Is This a Sign Of Things To Come?

[JessNewt]

So, it'll be interesting to see the first day this is possible:
Early morning entry approx. $50.00 (figure 1/3 cost of DAH)
Single day ticket @ $124.00
Disney After Hours event @ $150.00

Full day at Disney for $324.00. Family of 4 would cost $1296.00.

 

[focusondisney]

Correct, Disney has allowed this by not implementing the promised prix fixe breakfast. It's on them and only they can fix this. Sadly BOG had so much potential for guest enjoyment and Disney's bank account but now a family can get into the park and on rides early for the price of a single cupcake............

Looks like they might be getting ready to "fix it".

 

[jbharr1]

Perhaps "require" is a strong word, but I have been told that making ADRs that far in advance is necessary if you want to ensure certain experiences like BOG meals - is that incorrect? Because I would love for that to NOT be the case!

I guess it depends on what time of year you are going, what dining you want and how many people in your party. Obviously a party of 12 will be harder to book than a party of 2. With that said, i'm going in may and didn't book it until december, within the 180 day window. i'm a party of 2. I was able to get ohana at 5:15p for two different days, citricos, 2 BOG prepark. I did FP+ at 60 days because I could. it's only a few attractions that i'd say require it. I've been able to move A&E just about every day i've checked since my 60 day mark.

while I don't like it i think FP+ is closer to required at 60 days than dining. Unless you absolutely have to have BOG dinner or CRT which are two things I'm not yet interested in and wouldn't ruin my trip if I didn't get. Then again if not getting them would ruin someones trip i'd question why they were going to begin with.

 

[jknc]

So many people are putting into words their frustration and anger about recent developments. My question is what are you going to do about it? Almost doing something is the same as doing nothing. I can without hesitation tell you if they screw up my plans with these early/late events at MK, my trip is cancelled.

 

[HopperFan]

Looks like they might be getting ready to "fix it".

If they fix this I will be SO HAPPY!

A stunning restaurant, so much potential, 3.5 years and still a cluster.

No excuses. Not rocket science. Fix it for guests, for experience and for profitability.

Pet peeve of mine, can you tell??

 

[pens4821]

We are seeing it through "our" glasses. Veterans who have been many times and go often (once a year or more).

But imagine a new guest seeing these things? Look at all these cool events! Disney knows people are willing to pay for "experiences" (look how popular the boutique is and how popular character meals are) .. These are just more "experiences" they can offer.

How many people were getting BOG breakfast not because of the food, but simply for the "perk" of getting in early? So the demand was there for this type of experience. Why not market it that way and sell it that way to let other (non-veterans) realize you can get a breakfast at BOG to get in early? They are just advertising something that "we" created.

I agree with this. If you step back and think about it, it's actually a good idea. Some people will think it's worth it, others won't, just like every other good/service out there. Depending on price, I would surely look into it. Only problem is we aren't big breakfast eaters, but we don't mind getting to the parks early. I don't get all the negativity about these changes. If you don't want to pay for early (or late) access, then don't do it. It's not that big of a deal!! It will have very little bearing (may have a little more crowds early/late but I doubt much) on your vacation.

Like I said before, Disney may be closing a loophole which they should. Of course we know no details, but it should be a charge per person for breakfast (if they're doing a meal). How many times has it been mentioned in this thread and throughout this site that people just go to BOG, order next to nothing, then get early ride access? Why is it wrong of Disney to stop this? It's not at all in my eyes.

 

[::danielle::]

Perhaps "require" is a strong word, but I have been told that making ADRs that far in advance is necessary if you want to ensure certain experiences like BOG meals - is that incorrect? Because I would love for that to NOT be the case!

It's not required. It comes down to how badly do you want it. This is not a unique Disney phenomenon. If you want to get the ideal flight time on a Southwest airfare when it goes on sale, you better be up early and ready the moment they open the calendar. If you want a 60" TV for $250, you have to sacrifice your entire Thanksgiving Day to stand in line. There are always people who want it bad enough to go through ridiculous lengths to get it.

Universal does this too, but on a smaller scale. In lieu of the FP+ system, you have to pay for an upgraded Express Pass. If you want to eat breakfast at the Three Broomsticks, you have to purchase the Harry Potter Package.

Does it suck? Yes, absolutely.

 

[BC1836]

$150 and a free Mickey bar!

One wonders if the price of a Mickey premium bar (and many other food items and beverages) will soon be adjusted and set according to the outdoor temperature.

 

[Twinprincesses]

The price is for a group of up to 10 people.

