Halloween at DL

[PHXscuba]

Sherry, I disagree a little over whether to e-mail or call Disney right now about the rumors. They may just be rumors, but it's apparent just from our little not-so-random sample here that these rumors are affecting people's decision on when to go and whether to get or keep tickets to MHP.

Since they seem to be making their decisions about Halloween on the fly anyways, I don't see the harm in some feedback before they come out with the final word. In this economy, if I were in charge at DLR and suddenly had a wave of AP holders and VISA holders unhappy and thinking about canceling their tickets, I might look a little harder at some options, like showing the fireworks more often or making any further statements clearer about who gets to do what and when.

I'm sure the success or chaos of this event will determine future big events in DLR, like a Christmas party. DLR is going to have to figure out how to handle this.

PHXscuba

 

[InLikeSin]

I don't know what exactly qualifies as "pooh" sized but the chairs were not flimsy they were just plain old folding chairs. I didn't see anyone in our group have any problems with them.

 

[Sherry E]

Sherry, I disagree a little over whether to e-mail or call Disney right now about the rumors. They may just be rumors, but it's apparent just from our little not-so-random sample here that these rumors are affecting people's decision on when to go and whether to get or keep tickets to MHP.

Since they seem to be making their decisions about Halloween on the fly anyways, I don't see the harm in some feedback before they come out with the final word. In this economy, if I were in charge at DLR and suddenly had a wave of AP holders and VISA holders unhappy and thinking about canceling their tickets, I might look a little harder at some options, like showing the fireworks more often or making any further statements clearer about who gets to do what and when.

I'm sure the success or chaos of this event will determine future big events in DLR, like a Christmas party. DLR is going to have to figure out how to handle this.

PHXscuba

Sorry. Gotta disagree. I am holding firm in my belief. Disney is not the one who is telling Al Lutz to act as town crier and spread the word. He does that on his own. This is not coming from Disney. This is coming from Al Lutz. They are still working on it, and in a week it may be all ironed out. He basically revealed something that may or may not be happening which is now getting folks all worked up and it may be for nothing. I see no harm in waiting until the final word comes in and then writing in. The tickets are not going to disappear instantly. People will still be able to buy them if they choose to.

And do you really think Disney is going to reveal anything specific to people in emails before their official announcement anyway? They will give generic replies, more than likely, if the official agenda is not out yet.

Plus, as I said earlier, the corporate/business side of Disney is deciding this, and then it gets trickled down to the CMs in Guest Services. The CMs didn't even know that HalloweenTime began on September 17th when the rest of us knew from the Parks Blog. So, if anything, if people are going to voice their frustration and write anyone at Disney now, write the people who are making the decisions, not the people in Guest Services. Write Heather Hust Rivera at the Disney Parks Blog. She would likely know more than anyone in Guest Services right now.

 

[dsny1mom]

Well, let us know what happens.

It should be interesting to see if they reply, seeing that none of this news is officially released by Disney yet. This is all from Al Lutz. One week from now, things might look much better in the scenario.

I just think that before too many more people start sending letters to Guest Relations/Guest Services, we should hear the official word from DLR first...and that will be coming very soon. It's just my opinion, of course, but I would wait (if I had purchased an MHP ticket) to approach Disney about it until I had the official word from them on what exactly they are doing.

I certainly will let everyone know what Disneys says in their reply.

I disagree on waiting to see what Disney says on this subject. Reason being that Disney probably has/had no intentions of letting anyone know that nonticketed guests would be allowed to stay. How could they communicate that to potential ticket buyers in a manner that it wouldn't effect their ticket sales?

I know Al, and have known him for many years. Al never puts up info on his site that hasn't been checked and triple checked from more than just one reliable source. If Al puts something in his update, that isn't quailfied as a rumor, then what Al is saying **is** what the current plan is 99.99 times out of 100. That's not to say Disney will, in the end, stick with their current plan, and that's why emailing NOW is the smartest thing to do.

dsny1mom

 

[Belle Ella]

That Al Lutz article made me worry about AP holders coming out to see WOC because so many of them will be blocked out most of the summer. Made it sound like crowds could be high in September/October because of that.

Any idea if WOC will be shown all week in September or just weekends?

No idea as of yet. But if you look at the calendar for the last day of August it only shows one WOC on a Tuesday night I think. So it may still be a daily thing, just not 3 shows per night. That would be my best guess. With it being as new as it is I don't really think they'd pull it to weekends only. Who knows. We'll just have to wait and see (gotta love that answer).

