Attention all MNSSHPers

[diselderm]

Now I'm considering resending them another email focusing on my concern about being there with our small children. Maybe not a smart idea, but we're bringing two very young children with us and realize that we may only be able to stay for the first couple of hours. If the park is in "transition" clearing out day guests for the first hour, then half of our time may be wasted. Since it's a "not so scary" party, I feel like families with young children should feel comfortable going, welcomed, and feel as if an effort is made for them to enjoy the party as much as possible. I agree with the posts that the hours should not have been changed after ticket sales started for this year.

 

[Bronte]

we have tickets for MVMCP on Nov. 13 ...
just bumping to find out information ... when we checked the times we really thought it was a typo but I guess not ...
I sure hope they do not run it like EMH's ... that is not very effective. The old system of closing the park down and making us all goto tommarow land or frontier land is a much better plan and worked for all the years we had been going.

 

[iwynlea]

Not that I really want to add fuel to this already raging fire, and up until now I've been content to sit back and see what Disney does, but now I'm preparing my own email to the company. (And, yes, I've already dropped close to $160 already on tickets for DH and myself to two different MNSSHP nights.)

I just heard on the Inside the Magic podcast that Disney will be showing Hallowishes to ALL park guests October 15-31 instead of regular Wishes! We don't go to MNSSHP for the rides or the candy...we go for the parade and the fireworks and characters. If I could just plan my trip a little later (we're going the first week of Oct.) and see Hallowishes, I probably wouldn't attend MNSSHP!

I'm still trying to think positive - maybe ITM is wrong (very possible), but still, it annoys me in light of all the other changes they've made this year!

 

[mjhd]

Would it be acceptable to request a refund once you get to the party and it is less than expected? What if we all went up to customer service and demanded a refund? I think if these changes do happen and we do that, whether or not they decide to refund, it should make an impact. Personally, this will be our first trip to WDW and I only purchased the tickets to MNSSHP as everyone was raving about the parade, fireworks, etc. I am crossing my fingers that we will not be disappointed!

 

[Markstudy]

What is the business $$$ idea behind this? Closing the parks at 6:00 worked, why fix it?

Maybe they found that private parties make a little money on the hard-ticket but lose too much money on the shopping and eating?


Or is it, that demand is so high, now that the travel industry has recovered from 5 years ago.... and Disney is just offering less because they feel the Private Parties were too good of a deal for the guest?

I want to understand Disney's move....... (usually that means follow the money $$$)

 

[phisigprincess]

Not that I really want to add fuel to this already raging fire, and up until now I've been content to sit back and see what Disney does, but now I'm preparing my own email to the company. (And, yes, I've already dropped close to $160 already on tickets for DH and myself to two different MNSSHP nights.)

I just heard on the Inside the Magic podcast that Disney will be showing Hallowishes to ALL park guests October 15-31 instead of regular Wishes! We don't go to MNSSHP for the rides or the candy...we go for the parade and the fireworks and characters. If I could just plan my trip a little later (we're going the first week of Oct.) and see Hallowishes, I probably wouldn't attend MNSSHP!

I'm still trying to think positive - maybe ITM is wrong (very possible), but still, it annoys me in light of all the other changes they've made this year!

You're probably not wrong unfortunately. When I was there last Christmas week (probably the 27th or so) I saw the Christmas parade (twice actually - once because the crowd was so massive no one could get through) and Holiday Wishes on my general admission ticket. I was a little surprised because in 2003 those were only for MVMCP guests. Sounds like Disney is really screwing things up on this one.

 

[schlepsnort]

So I called guest services this a.m. and talked to two different CMs.
CM1 was of no help as all she told me was that I could enter the park at 7p and get my wristband. She did say that the park was closing at 6 though.

CM2 had the best accent (the New Joisey) accent and told me that we could enter the park with our tickets whenever we want (er...ok so I can go in at 10a.m.? I think not!) but she also said the park was closing at 6. She also mentioned wrist bands.

So judging from what I've read here and my two calls I THINK that they will be closing at 6. However, this is the last time we will ever buy hard ticket event tickets. I've shot off 4 seperate emails to them in regards to our concerns and they have all been ignored, poor customer service.

