MNSSHP PanicStricken DIS'ers....

[TinkerbellMama]

Maybe this will be moved...

We've attended MNSSHP twice, 2005 and 2002. Likely will still try to get tix for our last nite this upcoming trip for 9/29.

Have I got this right? We have pages and pages of posts over the dropping of the free picture and the possibility that the park clearing of day guests will be an hour later than in previous years???

I have yet to have the inclination to stay on a line to get a free photo during MNSSHP. We don't stake out curbside spots an hour or two in advance for anything. Well, we did last year - happened to be finishing up dinner at Pecos Bill's - but they cancelled the first parade for weather.

One year we arrived at 4:30, one year we didn't. I don't really concern myself with how, where and why Disney moves guests around, unless it's me. Projecting as to what they MIGHT do is pretty much a waste of energy. The have moved us once to Adventureland and last year to Tomorrowland pre-party.

Disney hardly ever annoys me. Other guests who bring their anxiety about squeezing every last ounce out of every experience and who, in the process, knock fellow guests to the ground and proclaim their superior status as special-event ticket holders really do.

Could we just wait til there's some clarification on this instead of panicking and threatening and firing off e-mails????

Um, I'm not panicking. But I DID write an e-mail about a situation I perceive as being unfair and logistically problematic. YOU can wait all you want. I will exercise my right to free speech/communication and send my entirely appropriate e-mail to WDW whenever I so choose.

 

[melomouse]

......

Let's see, a ticket holder for this event expects that ONLY the events ticket holders will be attending. I'm missing where this expectation is exaggerated.

The expectation that's being exaggerated is that guests of MNSSHP WILL definitely "lose" something and are panicked about it because of what Disney MIGHT do.. or not... - not about only ticketed guests may attend. I think they WILL remove the day guests, and I don't see getting upset til we get the final word on whether there's a misprint, a website glitch or miscommunication.

The expectation I thought was exaggerated by some posters was about the party itself. Disney bills it in the marketing materials as an almost private event. After our first trip, I saw it for what it was - yet another marketing ploy. I hope other first timers aren't over inflated in what the experience will be, that's all. It's a set up for disappointment, for sure.

If they have REALLY messed up, and are NOT removing day guests, then demand a refund for all those tickets. No problem here. It's crowded enough with regular MNSSHP ticket holders.

 

[maxiesmom]

I admitt to being upset when I first read the posts about day guests remaining in the park. But there have been many posts from people who are frankly freaking out over something that may not happen. Why are we assuming that the parks will be over-run with non party ticket holders? I think the powers that be at Disney know how upset this will make people, and would not allow it. When I attended the Mnsshp in the past, a CM did indeed check for wrist bands. I hope that those of you who are extremly worried will take the time to e-mail, and not just post complaing about something that may or may not happen. All that does is get everyone in a tizzy.

 

[mking624]

The expectation that's being exaggerated is that guests of MNSSHP WILL definitely "lose" something and are panicked about it because of what Disney MIGHT do.. or not... - not about only ticketed guests may attend. I think they WILL remove the day guests, and I don't see getting upset til we get the final word on whether there's a misprint, a website glitch or miscommunication.

The expectation I thought was exaggerated by some posters was about the party itself. Disney bills it in the marketing materials as an almost private event. After our first trip, I saw it for what it was - yet another marketing ploy. I hope other first timers aren't over inflated in what the experience will be, that's all. It's a set up for disappointment, for sure.

If they have REALLY messed up, and are NOT removing day guests, then demand a refund for all those tickets. No problem here. It's crowded enough with regular MNSSHP ticket holders.

The value of the ticket is most definitely lost if it turns out that day ticket holders who do not have MNSSHP are not going to be pushed out since the party starts at the same time the park closes. I wouldn't be too happy about paying $40 if people are able to stay for free. I don't know about you, but $40 per person isn't something I just hand over if I know I can do the same thing for free. Yes, I would consider it a loss.
People are reporting about what Disney is saying about the time. Some are getting information that it's correct, some are getting information that it's incorrect, and some are getting information that Disney hasn't made up its mind yet. People are getting these conflicting reports directly from Disney. Can you see why we're frustrated? Not even Disney is being straightforward...they are giving people the runaround.