 

[lulubelle]

I've purchased a total of 5 tickets. 2 for the Tues before Halloween and 3 for the Friday before. For $260 I expect exclusivity of evey inch of DL during the official party hours.

There was no mention of this being a mix-in when I laid out my money. If they had told me nonticket holders would be allowed to stay in any part of DL I would not have purchased the tickets.

I emailed Disney, through their website, this morning asking exactly how nonticket holders would be handled and if they did not have a wristband would they be escorted out of DL. I also brought up the scenario that some CMs may not even be checking wristbands as the night progressed. I did not threaten to ask for a refund. I simply relayed what I had read on the other site and asked for an explanation of how things woulkd be handled.

I will wait for a reply. I will post any reply I do receive. If I do not get an answer that I am satisfied with, then when I am at DL in Sept I will go to Guest Relations and listen to what they have to say at that time. If they can not assure me that the Halloween party will be the excluse paid for event they advertised and that I paid for I will ask for a refund then and there.

No offense to anyone happy about the idea that anyone can be at the party as long as they enter DL during regular hours and don't attempt to ride attractions, do the Meet and Greets, or go to the candy stations. I am not going to shell out over $250 for a party that I can attend for free. You see I have no plans to get candy, wear a costume, get photos with characters and don't really care about going on the attractions during the party as I will be at DL that entire week. I want to enjoy DL is a less crowded enviorment and see the fireworks, if they aren't cancelled due to wind or wearther. So I plan on making it very clear to Disney if nonticketed guests will be allowed to stay I want my money back as they are not fullfilling the claim that the party will be exclusive.

dsny1mom

ITA. Except I will wear a costume and probably get a little candy.
But my main purpose of buying the tix was to enjoy the fireworks and ambiance with low crowds with my friends. I will be quite frankly - pissed - if they let the non ticket holders stay.

I am anxious to hear what they tell you.

 

[funatdisney]

Just got on, and boy did I miss a whole lot this afternoon!

People who are paying exhorbitant prices to get into DL in the first place don't want to have to leave early on certain nights or pay extra for another ticket, and local AP holders who can only get to DLR after work wouldn't want to have to buy separate tickets to see fireworks.

Sheery E, I so respect your opinion and it means the world to me, but I have to say something about this one comment. I know it is expensive to go to Disneyland, especially during this economy. As a victim of the economy and suffering badly from it, I liked the idea of paying for MHP ticket. Enjoying DL with lighter crowds, the Halloween fireworks and other specials offered at this event is what convinced me to buy this ticket. I am considering giving up all my APs this year, since there has not been am upturn for my husband, and buy the three day hopper specials offered to So. Cal residents over the next year. Also, purchasers of a regular DL tickets should check the park calendar before they plan a day to go to DL anyway. There are many events and special closings occurring throughout the year for other reasons.

I for one think it should be for MPH ticket holders only. Disneyland is not that big and I looked forward to dealing with less crowds all around the park. If nonMHP guests are allowed to stay, I for one will be contacting Disney to give them what I think. I will, of course, wait for the official announcement.

 

[BELLEDOZER]

For what it's worth, I'm going to throw my 2 american cents into the mix. In IMHO if I'm going to pay a significant amount to go to an exclusive event, then I expect it to be that way, and no have non ticketed people there. What's the point of spending the extra money if anyone can go to MHP, ticketed or not. I personally think that DL is in a lose, lose situation here. If they throw out the non ticketed people when MHP is on, then they royally tick off them. If they let the non ticketed people stay then they angry the people who paid good money for an exclusive event that's no longer that way because of them. I still intend to book my ticket for the MHP event on Oct 5th when the tickets become available for purchase on July 16th. However I'm thinking twice about getting a ticket for Oct 8th because of these very issues. As far as I'm concerned DL has to find a comprimise to the problems they are having around MHP, otherwise they are going to royaly PO alot of people. I'm also tired of people blaming the AP'ers for every little thing that has to do with crowd control within both parks. It's my opinion on this whole mess, and no offence to anyone.

 

[barefootmomma]

I've purchased a total of 5 tickets. 2 for the Tues before Halloween and 3 for the Friday before. For $260 I expect exclusivity of evey inch of DL during the official party hours.

