedule. We like to eat as late as possible at night. If I make a 7 PM PS, and then they extend hours, that's not going to ruin my trip. But if I can't plan the PS or have it bumped earlier....I hear what you're saying. It's not like a car hitting your house, it's just like a fly that won't go away....

[ChairborneRangr]

I am very disappointed in the hours. I am taking 30 of my closest friends and relatives (total 36) for a first-time ever (for some, once-in-a-lifetime) trip to WDW. We'll be there 6/9-6/16

I have been to DL and WDW a number of times. I remember growing up going to DL and staying late for the fireworks every night. It was part of the show... part of the magic. Why must everything be "close earlier" Why not open later (including the extra magic hour) and keep all the fantastic evening activities. That way all the PS aren't affected etc. just run the character breakfasts as normal. Seems to make sense to me.

The feeling I get is corporate disney is looking for excuses not to shoot off too many fireworks or have too many parades. That is very sad. I'll miss TON. Why haven't they replaced it at EPCOT?

I hope Disney people are reading this. BTW where have you all been emailing? I want to send my own.

[coachv]

I emailed from the www.disneyworld.com. I am also going to call today when I get home from work.

[Pat_Elliott]

Originally posted by coachv
I emailed from the www.disneyworld.com. I am also going to call today when I get home from work.

Note to ChairborneRangr. They don't have a email address, per se, but a form within the regular site coachv lists above.

Pat

[Castillo Mom]

When I called to make reservations last week a CM told me that Disney projected reduced attendance due the war and SARS, therefore cut back the hours accordingly. She also said they anticipate the hours to be longer the following summer ('04) which is when I booked my vacation. I'll change my dates if that becomes the case again next year. In the summer at 7:00 p.m. it's still light out!

[Tracie]

Well, My biggest problem with the hours is there will be 8 of us and all of our PS are for 8. Called today can't change any of them to other nights and all of us sit together. We also have the Luau reservation for the 14th, that is the only night (as of now) for spectro and fireworks. Can't reschedule (already tried) so I guess Disney will be losing that $319 from us.

Tracie

[turbodisney]

I think the hours will eventually change as you get closer to the dates. I know it dont help on planning a PS, but it will be great if the hours expand.

My trip is from 6-27 thru 7-4

Here is how the MK schedule looks for my trip:

6-27 9 to 7 (got to question this one)
6-28 9 to 10 (fireworks)
6-29 9 to 10
6-30 9 to 11 (25th wedding anniversary) fireworks
7-1 9 to 9 (e-night 9 to 12, good i can get to bed early)
7-2 9 to 9:30 (fireworks)
7-3 9 to 10

So, not to bad... maybe they will have more fireworks to..
:Pinkbounc

[eeyore0062]

You can call and complain, but what's gonna lengthen those hours are "butts in the seats" - people have to get over their fear of terrorism, SARS, the economy and start going to the parks again.


Well said, and VERY true!!!

[AreWeThereYet?]

The Official E-Mail Address for Guest Communications is:
wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

I would use this instead of the Disney Web Page.

Good Luck!

[Zippa D Doodah]

It is for moments like these that I am glad I stumbled across this forum. We are also going in June. First I was irked that Disney never would post the hours. Now that I've seen the hours I'm even more chapped! This forum gives me a nice outlet where I can sanely blow off some steam. What's my alternative? Going to my office tomorrow and chewing out my administrative assistant because the MK is closing at 7pm on June 13?
But you know what? I'm still going to go and I'm still going to have a great time. I like what the moderator said about trying to find the magic and being sure it will find you.
But here's the kicker. I'm not going back after my June trip. Every time we have gone before, I have been mentally laying plans for the next trip. Not this time. For me and my family, the ball is now in Disney's court. I have thousands of dollars I am willing to spend for a vacation, but -in my mind -Disny has to earn it this time. They have to show me how to look beyong the closed rides I will see (during JUNE, for crying out loud), and the pitifully short hours. Honestly, wher is the magic in leaving MK two hours before dusk???
I have a modest proposal. Like my family, go ahead with your scheduled WDW visits. And go with open minds ready to feel and appreciate the magic, but don't automatically plan the next trip. Use the advice of Rafiki to Simba "Look harder..." next time you are in the World and see if they are doing enough to earn the thousands of dollars you are spending there. Use your love of Disney and your economic power to hold Disney accountable for its actions.
If you think WDW deserves your money, then scedule your next trip without delay. If not, either go to the beach, give your money to the poor, or buy a plasma TV.
As moderator suggested, if you want to flame me send a PM


