MK Closing at 6 pm for MVMCP???

[Mrs. W]

We've been escorted out a couple of times. We call it "The Walk of Shame." LOL.

They are very nice about it. Of course maybe that's because we aren't trying to sneak around the park without a ticket. We just do late dining at BOG to make the most of our MK ticket that day. When leaving the restaurant they ask to see your wristbands. If you don't have any they ask you to wait for an escort to the exit. The first time it happened it was pretty funny. The escort held up a lit up "snowman" on a stick over her head so we could follow her in the crowd. Party guests were looking and pointing at us and trying to figure out who we were, and why we were getting "special" or VIP treatment. I think they expected a parade behind us. LOL

The second time it happened I don't remember the snowman, but we drove the guy crazy (in a fun way). I kept asking him questions about his kicking us out... like what he would do if we just ran. Then I asked what he would do if we all split up and ran different ways, so he couldn't catch all of us. (Meanwhile I had two little kids with me - around ages 8 and 10.) He seemed flustered at first. I think he might have been afraid I was serious. He seemed nervous, or uncomfortable, like he felt bad he was kicking us out. It's a loooong walk to walk with a stranger, LOL, so we teased him for a while. We also asked him if all he does is "bounce" people. He finally laughed some once he realized were were kidding with him, and he was really nice and told us his other jobs at Disney and was nice at the exit. Joking around made it less uncomfortable.

Those are some of our favorite Disney memories.

That IS very funny! I'm sure he appreciated your light hearted approach.

I remember the first time I went to the Halloween party in Disneyland. I had NO idea the park closed early! They did a good job of wrangling people up, including us. The CM's were very nice, but also visibly stressed, trying to clear everyone out. I can imagine there were more than a few guests who weren't nearly as gracious about leaving early as you and your family were.

 

[DisneyMom93]

I would be too. It's just smart touring without cheating anyone.
Yeah, it was. And it was great fun to watch.


I doubt it. Diners are easy to keep track of. I think it's more about the people trying to lay low inside the park and sneak out around parade time (see my store about the ones who hid upstairs at the train station).

Yeah, if I pay for MVMCP I don't care if there are a few stragglers who maybe watch the parade from a distance and don't interfere with ticket holder's views. I think it's so wrong though if they try to get prime spots for parades, shows, etc. Thankfully they can't get on rides or have access to anything else. But I think it's good that Disney cracks down on it. I don't condone cheating or stealing.

Personally, in general, I don't mind if someone gets a little something extra as long as it doesn't TAKE AWAY from someone else that's entitled to it, especially if they paid extra for it. I don't think it's fair when someone cheats the system and that cheating results in someone losing something they are entitled to, like extra fast passes, or a good spot watching the parade or show. But that's just my attitude.

I wouldn't care if MVMCP ticket holders came in three hours early and watched parades and shows from a distance. But it does bother me that they get on rides and get Fastpasses, etc when the ticket is for a party that starts at 7pm. That's taking away something from someone who paid for a MK ticket that day. But alas, Disney allows it...

 

[mousehockey37]

Yeah, if I pay for MVMCP I don't care if there are a few stragglers who maybe watch the parade from a distance and don't interfere with ticket holder's views. I think it's so wrong though if they try to get prime spots for parades, shows, etc. Thankfully they can't get on rides or have access to anything else. But I think it's good that Disney cracks down on it. I don't condone cheating or stealing.

Personally, in general, I don't mind if someone gets a little something extra as long as it doesn't TAKE AWAY from someone else that's entitled to it, especially if they paid extra for it. I don't think it's fair when someone cheats the system and that cheating results in someone losing something they are entitled to, like extra fast passes, or a good spot watching the parade or show. But that's just my attitude.

I wouldn't care if MVMCP ticket holders came in three hours early and watched parades and shows from a distance. But it does bother me that they get on rides and get Fastpasses, etc when the ticket is for a party that starts at 7pm. That's taking away something from someone who paid for a MK ticket that day. But alas, Disney allows it...

So what's your stance then? You've got contradictory remarks here.

On one side, you don't care if a few stragglers watch the parade from a distance... That's part of the Hard Ticket Experience... a parade that isn't viewable during normal park hours.

