Grrr....I see what you did there, Disney

[smitch425]

Absolutely. MK is insanely crowded on those days between party nights.

Like I said we had parties November the 13th, 14, 16th, 17th. There was no way we were going to MK on the 15th! So we did several early nights at MK.

For people who say that you can do a dining reservation and be escorted out of MK after. I would say that it is not the best thing to do if you have young kids. It is not fun to come out of your restaurant and be escorted up main street and your son or daughter sees the festivities and you are deposited at the exit.

We have a couple choices.
-We have to go the party when we do not want to
-settle on going to MK on nights of a party and leave early
-go to MK on non party nights and deal with terrible crowds
-or purchase park hopper and hop to another park that will be crowded due to all the people leaving MK early.

We like going to MK and spending the entire day and night there. We were not able to do that even one day while on our November or October trip because the prospect of going to MK on one of the very few non-party nights was just not fun. So Disney essentially kicks a lot of people out of the park and sells that time to someone else.

I think they should at the very least offer a free park hopper on nights of the party automatically if you went to MK during that day of a party. That would be easy and fair. Still not sure I would want to hop to a very crowded park but at least it would be an option for people who normally do not purchase park hopper.

It is not the end of the world, we have enjoyed our trips. It is a real huge pain though!

They would never give anyone a free park hopper because they CHOSE to spend the day at there when it was known for MONTHS that the park closes at 7pm. Having done MK for the last 6 years on nonparty nights, we've had no trouble. Main Street stays congested for fireworks and the first parade, but after Wishes, the crowds decrease a bit. It really isn't that bad.

 

[The Rovang 5]

Is it a safe assumption that the 3 nights a week that there aren't parties, MK will have late EMH?

 

[smitch425]

Is it a safe assumption that the 3 nights a week that there aren't parties, MK will have late EMH?

No, typically only Saturday nights, but the other nights (at least in Oct) close at 11 or midnight. A few were 10pm.

 

[hoosll]

Personally, I think it is one more way that Disney is sticking its hand into our pockets to get us to buy party tickets. Yes, there is demand but ... now if you want to see MK fireworks you have generally only 1 or 2 nights available without a party and those nights are crushed with people who also won't pay extra for the party.

One of the unknowns is what Disney plans for nighttime at AK, will the new night water parade be scheduled in Nov-Dec drawing some of the non-party goers. I'm not expecting fireworks at AK in the future due to the animals but it would be nice if they re-introduced them at DHS now that the hat is gone.

 

[siskaren]

Personally, I think it is one more way that Disney is sticking its hand into our pockets to get us to buy party tickets. Yes, there is demand but ... now if you want to see MK fireworks you have generally only 1 or 2 nights available without a party and those nights are crushed with people who also won't pay extra for the party.

According to easyWDW, Wednesdays are good for going to MK if you want to see MSEP and Wishes during times when the parties are going on.

 

[minniemous]

They would never give anyone a free park hopper because they CHOSE to spend the day at there when it was known for MONTHS that the park closes at 7pm. Having done MK for the last 6 years on nonparty nights, we've had no trouble. Main Street stays congested for fireworks and the first parade, but after Wishes, the crowds decrease a bit. It really isn't that bad.

I think people are a little too..you should have known better and you made the CHOICE. I certainly can dislike what is happening at Disney in the fall winter months. We enjoy the weather October -November and now it becoming more of an issue to try and do a full day at MK without the added crowds due to the party nights.

You are saying that MK "stays congested for fireworks and first parade, but after WISHES the crowds decrease"!!! Great. That will make going to MK on one of those days knowing it will be a enjoyable time after wishes the crowds decrease a BIT" ?? I must be reading this wrong because it does not seem to be on point at all. That also does not seem to be an argument at all in favor of going to MK on a non-party night.

Again, parties November 10, 13, 14, 16,....well after I booked my trip and set up ADR's they decided to close MK early on the 17th as well for a private party. As I had said. We had an enjoyable trip but I am dissatisfied with MK being closed to us after 7pm on 5 of the 7 days of the visit. I do not recall there being a better period during that season either?

