MNSSHP 2015 - Be Prepared For Chaos

[Disneymagic2015]

We are planning on going on 10/6. Has anyone experienced issues with a Tuesday party yet? I know tickets are non-refundable but I just don't want to get our hopes up before we get there.

 

[jhaig]

We are planning on going on 10/6. Has anyone experienced issues with a Tuesday party yet? I know tickets are non-refundable but I just don't want to get our hopes up before we get there.

Keep expectations low. Plan for big crowds, long candy lines, and tough parade viewing. And pick a few things that are important to you to do because you will never be able to do it all.

 

[Pembo]

Was there last night for the sold out party. Breezed in right after 4 with our party ticket. Got the Sorceror's card (they marked our party band). Did a bunch of rides and used our 3 FP+, and hit Columbia Harbor House for dinner right when the rain hit. Once the party started, we got asked at least 15 times to see our party bands. We were back in Adventureland enjoying Dole Whips and they asked a bunch of times.

We did not do any character meets, and the candy lines were absolutely insane. We rode rides with minimal waits during the first few hours. Most were walk ons and they did check bands quite a few times. We walked right into the hub for Celebrate the Magic and Hallowishes. No need to stake out a spot early, it's so much better with the new design. After the fireworks we did a bunch of rides in Tomorrowland, and finally hit a few treat stations as the lines were much better. Got a spot in Frontierland for the second parade about 5 minutes before it started. After the parade, hit a few more treat stations and jumped in the 7DMT right before midnight. Caught the last Castle show on the way out.

It wasn't empty, but we got TONS done with little waiting or rushing around. It was super sticky and the downpour at the beginning was a bummer as we got soaked and no Horseman, but we had s great time for sold out party!

This is exactly what I am hoping for when we go to our party. Candy lines and m&g are not that important to us. I could do w/o the rain though.

 

[madge]

Keep expectations low. Plan for big crowds, long candy lines, and tough parade viewing. And pick a few things that are important to you to do because you will never be able to do it all.

we've been to sold out MNSSHP in the past. in fact, many of the ones we've been to were Friday night sell outs. this thread has be concerned for next week. my initial plan was to do the Tuesday party & Wednesday @ Epcot (super short, last minute trip) and now I'm wondering if I shouldn't just do Tuesday at Epcot & Wednesday at the MK.

I've been at a party where it ended badly. The October 4, 2012 MNSSHP was unlike any I'd ever been to. It rained something like 5 inches in 2 hours or something crazy like that. NO ONE could be outside because of the lightning ... and when that finally subsided, every party in the park sent a representative to City Hall (at least it seemed like it, LOL) to wait in a realllllly long line. (not exaggerating when I say hours long) Park management handled it poorly, but in the end ... guests were either given replacement tickets or a refund, but they had to know to ask for it. Disney crammed one parade & Hallowishes in the last 75 minutes the park was open. Candy spot CMs were literally dumping candy into people's bags. (that was the one bonus. LOLOLOL)

So, I'd like to avoid chaos if I can

 

[Liz Z]

I'm beginning to worry a little too with all these negative reports. These hard ticketed events should be an enjoyable experience. You're paying extra to enjoy a less crowded park.

We attended MNSSHP in mid October of 2013 and was shocked to see the crazy crowds. Long lines for ToT, M&G and still at least 3 people deep for the 2nd parade.

The only thing i had to compare to was the Pirate and Princesses party we attended years ago. That was so enjoyable. I know it's probably because it's not as popular but that was all i could compare it too.
we are attempting another party on Tuesday October 20th and if we run into a mess with crowds this will certainly be our last.
It's shame that all Disney cares about is the bottom dollar. It's getting very discouraging.
Hopefully The parties will be handled a little better seeing the chaos with the 1st party.

i'll plan for the worst and hope for the best

 

[Cdjax]

I went to the party last night (9/27) and had a pretty good time. My poor mom, on the other hand left her iphone at the Country Bears at about 6:45 and spent most of the party being sent back and forth between Frontierland and guest relations on Main St. She was told a cast member had found it and brought it to the front lost and found. Waited in line 30 minutes and then told nope, not here, it must be in the lost and found at Country Bears. Went back there and told, oh wait, it wasn't a cast member who found it, but another party guest. A cast member asked them to leave it in Frontierland with them, but the guest said they would bring it to Main Street themselves. That sounded strange to me because, why would someone want to waste their party time taking a found cell phone all the way to the front of MK when they could just leave it with a CM who would take care of it, so the CM let the person keep it. I don't really blame the CM, it's not like I expect her to wrestle the phone away from the person who found it if they don't want to give it to them and I'm sure the CM was busy working, we were just frustrated that this all happened. My mom went back to Main St. Guest Relations and waited in the long line again, no phone turned in. She couldn't really enjoy the party and just stayed on MS the whole time because she was so stressed about her phone (she uses it for work and it's a pretty expensive phone). We had separated earlier on (she at least wanted me to be able to enjoy the party). In the end, after the party the phone never showed up and we called a couple times today and it was never turned in. It just made me sad that she couldn't really enjoy the party.