Then you say that you don't condone cheating or stealing.

MNSSHP and MCMVP are both hard ticket events that people pay extra for. So how is it right if a few stragglers get to see or experience any of the event(s). That's stealing and cheating the system.

 

[DisneyMom93]

So what's your stance then? You've got contradictory remarks here.

On one side, you don't care if a few stragglers watch the parade from a distance... That's part of the Hard Ticket Experience... a parade that isn't viewable during normal park hours.

Then you say that you don't condone cheating or stealing.

MNSSHP and MCMVP are both hard ticket events that people pay extra for. So how is it right if a few stragglers get to see or experience any of the event(s). That's stealing and cheating the system.

I don't think it's a contradiction.

I PERSONALLY don't care if someone gets something extra as long as it doesn't TAKE AWAY from someone else who paid. Watching a parade and not taking a spot that someone else who paid would be standing in does not take anything away from someone who paid. If they are standing ten feet behind the crowd it wouldn't bother ME.

I said I don't condone stealing or cheating, so I wouldn't do it, or tell anyone else do it, or recommend they do it. But it wouldn't bother me PERSONALLY in THIS kind of situation.

I would be totally against them sneaking in rides, or shops, sneaking freebies, etc because that TAKES AWAY from someone else that's entitled to those things.

But that's just me and how I view things. In life too. Someone gets something extra oh well, good for them, as long as it's not taking something away from me, or others, I can live with it. And depending on the situation I might even be happy for them. But that's just my attitude.

Fast Passes are a different story. Extra Fast Passes that cheat the system is stealing from other guests. Those are FPs that other guests that paid admission would be entitled to. They would be available for others if they weren't obtained by cheating the system.

 

[Sprockie]

So tell me, when they say it closes at 6pm, does that mean everyone is expected to be exited through the gates, or does that mean you're expected to start making your way to leave? Anyone have an idea?

 

[mousehockey37]

I don't think it's a contradiction.

I PERSONALLY don't care if someone gets something extra as long as it doesn't TAKE AWAY from someone else who paid. Watching a parade and not taking a spot that someone else who paid would be standing in does not take anything away from someone who paid. If they are standing ten feet behind the crowd it wouldn't bother ME.

I said I don't condone stealing or cheating, so I wouldn't do it, or tell anyone else do it, or recommend they do it. But it wouldn't bother me PERSONALLY in THIS kind of situation.

I would be totally against them sneaking in rides, or shops, sneaking freebies, etc because that TAKES AWAY from someone else that's entitled to those things.

But that's just me and how I view things. In life too. Someone gets something extra oh well, good for them, as long as it's not taking something away from me, or others, I can live with it. And depending on the situation I might even be happy for them. But that's just my attitude.

Fast Passes are a different story. Extra Fast Passes that cheat the system is stealing from other guests. Those are FPs that other guests that paid admission would be entitled to. They would be available for others if they weren't obtained by cheating the system.

Someone who did not pay for entry to the party is stealing/cheating when they have access to ANY entertainment that is not offered during regular operating hours. Pure and simple. Whether it bothers anybody is irrelevant, it's still cheating/stealing. Prime viewing location or 20 rows back, if you're in the park after 7 and haven't paid and are trying to get something for nothing, it's stealing/cheating.

Disney giving people early access to the party starting at 4pm and allowing them to book FP's, that's a condition of the ticket that they made and allow. So a party guest who enters at 4 with FP's booked is utilizing the full value of their party ticket in doing so. It's not taking anything away because Disney knows this will be occurring, and they even promote it.

Personally, to those that get caught, I'd love to see the loophole thing applied here that you either get charged admission for the party or your MDE gets locked and you have to have a talk with the Disney execs.

 

[mousehockey37]

So tell me, when they say it closes at 6pm, does that mean everyone is expected to be exited through the gates, or does that mean you're expected to start making your way to leave? Anyone have an idea?

In the past, with the park closing at 7 and party starting at 7, in park announcements were made for the entire hour starting at 6 that you need to start making your way to the exits. Take note, they didn't say the park was closed, but that CM's will be guiding you towards Main St and out if you didn't have a party band on.

 

[DisneyMom93]

So tell me, when they say it closes at 6pm, does that mean everyone is expected to be exited through the gates, or does that mean you're expected to start making your way to leave? Anyone have an idea?

