Evening Magic Hours for Deluxe Guests Only

[Jacq7414]

But they can charge and arm and a leg for MK after-hours. Guess only time will tell

What about Epcot? I can’t see many people paying a premium for Epcot after hours

 

[Farro]

As long as they don't kick everyone out for the extended deluxe hours, I'm actually totally cool with it. I can still shop, get a drink and just enjoy the nighttime atmosphere.

 

[cakebaker]

As long as they don't kick everyone out for the extended deluxe hours, I'm actually totally cool with it. I can still shop, get a drink and just enjoy the nighttime atmosphere.

They never have before, but they are vigilant at the rides checking to make sure you're entitled to ride. I have no problem with day guests staying in the park. I'm not there to shop or drink. I'm there to ride with short waits.

 

[bookgirl2632]

I’m thinking that the extra hours will run along the same as they were pre-Covid. That is, Epcot on Tuesday, MK on Wednesday, and perhaps Studios on Friday, though it’s been a while since Studios had evening EMH. AK hasn’t had them in a while either. If they have them there at all, maybe Thursday?

 

[dato63]

I’m thinking that the extra hours will run along the same as they were pre-Covid. That is, Epcot on Tuesday, MK on Wednesday, and perhaps Studios on Friday, though it’s been a while since Studios had evening EMH. AK hasn’t had them in a while either. If they have them there at all, maybe Thursday?

That is what I'm hoping for most. An extra hours evening at AK - for the nighttime/lit up Pandora experience.

 

[Suger Mag]

That is what I'm hoping for most. An extra hours evening at AK - for the nighttime/lit up Pandora experience.

I am hoping there are multiple days each week.... I have a sneaking suspicion it will be like DVC Moonlight/Midnight magic... and only like once a month

 

[MJJME]

Not true. As a business owner we have had to happily cut back on the number of clients we have because it put undue pressure on our resources.

Im not talking about small business

 

[AMartin767]

Disney is not really taking anything away from guest but offering more to those that pay more.

As long as Disney doesn't begin closing parks an hour to two earlier to accommodate that time for the Deluxe guests. In that instance, they are taking time from me and giving it them.

 

[Marionnette]

As long as Disney doesn't begin closing parks an hour to two earlier to accommodate that time for the Deluxe guests. In that instance, they are taking time from me and giving it them.

You mean like when they close early for hard ticket events and corporate parties? It’s not as if this would be the first time that Disney closed a park early for those that are willing to pay more. But until we actually see park hours being reduced in favor of extended magic for deluxe guests, it’s probably a good idea to keep our outrage checked. EMH was always an “extra” and not an “instead of”, so let’s wait and see if this is more like evening EMH.

 

[mom2rtk]

As long as Disney doesn't begin closing parks an hour to two earlier to accommodate that time for the Deluxe guests. In that instance, they are taking time from me and giving it them.

They wouldn't even have to close early. If they go to the new system that uses virtual queues, they could just issue less around closing time. No announcement or policy change needed. Crowds would just magically clear in time.

 

[AMartin767]

You mean like when they close early for hard ticket events and corporate parties? It’s not as if this would be the first time that Disney closed a park early for those that are willing to pay more. But until we actually see park hours being reduced in favor of extended magic for deluxe guests, it’s probably a good idea to keep our outrage checked. EMH was always an “extra” and not an “instead of”, so let’s wait and see if this is more like evening EMH.

I never said I was "outraged" I am simply pointing out that guests, who are not staying at deluxe resorts, could wind up with less in-park standard hours than they have historically gotten in this scenario. Yes, I am talking exactly about the same scenario as with hard ticket and corporate parties. If you think that this isn't the proverbial "slippery slope" then there is nothing else I can say.

 

[Marionnette]

I never said I was "outraged" I am simply pointing out that guests, who are not staying at deluxe resorts, could wind up with less in-park standard hours than they have historically gotten in this scenario. Yes, I am talking exactly about the same scenario as with hard ticket and corporate parties. If you think that this isn't the proverbial "slippery slope" then there is nothing else I can say.

I distinctly said we need to keep our outrageous in check. You took that personally and I'm sorry that my post implied that.

I don't think that this is a slippery slope so much as it is a change in direction for Disney compared to years gone by. There has always been a system whereby those who pay more get more, even in the magical kingdom of the mouse. But that has accelerated in recent years and the pandemic has given the company an opportunity to pivot even further in that direction.

