Al Lutz Mega-Update - DCA Magic Mornings?, Lots of Refurbs, PFF Moving, Tiered Prices

[HydroGuy]

How accurate are the dates for these refurbishments? And are these from disney or is Al Lutz taking rumours and recycling them? I'm not saying it to be rude, just curious as to where this is comming from???

If you had read the original post in this thread you would know the answer:

Note: Al Lutz does not work for Disney. His posts are not Disney announcements. He has solid contacts inside Disney and is helpful in giving an indication of what Disney is planning and considering. People planning vacations should be very cautious about making plans based on Al's articles. That is not what they are intended for. Rather, Al tries to give an insider view of what Disney is thinking and planning for those interested in what the future may hold. This can and does change over time.

Here is the disclaimer that Al has at the end of his article.

Keep in mind updates only get posted when there is something to report on, and not before. It takes time to confirm things, and even then we can only offer a snapshot of a continually evolving story. (People do change their minds you know.) Just like the happiest place on earth, patience is a virtue; the queue may take a while before you can enjoy the attraction.

 

[GoofyDisneyDaddy]

Generally, once Disney releases the calendar, does that tend to have all the closures on it. Or do they not put them in right away? For example, if in a few weeks they release the calendar for Sept 10th and it doesn't show POTC being refurbed, can we at that point assume that barring an urgent safety matter, it will be open?

 

[HydroGuy]

With POTC being down when we are due to be there (Start of Oct) we may actually change our plans. This is the top ride for everyone in our family. And if by chance IJ is not up and running we will be super mad.... wow, we may actually go another time...

I am gutted!

FYI, I will copy a portion of the OP:

Note: Al Lutz does not work for Disney. His posts are not Disney announcements. He has solid contacts inside Disney and is helpful in giving an indication of what Disney is planning and considering. People planning vacations should be very cautious about making plans based on Al's articles. That is not what they are intended for. Rather, Al tries to give an insider view of what Disney is thinking and planning for those interested in what the future may hold. This can and does change over time.

Here is the disclaimer that Al has at the end of his article.

Keep in mind updates only get posted when there is something to report on, and not before. It takes time to confirm things, and even then we can only offer a snapshot of a continually evolving story. (People do change their minds you know.) Just like the happiest place on earth, patience is a virtue; the queue may take a while before you can enjoy the attraction.

 

[Jynxed]

Just wondering after reading through this thread, what is the best way to express our concerns and displeasure to DL itself? Do they have an email or message board, or should I just call? I know it has been said that they do read these boards, but I don't want to rely on them finding this thread. I also realize that none of this has been set in stone, but I'd rather not wait for it to be. Just a thought...

Traci

No matter when Disney schedules a rehab, there are bound to be people disappointed with it. That is the chance you take going during an "off" time. I am not sure if Disney has a specific place to write about complaints, but even if you send them in, I doubt Disney will rearrange their schedule.

 

[Sherry E]

No matter when Disney schedules a rehab, there are bound to be people disappointed with it. That is the chance you take going during an "off" time. I am not sure if Disney has a specific place to write about complaints, but even if you send them in, I doubt Disney will rearrange their schedule.

This is true, Jynxed. It's probably a major refurb that is going to take a big chunk of tiime that DLR cannot carve out anywhere else in the schedule if they have a deadline they are working with. Even though I'm sure they don't want to close POTC for so long, it's probably the only time that made sense in their schedule to them, I suppose, assuming they are trying to get this done by next year. And yes, whenever they close it, no matter what time of year it is, there will be disappointed people. Very true.

 

[smile4stamps]

I know everyone says it is but October is NOT an off time! I went last year and it was VERY crowded! They said that October 15th I think it was had crowds similar to the Christmas holiday crowds! I can understand having one big ride down at almost any time as they do need refurbs but to have 3 big rides down at all the same time I think is just way to much and it will make the park seem even more crowded!

I think if all these rides do need refurbs they need to do one big ride at a time and something will just be closed at any given time. To have 3 down in the fall and then nothing later on just doesn't make any sense to my logical thinking brain! Yes if they could get them done in September I can understand it as that truely is one of the only slower period left in the year but to keep them closed through the Halloween season is nuts!

 

[kkmcan]

Boo on so many rides being down in October. They really need them to alleviate crowds and have a place for people to go.

YAY!! for DEP coming back!! I hope next year!!

 

[csharpwv]

Rides and attractions have to go down for maintenance sometime - and there really is never a 'good' time to do it.

Are there times of the year that have lower attendance - yes - but there are still people taking vacations during those times.

Walt Disney World and Disneyland are never abandoned. If both resorts were open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, I am positive that there would be guests in the parks.

The times that I have been in a park and thought 'Where are the crowds?" have been limited to the moment leading up to major storms.

