Kicked Out of MK for the Christmas Party

[jimsanfilippo]

We've been to the WDW Christmas Party in the past but skipped it this time because our kids are 2 and 5 and just can't stay up late enough to make a 7pm-midnight venture worth it. So when we went to MK last week we knew we'd have to leave at 7pm promptly and it was no problem for us.

However, we noticed that certain areas of the park were shut off to people without party wristbands 15-20 minutes before 7pm. This was a bit frustrating since we assumed we were completely welcome there until the park officially closed at 7pm.

In fact, my wife and 2 year old went on Pirates at about 6:30pm while my 5 year old and I walked around and waited. At exactly 6:45pm I decided to wait in the Pirates gift shop since that's where all riders exit but the shop was mostly closed off with a cast-iron gate. When we tried to enter a CM at the doorway asked if we had wristbands. I said "No, but it's not 7 o'clock yet." She said "I know but we're clearing out our day guests." I replied, "But it's not 7 o'clock yet. Why can't I wait for my wife and son in the gift shop?" She just again said that we couldn't come in because they're clearing out their day guests.

I'm sorry, but we paid our admission to be there until the park officially closes and that wasn't until 7pm. And 15 minutes of Disney time is a lot to us so it bothered my son and I quite a bit. Why would they do this to their customers? Is a 15 minute jump on the evening that big of a deal that they have to start treating "day guests" like second-class citizens? I just don't understand.

 

[mesaboy2]

We've been to the WDW Christmas Party in the past but skipped it this time because our kids are 2 and 5 and just can't stay up late enough to make a 7pm-midnight venture worth it. So when we went to MK last week we knew we'd have to leave at 7pm promptly and it was no problem for us.

However, we noticed that certain areas of the park were shut off to people without party wristbands 15-20 minutes before 7pm. This was a bit frustrating since we assumed we were completely welcome there until the park officially closed at 7pm.

In fact, my wife and 2 year old went on Pirates at about 6:30pm while my 5 year old and I walked around and waited. At exactly 6:45pm I decided to wait in the Pirates gift shop since that's where all riders exit but the shop was mostly closed off with a cast-iron gate. When we tried to enter a CM at the doorway asked if we had wristbands. I said "No, but it's not 7 o'clock yet." She said "I know but we're clearing out our day guests." I replied, "But it's not 7 o'clock yet. Why can't I wait for my wife and son in the gift shop?" She just again said that we couldn't come in because they're clearing out their day guests.

I'm sorry, but we paid our admission to be there until the park officially closes and that wasn't until 7pm. And 15 minutes of Disney time is a lot to us so it bothered my son and I quite a bit. Why would they do this to their customers? Is a 15 minute jump on the evening that big of a deal that they have to start treating "day guests" like second-class citizens? I just don't understand.

I agree. You have every right to be there until 7:00p.

 

[rwdavis2]

I agree that you should not be hustled out before 7:00.

This past November the CMs on Main Street were pretty ruthless when 7pm rolled around. No entry into the stores. Even people already in the store were slowly herded in the direction of the train station. Once they cleared a section of the store no one without a wrist band could get in there.

I would assume that on the walkways between lands no one was allowed in to any of them but only directed out.

 

[Luvchefmic]

and from a business point of view can't imagin the lost $$$$$$$$$$$ of all the potential sales lost if all the other shops were doing the same very foolish especially from a guest service point of view


I have wtnessed the clearing out at 7 pm as decsribed by pp and have to say I understand why day guests can try to stay even hiding in bathrooms and some can get pretty abusive to the CMs sad

 

[kathie859]

OP--I'd be a little put off, too! If I'd made my plans based on a 7 p.m. exit strategy and was hustled out 15 minutes early for the convenience of others, I'd be annoyed. Not the biggest problem ever--but still an irritation.

 

[mom2rtk]

I'd be ticked. They should be able to take a hard line at 7. But 6:45 should be hands off.

 

[Robo]

Luck-of-the-draw with CM's, again.