I'm glad you're fine and passive about this...for the rest of us that are concerned, please try not to minimize how we feel about this.

 

[mking624]

I admitt to being upset when I first read the posts about day guests remaining in the park. But there have been many posts from people who are frankly freaking out over something that may not happen. Why are we assuming that the parks will be over-run with non party ticket holders? I think the powers that be at Disney know how upset this will make people, and would not allow it. When I attended the Mnsshp in the past, a CM did indeed check for wrist bands. I hope that those of you who are extremly worried will take the time to e-mail, and not just post complaing about something that may or may not happen. All that does is get everyone in a tizzy.

We ARE emailing...in fact there's an entire thread encouraging people to email and call and to send snail mail. People are posting what they've emailed and what they've heard from phone calls.

You said the key words: "When I attended MNSSHP in the past..."
Thing is, that was the past. In the past, there was at least an hour between park closing and the party start time...making it very easy for a sweep. As of right now, the park hours indicate that in between hour is gone....that the park will close the exact same time the party starts. People have contacted Disney about it and everyone is getting a different answer. This is driving further concern. And on top of that, for those who heard from Disney who were told the park would close at seven, some were also told that only an announcement would be made. That's not very reassuring for those of us who want to make sure the park will be cleared of non-MNSSHP guests...

 

[DebIreland]

When I attended the Mnsshp in the past, a CM did indeed check for wrist bands.

I was just wondering, was the CM checking for wristbands at the entrance to attractions or in another place? I'm just hoping it's not a case of only requiring wristbands at the attractions and not needing one at the outdoor events.

 

[notnothin]

I was just wondering, was the CM checking for wristbands at the entrance to attractions or in another place? I'm just hoping it's not a case of only requiring wristbands at the attractions and not needing one at the outdoor events.

I can only speak for my experience with a very similar WDW event: MVMCP. In that case, if (and only if, which didn't happen often) they were checking for wristbands, it was only as you were entering a queue for a ride. Not once were we questioned 'out in the open' (i.e., while enjoying the various entertainment offerings) whether we had a wristband. I think others can confirm this behavior, and thus the cause for alarm. I thought it was a little strange at the time. Looking back on it, I have to admit that the crowds were *very* large to be a 'limited event' as Disney pitched it. Now I think I may understand why.

 

[eblack0409]

I'll have no problem telling someone myself that doesn't have a wristband that I paid for the party and they didn't. I'm certainly allowed to do that, and they can wait behind me in line. sorry if that sounds mean, but I should be able to enjoy a paid event, not have to share that time with someone that didn't pay. this board is to vent whether rumor or fact...

I am just like you.....I have no problem telling someone that didn't pay to be at MNSSHP that they shouldn't be there....Why should we have to share the experience with those who didn't pay to be there? We aren't asking for anything other than what we paid for....

 

[DeeCeeSW]

As long as the public is willing to shell out that much money to watch spectacular fireworks, and a special parade (that could be cancelled due to rain) lets see a few Villians that are on floats, and that penny candy - taffy no chocolate - skittles... and some dance parties... they will keep adding the events... the Princes/Pirate, the MVcpetc etc

Then, there you go -

Just do not go expecting low crowds - there will be wall to wall people - at the parade, at mainstreet for the fireworks -

but you will do what you need to do...

I attended MNSSHP last October and we were given TONS of chocolate at each candy station, TOO much, in fact. The type of candy you get depends on the companies who sponsor the parties. Also, I've been to MANY an MK parade, and the Halloween parade and Hallowishes are DEFINITELY unique. Did I read your post incorrectly?

 

[danalee]

I've seen a few post saying when they had been to these parties in the past they were never or rarely checked for a wristband. If the Park had been closed and the "day" guest asked to leave then the park re-opened for the party, I wouldnt think there would be a big need to check wristbands?

