Our personal escort out of the Magic Kingdom

[Rainkiss]

Let me put my opinion of people staying through the party without paying this way...

We got to the parade early. Not quite early enough to grab curb seats, but we were standing behind a family that was sitting down on the curb. Mom, Dad, Grandma, a couple kids in strollers, which they had parked directly behind them. I figure, okay, I can shoot pictures over a stroller, cool. The Horseman comes... and the whole family stands up directly in front of me, shuffling back and forth and making noise. (We're not talking, "oh, look kids," noise, the adults chattering excitedly back and forth and snapping flash pictures.) My total number of pictures? Zero, once you subtract the ones of the back of these people's heads. Of course, the route is now packed, no way to shift and find a better place, since we're on Main Street, we're also at the end of the route.

Pattern continues... I got some shots, mostly of the floats above their heads and in between their jack-in-the-box routines. Mostly, though, by the end of the parade I was torn between asking their names, since I had more pictures of them than of my own husband, and drawing lots to decide which of the adults to throttle.

Once the lights come back up, I realize... No wristbands.

Grr.

 

[aubriee]

I understand that it may seem unsettling to be escorted out of the Magic Kingdom on a party night when the clock strikes 7pm. But, if there wasn't a policy in place to clear the park, MANY people might be inclined to stick around.

The thinking would go ...

"well, we've done all the rides and shows that we wanted to do during the day today. Let's grab something to eat, do some shopping and stick around for the parade and the fireworks - and we won't have to pay for the party ticket."

We were at the MNSSHP Sept '08. We were waiting for the parade in Frontier Land, right where it starts. There was a large family (two parents and like eight kids) standing next to us and trying to squeeze us out that did not have wrist bands on. We heard the dad bragging, "See I told you we didn't need to waste tickets on this party. Disney doesn't care if people hang around". One of the kids started whining that he wanted to ride some rides and the dad said, "Well, we can't ride rides, but we can do everything else." They just kept trying to squeeze us out of our spot, so my husband finally walked over and told a CM what they were saying and that they didn't have tickets for the party. The CM just shrugged and said, "Some people always manage to sneak in, not much we can do". We were shocked that even after reporting them, that the CM did nothing. I was down there this Sept, but didn't even bother going. If Disney weeds out the people without tickets, so the parties are not so crowded I'll go back. We'll be there again in Dec and have not bought MVMCP tickets, but might if Disney is actually kicking the people out that don't belong.

 

[fan1080]

Let me put my opinion of people staying through the party without paying this way...

We got to the parade early. Not quite early enough to grab curb seats, but we were standing behind a family that was sitting down on the curb. Mom, Dad, Grandma, a couple kids in strollers, which they had parked directly behind them. I figure, okay, I can shoot pictures over a stroller, cool. The Horseman comes... and the whole family stands up directly in front of me, shuffling back and forth and making noise. (We're not talking, "oh, look kids," noise, the adults chattering excitedly back and forth and snapping flash pictures.) My total number of pictures? Zero, once you subtract the ones of the back of these people's heads. Of course, the route is now packed, no way to shift and find a better place, since we're on Main Street, we're also at the end of the route.

Pattern continues... I got some shots, mostly of the floats above their heads and in between their jack-in-the-box routines. Mostly, though, by the end of the parade I was torn between asking their names, since I had more pictures of them than of my own husband, and drawing lots to decide which of the adults to throttle.

Once the lights come back up, I realize... No wristbands.

Grr.

Yes, frustrating, but that will happen paying guest or not.

 

[RMulieri]

Do they not put out the big sign at the entrance of the MK anymore? Last year there was a sign that said the "MK will be Closing at 7pm today for ......." ..I understand people getting upset, but it is what it is.You want to stay? Buy a ticket like all the other people had to.Last trip, I was told at check in the dates of the party, I was told when I made my dining, I was handed a times guide that said it, Cms were telling people at 6pm and on and there was a sign on Main St.Seriously, Even if Disney told everyone and Plastered Neon signs everywhere, someone would still be ticked off, and arguing with the cms about having to leave.I know that there are 4 parties my 6 day trip in December.I know I have to leave, and I didn't make adrs for after a certain time.

 

[LilGMom]

Hi LilGMom,
Grad Nights are Friday April 23rd, Saturday the 24th, Friday the 30th and Saturday May 1st. Unfortunately for us, they are the two weekends we are there

Thanks so much for the info.

 

[EnchantedTales]

I see alot of people saying that they were getting asked to show their wristband. I attended MNSSHP on 10/22 and 10/25 and was not asked once. In fact only once on the second night did I even see CM's actively checking. I guess it was just luck (or lack there of ) of the draw.

Just a small note to point out that if your wristbands can be seen clearly most cast members won't need to ask you to show it.

 

[lbklyn]

When you enter the MK you pick up a times guide and it clearly states when park closing is. When you check into a resort they give you guides that tell you the park hours for the week. It is not rocket science.

