Agree to Disagree! DISUnplugged Show March 22!

[SarahDisney]

EMH, however, is also a premium experience. You pay for it when you choose to spend significantly more to stay at a Disney hotel. But again, that doesn't affect us in any way while we choose to spend far less and stay offsite (in much nicer accommodations).

Some people get preferred seating for Fantasmic by doing the dining package. But we still get to walk in and see the show without spending that extra money. If some people now pay $35 to park at MK, that doesn't stop us from spending $20 and hopping on the tram. If some people will now pay extra for reserved seating for fireworks, that has no affect on us being able to watch the show from anywhere else. The $150 after hours party is no different to me than the Halloween and Christmas parties. It's paying extra for a premium experience.

I understand what you're saying, and I get that we're seeing this from different perspectives because the vast majority of my experience is as an onsite guest.
That said ... I think this goes back to the same issue as resort fees. It seems like Disney may be taking an experience that was previously included in the price of your hotel and now trying to charge you extra for it.
If the $150 event and EMH can exist concurrently (but on different nights, of course), that doesn't take away anything from anyone, and that's fine. But if this ends up being a replacement for EMH ... maybe it's taking away a "premium" experience ... but it's a premium experience that was accessible to more people. I don't know the number off the top of my head (I'm sure someone else does), but Disney hotels have a maximum capacity. I'm sure this event will have a much smaller capacity. If these events replace EMH (which I understand is pure speculation at this point), that reduces the number of people who have access to this benefit, and while I know smaller crowds mean shorter lines, that doesn't make me feel better about it.
And that's a decent part of what I have a problem with. Fewer people can have this benefit, and those who do may be paying a lot more for it.

That new $149 MK party is scheduled on nights that MK doesn't have EMH so it's got me thinking that they're not at all looking to take that away from Resort Guests, but to add the option (for a cost) for those staying off property.

This is certainly true, and if this remains the case ... fine. I'm not thrilled because this keeps me away from those late nights at MK that I love so much - but so do shorter park hours in general, so I can't entirely blame the after hours event.
I think the concern that some people have (and I certainly hope we're wrong) is that this is just Disney testing the waters to see if they can get rid of EMH and replace it with a paid event. And that bothers me.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

But again, that doesn't affect us in any way while we choose to spend far less and stay offsite (in much nicer accommodations).

While I understand that there are great options off property, I disagree with saying they are much nicer than what is available at a Disney resort (or the Four Seasons, etc.). As a DVC member, I've experienced all of the deluxe resorts except for Wilderness Lodge and Boardwalk. The accommodations are spectacular. My favorites are the villas at the Grand Floridian and Polynesian. Just speaking about the latter, for example, being that I'm currently staying here now, the room is immaculate, large (two bathrooms), and I can hear the Main Street train from the balcony. When swimming yesterday, I had a view of Cinderella Castle, Main Street train station, and Space Mountain. Priceless. I won't even go into the gorgeous one bedroom villas at the Grand. They blow everything out of the water.

True, but that also means the park will close early that day to accommodate the party. That does affect guests not staying for the party to some extent.

Not exactly. If you look at the dates for the new after hours event, they are during non-peak season time periods when crowds are low to moderate. The parks would be closing earlier anyway.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

The bottom line for me (as was stated by several others earlier) is that this, along with all the other changes that have been coming recently (actualized or rumored) seem to be eroding the differences between the Disney parks and just about all the others (Six Flags, Cedar Fair parks, even Universal). By not monetizing and tiering everything they set themselves apart from the pack. I'm completely aware that they are a corporation with share holders that need to increase revenue every year... it was just a nicer experience when it was kept behind the curtain. If you want to keep the facade of a magical experience, don't show me how the sausage is made.
That is why this trend is disappointing and I can relate that it makes some feel sad. It feels like the start to the end of an era.

