Just got off the phone with Disney CS EMH and other changes

[lovethattink]

Stepping in with a reminder to keep it friendly and stick to posting guidelines.

I've called GS a few times over the years, and my concerns were sent to appropriate people and I did get additional phone calls.

Back when DAS first rolled out, there was an actual separate group set up to field those concerns because there were so many calls.

As for the surveys, I get randomly selected for those as easily as I get randomly selected for the extra security scan

I noticed that additional questions are based on your survey answers and what you say you did. Some surveys are aimed at particular visitors. There's been a survey that I got bounced out of when I answered yes to do I post on social media.
As for the new optional "pay for" experiences, I'm sure the success will be measured by how well they sell and guest satisfaction of those who purchase.

I was at Epcot last Monday and the premium parking lot was empty. Someone else reported the lot full last weekend.

I won't be purchasing any of the optional experiences. I'll stick to what's included with my AP. We avoid EMH, and I'll be paying attention to see how the extra hour events affect crowd levels.

As for the rumor of resort parking fee...If that happens, it would be more economical for me to drive from home and be a day guest. We've considered gas spent back and forth for different events where we've stayed at WDW. An additional resort fee would negate the gas saved. Being a day guest is always more economical for "locals", but would become more economical.

The rumor of EMH going by the wayside would not affect me either way. We do not take advantage of this freebie.

 

[Fel]

I have never said that anyones vacation is more important than my own, and I hope you are not implying that yours is more important either. It is funny how Jenny knew exactly what I was talking about...she said at this time Disney which implies to me that it will happen. These EMH events that are happening in Spring may just be Disneys filler for this time period simular to the parties during fall and Christmas. Who knows? But as a resort guest who does stay on Site it is listed as a resort perk at least it is on my confirmation information so I don't want the perks that I am getting in my package to be altered. I do understand that Disney has the right to change anything at anytime. If people want to question it or complain they need to do it to Disney...enough phone calls, e-mails will make a difference. If they charge an additional resort fee I agree with others that I will move off site at that point. But I would be surprised if they do that. As for the premium parking...no problem I will use the bus service as long as I am on site. Lastly, Disney knows what they are doing...they have too many people predicting the outcomes of thee changes.

 

[disneyseniors]

Whew, just read all of this!!! Just wanted to say that all these changes (real and implied) have changed our minds about our annual trip in November or December! We have not booked yet with our TA, something which we would have happily done by now. As it stands, the charges for resort and tickets compared to last year, without a discount yet this year, are much higher. In November, during a "slow" time, the charges are $500+ more than last year for the same thing. In December, during same slow time, charges are $700+ more for the same thing. Again without discounts applied. If the $15 a day resort charge is added, then just add $150 or so. We usually stay 10 days. These charges are for 9 days,so one day Less!!
These are the facts as of now.
As far as the statement that these EMH changes, charges for DAH, won't affect people who don't do these, I feel that is wrong.
We don't do the parties or any of the extra things. We have felt that for us these weren't interesting and we just enjoy spending time in the parks with our park hoppers, utilizing the low time strategies, IE: rope drop, etc.
We have been at the MK when the Christmas parade was occurring one evening. We got there about 3pm and had a ball riding the rides, etc.
THEN, at 4pm, they opened the floodgates to a huge amount of party people, and we could not get on an attraction without a huge wait.
So, yes, it did impact us even though we were their at regular hours. The thing is, we paid a lot of money to utilize the MK, as did everyone else, without paying for the party. With the early entry on these dates, there is no way a regular paying customer can utilize the park without it being crowded! This is from someone who has actually done this. It was a totally crowded evening. We got tired of the pushing, shoving, rushing, and long, long waits for attractions, so we left feeling like second class citizens for having the gall to go at regular hours and expect to enjoy our paid park time without this crowding.
So, long story short, YES it will impact those of us who pay regular admission. There is no way it could not. And if you think Disney will limit the amount of people significantly, then look at all the posts about the overcrowded parties.
We also have the Early admission party at the MK to thank for the demise of rope drop, our only strategy that worked for us regular paying customers.
So, yes, we can be concerned with all this. I also resent that some people try to belittle every one elses concerns over what is happening.
I love Disney, but am not blind about all of this. I hope it resolves itself and makes everyone happy. We will see over time.

 

[HopperFan]

does anyone know if premium parking is just where AAA diamond parking was?
if so it was always a pretty convenient place to park but i wouldn't pay extra for it.

I believe it was in Zurg. Preferred will be in Jafar. Jafar is closer than Zurg.