Also I simply feel that it would be nice to offer a free park hopper that one night since they make it all but impossible to enjoy a full night at MK during this time of year without spending a good deal of money for a party ticket. Of course I CHOSE to go on party nights but even the CM's at the hotel were saying I would stay away from MK on the 15th which was the one day in that stretch of time that there was not a party or private party night.

I enjoy going to Disney so much but I just do not understand the attitude with people taking issue with dissatisfaction in the direction disney is going?

On another note I noticed many people who were very down on people criticizing the party with the "capitalist society argument" were very vocal when Disney started the party within the party and were taking away some of the special characters and moving them to the Soiree. They were not happy at all. It would seem that the "capitalist Society" argument hit a wall there. I found that quite comical.

It is not Ok for someone like myself to take issue with Disney taking more and more days for parties and closing MK early and thus devaluing my ticket that day..but it NOT OK for Disney to add another hard party ticket within the hard ticket event within the normal day ticket to make some more money? People were up in arms that Maleficent was being pulled to the soiree! Heaven forbid! At its base I really do not see a difference in the issue. It is simply taking something that was there and then adding something to make more money.

I have no idea how you weighed in on that one. Nor do I know if you even go to the parties at all.

 

[bumbershoot]

I think what people forget is that years ago before the parties were even offered MK typically closed most nights at 7 pm that time of year. Usually, a few nights were 9pm and then they offered Enights for a fee.

That's interesting. I've never read that before.

For people who say that you can do a dining reservation and be escorted out of MK after. I would say that it is not the best thing to do if you have young kids. It is not fun to come out of your restaurant and be escorted up main street and your son or daughter sees the festivities and you are deposited at the exit.

Definitely a good idea to let the kids know ahead of time, so they aren't too disappointed. But if they are little enough to be disappointed without fully understanding what's going on, they are probably too little to stay up that late out at a party, so it's likely for the best.

 

[mom2rtk]

You know the deal when you choose to visit Disney during party season. Either go then or choose anther time of year.

 

[Planogirl]

We enjoyed the Christmas party but wouldn't like to feel pressured into buying admission. I'm surprised that so many of your days have party nights. Do these things typically sell out?

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

If I was the OP, I'd go one of the party days and then spend the evening relaxing at the resort or going to DTD.

Then the other day at MK, make it a full day and see the fireworks and such.

 

[smitch425]

I think people are a little too..you should have known better and you made the CHOICE. I certainly can dislike what is happening at Disney in the fall winter months. We enjoy the weather October -November and now it becoming more of an issue to try and do a full day at MK without the added crowds due to the party nights.

You are saying that MK "stays congested for fireworks and first parade, but after WISHES the crowds decrease"!!! Great. That will make going to MK on one of those days knowing it will be a enjoyable time after wishes the crowds decrease a BIT" ?? I must be reading this wrong because it does not seem to be on point at all. That also does not seem to be an argument at all in favor of going to MK on a non-party night.

Again, parties November 10, 13, 14, 16,....well after I booked my trip and set up ADR's they decided to close MK early on the 17th as well for a private party. As I had said. We had an enjoyable trip but I am dissatisfied with MK being closed to us after 7pm on 5 of the 7 days of the visit. I do not recall there being a better period during that season either?

Also I simply feel that it would be nice to offer a free park hopper that one night since they make it all but impossible to enjoy a full night at MK during this time of year without spending a good deal of money for a party ticket. Of course I CHOSE to go on party nights but even the CM's at the hotel were saying I would stay away from MK on the 15th which was the one day in that stretch of time that there was not a party or private party night.

I enjoy going to Disney so much but I just do not understand the attitude with people taking issue with dissatisfaction in the direction disney is going?

On another note I noticed many people who were very down on people criticizing the party with the "capitalist society argument" were very vocal when Disney started the party within the party and were taking away some of the special characters and moving them to the Soiree. They were not happy at all. It would seem that the "capitalist Society" argument hit a wall there. I found that quite comical.