I think that is a fair point - and also though why I think Theresa clarified that she didn't think these new "upcharges" were unfair, but rather they were sad

And that line of when does this negatively impact the "magic" is probably different for everyone. To me, as long as this is marketed as extra or bonus things, I am fine with it - but when it starts to take away from being able to do things at all without these up-charges then it gets to me

A simple example could be the Bloody Mary bar at the Contemporary Brunch ... don't use that in the advertizement for the meal, and then after you get there say there is an extra charge if you want that. So if all of a sudden they market, say, Rivers of Light as an amazing reason you should come to WDW - and then literally the only way to see it is buy purchasing a dining package, that would get to me. But as long as there is a way to see it without spending any money (even if you won't have the best view in the house) I am ok with it ... but others might not be

 

[MrWonderful]

So, our family of 6 trip is planned June 15-22. Historically I expected 11pm or midnight or even 1am closings at MK in June. What I see now is 10pm closings every day, except for the 1 night per week EMH.... Is this so they can do this paid event on the non EMH nights? if so, then I am not happy having my traditional MK evening hours (best time in Summer) taken away.

We've saved and pinched 7 years in order to take this vacation and now I'm having second thoughts. After our last visit in 1999, probably the nicest part of the vacation was realizing on the way home that I did not have to touch my wallet for a week, and we had a perfect time. This visit has me much more concerned with what the final price tag will be vs. what we prepaid and planned. It seems like every other thread around here has to do with the new Disney "greed", nickel and diming for every little thing. May as well just go to Six Flags and forgetaboutit.

 

[KingLlama]

So it SOUNDS like we're all in agreement that Disney World is terrible, right?

 

[pontikes67]

One of things I wrote yesterday in chat was: "If I want to ride all the rides with no wait, I'll show up at Rope Drop, not pay an additional $150", but that's me.

I thought a point made here about the Photopass photographers claiming sole rights to a photo area was excellent. Limiting access...that seems to have struck a chord with everyone as seen here in a recent Unplugged episode.

http://swf.tubechop.com/tubechop.swf?vurl=ZP-rKWkZe0I&start=3225&end=3478&cid=7815820

Part of the issue was the rude manner in which the CM handled it but it begs the question is Disney going to continue to extend it's control on more and more of your experiences to generate revenue??

 

[jacknsally19]

So I am blessed financially and able to afford deluxe resorts and a lot of add-on, special events - which is great. However, I'm even turned off by so many of the up-charge events. I think its one thing to provide an innovative, unique experiences - like the parties, club villain, or the after hour shows that were @ AK in the past - and charge money for them. Those are interesting experiences that I think are fantastic and 'worth' it. Personally, I think charging for a special seat to watch fireworks along with drinks and a few crappy desserts just feels so much like a blind money grab that it more broadly turns me off to WDW. I'm not worried about my kid, or thinking I'm entitled to whatever seat I want. I am more than happy to grab a cupcake and watch the fireworks from the Contemporary (which is my fave spot anyway!) I just feel like it kind reeks of desperation when I know there isn't a need for it. I just feel like WDW has the ability to be far more creative and they aren't.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

So, our family of 6 trip is planned June 15-22. Historically I expected 11pm or midnight or even 1am closings at MK in June. What I see now is 10pm closings every day, except for the 1 night per week EMH.... Is this so they can do this paid event on the non EMH nights? if so, then I am not happy having my traditional MK evening hours (best time in Summer) taken away.

We've saved and pinched 7 years in order to take this vacation and now I'm having second thoughts. After our last visit in 1999, probably the nicest part of the vacation was realizing on the way home that I did not have to touch my wallet for a week, and we had a perfect time. This visit has me much more concerned with what the final price tag will be vs. what we prepaid and planned. It seems like every other thread around here has to do with the new Disney "greed", nickel and diming for every little thing. May as well just go to Six Flags and forgetaboutit.

Honestly, I think this is the biggest potential issue for Disney ... how far can they push things to maximize profits without turning off too many people that it outweighs the extra revenue

I and feel bad for you and find that very sad - this should be a time you are super excited about .... not one you are reconsidering the trip!

I do think to this point anything actually realized has been on "extra experiences" - not taking away things, but some of the rumors are there. I think you can still have an amazing time, but still not the best way to feel now!

 

[pontikes67]

So it SOUNDS like we're all in agreement that Disney World is terrible, right?

