E-ride fans unite!!

[lucyanna girl]

Add us to the list of E-Night fans. We were at WDW June 1 - June 9 and the crowds were awful. You would think that by midnight it wouldn't be so bad but it was. I would gladly have paid th extra money for less people.

 

[tomerin]

thanks for all the replies and support here. maybe if everyone who misses and loves e-ride nights would ask another friend to write WDW and tell them how you feel and then they get another person and so on and so on. maybe something will happen here. maybe not but hey at least i tried to save something i loved.


this is a first for me. i have started a thread that made 2 pages of replies!!

i may lose that tag as the "Thread Killer" yet

 

[Disney Dadd]

Yes, but I doubt it's a significant extra profit because the cost of operating the stores is pretty high, and E-Ride nights didn't keep the stores and eateries open, just a few select rides and maybe one or two ice cream places, I don't remember specifically. It would work just as well to take the $12 per person and see what you can operate for that amount of money.

Hello Renin Detroit,

Let's just say we'll agree to disagree. Let me first start by saying that I agree with you and everyone here. I wish we could have E-nights back. My only point is I think it may be a bit naive to think there is no monetary advantage to Disney by making this move. These things are thought out long beforehand. I feel that the sales at the cash registers far outway any increase in overhead at that particular theme park.

Maybe I'm just being too pesimistic, and if I am I apologize. I guess that's just the analytical business guy coming out in me. I'd like to think that Disney did this with good intent - possibly a focus group, or something along those lines. But the bottom line is, whatever the intent I think it's fair to say that they missed the mark. Hopefully this is just for the 50th celebration and they will bring back the traditional e-nights. But, my fear is that this is the way it's going to be from now on. I hope I'm wrong though.

 

[raidermatt]

Why stop there?

If we write enough letters, perhaps we can get Disney to raise the regular admission price, thinning the crowds out for us all of the time.


If the crowds REALLY are that bad during EMH, the real DISNEY solution is to offer more hours in some form or another, whether its closing later then adding the EMH, making the EMH 2 hours, whatever.

E-ride nights are an Eisner-like solution. (Even though I doubt he had anything to do directly with the creation of Enights, its the type of thing that was encouraged under him and Pressler)

Would it be better than nothing? Maybe. But did Disney gain your admiration and loyalty by giving you "better than nothing"?

Remember what it was that hooked you on Disney in the first place, and ask for a solution that honors that.

 

[Pedler]

Yes, but I doubt it's a significant extra profit because the cost of operating the stores is pretty high, and E-Ride nights didn't keep the stores and eateries open, just a few select rides and maybe one or two ice cream places, I don't remember specifically. It would work just as well to take the $12 per person and see what you can operate for that amount of money.

If I recall correctly weren't E-Ride nights open to off site guests as well? EMH is a resort only perk and helps full hotel rooms. Of course if you are staying on site you are more likely to spend more at WDW. Not to be too pessimistic but I don't think Disney did EMH just to be nice to resort guests and provide some "extra magic". I am sure that some where in the land of mouse there was a cost benefit analysis done and they projected that EMH would lead to more revenue and profits than E-Nights or not doing anything. All of the new programs this year appear to be aimed at getting more people to stay on site and spend more time at WDW and thus spend more money there.

I am looking forward to our trip in August but with us doing ME, MYW plus dinning and adding an extra two days to our trip Disney will be getting litterally every dollar we spend in Florida except for lunch on the day we leave at the airport. I don't have a problem with that but that is the mentality this year and I think EMH fits into that plan.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Hello Renin Detroit,

Let's just say we'll agree to disagree. Let me first start by saying that I agree with you and everyone here. I wish we could have E-nights back. My only point is I think it may be a bit naive to think there is no monetary advantage to Disney by making this move. These things are thought out long beforehand. I feel that the sales at the cash registers far outway any increase in overhead at that particular theme park.

Maybe I'm just being too pesimistic, and if I am I apologize. I guess that's just the analytical business guy coming out in me. I'd like to think that Disney did this with good intent - possibly a focus group, or something along those lines. But the bottom line is, whatever the intent I think it's fair to say that they missed the mark. Hopefully this is just for the 50th celebration and they will bring back the traditional e-nights. But, my fear is that this is the way it's going to be from now on. I hope I'm wrong though.

They did. Back in April or May of last year, they did a month of trials whereby they offered Extra Magic Hours in the evening.

I guess I'll have to agree to disagree with you as well. I just can't see this is a profit-based move: and I'm the KING of thinking all of Disney's moves are to increase profits while devaluing guest experience.

 

[tomerin]

what would be wrong with bringing back the traditional e-ride nights in conjunction with the emh night hours in other parks. they could market this is many ways, as a perk for deluxe and dvc members, no flames please, or as it was for all on-site guests or just advertise it as a step back in time. "due to incredible response to guest requests we have decided to bring back e-ride nights back". they could open a few more food stands and maybe some more kiosks thus creating more opportunities for purchase and profits.

i understand the potential for massive profits that the new emh night brings so e-rides may go the way of mr toad but one never knows.

