Magic Kingdom After Hours coming back (DAH); Reviews: Page 18 >>

[goofy4prez]

I get it. if they were replacing EMH with this pay-only option for after hours access I would feel the same as you. I'm all for buying my way out of a crowd though, and that's really what this is.

Here's my reason why I hope it fails. I'm not against hard ticket events. I'm just getting tired of Disney pricing what I myself believe to be ridiculous amounts of money for these things. Example is the Wishes Dessert Party; a couple of years ago it was only $25 and then less than a year later it went up to $50 and now it's $75... I'm good with these events, what I'm not good with is Disney's pricing on these things. But hey, many will pay and Disney will keep setting the prices higher and higher. If enough say no, then perhaps there may be some control of these prices. Again, it's just my opinion. If Disney charged $500 for these late park hours, I"m sure someone out there will say $500 is a great value and I'm more than willing to pay $2,500 for my family of 5 so that I can ride the 7DMT unlimited times with no wait and eat Christmas cookies and hot chocolate.

 

[HopperFan]

Here's my reason why I hope it fails. I'm not against hard ticket events. I'm just getting tired of Disney pricing what I myself believe to be ridiculous amounts of money for these things. Example is the Wishes Dessert Party; a couple of years ago it was only $25 and then less than a year later it went up to $50 and now it's $75... I'm good with these events, what I'm not good with is Disney's pricing on these things. But hey, many will pay and Disney will keep setting the prices higher and higher. If enough say no, then perhaps there may be some control of these prices. Again, it's just my opinion. If Disney charged $500 for these late park hours, I"m sure someone out there will say $500 is a great value and I'm more than willing to pay $2,500 for my family of 5 so that I can ride the 7DMT unlimited times with no wait and eat Christmas cookies and hot chocolate.

Just to play devil's advocate ...

I read this as your biggest complaint is the absurd amount of money Disney is charging for these events. It seems like you think those who do them are suckers.

I see you stay Wilderness Lodge CL, Yacht Club CL, Contemporary CL, Grand Floridian ........
Disney hotels that are way overpriced for what you get compared to the overall hotel market. One night could cover me for a week at Disney in a 2 bedroom lovely condo. But those hotels and service levels, even at that price, obviously have value to you. I see no value there, only Disney laughing it's way to the bank. I can't fathom paying those prices for what you get. But it's different strokes for everyone. You love your hotels, others may love the extras.

Disney offers tons of things and everyone has a different opinion on it's value. And until folks stop paying the prices for whatever, Disney will continue to price to demand. Wishes Dessert great example: always sold out, they bump up the price, still selling out. So far they haven't priced it out of demand.

 

[crostorfer]

Here's my reason why I hope it fails. I'm not against hard ticket events. I'm just getting tired of Disney pricing what I myself believe to be ridiculous amounts of money for these things. Example is the Wishes Dessert Party; a couple of years ago it was only $25 and then less than a year later it went up to $50 and now it's $75... I'm good with these events, what I'm not good with is Disney's pricing on these things. But hey, many will pay and Disney will keep setting the prices higher and higher. If enough say no, then perhaps there may be some control of these prices. Again, it's just my opinion. If Disney charged $500 for these late park hours, I"m sure someone out there will say $500 is a great value and I'm more than willing to pay $2,500 for my family of 5 so that I can ride the 7DMT unlimited times with no wait and eat Christmas cookies and hot chocolate.

I, myself, am a FP+ hater. I absolutely hate it. I miss the old days of first come first serve paper passes. We have been enough times to know exactly what we want to do, and we want to do those things multiple times. FP+ makes this significantly harder to do. This hard ticket event, while not cheap, means that I don't have to use any of my FPs in the MK over our 4 days. I am actually willing to use them in the other parks now, when before I always saw using them anywhere but the MK as a total waste. This golden ticket is a guarantee we can ride our favorite rides, multiple times, without waits. That's worth an extra hundred a piece to me.

 

[beaprn]

We will be going to WDW Jan 26-31! Disney after dark will be happening on the 27! We also will be upgrading to APs when we get there, soooo my question is do you guys think there will still be tickets available for this when we get there since inwould obviously want to get the AP discount on these?! The hubby and I would love to do this!!

Check thru this thread another poster is in the same boat as you. They called and was able to buy the discounted tickets, they just have to show their annual pass when they pick up their DAH tickets!

 

[Accident]

Here's my reason why I hope it fails. I'm not against hard ticket events. I'm just getting tired of Disney pricing what I myself believe to be ridiculous amounts of money for these things. Example is the Wishes Dessert Party; a couple of years ago it was only $25 and then less than a year later it went up to $50 and now it's $75... I'm good with these events, what I'm not good with is Disney's pricing on these things. But hey, many will pay and Disney will keep setting the prices higher and higher. If enough say no, then perhaps there may be some control of these prices. Again, it's just my opinion. If Disney charged $500 for these late park hours, I"m sure someone out there will say $500 is a great value and I'm more than willing to pay $2,500 for my family of 5 so that I can ride the 7DMT unlimited times with no wait and eat Christmas cookies and hot chocolate.