It is not Ok for someone like myself to take issue with Disney taking more and more days for parties and closing MK early and thus devaluing my ticket that day..but it NOT OK for Disney to add another hard party ticket within the hard ticket event within the normal day ticket to make some more money? People were up in arms that Maleficent was being pulled to the soiree! Heaven forbid! At its base I really do not see a difference in the issue. It is simply taking something that was there and then adding something to make more money.

I have no idea how you weighed in on that one. Nor do I know if you even go to the parties at all.

Firstly, there is no such thing as a hopper for a day. The hopper is for the length of your ticket. Disney isn't going to give people that for free when it is announced months in advance. The reason I mentioned Wishes and the parade specifically is because those are the only things missed by going on a party day. There is a HUGE difference between being dissatisfied with Disney's schedule and stating they should offer you a free handout because you used your ticket for a park with short hours when 3 other parks are available. AK closes much earlier than 7pm most nights, yet I don't hear anyone asking for free hoppers on those days. I go to MNSSHP every year. We did two parties last year, but no soirée because the cost was not worth it to us. This year our fall break moved to Columbus week, and we chose to add the hopper option because we knew the number of parties that week would be large. We are there from Oct. 10-18. Of those dates, there are parties on Oct. 12, 13, 15, 16 (and 18, but we'll be gone by then). We plan to hit up MK most every morning for the low crowds, and hop elsewhere for the afternoon/evening, but will spend an evening at MK for Wishes and the late MSEP. We have never felt crowds to be so bad that we were miserable on a nonparty night. The reason they offer these parties is because they are slower times of the year. I was trying to reassure people that they can go to MK on a nonparty night and still have an enjoyable time. We've been doing it for years, and will continue to do so.

 

[maxiesmom]

I guess I just believe them when they state attractions and park hours are subject to change and availability. That is why, while I might be disappointed if a ride is down during my trip, I don't get all up and arms and demand free stuff.

Also, the parties during the months of September-December are not new. It should come as no surprise that they happen, and people should be able to plan around them. Whether that means going to a different park, planning on MK for the day, or buying a party ticket and hanging out in MK at night. It also strikes me as a bit absurd as back before they had parties MK closed fairly early anyway. It sure wasn't kept open until midnight.

 

[baler31]

I think people are a little too..you should have known better and you made the CHOICE. I certainly can dislike what is happening at Disney in the fall winter months. We enjoy the weather October -November and now it becoming more of an issue to try and do a full day at MK without the added crowds due to the party nights.

You are saying that MK "stays congested for fireworks and first parade, but after WISHES the crowds decrease"!!! Great. That will make going to MK on one of those days knowing it will be a enjoyable time after wishes the crowds decrease a BIT" ?? I must be reading this wrong because it does not seem to be on point at all. That also does not seem to be an argument at all in favor of going to MK on a non-party night.

Again, parties November 10, 13, 14, 16,....well after I booked my trip and set up ADR's they decided to close MK early on the 17th as well for a private party. As I had said. We had an enjoyable trip but I am dissatisfied with MK being closed to us after 7pm on 5 of the 7 days of the visit. I do not recall there being a better period during that season either?

Also I simply feel that it would be nice to offer a free park hopper that one night since they make it all but impossible to enjoy a full night at MK during this time of year without spending a good deal of money for a party ticket. Of course I CHOSE to go on party nights but even the CM's at the hotel were saying I would stay away from MK on the 15th which was the one day in that stretch of time that there was not a party or private party night.

I enjoy going to Disney so much but I just do not understand the attitude with people taking issue with dissatisfaction in the direction disney is going?
On another note I noticed many people who were very down on people criticizing the party with the "capitalist society argument" were very vocal when Disney started the party within the party and were taking away some of the special characters and moving them to the Soiree. They were not happy at all. It would seem that the "capitalist Society" argument hit a wall there. I found that quite comical.

It is not Ok for someone like myself to take issue with Disney taking more and more days for parties and closing MK early and thus devaluing my ticket that day..but it NOT OK for Disney to add another hard party ticket within the hard ticket event within the normal day ticket to make some more money? People were up in arms that Maleficent was being pulled to the soiree! Heaven forbid! At its base I really do not see a difference in the issue. It is simply taking something that was there and then adding something to make more money.

