Anyone at Princess Nite? How was it?

[Aurora0427]

When anyone asked how Princess Nite went I reply, "we had a blast"...but here's the key, not because Disney made it magical...we and all the lovely people around us made the night as magical as we could given how poorly managed everything was!

The lines for photo ops and characters were WAY too long and I'm glad we didn't spend any time in them (even though I'm devastated we couldn't get the "official" picture in front of Cinderella's carriage - however we did ask a CM to take a picture of us on the side and he was sweet enough to do it for us).

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Entertainment was slightly lackluster - Disney tried their best with the show on the rivers of America but it all felt...last minute. Don't get me wrong, the performers were amazing...it just didn't feel like they spent a lot of time putting something together.

But here's the thing - I've gone to a number of Halloween parties at Disneyland and DCA and as you can tell, we go ALL OUT for costuming and never once, have we gotten in trouble. People ask for pictures with or of us...yes, it's against Disney's policies but we don't really want to be the ladies who say no - especially to children - so sure, we'll stop and chat and take pictures with people...no problem. Except for Tuesday...we were told twice that if security saw us taking pictures with anyone we could get kicked out. We absolutely cannot be the only ones who were stopped and asked for pictures - there were some AMAZING costumes walking around the park that night - but did anyone else feel just, unwanted by Disney? I get it...I get it...liability and of course there are bad people out there...but here's the thing Disney...if you allow costumes people will dress EXTREMELY well and people will want to take pictures with or of them. It's just going to happen.

Now all of that being said, this will be our one and only After Dark event - oversold, understaffed, underwhelming and poorly managed. Oogie Boogie Bash was and always will be our thing going forward - where we can dress however we please and feel wanted...and have an amazing time with characters, treat trails, parades and WOC shows.

I think if it had just been me and my older daughter, we would’ve been able to make the best of it…. But I was so stressed out about trying to get my youngest to experience some of it before she fell asleep, it made making the best of it very difficult.

I completely agree with your last paragraph! Every word.

You ladies looked wonderful. I saw a Mom ask a woman dressed like Aurora if she’d take a photo with her daughter, who was also dressed like Aurora, because the Aurora line was crazy long, or maybe Aurora wasn’t there, I’m not sure- and the woman told her no because they’d told her she’d be in trouble if she took photos. She looked just as good as the Aurora at the parks.

 

[mrsromy]

You ladies looked wonderful. I saw a Mom ask a woman dressed like Aurora if she’d take a photo with her daughter, who was also dressed like Aurora, because the Aurora line was crazy long, or maybe Aurora wasn’t there, I’m not sure- and the woman told her no because they’d told her she’d be in trouble if she took photos. She looked just as good as the Aurora at the parks.

Thanks so much! There's not a better feeling in the world than to walk around the most magical place on earth dressed as a princess (well, I was Drizella so not exactly princess...but adjacent). I hate that others were told the same thing...that we would get in trouble if we took photos...because telling a child no, when lines are 1, 2, maybe 3 hours long is just heartbreaking. It's obvious we weren't CM characters...my mom was dressed as Cinderella was on an ECV...far from a carriage I understand Disney's policies...I've just never seen it policed in such a manner at an event where they allow and encouraged people to dress up. I can only hope this doesn't translate to Oogie Boogie this year...because if it does...the magic will slowly fade away...

 

[DizMe]

Thanks so much! There's not a better feeling in the world than to walk around the most magical place on earth dressed as a princess (well, I was Drizella so not exactly princess...but adjacent). I hate that others were told the same thing...that we would get in trouble if we took photos...because telling a child no, when lines are 1, 2, maybe 3 hours long is just heartbreaking. It's obvious we weren't CM characters...my mom was dressed as Cinderella was on an ECV...far from a carriage I understand Disney's policies...I've just never seen it policed in such a manner at an event where they allow and encouraged people to dress up. I can only hope this doesn't translate to Oogie Boogie this year...because if it does...the magic will slowly fade away...

