D23 Magic & Merriment Sold Out?

[jjb52]

I get everyone being disappointed. The event sounds fantastic and I understand getting about it. I have had the experience of not getting in to a D23 event I wanted to, but I also have been able to attend many. Many of the D23 events sell out fast and many do not. I had no problem getting in to the Sip & Stroll event which was a fun time, despite the fact that I don't drink "on property".

This event obviously had a low capacity. Even at Sip and Stroll the buzz was that Magic and Merriment was going to be tough to get in to. But the capacity of the venues are such that increasing the capacity of this event would cause many of the experiences that define the event to be cut out. I'd hate for no one to be able to visit the Castle Suite due to the fact that many are disappointed they couldn't get in. With the Christmas Parade taping the week before and the crowds arriving after, even holding the event for multiple weekends would not be able to be supported by the Park Events team that work for WDW.

The D23 team knows that many of their events are hard to get in to. Thats why they are doing many larger events such as the scavenger hunt and Destination D (not to mention the Expo). There are D23 events you can get in to without having to be at the computer at the right second, and there are some that will continue to be a challenge to get in to. But if the options are to have Magic and Merriment for a lucky 200 and having it for no one, I think D23 has made the right choice even if some folks are disappointed.

Also, I could never tell anyone how to spend their money. If you bought your membership just to get in to Magic and Merriment, I can understand not renewing. However, don't forget that as a member you also get the magazine, member gift, special goodies, and the ability to attend other special events that have a higher capacity.

I was at Expo last year and also the Destination D event and Scavenger hunt this year. I loved those events and but want to try one of the smaller venues. I agree with your option of keeping the event if only 200 can attend. I just think if the event is for only 200 then limit the tickets to 1 or 2 per member not 4. Or maybe charge more for non members. With 4 tickets per person that possibly lets only 50 members attend with 150 non member guests. Yes, that may get more people to join D23 but it is also causing some to not rejoin. I did not join D23 for these small events-just the magazine and Expo make it worth it for me. I would like to get to this particular Christmas event and will try again. Sip and Stroll was not of interest to me as I go to the Food and Wine event every year at Epcot.

 

[Jeanieblue114]

I agree that the link button was not working correctly. My button didn't appear until 1:04. But there are so many unprofessional things going on with D23 that it doesn't surprise me. How many of us got the bonus gift that had Monorail spelled wrong for example? Membership renewal notices don't come out til the last minute. And event prices and info don't get listed until a few weeks before the event (particularly if you are on the east coast for WDW). Plus, if you are a WDW fan, there are only 2 events a year and they have a total of maybe 500 or 600 tickets available total to cover everyone for BOTH.

I did go to the D23 Fantasyland expansion event in March. It had a lot of very 'exclusive' and one time only events. However, I found it to be very disorganized (not even a decent sign showing you were to pick up tickets and also i emailed to ask about vegetarian dishes for the included meal and got a message back with a name. I spent half the meal time tracking down the D23 staff member with that name and she had no idea what to tell me. She eventually brought out a chef who said "if you don't think it has meat in it, it probably doesn't". So, we had horrible mac and cheese and dried cornbread as our meal. There were other things as well, but it was pretty unprofessional and they seem to be staffed by only a handful of people.)

I tried to buy an M&M ticket this time.
However, I was torn on getting the M&M ticket this time because the price went up so much PLUS no park tickets were even included for the event. So, it really ends up about $500 a person.
With the exception of a couple of the little 'talks' and the tour of the castle, you can do most of the things that are offered for the event on your own.

The documentary presentation should be available to everyone eventually.
The day touring around epcot and the candlelight processional (although a bit crowded) are available to everyone.
The Osborne lights are available to everyone.
The day at the MK and the Christmas party are available to everyone.
Also, if you check with DVC, you can get a tour on BLT that might include snacks in the Top of the World Lounge (this may only be for DVC members who are looking to add points). We got a light lunch there in the lounge a couple months ago.

So, besides the tour in the castle and eating on the stunt show stage, when I think about it, they arent offering anything that exclusive or special that you can't do on your own.
We already have a trip booked for the week following the event and we are going to go with our original schedule of going to tour epcot at the holidays, and seeing the osborn lights and doing the christmas party. We will be free to go as we please and enjoy the time. So, this may not be such a bad option.

 

[puntagordabob]

I agree with 2 tickets per member and not 4. Or maybe open it up the first few minutes to Day 1 charter members-I might have a chance then.

I agree on all points.