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

[Jillchristina]

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!

We were *just* about to complete our reservations for a mid-October trip when I read this thread. I feel slightly silly wanting to postpone a trip just because one ride (POTC) will be closed but that's exactly what I think we're going to do. My girls would be so sad (as would I) to not be able to go on their favorite ride. My oldest wants to be Elizabeth Swann for Halloween. Can't have her dressed as that, on Halloween in Disneyland, and NOT be able to ride POTC! Again, I feel kind of ridiculous to have my vacation hinging on one ride. I told my husband that if it were ANY other ride, I wouldn't care nearly as much. We just really <3 POTC!

 

[OregonMickeyLover]

We were *just* about to complete our reservations for a mid-October trip when I read this thread. I feel slightly silly wanting to postpone a trip just because one ride (POTC) will be closed but that's exactly what I think we're going to do. My girls would be so sad (as would I) to not be able to go on their favorite ride. My oldest wants to be Elizabeth Swann for Halloween. Can't have her dressed as that, on Halloween in Disneyland, and NOT be able to ride POTC! Again, I feel kind of ridiculous to have my vacation hinging on one ride. I told my husband that if it were ANY other ride, I wouldn't care nearly as much. We just really <3 POTC!

Despite what a few others have said, it is not silly if it is how you feel. To each his own right? We are having the same dilemma, but not really because we can't change the dates enough to make it work. And we are surprising DD with the trip, so I am hoping that she will be so happy with the trip in general, that when she finds out POTC is closed, she won't care as much. It is the one ride that everyone in our family loves, and when you only make it to DL every couple of years, it is disappointing. This will be our 4th trip to DL in Oct., but never has there been the potential for this many closures. Usually it's IASW, and maybe another couple "non-E ticket" rides. And as others have pointed out, what ride screams Halloween more than POTC, other than HM? I am holding out a shred of hope that this guy is wrong, but also preparing for the "worst". Will it ruin our trip? Absolutely not! We are in DL for heavens sake! But will we be disappointed? YES!

Traci

 

[Jillchristina]

Despite what a few others have said, it is not silly if it is how you feel. To each his own right? We are having the same dilemma, but not really because we can't change the dates enough to make it work. And we are surprising DD with the trip, so I am hoping that she will be so happy with the trip in general, that when she finds out POTC is closed, she won't care as much. It is the one ride that everyone in our family loves, and when you only make it to DL every couple of years, it is disappointing. This will be our 4th trip to DL in Oct., but never has there been the potential for this many closures. Usually it's IASW, and maybe another couple "non-E ticket" rides. And as others have pointed out, what ride screams Halloween more than POTC, other than HM? I am holding out a shred of hope that this guy is wrong, but also preparing for the "worst". Will it ruin our trip? Absolutely not! We are in DL for heavens sake! But will we be disappointed? YES!

Traci

Traci,

I think you have a great attitude and you WILL have a wonderful time. I'm thankful that we can be flexible with our dates. I also realize how lucky we are that we can plan to go to DL at all. Keeping my fingers crossed for all of the POTC lovers who have fall trips scheduled that Al's info is wrong!

Jill

 

[Disney Dreams]

Traci,

I think you have a great attitude and you WILL have a wonderful time. I'm thankful that we can be flexible with our dates. I also realize how lucky we are that we can plan to go to DL at all. Keeping my fingers crossed for all of the POTC lovers who have fall trips scheduled that Al's info is wrong!

Jill

Okay, but here's the thing...

Let's say you change your dates because of Al (a reporter, non-Disney CM). Then Disney changes their plans and / or their dates and either doesn't close during your previously chosen dates or DOES close during your new dates? Then what?

Or... let's say Disney closes on the assumed (intentional use of that word) dates. You move your trip. Then something happens and PotC is down for a few days during your trip. Then what?

My point is... you are basing your plans on ONE person's speculation. For ONE ride. If you can confirm with Disney that this is indeed happening, THEN change your dates. At least you will be basing your decisions on FACT, instead of ASSUMPTION and SPECULATION.

Sigh... Al.....

- Dreams (who waited YEARS to see Country Bear Jamboree only to arrive at WDW to see it under renovation during her entire trip, so, yes, I DO understand)

 

[Bert Chimneysweep]

I'm a little sad about POTC

Its my favourite ride and twice this year I will have been to two different parks and both times its been closed if this is true

I visited Paris in March and it was down there and now visiting California for Halloween and it looks like it will be closed

Its a conspiracy I tell you!!

 

[nunzia]

After re-reading this, I noticed that August 21 is the end of blackout dates for most of the annual pass holders. While that is a Sunday, what does the first non-blackout usually mean for the parks? Will it be completely mobbed from dawn til dusk?

I am DREADING this..we will be there a couple days after the Expo...the Monday and Tuesday after the blackout..I am afraid.

 

[nunzia]

Ok, I usually find his opinions are dead wrong. (Example: He hated on Soarin' so much before it opened that Disney actually found someone that looked like him to be the person that has to take off the Mickey ears. This was done on purpose).As far as facts about what is going to happen, I find his accuracy to be about:
Prices - 10% (until about a week before they are officially announced as increases, then it jumps up to about 95% accurate)
Food - 20%
Rides - 45%
Shows - 50%
Other - 40%

Really??? LOL..I love that I thought that guy looked kinda like George on Seinfeld. I also hope Pirates won't be down in October, but hey..they have to do what they have to do.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I am DREADING this..we will be there a couple days after the Expo...the Monday and Tuesday after the blackout..I am afraid.

But you will let us know how it was, won't you. We are trying the first week of August this year.

Jack

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Late June for Carsland? I guess its good we were already planning a late July/early August trip to see it.