You win the Internet today!!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

So it SOUNDS like we're all in agreement that Disney World is terrible, right?

yup ... and based on that all of you should cancel your trips and never go!! .... leaving me with extremely low crowds bwahahahah!

 

[hedberg1661]

I personally think that Disney should consider building another Theme Park somewhere between Orlando and Anaheim.

Not a bad idea however, it needs to have the proper transportation infrastructure #youknowyouloveI4

 

[hedberg1661]

That new $149 MK party is scheduled on nights that MK doesn't have EMH so it's got me thinking that they're not at all looking to take that away from Resort Guests, but to add the option (for a cost) for those staying off property.

And this I am 100% alright with. IF, they remove EMH from resort guests I think they are really devaluing their product. Same goes for resort fee with Internet, DME, MB, etc.

 

[rteetz]

http://blogmickey.com/2016/03/disney-early-morning-magic-fantasyland-pops-disney-experience/

Another hard ticket likely coming...

 

[k8Davies]

I mentioned earlier in this thread that we all choose what we spend our money on - just because someone has expensive taste doesn't mean that they're wealthy - it just means that they've chosen their priorities for their own family.

Totally agree with Jackie, you priorities what you spend your money on.

Disney is an expensive holiday for me but at the end of the day it's a holiday; So I know it's a luxury item. I can pick and choose what I do on it and how much that's going to cost me. If what I want to do cost more than my last trip then I have make sacrifices to save more (less meals out) or wait longer between trips.

I am more worried about the price of thing that I definitely have to pay for going up (Bills ( of which there are always too many lol)) rather than something that I'd like to do, but don't have to if I can't afford it.

And just think about it this way if the biggest problem is needing to save a bit more to do things you want to do on your Disney vacation you doing pretty okay at this life thing

 

[disneysteve]

While I understand that there are great options off property, I disagree with saying they are much nicer than what is available at a Disney resort

Sorry, Nikki. I should have qualified that statement. When I say nicer, I mean dollar for dollar. Onsite, for $150/night, I can get a motel room at All Star or Pop with 2 double beds, one bathroom and not much else. Offsite, for $100/night, I can get a 3-bedroom, 3-bath house with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, private, screened-in pool, parking right outside the door, and lots of other perks.

Certainly, there are some incredible options available onsite. They're just much more expensive. And some of the offsite options (like the private pool homes) are only available offsite. Disney doesn't have anything comparable.

Sorry for the OT comments.

Not exactly. If you look at the dates for the new after hours event, they are during non-peak season time periods when crowds are low to moderate. The parks would be closing earlier anyway.

In that case, I have no problem at all with the new parties.

 

[pontikes67]

http://blogmickey.com/2016/03/disney-early-morning-magic-fantasyland-pops-disney-experience/

Another hard ticket likely coming...

Hi, my name is Scott and I'm a hypocrite. (Hi, Scott). Why you ask? Seeing this post made me think...perhaps Disney will start an Early morning experience that would allow you to ride BEFORE park opening. For years we have made Breakfast reservations for 8am so that we could get in the park, eat (really just an excuse to get in) and be ahead of the crowd at RD. I was willing to drop $140 (for the family) to have 'early' access. Did I want the breakfast, not really. Had we already met every character at these breakfasts, yes. I was though still interested in getting a leg up on the crowds as proven here in this shot:



The 6 people outside of my 2 kids in this shot are associated with Disney.

So, I'm a hypocrite because I condemn Disney for creating "paid" early or late access, but that's very similar to what I've been doing for years. Granted I get a meal out of the deal and it's not really an exclusive event, but I am obviously willing to pay a little to have access.

I'll admit...I'm pretty proud of this picture...there was literally no one near us as everyone was going to Anna and Elsa and the crowds coming from the gate were well behind us. #obssessed #uberplanner #enabler #whatcanisayilovemykids #verucasalt

 

[JJZMgailey]

Hi, my name is Scott and I'm a hypocrite. (Hi, Scott). Why you ask? Seeing this post made me think...perhaps Disney will start an Early morning experience that would allow you to ride BEFORE park opening. For years we have made Breakfast reservations for 8am so that we could get in the park, eat (really just an excuse to get in) and be ahead of the crowd at RD. I was willing to drop $140 (for the family) to have 'early' access. Did I want the breakfast, not really. Had we already met every character at these breakfasts, yes. I was though still interested in getting a leg up on the crowds as proven here in this shot:

View attachment 157779

The 6 people outside of my 2 kids in this shot are associated with Disney.