You guys looked awesome!!! I'm sorry there was cold water thrown on your fun, especially when it was making people (children!) happy. That's so ridiculous.

On a side note, you're quite funny . Loved the line about your mom's ECV/carriage!

 

[mrsromy]

It seems kind of silly at a PRINCESS NIGHT that you could get in trouble for posing for pictures as PRINCESSES, especially when no one can get near a CM princess without a long, long, long wait. But I'm sure it was just some security people trying to "go by the book." I seriously doubt anyone is going to get kicked out for posing for pictures at a themed night like that, but probably some people take their jobs and the bit of authority that comes with it a tad too seriously, or they're the sort that try to follow things to the letter.

We stopped to chat with 2 ladies who took our picture without even really telling us, but who said they were taking it out loud "because Disney wouldn't know I'm taking a picture of you, so you can't get in trouble". So unfortunately it seems like it was a running theme of the night...CMs doing their job, warning us that Security has likely been told to stop that from happening. I understand the policy...I understand why it's there...I just didn't want to be THAT person and say no, especially if it's a child or their parent who honestly didn't want to or couldn't wait in those CRAZY lines.

I was SHOCKED to see as many labeled Security personnel as I had that night...at one point they were running past us to go toward Splash Mountain, followed by some managers. It was all so chaotic...you could tell it was too busy for the CMs to handle. I can only hope that tonight's party goes a little smoother for the guests...and that they're able to have as much fun as possible.

 

[Astylla]

Astylla, you look amazing!!!! I'm so sad that you were treated poorly when you obviously love Disney and went to a lot of effort to participate in what should have been a really fun event.

I hope the good parts of it stick with you, at least! Thanks for sharing your pictures. It LOOKS like fun, ha ha!

Your kind words mean the world to me , same goes for all the amazing people on this board who have made me feel like family for years now after losing all of my own
Every compliment I receive touches my heart and I try to share the same with others I see and meet because you never know what someone might be going through. More than once a simple act of kindness has saved my life. While I cannot control how others may choose to react, I can control how I choose to interact in return. There have been multiple times where I almost didn't go to a Disney event because my anxiety kicked in , or the outfit didn't look the way I imagined and end up being hard on myself. But above all kindness does matter and every word helps push away 45 years of painful memories I wouldn't wish on anyone.

I am a Disney adult and proud of it

Oh absolutely I have wonderful memories of the moments and that's what sticks with me. In fact I'll be typing up a trip review for the quick one I took because I made new Disney friends by pure chance and want to encourage others to take the solo trip and live your Disney dreams every day.
I get intense anxiety and fight to wake up from depression every..single..day.
I said it multiple times this trip but I beleive especially this time my late mom was walking with me. If I had one wish to be granted, it would to have one Disneyland day with her by my side. Take the trip, ear the churro , make the memories, try to find the good even when things don't go as planned is what I try to embrace and share

 

[Aurora0427]

We stopped to chat with 2 ladies who took our picture without even really telling us, but who said they were taking it out loud "because Disney wouldn't know I'm taking a picture of you, so you can't get in trouble". So unfortunately it seems like it was a running theme of the night...CMs doing their job, warning us that Security has likely been told to stop that from happening. I understand the policy...I understand why it's there...I just didn't want to be THAT person and say no, especially if it's a child or their parent who honestly didn't want to or couldn't wait in those CRAZY lines.

I was SHOCKED to see as many labeled Security personnel as I had that night...at one point they were running past us to go toward Splash Mountain, followed by some managers. It was all so chaotic...you could tell it was too busy for the CMs to handle. I can only hope that tonight's party goes a little smoother for the guests...and that they're able to have as much fun as possible.

We saw security running Tuesday as well. I can’t remember where we were… the whole night was so chaotic. I feel validated after reading this thread though….. it wasn’t just me.

 

[StarlitNight05]

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I love the photopass pics. You look stunning! And that last one is so Belle! Sorry to hear the night didn't go as planned (your Cafe Orleans story had me seething), but I love your attitude of trying to find the good aspects.

