Fall 2013 Blackout Dates?

[littlelionsam]

Hi! I was wondering if anyone knew the blackout dates for Fall 2013? I got into the program (yay!) and my parents are trying to figure out a good time to come visit. If not, how soon before I can find out? Thanks!

 

[digsbyloft]

Also, what are blackout dates? I keep reading about them on these threads but I don't know what they are.

 

[leeg229]

Hi! I was wondering if anyone knew the blackout dates for Fall 2013? I got into the program (yay!) and my parents are trying to figure out a good time to come visit. If not, how soon before I can find out? Thanks!

100% the days leading up to thanksgiving and x-mas will be blacked out. Anything aside from that you need an active cast member who has access to the hub to find out all of the blackout dates for sure.

Also, what are blackout dates? I keep reading about them on these threads but I don't know what they are.

Blackout dates refer to the days where you can't use your maingate pass to get others into the park.

For anyone who doesn't know how the maingate works...

You get mailed a blue maingate pass about two or three weeks into the program. This pass allows yourself and up to 3 additional people into any park for a single day. This is usable on 6 different days. If you only let 2 additional people in you do not save or carry over that additional pass you didn't use. The tickets that are issued are park hopper tickets. Technically you must remain with the people you let into the park. If the people you let into the park get into any trouble you could be held personally responsible and there could be consequences.

 

[digsbyloft]

SO what's the purpose of blackout dates? Like, is it for big holidays and busy season?

 

[leeg229]

SO what's the purpose of blackout dates? Like, is it for big holidays and busy season?

Pretty much. Disney would rather let guests who are paying for tickets in during peak times than guests who are getting in for free.

 

[Joanna71985]

SO what's the purpose of blackout dates? Like, is it for big holidays and busy season?

It doesn't always have to be for major holidays (when New Fantasyland opened, MK was blocked out for months, with exceptions on certain days)

 

[levenhopper]

100% the days leading up to thanksgiving and x-mas will be blacked out. Anything aside from that you need an active cast member who has access to the hub to find out all of the blackout dates for sure.

Blackout dates refer to the days where you can't use your maingate pass to get others into the park.

Am I correct in my understanding that the blackout dates only apply to the maingate pass, and that we (as CMs) can go on any day (assuming there is no closure due to capacity)?

 

[lego606]

Am I correct in my understanding that the blackout dates only apply to the maingate pass, and that we (as CMs) can go on any day (assuming there is no closure due to capacity)?

Cast IDs get blocked out very rarely, usually only July 4th, Christmas Day and New Years, and its not automatic. It's only when the park reaches a Level 3 or higher that IDs are blocked.

 

[Joanna71985]

I think it's Level 2 for cast IDs

 

[lego606]

I think it's Level 2 for cast IDs

Knew I got something wrong. Thanks

 

[leeg229]

I think it's Level 2 for cast IDs

To be honest, if the park is at level 2 I don't want to be there

 

[littlelionsam]

so would it be very hard for me to find a good time for my parents to get into the parks for free?

 

[lego606]

so would it be very hard for me to find a good time for my parents to get into the parks for free?

Most of the time your Blue Pass isn't blocked out. The only times would probabky be July 4th-ish, Thanksgiving, and the second half of December.

 

[Cais]

I think it's Level 2 for cast IDs

It's actually phase 1 for cast IDs. Cast are one of the first groups locked out of the parks.

Blackout days are typically only announced for the next few months. I think through May is posted now? So you'll have to wait a few months to find out Fall blackout dates.

 

[littlelionsam]

what about new year's? that too would be blocked out?

 

[levenhopper]

what about new year's? that too would be blocked out?

Level closures are based on real time park crowds, not planned. So it's hard to estimate. If you get there early enough, you'd be ok. But I'd guess we'll all be working so its a moot point.

 

[littlelionsam]

ohh okay gotcha. i'm just trying to figure out when the best time would be for my family to visit so i wasn't sure which dates they would get blocked out from!