I think all of us DISers who are attending the parties should figure out who is going to what party, have a cellphone calling tree. That way when we see how the party is turning out and it's not going well we call each other to meet at guest services and all demand a refund as a collective group. There is strength in numbers!!! It can be an unofficial DIS meet at Guest Services.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Good grief! I've been to WDW seven times before... and I've never stressed out over anything so much as this silly freakin' MNSSHP! Something must eb wrong with me. One thing I know from this experience is that hard-ticket events are not for me. I don't seem to be coping well with the planning and worry

This MNSSHP will be my last hard-ticket event. I am not saying this because I want to be a part of any greater boycott or to prove a point. I just don't like having to freak out over something that should be enjoyable. I'll just spend my $160 (family of four) on something else.

Having said that... I do plan to enjoy the 10/26 MNSSHP with much gusto and enthusiasm. I want it to be a very special night for my kids and my attitude will set the tone. I am not letting leaky policy by Disney nor lingering day guests mess me up. I have sent my email (two, in fact) voicing my concern and appreciate the continuing efforts of others on this front.

 

[goofy4tink]

All I know is that I'm really glad we aren't planning on attending until Oct 23 or 24. I have yet to buy my tickets for the 4 of us. I think I'll be waiting to see how things shake out in late Sept and early Oct before I make any purchases.

 

[Brooknwdw]

No need to feel badly for us party goers. My wife and I can't wait for both MNSSHP and MVMCP. So some people will stay and get in for free...so what? We want to enjoy the festivities, and Disney says that costs an extra amount of our hard earned money. So, we'll pay it, and we will go to the parties and enjoy every minute. There are cheaters in all walks of life, but that doesn't mean they get to ruin our fun.

We could just not go out of contempt for the new policy (which, I might add, is not written in stone...could change at any time...), and then, we'd miss the fun of being in the MK late at night...watching the parade and fireworks...and overall, having a blast of a time. I'd rather pay what Disney says is the cost, and go enjoy myself.

We learned a long time ago that life isn't fair. So, what? For the cheaters who plan to stay without paying, I am saddened that you are adding to a world of deceit and selfishness (although, I know I'm preaching to the choir, here). As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

So, we want to go enjoy both parties, and already have tickets to both. We are getting more excited about it every day, and really don't care what other people do or how they act. We are going to have a blast!!!

Great post..very refreshing after reading some of this thread.



I just hope people can ENJOY themselves & not ruin their own good time looking around for people with no wristbands...it will be crowded anyway. SO just have a good time.

I learned a long time ago to let some things go..usually it ends up turning out fine & I stressed & stressed for days over nothing. Hang in there, guys.

 

[welovedis]

Well, I was home to get my phone call from Eric from the MK Executive Offices. We spoke for almost 10 mins and he answered every question that I had and elaborated a bit more on things that we've been told.

He said that starting at 4PM, ticket holders will be allowed entrance and wristband distribution will commence at different locations throughout the MK, similar to those areas where EMH wristbands are given out. Guests with TS reservations would be allowed entry from 4PM on, he was not sure how things would be handled for party guests who made TS ressies before 4. He suggested that those guests would speak to someone at the gate or at guest relations at the park.

He said that day guests will be told upon entrance to the park that day that there will be a special evening event and that the park would be closed to those without party tickets at 7PM. He suggested that there will be announcements made throughout the day and especially closer to 6pm.

Starting at 7PM, a number of CMs will be assigned to designated areas to begin escorting day guests to the park exits. Wristbands will be thoroughly checked in every area and if you do not have a wristband you will be asked to leave, then escorted from the park if you attempt to remain.

At 7pm, the party will beging and CMs will be posted in every walkway starting with the hub and branching outward into the lands. At every ride, food/beverage locations (including free standing carts), inside the stores, trick or treat lines, the entrance to the dance party, any character photo lines, and along the parade route, wristbands will be checked.

He suggested that you may have to show your wristband not only when you enter a queue for a ride but also when you attempt to board that same ride. There will be CMs posted at ride exits as well.

I expressed my concern that day guests would either be confused (if they didn't know about the party), aggravated (because they aren't getting to stay), or just plain rude (because they want to get something for free) and he said that it won't be an issue because there will be plenty of CMs to explain what is happening and to ensure that only paying party guests remain.

I asked if they were considering reverting back to the way it was handled in previous years and he said emphatically no, despite the number of recents calls & emails (go DISers!) that they are going to utilize the current plan and re-evaluate throughout the process.