 

[puffkin]

we've been to sold out MNSSHP in the past. in fact, many of the ones we've been to were Friday night sell outs. this thread has be concerned for next week. my initial plan was to do the Tuesday party & Wednesday @ Epcot (super short, last minute trip) and now I'm wondering if I shouldn't just do Tuesday at Epcot & Wednesday at the MK.

I've been at a party where it ended badly. The October 4, 2012 MNSSHP was unlike any I'd ever been to. It rained something like 5 inches in 2 hours or something crazy like that. NO ONE could be outside because of the lightning ... and when that finally subsided, every party in the park sent a representative to City Hall (at least it seemed like it, LOL) to wait in a realllllly long line. (not exaggerating when I say hours long) Park management handled it poorly, but in the end ... guests were either given replacement tickets or a refund, but they had to know to ask for it. Disney crammed one parade & Hallowishes in the last 75 minutes the park was open. Candy spot CMs were literally dumping candy into people's bags. (that was the one bonus. LOLOLOL)

So, I'd like to avoid chaos if I can

We were at that party in 2012 too! The Lightning was insane, it was it safe at all! We sent my mom back with my 6 year old and 3 month old while we waited in the refund line. It was horrible.

Much better experience last night. We could care less about the M&G, special merchandise and the candy lines were fine after the fireworks. No issues elsewhere. The rain was a bummer, but it mostly stopped by 7:30 so wasn't too bad. Ride lines were great and way shorter than most of the posted times. We enjoyed seeing the costumes of the other guests. I think if expectations are managed and people have a reasonable plan, it still is a great night!

 

[madge]

We were at that party in 2012 too! The Lightning was insane, it was it safe at all! We sent my mom back with my 6 year old and 3 month old while we waited in the refund line. It was horrible.

Much better experience last night. We could care less about the M&G, special merchandise and the candy lines were fine after the fireworks. No issues elsewhere. The rain was a bummer, but it mostly stopped by 7:30 so wasn't too bad. Ride lines were great and way shorter than most of the posted times. We enjoyed seeing the costumes of the other guests. I think if expectations are managed and people have a reasonable plan, it still is a great night!

I knew someone would remember that party!

your description of last night mirrors what I expect for Tuesday & what we've experienced at other sold out parties. makes me feel a little better about my plan. thanks!

 

[pork]

I must say I respect Disney even more today. After paying for the first to parties I got a call asking why I didn't attend the second.

I explained I was there on the second party but no one bothered to scan me before entering the second. The customer service rep explained how horrible she thought that was and sent me refund without me requesting it. she pulled up photos I have during the party and promised steps were in place for preventing it for happening in the future.

 

[Disneyliscious]

I went to the party last night (9/27) and had a pretty good time. My poor mom, on the other hand left her iphone at the Country Bears at about 6:45 and spent most of the party being sent back and forth between Frontierland and guest relations on Main St. She was told a cast member had found it and brought it to the front lost and found. Waited in line 30 minutes and then told nope, not here, it must be in the lost and found at Country Bears. Went back there and told, oh wait, it wasn't a cast member who found it, but another party guest. A cast member asked them to leave it in Frontierland with them, but the guest said they would bring it to Main Street themselves. That sounded strange to me because, why would someone want to waste their party time taking a found cell phone all the way to the front of MK when they could just leave it with a CM who would take care of it, so the CM let the person keep it. I don't really blame the CM, it's not like I expect her to wrestle the phone away from the person who found it if they don't want to give it to them and I'm sure the CM was busy working, we were just frustrated that this all happened. My mom went back to Main St. Guest Relations and waited in the long line again, no phone turned in. She couldn't really enjoy the party and just stayed on MS the whole time because she was so stressed about her phone (she uses it for work and it's a pretty expensive phone). We had separated earlier on (she at least wanted me to be able to enjoy the party). In the end, after the party the phone never showed up and we called a couple times today and it was never turned in. It just made me sad that she couldn't really enjoy the party.

I would file a police report on this. Disney could possibly go back to the cameras where that CM was working and see the person who brought the phone up. If they had on a magic band, there is likely a way their identity could be found. Thats a pretty expensive phone to just "let it go".