You were likely confronted by a "vigilante CM" (or group of 'em)
taking on the mantle of deciding what policy to enforce and when,
regardless of if it was actually a real Disney policy, or not.

Your PROBLEM was with one (or more) individual CM('s.)
Your COMPLAINT is with WDW Guest Relations.
They need to be told (and re-told) of the improper guest treatment
by their cadre of "vigilante CM's."

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

That being said, on the opposing side in 2010 we went to the Christmas party and they let everyone stay in the park until 8 p.m. but just wouldn't let them on the rides. There wasn't a real push of people out of the park until 8 and then it was like a mass movement and was totally distracting to the people that had paid tickets.

While I agree that you have until 7 p.m. they were probably thinking that it would take you at least 15 minutes to get out of the park so they wanted to "help" you along.

I really think it's a lose-lose situation. I personally think the park should close at 6:30 for those without wristbands. Of course it should be advertised ahead of time so that people are aware of it. Then they have the ability to push people out at 6:45.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

While everyone posting here is absolutely 100% correct you are still operating under the assumption that Walmart, er Disney, excuse me, actually gives one darn about your personal feelings. Those doors are long closed and customers (we used to be guests) are noticing only very slowly.

Go ahead and write guest relations, if you've got nothing but time. You'll get a nice concillatory response admitting of no wrong doing but asking for your forgiveness. Remember PR is what Disney does best.

 

[toddinboston]

The park is closed to guests without wristbands at 7pm...if your at POC at 6:45, you're still a 15 minute stroll from the park exit, so you would be leaving at 7, when you're supposed to...

What am I missing?...

 

[phyzch]

The park is closed to guests without wristbands at 7pm...if your at POC at 6:45, you're still a 15 minute stroll from the park exit, so you would be leaving at 7, when you're supposed to...

What am I missing?...

What you're missing is that park closing on any other day means the moment guests can no longer get into a line, not the moment they must be off property. I once rode on the last POTC boat at DL and wasn't off until a good 20 mins after park close (that was the first time I really realized just how long that ride is). Why should closing time mean something different on a party night. If they really want you off property by 7 they should "close" at 6:30.

 

[mesaboy2]

The park is closed to guests without wristbands at 7pm...if your at POC at 6:45, you're still a 15 minute stroll from the park exit, so you would be leaving at 7, when you're supposed to...

What am I missing?...

That policy is that guests can stay in the parks and get in attraction lines right up to park close--in this case 7:00p--like any other night.

Don't misunderstand, once the clock strikes the top of the hour then day guests turn into a pumpkin again, but they should get every minute due them until then.

 

[Eosphotog]

Not sure about the Christmas party, but for Halloween they started closing select rides and/or areas 15-30 mintues before 7. I think in that case they were converting over to candy stations or character meeting places.

On the Christmas party map I see a character meeting area next to Pirates. Is it possible they were starting up some crowd control in that area before 7?

 

[I Love Pluto]

I feel that everyone in the park should be able to watch the special Christmas Parade. How cruel to ask anyone to leave! We listened to a CM yell at a Mom, Dad, & 2 daughters - who didn't realize that something special was going on. They were ordered to "go get a ticket" if they wanted to stay, and "that will cost you"! The tone of voice of the CM was evil.

During MVMCP - We found one cookie - and NO cocoa - at the six areas mentioned to find the refreshments. The parade was nice - but not $60 each of nice! We will never go to this event again - ever!

We waited for 2 CMs to stop chatting with each other - and to help us - get into the roped off HC area. They ignored us - even when we asked out loud politely for help. This was over an hour and a half early for the parade, so we weren't breaking any unwritten rules. We went under the rope ourselves as a kind stranger held it up for us. He had witnessed our feeble attempts to ask the CMs to help us. After we did - the same CM who would NOT help us ran over to scream at us for going under the rope. The gentleman who held the rope for us screamed back in our defense. (Thank you if anyone reading is that gentleman!)

The special shows are in different locations all at the SAME time!