Zippa

[amy1007]

The above posting mentioned rides closed in June.....ARGHHHHHH. Which ones are they?

[Zippa D Doodah]

I have seen some hints of possible earlier opening dates, but Pooh and GMR are officially scheduled to be closed for rehab until late June. If someone has more up-to-date info on these closures, maybe they'll be along in a bit to update us.

[ThAnswr]

Originally posted by Zippa D Doodah
But here's the kicker. I'm not going back after my June trip. Every time we have gone before, I have been mentally laying plans for the next trip. Not this time. For me and my family, the ball is now in Disney's court. I have thousands of dollars I am willing to spend for a vacation, but -in my mind -Disny has to earn it this time. They have to show me how to look beyong the closed rides I will see (during JUNE, for crying out loud), and the pitifully short hours. Honestly, wher is the magic in leaving MK two hours before dusk???
Zippa [/B]

Oh my, someone's been reading my mind.

I too have decided that I will not be scheduling anymore extended trips to WDW and I will not be renewing our AP's. Since I live within a few hours drive to WDW, I will be going to the hard ticket events such as MNSSHP and MVMCP. After all, no sense cutting off one's nose to spite one's face. But, that's it. No more; I just can't overlook things anymore. I have had it.

Disney is going to have to earn my good will again. We can write all the letters and emails and make all the phone calls we want. The fact is we shouldn't have to be doing this. Yes, there will be a parade or fireworks display or an extra hour added here and there. For me, it just isn't enough.

I cannot express how sad I am that it has come to this point for me. I can't believe the pixie dust has run out. Truly, a sad, sad day.

[TRAPPED-PARENT]

I realize that my opinion is not going to be popular, but it is based on a recent visit with shortened park hours.
************************

We were at WDW March 26-April 5 and have been many times so remember the extended park hours of the past.

I, too, was disappointed prior to the trip about the shorter hours, but resolved to take advantage of EE days and the E-Ride Night in order to maximize my time.

The park hours were shorter for a reason ... fewer people. We were able to see and do everything we wanted in the three days we spent in the parks and actually left the parks prior to closing each of the days.

Unbelieveably, I enjoyed having shorter hours with fewer people than other years with longer hours and crowds!!!

Especially if you are staying on-site, you have a wonderful opportunity by using the EE option of extending your park hours by one-hour. Believe me, if you do this in conjunction with FastPass you may find that in actuality it wasn't all bad.

[jaygatz]

Remembering all of my prior trips, I have had more fun when I spent less time each day at the parks. Since less touring each day equals more energy on subsequent days, I kind of hope that hours remain short. Also, I would rather see smaller crowds, and if that means reduced hours, then so be it. Finally to the thought that Disney shouldn't chase everyone out of the parks at 7:00 PM for a E-ride Night, I would disagree. E-ride Night is an on-site perk that I really appreciate being able to take part in. If you don't want to be chased off, stay on-site--a simple solution, IMHO.

[Master Grayson]

I 'm also ticked about the hours for June but I can understand doing so if the guests aren't showing up to the parks BUT if we are getting shorter hours then why aren't we getting a cheaper ticket price????????

[BrianD]

Originally posted by Master Grayson
I 'm also ticked about the hours for June but I can understand doing so if the guests aren't showing up to the parks BUT if we are getting shorter hours then why aren't we getting a cheaper ticket price????????

You're getting a cheaper hotel rate.

[jaygatz]

BUT if we are getting shorter hours then why aren't we getting a cheaper ticket price????????