 

[Fel]

Whew, just read all of this!!! Just wanted to say that all these changes (real and implied) have changed our minds about our annual trip in November or December! We have not booked yet with our TA, something which we would have happily done by now. As it stands, the charges for resort and tickets compared to last year, without a discount yet this year, are much higher. In November, during a "slow" time, the charges are $500+ more than last year for the same thing. In December, during same slow time, charges are $700+ more for the same thing. Again without discounts applied. If the $15 a day resort charge is added, then just add $150 or so. We usually stay 10 days. These charges are for 9 days,so one day Less!!
These are the facts as of now.
As far as the statement that these EMH changes, charges for DAH, won't affect people who don't do these, I feel that is wrong.
We don't do the parties or any of the extra things. We have felt that for us these weren't interesting and we just enjoy spending time in the parks with our park hoppers, utilizing the low time strategies, IE: rope drop, etc.
We have been at the MK when the Christmas parade was occurring one evening. We got there about 3pm and had a ball riding the rides, etc.
THEN, at 4pm, they opened the floodgates to a huge amount of party people, and we could not get on an attraction without a huge wait.
So, yes, it did impact us even though we were their at regular hours. The thing is, we paid a lot of money to utilize the MK, as did everyone else, without paying for the party. With the early entry on these dates, there is no way a regular paying customer can utilize the park without it being crowded! This is from someone who has actually done this. It was a totally crowded evening. We got tired of the pushing, shoving, rushing, and long, long waits for attractions, so we left feeling like second class citizens for having the gall to go at regular hours and expect to enjoy our paid park time without this crowding.
So, long story short, YES it will impact those of us who pay regular admission. There is no way it could not. And if you think Disney will limit the amount of people significantly, then look at all the posts about the overcrowded parties.
We also have the Early admission party at the MK to thank for the demise of rope drop, our only strategy that worked for us regular paying customers.
So, yes, we can be concerned with all this. I also resent that some people try to belittle every one elses concerns over what is happening.
I love Disney, but am not blind about all of this. I hope it resolves itself and makes everyone happy. We will see over time.

Thank you for this information. I appreciate it!

 

[opal]

Parking, extra magic hours, etc are not now or have they ever been "free perks" for staying onsite. Yes, the Mouse advertises that they are but seriously, we all know that we pay for those "free perks" with our room rates. If they no longer offer these so called perks, will our room rates be lower? No, room rates will stay the same or more likely keep increasing. It is just one more way to squeeze a few more $$ from loyal Disney visitors. No that long ago the annual pass prices were raised, but the perk of free parking was added. In a family of four, each member pays the higher pass price but it is likely they are only parking one car. Once upon a time, when staying onsite, you could purchase a mug that refillable at that resort forever, but we won't go there....

We don't like change. We don't like to feel like we are not getting value. Disney has always been a pricey vacation. I shudder at even thinking about adding up the $$$ my family has spent there over the years. However, I have always been able to justify it because I felt that making memories has value.

I too am disturbed by what seems like the steady stream of changes and increased pricing that has been occurring recently. In addition I think that these changes have made a Disney vacation more complicated. You need to read up on things like FastPass+ and EMH's and how to get the coveted dining ressies. As an almost 30 yr Disney veteran, I sometimes am overwhelmed by the planning, so I can only imagine what it is like for the first time visitor.

But we all have a choice on how much we are willing to accept. I will never say that I will stop being a fan of WDW. I will never say that I am done and won't visit anymore. We are currently in the final quarter of our annual passes. We have discussed it at length and decided that it is time to take a break. The last number of years we have had FL residents annual passes. Maybe it is because we can go so frequently or maybe it is because we have been bombarded with prices increases and planning changes, but we have found we are going less frequently and are finding the parks to be overcrowded, so overall, we are enjoying it less, so for now we will spend those recreation $$ elsewhere, but I am sure we will visit again....someday.

 

[Fel]

Currently we have a vacation scheduled, actually our honeymoon, and these changes or possible changes do make me question. Because we are going during the a holiday time and there are so many party nights I am praying that Disney will not have these EMH paid events during those times. If so, then with the currently schedule holiday parties we will not have any EMH in MK and that will be so sad, especially since we will not see any of the nighttime fireworks at the castle. My fiancé is a non-Disney person and I am praying the magic of this vacation will change his mind.

 

[FantasiaMagic]

Thanks for the info!

 

[Sparkie]

Every.single.cost. you mention is either 100% optional, or completely nonexistent but believed to be true or imminent based on some guest survey questions

I realize these are optional. But I guess my point is I dont feel as valued as a Resort guest when Im being charged for experiences that as a Resort guest in the past were part of the Resort experience. I am speaking of the After Hours and the Early Entry events.

 

[Kimberly9701]

Currently we have a vacation scheduled, actually our honeymoon, and these changes or possible changes do make me question. Because we are going during the a holiday time and there are so many party nights I am praying that Disney will not have these EMH paid events during those times. If so, then with the currently schedule holiday parties we will not have any EMH in MK and that will be so sad, especially since we will not see any of the nighttime fireworks at the castle. My fiancé is a non-Disney person and I am praying the magic of this vacation will change his mind.