I am also going on 9/22 and also dont think its right to just "kinda" close & re-open at the same time. I dont care if the event is free if I have a ticket and you dont.....well then you shouldnt be there, plain & simple!

And its Disneys event so they should make sure to clear the park for ticket holders OR not charge for party let the park be open to all guest and be done with it.

 

[TinkNH]

I have tix for 9/22..and was really looking fwd to taking my daughter to this. It will be our last night of what I hope is a wonderful and magic week at WDW. My husband and I have sacrificed a lot of things to plan and make this trip as special as we can for our daughter..she will only be 4 this once, and we probably wont make it back till she is older. I say I WAS looking fwd to this, because reading some of these posts has sort of deflated my excitement about this event. Forking over the $40 a piece for the tickets was something we thought hard about as that is not small change. I for one will be very dissapointed if day guests who are not holding tickets are enjoying the same 'special' event that I paid hard earned cash for. I am more distressed however by the arguing and uglyness I have seen here slung at ppl. Last time I checked, this was America and we have the right to free speech, but I dont see how that gives ppl permission to be so ugly to each other It saddens me to tell the truth.

 

[PatriciaH]

I think everyone is quite polite on these boards! I have been on RADP and other message boards since 95 though.

 

[welovedis]

Our family has never been to a hard-ticket event at WDW and were looking forward to our upcoming trips for both MNSSHP & MVMCP, based on the information given about past years events.

Now with the uncertainty it is a bit unsettling, and my reasons might be a little different than those already posted on this thread.

First, I'm a bit concerned about those who really don't know Disney like those that visit these board. For Joe Q Public & his family who are visiting WDW for the 1st (or 2nd or 3rd) time, they are going to be a little confused as to what is happening. Oh the park is closing, what are all these people doing then? What Halloween Party, we were supposed to pay more for that?...the whole time their DD, DS, or GDD is getting upset that they cannot ride Dumbo or get candy (if the wristband notion is enforced).

Then there will be those that know exactly what is going on and will stay despite the fact that they don't have a ticket. While someone here mentioned "a few people" I'm certain that number will be much higher than a few. The point is that I paid for a ticket to this event and someone else didn't. Period. They don't allow those outside the front gates to come into the park as a day guest without a ticket, why would they do it for an event that requires a ticket ?

Lastly, our family consists of me, DH & my wonderful DS who has a form of autism. If the crowds are much greater than anticipated it won't be the type of experience that we were told to expect by the CM when I bought the tickets so it will be difficult to explain to him. His thinking is in the concrete (wristband=ticket=paid to be there, no wristband=no ticket=shouldn't be there) and while I don't expect him to be worried about other people's wristbands, he will understand what is occuring around him if there are people who are confused or upset when asked to leave.

Disney can easily rectify the issue by closing the park at 6 (or even 7), move the guests with wristbands to a particular location, and then re-open the park an hour later, just as they have in in the past.

For the OP, kudos that you are able to plan ahead and not be at all concerned about this information. Walk a day in someone else's shoes and you will be less likely to condemn those of us who show concern for these changes.

 

[tinkerrn]

and also for Mariposa who you quoted...

I HATED 2005 our first MNSSHP, because of these boards, I couldnt wait to go - and we scrimped and saved, and paid over $100 - and guess what ?

IT WAS CRAZY LUDICROUS CROWDED

and they "cleared" the park - it didnt matter!!

As long as the public is willing to shell out that much money to watch spectacular fireworks, and a special parade (that could be cancelled due to rain) lets see a few Villians that are on floats, and that penny candy - taffy no chocolate - skittles... and some dance parties... they will keep adding the events... the Princes/Pirate, the MVcpetc etc

Then, there you go -

Just do not go expecting low crowds - there will be wall to wall people - at the parade, at mainstreet for the fireworks -

but you will do what you need to do...