I don't disagree with you on many points and I think @HopperFan put it perfectly into words on how you do find value in some other pricey things at WDW that some of us don't pay for. Everyone has something they may not like paying for but they hand over their money anyway because it's their famillies/traveling groups thing to do. This is mine. You won't find me hiring VIP guides, going on a disney cruise, going to more than 1 or 2 table services, going to a character meal, staying in a deluxe (this one may happen but it wont be for a full trip stay), having a desert party (unless it's a charity event), etc etc etc. I save my money elsewhere to be able to offer something like this event.. You also wont' find me bad mouthing those events (often). That's your choice if you want to feed the disney pockets by doing any of them.

Best example, I wanted to hit MNSSHP and MVMCP a few times this year. I did both once on the cheapest night it was offered because I don't agree with the price increase. next year if it goes up again we're going ot seriously consider skipping entirely.

 

[OhhBother]

Our APs expire this month, so we weren't planning on going back til September, activating our new 13 for 12 annual passes then. But I have to try DAH. So we just booked a quick trip March 2-4. We'll go to DAH on the 2nd and the special MK event for DVC members on the 3rd, flying home the 4th. Should be fun -- and we won't even need regular park tickets!

 

[Boski]

I get it. if they were replacing EMH with this pay-only option for after hours access I would feel the same as you. I'm all for buying my way out of a crowd though, and that's really what this is.

Well Disney has slowly been reducing their operating hours over the last year or two...

 

[CJN]

Just to play devil's advocate ...

I read this as your biggest complaint is the absurd amount of money Disney is charging for these events. It seems like you think those who do them are suckers.

I see you stay Wilderness Lodge CL, Yacht Club CL, Contemporary CL, Grand Floridian ........
Disney hotels that are way overpriced for what you get compared to the overall hotel market. One night could cover me for a week at Disney in a 2 bedroom lovely condo. But those hotels and service levels, even at that price, obviously have value to you. I see no value there, only Disney laughing it's way to the bank. I can't fathom paying those prices for what you get. But it's different strokes for everyone. You love your hotels, others may love the extras.

Disney offers tons of things and everyone has a different opinion on it's value. And until folks stop paying the prices for whatever, Disney will continue to price to demand. Wishes Dessert great example: always sold out, they bump up the price, still selling out. So far they haven't priced it out of demand.

Exactly! We economize in some areas so that we can splurge in others. This next trip is on points at the Swan and our flights include companion fares and mileage points. What we save will be spent on indulgences. I really hope this event is offered the last week of April because it'll be on our to-do list for sure.

 

[gdrj]

While I can see based on some comments that people like the idea, I don't for a few selfish reasons.
1- I understand they are doing this now during a slower period, but I like being at the park towards the end of night. Many times as the crowds thin out you are able to get on a number rides rather quickly. If this proves to be successful in any way the "limited" Number of tickets will be like the Halloween Party. I'm exaggerating but there is no way they are going to limit it to a couple guests. They are doing this to generate revenue and numbers just don't make financial sense.

2- If successful (and yes I am going to make some assumptions), it may impact the number of EMH's available, which already has been reduced.
3- It limits the Parks from extending hours which they have done on occasion.
4- If they find this as another way to squeeze dollars out what's next? VIP bathrooms for $500 for the day. Here is an idea a fee of say $99.00 for entry to MK early where you are allowed to shop for 2 hours before the park opens (Park ticket required). No rides are open, You can get a starbucks coffee and a "event only" Mickey cookie for an additional $25.00. For the privilege of being able to shop with a "limited number of guests" you will only have to pay 15% ABOVE normal store retail pricing, no discounts apply. For this event there will be a special VIP express bus available for only $15.00. If you get tired you can store your bags in your private tent for $650 (oops sorry I forgot that already exists).

 

[senadler]

I have a hard time understanding why so many people feel so negatively towards these types of add-ons. If they aren't for you, don't do them. The MK desert party became so expensive that for us it no longer a value. We used to enjoy it, but as the price went up, we decided it was not worth it for us. It doesn't negatively impact me that others still find value in that event, I just watch the fireworks from somewhere else.

All of these types of events that Disney offers are based on supply and demand. They are business, that's how it is supposed to work. When they offered this last year, the price appeared to be too high to attract the necessary demand. Now they are offering it at a lower price, hopefully they market it better as well.