 

[RoseColored97]

When anyone asked how Princess Nite went I reply, "we had a blast"...but here's the key, not because Disney made it magical...we and all the lovely people around us made the night as magical as we could given how poorly managed everything was!

The lines for photo ops and characters were WAY too long and I'm glad we didn't spend any time in them (even though I'm devastated we couldn't get the "official" picture in front of Cinderella's carriage - however we did ask a CM to take a picture of us on the side and he was sweet enough to do it for us).

View attachment 745229
Entertainment was slightly lackluster - Disney tried their best with the show on the rivers of America but it all felt...last minute. Don't get me wrong, the performers were amazing...it just didn't feel like they spent a lot of time putting something together.

But here's the thing - I've gone to a number of Halloween parties at Disneyland and DCA and as you can tell, we go ALL OUT for costuming and never once, have we gotten in trouble. People ask for pictures with or of us...yes, it's against Disney's policies but we don't really want to be the ladies who say no - especially to children - so sure, we'll stop and chat and take pictures with people...no problem. Except for Tuesday...we were told twice that if security saw us taking pictures with anyone we could get kicked out. We absolutely cannot be the only ones who were stopped and asked for pictures - there were some AMAZING costumes walking around the park that night - but did anyone else feel just, unwanted by Disney? I get it...I get it...liability and of course there are bad people out there...but here's the thing Disney...if you allow costumes people will dress EXTREMELY well and people will want to take pictures with or of them. It's just going to happen.

Now all of that being said, this will be our one and only After Dark event - oversold, understaffed, underwhelming and poorly managed. Oogie Boogie Bash was and always will be our thing going forward - where we can dress however we please and feel wanted...and have an amazing time with characters, treat trails, parades and WOC shows.

I love your costumes! We love the stepsisters, wish they had them more in the park because they're our favorite Disney characters.

We've been stopped a few times by others to have our picture taken (also Cinderella and her crew!) at Oogie Boogie Bash. One time, it was even in the GCH security line heading in for OBB. I know of that "rule/guideline" and was giving a side eye to security to make sure they weren't giving us a look, but they didn't seem to have an issue with it at all. I'm sorry they said that to you!

 

[Pluto468]

I love your costumes! We love the stepsisters, wish they had them more in the park because they're our favorite Disney characters.

We love the stepsisters, too! They were my favorite part in the Electrical parade.

 

[evilmommie]

@Astylla you look AMAZING! Love hearing about your adventures
@mrsromy great pic of y’all. So cool as a fam.

 

[mrsromy]

You guys looked awesome!!! I'm sorry there was cold water thrown on your fun, especially when it was making people (children!) happy. That's so ridiculous.

On a side note, you're quite funny . Loved the line about your mom's ECV/carriage!

Thanks!! I missed this board, haven't been here in YEARS!! I forgot how wonderful the Dis community can be!

 

[mrsromy]

We've been stopped a few times by others to have our picture taken (also Cinderella and her crew!) at Oogie Boogie Bash. One time, it was even in the GCH security line heading in for OBB. I know of that "rule/guideline" and was giving a side eye to security to make sure they weren't giving us a look, but they didn't seem to have an issue with it at all. I'm sorry they said that to you!

Exactly!! Now my fear is that something changed and this will be par for the course at OBB as well!! If it is, that'll be sooooo disappointing!!!! We love to go all out...we love to dress up at Disney...we love sharing magic with others - if that means a pic here and there...no problem. But if Disney starts to clamp down on all the fun? Ugh, that wouldn't be great.

 

[chezcurrie]

Exactly!! Now my fear is that something changed and this will be par for the course at OBB as well!! If it is, that'll be sooooo disappointing!!!! We love to go all out...we love to dress up at Disney...we love sharing magic with others - if that means a pic here and there...no problem. But if Disney starts to clamp down on all the fun? Ugh, that wouldn't be great.

I wish they would clamp down on all the in-stupiders and cloggers posing in their multiple costume changes with their coordinated kids and outfits for their “content” vs guests clearly there to have fun. Yes, I am so over it. Lol

You all looked fabulous!!!!

