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

[Kittyskyfish]

Like a previous poster said, I too have known about the refurb of the sleds on the Matterhorn but am extremely sad to see that it will actually happen. I had hoped that enough people had said that no one over the height of 5'5" will be able to write it. It's not just the Pooh-sized guests who won't be able to ride, but my whole entire extremely tall family won't be able to as well (DM is the shortest of all of us and she is 5'10"). There goes one of my favorite rides.

Where is the source that the Matterhorn will restrict riders over 5'5"?

 

[cmwade77]

Where is the source that the Matterhorn will restrict riders over 5'5"?

I agree, those of us that are larger may have a harder time fitting, but based on what I have seen, if you can fit on Space Mountain at WDW, you should be able to fit in these bobsleds. They appear to be a similar design.

 

[Eeee-va]

I don't think "seasonal" pricing is imminent--just something they're thinking about. The new ticket system is already really complex, so I'd be surprised to see it get more complex any time soon, and I certainly wouldn't worry about it....

While part of the motivation of seasonal pricing might be to maximize profits, it seems to me a goal would be to distribute crowds more evenly. With such a large proportion of crowds being AP holders, Disney can definitely predict, and maybe even distribute, a lot of the crowds using blockout dates. (Notice how crowded the days before a blockout period are!)

Whereas at best, IMO price adjustments for "peak periods" would be an unpredictable way to shift crowds. I don't personally think the seasonal pricing would affect the crowds even close to as much as AP blockouts. But it's not impossible that seasonal pricing could make previously uncrowded times a zoo. If nothing else, Disney might hesitate because it's a really sweeping change that could have very unpredictable results and limited benefits, with potential guest backlash.

The two weeks around Christmas DO seem to be busy whatever Disney does. But if Al is right, then Disney has considered separate-ticket Christmas parties to increase revenue in the holiday period, while providing periods of reduced crowds at a premium price. So anyway, seasonal pricing is certainly not the only tool Disney has for crowd control OR for maximizing profits. Will be interesting to see what they do!

 

[jernysgirl]

This is the second mention of the special 4th of July WOC. I hope it is true, but wondering why disney would not make it official with only 2 weeks to go? Does disney like surprises about these kinds of things?

It looks like they have confirmed the 4th of July WOC on the Disney blog now. But they are saying that it will only be a pre-show.

 

[candygirlIRE]

My heart sunk when I read about the POTC refurb. during the time we will be there, and Indiana Jones! Hopefully IJ is back up before the end of Oct. It's a good thing there are a million other reasons to love DL!

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!

 

[PinkBudgie]

Like a previous poster said, I too have known about the refurb of the sleds on the Matterhorn but am extremely sad to see that it will actually happen. I had hoped that enough people had said that no one over the height of 5'5" will be able to write it. It's not just the Pooh-sized guests who won't be able to ride, but my whole entire extremely tall family won't be able to as well (DM is the shortest of all of us and she is 5'10"). There goes one of my favorite rides.

Where did you see that? Did I miss something? I just can't imagine that DL would eliminate a large group of riders like that. Especially when they seem so good at accomadating everyone at all the other rides. I just hope that after all these closings they somehow make that ride smoother. Right now that ride is so bumpy and jarring it gives me a headache.

 

[JimmyJam838]

Oh okay I didn't realize he replaced Davey Jones but I guess I can understand that. Would like to see it and here what Blackbeard has to say.

The quotes themselves didn't change, just Blackbeard saying them instead of Davey Jones.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

DH and I were sad to hear that. We love Davey Understand it..still sad. Glad we got to see Davey!

 

[CrystalS]

Wow, if CaliScreamin, Indy and POTC are all down for our trip Sept 25th-30th I'm going to cry!!
Why so many BIG ticket rides at the same time? I have been gushing to my hubby how much he will love Indy and now if might be closed?
This is the only time our family can travel so we can't change dates to accommodate the closures
I sure hope the closures are pushed back, or that the list is wrong

 

[csharpwv]

We are going toward the end of August - on Disney's site it lists that the Matterhorn will be on and off line during that time frame - do you think these possible refurbs (from Al) will delay that from happening?

I have been to Disneyland a couple times, but my wife, and her cousin have never been - so we are hoping that nothing will be down for refurb for our trip - I mean, of course that's what everyone wants - but it would be great to see and do everything we want to do during our trip.

Being that we are east coast folk - we don't get out to CA too often!

But with the airfare wars going on right now, it would be crazy NOT to go to Disneyland right now! When we booked our flights we got them for $89 each way from Pittsburgh - so that's not bad at all!

 

[merrrydeath]

I think having POTC closed in September and October would be such a bad time. Don't pirates scream Halloween? They do to me.

 

[rune_74]

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???

 

[MackSparrow]

Hope some of these rumors aren't true. Me and my fiancee will be going to Disneyland/Southern California area for our honeymoon in early September and are planning on spending maybe 5-6 days in DLR. Adventureland and New Orleans Square are our favorites lands in the park and without POTC, Indy and HM it will be pretty dead on that side.

 

[merrrydeath]

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???

It's not coming straight from Disney's mouth, so none of it is confirmed yet. Al Lutz has been correct from time to time though.

 

[Caseystigger]

The quotes themselves didn't change, just Blackbeard saying them instead of Davey Jones.

Oh they didn't? Will still be fun to see. Davey will be missed.

 

[Sherry E]

I think having POTC closed in September and October would be such a bad time. Don't pirates scream Halloween? They do to me.

I agree, Meredith! I was saying over in the Christmas thread that if POTC were closed during the busy holiday season, its loss would be felt but there would be enough other holiday things going on to make up for it...sort of (even though I love POTC!)...which could kind of take my mind off of it being closed.

But to close a ride like POTC during the entire Halloween season, I think, makes more of an impact. I think that many of the Halloween party guests would have loved to have shorter lines and be able to ride POTC in their costumes at night. In fact, our very own TheColtonsMom (Sherri) has a family that loves POTC, and they are planning on riding POTC in their pirate costumes at the party...which now they cannot do! That ride is a huge part of their trip.

I am guessing that DLR wants to fix whatever needs to be fixed in POTC, which is obviously major to have it closed for 2-1/2 months, and have it all shiny and new and ready to go by next year, when all kinds of new visitors come to DLR to see the DCA changes.

 

[merrrydeath]

I totally agree. A Christmastime closure would be fine by me, but Halloween?? It's one of those rides that feels Halloween-y without having to add an overlay. It's a good point about the parties too. A quick way of giving yourself the spooks!

 

[OregonMickeyLover]

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!

If it was a matter of a few days, then we might consider it, but it would be at least three weeks from are current ending date, and that's just not possible. It's already frustrating that we miss IASW by traveling that time of year, but now this? As I said previously, it's a good thing there are enough other rides we enjoy. I just hope DD is thrilled just from being surprised, and isn't bummed when her favorite ride is down.

Traci

 

[OregonMickeyLover]

I think having POTC closed in September and October would be such a bad time. Don't pirates scream Halloween? They do to me.

That's exactly what I was thinking! They must know how many people dress as pirates for Halloween!!!

 

[OregonMickeyLover]

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