Anyone else annoyed by how often the "parties" are scheduled?

[maxiesmom]

I am completely annoyed by the parties! During the week I am there (11-15-11/21) there are 4 parties!!!! Four - are you kidding me! I have saved for 3 years to bring our twins for their birthday and we cannot afford another $100+ for the party. I planned our schedule and now that I went back and looked this morning (thanks to this thread) they have added 2 more days! The crowds are going to be crazy and it is unfair to the rest of us who can't go every year, or several times a year, or pay for the parties. And please don't say, "don't go" because my kids want to meet Mickey and enjoy Dumbo just like yours but we can't afford to do the additional extras (and shouldn't have to) when we've bought our tickets. I am very disappointed and frustrated

The parties affect, at most, 2 hours of park time. That is all you are missing out on when Disney has the parties in the Magic Kingdom. Two hours of Magic Kingdom time. That leaves plenty of time for your family to meet Mickey and ride Dumbo.

We were in the Magic Kingdom the one day during our trip last week that there wasn't a Halloween party scheduled. And the park was not crazy busy. So please don't panic, it won't be as bad as you are thinking it will be.

 

[btcrane]

I agree with OP. We are lucky enough to go to DW often, but I remember our first couple of trips very well and how we had to scrimp and save to go, and how we didn't know if we'd ever have the money for one more visit in the future. No way could we have afforded five party tickets and we did not pay for park hoppers (still don't pay for parties or park hoppers--I've heard parties are too crowded and we see no need for hopping). When you buy your tickets you expect to be able to enjoy the parks to their fullest. With all due respect, two hours DOES make a difference to someone who isn't able to visit DW on a regular basis. And yes, posters are right when they say there are other parks, but a person who buys multi-day passes should have an opportunity to use all of the excellent advice on which park to visit, which day, etc. A party four nights out of seven significantly limits this opportunity.

Slightly off topic, DW is such a magical place without the parties...I am curious about the parties. Maybe I am missing out on something--are the parties REALLY that great, not to be missed??

 

[Howellsy]

The parties don't just affect MK on the night they are on, they greatly increase crowds on the days without parties because that it the only time some people can visit MK at night, and see Wishes or Spectro. MK is my favourite park to visit at night, and I agree with many that it is irritating to have so many parties.

I went in September and thought that a party every 4 or 5 days was bad enough, especially with Night of Joy meaning that only Epcot was open past 7pm one night. I can't imagine what it's like in October or Decemeber when there are parties more frequently.

Just because people complain it doesn't mean someone else can retaliate with 'if you don't like it don't go' - if you don't like people complaining, don't go on the thread! These boards allow us to vent our frustration with all things Disney as well as celebrate how amazing trips there are.

 

[CandleontheWater]

Actually there is a bright side to all those parties, if you chose to see it this way. The days in which there are parties tend to be less crowded during the day than non-party days. I have especially found that between 4-7 on party days that the MK pretty much clears out, as the day guests leave and the party guest haven't arrived en masse. The lines are very short, and you can ride many rides (even the ever popular Fantasyland ones) with little wait time. You will miss out on Spectro and regular wishes, but if you plan, you can go over to the Poly, have dinner and watch the specialty fireworks from the beach. It is a fantastic viewpoint and you can basically get one of the big party perks (fantastic fireworks) at no cost.

 

[maxiesmom]

Slightly off topic, DW is such a magical place without the parties...I am curious about the parties. Maybe I am missing out on something--are the parties REALLY that great, not to be missed??

I can only speak to the Mnsshp, but we love them! The Magic Kingdom is so pretty at night, and with all of the deocrations even more so. There are a lot more characters out and about, plus you can get on many of the big rides without much of a wait at all. We did Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 3 times in a row, and rode Splash Mountain twice without getting off! Made friends with the other people in the log too. And I think Hallowishes is one of the best fireworks shows Disney puts on. Second only to their 4th of July celebration.

 

[amzking]

I can see both sides here, it stinks that parties are added after everyone is done planning but they are added due to guest demand.