So, I'm a hypocrite because I condemn Disney for creating "paid" early or late access, but that's very similar to what I've been doing for years. Granted I get a meal out of the deal and it's not really an exclusive event, but I am obviously willing to pay a little to have access.

I'll admit...I'm pretty proud of this picture...there was literally no one near us as everyone was going to Anna and Elsa and the crowds coming from the gate were well behind us. #obssessed #uberplanner #enabler #whatcanisayilovemykids #verucasalt

Where is the LOVE button on this thing??

 

[pontikes67]

Where is the LOVE button on this thing??

Ha! I've got issues

 

[OKW Lover]

This isn't about profits, Disney will always make profits, the name of the game is to deter as many people as possible from coming to the parks cause they're simply too full. Nobody on the show mentioned that at all and I think that would've ended the debate completely. Everybody is going to have a difference in opinion about this but I'ma cut through all the bull and get right to the nitty gritty. The fact that everybody is having this debate is EXACTLY what Disney WANTS to happen. The anger about charging for what was once free conveniences is EXACTLY what Disney WANTS. And get this everybody.....We as Disney fans are going to pay the charges no matter what, why? Because we're DISNEY FANS!!!!! There's nothing on this planet that can compete with the entertainment Disney provides through their theme parks & resorts around the world, period. I'm not happy about them being on the verge of charge for FPs, Magical Express, etc just like everybody else. But you know what? If I have to pay it, so be it cause I know that my money is going to be valuable in that it helps me get my Disney fix, it pays the CMs, and most of all, helps Disney create & build even MORE experiences that will benefit us in the future such as Star Wars Land AND help make the crowd levels more manageable. I'm looking at the bigger picture here people, the crowds will diminish to a more controllable level because Disney is extremely good at reining in aspects that are getting out of control. So at the end of the day, everybody is right to a certain degree no matter what Disney decides to do. Let's just not lose sight of the fact that this isn't a money game cause Disney will get plenty of it, this is about having a lot of us stay the hell away from the parks. And MAN, is it going to work perfectly. LOL.

Sorry, but I just can't agree with this, especially the bolded parts. I believe that it is about profits. The Walt Disney Company is a public corporation who's business is to make a profit by providing entertainment to the public. As a public corporation, it has a responsibility to its shareholders to make a profit and return value to those shareholders through dividends and/or stock appreciation. The way that happens is that they make a profit and that the profit continues to increase over the years. Its not a short-term equation, steady increases in profits are highly valued in the investment world.

Why would Disney want to discourage people from going to its parks? Certainly not because they are "too full". I was just walking around Epcot yesterday and there were very few places where I saw any real congestion. Think about it. If people don't come to the parks then they don't spend money on parking, admission, food, souvenirs, etc. There is no way that Disney wants to keep people away. What they do want to do is to extract the most money they can out of each visitor.

I think the problem was that Kevin is so far removed from what Steve was discussing he just couldn't get it. A single male has massive money to spend. He stated he likes LV bags, right there you know his income bracket. He doesn't have a family living on an average income. He's a single male. He can't and doest want to get it.

As Kevin has noted elsewhere, he is a married man. Steve is not. Apparently Kevin is reasonably successful and can afford to spend money at LV. Congratulations to him. Steve hasn't yet reached that stage in his life, but maybe he aspires to LV. Maybe not. The point here is that each has a different, but perfectly understandable point of view on the money issue. Not everybody listening to these podcasts are in the same marital/financial/socio-economic/anyothercategory in their life and its important to understand that we can all view this differently and further that those views can and will change over time.

 

[KingLlama]

Steve hasn't yet reached that stage in his life, but maybe he aspires to LV. Maybe not.

Steve seems like more of a Burberry guy.