I have no idea how you weighed in on that one. Nor do I know if you even go to the parties at all.

I don't have a problem with dissatisfaction being expressed. However, the information is incorrect. Years ago Disney simply closed earlier. There were not fireworks and parades every night during this season. Now to attract MORE guests they offer MORE and they charge MORE. Here are the hours from Magic Kingdom in 2002:

Oct 1-4 9am-6pm
Oct 5th 9-9
Oct 6-11 9-6
Oct 12 9-9
Oct 13-18 9-6
Oct 19th 9-9
Oct 20-25 9-6
Oct 26th 9-9
Oct 27th-31st 9-6


Parties in 2002 were only offered on: October 11, 17, 20, 25, 27, 31 and November 1, 2002. A total of 7 parties.

So, Disney is not offering less. People have just forgotten that in the off season the hours used to be reduced. Sept and Nov had even fewer hours with more 8 pm closes than 9. Also, entertainment was very limited in the off season. Parade and fireworks were offered for a total of 10 nights during the whole month.

I agree that many things have changed not for the better this is just not one backed up by facts.

 

[minniemous]

Firstly, there is no such thing as a hopper for a day. The hopper is for the length of your ticket. Disney isn't going to give people that for free when it is announced months in advance. The reason I mentioned Wishes and the parade specifically is because those are the only things missed by going on a party day. There is a HUGE difference between being dissatisfied with Disney's schedule and stating they should offer you a free handout because you used your ticket for a park with short hours when 3 other parks are available. AK closes much earlier than 7pm most nights, yet I don't hear anyone asking for free hoppers on those days. I go to MNSSHP every year. We did two parties last year, but no soirée because the cost was not worth it to us. This year our fall break moved to Columbus week, and we chose to add the hopper option because we knew the number of parties that week would be large. We are there from Oct. 10-18. Of those dates, there are parties on Oct. 12, 13, 15, 16 (and 18, but we'll be gone by then). We plan to hit up MK most every morning for the low crowds, and hop elsewhere for the afternoon/evening, but will spend an evening at MK for Wishes and the late MSEP. We have never felt crowds to be so bad that we were miserable on a nonparty night. The reason they offer these parties is because they are slower times of the year. I was trying to reassure people that they can go to MK on a nonparty night and still have an enjoyable time. We've been doing it for years, and will continue to do so.

I did say we had an enjoyable trip. I never said that the parties ruined our trip either. I am articulating why I am not happy with the number of parties and how that impacts the vacation we like to take.

Also Just because there is "no such thing as a hopper for a day" it does not mean they can not create one for people who have attended MK on the day of a party. I am not forced to go on a party night...but when there are having that many parties it is fairly hard to arrange a trip where you are not going on a party night.

I think it makes good sense to give people exiting MK on a party night the option of hopping to another park if they do not have park hopper. I do not think it will impact Disney's bottom like too much and would go far at making people accept the increase in parties.

 

[smitch425]

I did say we had an enjoyable trip. I never said that the parties ruined our trip either. I am articulating why I am not happy with the number of parties and how that impacts the vacation we like to take.

Also Just because there is "no such thing as a hopper for a day" it does not mean they can not create one for people who have attended MK on the day of a party. I am not forced to go on a party night...but when there are having that many parties it is fairly hard to arrange a trip where you are not going on a party night.

I think it makes good sense to give people exiting MK on a party night the option of hopping to another park if they do not have park hopper. I do not think it will impact Disney's bottom like too much and would go far at making people accept the increase in parties.

Where would you go with the hopper if leaving MK at 7pm? AK would be closed. DHS and EPCOT would be close to closed most nights. Disney is not in the practice of giving away something that many people choose to pay for willingly. It just isn't feasible.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I understand why people are disappointed when their trip falls during party season, limiting their MK access. I know for us, we never wanted to buy tickets because our kids are unpredictable as to how late they will make it, but on the other hand, I hated being kicked out lol! But you do know the parties are going on I guess.

I think the best thing to do is just resign yourself to buying party tickets or hoppers or resign yourself to dealing with high crowds on the non-party days and nights. What can you do.