If you end up at MK on a party day, hop on the monorail at 7 and tour the resorts a little to see the decorations, and then watch the fireworks from the Poly beach. We saw the MNSSHP fireworks from Ohana last week and they were amazing, I will seriously consider attending that party next year!!

 

[PiperPizzaz]

The ONLY change we can make is to switch our MK day to the last full day of the trip

Oh no don't do that. We are often exhausted or ill by the end of our trip and it would be a shame to miss it completely.



We are going Nov 14-23 and there are a LOT of parties. It is a little annoying I do have to agree. I actually bought hopper passes this time which I think is really unnecessary when you are going to be there that long but, I couldn't figure out a schedule any other way. So I guess they are smart. Not only did they get party money out of me but, also PH upgrade too.

 

[Eeyore2003]

First and foremost, you can never do everything at Disney World and your most important thing is to remember that whatever you are doing at Disney World enjoy yourself and have fun. You're taking the fun out of planning this great vacation. Believe me, the parks are NOT everything about Disney World. Reminds me of the parents screaming at their kids in the park that they "WILL have a good time here because I spent all this money etc. etc.". The kids would be just as happy swimming in the pool and that would be a much better Disney memory than the screaming!!! Believe me, those are the first memories my, now 24 year old, has of Disney World. Thank goodness I woke up!!!

You mentioned "how can we take a break in the afternoon???" Well, perhaps that day don't!!! Take a short "breather break" in a quiet park corner, and there are such places and instead of leaving the park for 2 hours ( and that is at least what it takes to get back to your room, take a break and get back to a park), wah-lah, there's your two hours. Have a nice quiet dinner and early evening for the kids.

We do other relaxing things the day of the party and the party is our park for the day.

I've been on these boards long enough to...
a) know Disney can't do anything right
b) realize I shouldn't even comment on these threads

Also, I think Disney gives you plenty of bang for your buck. It's all relative. We can easily drop $50.00 and many times more for just a dinner at Applebees.

 

[mb168]

Just be happy you aren't one of the masses that will arrive that day and get booted out. You are here learning and have plenty of time to make plans of what to do with that 2 hours.

 

[MyTwoPrincesses]

Oh no don't do that. We are often exhausted or ill by the end of our trip and it would be a shame to miss it completely.



We are going Nov 14-23 and there are a LOT of parties. It is a little annoying I do have to agree. I actually bought hopper passes this time which I think is really unnecessary when you are going to be there that long but, I couldn't figure out a schedule any other way. So I guess they are smart. Not only did they get party money out of me but, also PH upgrade too.

Our trips overlap. We are there 11/1-11/17
11.11 is arrival day. We hope to see Spectro and Wishes. The park closes at 8
11.12: PARTY DAY
11.13: PARTY DAY
11.14: No party, MK is open late BUT EMH in the morning (we aren't morning people - especially my 3 year old, who is very cranky for much of the day unless she wakes up around 8am or later) plus the crowd level is estimated at 7 on Touring Plans. Oh and it's a Saturday, so lots of daytrippers. So that really isn't a great MK day for us.
11.15: PARTY DAY
11.16: No Party, but EMH evening and it's a Monday and it's our last full day
11/17 Departure Day (PARTY DAY)

What I *might* do is move dinner later, until 7:30. It's a bit late for dinner for the kids, but if we do lunch at 12:30 and then a snack at 4:00, I'm thinking it may work? We are planning on the Wave, so we can walk there rather than ride the Monorail.

 

[bsbrady]

I understand some peoples complaints. But I went back and looked at the dates and there are 18 Christmas parties & 24 Halloween parties, hardly 1/3 of the year as someone mentioned. Also, the Halloween parties are at the slowest times of the year and during these times the parks do not stay open late anyway, I would bet on more than half of the party dates the MK would have closes at either 7 or 8 even if there was no party.

 

[MyTwoPrincesses]

First and foremost, you can never do everything at Disney World and your most important thing is to remember that whatever you are doing at Disney World enjoy yourself and have fun. You're taking the fun out of planning this great vacation. Believe me, the parks are NOT everything about Disney World. Reminds me of the parents screaming at their kids in the park that they "WILL have a good time here because I spent all this money etc. etc.". The kids would be just as happy swimming in the pool and that would be a much better Disney memory than the screaming!!! Believe me, those are the first memories my, now 24 year old, has of Disney World. Thank goodness I woke up!!!