I think it a minimum of 6 hours too correct? We have done it with family a couple of times so it is also on top of park admission. It is great if you get the right guide and they treat you right

 

[Praying Colonel]

It's a pretty safe bet that they're going to turn morning breakfast reservations at Be Our Guest and Cinderella's Royal table into a premium dining experience that includes early morning access to the rides of Fantasyland, including Peter Pan and 7 Dwarfs Mine Train before park open.

What do you do when you don't like what someone posted because you don't want it to happen, but agree that it probably will?

OK, I liked it. But unfortunately I don't like their philosophy that's leading them down this dangerous path. Monetizing every single little thing is cannabalizing guest goodwill for the dollar they can gather today. A risky strategy.

 

[Pemeberly]

I might be one of the few people who actually really likes the breakfast food at BOG. That open faced egg sandwich... I still think about it. We've booked a pre-park opening for September and plan to each enjoy our own meal.

I'd be fine if the actually enforced the pre-fixe breakfast at BOG. Open up the reservations for people who actually want breakfast without wasting park time.

 

[Twinprincesses]

As a DVC member and a longtime Disney visitor we are just going to Universal this year. I am frustrated with the little nickel and dime changes to Disney over the years. My last complaint was over our Disney Cruise last year and the customer service just did not care because it is all about the money and it is so sad. So yes we are staying at a Disney resort but we will be going to Universal.

I do not know what the final changes are to Disney yes but it is just heartbreaking. They are just forgetting their customers.

 

[bbjunkie]

Perhaps "require" is a strong word, but I have been told that making ADRs that far in advance is necessary if you want to ensure certain experiences like BOG meals - is that incorrect? Because I would love for that to NOT be the case!

I think "require" isn't really the correct word, as you say. It is absolutely possible to plan an entire trip, with meal reservations and fast passes, in less time than 180 days. I've done it. I did it last June, as a matter of fact. We didn't even book our trip until 35 days out because it was a last minute decision to go. We ate at BOG and had FP+ for 7DMT.

If you read these boards, you would think the sky is falling, the world is falling apart, Disney is horrible, and no one should go. It's getting ridiculous. In one breath people will complain that there is nothing new, so it isn't worth visiting, and in the next breath they will complain that there is so much new that too many things are happening at once.

All of this uproar over new experiences is based as much on speculation as anything else. with what we know at this point, it won't effect much at all. I can understand that MAYBE MK will feel more crowded on the 7 nights between 7:00-10:00/11:00 if ticket sales for the DAH opportunity go well. But even that is a huge maybe. If the event is limited, and everyone that purchases a DAH ticket enters at 7:00, you are talking about an additional 3,000, 5,000, up to 12,000 people for closing hours. But the entire reason Disney is offering this experience on those nights is because it is already a "low attendance" night that does not include pm EMH. It is just as likely to feel like a regular night in MK. And if you think $150 per person for the DAH events is too much to pay, then just don't pay it. No one is requiring it, and it certainly isn't for everyone. But there will certainly be 3000 people that will gladly pay it. Is it a money grab? Well, I guess, but how is it more of a money grab than the fireworks cruises, or the VIP tours, or the hard party tickets, or a fishing trip, or playing the gold courses? It's not, it's just one more offering.

I see the same thing happening with the early morning experience, whatever it happens to be. They have likely found a way for people to pay for early access to an almost empty park. People are already doing that with reservations at CP, CRT, or BOG. This has been true even with morning EMH. Why does offering another option have to change or alter your plans in any way? You don't know park hours this far ahead anyway. That isn't new.

This forum can work itself up into a frenzy at the drop of a hat. A couple of weeks ago, the world was absolutely coming to an end because there was no Wishes or MSEP scheduled for Spring Break time. Everyone was claiming they were never, ever going to Disney ever again (after their approaching trip) because there is no more Wishes! They have decreased all their offerings! They have no fireworks because of Shanghi! There is a paint chip on Dumbo----I hate this place! The tragedy, the horror!! Sheesh! Well, time has passed, and lo and behold, the fireworks continue, parades will happen, and hours have been extended.

And for those that that say, "Disney has no magic anymore," give me a break. Seriously? If you honestLy believe that, then by all means, spend your vacation elsewhere and have a fabulous time. But why are you wasting your time perusing a Disney forum? It certainly seems that your time would be better spent doing just about anything else.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Perhaps "require" is a strong word, but I have been told that making ADRs that far in advance is necessary if you want to ensure certain experiences like BOG meals - is that incorrect? Because I would love for that to NOT be the case!

