MNSSHP PanicStricken DIS'ers....

[melomouse]

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????

 

[GoofyforDisney3]

I normally do not get into the debate threads, but I just felt like I needed to add my comments.

I understand why everyone is getting worked up about Disney not clearing the parks before the party and the possibility of some of the day guests getting to stay and enjoy in the special parade/events that are only offered during the hard-ticket parties. That is why a seperate ticket is required, to keep the party special.

If the thought of not clearing the park doesn't concern you, then you are probably in the minority and I am happy for you. But, that doesn't mean no one should be concerned or shouldn't "discuss" it. (This is after all a discussion board. ) I for one will be watching for the responses people get back from their emails concerning this. I have purchased tickets for the 2nd party (9/22) and feel that I should get what I paid for and should not have to share it with people who did not pay for the seperate ticket. I also wouldn't have a problem with not being able to gain entry to the park early with just my MNSSHP ticket either. In fact I was suprised people have been allowed to do this in the past as the times guide for the event states the party hours and that is what the ticket entitles you to.

I really do not care about if the picture is not part of the party this year. I know it has helped some justify the cost of the ticket, but for me the cost is justified in getting to experience events that are not the normal every day events with a limited number of people. I have been to a different theme park that rolled the Halloween festivities up into the regular park ticket/hours and I for one will never attend the park again at that time of the year. The crowds were just insane and you really couldn't enjoy the special events, etc. because of that. If this was the experience Disney wanted their guests to have, then why would it have made the parties a seperate ticketed event in the first place?

 

[Mariposa]

The issue is this really: in previous years the park closed for an hour before the party to clear the park of day guests--and, as has been noted on other threads, some day guests STILL hung out. It may not be the case for all day guests that remained, but it is clear that some of these people either actively avoided being asked to leave or simply refused to do so even after being asked. Okay, so a few people hung out and experienced stuff they didn't pay for.. that's not what bothers me. What bothers me is that without the MK closing for that hour and without active clearing of the parks (just a passive announcement is planned, afaik) there will be considerably more day guests hanging out. It's not about them experiencing it for free, it's about my family not being able to comfortably experience the party despite having paid. Now, it's great that you don't find that to be a big concern, but I do. As for waiting for clarification before writing to Disney? Well, we'll be leaving for WDW on September 16 (very early) and attending the party the 22nd.. as the first party won't even take place until the night before we leave, I don't feel I'm out of line writing Disney a note and asking for clarification before hand.. I, like many of the people with these complaints, want to know what we're getting into before I'm stuck in the situation.

Once again, glad you're not worried, honestly. But, I like to plan and I like to be sure that I understand what's going on, it doesn't rob me or anyone else of enjoyment--in fact, my family appreciates it and I love it.. And as for people knocking other people to the ground due to a superiority complex related to having purchased tickets? I think my response to that would simply be, I knock no one to the ground (literally or figuratively), but I have no urge to fight people who somehow think they're entitled to free admission to something I paid money for.. I mean, seriously, who has the superiority complex in that scenario? The person who'd like to see what they paid for or the person who thinks they should get it free?

 

[Tinker53]

I agree with goofyfordisney3

 

[Chelley00]

. It's not about them experiencing it for free, it's about my family not being able to comfortably experience the party despite having paid.

For me it is about people experiencing it for free. I paid $225 for my family to experience it. This is our first trip ever and we have scrimped and saved for over a year to go to Disney. If someone else wants to go to MNSSHP, let them save for a year like we did. No one should be in there for free, and it is free if they don't pay for the ticket to be there, or they shouldn't charge ticket fees at all and let everyone in there on their day guest pass.

 

[Mariposa]

For me it is about people experiencing it for free. I paid $225 for my family to experience it. This is our first trip ever and we have scrimped and saved for over a year to go to Disney. If someone else wants to go to MNSSHP, let them save for a year like we did. No one should be in there for free, and it is free if they don't pay for the ticket to be there, or they shouldn't charge ticket fees at all and let everyone in there on their day guest pass.

I understand that point of view, too.. I was just saying that (and this is only me) I won't get any less joy out of the party if there were a couple of day guests still wondering around, but that it's going to be a considerably less enjoyable evening if I'm fighting huge crowds of guests (many of whom haven't paid to get in) just to watch the parade.

 

[Amity 3]

ticket prices keep rising and benefits keep slipping. the removal of the pictures irks me for two reasons: with Disney's relationship with Kodak they don't cost Disney a thing. and we take my daughter's best friend with us to both parties and they have all of the pictures displayed in their bedrooms. it's a fun tradition with us.

I don't care if you pool-hop or refill your resort mug from ten years ago. but when you try to beat the system and crash a party I'm paying extra for, you've crossed a line in my world. we always go the first Sunday both parties are available, so we've never had a problem with crowds. we do it for a reason.

every year, I buy 4 adult and 4 childrens passes on Halloween and Christmas when available, and then put them up for auction on Ebay when the events sell out. those always sell for a lot of money. I wonder how those people would feel if they're seeing people enjoy the party for free.

 

[DeeCeeSW]

"Every year, I buy 4 adult and 4 childrens passes on Halloween and Christmas when available, and then put them up for auction on Ebay when the events sell out. those always sell for a lot of money. I wonder how those people would feel if they're seeing people enjoy the party for free."

Hmm...I find it interesting that you are admitting this practice on the board. Taking tix away from potential buyers so you can sell them on Ebay (and not bc you have extra). I think I would have kept that to myself. JMHO.

 

[kellyg403]

I agree to wait and see what happens and if things stay the way they are after the first few parties. I don't feel like I am panicked about it, just plain upset if it holds true. I am not worried about the free picture either. I bought tickets just as I did for MVMCP with the idea that there would only be so many tickets sold etc. I didn't stand in line for the free picture then and was not planning to this time.