When we go to Disney for vacation, while we love the rides, we hate lines. Any event that will allow us to skip lines and get everything done in the least amount of time will interest us, depending on the price. Someone mentioned pricing it at $500. At that price, we would definitely not be interested, but for $119, or for us, $89 with our DVC discount, I will absolutely attend if they extend it through the end of March.

 

[Boski]

I have a hard time understanding why so many people feel so negatively towards these types of add-ons. If they aren't for you, don't do them. The MK desert party became so expensive that for us it no longer a value. We used to enjoy it, but as the price went up, we decided it was not worth it for us. It doesn't negatively impact me that others still find value in that event, I just watch the fireworks from somewhere else.

All of these types of events that Disney offers are based on supply and demand. They are business, that's how it is supposed to work. When they offered this last year, the price appeared to be too high to attract the necessary demand. Now they are offering it at a lower price, hopefully they market it better as well.

When we go to Disney for vacation, while we love the rides, we hate lines. Any event that will allow us to skip lines and get everything done in the least amount of time will interest us, depending on the price. Someone mentioned pricing it at $500. At that price, we would definitely not be interested, but for $119, or for us, $89 with our DVC discount, I will absolutely attend if they extend it through the end of March.

I think a lot of posters have expressed why they have concerns with these add on events. In this thread and in the other threads that discuss the various new events.

 

[goofy4prez]

Just to play devil's advocate ...

I read this as your biggest complaint is the absurd amount of money Disney is charging for these events. It seems like you think those who do them are suckers.

I see you stay Wilderness Lodge CL, Yacht Club CL, Contemporary CL, Grand Floridian ........
Disney hotels that are way overpriced for what you get compared to the overall hotel market. One night could cover me for a week at Disney in a 2 bedroom lovely condo. But those hotels and service levels, even at that price, obviously have value to you. I see no value there, only Disney laughing it's way to the bank. I can't fathom paying those prices for what you get. But it's different strokes for everyone. You love your hotels, others may love the extras.

Disney offers tons of things and everyone has a different opinion on it's value. And until folks stop paying the prices for whatever, Disney will continue to price to demand. Wishes Dessert great example: always sold out, they bump up the price, still selling out. So far they haven't priced it out of demand.

Let me start off by saying two things. 1. You do make some valid points... 2. But in no way do I think that someone is a sucker for doing these hard ticket events. Even I have bought into them. I have done the MVMCP and I did the Wishes Dessert Party when it was $25 only a very short time ago.

Someone else made a point in this thread that says it so well. I'm not against these things when they don't infringe upon the every day experience at WDW. But what is happening is hours are continually being reduced and hard ticket events are being added. Locations around the castle are being roped off so that hard ticket events can now get these locations and etc. That's what I have a problem with. But if people are willing to pay $100, $200 or more for these things then I guess Disney is not pricing themselves out and will continue to do it. You are correct, Disney continues to sell these things out, continue to increase the costs substantially and people continue to book them at the crack of dawn as soon as they are accessible online. I only hope they do at some point price themselves out.

As for the hotels, your right, some are willing to pay the price for deluxe or CL... For me, my wife and I earn a real comfortable income, but even Disney has gone beyond our willingness to pay and would no longer pay for those prices. We did buy into the DVC and makes sense for us. But still with all that said, by someone staying in CL at the Grand Floridian (which I've never done) it's never had an impact with someone wanting to stay at the All-Star Sports... But with parks being closed earlier and hard tickets replacing them or dessert parties being moved in front of the hub and pushing others back further down Main Street it does impact their visit. Perhaps I"m wrong and I'm just expressing some sour grapes but it's just how I feel. I love Disney, but there are some things over the past few years I just don't love. Guess I'm getting old.

 

[jerzeystar09]

I see people are able to purchase these now, do you think they will still be available the week of? I'm taking my boyfriend for his first trip in over 25 years, but don't know how well he will enjoy it so it may be a last minute decision. Looks amazing at the pictures alone.

 

[AngiTN]

I see people are able to purchase these now, do you think they will still be available the week of? I'm taking my boyfriend for his first trip in over 25 years, but don't know how well he will enjoy it so it may be a last minute decision. Looks amazing at the pictures alone.

I'm not sure anyone can answer this.
Last time they offered them it would have been no problem to get them day of.
But they had them priced higher and they did nothing significant to advertise they even had the event.
With more time to advertise and a lower price point it could sell out. Or it could be like before and not.

 

[HopperFan]

I see people are able to purchase these now, do you think they will still be available the week of? I'm taking my boyfriend for his first trip in over 25 years, but don't know how well he will enjoy it so it may be a last minute decision. Looks amazing at the pictures alone.

I think it's hard to say without knowing this year's cap (which won't be public) and how well they market it, and how well it is received. Last spring (granted no one knew about it and many who did balked at price never saw the price drop) we bought them literally on our way to the park - and they were half price. Last spring never even came the slight bit close to their cap. I would lean to doubting it will sell out any night, but I would just keep an eye on the discussion.