 

[DHSsenior007]

If I recall correctly weren't E-Ride nights open to off site guests as well? EMH is a resort only perk and helps full hotel rooms. Of course if you are staying on site you are more likely to spend more at WDW. Not to be too pessimistic but I don't think Disney did EMH just to be nice to resort guests and provide some "extra magic". I am sure that some where in the land of mouse there was a cost benefit analysis done and they projected that EMH would lead to more revenue and profits than E-Nights or not doing anything. All of the new programs this year appear to be aimed at getting more people to stay on site and spend more time at WDW and thus spend more money there.

No, E-ride nights were for on-site guests only.

Everyone else has said my other comments...

 

[Beachangel]

I miss the old E-night. We did the late EMH at MK May 25 and it was just as crowded, maybe a little more so, than during the day. It was 1 am before it started clearing out. Not nearly as much fun as the E-night we did the last trip where we were able to ride Buzz 13 times in a row without slowing down!

We were there the same time. We miss E-Ride nights too. You'd never know non-resort guests left the park it was so crowed during EMH nights.

 

[MiraDawl]

E-Ride nights were the best! It was more enjoyable to be out late at night, after the hot hot sun has gone away, plus there were no waits! I remember running thru all the line at Splash Mt. and Space Mt.!!

I would agree that this is def. a way for Disney to make more money. I don't think they lost anything by not asking for a $12 bracelet fee. Just like the free dining plan in the fall, it wouldn't be offered if it didn't benefit Disney.

In any case, here's hoping they bring back E-Ride nights!

 

[SnackyStacky]

Remember what it was that hooked you on Disney in the first place, and ask for a solution that honors that.

I agree completely with Raidermatt when he says that.

they could market this is many ways, as a perk for deluxe and dvc members, no flames please, or as it was for all on-site guests or just advertise it as a step back in time. "due to incredible response to guest requests we have decided to bring back e-ride nights back".

Walt Disney never intended to seperate the crowds based on their money. I have a LOT of problem with ANY perk that is offered based on which category of Disney hotel you're staying in, and that would fall under that category.

I understand why you all want E-Ride Nights back. I highly disagree, but I understand where you're coming from.

I also think you're all in the minority. I think there's a lot of repeat visitors, but the people that post on these boards represent such a small percentage of Disney World's visitors. This thread is ONLY up to a couple of pages of response. I don't think that would be considered incredible guest response.

Once again, I agree with Raidermatt. The Magic Kingdom used to be open until 1am. No extra magic hours, no E-Ride Nights, no gimmick - just plain 'ol long hours. From there - tack on an extra magic hour or two after that.

 

[Disney Dadd]

If I recall correctly weren't E-Ride nights open to off site guests as well? EMH is a resort only perk and helps full hotel rooms. Of course if you are staying on site you are more likely to spend more at WDW. Not to be too pessimistic but I don't think Disney did EMH just to be nice to resort guests and provide some "extra magic". I am sure that some where in the land of mouse there was a cost benefit analysis done and they projected that EMH would lead to more revenue and profits than E-Nights or not doing anything. All of the new programs this year appear to be aimed at getting more people to stay on site and spend more time at WDW and thus spend more money there.

I am looking forward to our trip in August but with us doing ME, MYW plus dinning and adding an extra two days to our trip Disney will be getting litterally every dollar we spend in Florida except for lunch on the day we leave at the airport. I don't have a problem with that but that is the mentality this year and I think EMH fits into that plan.

I agree (sigh - too bad).

 

[The Dark Dancer]

I miss them' too!

 

[Disney Dadd]

Why stop there?

If we write enough letters, perhaps we can get Disney to raise the regular admission price, thinning the crowds out for us all of the time.

If the crowds REALLY are that bad during EMH, the real DISNEY solution is to offer more hours in some form or another, whether its closing later then adding the EMH, making the EMH 2 hours, whatever.

E-ride nights are an Eisner-like solution. (Even though I doubt he had anything to do directly with the creation of Enights, its the type of thing that was encouraged under him and Pressler)

Would it be better than nothing? Maybe. But did Disney gain your admiration and loyalty by giving you "better than nothing"?

Remember what it was that hooked you on Disney in the first place, and ask for a solution that honors that.

Your sarcasm is duly noted. That would be counter-productive profit wise. The goal here, at least in my opinion, is to maximize profits while at the same time keeping customer service satisfaction levels at a high rate. I don't fault the company. I LOVE Disney. They are a fantastic company that is run very well (by and large).

I believe that E-ride nights were truly invented as a money maker in years past. It was a way for WDW to generate more profits at the time. The new EMH is just the most recent incarnation. This too will soon be morphed into something else... I loved E-ride nights for all the reason most folks are saying. The park was empty (relatively speaking) and we had free reign. I wish we had them back.

"We didn't go into Disneyland just with the idea of making money." -Walt Disney
Hmmm... maybe there's a lesson in there somewhere...