There was no mention of this being a mix-in when I laid out my money. If they had told me nonticket holders would be allowed to stay in any part of DL I would not have purchased the tickets.

I emailed Disney, through their website, this morning asking exactly how nonticket holders would be handled and if they did not have a wristband would they be escorted out of DL. I also brought up the scenario that some CMs may not even be checking wristbands as the night progressed. I did not threaten to ask for a refund. I simply relayed what I had read on the other site and asked for an explanation of how things woulkd be handled.

I will wait for a reply. I will post any reply I do receive. If I do not get an answer that I am satisfied with, then when I am at DL in Sept I will go to Guest Relations and listen to what they have to say at that time. If they can not assure me that the Halloween party will be the excluse paid for event they advertised and that I paid for I will ask for a refund then and there.

No offense to anyone happy about the idea that anyone can be at the party as long as they enter DL during regular hours and don't attempt to ride attractions, do the Meet and Greets, or go to the candy stations. I am not going to shell out over $250 for a party that I can attend for free. You see I have no plans to get candy, wear a costume, get photos with characters and don't really care about going on the attractions during the party as I will be at DL that entire week. I want to enjoy DL is a less crowded enviorment and see the fireworks, if they aren't cancelled due to wind or wearther. So I plan on making it very clear to Disney if nonticketed guests will be allowed to stay I want my money back as they are not fullfilling the claim that the party will be exclusive.

dsny1mom

I agree entirely with your sentiments and I will be interested to hear their reply to you.

 

[funatdisney]

For what it's worth, I'm going to throw my 2 american cents into the mix. In IMHO if I'm going to pay a significant amount to go to an exclusive event, then I expect it to be that way, and no have non ticketed people there. What's the point of spending the extra money if anyone can go to MHP, ticketed or not. I personally think that DL is in a lose, lose situation here. If they throw out the non ticketed people when MHP is on, then they royally tick off them. If they let the non ticketed people stay then they angry the people who paid good money for an exclusive event that's no longer that way because of them. I still intend to book my ticket for the MHP event on Oct 5th when the tickets become available for purchase on July 16th. However I'm thinking twice about getting a ticket for Oct 8th because of these very issues. As far as I'm concerned DL has to find a comprimise to the problems they are having around MHP, otherwise they are going to royaly PO alot of people. I'm also tired of people blaming the AP'ers for every little thing that has to do with crowd control within both parks. It's my opinion on this whole mess, and no offence to anyone.

There is no way the Disney can please everyone. That is the way of life and it is no different for Disney. Whatever they choose, there will be complaints. I will be very disappointed with the decision to allow non-ticket guests to stay in the park. It is not like they haven't closed the park early for an exclusive event before.

 

[iKristin]

I have a feeling if they do announce allowing everyone to stay in the park for the fireworks that there will be a HUGE outburst of angry MHP ticket holders. I was hoping for a little lesser crowd as well.

 

[mom4princesses]

Not sure what all is going to be up and running but its going to be very irritating to try to go from on land to the next with all the non-paying guests in the hub. Its crazy when you try to walk on main street/hub during regular fireworks and it will be worse since there is only going to be 10 shows. With 6 kids I was looking forward to my girls having a little more freedom with less people in the park during the party. Being able to see more in less time, get around easer and watch fireworks without waiting hrs to save a good spot. The MHP ticket holders will not get a good spot as we will want to spent our time doing the extras offered and the non ticket holder won't have anything else to do (other than find a spot and wait). Also they offered items for sale only party guests could buy, how is that going to work or is it just one more thing lost? I guess Im done and will just need to wait for the official word, like everybody else

 

[Belle Ella]

It really does seem like a lose-lose situation right now no matter what is announced. But considering that they have already been selling MHP tickets under the stipulation that the Halloween Screams fireworks and everything would be exclusive to party guests there is no doubt in my mind there will be an uproar if the announcement is made that all guests will be welcome.

Is it just me or is it hard not to speculate right now, lol. I know that nothing is official right now, but man!

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

I guess I interpreted the Al Lutz article a little differently than some of you who are discussing it. Whenever I read his stuff, I note the cynical edge and kind of try to guess how far he's spinning things. Yes, I look forward to his articles, and there have been some great tidbits in those articles and he has been accurate about a lot of stuff, but really much of what he writes is rumor and "inside info" from we know not what source, so I tend to take it all with a grain of salt. And, frankly, sometimes he will spin things far more negatively than they turn out to be in reality.