 

[Astylla]

@Astylla you look AMAZING! Love hearing about your adventures
@mrsromy great pic of y’all. So cool as a fam.

Thank you so much ! I wasn't exactly thrilled with how my outfit looked , I'm a perfectionist lol, but so many people complimented me and made my day !

Thanks!! I missed this board, haven't been here in YEARS!! I forgot how wonderful the Dis community can be!

Welcome back!

I wish they would clamp down on all the in-stupiders and cloggers posing in their multiple costume changes with their coordinated kids and outfits for their “content” vs guests clearly there to have fun. Yes, I am so over it. Lol

You all looked fabulous!!!!

I couldn't agree more. People I meet on solo trips often ask for my Instagram as we hit it off and make connections which I share , but it's my personal account , I'm not in it for anything. I simply just LOVE sharing my knowledge, passion and love of all things Disney. So many co workers say I should start something up , but you see I don't want or need that kind of "reputation".

I sometimes might do or ask for one extra pose in specific but I'm not spending time taking 10 , 15 different pics. I feel that's not only rude to those waiting who all deserve the same opportunity, but also the poor cast member who is just trying to do their job but also keep everyone else happy too.
I despise the word influencer and I just want to share a smile, a laugh, a fun picture I can reflect on and remember that moment.
I may take many food pic angles or selfie angles but I try to always be mindful who else may be waiting or try to do it in out of the way spots.

 

[chezcurrie]

Thank you so much ! I wasn't exactly thrilled with how my outfit looked , I'm a perfectionist lol, but so many people complimented me and made my day !


Welcome back!

I couldn't agree more. People I meet on solo trips often ask for my Instagram as we hit it off and make connections which I share , but it's my personal account , I'm not in it for anything. I simply just LOVE sharing my knowledge, passion and love of all things Disney. So many co workers say I should start something up , but you see I don't want or need that kind of "reputation".

I sometimes might do or ask for one extra pose in specific but I'm not spending time taking 10 , 15 different pics. I feel that's not only rude to those waiting who all deserve the same opportunity, but also the poor cast member who is just trying to do their job but also keep everyone else happy too.
I despise the word influencer and I just want to share a smile, a laugh, a fun picture I can reflect on and remember that moment.
I may take many food pic angles or selfie angles but I try to always be mindful who else may be waiting or try to do it in out of the way spots.

Oh absolutely - I am specifically referencing people who (imo) should be limited to a media preview so as to not affect guests there to have fun (and take their fun picks and poses.) I have happily held the phone for people taking a (personal) boomerang or what not cause their joy is infectious. Like yours.

 

[Astylla]

Oh absolutely - I am specifically referencing people who (imo) should be limited to a media preview so as to not affect guests there to have fun (and take their fun picks and poses.) I have happily held the phone for people taking a (personal) boomerang or what not cause their joy is infectious. Like yours.

Oh absolutely and was just trying to day I 100000% agree with you too !

It's why I typically try to avoid "first days" of events , parties , festivals because it's obvious who is there for content and who isn't.

I'm so grateful to have made lasting friendships, followers mean nothing to me. It's about making magic with people who want to embrace the same in our own ways

 

[Aurora0427]

I wish they would clamp down on all the in-stupiders and cloggers posing in their multiple costume changes with their coordinated kids and outfits for their “content” vs guests clearly there to have fun. Yes, I am so over it. Lol

You all looked fabulous!!!!

Yes. And I feel like Disney has started catering to these people.

 

[bsmcneil]

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I see a tiny jar of honey but you said you got heinz packets? Did you notice that?

 

[Aurora0427]

I see a tiny jar of honey but you said you got heinz packets? Did you notice that?

Nevermind

 

[Astylla]

I see a tiny jar of honey but you said you got heinz packets? Did you notice that?

It's a good question! So the small jars were literally impossible to open for anyone I saw trying lol. It's the type theyvused to offer at the Afternoon Tea at SH55 , which is. Good brand. So I was just surprised when they brought out the packets more.