IF the shortened hours remain, and IF they are due to reduced crowd size, then the value gained from your ticket might actually be higher with the shortened hours than that gained from longer hours with bigger crowds. That is, if a ticket allows you to see everything you want to see in 8 hours as compared to 12, then you are better off with the 8 hour ticket since you will gain 4 hours to enjoy other pursuits like lounging at your resort, going to the Chip N Dale sing-a-long, etc. This is just one way to look at it:D

[Eeyore2U]

Originally posted by Master Grayson
I 'm also ticked about the hours for June but I can understand doing so if the guests aren't showing up to the parks BUT if we are getting shorter hours then why aren't we getting a cheaper ticket price????????

As stated in many of the threads that complain about hours, you are paying for a standard day which is I think 9-6. Everything after after that is a bonus.

Disney only has one price schedule. Should they have more? One that mirrors the Resort Schedule? I don't think people would be happy either way. I pay the same in offseason and don't complain as those with longer hours, even if it's only an hour longer.

[OHIO VIKING]

Part of the problem with the short hours in the summer is ---It is summer in Florida. It is just too hot to stay at the parks for most of the day. so if you leave by 1-2 PM for an break and a swim there is no time to go back and enjoy rides in the evening when it is cooler. This means that you really are not able to do quite a bit. It is fine for people who visit often but the majority of people aren't able to go that frequently so this vacation becomes less attractive and I personally am less able to justify the cost. Yes there are other things to do at Disney but we go to visit the parks . We will still go next month but my expectations are lowered which I feel is sad, Disney seems to be fine with the fact that their visitors must conform to what they think is enough, not what they used to provide willingly and joyfully, above and beyond what was expected.

[jaygatz]

I hadn't though of the heat factor in assuming that one would have the opportunity to do all that she wanted to do. I guess it won't matter that much for me as we will really plan on doing the MK on E-ride Nights, but as you say for those planning shorter trips, this will pose somewhat of a hurdle...

[Pat_Elliott]

Originally posted by Eeyore2U
I don't think people would be happy either way. I pay the same in offseason and don't complain as those with longer hours, even if it's only an hour longer.

I support your right to not complain. I respectfullyy don't agree with your assesment. I pay the same in the off season, too. And with hours somewhat mirroring what is set for June, I'm able to do much more than I'm going to be able to do if the hours for June hold true. That lowers the value of my vacation dollar. And the lack of anything more than 30 days notice just isn't right. I think both situations show a little lack of appreciation for those that keep coming even though the economy is tight.

Everyone's got a right to an opinion, and these forums are hardly a statistical poll. But it seems a majority here feel similar. To write this off as "people won't be happy either way" is a wee bit insulting. In my opinion. I've never been difficult to please. And I'll go anyway.

An analogy. I go to the same local tavern every Friday night with my wife and friends. Three weeks ago, an expensive steak was overdone, and the reason given was the cooks make more mistakes when they're busy. I'm not going to avoid the restaurant because of this. But you can bet I'm going to let someone know my meat wasn't cooked the way I wanted. I should know to what to expect, and it should be cooked the same whether they're busy or not. Likewise, I expect a comparable value and proper time to plan when going to Disney. I travel from PA to Orlando twice a year for vacation. Next to my mortgage, it tends to be my largest single expense every year.

Pat

[twinmomto3boys]

Have the hours changed again? I just checked and at the end of June the MK closes at 8, 9 or 10 - depending on the day.

[Master Grayson]

The HEAT factor plays a bigger part then most people know. I have two under 10 and by about 11-12:00 you have to go back and let them rest. Even more so now being the park closes at 7:00pm I must now get them up and be at the gate when they open in order to get enough bang for my buck.

As far as a cheaper hotel, from what I can tell the prices have gone up slowly the past 5 years and certainly not gone down!


Part of the Magic at WDW was walking down Main Street with all the lights on, well at least they can save some money on their lighting bill this summer.

[Bob NC]

Could someone clue me in? There's 4 parks, Downtown Disney, various miniature golf courses, Boardwalk, Cirque, and a whole host of activities. Just what is the big deal about going for a week and being upset that the MK closes a couple hours earlier than you want it to for a night or two? Is it the parade? Is it the 10 minute fireworks show?