I'm not sure anyone really knows.

Maybe they will stop letting people on the rides sometime between 6 and 7PM, so that they can clear them out, and try and direct people toward the exits, asking people to put their wristbands on etc.

But I'm not sure they can MAKE people leave before 7PM. And the rumor is the FPs will be till 6:30. When I spoke to someone on the phone they told me the park is actually open until 7PM. Maybe they're just hoping that people see it's listed as closed at 6 PM and just leave without realizing they can actually leave at 7PM? It will be interesting to find out.

 

[mousehockey37]

I'm not sure anyone really knows.

Maybe they will stop letting people on the rides sometime between 6 and 7PM, so that they can clear them out, and try and direct people toward the exits, asking people to put their wristbands on etc.

But I'm not sure they can MAKE people leave before 7PM. And The rumor is the FPs will be till 6:30. When I spoke to someone on the phone they told me the park is actually open until 7PM. Maybe they're just hoping that people see it's listed as closed at 6 PM and just leave without realizing they can actually leave at 7PM? It will be interesting to find out.

Sounds like typical Disney that not everyone is informed yet on this procedure. If the park closes at 6, it closes at 6. If you're a party guest, you'll have to be banded more than likely by 6, if entering the park before the 7pm start.

It's a grey area at the moment really. It'll be interesting to see what actually rolls out as far as a formal announcement.

 

[DisneyMom93]

Someone who did not pay for entry to the party is stealing/cheating when they have access to ANY entertainment that is not offered during regular operating hours. Pure and simple. Whether it bothers anybody is irrelevant, it's still cheating/stealing. Prime viewing location or 20 rows back, if you're in the park after 7 and haven't paid and are trying to get something for nothing, it's stealing/cheating.

Disney giving people early access to the party starting at 4pm and allowing them to book FP's, that's a condition of the ticket that they made and allow. So a party guest who enters at 4 with FP's booked is utilizing the full value of their party ticket in doing so. It's not taking anything away because Disney knows this will be occurring, and they even promote it.

Personally, to those that get caught, I'd love to see the loophole thing applied here that you either get charged admission for the party or your MDE gets locked and you have to have a talk with the Disney execs.

LOL. Don't worry, I'm not in charge of clearing out the park, or enforcing the rules.

Maybe Disney will ban them for life if they get caught, and you can stand there and point and laugh at them when it happens.

I was just posting how I PERSONALLY felt about the issue. Don't worry, my opinions won't affect anything other than maybe getting under your skin for some reason. Just ignore me.

 

[DisneyMom93]

So tell me, when they say it closes at 6pm, does that mean everyone is expected to be exited through the gates, or does that mean you're expected to start making your way to leave? Anyone have an idea?

I just realized I will miss how they handle the exits between 6PM and 7PM. I will be at dinner.

 

[bryanb]

We've been escorted out a couple of times. We call it "The Walk of Shame." LOL.

They are very nice about it. Of course maybe that's because we aren't trying to sneak around the park without a ticket. We just do late dining at BOG to make the most of our MK ticket that day. When leaving the restaurant they ask to see your wristbands. If you don't have any they ask you to wait for an escort to the exit. The first time it happened it was pretty funny. The escort held up a lit up "snowman" on a stick over her head so we could follow her in the crowd. Party guests were looking and pointing at us and trying to figure out who we were, and why we were getting "special" or VIP treatment. I think they expected a parade behind us. LOL

The second time it happened I don't remember the snowman, but we drove the guy crazy (in a fun way). I kept asking him questions about his kicking us out... like what he would do if we just ran. Then I asked what he would do if we all split up and ran different ways, so he couldn't catch all of us. (Meanwhile I had two little kids with me - around ages 8 and 10.) He seemed flustered at first. I think he might have been afraid I was serious. He seemed nervous, or uncomfortable, like he felt bad he was kicking us out. It's a loooong walk to walk with a stranger, LOL, so we teased him for a while. We also asked him if all he does is "bounce" people. He finally laughed some once he realized were were kidding with him, and he was really nice and told us his other jobs at Disney and was nice at the exit. Joking around made it less uncomfortable.