MK is so crowded all of the time now, I'm not even sure how much of a difference the parties really make.

 

[baler31]

I did say we had an enjoyable trip. I never said that the parties ruined our trip either. I am articulating why I am not happy with the number of parties and how that impacts the vacation we like to take.

Also Just because there is "no such thing as a hopper for a day" it does not mean they can not create one for people who have attended MK on the day of a party. I am not forced to go on a party night...but when there are having that many parties it is fairly hard to arrange a trip where you are not going on a party night.

I think it makes good sense to give people exiting MK on a party night the option of hopping to another park if they do not have park hopper. I do not think it will impact Disney's bottom like too much and would go far at making people accept the increase in parties.

It is not just the revenue they would lose on the hopper. By giving a hopper to people who have not paid for it they increase attendance at other parks. This causes them to increase hours and labor in those parks, one of the largest expenditures for the parks division. You would never have been able to take the type of trip you envision as they have never stayed open late during that season. To see the fireworks and parade you simply had to be there on a Saturday or you did not see them.

 

[sharonabe]

I did say we had an enjoyable trip. I never said that the parties ruined our trip either. I am articulating why I am not happy with the number of parties and how that impacts the vacation we like to take.

Also Just because there is "no such thing as a hopper for a day" it does not mean they can not create one for people who have attended MK on the day of a party. I am not forced to go on a party night...but when there are having that many parties it is fairly hard to arrange a trip where you are not going on a party night.

I think it makes good sense to give people exiting MK on a party night the option of hopping to another park if they do not have park hopper. I do not think it will impact Disney's bottom like too much and would go far at making people accept the increase in parties.

Are you kidding? If I knew Disney would give me a free hopper if I attended MK on a party night, I'd be sure to be there at least two days, so I could hop for free for two days. That would mean I wouldn't need to BUY the hopper, and I wouldn't be the only one doing this. WDW's bottom line would DEFINITELY be affected.

You did say in another post that you were not able to go to MK and enjoy the fireworks/parades. That's not true. You were ABLE, but you chose not to go because you didn't want to be bothered with the crowds. That is still your CHOICE, and you can make that choice, but WDW is not MAKING you do that.

It is okay to be dissatisfied and to voice that frustration, but in the end, there are other times of the year you can go to WDW and not have any party nights to contend with. It is all a matter of CHOICE.

 

[minniemous]

You did say in another post that you were not able to go to MK and enjoy the fireworks/parades. That's not true. You were ABLE, but you chose not to go because you didn't want to be bothered with the crowds. That is still your CHOICE, and you can make that choice, but WDW is not MAKING you do that.

Hmmm, nope never said that? When? I did not mention fireworks and parades. Someone else mentioned the fireworks and parades and I responded to them.

I simply said I do not like the number of parties...I am fairly sure I can have that opinion which clearly is making you agitated.

I will say what I think is for the 3rd or 4th time that I had a very enjoyable trip. I do not like the fact that 5 of the 7 days I was there I was in a bit of a catch 22. Spend the money on a party I do not enjoy so that I have a full day at MK, go on non-party night and contend with huge crowds (yup, I did it back in 2013 and the non-party days was very unenjoyable due to the huge crowds) or go on a party night and leave to go to down town disney.

We do not park hop normally. We would only want it for a party night at MK and we wanted to go to another park later. I have never said Disney would do it... I think it would be nice if they did given it is not the best situation for people who do not like parties.

So you are saying go at another time of the year? I guess I could. I like the weather this time of year and most likely will not change that. I am fairly sure I can still not like the number of the parties and the impact it has on our vacation and still continue to go to Disney in the fall season which my family has since 1975 if that is Ok with you?????

I guess you feel Disney can not give...they can ONLY take away. OK.

 

[maxiesmom]

Where would you go with the hopper if leaving MK at 7pm? AK would be closed. DHS and EPCOT would be close to closed most nights. Disney is not in the practice of giving away something that many people choose to pay for willingly. It just isn't feasible.

Great point. I'm not sure what other park they think they will hop to.

Unless now the complaint becomes Disney should leave other parks open later, because some families choose to not buy party tickets.