I also expressed my concerns that because my family is attending the 1st party (for the 1st time ever) that we feel as though we are "guinea pigs" in the process. He said that he was sorry that we felt that way, but that they had been studying this particular process for quite some time and felt it would be the best for everyone. He said that many guests from previous parties had complained about the "one land" process, that is what led them to try something new this year.

He said that if I truly feel that my party experience is hindered in some way by the new policy to contact him directly after I return and he would gladly take my comments down. He also said that after the Halloween parties are complete, they will look at the process in its entirety to be sure it will work for the Christmas parties.

Ok, sorry to write the book I did, but wrote all my questions ( & his answers) down so that I'd remember everything. I'm going to check my notes again & see if I forgot to put something here.

 

[beattyfamily]

Well, I was home to get my phone call from Eric from the MK Executive Offices. We spoke for almost 10 mins and he answered every question that I had and elaborated a bit more on things that we've been told.

He said that starting at 4PM, ticket holders will be allowed entrance and wristband distribution will commence at different locations throughout the MK, similar to those areas where EMH wristbands are given out. Guests with TS reservations would be allowed entry from 4PM on, he was not sure how things would be handled for party guests who made TS ressies before 4. He suggested that those guests would speak to someone at the gate or at guest relations at the park.

He said that day guests will be told upon entrance to the park that day that there will be a special evening event and that the park would be closed to those without party tickets at 6PM. He suggested that there will be announcements made throughout the day and especially closer to 6pm.

Starting at 6PM, a number of CMs will be assigned to designated areas to begin escorting day guests to the park exits. Wristbands will be thoroughly checked in every area and if you do not have a wristband you will be asked to leave, then escorted from the park if you attempt to remain.

At 7pm, the party will beging and CMs will be posted in every walkway starting with the hub and branching outward into the lands. At every ride, food/beverage locations (including free standing carts), inside the stores, trick or treat lines, the entrance to the dance party, any character photo lines, and along the parade route, wristbands will be checked.

He suggested that you may have to show your wristband not only when you enter a queue for a ride but also when you attempt to board that same ride. There will be CMs posted at ride exits as well.

I expressed my concern that day guests would either be confused (if they didn't know about the party), aggravated (because they aren't getting to stay), or just plain rude (because they want to get something for free) and he said that it won't be an issue because there will be plenty of CMs to explain what is happening and to ensure that only paying party guests remain.

I asked if they were considering reverting back to the way it was handled in previous years and he said emphatically no, despite the number of recents calls & emails (go DISers!) that they are going to utilize the current plan and re-evaluate throughout the process.

I also expressed my concerns that because my family is attending the 1st party (for the 1st time ever) that we feel as though we are "guinea pigs" in the process. He said that he was sorry that we felt that way, but that they had been studying this particular process for quite some time and felt it would be the best for everyone. He said that many guests from previous parties had complained about the "one land" process, that is what led them to try something new this year.

He said that if I truly feel that my party experience is hindered in some way by the new policy to contact him directly after I return and he would gladly take my comments down. He also said that after the Halloween parties are complete, they will look at the process in its entirety to be sure it will work for the Christmas parties.

Ok, sorry to write the book I did, but wrote all my questions ( & his answers) down so that I'd remember everything. I'm going to check my notes again & see if I forgot to put something here.

Thank you for sharing.

I don't get how the part I bolded will work when MK now officially closes at 7:00p per their website. They are just going to upset the day guests who think they have another hour. Did you ask him about that?

It doesn't make sense to me.

I hope it's true but it's going to cause problems, IMHO.

 

[shannon1219]

I got a response to my email and it contained a phone number asking me to call so that they could speak with me directly.

 

[welovedis]

Thank you for sharing.

I don't get how the part I bolded will work when MK now officially closes at 7:00p per their website. They are just going to upset the day guests who think they have another hour. Did you ask him about that?

It doesn't make sense to me.

I hope it's true but it's going to cause problems, IMHO.

Sorry I meant to type seven but was thinking 6 from earlier posts about the old policy, I'll change my post to the correct info!

 

[DeeCeeSW]

I'm curious to know how this will work for my MVMCP date when the WDW website says that Wishes will be shown at 6? Obviously, the plan is to close the park at 7 then, not 6. Why would non-ticketholders leave when fireworks are planned?

I also got an e-mail with a number to call and leave my info. No response yet.

 

[welovedis]

I'm curious to know how this will work for my MVMCP date when the WDW website says that Wishes will be shown at 6? Obviously, the plan is to close the park at 7 then, not 6. Why would non-ticketholders leave when fireworks are planned?