Even so, I didn't interpret his description of the Halloween situation to mean that Disney was going to announce or publicize that guests without wristbands could stay in the parks. I expected that Disney would still tell regular day guests that the park would be closing at 6 PM or 7 PM, whatever it's supposed to be, and that's what would be posted on all the signage and there would be announcements of park closing at the appropriate time. Many, many people will pay attention to these posted times and announcements and have planned their day with this in mind. A large majority of people are rule-abiding (due to good conscience or fear of consequences) and will leave when they know the park to be "closed." I think the problem comes in with the inability or lack of desire to corral the Halloween party people while clearing out the park. So, yes, some people who choose to game the system will stay. That's a little different than Disney offering an open invitation to everyone to stay for the whole night. That being said, however, I do wonder how many people don't care about "cheating" the rules and who will just camp out and if the CMs really won't have the power to do anything about that. I would be disappointed if I bought a party ticket only to find that I still couldn't get a decent spot for the fireworks because a lot of non-ticketed people "slipped through the cracks."

 

[funatdisney]

I guess I interpreted the Al Lutz article a little differently than some of you who are discussing it. Whenever I read his stuff, I note the cynical edge and kind of try to guess how far he's spinning things. Yes, I look forward to his articles, and there have been some great tidbits in those articles and he has been accurate about a lot of stuff, but really much of what he writes is rumor and "inside info" from we know not what source, so I tend to take it all with a grain of salt. And, frankly, sometimes he will spin things far more negatively than they turn out to be in reality.

Even so, I didn't interpret his description of the Halloween situation to mean that Disney was going to announce or publicize that guests without wristbands could stay in the parks. I expected that Disney would still tell regular day guests that the park would be closing at 6 PM or 7 PM, whatever it's supposed to be, and that's what would be posted on all the signage and there would be announcements of park closing at the appropriate time. Many, many people will pay attention to these posted times and announcements and have planned their day with this in mind. A large majority of people are rule-abiding (due to good conscience or fear of consequences) and will leave when they know the park to be "closed." I think the problem comes in with the inability or lack of desire to corral the Halloween party people while clearing out the park. So, yes, some people who choose to game the system will stay. That's a little different than Disney offering an open invitation to everyone to stay for the whole night. That being said, however, I do wonder how many people don't care about "cheating" the rules and who will just camp out and if the CMs really won't have the power to do anything about that. I would be disappointed if I bought a party ticket only to find that I still couldn't get a decent spot for the fireworks because a lot of non-ticketed people "slipped through the cracks."

I am glad that you gave a bit of reasoning in your post. I was wondering how accurate Al Lutz was with past articles, or what type of "spin" he is known for. There are many Disney writers claiming to know the scoop on Disney or write with a certain prospective. I am not familiar with Al Lutz and am glad that you gave some description of this writer. Your thoughts on how Disney will approach the the needs of the day guest and the MHP ticket holder seems more in line with reality. Only time will tell. Meanwhile, I wait anxiously to see what Disney will do.

 

[Sherry E]

I gave reasoning in my posts. I said, essentially, the same thing - it is Al Lutz saying this stuff. It is not fact yet. Disney has not annouced what exactly they are doing yet, and the little HalloweenTime agenda that they release every year should be out within the week or so - maybe sooner - and we will have a clearer picture. People are all ready to get worked up or start firing off letters to Guest Services when Guests Services probably doesn't know what's happening right now because nothing is official yet. I understand that everyone who bought tickets is concerned about wasting money. I would be too. But we don't know that this is the case yet.

I think everyone needs to just take a breath and be patient. Wait for the word from Disney and then respond how they feel you need to.

On that note, I will rejoin the thread when the plans have been announced and we know for sure what's happening.

 

[AmyPond]

Dumb question....

I've been reading some of his updates for years. But who exactly is Al Lutz?

 

[ipdenc]

I have another dumb question...................who can buy MHP tickets? I thought they weren't on sale yet?

 

[Belle Ella]

I have another dumb question...................who can buy MHP tickets? I thought they weren't on sale yet?

AP holders and I think those with the Disney Visa or something had the opportunity to purchase them already as well Not 100% sure as I fall into neither category and I wont be there in October, lol.

 

[Belle Ella]

Dumb question....

I've been reading some of his updates for years. But who exactly is Al Lutz?

He's got his own wiki-page, lol: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Lutz