We chose to watch the show on the Castle steps. About 5 minutes into the show - it was stopped due to "technical difficulties". (This is not excusable at a place as large as Disney! Have back-up ready! I always did - in an elementary school music job!)

We are Annual Passholders. We feel that MVMCP is a disgrace to all.

 

[dlove28]

Day guests should be allowed to do what you want until 7. I don't appreciate stragglers trying to get party time for 'free' but then again I pay for a hard ticket party that starts at 7 and then expect to be let in at 4. I'm infringing on day guests more than they are to me so its hard to argue that they should leave promptly.

 

[Joanna71985]

I feel that everyone in the park should be able to watch the special Christmas Parade. How cruel to ask anyone to leave! We listened to a CM yell at a Mom, Dad, & 2 daughters - who didn't realize that something special was going on. They were ordered to "go get a ticket" if they wanted to stay, and "that will cost you"! The tone of voice of the CM was evil.

The special shows are in different locations all at the SAME time!

We chose to watch the show on the Castle steps. About 5 minutes into the show - it was stopped due to "technical difficulties". (This is not excusable at a place as large as Disney! Have back-up ready! I always did - in an elementary school music job!)

Please tell me you're kidding. The purpose of the parade (during MVMCP, anyway) is for guests who have bought tickets for the party. It wouldn't be fair otherwise. Of course, after Dec 21, everyone will be able to see the parade

The shows have multiple times. You could go to 2 different times

Hey, technical difficulties happen. Plus, there is a huge difference between an elementary school and a theme park

 

[DougEMG]

We've been to the WDW Christmas Party in the past but skipped it this time because our kids are 2 and 5 and just can't stay up late enough to make a 7pm-midnight venture worth it. So when we went to MK last week we knew we'd have to leave at 7pm promptly and it was no problem for us.

However, we noticed that certain areas of the park were shut off to people without party wristbands 15-20 minutes before 7pm. This was a bit frustrating since we assumed we were completely welcome there until the park officially closed at 7pm.

In fact, my wife and 2 year old went on Pirates at about 6:30pm while my 5 year old and I walked around and waited. At exactly 6:45pm I decided to wait in the Pirates gift shop since that's where all riders exit but the shop was mostly closed off with a cast-iron gate. When we tried to enter a CM at the doorway asked if we had wristbands. I said "No, but it's not 7 o'clock yet." She said "I know but we're clearing out our day guests." I replied, "But it's not 7 o'clock yet. Why can't I wait for my wife and son in the gift shop?" She just again said that we couldn't come in because they're clearing out their day guests.

I'm sorry, but we paid our admission to be there until the park officially closes and that wasn't until 7pm. And 15 minutes of Disney time is a lot to us so it bothered my son and I quite a bit. Why would they do this to their customers? Is a 15 minute jump on the evening that big of a deal that they have to start treating "day guests" like second-class citizens? I just don't understand.

Totally agree with you. I was there the other night and they when 'encouraging' day customers to Lear before 7pm and it annoyed me as well!

 

[andyman8]

Park closes at 7pm, so last day guests let on rides at 7pm. Simple as that.

In theory, the day guests are Disney's target from 9am right up until 7pm.

Just one of the many reasons I prefer the old way of doing things. Yeah, everyone "looses" with that way but it eliminates these problems.

Please tell me you're kidding. The purpose of the parade (during MVMCP, anyway) is for guests who have bought tickets for the party. It wouldn't be fair otherwise. Of course, after Dec 21, everyone will be able to see the parade

The shows have multiple times. You could go to 2 different times

Hey, technical difficulties happen. Plus, there is a huge difference between an elementary school and a theme park

I think was the PP was saying is that Disney should just include the parade and fireworks in park admission (so get rid of the party). Unfortunately, that won't happen as Disney wants as much money as possible.

 

[Joanna71985]

I would hope Disney wouldn't get rid of the parties. I've been going to both for years, and love them

 

[WILDERNESS FAN 55]

Oh my this must be the whiiiiiiinnnnggggg thread. If you complain about being kicked out of a shop 15 min ahead you better be prepared to exit right at 7