Disney adds a premium package to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

[Planogirl]

Years ago, my first job out of x-ray school was at a very large, for-profit hospital. One day, through the grapevine, we discovered that we as x-ray techs were being paid less, in some cases significantly less, than competing hospitals in the area. When we brought this to our Director's attention his response was this, "We will never pay the most in the area, because we don't have to." Management's reasoning was that because they were the largest and employed the most people, they didn't need to offer more because there is always someone who needed a job, and was willing to work for what they were willing to pay. I see the same principle here at WDW. Yes, Universal is on their heels with growing attendance numbers and glowing reviews of guest experience, but comparing the two is really apples and oranges. Universal is competition, but they'll never be Disney World. And WDW execs know it. Why should they bother to compete, ride and experience wise? They have no reason to. Every member of the Dis could suddenly throw their hands up in the air and say, "I quit this $%$^$!", and they wouldn't bat an eyelash, and would probably still gain record attendance numbers. Disney doesn't have to offer more, and can continue to offer less, for more money, because they will always be the biggest dog in the yard. It's true, and it doesn't bode well for the repeat guest.

I think that what you say is true for the foreseeable future but I have learned to never say never. Nothing comes with a 100% guarantee, not even Disney's profits.

 

[DisneyRobin]

I'm excited about this new addition the the party. We've been to the Halloween party many times. When it cones to costs, I can't figure out why we pay the extra $65 to begin with ...but we do. The only thing different/special for us is the parade and trick or treating. The parade is awesome and my kids have fun trick or treating but I question whether it's really worth the extra $65 per person each year. We already have park hoppers so we can visit the park anytime during our trip.

Now, having the opportunity to spend more but get to go into the castle and seeing it decorated seems like a lot of fun. Spending time with villains and getting reserved spots for my favorite Disney parade sounds awesome. The dessert is a bonus!

When you really think about it, $165 is not that much for an amazing and very special (and unique) night at the Magic Kingdom. We spent more than that for Yankee tickets recently and more than that for concert tickets, too. It's definitely a lot of money but I'll enjoy it at least as much as the Yankee game and concert and it doesn't even cost as much as those other events - and we get dessert!

When I told my kids (8, 10 and 13) about this new castle party within the party, they were excited. I'm just trying to decide which time slot to choose (10:15 or 11:45) and hope that it's not already booked!

Does anyone know how long the party in the castle lasts? I'm guessing about an hour. That would mean that the 11:45 party would be happening after the regular party is over, right? I think that would be the best deal so we maximize our time but not sure if my 8 yr old (and my husband) will be able to start a party that late. In general, they'd be fine with the late night but we're starting the day early.


Also, does anyone know if any of the castle parties are already booked?

 

[DaisyNY]

Just curious...does anyone know where the preferred seating areas are and if they are truly seats to sit on? Traveling with elderly uncle and if they do something like this forMVMCP it might be worth it to know he has a seat.

 

[DisneyRobin]

Just curious...does anyone know where the preferred seating areas are and if they are truly seats to sit on? Traveling with elderly uncle and if they do something like this forMVMCP it might be worth it to know he has a seat.

Hi,
The viewing area is in front of the castle by the castle forefront stage and they do not provide seating.
This info is on the Disney site...

Please be advised that seating is not provided at the preferred parade or fireworks viewing. Wheelchairs and Electronic Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs) can be accommodated in the viewing areas and at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

 

[quakechicago]

I'm betting this will happen for the Christmas parties too.

Cindy's last reservation a CM told me is 6:50 on MVMCP nights.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I'm betting this will happen for the Christmas parties too.

Cindy's last reservation a CM told me is 6:50 on MVMCP nights.

Because you have to get out of the restaurant/park if you are there on a normal park admission...

Though I agree they'll repackage this thing...nonetheless

 

[wallrock]

Apparently the founder of this site had a few choice words for this event.

Phrases along the lines of "I felt I was ripped off" and "I paid extra to get less" are in the review. Not unlike the the tone a few of us here said it would be.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Apparently the founder of this site had a few choice words for this event.

Phrases along the lines of "I felt I was ripped off" and "I paid extra to get less" are in the review. Not unlike the the tone a few of us here said it would be.

To quote Ace Ventura "man! I'm tired of always being right"


Seriously... The real "flaw" in these high ticket events is that it relies on the rank and file CMs giving a crap to ramp up their game and make the things "valuable" almost solely based on extended efforts...

The money charged doesn't trickle down to the rank and file...and they fully know it

...you see maybe a potential problem here?