You mentioned "how can we take a break in the afternoon???" Well, perhaps that day don't!!! Take a short "breather break" in a quiet park corner, and there are such places and instead of leaving the park for 2 hours ( and that is at least what it takes to get back to your room, take a break and get back to a park), wah-lah, there's your two hours. Have a nice quiet dinner and early evening for the kids.

We do other relaxing things the day of the party and the party is our park for the day.

I've been on these boards long enough to...
a) know Disney can't do anything right
b) realize I shouldn't even comment on these threads

Also, I think Disney give you plenty of bang for your buck. It's all relative. We can easily drop $50.00 and many times more for just a dinner at Applebees.

I don't know how often people post complaints, but Disney isn't holy. Didn't know you can't complain. Not everyone has been to Disney 20 times and knows what to do. I have planned and worked really hard to figure this trip out, read the Unofficial Guide, etc.

However, you do have a helpful comment in there: breaks in MK. Where would you do this? Haven't been there in 20 years so I have no clue about how this would work.

 

[btcrane]

First and foremost, you can never do everything at Disney World and your most important thing is to remember that whatever you are doing at Disney World enjoy yourself and have fun. You're taking the fun out of planning this great vacation. Believe me, the parks are NOT everything about Disney World. Reminds me of the parents screaming at their kids in the park that they "WILL have a good time here because I spent all this money etc. etc.". The kids would be just as happy swimming in the pool and that would be a much better Disney memory than the screaming!!! Believe me, those are the first memories my, now 24 year old, has of Disney World. Thank goodness I woke up!!!

You mentioned "how can we take a break in the afternoon???" Well, perhaps that day don't!!! Take a short "breather break" in a quiet park corner, and there are such places and instead of leaving the park for 2 hours ( and that is at least what it takes to get back to your room, take a break and get back to a park), wah-lah, there's your two hours. Have a nice quiet dinner and early evening for the kids.

We do other relaxing things the day of the party and the party is our park for the day.

I've been on these boards long enough to...
a) know Disney can't do anything right
b) realize I shouldn't even comment on these threads

Also, I think Disney gives you plenty of bang for your buck. It's all relative. We can easily drop $50.00 and many times more for just a dinner at Applebees.

You have some very good points, and I am sure that OP will have a wonderful time--so many options to choose from! And I find the threads discussing pet peeves petty and a little sad. However, in this case, I don't think the OP is complaining "just" to complain about Disney. I know I wasn't--I am getting ready to take my third trip of the year! As much as we may love Disney, I think it is ok to voice legitimate dissatisfactions. By doing so, experts are able to provide wonderful suggestions, just as you have done.

 

[Eeyore2003]

As I said, I should know enough not to write on these threads as things are ALWAYS taken the wrong way.

All I meant is this and I've certainly done my share of complaining on the boards, but it's truly a lose/lose situation.

The best thing is to say, it is what it is right now and what alternatives do I have.

First thing, after looking at your schedule you are doing exactly what I think is perfect for little kids the first time. Go to MK. Wish I could be there to see faces.

Second, there's a little walkway behind the race track, it goes from Toon Town to Space Mountain. Also there are little spots in the areas between the buildings on Main Street. You'll see lots of little nooks and crannies as you walk around if you look for them. I'm sure other people have other ideas because it does come up fairly often. I think just getting them away from the "stimulous", in the shade with a drink or snack really helps.

Like I said, I didn't mean anything "bad", just to take your time and enjoy it. People started in on the money, Disney, etc. and it just goes on until the main point is lost and that is how to solve this problem and have fun!!!

 

[btcrane]

I think just getting them away from the "stimulous", in the shade with a drink or snack really helps.

This worked for us when ours were younger--we didn't take an afternoon break because we were staying off-site. But breaks away from the "stimulus" were needed by our kids, and maybe even more so by DH. There are quite a number of hidden quiet spots in the parks, believe it or not.