Those are some of our favorite Disney memories.

Love the stories! I was a Disneyland cast member right out of high school, and I can't imagine being thrown into that type of situation from day one. I'm sure they prepare the CMs on how to interact with guests and prepare for various reactions that you might get. Being a CM definitely teaches you a lot about how to deal with all sorts of odd situations and different kinds of visitors. To this day, it has definitely helped me even in my work life now. But never did I have it in my job description to tell people to leave the park!

 

[DisneyMom93]

Love the stories! I was a Disneyland cast member right out of high school, and I can't imagine being thrown into that type of situation from day one. I'm sure they prepare the CMs on how to interact with guests and prepare for various reactions that you might get. Being a CM definitely teaches you a lot about how to deal with all sorts of odd situations and different kinds of visitors. To this day, it has definitely helped me even in my work life now. But never did I have it in my job description to tell people to leave the park!

Thanks for your feedback as a former CM. You probably have some good stories!

 

[Yassdvclb]

Every time I do a party I stay all day and leave an hour or so before closing. I bet there are lots of other passholders with party tickets that stay all day.

 

[HeidiGW]

Personally, I think there are too many parties. Even if you're springing for one--and I assume most people go for only one--you're still affected the rest of your trip by early closings on the nights you're not going and by the crowds on days and nights when there is no party.

Two per week is plenty--maybe three during the week of the actual holiday. Four nights per week is a load of horse manure.

I really agree. FIVE of the EIGHT nights we are there are MVMC parties. I would just like to have a dinner at MK just once or two nights without having to come back on the non-recommended nights of a Saturday or Monday, when it will probably be a madhouse! We certainly would not try to enjoy something we didn't pay for...but we also don't want to lose a ton of touring time OR being treated like criminals to be escorted out of the park.

Some have argued that parties are only the value season, but I beg to differ...the week before Christmas still isn't the cheap, and certainly not the cheapest time either.

 

[sharonabe]

Some have argued that parties are only the value season, but I beg to differ...the week before Christmas still isn't the cheap, and certainly not the cheapest time either.

Considering that they cut them off for the entire week of Thanksgiving, I'm surprised at how close to Christmas Day they keep pushing them.

 

[DisneyMom93]

Considering that they cut them off for the entire week of Thanksgiving, I'm surprised at how close to Christmas Day they keep pushing them.

Wouldn't that be because it's a CHRISTMAS party? I know MK is crowded that time, but it is for Christmas.

Do they do anything for Thanksgiving that week? We've never been in Disney for Thanksgiving. I would not want to experience Disney in anything more crowded than what we've experienced in September thru the first three weeks of November.

 

[georgina]

I really agree. FIVE of the EIGHT nights we are there are MVMC parties. I would just like to have a dinner at MK just once or two nights without having to come back on the non-recommended nights of a Saturday or Monday, when it will probably be a madhouse! We certainly would not try to enjoy something we didn't pay for...but we also don't want to lose a ton of touring time OR being treated like criminals to be escorted out of the park.

We'll be there 9 nights in October, and six of them have parties. I am considering buying MNSSHP tickets to have a relatively uncrowded evening in the MK, but my last experience in 2015 it was the first party night Sept 15(?) and was a madhouse. So I am undecided.

 

[Gentry2004]

We've done the late dining/been escorted out thing once. The CM said something like "let me show you the easiest way to the exit!" I of course new the quickest way to the exit, but I also knew what the CM was doing and we decided to just play dumb and say "Ok thanks!" Then she just basically asked our young kids questions like "what was your favorite ride?" "Did you meet a princess?" etc. It was a little awkward but fine. Then again, we weren't trying to cheat - we just had a relatively late ADR.

 

[JerseyJanice]

We'll be there 9 nights in October, and six of them have parties. I am considering buying MNSSHP tickets to have a relatively uncrowded evening in the MK, but my last experience in 2015 it was the first party night Sept 15(?) and was a madhouse. So I am undecided.

JMHO, but I think your money will be best spent on upgrading to hoppers. Maybe you were already buying hoppers or have APs?

With hopping, you can tour the MK during the day when MNSSHP is at night and hop elsewhere at night. On the nights when there are no parties, do other parks during the day then hop to MK at night to see HEA.