This sounds like me boycotting the local mall because Sunglass Hut closes an hour before the other stores.

[Master Grayson]

Bob....

It's not just the MK but all the parks hours are cut.

It's the summer when most people vaction so to say that attendance is low is totally false. I'm a DVC member so my vacation has been scheduled for 11 months but I called around to see if there were any openings for the time I'm going down and ASMU,ASM,ASSport,PORR,PO and CBR are all booked so how does this justify the times?

[Pat_Elliott]

Originally posted by Bob NC
Just what is the big deal about going for a week and being upset that the MK closes a couple hours earlier than you want it to for a night or two? Is it the parade? Is it the 10 minute fireworks show?

This sounds like me boycotting the local mall because Sunglass Hut closes an hour before the other stores.

Hardly the same thing to me Bob, but I'll certainly respect your right to feel that way. And I have no desire to be the voice of park hour decent. I also have no intent on boycotting, but making my feelings known to Disney, as a "good client" should. But the occasional suggestion that those who complain about the low hours and lack timely hours posting are off base, in my opinion.

What it means to me is this: Between hotel, food, transportation costs, and park tickets, not to mention and not to factor in using what I consider precious time away from my business and my wife's job, we spend around three hundred bucks a day while in Disney. When I go in September and there's a couple thousand people in the park, I have more time than I know what to do with. When I go in June, prices for hotels are higher and the parks have twice as many or more people. I know this, and I alone make the decision to go in either June or September.

However, if when I go in June the hours that are listed hold up, they'll be similar to what they were last September. With crowds more than doubled, the value of my vacation will not only go down, but go down significantly. And if I choose to spend all my time in MK and the fireworks are what's really important to me (they aren't, by the way), then why should my vacation dollar buy less in June than it does in September? And if that's the way it is, I'll deal with it and act accordingly. But as a fairly decent client of Disney's spending several thousand dollars a year (a pile of money to me and probably most people), I'll certainly exercise my right to call and email those that make such decisions, and that includes posting here since I have a hunch some of this stuff might actually get to the brass at Disney.

Now, do you really want to compare that to lower hours at a quansit hut at your local shopping mall that you can visit 365 days a year? Hardly comparable. And if you do, would you shoot someone down for suggesting to the store manager they'd like the place open longer?

As some of you don't seem to cater to those that make their voice heard, I don't understand the problem with me voicing my opinion on what I'm spending a pile of jack and all my vacation time each year.

Pat

[Master Grayson]

BRAVO Pat!!;)

[coachv]

I cannot affford to stay on site!! I rented a 2 bdrm. condo at Marriott GV for $400 7 nights. How much would a comparable room cost at DW. I say at least $1000 or more!!!! I am on a tight budget. If staying on property for e-nights is such a perk, why do you have to pay for it? I will still go this year and my family and I will have a great time!!! But I will have to put great thought in to whether or not I go back. We love WDW but I spent the same amount of money last summer going to New York City and Washington, D.C. and my kids loved it and want to go back. My two DS are 6 and 9. It is all about getting the most bang for your buck. I still say call, email, and write Disney let them know how you feel but like some have said the best way is to hit in the wallet. And this would be a shame!!!! I did not mean to cause such a great debate but I think it is good to talk about it. I hope everyone has a great time at the World---I will!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pat_Elliott]

coachv,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It's a good post. Nothing wrong with debate if it stays clean. This is obviously a subject that invokes some emotions. Nothing wrong with that!

Pat

[jaygatz]

I hope you do have a good time:D Also, even though I would prefer reduced hours, look what happened in May--the hours were lengthened! So, don't sweat it...you'll have plenty of time:p

[colleen costello]

Reduced hours leave me feeling cheated. For my family the "9-6" plan is not an option. Florida in June and July is dangerousely hot in the middle of the day. We ALWAYS leave in the afternoon, regardless of closing time. I don't feel like it's worth risking heat exhaustion to stay all afternoon.