Usually they will not let you make ADR's during a party unless you have a party ticket. For the person who wondered about the 9pm ADR I would not make one unless you plan on purchasing a party ticket.

Regular tickets are not purchased for a specific day so how could they tell your at purchase what the hours would be?
Denise in MI

Speaking for myself I research everything I can before my family and I go. I have only been to MVMCP once and all other times made sure to go early or avoid MK those days. I still think there are those out there who do not know all that goes into planning a Disney Trip and get caught off guard with this. Should they have looked into it more, yes, but I can still sympathize with them if they WERE caught off guard.

Total brain freeze on my part though as far as purchasing tickets and being told that those dates are party dates. Tickets are NOT for a specific day as you pointed out.

 

[princessmom29]

Just a small note to point out that if your wristbands can be seen clearly most cast members won't need to ask you to show it.

It was 40 degrees at party time last time we went to MVMCP. Everyone had on overcoats so that was pretty much impossible!

 

[maxiesmom]

Do they not put out the big sign at the entrance of the MK anymore? Last year there was a sign that said the "MK will be Closing at 7pm today for ......." ..I understand people getting upset, but it is what it is.You want to stay? Buy a ticket like all the other people had to.Last trip, I was told at check in the dates of the party, I was told when I made my dining, I was handed a times guide that said it, Cms were telling people at 6pm and on and there was a sign on Main St.Seriously, Even if Disney told everyone and Plastered Neon signs everywhere, someone would still be ticked off, and arguing with the cms about having to leave.I know that there are 4 parties my 6 day trip in December.I know I have to leave, and I didn't make adrs for after a certain time.

Yes, they still put out the large signs stating that there is a party on that night. I think that unless Disney has CMs walk up to each and every guest and say "You there, there is a party tonight, just so you know." some people will complain that they don't do enought to inform the guets.

 

[JulieBarlow]

We stay offsite but last time we went in January the P&P parties were on and when we got on the parking tram the driver told everyone that MK was closing that night at 7pm for the party and that only those with tickets for the party would be allowed to stay in the park, then told everyone what times the other parks closed so they could change their plans and go to another park if they wanted to stay out late. We already knew about the party and early closing but there seemed to be alot of people who didn't realise and were questioning the closing time, whether they changed their plans and went elsewhere or not I don't know but everyone who caught the tram (and that is almost everyone who rings a car to MK) definitely knew that the park closed at 7pm.

 

[TimandTanya]

I'm sorry, but you are spending hundreds and thousands of dollars on a vacation, and you don't do the littlest planning, researching, etc? There are a plethora of discussion boards, tour sites, information sites, even WDW site has a calendar for each park, all over the internet, so the excuse that you did not know is mute in my book. If you used a tour website or travel agent, and they didn't inform you, then maybe it's time to direct some of that anger, and harsh words you have for any CM toward your travel agent and/or yourself.

 

[Planogirl]

I don't see any sense in being harsh with CM's but I can understand the disappointment. I would personally rather gouge my eyes out than attend one of these things so I'm OK with going elsewhere but some people might have used an oblivious travel agent or might have used the phone to make offsite reservations. Plus there are actually people out there that still don't use the Internet.

I don't think that they should argue or be rude but being a little hurt I get. Now why am I suddenly thinking of the Griswolds?

 

[Golden Rose]

I can completely understand the frustration of someone who didn't realize they would have to leave early. It happened to us several years ago, and we _are_ planners. Admittedly, that was our first trip back to WDW after several years away, but we did manage to have a bunch of ADRs and we'd figured out which parks we planned to do which days. I have no idea how we missed that we'd be herded out of the MK early, but somehow we did, and we were really shocked when we were practically pushed to the exit by a very aggressive castmember. It was literally the worst experience we had ever had at WDW, not because the park closed early, but because we were treated rudely by a castmember with a really ugly attitude. We weren't trying to sneak into something; we were trying to figure out what was going on. It didn't end up ruining our vacation, or really even our day, but I remember how frustrated and confused we were at the time because we really didn't know what the separately ticketed parties were.

Now, of course, I know to check before planning our days, but that first time really took me by surprise.

 

[duffy]

Just a quick note to those who question people not knowing:

I have a friend who will be in Florida over Christmas, and she says her whole family is going "to Disney World" on Christmas day.

Which park? I ask.

"I don't know, whatever," she answers.

I'd go to either AK or the Studios, I advice her. Epcot and the Magic Kingdom will be packed. Where are you eating?

"Beats me," she said. "Wherever we can find a place that will seat us all. If we have to leave the park, we will."

Do you realize that if you do leave, you may not get back in, because it's Christmas day?

"oh, well," was her answer.

I find that to be a fairly common attitude.

 

[mb168]

Just a quick note to those who question people not knowing:

I have a friend who will be in Florida over Christmas, and she says her whole family is going "to Disney World" on Christmas day.

Which park? I ask.

"I don't know, whatever," she answers.