Amen!! We went last year and it was horrible!!! The crowds were sooo bad we couldn't watch the parade or enjoy any of the activities. We caught a bit of the fireworks, but they were just 'ok'. The crowds were the worst we have experienced in all the years we have been at WDW. That night was very hot and 'muggy'. I just can't imagine that they would let people in that didn't pay. The crowds will be horrible. Not where I would want to be if any threat happened. Free or not, we will not be anywhere near MNSSHP.

 

[4chitlins]

I say either everybody pays or they should give us that did our money back. This is my families first trip to MNSSHP and we are very excited about it. But if some people get to stay for free then everyone should stay for free

 

[CrzyforPiglet]

I posted on one of the other threads and certainly don't consider myself panic strickened over the issue but I am what I feel to be justifyably annoyed over the recent change in hours. We've been to both MNSSHP and MVMCP. For the Halloween party we went before they allowed even party goers to stay in the park so the did a full sweep and only allowed party goers back in. When we went to the Christmas party 4 years ago we were allowed in to have dinner at LTT but even after dinner ended before 7p we were not allowed to roam the park but were corralled to stay near the restaurant until 7p. Yes, I know that non-ticket holders stayed for at least a portion of the party, I saw some but at least I feel the number was less by having an hour to sweep than Disney trying to close the park and reopen in less than a minute! Disney clearly states that these parties are private with special perks for paying for tickets. If they don't want to take responsibility with effectively clearing the parks, then they should open the parties up to every guest and be done with it.

We have a young son (will be 13 months when we go this December) but for us to enjoy a less crowded time at MK it is worth it to us to pay for the tickets and I think there are many other families with young children who feel the same. My family and I will lose the value of these tickets if we have to wait longer to see characters and don't get a good view of the parade or special show because there are 1000 non paying people at the party who are in line ahead of us and sitting on the curb for the parade. We aren't going to be there until midnight (which we obviously knew when we bought tickets) so we can't afford for people to get frustrated that they can't ride rides without a wristband and leave on their own possibly an hour or two after the party starts. As I stated on another thread, we will go with a positive attitude regardless of what Disney's responses are but if I feel that there are too many non-paying guests at the party I will be demanding a refund.

 

[melomouse]

Our family has never been to a hard-ticket event at WDW and were looking forward to our upcoming trips for both MNSSHP & MVMCP, based on the information given about past years events.

Now with the uncertainty it is a bit unsettling, and my reasons might be a little different than those already posted on this thread.

First, I'm a bit concerned about those who really don't know Disney like those that visit these board. For Joe Q Public & his family who are visiting WDW for the 1st (or 2nd or 3rd) time, they are going to be a little confused as to what is happening. Oh the park is closing, what are all these people doing then? What Halloween Party, we were supposed to pay more for that?...the whole time their DD, DS, or GDD is getting upset that they cannot ride Dumbo or get candy (if the wristband notion is enforced).

Then there will be those that know exactly what is going on and will stay despite the fact that they don't have a ticket. While someone here mentioned "a few people" I'm certain that number will be much higher than a few. The point is that I paid for a ticket to this event and someone else didn't. Period. They don't allow those outside the front gates to come into the park as a day guest without a ticket, why would they do it for an event that requires a ticket ?

Lastly, our family consists of me, DH & my wonderful DS who has a form of autism. If the crowds are much greater than anticipated it won't be the type of experience that we were told to expect by the CM when I bought the tickets so it will be difficult to explain to him. His thinking is in the concrete (wristband=ticket=paid to be there, no wristband=no ticket=shouldn't be there) and while I don't expect him to be worried about other people's wristbands, he will understand what is occuring around him if there are people who are confused or upset when asked to leave.

Disney can easily rectify the issue by closing the park at 6 (or even 7), move the guests with wristbands to a particular location, and then re-open the park an hour later, just as they have in in the past.

For the OP, kudos that you are able to plan ahead and not be at all concerned about this information. Walk a day in someone else's shoes and you will be less likely to condemn those of us who show concern for these changes.