We always go back at night. When the parks were open late, sometimes we didn't go UNTIL the night -- from 5-midnight, maybe. There is a very special magic at the MK late at night, with smaller crowds and cooler air and all those beautiful lights. Closing down the park and leaving late makes me feel like a kid again!

We have DVC and I will go to WDW regardless, but if they keep up hours that simply don't suit my family, I will swim and hang out and NOT waste a ticket. There have to be other families that will decide the same.

[eeyore0062]

I think everyone is getting riled up about nothing at this point. Everyone here has seen shorter hours posted only to see them extended when it is needed. Take this month, for instance... all of the hours have been extended.

The hours that they post are the "least" you can count on. Believe me, they will be extended. Attendence will pick up with schools being out, and more people vacationing... the military starting to return from war, etc.

With all of the choices of places to go and things to do at WDW, I guess I just don't understand... go to one park in the early morning that doesn't stay open late, and then go to a late closing park in the evening. Then make your plans around the park that usually closes early on an evening when the ARE staying open.

I think we all need to stay flexible, and go with the flow. It just isn't worth getting our bloodpressure up.

[Zippa D Doodah]

Originally posted by jaygatz
Remembering all of my prior trips, I have had more fun when I spent less time each day at the parks. Since less touring each day equals more energy on subsequent days, I kind of hope that hours remain short. Also, I would rather see smaller crowds, and if that means reduced hours, then so be it. Finally to the thought that Disney shouldn't chase everyone out of the parks at 7:00 PM for a E-ride Night, I would disagree. E-ride Night is an on-site perk that I really appreciate being able to take part in. If you don't want to be chased off, stay on-site--a simple solution, IMHO.

I have a hard time imagining that the crowds are going to be as low in June as they are during off season. I do know that its going to be hot, and now an afternoon break seems implausible.

As for e-ride night, I do stay on-site. I just have a real problem with Disney replacing the former long hours with e-ride nights. Paying for what used to be free, that's what's going on there. Also, eride night is pretty lame for families with preschoolers. Sorry, but I do not consider Disney to be a charity that I need to support with an extra $12 per night. Isay schedule all the e-ride nights you want in off season, but leave the standard summer hours alone. All one needs to do is see some of the posts above to see why any 'saving' Disney accrues are only short term at best.

Like I said before, Disney needs to show me something this time. I'll write a trip report for anyone who cares when I get back. Hopefully it won't be my last!

[jaygatz]

sentiments underlying your comments about the crowd size. More specifically, that if the hours are short it should only be due to reduced crowds. Where we diverge, I think, is that I think we should give Disney the benefit of a reasonable doubt, and wait until we go before getting upset. Also, i may have rose-colored glasses coloring my willingness to pay for E-Night since our entire family has AP's, so after our 8 day in the park this year, we reached the gravy/free side of the admission media. Thus, I don't mind paying as I don't feel like I am paying to get in in the first place ;)

[onceuponadream]

IF Disney does increase the park hours at MK ...when will we find out? :confused: . I'm concerned as we are traveling with my husbands parents and our 4 kids who HAVE to have an afternoon break because of the heat. It was because of the kids school schedules that we had to take a summer trip. Using the guide books and Tourguide Mike we planned our PS and park days around a break and returning to the park in the evening. If the parks are close at 7 we will have to rethink our afternoon break strategy (or just cut some of the attractions out of our days in order to prevent heat stroke :) Will we find out before hand if park hours are extended or is it typically announced the day before or is it you don't find out until you ask when you walk in the park that day? It would really help to know before we leave...

[Pat_Elliott]

Originally posted by onceuponadream
Will we find out before hand if park hours are extended or is it typically announced the day before or is it you don't find out until you ask when you walk in the park that day? It would really help to know before we leave...

To the folks that wonder what all the fuss is about, it's stuff like this.

onceuponadream, there's not much you can do. Keep an eye on the Disney hours. They changed a lot for May, much of it coming in the middle of April. And some of the changes you won't find until you're down there and get the week schedule. Also, you can call (I'd say two weeks before is a good time to start) and press them for hours. I'd say go with the online hours, but they don't always seem to jibe with the actual park hours.

