Just got a call from WDW

[grinningghost]

"Michelle" from the Executive Offices of WDW just called me. It was in reply to an e-mail I sent them about the short hours. I expressed my disappointment that MK's hours didn't allow for much "nighttime magic".

Now, I'm not a brain surgeon, but I've been around the block enough times to know a company line when I hear one. "Michelle" tells me that I am soooooo fortunate to be visiting WDW at the end of August because there will be very light crowds and very short waits for attractions.

Uh - hello?! This is a brilliant way of dancing around a subject. She did not address the early closing times AT ALL. I guess she figures since the crowds will be so light, we'll be able to pack everything into the daylight hours they've so generously handed out to us. That was NOT my point.

I love WDW after dark. It's a whole different experience. If you've ever taken a ride on Splash Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain after dark, you know what I mean.

Well, while I had her on the phone, I asked her about the possibility of an e-night being added during our stay (the last week in August). She said she was SURE they will add one, just to keep checking the website. I guess a small glimmer of token hope was all she could offer. But being the devoted WDW fan that I am - I'll be bookmarking the e-nights and checking frequently.

 

[Scratch42]

BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!

I want an E-Night also! Had DD all geared up for Neverland Club so that I could do all those rides!

You are right, there is nothing like MK at night!

Hey, suits, are you listening!?!

I know, I know, they aren't here at the boards!

Let's keep our fingers crossed!

Scratch

 

[Unofficial627]

Hopefully you'll get that E-Ride night, good luck!!! By the way, I know EXACTLY what you mean about riding Splash Mountain at night, I was fortunate enough to get to the top of the hill while a parade was going on... that helped in keeping my eyes open for the drop...

 

[Kallison]

Not to put a damper on your hopes, but before I booked my trip I researched historical hours for August last summer and e-nights. The hours were reduced around the 2nd week of August and there were no e-nights after the third week. That is why I purposefully booked our trip two days earlier than planned, in the hopes we could squeeze one enight in there. I hope they do add some more for your sake. I'm also hoping that the lack of crowds at the end of the month will help offset the reduced hours. I picked the last week because of southern school kids returning to class even though I knew hours would be less.

 

[ToyStory Fan]

I too am anxiously awaiting a late August e-night. And I totally agree about the extra nighttime "magic".

 

[Peter_noPan]

Night time is very different.

One of my favorite memories of WDW was going on the Skyway (don't remember what the proper name was) at night during my honnymoon.

KM looks great with all the lights. Every land looks better, especially Tommorow Land.

 

[yesdisneyfool]

Enights per Deb's Site.


AllEarsNet™ News

August E-Ride Nights Announced!
August 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22

 

[kejoda]

Were going the last week of August also. I was really hoping for an eride night. Have they every added one before?

 

[CamColt]

Im hoping for one that Friday too! I cant believe the park is open later earlier in the week. It doesnt make sense. However what happened last year is getting me worried. They did add an enight for that Friday and then cancelled it a few days later.
Now what do we do with PSs while we wait for that enight to be added or not. Its hard to plan knowing(or thinking)everything is going to change.
Usually Im not one to complain about stuff like this but the fact that I was counting on at least the same hours as last year, if not later, for that Friday and now its shorter with no FITS, Im all messed up on my planning.

 

[DNBois]

grinningghost -

I too got a call from the Executive Offices - I complained about the early closing times for the parks in the beginning of May. I never heard from them and sent the e-mail about a month and a half before we left. My husband and I were there May 2 - 10 and unfortunately, due to many problems with WDW including room check-in and transportation, we did not feel that "Disney magic" at all. To make a long story short, upon our return, I sent a long, detailed e-mail to Disney and also told them that perhaps they should take a look at this site to get some insight or suggestions to improve their parks. I got a call from "Wendy" and I too got the 'dance-a-round'; she informed me that Disney parks are actually only supposed to be open from 9-5 and any added hours are a bonus to the guests . . . . if this were the case, perhaps Disney shouldn't have spoiled us with the extended hours. My husband and I grew up on Disney and we will go once more with our APs but we have jointly decided we will take our business elsewhere - preferably to Universal where it seems visitors aren't taken for granted.

 

[PatriciaH]

Originally posted by kejoda
Were going the last week of August also. I was really hoping for an eride night. Have they every added one before?

They added one in 2001 on the 31st (Friday) of August a few days before. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the 26th and/or the 29th. Why would they have such short hours on those days unless they were thinking of adding one? The other days that week are open later.

 

[dBugged]

I'm surprised they even bother to call back if they are going just tell you some load of bull. Granted, I've never complained to Disney about anything and intentionally go the last week of August and first week of September because of the light crouds.

However, me and the mrs do miss the MK nights -- fortunately we got to experience them back in 2000 (we even got an e-night that year, as we also did in 2001 -- both the first week of September).

I guess the positive is that Disney did call you back -- however I don't like the fact that they are saying "you are so lucky". People who complain don't feel lucky, they are unhappy about the way they were treated and that kind of call is quite insulting.

 

[blackshirt]

Originally posted by DNBois
grinningghost -

. I got a call from "Wendy" and I too got the 'dance-a-round'; she informed me that Disney parks are actually only supposed to be open from 9-5 and any added hours are a bonus to the guests . . . .
The MK is so special after dark. WDW management doesn't realize the magic they are taking away by slashing hours. My family has averaged a little under two weeks a year at WDW. I guess I need to readjust my priorities. From now on(actually starting Christmas 2002) I have decided that a 4-day hopper is what I am "supposed" to buy every 3 years from Disney. Anything extra that I buy from Disney is merely a "bonus" for Disney's bottom line and Eisner's stock options.

 

[peachgirl]

All these reduced rates, discount codes and special packages come with a cost...reduced park hours and services. The only reason we're seeing some of these incredible rates is because business is lousy. Along with the reduced rates come park cutbacks.


I'll be happy when business picks up. I don't go to WDW because it's a bargain. I'd rather pay higher prices and see things the way they used to be.


FWIW, I think it's very nice of them to take the time to call guests who have written, even if they can't tell you what you want to hear.

 

[minnie56]

I go every August...

I never see those short lines and low crowds she was rambling about.....Not until after Labour day anyway...

Everyone is having a last 'hurrah' in August....Everyone!

Blah, blah , blah

 

[georgina]

This must have been a designated "phone the disgruntled e-mailers day". I had sent an e-mail when the fairytail packages were released, asking for some AP discounts. Of course, the AP discounts came out weeks ago, but they called me about my e-mail today.

 

[hightown]

Certainly does seem that yesterday was phone the dis-ers day!

I had sent e mail to say thanks for the FTP. Works for me and wanted to say something positive. 2. pointed out that after I booked, found out that the Nights of Joy will kill any chance we have of the 'magic of MK at night' inclduing missing spectro and fireworks. We don't want to go to that and will have no opportunity to see it at night time. Told them while I'm just one small voice, would love to see an E night 9/2.

Got the call from Joseph and unfortunately wasn't home so he just left voicemail.

He said 'they appreciated the note....from someone who obviously has a lot of enthusiasm for wdw....would forward to department in charge...never could tell what one small voice could do'.

Any other calls?

Sharon

 

[grinningghost]

You know, I will give them some credit for even calling back. I was just sad to hear what seemed to be a rehearsed company line. This was a classic example of why Disney needs to sit back and think - What Would Walt Do? - before they react.