Please don't let what you have read here determine if you travel to DW or not!!!!!
Keep your scheduled vacation Have a Magical Time!

 

[disneyseniors]

Thank you for this information. I appreciate it!

You are welcome I think the DAH would work IF Disney would not let them into the park early. If they were admitted at 10pm as stated, then it would be fair IMO to those of us that paid to use the park til 10pm. I wouldn't be upset about it. But, they are stomping on the people who pay for park admission on those days. We DO Not get a fair shake with it. Maybe Disney will wake up and realize what early entry is doing, but maybe not!

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Complaining that you don't like a product that doesn't negatively impact your vacation makes no sense. Right now, this will not negatively impact anyone. It would be like complaining that VIP tours exist because you can't get them for your family for free.

The only chance that this will be discontinued - it proves to be unprofitable.

 

[Kimberly9701]

Complaining that you don't like a product that doesn't negatively impact your vacation makes no sense. Right now, this will not negatively impact anyone. It would be like complaining that VIP tours exist because you can't get them for your family for free.

The only chance that this will be discontinued - it proves to be unprofitable.

Finally. Reason. lol.

 

[Kimberly9701]

I realize these are optional. But I guess my point is I dont feel as valued as a Resort guest when Im being charged for experiences that as a Resort guest in the past were part of the Resort experience. I am speaking of the After Hours and the Early Entry events.

I have never said that anyones vacation is more important than my own, and I hope you are not implying that yours is more important either. It is funny how Jenny knew exactly what I was talking about...she said at this time Disney which implies to me that it will happen. These EMH events that are happening in Spring may just be Disneys filler for this time period simular to the parties during fall and Christmas. Who knows? But as a resort guest who does stay on Site it is listed as a resort perk at least it is on my confirmation information so I don't want the perks that I am getting in my package to be altered. I do understand that Disney has the right to change anything at anytime. If people want to question it or complain they need to do it to Disney...enough phone calls, e-mails will make a difference. If they charge an additional resort fee I agree with others that I will move off site at that point. But I would be surprised if they do that. As for the premium parking...no problem I will use the bus service as long as I am on site. Lastly, Disney knows what they are doing...they have too many people predicting the outcomes of thee changes.

All of our vacations are equally important, of course!!! Regardless of if you're staying at a value, moderate, deluxe, concierge, dvc, off site, or local. But- "Resort guests" stay all different amount of days/nights. Last year I did 8 nights...this year I'm doing only 3...which means I have to maximize my park time. I don't feel like any of my "perks" are being taken away due to these new options. And I don't understand why anyone thinks that it does.

 

[Hikergirl]

You are welcome I think the DAH would work IF Disney would not let them into the park early. If they were admitted at 10pm as stated, then it would be fair IMO to those of us that paid to use the park til 10pm. I wouldn't be upset about it. But, they are stomping on the people who pay for park admission on those days. We DO Not get a fair shake with it. Maybe Disney will wake up and realize what early entry is doing, but maybe not!

You aren't being kicked out of the park before 10PM, Disney doesn't need to make things "fair" for anyone. The people who buy tickets to these events are also paying to use the park from 7PM to 1AM or 2AM. You are no different than them, you don't deserve lower crowds just because you spent the day in the park, just like they don't deserve lower crowds from 7PM until park closing. There is never a guarantee of low crowds at Disney, never. Even this "limited" event may not be so limited.
DIsney realizes exactly what its doing, its making money, its not in business to be "fair".

 

[maxiesmom]

I realize these are optional. But I guess my point is I dont feel as valued as a Resort guest when Im being charged for experiences that as a Resort guest in the past were part of the Resort experience. I am speaking of the After Hours and the Early Entry events.

But they were not part of your resort experience. Disney still has EMHs for resort guests, the new hours are in addition to them.

 

[PetePanMan]

why not let people vent, raise worries etc. You seem abnormally upset that others are upset?

 

[PetePanMan]

Still have them though, right?


No, parking fees are purely a rumor
There are none, unless you count valet
There are more rumors flying about changes at Disney then there are facts
Is getting rather old when every post reads like chicken little and the sky is falling

Why can't people vent, raise worries, make predictions etc. You seem abnormally upset that others are upset?

 

[BuckeyeBama]

why not let people vent, raise worries etc. You seem abnormally upset that others are upset?

Just as some are venting about Disney, others are venting about the people venting. Both are fine with me. Kind of entertaining.

 

[billlaurie]

I was thinking the same thing. There won't be a rope drop anymore for "resort" guests at whichever park is offering this. Right now they are saying MK only, but you know if people pay, it will spread to the other parks. They have to keep capacity down to make it worthwhile. It will drive on-site guests to other parks, making them more crowded at rope drop. So those of us who love to show early will see more crowded conditions across the board at all four parks.