Good luck. I'm making my plans and taking what I get, it seems to be the best thing to do. But I know where you're coming from. It's not right, in my opinion.

Pat

[jdonat]

Just keep an eye out on the schedule
on the Disney website. The schedules
change almost daily, if not daily. The hours
are based on projected attendancance. A
good part of that projection is from the
resort vacacncy rates. We did a spring
break vacation in 2002 and watched
the hours for the MK change every day.
When we startted looking, the hours
were 9-10. By the time we got there,
the hours were 8-12mid !!!!. Epcot's hours
changed for the better too.
With the economy and other factors, people
are reserving rooms at WDW and the outlying
hotels much later than a couple of years ago.
Summer '02 July was 8-10 for the MK
JED

[KFISCHER]

and they're the best, not even they can please everybody's PERSONAL wants.

This site proves it.

MY LAST NIGHT IS A FRIDAY, AND I WANT THEM OPEN LATE, AND I WANT FIREWORKS, AND IF THEY DON'T, I'M GONNA E-MAIL, AND THIS MIGHT BE MY LAST TRIP EVER.

Wow.

One person even compared WDW to Six Flags. There is no comparison.

Friendly suggestion: before you book a trip, don't do it, until AFTER the hours are posted.

And I agree that the hours will probably be extended.

If not, all of WDW doesn't shut down just because a park closes at 7:00. There's plenty of fun to be had.

[Master Grayson]

KFISCHER................

Let me get this right, the problem with the hours is the lack of ressies, so your bright idea is not to make them until the hours are out which are inside of thirty days and most normal people have to plan their vacations months in advance?


Why didn't I think of this :confused:


Also they're not going to change the hours anyway so you might also tell all the families that have dinner ressies to what.......
Oh I know just leave them the way they are it SHOULD be ok.

The only thing this site proves is if you don't live eat and sleep all that is Disney and think they can do no wrong then people leave stupid comments on these threads!

[colleen costello]

I do not believe that shorter hours will "ruin" our wonderful vacation time together this June. I DO believe however, that I look at the hours we can possibly spend in a park, and if they are too short to make a ticket "worthwhile" I will not go to a park that day. This may change if I get annual passes. I could then visit the parks for a short time each day and not worry as much about "value."

At this point though, the hours are less-than-great and making meal reservations around "what park you'll be at that day" is near impossible. I printed out the March hours on Disney's site right before our Spring trip. Planned to be in the MK on one of the "late" days (8pm) so Mom could experience Spectromagic. By the time I checked in a few days later, the hours had been shortened significantly and there was NO night we could see Spectromagic. Once again, many of us remember when the MK was open til midnight or even 1am in the summertime. It was wonderful! You could swim all afternoon and return for hours of fun. All you had to worry about in terms of planning was weather, because there was a parade and fireworks EVERY night. I miss that. Whatever the reason!

[KFISCHER]

Bright people would realize my comment about booking AFTER the hours came out was facetious.

Guess I was wrong.

No, Disney's not perfect.
That's true.
Some of their biggest fans get all riled up when they close a bit too early.
Even though I'm sure that a business giant like Disney would stay open late on a June night if they thought it would be profitable.
(Gosh, I sure hope that wasn't a stupid comment, Master Grayson!)

I was the 83rd person to post on this thread which began with a criticism of WDW....which is fine.

But, it's so nice to be able to offer another view.

[nativetxn]

Okay. As much as I hate to do it--I'm going to lock this thread.

Venting is one thing, arguing with each other is a totally different thing and happens to be against DIS posting guidelines.

This thread is turning into an argument <i>again</i>. So, I'm locking it. I will send a link to this thread to the webmasters so that if they think I am mistaken they can open it again.

If you believe that this should not have been locked please send an email to admin@wdwinfo.com.

Sorry CoachV, but I'm locking it. I understand your frustration and disappointment in the new shorter hours, everyone.

Katholyn