 

[PrincessSophie'sMom]

Is it safe to assume that they would not extend park hours on the "after hour" dates? Right now on Feb 16 they have MK closing at 8 pm. I would hate to buy tickets thinking it would be for 8pm - 11pm, and then have them extend regular hours to 10 pm making the "after hours" from 10pm - 1 am.

 

[jhaig]

I've always had the opinion that if you want to pay for any of these ridiculously priced add-ons, go for it. If you want to pay hundreds of dollars for a tent and some snacks in the MK, that's your choice. Pay almost $100 for a Xmas party ticket for a party that has been essentially unchanged for the last few years - sure why not, if you choose to do so. If you choose to stay at deluxe resorts (like we do, mostly) that is your choice.

Now, this latest add-on has crossed the line. Instead of adding hours, they are taking away park hours from guests who choose not to pay for an add-on. MK is reducing their hours, but you can get "exclusive access" from 7-10pm if you let us gouge you just a little more. If you want to make this thing a little more palatable make the hours of this event 10p-1a. That way it at least feels a little more exclusive. This just smells like the beginning of the end for EMH.

 

[AngiTN]

Now, this latest add-on has crossed the line. Instead of adding hours, they are taking away park hours from guests who choose not to pay for an add-on. MK is reducing their hours, but you can get "exclusive access" from 7-10pm if you let us gouge you just a little more. If you want to make this thing a little more palatable make the hours of this event 10p-1a. That way it at least feels a little more exclusive. This just smells like the beginning of the end for EMH.

I could see this point if MK closed at 10:00 and then they moved the closing back to 8:00. That would be reducing hours. But that hasn't happened.
They haven't extended the hours but they are not reducing them. There is a difference.
Your argument is making an assumption based on what happened in the past.
Folks bemoaned the loss of EMH last spring. And it's not gone anywhere.

 

[HopperFan]

I've always had the opinion that if you want to pay for any of these ridiculously priced add-ons, go for it. If you want to pay hundreds of dollars for a tent and some snacks in the MK, that's your choice. Pay almost $100 for a Xmas party ticket for a party that has been essentially unchanged for the last few years - sure why not, if you choose to do so. If you choose to stay at deluxe resorts (like we do, mostly) that is your choice.

Now, this latest add-on has crossed the line. Instead of adding hours, they are taking away park hours from guests who choose not to pay for an add-on. MK is reducing their hours, but you can get "exclusive access" from 7-10pm if you let us gouge you just a little more. If you want to make this thing a little more palatable make the hours of this event 10p-1a. That way it at least feels a little more exclusive. This just smells like the beginning of the end for EMH.

Sounds like you called those who pay for add-ons foolish, yet you admit to paying Disney uber prices for their "deluxe" hotels that would never stand up to deluxe in the real world. What difference does it make where guests spend their money?

- They are NOT taking away any hours, the posted hours are still the posted hours.
- They did not reduce any hours, they never do.
- The event is not 7-10, it is 8-11 or 9-12 ............
- Disney is not obligated to make some folks happy by extending their hours to 10 and then adding an event after.
- It is exclusive as it is, hours don't matter only implementation.

Regarding the end to EMH ............. well I won't disagree at the POTENTIAL. They have been reduced over the years and I would bet if they go, it has nothing to do with any added events, it has to do with the cost of implementing them. They haven't always been part of the Disney package, when they first started you had to pay for them, and when the economy was low and Disney needed gimmicks to fill those overpriced hotels they added them in. They need no gimmick to fill those hotels now.

I can totally see Disney going more the Universal route in hours, especially now that they have nights at AK, closings around 9-10 pm except for peak seasons. They would save a ton of money, they would have happier CMs (just because we leave park at midnight doesn't mean they do) and they would then have people still ready to go heading to Disney Springs. You know what happens at Universal after those earlier close times ..... private events, lots of them. And they are awesome. Been to one, and heading to another this spring. Universal makes money in the later hours.

I could see this point if MK closed at 10:00 and then they moved the closing back to 8:00.
That would be reducing hours. But that hasn't happened.
They haven't extended the hours but they are not reducing them. There is a difference.
Your argument is making an assumption based on what happened in the past.
Folks bemoaned the loss of EMH last spring. And it's not gone anywhere.

^YES

 

[Boski]

I could see this point if MK closed at 10:00 and then they moved the closing back to 8:00. That would be reducing hours. But that hasn't happened.
They haven't extended the hours but they are not reducing them. There is a difference.
Your argument is making an assumption based on what happened in the past.
Folks bemoaned the loss of EMH last spring. And it's not gone anywhere.

Jumping in here, I agree they are not modifying any hours to make this event happen. But they have been steadily reducing hours (both regular operating and EMH) over the last few years.