 

[pinktink83]

Example: He hated on Soarin' so much before it opened that Disney actually found someone that looked like him to be the person that has to take off the Mickey ears. This was done on purpose

Whaaaaaat? Alright, where did you hear this?! I need sources.

 

[Jillchristina]

Okay, but here's the thing...

Let's say you change your dates because of Al (a reporter, non-Disney CM). Then Disney changes their plans and / or their dates and either doesn't close during your previously chosen dates or DOES close during your new dates? Then what?

Or... let's say Disney closes on the assumed (intentional use of that word) dates. You move your trip. Then something happens and PotC is down for a few days during your trip. Then what?

My point is... you are basing your plans on ONE person's speculation. For ONE ride. If you can confirm with Disney that this is indeed happening, THEN change your dates. At least you will be basing your decisions on FACT, instead of ASSUMPTION and SPECULATION.

Sigh... Al.....

- Dreams (who waited YEARS to see Country Bear Jamboree only to arrive at WDW to see it under renovation during her entire trip, so, yes, I DO understand)

We are merely holding off on booking our trip until we can hopefully get some further confirmation of the POTC from Disney. Not the end of the world for us to change our dates. If we wait, check the planned closures on the DL calendar, make our trip plans, show up, and it turns out the ride is still not open - oh well. We did our best.

Jill

 

[Saskiwi]

Despite what a few others have said, it is not silly if it is how you feel. To each his own right? We are having the same dilemma, but not really because we can't change the dates enough to make it work. And we are surprising DD with the trip, so I am hoping that she will be so happy with the trip in general, that when she finds out POTC is closed, she won't care as much. It is the one ride that everyone in our family loves, and when you only make it to DL every couple of years, it is disappointing. This will be our 4th trip to DL in Oct., but never has there been the potential for this many closures. Usually it's IASW, and maybe another couple "non-E ticket" rides. And as others have pointed out, what ride screams Halloween more than POTC, other than HM? I am holding out a shred of hope that this guy is wrong, but also preparing for the "worst". Will it ruin our trip? Absolutely not! We are in DL for heavens sake! But will we be disappointed? YES!

Traci

Our sentiments entirely! We come all the way from New Zealand so our trips have A) cost a small fortune and B) have to be planned a loooonng way in advance and dates can't be changed easily, if at all. We are coming for Halloween this year and are very disappointed about POTC being down - such a great "spooky" ride and our DS who will be dressing as Capn Jack is gutted.....but having said that, it won't "ruin" our trip either - just disappointing.
It would be great if DL could publish major refurbs further ahead of time so all of us who have to plan our visits further out could take them into account!

 

[candygirlIRE]

Our sentiments entirely! We come all the way from New Zealand so our trips have A) cost a small fortune and B) have to be planned a loooonng way in advance and dates can't be changed easily, if at all. We are coming for Halloween this year and are very disappointed about POTC being down - such a great "spooky" ride and our DS who will be dressing as Capn Jack is gutted.....but having said that, it won't "ruin" our trip either - just disappointing.
It would be great if DL could publish major refurbs further ahead of time so all of us who have to plan our visits further out could take them into account!

I read on another site (After Googling POTC refub) that Blue Bayou would be closed at that time. I wonder if this has to do with Pirates.... I must find that link again.....

Anyone heard about the restaurant??

 

[johde]

I was doing some searching and found this page. with more precise dates on attraction closures. It has dates for most everything discuessed except for Indiana Jones.

 

[Eeee-va]

I was doing some searching and found this page. with more precise dates on attraction closures. It has dates for most everything discuessed except for Indiana Jones.

That's like a travel agent page? Very interesting. Thank you for the link!

 

[OregonMickeyLover]

Our sentiments entirely! We come all the way from New Zealand so our trips have A) cost a small fortune and B) have to be planned a loooonng way in advance and dates can't be changed easily, if at all. We are coming for Halloween this year and are very disappointed about POTC being down - such a great "spooky" ride and our DS who will be dressing as Capn Jack is gutted.....but having said that, it won't "ruin" our trip either - just disappointing.
It would be great if DL could publish major refurbs further ahead of time so all of us who have to plan our visits further out could take them into account!

I can't imagine being in your position, and living as far away as you do We do live closer, and will most likely be back within a couple years, but it's much more of a trip for you to plan. Your son will not be the only disappointed pirate unfortunately. I would guess that other than princess costumes, pirates are at the top. Still hoping the info. is wrong, but preparing for a trip without POTC

Traci

 

[OregonMickeyLover]

I read on another site (After Googling POTC refub) that Blue Bayou would be closed at that time. I wonder if this has to do with Pirates.... I must find that link again.....

Anyone heard about the restaurant??

I was wondering the same thing. We were going to eat there for one of our dinners, but I can't imagine doing it with POTC closed. Let's face it, the food is okay, but we are there for the setting.

Traci

 

[Eeee-va]

I was wondering the same thing. We were going to eat there for one of our dinners, but I can't imagine doing it with POTC closed. Let's face it, the food is okay, but we are there for the setting.

Traci

I am pretty sure the Blue Bayou closes when PotC is under refurb. If I recall correctly, that's how it's worked in the past, anyway.

 

[jaydoe]

I am kinda bummed about Pirates being down in October. I hope it isn't true, but nothing I can do about that! I'm just happy I'm going to DL. I wasn't planning a 2011 Disney trip at all, but I lucked out with some good flights!! And hopefully, POTC will be opened when I go to WDW in May!

 

[mariezp]

I read on another site (After Googling POTC refub) that Blue Bayou would be closed at that time. I wonder if this has to do with Pirates.... I must find that link again.....

Anyone heard about the restaurant??

Oh no! Pirates is one thing but Blue Bayou too?!!! I didn't even think about that. My family may mutiny. I am so hoping that Al is wrong.