I also got an e-mail with a number to call and leave my info. No response yet.

DeeCeeSW-he said that they would look at the results of the Halloween party handling and then decide how to proceed with the MVMCP. I asked him two separate times during the conversation about that.

 

[gydell]

Talk about a dumb answer..... I have e-mailed twice with no reply and called several times only to be told that the park is NOT closing until 7. Today I was given a phone # to call and talk about not knowing much this CM told me that even though the park will not close until 7, guest will be asked to leave before 7.She went on to say that all guest not attending the party will be out of the park at 7. I made the comment that I thought this was impossible and that at 7 I thought that there would be people in the park without wristbands. She then said that if you don't want to wear a wristband then you would not have to and that is why there are always people in the parks without them during the parties. Wonder what would happen if all disers said they didn't want to wear a band?

 

[DeeCeeSW]

DeeCeeSW-he said that they would look at the results of the Halloween party handling and then decide how to proceed with the MVMCP. I asked him two separate times during the conversation about that.

Thanks, Karen. I've just been reading quickly through the posts and must have missed that. I am still waiting on my call from the excecutive office. We'll see what her version is and I'll let you all know.

 

[NemoMOm]

Well, I was home to get my phone call from Eric from the MK Executive Offices. We spoke for almost 10 mins and he answered every question that I had and elaborated a bit more on things that we've been told.

He said that starting at 4PM, ticket holders will be allowed entrance and wristband distribution will commence at different locations throughout the MK, similar to those areas where EMH wristbands are given out. Guests with TS reservations would be allowed entry from 4PM on, he was not sure how things would be handled for party guests who made TS ressies before 4. He suggested that those guests would speak to someone at the gate or at guest relations at the park.

He said that day guests will be told upon entrance to the park that day that there will be a special evening event and that the park would be closed to those without party tickets at 7PM. He suggested that there will be announcements made throughout the day and especially closer to 6pm.

Starting at 7PM, a number of CMs will be assigned to designated areas to begin escorting day guests to the park exits. Wristbands will be thoroughly checked in every area and if you do not have a wristband you will be asked to leave, then escorted from the park if you attempt to remain.

At 7pm, the party will beging and CMs will be posted in every walkway starting with the hub and branching outward into the lands. At every ride, food/beverage locations (including free standing carts), inside the stores, trick or treat lines, the entrance to the dance party, any character photo lines, and along the parade route, wristbands will be checked.

He suggested that you may have to show your wristband not only when you enter a queue for a ride but also when you attempt to board that same ride. There will be CMs posted at ride exits as well.

I expressed my concern that day guests would either be confused (if they didn't know about the party), aggravated (because they aren't getting to stay), or just plain rude (because they want to get something for free) and he said that it won't be an issue because there will be plenty of CMs to explain what is happening and to ensure that only paying party guests remain.

I asked if they were considering reverting back to the way it was handled in previous years and he said emphatically no, despite the number of recents calls & emails (go DISers!) that they are going to utilize the current plan and re-evaluate throughout the process.

I also expressed my concerns that because my family is attending the 1st party (for the 1st time ever) that we feel as though we are "guinea pigs" in the process. He said that he was sorry that we felt that way, but that they had been studying this particular process for quite some time and felt it would be the best for everyone. He said that many guests from previous parties had complained about the "one land" process, that is what led them to try something new this year.

He said that if I truly feel that my party experience is hindered in some way by the new policy to contact him directly after I return and he would gladly take my comments down. He also said that after the Halloween parties are complete, they will look at the process in its entirety to be sure it will work for the Christmas parties.

Ok, sorry to write the book I did, but wrote all my questions ( & his answers) down so that I'd remember everything. I'm going to check my notes again & see if I forgot to put something here.

Thank you so much! I feel so much better now.

 

[Deemarch]

I was there last year.

They did a pretty good job of ushering all of the people out of the park at 6pm. The stores all closed at 6, too. If you had a ticket, you got a bracelet and a bag, 1 bag each, for trick or treating. They were very careful about giving out bags. If you really wanted to, or if you were eating dinner, while they were transforming the park into Halloween mode, you could easily walk around undetected, as long as you didn't try to go on a ride or get candy...The lines were not long and we didn't have a problem getting a good spot for the parade or fireworks...I'm not seeing any change from last year...What have I missed?