I'd go to either AK or the Studios, I advice her. Epcot and the Magic Kingdom will be packed. Where are you eating?

"Beats me," she said. "Wherever we can find a place that will seat us all. If we have to leave the park, we will."

Do you realize that if you do leave, you may not get back in, because it's Christmas day?

"oh, well," was her answer.

I find that to be a fairly common attitude.

These are the people that go and have a bad time, then think WE are crazy because "how can you go and deal with all that heat, thos
e people, the long lines, rudeness, wait time to eat..."

 

[TCO]

These are the people that go and have a bad time, then think WE are crazy because "how can you go and deal with all that heat, thos
e people, the long lines, rudeness, wait time to eat..."

Oooooor maybe it's each to their own no?

Plenty of people go with little or no planning and have an even better time cause things are a suprise to them and less of a military exercise.

Me? I'm in the middle, bit of both

 

[mb168]

Oooooor maybe it's each to their own no?

Plenty of people go with little or no planning and have an even better time cause things are a suprise to them and less of a military exercise.

Me? I'm in the middle, bit of both

Could be, but I think the stereotype of WDW is hot and standing in line for an hour for everything.

I lean towards less of a plan myself, but with enough knowledge of whats going on and how to adapt to a situation. Seldom do we have more than 1 ADR if any, or even know what parks we are going to unless it's something special like Food and Wine. We are fortunate to live in Savannah and can go often enough that we dont have to go park commando, if we miss it this trip we'll be back in a few months and catch it then.

I've seen people standing in line with a plan of attack minute by minute with alterations based on how long the Dumbo line is and what line to get in next, THAT seems a little unfun to me.

 

[lbklyn]

UOTE=Planogirl;34195030]I don't see any sense in being harsh with CM's but I can understand the disappointment. I would personally rather gouge my eyes out than attend one of these things so I'm OK with going elsewhere but some people might have used an oblivious travel agent or might have used the phone to make offsite reservations. Plus there are actually people out there that still don't use the Internet.

I don't think that they should argue or be rude but being a little hurt I get. Now why am I suddenly thinking of the Griswolds? [/QUOTE]

Before I ever heard of the disboards I got hooked into watching the Vacation movies everytime they came on. Now I see from these boards I am not alone! Just hearing the name the Griswolds makes me laugh.

 

[bumbershoot]

We had dinner reservations at the Crystal Palace on Sunday October 18th at 6:10 PM. We were seated at 6:20 PM. We had a nice long and relaxing dinner. We sat down as soon as Pooh left our area so we couldn't get pictures with him and he didn't return until around 7:45 PM. After our pictures with Pooh as we were leaving we were asked at the exit of the Crystal Palace if we had tickets for MNSSHP and we said no. We were escorted to the exit of the Magic Kingdom by a cast member. I have never heard of this. The other family that were being escorted out with us were having a fit. They couldn't believe thay had to leave the Magic Kingdom. I knew we would have to leave but I never heard of the personel escort.

Here I thought you were going to say Pooh walked you out.



As for knowing what's going on ahead of time...when we belonged to our zoo that's 10 minutes across town, every time we wanted to go, we checked the website the day before, and right before, we went. Every time! We wanted to make sure they were open.

I am starting to plan a WDW trip for December 2010, and I plan to check the website every night we're there, for the following days, to make sure nothing has changed.

I cannot even fathom flying all the way across the country for a huge vacation without compulsively checking to make sure nothing has changed. And to not know there's a big party...can't even imagine.



I do have to say, now that I've read the description of it...I'm less inclined to go! With the exception of the cocoa (which my family couldn't drink) and cookies...it's pretty much what DLR offers all of its guests with normal admission at the holidaytime! Different castle, of course. Will probably save ourselves some party money and plan for another park those nights instead during our stay next year.

 

[fan1080]

Here I thought you were going to say Pooh walked you out.



As for knowing what's going on ahead of time...when we belonged to our zoo that's 10 minutes across town, every time we wanted to go, we checked the website the day before, and right before, we went. Every time! We wanted to make sure they were open.

I am starting to plan a WDW trip for December 2010, and I plan to check the website every night we're there, for the following days, to make sure nothing has changed.

I cannot even fathom flying all the way across the country for a huge vacation without compulsively checking to make sure nothing has changed. And to not know there's a big party...can't even imagine.



I do have to say, now that I've read the description of it...I'm less inclined to go! With the exception of the cocoa (which my family couldn't drink) and cookies...it's pretty much what DLR offers all of its guests with normal admission at the holidaytime! Different castle, of course. Will probably save ourselves some party money and plan for another park those nights instead during our stay next year.

The vast majority of visitors to WDW do not plan their vacations in depth (making ADR's, which parks to go to on what days, shows to attend, parties, etc). In fact, a good portion of DIS'ers do not plan that in depth either.

Some choose to plan very carefully, others would just rather go and let it happen. I'm sure there are some who can't imagine why planners are as in-depth as they are. Everyone is different, no need to criticize those that are not like ourselves.