 

[patrickpiteo]

Apparently the founder of this site had a few choice words for this event.

Phrases along the lines of "I felt I was ripped off" and "I paid extra to get less" are in the review. Not unlike the the tone a few of us here said it would be.

Strange I saw video and pictures that's showed a completely different event.. WDW News Today Reported it was great... Aldo saw tweets from guests that were here who love it.. So take that rewiew wth a grain of salt.. I for one can't wait to go...

https://twitter.com/wdwnt/status/506764718078697473

 

[patrickpiteo]

Strange I saw video and pictures that's showed a completely different event.. WDW News Today Reported it was great... Aldo saw tweets from guests that were here who love it.. So take that rewiew wth a grain of salt.. I for one can't wait to go... https://twitter.com/wdwnt/status/506764718078697473

WDWNT conclusion at end of soirée--> "Villains Sinister Soirée was truly wonderful. Absolutely worth the money. We had a fabulous time. I'm so impressed."

 

[racefanof88]

http://blog.wdwinfo.com/2014/09/02/villains-soiree-wickedly-disappointing/


Hmmmmmmmmmm..........that's a lot of dough for a little salami....

 

[lockedoutlogic]

http://blog.wdwinfo.com/2014/09/02/villains-soiree-wickedly-disappointing/

Hmmmmmmmmmm..........that's a lot of dough for a little salami....

That's the conventional wisdom...if you ask me

 

[Chuckers]

After reading what was served for desserts, knowing I would only like the salami and cheese, I wouldn't go.

 

[crostorfer]

Apparently the founder of this site had a few choice words for this event. Phrases along the lines of "I felt I was ripped off" and "I paid extra to get less" are in the review. Not unlike the the tone a few of us here said it would be.

To be fair, Pete's was the only negative review of the night I've read. I was on twitter, vine and Instagram all night last night following people's experiences, and they were overwhelmingly positive.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

To be fair, Pete's was the only negative review of the night I've read. I was on twitter, vine and Instagram all night last night following people's experiences, and they were overwhelmingly positive.

To be fair...

Wouldn't those that pony up $113 bucks or so for a recently announced, unexplained event and rush to it on September 1 be JUST a little bit of a false indicator?

I admittedly lean towards "do no right" when it comes to the choices being made in Orlando... I'll admit. (I would beg to differ that I'm "too harsh"...but that's an argument for another day)

But...the "glowing reviews" of this thing at this point...I would offer...are close to the "do no wrong" crowd.

Perhaps in a month or so when there might be a better/ more accurate sample size...

 

[patrickpiteo]

To be fair... Wouldn't those that pony up $113 bucks or so for a recently announced, unexplained event and rush to it on September 1 be JUST a little bit of a false indicator? I admittedly lean towards "do no right" when it comes to the choices being made in Orlando... I'll admit. (I would beg to differ that I'm "too harsh"...but that's an argument for another day) But...the "glowing reviews" of this thing at this point...I would offer...are close to the "do no wrong" crowd. Perhaps in a month or so when there might be a better/ more accurate sample size...

I let you know when I'm there 21 days form now... If it sucks I will tell you ... But I gotta tell you from the videos and pictures I saw it looked pretty good to me...

 

[patrickpiteo]

After reading what was served for desserts, knowing I would only like the salami and cheese, I wouldn't go.

It's not only about the cupcakes salami or cheese...

 

[wallrock]

To be fair...

Wouldn't those that pony up $113 bucks or so for a recently announced, unexplained event and rush to it on September 1 be JUST a little bit of a false indicator?

I admittedly lean towards "do no right" when it comes to the choices being made in Orlando... I'll admit. (I would beg to differ that I'm "too harsh"...but that's an argument for another day)

But...the "glowing reviews" of this thing at this point...I would offer...are close to the "do no wrong" crowd.

Perhaps in a month or so when there might be a better/ more accurate sample size...

I'm sure the same glowing reviews will show up when a similar hard ticket item is placed on the Christmas party, or when Extra Magic Hours become more 'magical' when a fifty dollar charge is added to them.

 

[patrickpiteo]

I'm sure the same glowing reviews will show up when a similar hard ticket item is placed on the Christmas party, or when Extra Magic Hours become more 'magical' when a fifty dollar charge is added to them.

Why do you say that?? If sucks why would anyone say it was great?

 

[Chuckers]

It's not only about the cupcakes salami or cheese...

And neither is the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party, but if the desserts are not good (to me), then it sours the party for me.