Whether we like it or not (and I don't particularly like it) there will be more "pay to play" in the future. The only thing holding them back is the limitations that the current IT platform places on all of their money-making plans. If they ever get their pennypinching corporate heads out of their collective butts and actually invest in their IT infrastructure, we're all in for a huge money-grabbing shift in the way things run.

 

[jade1]

They wouldn't even have to close early. If they go to the new system that uses virtual queues, they could just issue less around closing time. No announcement or policy change needed. Crowds would just magically clear in time.

Yep I hope its all FP+ and the rest virtual ques, then the SB issue goes away.

 

[AMartin767]

I distinctly said we need to keep our outrageous in check. You took that personally and I'm sorry that my post implied that.

I don't think that this is a slippery slope so much as it is a change in direction for Disney compared to years gone by. There has always been a system whereby those who pay more get more, even in the magical kingdom of the mouse. But that has accelerated in recent years and the pandemic has given the company an opportunity to pivot even further in that direction.

Whether we like it or not (and I don't particularly like it) there will be more "pay to play" in the future. The only thing holding them back is the limitations that the current IT platform places on all of their money-making plans. If they ever get their pennypinching corporate heads out of their collective butts and actually invest in their IT infrastructure, we're all in for a huge money-grabbing shift in the way things run.

I agree that this is the new future direction... one of exclusivity to those that are more affluent. I'm not sure exactly where the point of no return rests for my wife and I but our recent discussions around it all have definitely revealed that it's dangerously close.

 

[Farro]

They wouldn't even have to close early. If they go to the new system that uses virtual queues, they could just issue less around closing time. No announcement or policy change needed. Crowds would just magically clear in time.

I say we organize an uprising! All of us moderate and value people should wait and jump in all the ride lines a couple minutes before close!

(uprising subject to change once new fast pass system starts)

 

[lovethesun12]

You mean like when they close early for hard ticket events and corporate parties? It’s not as if this would be the first time that Disney closed a park early for those that are willing to pay more. But until we actually see park hours being reduced in favor of extended magic for deluxe guests, it’s probably a good idea to keep our outrage checked. EMH was always an “extra” and not an “instead of”, so let’s wait and see if this is more like evening EMH.

I agree with this. I'm not sure EMH has much influence on park hours. If Disney wanted to, they could open the parks at 12am. Or close at any evening hour. During Easter, morning EMH are often at 7am while parks open at 8am. During summer they are often at 8am when parks are open at 9am. As for evenings, during easter evening EMH has gone on until 2am sometimes, while in summer they have ended 11pm or 12am. I'm not an expert here but EMH just seems to adjust with park hours.

No doubt they shorten park hours at times and they do tend to be the worst days for us. That decision seems to be separate from offering/shortening EMH. Our best days have always been the days they are open longest with EMH offered as well.

 

[deannaf87]

I'm honestly surprised they brought EMH back at all. Sure seemed like they were trying to get rid of it in 2019 and shifting more towards after hours paid events.

I was on the fence about doing deluxe or Coronado again and this pushed us over to Yacht Club, so its working for people like me. I'd rather pay more for the hotel itself to get the added perks of proximity to parks, pool, etc., and the "free" EMH, than book moderate and pay $$$$ for after hours for 4 people for 1 night.

 

[ofcabbagesandkings]

The new direction that EMH and FP seems to be going in really favors childless adults which just seems odd to me. It's always been easier for families with small kids to go to morning EMH, get a bunch of rides done in that first hour and then clear out after lunch so the kids could take naps back in the room. At least, that's what we always did. Now it's a measly 30 minutes in the morning, and possibly paid FP+ which will be per person per ride according to some rumors? That will really add up for a family of 4. Similarly, the loss of Free Magical Express hits families with small kids and families whose members have mobility issues hardest. WDW seems to want guests that are rich, able-bodied and childless.

 

[Farro]

Childless adult here! (but staying at a mod, so no EMH evenings for me...)

So did we know this already? Guest Services called me today about something and the lady was very nice.
anyways, we were talking about how we decided to stay moderate this time instead of deluxe and I mentioned it figures now that deluxe will be getting this blah, blah, blah and she said it will be 2 nights a week.

I did not know if she meant 2 nights at different parks or 2 nights at all parks.

There ya go!

 

[JakeAZ]

I am hoping there are multiple days each week.... I have a sneaking suspicion it will be like DVC Moonlight/Midnight magic... and only like once a month

I don't see them doing it this way. This is a perk designed to fill up the Deluxe hotels. They want those hotels filled (and the guests they attract) flowing all the time. My guess is there will be a set schedule so that one park has them almost nightly.