There isn't a good time, there will never be a good time, and to think that complaining about a rumored closure for refurbishment is absolutely ridiculous!

Don't think for a minute that Disney just decides one day to close an attraction to refurbish it.

They have people working months and years in advance to plan, down to the last nut and bolt, what each attraction needs to stay fresh, stay safe, and stay relevant.

Would I be upset if I had planned a visit during that time, yes - I would. However, would I find something better to do with my time than to write a letter to Disney complaining - ABSOLUTELY!

Stop complaining - refurbishments have to happen!

 

[HydroGuy]

Rides and attractions have to go down for maintenance sometime - and there really is never a 'good' time to do it.

Are there times of the year that have lower attendance - yes - but there are still people taking vacations during those times.

Walt Disney World and Disneyland are never abandoned. If both resorts were open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, I am positive that there would be guests in the parks.

The times that I have been in a park and thought 'Where are the crowds?" have been limited to the moment leading up to major storms.

There isn't a good time, there will never be a good time, and to think that complaining about a rumored closure for refurbishment is absolutely ridiculous!

Don't think for a minute that Disney just decides one day to close an attraction to refurbish it.

They have people working months and years in advance to plan, down to the last nut and bolt, what each attraction needs to stay fresh, stay safe, and stay relevant.

Would I be upset if I had planned a visit during that time, yes - I would. However, would I find something better to do with my time than to write a letter to Disney complaining - ABSOLUTELY!

Stop complaining - refurbishments have to happen!

Well, I was not so bold as you but I in advance agreed with you in the OP:

A note here about the refurbs. I know it does not matter what I say here in the OP because there will be howling complaints in this thread about all the ride closures Al is reporting. If you want to avoid ride refurbs as much as possible, plan your trip for high season. Any off-season trip risks a larger number of refurbs. Yes, it is disappointing to miss a favorite ride because of a refurb. But rides must be maintained to keep them operating safely and looking good. DLR chooses to do these refurbs when it makes most sense - when there are less people at the parks - off-season - to impact less people.

See:

"What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

"HydroGuy's High Season/Off Season Tradeoff Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199852

 

[blackjackdelta]

My little take on this is that Carland will be debuting next year and all of these rides being down is in preparation for the BIG todo. Logically you really never know how long a rehab will take until you get into the actual process of taking things apart, you can only guess.
I really do not think there is a slow time anymore, some times are slower but i do not think the parks will return to the past.
I will be interesting to see what happens next year. With all the posts the only real engineer (that i know of)here is the great swaami, Hydroguy.

Jack

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Pirates holds a special place in my heart. I missed it a LOT when it was down for our Honeymoon.

That said, we had an amazing time and didn't get back to the park for 5 years. We survived. It sucks when your favorite rides close (DS was DEVASTATED when he found out his first time going to DL and thunder RR would be closed..) but like everyone else says..it's gotta happen sometime. Maybe it was between Pirates and ToT (Which would seem even more Halloweeny to me).

I highly doubt a letter will change much?

 

[PinkBudgie]

My little take on this is that Carland will be debuting next year and all of these rides being down is in preparation for the BIG todo. Logically you really never know how long a rehab will take until you get into the actual process of taking things apart, you can only guess.
I really do not think there is a slow time anymore, some times are slower but i do not think the parks will return to the past.
I will be interesting to see what happens next year. With all the posts the only real engineer (that i know of)here is the great swaami, Hydroguy.

Jack

I think you are right. All the world will be looking at DLR next summer and they probably want to have as much up and running well as possible. Like the major house cleaning you run around doing just before company comes.

 

[candygirlIRE]

FYI, I will copy a portion of the OP:

Thanks for that, I did read it, but we are really not sure what to do now.

Our son (near daily) asks all the time to see youtube video of POTC. He LOVES this ride. Frankly it does factor in to our plans

That being said, we do not KNOW FOR SURE if it will be down (until Disney announces it)... or if by October our son will be as obsessed.


My hubs says we should just risk it, and if it's down we buy his love by purchasing him tons of pirate toys

So our plans may still be on.....

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

I'd probably just go and if it's closed say "this just means we have to come again!"

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks for that, I did read it, but we are really not sure what to do now.

Our son (near daily) asks all the time to see youtube video of POTC. He LOVES this ride. Frankly it does factor in to our plans

That being said, we do not KNOW FOR SURE if it will be down (until Disney announces it)... or if by October our son will be as obsessed.


My hubs says we should just risk it, and if it's down we buy his love by purchasing him tons of pirate toys

So our plans may still be on.....

FWIW, since I have been reading Al Lutz regulary for 6 years now I know what I am getting with Al Lutz - rumors that have merit but do not always pan out - I would change my plans if possible if I were in your situation. But then I would not plan a trip for October in the first place unless I was OK with rides being down like POTC. So there you have it. Should you change? I would. But that is just me. Should you? I dunno.

