MK closing early for parties

[Altoqueenkelly]

Hey, here's a plan, have all of the party extras included. I mean, it's not like you're getting into the parks for free to begin with.

But oh well.

They've tried this and it doesnt work because massive amounts of people show up for the parties... think fourth of july at MK. It becomes overwhelming and filled to capacity when they run special events that are included with day admission. The hard-ticket parties have a limit to how many people can attend and that adds to the enjoyment of the guests attending since they are able to actually enjoy the festivities and not be shut out by a mass of people trying to get in.

It makes more sense to sell special tickets for special events.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

But, before they had the parties, they never did include the party extras and the park would still close early until shortly before Christmas, because it's the off-season or as much of an off-season as they have anymore. So they should just offer these things every night without the separate admission because it's "fair" I guess.

 

[North of Mouse]

My apologies, this was the comment on giving away free hopping that I was referring to and you did not make that particular statement.

Apology accepted!

Sigh. Here we go again with another whining, complaining thread from another of the members of the Entitlement Legion.(kungaloosh to the initiated) The hours are shortened during our stay- it's not fair! I can't get all of my favourite ADRs less than 90 days out- it's not fair! My favourite ride will be closed during our stay so our whole trip is RUINED- it's not FAIR!! Our favourite resort is being refurbed during our stay- How dare they do this to me!!

Disney park hours vary from week to week and month to month. You can find park hours 6 months ahead of time. If shortened hours are a big deal to you, then either go at another time, or suck it up and just deal with it. It's not as if there is a party there every night. Go on a non party night. Go to another park on a party night. Or go to MK on a party day and enjoy the uncrowded park and short lines, like we do. Park hop if you have em. But please, please, please stop whining about it. You have alternatives.

And yes, I know that Disney can and does occasionally change operating hours, and for the people going to WDW next month who are affected by the recent change in EMH- you have my complete sympathy. That really sucks.

As for your post, you could have saved the time it took to type it! LOL

If you go back to my OP you will see it is a light 'rant' which has ballooned into 'snarkiness' like your post. We 'know' we can go to another park, or whatever we want to do, don't really need to be told that. Have been going since MK opened, so have learned many years ago to adjust according to Disney whims.

Have you 'never' had a rant, ever?? I'm not whining and I'm not mad, but I do get a little irked about things from time to time. We also 'knew' about the hours before we booked (no surprises) and will plan our touring accordingly.

So, now, you can go harass the posters on the resort board that are upset about the WL pool closing for renovation. They will 'really' appreciate you!!

 

[smitch425]

Apology accepted!



As for your post, you could have saved the time it took to type it! LOL

If you go back to my OP you will see it is a light 'rant' which has ballooned into 'snarkiness' like your post. We 'know' we can go to another park, or whatever we want to do, don't really need to be told that. Have been going since MK opened, so have learned many years ago to adjust according to Disney whims.

Have you 'never' had a rant, ever?? I'm not whining and I'm not mad, but I do get a little irked about things from time to time. We also 'knew' about the hours before we booked (no surprises) and will plan our touring accordingly.

So, now, you can go harass the posters on the resort board that are upset about the WL pool closing for renovation. They will 'really' appreciate you!!

What did you expect would happen when you posted? Your complaint isn't even accurate. You are paying for a full day at MK and you are getting a full day at MK. You are not "having to leave early". You are having to leave when the park closes for the day.

 

[cel_disney]

We visited in September before there were parties - I specifically remember in 2002 (our honeymoon at Poly) that there were only 2 out of 10 nights with wishes and a parade! And many nights had early closing times!

I agree with those that think that this is not a 'shortened' day at the MK for a party!

OP - have a good trip! We also find party days to be good ones for getting things done at MK!

 

[lepidop]

Not to be difficult, but from what I can see, Wishes is not scheduled to happen on 11/17. It is also not a MVMCP night.

 

[mesaboy2]

Not to be difficult, but from what I can see, Wishes is not scheduled to happen on 11/17. It is also not a MVMCP night.

I recall something about a private event one night at MK at about that time. If so, the park is closed to the public anyway.

 

[DebbieB]

We visited in September before there were parties - I specifically remember in 2002 (our honeymoon at Poly) that there were only 2 out of 10 nights with wishes and a parade! And many nights had early closing times!

I agree with those that think that this is not a 'shortened' day at the MK for a party!