 

[avic77]

**********
Yes, I can go to Universal for $99.00 for the whole week, vs Disney 1 day park is $80.00!

Went to Universal last spring with the 7 days $99.00 (only stayed 5 days). We enjoyed it but you dont need 7 days in Universal. 4 days was more then enough to see and do it all. We enjoyed our vacation had alot of fun for less money which at the time was very important. it was Universal or nothing! If you want to compare you need to add Seaworld and maybe Bush garden to Universal (4parks compared to 4 parks) Year before last we spent 7 days in WDW and felt like there was still more we wanted to see and do and that makes it worth the extra cost. Given the choice my kids would pick Disney still.
I wish they still had the P&P parties in spring We loved it last time but i think 6 out of my 7 days there having a party might annoy me as well!!!

 

[mom2rtk]

At least if you are going during the Christmas season, skipping the afternoon break isn't as big a deal as it is in the heat of the summer. Plan lunch and some slower down time IN the park to rest, then get up and going again.

 

[Racknack]

You still have 3 other parks you can go to to get "value for your ticket" that day.

You make some good points methinks, however I can't agree with the point made above.

In making my plans for the second week of November this year, I noticed that only Epcot makes for a good evening at the parks without buying a ticket for the jam-packed "Christmas Party" at the Magic Kingdom. The other choices are not good at all. Consider ...

Animal Kingdom: closes at 5:00
Studios: closes at 8:00
Disney Downtown: clubs at Pleasure Island are closed.

This leaves only Epcot as a good choice, and it, of course, will be overcrowded as well because of the folks leaving the Magic Kingdom by 7:00 or earlier.

Karnak

 

[phyllis1966]

On our first 2 trips, when DD was 3 1/2, then 4 1/2, we enjoyed stopping in Tomorrowland at what is now called the Tomorrowland Noodle Station (still?). We'd sit at a table while DD relaxed in her stroller, share a big basket of chicken tenders & fries, and look at the castle and just relax in the shade. We loved it there! I don't know if you can still sit in the shade there and relax as we did back then (6 years ago), but if so, maybe you should check it out...

As a few others have said, while I empathize with you and can see understand your frustration with added parties, it really only cuts off 1 or 2 hours at the end of the day. With little ones, after a full day at the MK, you will all be exhausted by 7 pm anyway - trust me! You'll be ready to head back to your hotel by then for sure.

Have a great time on your first trip to WDW!

 

[ogreenlee]

Our trips overlap. We are there 11/1-11/17
11.11 is arrival day. We hope to see Spectro and Wishes. The park closes at 8
11.12: PARTY DAY
11.13: PARTY DAY
11.14: No party, MK is open late BUT EMH in the morning (we aren't morning people - especially my 3 year old, who is very cranky for much of the day unless she wakes up around 8am or later) plus the crowd level is estimated at 7 on Touring Plans. Oh and it's a Saturday, so lots of daytrippers. So that really isn't a great MK day for us.
11.15: PARTY DAY
11.16: No Party, but EMH evening and it's a Monday and it's our last full day
11/17 Departure Day (PARTY DAY)

What I *might* do is move dinner later, until 7:30. It's a bit late for dinner for the kids, but if we do lunch at 12:30 and then a snack at 4:00, I'm thinking it may work? We are planning on the Wave, so we can walk there rather than ride the Monorail.

You're going at a time that's relatively slow. You'll be able to do a lot in the amount of time you have. Do you plan on going to all the parks?

The first time we went with my DD, who was three at the time, we only had two days. We spent both days at MK, and it was in November. One day was a party day. We went from morning until park closing on both days. One day the park closed at 9. She was fine. You are lucky that you have as much time as you do. With girls that age, I'd spread your MK days over 2 or 3, at least. It'll be what they want to do most.

Forget the afternoon rest. Those rest times are stressed for those going when MK is open from early until late, and when it's hot.

You'll be fine! Go and have a good time and don't worry about it so much. Make sure you are at MK on a non-party day. Yes, it'll be more crowded, but so what? A "7" on the crowd indicator really isn't horrible, and it's definitely manageable.