 

[BigMommaMouse]

I went to the party last night (9/27) and had a pretty good time. My poor mom, on the other hand left her iphone at the Country Bears at about 6:45 and spent most of the party being sent back and forth between Frontierland and guest relations on Main St. She was told a cast member had found it and brought it to the front lost and found. Waited in line 30 minutes and then told nope, not here, it must be in the lost and found at Country Bears. Went back there and told, oh wait, it wasn't a cast member who found it, but another party guest. A cast member asked them to leave it in Frontierland with them, but the guest said they would bring it to Main Street themselves. That sounded strange to me because, why would someone want to waste their party time taking a found cell phone all the way to the front of MK when they could just leave it with a CM who would take care of it, so the CM let the person keep it. I don't really blame the CM, it's not like I expect her to wrestle the phone away from the person who found it if they don't want to give it to them and I'm sure the CM was busy working, we were just frustrated that this all happened. My mom went back to Main St. Guest Relations and waited in the long line again, no phone turned in. She couldn't really enjoy the party and just stayed on MS the whole time because she was so stressed about her phone (she uses it for work and it's a pretty expensive phone). We had separated earlier on (she at least wanted me to be able to enjoy the party). In the end, after the party the phone never showed up and we called a couple times today and it was never turned in. It just made me sad that she couldn't really enjoy the party.

Our iPhones have a activation code that renders it useless to phone thieves. I could be wrong (dh handles all this) but I thought all iPhone's had that feature.

 

[jhaig]

I'm beginning to worry a little too with all these negative reports. These hard ticketed events should be an enjoyable experience. You're paying extra to enjoy a less crowded park.

We attended MNSSHP in mid October of 2013 and was shocked to see the crazy crowds. Long lines for ToT, M&G and still at least 3 people deep for the 2nd parade.

The only thing i had to compare to was the Pirate and Princesses party we attended years ago. That was so enjoyable. I know it's probably because it's not as popular but that was all i could compare it too.
we are attempting another party on Tuesday October 20th and if we run into a mess with crowds this will certainly be our last.
It's shame that all Disney cares about is the bottom dollar. It's getting very discouraging.
Hopefully The parties will be handled a little better seeing the chaos with the 1st party.

i'll plan for the worst and hope for the best

Not sure I would worry too much. It looks as though they may have fixed the issue from the first night about removing nonparty guess after 7 PM. However, a sold-out party could make things dicey at best.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I expect that Disney will use the MB's to weed out non event payers in the future.

Bill

I'm not sure how they can do this as long as using a MB is optional. There are offsite guests who buy party tickets as well, and they shouldn't be forced to buy a MB to attend the party. If they're going to go that route, they'd would almost have to do something like include a MB with the purchase of a party ticket (which will then increase the price of a party ticket, I'm sure).

 

[GreatLakes]

I'm not sure how they can do this as long as using a MB is optional. There are offsite guests who buy party tickets as well, and they shouldn't be forced to buy a MB to attend the party. If they're going to go that route, they'd would almost have to do something like include a MB with the purchase of a party ticket (which will then increase the price of a party ticket, I'm sure).

Eventually I think the only ticket media available will be MBs, there will be no other option. Even if that isn't the case you don't have to have MBs to have an RFID chip. It can be inserted into any ticket media. Once RFID is in all media, if it isn't already, that RFID can be used to assist in clearing non-party guests from the parks.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Eventually I think the only ticket media available will be MBs, there will be no other option. Even if that isn't the case you don't have to have MBs to have an RFID chip. It can be inserted into any ticket media. Once RFID is in all media, if it isn't already, that RFID can be used to assist in clearing non-party guests from the parks.

RFID already is in all the ticket media, as I understand it (with the exception being print at home tickets for the parties). And I don't debate the ability to potentially use RFID in general. I was specifically referring to the Magic Bands, as they are currently an optional purchase for those who stay offsite.

 

[cemeb4dk]

Well after reading a bunch of posts, it sounds like not many people are enjoying themselves. We are going Friday Oct 23rd, while we are there basically to do rides, as it is our only magic kingdom day. I hope the ride lines are still short, and hopefully catch the second parade. Is the parade basically the same it has been for years or has it been updated at all?

 

[jtowntoflorida]

Well after reading a bunch of posts, it sounds like not many people are enjoying themselves. We are going Friday Oct 23rd, while we are there basically to do rides, as it is our only magic kingdom day. I hope the ride lines are still short, and hopefully catch the second parade. Is the parade basically the same it has been for years or has it been updated at all?

From reviews, it looks like the parade is essentially the same, with some things taken away and a couple of villains added in.

 

[EyeofDTiger75]

We will be at the Oct 4th NSSHP with our 2 year old daughter. I'm hoping all the kinks will be worked out by then. It will be out first hard ticket party. We aren't too concerned about the candy or parades, just want to see some of the characters and ride a few rides.

 

[Dracoa Dragoon]

So obviously I am about to bite off more than I can chew. We have tickets to October 31 (which we knew would be busy), so I will expect over crowded chaos!

We're still wondering if we should get extra tickets to a time earlier in the week so we can pace ourselves.

You guys should also be posting if you dressed up or not! My fiancee and I are having a hard time coming up with something!

 

[jhaig]

Saw my refund was posted to my credit card today. Funny how I was not offered any comp tickets. Seems like CM's are handling angry patrons from the first night quite differently.