Aug 24th MNSSHP is Also Crowded

[hereforthechurros]

The Unplugged broadcast was cancelled. In its place, there’s a 15 page discussion thread regarding the first MNSSHP here on TPAS.

So I see!

 

[jvalic33]

So you wanted to push your kids rows in front of you and in front of others who were there before you??? Interesting feelings of entitlement... those ppl prioritized their night and missed out on certain things so they could have a good view of the parade...you didn't.

I agree that the parties have gotten more and more crowded and it's definitely an issue of a company being greedy, but there's no way I'd ever feel it'd be ok for my kids to try to squeeze in in front of others.

You know, I don't post too frequently because I can't really stand the judgmental people that pop up on this board.

However, there are many of us that have been to numerous parties over the years and are simply agreeing that the experience has changed so that maybe you can save a dollar or rethink your plans or try to do a second parade instead of the first.

There wasn't a single specific person that didn't give up a spot for my kids and I have many so I would never imagine they should move for them, however, this was uniquely different and I don't know if I explained myself properly due to the fact that I didn't feel like writing so much. We were there super early, like all prior years before, albeit in a different spot. Initially the first couple of rows were sitting and it would have been fine for everyone. At some point, they moved ropes and people who were sitting had others join them (I think it was some sort of group that I was unaware of) and suddenly we were sandwiched in such a way that it was impossible to see much and the two rows of people then stood up, a person here or there moved in next to them, some were little and some not, it was a mix. They may have been "holding a spot" which is fine if there was a spot to hold, but there wasn't.

I would NEVER expect any grown up to get up for my children. I've dealt with lyme, had family with cancer that was not self-evident and would not dream in a million years that someone should move for my children, but it was just such an unfortunate experience that once we were crowded in we just had to back off because it was so smothering and that is what then resulted in more rows of people filing in in front of us.

Honestly, regardless of how the events played out, my point was and is that for years we never really had trouble getting a spot 45 minutes or more before the parade and we have tried numerous different spots throughout the years. We were sandwiched in so terribly that we ended up having to back off. I don't blame them, they paid lots of money as well and maybe it was their first time, however, for what we are paying it didn't have to be this way. People shouldn't be shoving and smothering. We used to have room and even at 30 minutes/20 minutes before the parade, people could show up and be almost right next to me in a second row of people. You could walk in between and around the rows of people lining the parade viewing areas. Not the last couple of years.

The characters always had hour long lines from what I can remember, but I never had a parade experience as bad as I did the last 2 times both in middle to end of October parties.

That's it. I'm not complaining. I will definitely go back because we just can't help but love to sing BOO to YOU, however, I will probably go every other year and/or maybe wait until the kids are older so I can stay later and go to the second parade (which I have never been able to do).

 

[AntimonyER]

You know, I don't post too frequently because I can't really stand the judgmental people that pop up on this board.

However, there are many of us that have been to numerous parties over the years and are simply agreeing that the experience has changed so that maybe you can save a dollar or rethink your plans or try to do a second parade instead of the first.

There wasn't a single specific person that didn't give up a spot for my kids and I have many so I would never imagine they should move for them, however, this was uniquely different and I don't know if I explained myself properly due to the fact that I didn't feel like writing so much. We were there super early, like all prior years before, albeit in a different spot. Initially the first couple of rows were sitting and it would have been fine for everyone. At some point, they moved ropes and people who were sitting had others join them (I think it was some sort of group that I was unaware of) and suddenly we were sandwiched in such a way that it was impossible to see much and the two rows of people then stood up, a person here or there moved in next to them, some were little and some not, it was a mix. They may have been "holding a spot" which is fine if there was a spot to hold, but there wasn't.

I would NEVER expect any grown up to get up for my children. I've dealt with lyme, had family with cancer that was not self-evident and would not dream in a million years that someone should move for my children, but it was just such an unfortunate experience that once we were crowded in we just had to back off because it was so smothering and that is what then resulted in more rows of people filing in in front of us.

