airlarry!
Did you know some ferns date back to Prehistoric t
- Joined
- May 30, 2000
- Messages
- 959
Disney to Close Parks Before A Closing Event? Company Officials Mulling Big Change in Operating Hours
by Claire Voyant
Lake Buena Vista, FL -- Debate has raged over the new Wishes and Illuminations shows at the Walt Disney World resort and their effect on traffic patterns within the parks, say insiders within The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS).
Unofficial totals put the number of guests staying onsite and entering the parks on an upswing since the inception of these two nighttime spectaculars, that have met with glowing reviews since their introduction.
But the dark downside to the crowds is an undercurrent of upset managers who have quietly lobbied upper management for a profound change in the way the parks schedule closing hours.
Insiders have leaked that, as a result of numerous guest complaints, the parks' management teams are considering a plan to close the three parks that end with a 'special event' one hour before the start of the event. For example, if the final showing of "Wishes" is to begin at 9:00 p.m. during off-season touring, then the park will officially close and all guests will be slowly and magically escorted out of the park beginning at 8:00 p.m.
Or, for example, guests may be asked to slowly make their way to the exits to enjoy a one of a kind viewing of Fantasmic from any of the myriad of magical Disney transportation options awaiting them in the MGM-Disney Studios parking lot.
Company officials have not officially confirmed the rumor, but in an exclusive interview, Michael Naysnur, public relations director for Walt Disney World did confirm that interest in the plan is growing.
"We have had a number of complaints from long-time visitors that the increase in quality in the night-time spectaculars has led to a decrease in quality of 'late-night strolling' time, when our frequent guests normally enjoy a quiet walk back through the park without the distraction of open attractions or the hustle and bustle of busy food and shop areas," said Naysnur.
"These guests have complained that after an event like Illuminations ends they are upset, for instance, when other guests are seen exiting the Canadian pavilion singing loudly 'O Canada'. This has the potential of interfering with the majority of guests quietly taking in the beautiful scenery of Future World and the World Showcase."
While denying that the plan has actually been given a hard opening date, he did confirm that soft dates will be utilized sometime between the months of February and March.
"We are considering the possibility of closing the parks one hour earlier than Fantasmic!, Wishes, and Illuminations. This will give the guests a chance to exit the park, without feeling like they are forced into overindulging in food consumption, souvenir purchasing, or experiencing any loud and exciting attractions. Instead, the guests will be allowed to slowly make their way to the entrance, and enjoy an uninhibited view of Fantasmic, Wishes, and Illuminations from outside of the parks," Naysnur said.
"We expect that this trial run will be quite successful, and we are considering the idea of having outside viewing areas set up with exclusive seating and merchandising opportunities...for an added surcharge, of course."
by Claire Voyant
Lake Buena Vista, FL -- Debate has raged over the new Wishes and Illuminations shows at the Walt Disney World resort and their effect on traffic patterns within the parks, say insiders within The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS).
Unofficial totals put the number of guests staying onsite and entering the parks on an upswing since the inception of these two nighttime spectaculars, that have met with glowing reviews since their introduction.
But the dark downside to the crowds is an undercurrent of upset managers who have quietly lobbied upper management for a profound change in the way the parks schedule closing hours.
Insiders have leaked that, as a result of numerous guest complaints, the parks' management teams are considering a plan to close the three parks that end with a 'special event' one hour before the start of the event. For example, if the final showing of "Wishes" is to begin at 9:00 p.m. during off-season touring, then the park will officially close and all guests will be slowly and magically escorted out of the park beginning at 8:00 p.m.
Or, for example, guests may be asked to slowly make their way to the exits to enjoy a one of a kind viewing of Fantasmic from any of the myriad of magical Disney transportation options awaiting them in the MGM-Disney Studios parking lot.
Company officials have not officially confirmed the rumor, but in an exclusive interview, Michael Naysnur, public relations director for Walt Disney World did confirm that interest in the plan is growing.
"We have had a number of complaints from long-time visitors that the increase in quality in the night-time spectaculars has led to a decrease in quality of 'late-night strolling' time, when our frequent guests normally enjoy a quiet walk back through the park without the distraction of open attractions or the hustle and bustle of busy food and shop areas," said Naysnur.
"These guests have complained that after an event like Illuminations ends they are upset, for instance, when other guests are seen exiting the Canadian pavilion singing loudly 'O Canada'. This has the potential of interfering with the majority of guests quietly taking in the beautiful scenery of Future World and the World Showcase."
While denying that the plan has actually been given a hard opening date, he did confirm that soft dates will be utilized sometime between the months of February and March.
"We are considering the possibility of closing the parks one hour earlier than Fantasmic!, Wishes, and Illuminations. This will give the guests a chance to exit the park, without feeling like they are forced into overindulging in food consumption, souvenir purchasing, or experiencing any loud and exciting attractions. Instead, the guests will be allowed to slowly make their way to the entrance, and enjoy an uninhibited view of Fantasmic, Wishes, and Illuminations from outside of the parks," Naysnur said.
"We expect that this trial run will be quite successful, and we are considering the idea of having outside viewing areas set up with exclusive seating and merchandising opportunities...for an added surcharge, of course."
Another winner, airlarry!