Except for the occasional BOG dinner I don't book anything that far in advance. BOG is SO popular that it books up in a few days, and all the peak mealtimes are likely gone that first day. But I don't do character meals so stuff like CRT and Chef Mickey's isn't on the radar at all. Usually booking with parties of 2 or 4, if you have a party of more than 6 or 8 your options are definitely more limited.

Agreed, if you want a more "traditional" theme park experience, you'll need to go to Universal. They do have their issues as well.

 

[Pesky]

I'm a planner so planning things far in advance is how I roll. And I realize things can change -- rides go into refurb that weren't scheduled (curse you, BTMRR!), EMH hours are shifted, new events are announced. The only thing that bothers me is these new offers and monkeying with EMH could impact historic crowd calendars, making them wildly inaccurate (and of course, that's a primary planning tool for me). Given the pricing, I would think it's not going to have THAT big of an impact but I'll be curious what the reality is when these things are implemented.

 

[kittyab]

ha! I will be surprised if there are any EMH left when we go in the fall.

As long there people willing to shell out the $$$$ for it, yes this is the end of extra magic hours. Pretty soon it will not worth staying on site.

 

[ashleyrm]

here's some info I found
Disney Early Morning Magic- Fantasyland

Guests Check-In beginning at 7:30am at the Main Entrance of Magic Kingdom, by the Far Left Hand Side Turnstiles. Guests will receive a sticker for identification.

At 7:45am Guests are allowed to enter Magic Kingdom. They will make their way to Fantasyland where they will be free to enjoy Peter Pan’s Flight, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.


no mention on price or dates....this is not a replacement of EMH they will probably do this on days when there isn't morning EMH at MK

here's some info I found
Disney Early Morning Magic- Fantasyland

Guests Check-In beginning at 7:30am at the Main Entrance of Magic Kingdom, by the Far Left Hand Side Turnstiles. Guests will receive a sticker for identification.

At 7:45am Guests are allowed to enter Magic Kingdom. They will make their way to Fantasyland where they will be free to enjoy Peter Pan’s Flight, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.


no mention on price or dates....this is not a replacement of EMH they will probably do this on days when there isn't morning EMH at MK

Is there a source for this?

 

[COscrapper]

I guess it depends on what time of year you are going, what dining you want and how many people in your party. Obviously a party of 12 will be harder to book than a party of 2. With that said, i'm going in may and didn't book it until december, within the 180 day window. i'm a party of 2. I was able to get ohana at 5:15p for two different days, citricos, 2 BOG prepark. I did FP+ at 60 days because I could. it's only a few attractions that i'd say require it. I've been able to move A&E just about every day i've checked since my 60 day mark.

while I don't like it i think FP+ is closer to required at 60 days than dining. Unless you absolutely have to have BOG dinner or CRT which are two things I'm not yet interested in and wouldn't ruin my trip if I didn't get. Then again if not getting them would ruin someones trip i'd question why they were going to begin with.

Not getting a specific ADR would def not ruin our entire trip, but this is our only time going to WDW so of course I want to make the most of it - and to get that ADR, I apparently have to plan it 180 days out. I would much rather Disney do away with ADRs and let us just put our names on a list the day of, like any other restaurant - we can always walk around or do something else while we wait...is that an option?

Our friends just went to WDW in February, supposedly a "slower time". Not planners, thought making ADRs and FP reservations was ridiculous. Know what happened the first day? They went to MK and could not do ANYTHING. The lines for the FP kiosks were too long to stand in with their small kids, let alone rides. They actually left after a few hours because it was no fun. Spent the next day at their hotel, stalking MDE for one character meal during their trip and making FPs for other days....still only ended up doing a few "big rides" the entire trip. In FEBRUARY.

I'm just trying to avoid that!

 

[lugnut33]

Maybe Disney is just getting things ready to sell off the parks? The higher the revenue stream the higher the asking price and the better return for the #1 priority, the investors.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

So does Universal also require you to make ADRs 180 days in advance and plan your rides 30-60 days in advance?

We did our last split Disney/Universal vacation in October. We had no reservations at all at Universal. We stayed at one of their deluxe resorts, where guests get preferred seating at restaurants. Express Pass is included for free with a deluxe stay, so we didn't even have to get up early and do RD to avoid most lines (other than the two Harry Potter headliners). No waiting on transportation because we stayed at the Hard Rock and walked to both parks in under 10 minutes. We have two split Universal/Disney trips under our belts, and my opinion is that Disney feels like a trip, Universal feels like a vacation.