Honestly, regardless of how the events played out, my point was and is that for years we never really had trouble getting a spot 45 minutes or more before the parade and we have tried numerous different spots throughout the years. We were sandwiched in so terribly that we ended up having to back off. I don't blame them, they paid lots of money as well and maybe it was their first time, however, for what we are paying it didn't have to be this way. People shouldn't be shoving and smothering. We used to have room and even at 30 minutes/20 minutes before the parade, people could show up and be almost right next to me in a second row of people. You could walk in between and around the rows of people lining the parade viewing areas. Not the last couple of years.

The characters always had hour long lines from what I can remember, but I never had a parade experience as bad as I did the last 2 times both in middle to end of October parties.

That's it. I'm not complaining. I will definitely go back because we just can't help but love to sing BOO to YOU, however, I will probably go every other year and/or maybe wait until the kids are older so I can stay later and go to the second parade (which I have never been able to do).

I think you were clear you were focusing on the crowd levels and not 'inconsiderate adults who won't make room for my kids', like some ran with, in your first post. But obviously some have had bad experiences from those notorious (but still relatively few) parents who feel their little 'saviors of the world' are entitled to everything at the cost of everyone else, and it has left them sensitive to even the slightest whiff of possible judgement, and understandably so. This will be our first MNSSHP and I am a little dismayed to see the results of the first two parties, and the level of tension it has caused.

 

[Disneylover99]

Yes, we did the trick or treat lines very soon after they opened in Frontierland near Splash, Tom Sawyer Island raft area and Country Bears. We then walked through Adventureland to do PoTC but the line was all the way out the building almost to the Tiki Room. Since it had gotten bad reviews, we passed. Headed to Liberty Square and the line for candy at Hall of Presidents was out the door and winding and winding toward the snack area next door. Many people were commenting that they couldn’t believe that was a candy line. The line at Carousel of Progress was out the door, down the ramp and onto the walkway. Yes, compared to what we experienced at the first party last year, the lines were much, much longer.

Just an observation I made at the last party that I never thought about before......those candy lines can be long, narrow and twisty. Sometimes they branch off and they are often difficult for manual wheelchairs, ECV’s and double strollers to navigate. We were in several really slow moving lines early on and for the most part it was because some people were moving very slowly and just couldn’t keep up.

During one particular time, our line wasn’t moving at all and we weren’t sure why. Then we realized several rows ahead of us, there was a woman in a manual wheelchair by herself trying to wheel through the candy lines and hold her bags of candy at the same time. She kept getting stuck at the turns. Everyone was patient and nobody was passing her. I’m not sure if anyone offered to help her at that point. Somebody did wheel her up the ramp once she got her candy though.

 

[MIAMouseketeer]

And now we have some unofficial numbers. Former capacity was about 20k-22k, now they are selling over 30k! I trust Pete’s sources.

 

[AntimonyER]

And now we have some unofficial numbers. Former capacity was about 20k-22k, now they are selling over 30k! I trust Pete’s sources.

Ouch, 50% more tickets and they STILL sold out the first night?

 

[MomOTwins]

6:25 - What Pete says about about letting children in front of you.

I loved this! So common sense about what is courteous in each case. The people who sit in the middle of the theater row and won't move down to the end, and then pretend they can't hear the CM telling them to move was my favorite--happens every time!

On the topic in question, I actually do agree it is common courtesy to let small children come sit in front of you, and I always do. They have absolutely zero effect on my ability to view what is front of me because they are so small they aren't even in my field of vision, so I don't see how it is "taking my spot," and I know how hard it is for small kids to wait 45 minutes before a parade or show.

 

[shh]

It's a more laid-back vibe of parade watchers than on Main Street (typically).

This made me laugh, but it's so true. It gets a little tense over there on Main Street USA. You're mixing folks that have staked out their turf since lunchtime with others intent on using elbows, strollers, scooters or small children as lethal weapons to carve out a viewable spot last minute.

I hang out in frontierland for parades - and find less-than-ideal views for castle/fireworks show - seems to be where the mellower crowds congregate.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

And now we have some unofficial numbers. Former capacity was about 20k-22k, now they are selling over 30k! I trust Pete’s sources.

crazy. I couldn't wait to hear what he had to say. Very informative podcast.

 

[DaisyNY]

What is typical park capacity...low to moderate crowd level?