This is a great quote by Walt Disney and I happen to believe it. However, you may have noticed this company is driven by a board of directors and shareholders now. I am just asking you not to be too naive.

I will never forget what made me fall in love with Disney. It was a place I went when I was a little boy that I felt safe, secure, able to imagine anything was possible, and loved by my family. Now, as a father of two I haven fallen in love with it all over again in a totally different and exciting way. I see it through my little boy's eyes all over again! I have no qualms with WDW wanting to make a few more bucks. That is the goal of every viable corporation. They have earned my respect and trust over the years. I just wish they left E-ride nights alone. Those nights were "magical" in their own way to me, and, I would assume, a lot of other WDW fans!

 

[tomerin]

I agree completely with Raidermatt when he says that.



Walt Disney never intended to seperate the crowds based on their money. I have a LOT of problem with ANY perk that is offered based on which category of Disney hotel you're staying in, and that would fall under that category.

I understand why you all want E-Ride Nights back. I highly disagree, but I understand where you're coming from.

I also think you're all in the minority. I think there's a lot of repeat visitors, but the people that post on these boards represent such a small percentage of Disney World's visitors. This thread is ONLY up to a couple of pages of response. I don't think that would be considered incredible guest response.

Once again, I agree with Raidermatt. The Magic Kingdom used to be open until 1am. No extra magic hours, no E-Ride Nights, no gimmick - just plain 'ol long hours. From there - tack on an extra magic hour or two after that.

i also do not like the idea of giving perks to those who can afford to stay in deluxe hotels. i only meant it as a marketing idea.

i understand what your is reasoning also.

i have to agree with you. i understand thay we are a small percentage of WDW's visitors. hopefully if enough people write and support e-ride night it may come back. highly unlikely but you never know. i bought into DVC last july so i started reading their section on these boards. i noticed many people writing about a certain lack of perks. these threads actually gained some steam and lo and behold all dvc members were offered a sizeable discount on their annual passes. coincidence maybe. but something did happen.


actually how many threads last over 4 pages that dont have to do with brazilian teens, electric wheelchair abuse, refillable mugs, crappy things you have overheard or saw, breastfeeding in the parks, late buses etec. not too many on the first 2 pages of the theme park and attractions thread, other then the monthly roll calls, vmk threads, disney snake, photo game, there arent too many threads that really last into the 4th page anyway. so i think the amount of pages really isnt an indicator of how people feel that read these boards feel about something like e-ride nights which really doesnt ignite passion in people. except us e-ride fans.

i will go and enjoy WDW immensely on my upcoming trip. i am hooked on
WDW for sure. i remember exactly what hooked me on disney.

i want to thank all who replied to this thread. i really enjoyed all of the replies. even those who didnt agree with me

 

[Maleficent2]

E-Ride Nights were the exact same way as I recall. The park didn't close any earlier than they are this summer to make way for E-Ride Night guests.

Actually it is not the exact same perk....only onsite quests that had paid for the privilege could ride and from what I hear alot of others(not even Disney Resort quests) are staying in the parks.

I much rather pay and have less people in the parks so I can ride the rides more than one time each....

but then that's just me....

Mal

 

[raidermatt]

However, you may have noticed this company is driven by a board of directors and shareholders now. I am just asking you not to be too naive.

Naive is believing there is only one way to run a business.

The board hires executives who are expected to use their best judgement, and the shareholders expect bottom line results AND growth.

Call for Disney to make decisions based on the idea that people want value, and if you give it to them repeatedly, you can build not only an extremely loyal customer base, but even a rabid fan base. The fact that Disney used that business plan, and also created wonderful products, is why we are here talking about them today.

Sure, you can make a spreadsheet that shows you can make x amount of $'s by closing the park earlier and charging $12 for those same extra hours. I'm sure one can make a darn nice looking Powerpoint presentation on it as well.

But if you don't accurately account for the long term benefits those extra park hours had in terms of loyalty, repeat visits, ancillary sales, etc, you haven't made a very wise decision.

Of course many companies do use that type of short term approach, and in many cases, with good reason.

Disney, however, became Disney by taking the road less taken. In their case, it was the right way to go, and it continues to be today.

 

[paladin]

I am also a lover of the old e-nights and didn't mind paying the extra, but I seem to recall lots of people complaining about the additional cost and saying that it should be a perk of staying onsite. So I guess this is just another example of how you can't please everybody.

 

[Maleficent2]

If I recall correctly weren't E-Ride nights open to off site guests as well?

Actually no it was a perk for onsites only....



Mal

 

[debbiedoo]

Disney does listen to the emails!! I am a DVC owner and I was told that the more DVC owners voiced there opinions about diacounted AP and PAP the more that they would listen---that was a little over a year ago---I came to DIS and shared my info and see what we have now.

Aksoo as a DVC owner there are several concerns about bus transportation to DTD from the parks. WDW took out the DTD bus from parks do to unloyal people who are now chosing to go to a resort first then DTD. DVC is now trying to come to a solution after the threads that have been forwards to them.

so lets email them and let them know how we feel-----disney will not do anything if they think that we are happy