OP - have a good trip! We also find party days to be good ones for getting things done at MK!

My first trip to WDW was in October 1994. MK closed at 7:00 our entire trip, including weekends and there were no fireworks or Spectomagic between Labor Day and Thanksgiving that year.

I totally agree party days are the best during the day. I'm planning October 18-24 and already have party days down for MK. I have an AP so I can hop for the evening. If I had to make a choice, I would pay for a park hopper vs a party ticket, less money and you get more out of it. I've done MNSSHP in the past, not planning it this year, not worth the outrageous price it has become.

 

[jcemom]

If we are there when parties are taking place we always attend at least one, but we also ALWAYS plan our "regular" MK day for a party day even though we aren't going to the party. They are awesome as far as crowds (or lack of crowds) go!

Every now and then I see these threads where someone complains about the early closings. I don't really get it. Years ago MK closed fairly early most nights in the slower seasons, only staying open late two or three nights per week. If being in the park late is important, then choose a night the park is open late.

There are other options. Not every month of the year has parties, so there's always the option of vacationing during a party-free month (or party-free week).

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Paying for a full day at MK, then having to leave early because of a party really irks me. It's not that I want to be at the party, but having shorter hours for full paying guests, then charging outrageous for the parties extra is just so wrong to me.

I get that Disney wants/does make extra money at any/every opportunity, but I do feel cheated to have to leave early, when I've paid for that day like any other.

All venues, parks etc. do the samething.

AKK

 

[MakiraMarlena]

the park also closes at 7 on 11/17. and it's true there is no Wishes. It is probably a good assumption that it's a private party.

If I had to guess I would say this is probably the yearly "service celebration" for cast members. They close a park early one night every year about this time for that.

 

[NYDisneyKid]

Paying for a full day at MK, then having to leave early because of a party really irks me. It's not that I want to be at the party, but having shorter hours for full paying guests, then charging outrageous for the parties extra is just so wrong to me.

I get that Disney wants/does make extra money at any/every opportunity, but I do feel cheated to have to leave early, when I've paid for that day like any other.

Go to another park that day?

Universal

 

[MakiraMarlena]

can only find Universal hours up until September but they've got IOA closing at 7 every day in September (except for 9/16 when it closes at 6) and US at 8 to 8:30 except on the days when Halloween Horror Night is being presented, when it closes at 5 (HHN is a hard ticket event that you have to pay extra for).

So they actually close US two hours earlier for their hard ticket Halloween party than MK does for theirs.

So I suppose that in September/October at least you could show your displeasure with WDW for closing one of its 4 parks at an early hour for a hard-ticket event by shifting your vacation to Universal, except that Universal closes one of its 2 parks at a much earlier hour for a hard-ticket event.

 

[ZoZo]

I don't think its unfair, nor are you being cheated. If they didn't have these parties, there is no guarantee that the park would be open later. As many have said, they used to close MK at 7pm in the Fall. Then they added these parties in the "off" hours and they became a hit. You aren't being cheated out of anything as even if they didnt have these parties the park would probably still close around 7pm.

Plus, if you really wanted to stay late in MK, you have the same opportunity to buy party tickets. You don't want to do this and that is your choice.

Why not just go to MK on a different day if it is such an issue for you? I personally don't think Disney is cheating anyone with having these parties. They are an additional experience that you can pay to participate or plan to avoid.

Agreed - well said. MK is not "closing early" on party nights. They're closing at 7:00, for regular visitors, and holding an extra evening event that you can choose to attend (or not).

 

[AThrillingChase]

I think the problem here is this has nothing to do with MNSSHP really, OP doesnt like the operating schedule this time of year and wanted to vent. So the responses are saying I disagree and these are my reasons why, it closed at 7 a lot already, shorter lines, etc. and/or also providing alternatives. I am not trying to be snippy, but this is a discussion board so it is always possible even with just a vent session that you will have responses that disagree.

OP stated she does not like that MK closes at 7 because she paid for a full day and feels cheated. It was explained 9-7 is actually a full day and then why (was typical this time of year even before the party and peak season longer park days are to provide a guest with a similar ride time to account for larger crowds making for more time in line than during off season). Another that there is no wishes that night, responses saying that it is not guaranteed just like the rest of the attractions.

Seems like the frustrations here are stemming from this discussion going in a circle.