 

[Love Tink]

I think you were clear you were focusing on the crowd levels and not 'inconsiderate adults who won't make room for my kids', like some ran with, in your first post. But obviously some have had bad experiences from those notorious (but still relatively few) parents who feel their little 'saviors of the world' are entitled to everything at the cost of everyone else, and it has left them sensitive to even the slightest whiff of possible judgement, and understandably so. This will be our first MNSSHP and I am a little dismayed to see the results of the first two parties, and the level of tension it has caused.

A measured take.

 

[brockash]

And now we have some unofficial numbers. Former capacity was about 20k-22k, now they are selling over 30k! I trust Pete’s sources.

Wow...that's quite a jump, but it does not surprise me one bit. Too bad

 

[SarahC97]

What is typical park capacity...low to moderate crowd level?

I've read that on an average day park attendance in MK is about 56k (average, not holidays like Xmas, obviously).

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Apparently not unacceptable to enough people because we are apparently in the minority ! I love Disney don’t get me wrong but not to the point of paying them to be miserable in a crowded event, not get to do much and saying I am having a grand time. If I enjoy this type of experience I can go shopping on Black Friday or Xmas eve for free LOL!

Just to put things in perspective. I just went to the August 24 party (yes, it felt more crowded than in years past) and I've been to MK on the day after Christmas. There is NO comparison. I would pick a sold-out hard ticket MK event over a MK day during Christmas week anytime! At least until they raise the hard ticket event capacity to 100% park capacity, which I certainly hope never happens! We did enjoy the party, but we also had very few things we wanted to do, one of which was just soaking up the atmosphere. But, you are correct, if someone wants to go to MNSSHP this year and ride rides, meet characters, purchase special merchandise AND see the parade and all the shows - it's going to be very difficult to accomplish everything, IMHO.

Just an observation I made at the last party that I never thought about before......those candy lines can be long, narrow and twisty. Sometimes they branch off and they are often difficult for manual wheelchairs, ECV’s and double strollers to navigate. We were in several really slow moving lines early on and for the most part it was because some people were moving very slowly and just couldn’t keep up.

During one particular time, our line wasn’t moving at all and we weren’t sure why. Then we realized several rows ahead of us, there was a woman in a manual wheelchair by herself trying to wheel through the candy lines and hold her bags of candy at the same time. She kept getting stuck at the turns. Everyone was patient and nobody was passing her. I’m not sure if anyone offered to help her at that point. Somebody did wheel her up the ramp once she got her candy though.

Oh, yes that would be very difficult to navigate. That must have been very frustrating for her

On another note about candy - I just wanted to add my experience with TSA at MCO and the Halloween candy. We flew home today. I have TSA pre-check and, though they did search my carry-on bag (I think my mineral sunscreen was the problem), they searched my liquids and had zero interest in my candy!

 

[Claudia1]

We were at the 8/24 party and thought it was very crowded for a party that was supposed to be one of the lighter ones. To put it in perspective, we were always in a crowd..... either in a line with multiple switch-backs or watching the parade or just walking. We were constantly juggling the crowds to get where we wanted to go and constantly trying to stay together as a family. We had fun, rode everything we wanted to ride, saw the Headless Horseman & the parade close-up, and got about 8# of candy per person. However, we didn't feel festive because we were constantly being pushed or pulled by crowds. To some people, that is not bothersome. To us, it is tiring and stressful.

We remember parties years ago when you could stroll and enjoy the atmosphere. If you wanted to stop and look at the map or change your walking route, you could do it simply. At this party, we had to find an exit route from the moving traffic patterns if we didn't want to go with the flow. If we wanted to stop and enjoy a view or take a picture, we had to seek out a spot instead of pausing to snap a pic on the run.

I hope my description helps someone understand this perspective on the crowd levels.

 

[GiJohnsGirl]

I went last year around the same time and had splash mountain all to myself! Multiple times as well as other rides were an easy/short wait .

About 2-3 years agao at my first party (and frankly before it became so much more negative on dis) I worked out how I would do the parties from dis posts -that it's hours of wait time for characters and you pick and choose what part of the party you are going for: characters, rides, parades, desserts/candy. Back then disers made it clear it was going to be crowded and hard to do everything (near impossible unless it was a way less than crowded/rainy night) just like it is in a normal day in MK.

I am honestly not surprised they added more people but it's still less than your average park day (or xmas, or Easter or 4th of July ).