 

[oumagic]

Last year, we went in the fall and during our visit there were a few big rides closed (TSMM, ST, Indy, BTRR) but I justified it by getting the 5 for 3 deal and staying at the Grand for a very reasonable rate and having lower crowd levels. It is all about cost and benefits and we had a GREAT time considering the cost. That said, I have not seen any great deals for this October (my dates) and I would not be able to justify spending peak season money on off-season attractions.

For certain, I would not recommend anyone cancel a trip until the refurbs. are confirmed. I have a hard time thinking that they will close that many big rides at the same time, but it isn't my business. I think if they stick to the rumored plans, personally I would need another deal to stick to my October trip.

I can't change my vacation dates, just itinerary (length of DL visit) or destination.

 

[GoofyDisneyDaddy]

Hydroguy, et al., it is one thing to say that if you will be disappointed if rides are down, not to go in the off season. I don't fault Disney for needing to refurb their rides. I think the off season is the sensible time to that. But I think (I hope), you can understand, that this is a rather dramatic number of rides, of E-Ticket rides, being taken down at the same time. People could, and should be rightly upset.

If Al is right (big if), it is possible to go in September and have 4 major rides at Disneyland, HM, POTC, IJ, and SM all down at the same time. That is 4 major E-Tickets in one park, practically the entire west side of the park will be down. Not to mention California Screamin. Surely you can see the difference between 1 or 2 E-tickets being down and 5 being down?!?

I'm a WDW person myself, being on the East Coast (though originally from CA). I don't know what TDA is capable of (there's nothing TDO isn't capable of as far as screwing things up). I love that TDA maintains their rides, but to take down two of the parks most iconic, HM and POTC, at the same time seems rather flagrant to me.

These are just rumors, and I personally don't think TDA will do that. But I have nothing other than hope to base that on. In reality, if they do this, I will just rejigger my plans so we hit up DLR over labor day weekend instead of the week after. I'm fortunate to have that flexibility. I feel really bad for others who do not.

 

[HydroGuy]

Hydroguy, et al., it is one thing to say that if you will be disappointed if rides are down, not to go in the off season. I don't fault Disney for needing to refurb their rides. I think the off season is the sensible time to that. But I think (I hope), you can understand, that this is a rather dramatic number of rides, of E-Ticket rides, being taken down at the same time. People could, and should be rightly upset.

If Al is right (big if), it is possible to go in September and have 4 major rides at Disneyland, HM, POTC, IJ, and SM all down at the same time. That is 4 major E-Tickets in one park, practically the entire west side of the park will be down. Not to mention California Screamin. Surely you can see the difference between 1 or 2 E-tickets being down and 5 being down?!?

I'm a WDW person myself, being on the East Coast (though originally from CA). I don't know what TDA is capable of (there's nothing TDO isn't capable of as far as screwing things up). I love that TDA maintains their rides, but to take down two of the parks most iconic, HM and POTC, at the same time seems rather flagrant to me.

These are just rumors, and I personally don't think TDA will do that. But I have nothing other than hope to base that on. In reality, if they do this, I will just rejigger my plans so we hit up DLR over labor day weekend instead of the week after. I'm fortunate to have that flexibility. I feel really bad for others who do not.

Yes, five major rides down on the same day would be disappointing. But we have no indication of that actually happening - even if Al is 100% correct. He says IJA will be down for a short refurb and SM for 2 days. Both of those will likely not be down on the same days and will be down on weekdays. So anyone staying for 3+ days will be able to ride both i would guess - just not every day. Plus HM goes down every year at this time and everyone who pays a little attention knows it. So it is not quite as dramatic as you suggest.

 

[GoofyDisneyDaddy]

Yes, five major rides down on the same day would be disappointing. But we have no indication of that actually happening - even if Al is 100% correct. He says IJA will be down for a short refurb and SM for 2 days. Both of those will likely not be down on the same days and will be down on weekdays. So anyone staying for 3+ days will be able to ride both i would guess - just not every day. Plus HM goes down every year at this time and everyone who pays a little attention knows it. So it is not quite as dramatic as you suggest.

I agree. I don't think it will be as bad as Al's snippits could suggest, not to mention the only firm date he gives California Screamin.

BTW, I appreciate all the great information you provide around here. You do a great service to this community.

Do you know, when the calendar is finally released (can't believe how slow DL is compared to WDW in this regard), will it likely contain the complete list of closures?

 

[HydroGuy]

Do you know, when the calendar is finally released (can't believe how slow DL is compared to WDW in this regard), will it likely contain the complete list of closures?

That would be a definite maybe.

They dropped the Matterhorn closure this summer into the calendar late in the game BTW.

Believe it or not, a more reliable source of info on closures than Disney is MousePlanet's weekly park update.

http://www.mouseplanet.com/search.php?type=c&cid=dl