Excuse me, but where did I CONDEMN anyone?? I have walked in the shoes of an autistic child - I have one - he's been going to WDW since he was 6. He's been into the candy stations and the next ride and Hallowishes. I know about flexibility and transition and meltdowns and overstimulation. So please do not presume for me.

As a previous attendee at 2 MNSSHP's -(w/ my autistic son, btw), ......I am sad that everyone's so worried. It's a waste of precious energy.Too much panic.If a vacation creates so much stress - well, then maybe it's not a vacation.

Disney DOES move the people effectively. They've done this for years and years. They have apparently decided that THIS year they can do in in an hour less. They will get the people out. Why is this so complicated for so many to understand???? They have been doing it forever.

There is absolutely no trust in the company from whom you bought your tickets if you are so fearful of all of the scenarios I read about in these posts.

I have stated before that Disney "sells" you this party as a "private" event. It is anything BUT. They WANT you to THINK you are "special" because you bought a ticket to a special event. That may not be the reality as you imagine it. I think the expectations, worry and reactions are overblown. If you think that these parties are crowd free and that parades and fireworks viewing spots need no "staking out", you are mistaken. If you are thinking it will be the highlight of your trip and worth every cent of that extra ticket, let us know in your reviews upon return.

It's fun, it's cool, it's okay - but I could take it or leave it. If the kids are into it and the budget can swing it, great, we go.

Close it up, mods. I was asking people to chill and indicating the absurdity of overreacting to rumor and fear of the unknown. Chalk one up to learning my lesson. In this case, my "vet" experience has been ridiculed, insulted, and demeaned. So be it.

 

[mking624]

See this is the problem....all you're doing is starting a thread to point out how ridiculous we are because we're voicing our concerns and then you say that you're the one being demeaned, ridiculed, and insulted? You tell us we're overreacting, you tell us that we are walking around with a superior status, that our expectations and concerns are over-exaggerated, etc. I'm missing the part where you were being respectful of us. "Vet" experience or not, it's insulting to have someone come on here and basically tell us that it doesn't matter what we think or how we feel. I'm sorry, but that's not your call. It's not your place to determine what we can and cannot be concerned about. And quite honestly, your "vet" experience doesn't apply here. When you went, you didn't face the same problems we are facing this year. You may have walked a mile in our shoes in the sense that you understand what it's like to have an autistic child, but you never once attempted to see this situation from our viewpoint. Because if you truly tried to see where we were coming from, you wouldn't have come on here and minimized and demeaned what we were concerned about.

 

[welovedis]

Disney hardly ever annoys me. Other guests who bring their anxiety about squeezing every last ounce out of every experience and who, in the process, knock fellow guests to the ground and proclaim their superior status as special-event ticket holders really do.

Could we just wait til there's some clarification on this instead of panicking and threatening and firing off e-mails????

This is the part of your original post that I felt really condemned those who are concerned about the changes this year. Also, I didn't say that you didn't walk in the shoes of autistic child, that isn't possible actually unless you are autistic, but I said you didn't walk a day in someone else's shoes. Meaning take a second look from someone else's perspective.

I'm pleased that you were able to, in the past, enjoy the party with your ASD child. Hopefully we'll come away with the same enjoyment this year.

My mini vacation doesn't create much stress for me at all, however, this next trip is specifically to attend MNSSHP for 1st time. Arriving on Fri morn, party Fri night, leave on Sunday. It is a Halloween party trip so we'd like it to be fun, not worrying about the sad kids who may get pulled away from their fun because their parents either didn't know or didn't care to buy a ticket & Disney would rather not enforce the policies of the past.

As I said, KUDOS to you if it doesn't bother you,unfortunately it does bother me. All of those who are worrying about the changes have the right to voice their opinion, as do you.

 

[welovedis]

In this case, my "vet" experience has been ridiculed, insulted, and demeaned. So be it.

And I don't know who this was directed toward, but if I've insulted you then I apologize. That was not the intent of my post, rather to just ask that you step out of your current perspective (vet or not) & see things from another, that's all.