I am going on 9/29 so I guess our party will be one of the first to try the new way of doing things. The only thing I can do is go with an open mind. I won't be running to the CM's announcing who doesn't have a wristband and I won't be worried about it. For me, if I am standing in line with my gdaughter and there is a child there without a wristband, I will expect the CM's to let the child see the character or ride the ride. Surely isn't their fault. That is what has started to bother me. Visions of little children told they can't see this character or that because they have no wristband. I am sure that every year there are those able to get to stay. They are the lucky ones and I personally don't think about it. But to say that Disney will make a simple announcement to the day ticjet holders could cause alot of problems and the ones with hurt feelings might be the kids. That is a big problem for me.

Kelly

 

[hulagirl87]

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...

 

[notnothin]

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...

Now that's the spirit! I imagine it will lead to some awkward moments, but let us know how that works out for you!

 

[mking624]

I'm attending the very first party....and I can tell you that I'm not too fond of the idea that I'm going to be a guinea pig to find out what happens. Having psent about $40 per ticket, I want to know exactly what I'm paying for. I don't like spending a lot of money and not being given any clear communication on what's going on. The hours wer every clear at first...9am to 6pm...with the party starting at 7pm. Then the hours changed to 9am to 7pm. People were told it was a glitch, and that it was really closing at 6pm. But so far, Disney has made no attempts to correct this "glitch" on their website and neither is there any notation on the website saying that the info was not correct...something very easy to do...just add a line of text. So people are calling to find out, and from what I'm reading, people are getting conflicting reports. Some are being told it will close at 6pm, some are being told it will close at 7pm and only an announcement will be made, and some are being told that Disney is still undecided about what time it will close. That's not at all reassuring to anyone who spent the money to attend this party. So now we're sending off emails. Perhaps, OP, that may seem hasty to you...however we do have a right for our voice to be heard. Even if they truly are closing at 6pm, they will at least know for the future that us party-goers would not be happy if they ever did decide to change the time.

It's somewhat offensive, OP, that you would refer to us as having some superior status because we have a hard ticket for this event. Not to sound arrogant at all, but in this case, yes we do have superior status. We paid a pretty penny for the right to be there and it's not fair to anyone if I had to pay $40 per person to be at the party while someone else enjoys it for free. If they can enjoy it for free, then I want a refund.

I would rather be premature in voicing my concerns than to attend and find out that my concerns could have changed something had I actually spoken up.

 

[condorthb]

subscribing

 

[DebIreland]

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.

This is awfully harsh. I didn't see anyone "proclaim their superior status". I see posts from people, many of whom have young children, who are concerned that after months of planning, including making/buying costumes, they'll be stuck in humongous crowds to see the parade and fireworks. It's a fair concern and while I haven't emailed Disney myself, and I won't until I hear more, I can understand why people are worried, considering the cost of these tickets. Personally, we'll be attending MNSSHP to enjoy the extra events including the parade and fireworks, we won't be there to do any attractions so yes, *if* guests are allowed remain in the park without tickets, I will be pretty irritated too thinking I could have saved 180 dollars.

 

[eeyore45]

For me it is about people experiencing it for free. I paid $225 for my family to experience it. This is our first trip ever and we have scrimped and saved for over a year to go to Disney. If someone else wants to go to MNSSHP, let them save for a year like we did. No one should be in there for free, and it is free if they don't pay for the ticket to be there, or they shouldn't charge ticket fees at all and let everyone in there on their day guest pass.

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...

 

[melomouse]

I am sorry if you feel that I was harsh and offensive. I hate to see people get up in arms, anxious, reactive and panicky without reason. I do understand you don't want "extra" crowds. These parties already ARE very crowded. I have no idea how many tickets are sold, or how many nights MNSSHP is sold out.

I have been to previous parties. I have seen the CM's do their sweeps of day guests and check everyone for wristbands, especially in the early hours of the party. Yes, I have seen them tell day guests their day at MK is over, but that the other parks remain open. I have never watched other people's wrists. I have never asked myself whether or not they were day guests "sneaking in".

This year, they may or may not begin sweeps and day closure til 6 PM, instead of 5. Do you think they can't or won't do their jobs in an hour??? Expectations are key....This year, still based on rumors, and in spite of calls in which CM's directly SAY they will remove day guests, perhaps in an hours' less time, many posters are expressing that "I paid good money" ,"I scrimped and saved" "I am NOT sharing...", etc.

Let Disney do their job and trust that they do it well. We all know there are many areas where policy and rules are not enforced. Are you afraid this is what will happen? Are you afraid there will be too many sneaky interlopers escaping the watchful CM eyes???

The fear of extra crowds I appreciate. I believe Disney will do what they have always done, only faster, thereby extending the day guests good will, and moving MNNSHP guests in and about the park on time. If it's one thing I DO trust Disney on, it's people-moving. Queues, transport, ride loading, etc.... they DO have it down.

What bothers me is an underlying tone that I read - a genuine fear, anxiety and, yes, even panic...about somebody else getting something. There will be a few moochers in every group, but in this instance, I think the fear is waaaay over exaggerated, causing some agita, and totally unnecessary reactions.

Essentially, I have been reading here is that many are telling Disney in the e-mails, is, " If you close to day guests an hour earlier, I don't believe you're going to do your job right, and I will be cheated, swindled and taken advantage of by throngs of nonpaying guests!"

I am wondering if the expectations of MNSSHP ticket holders might be a tad too exaggerated...

 

[vatmark]

We attended MNSSHP in Oct. of 2005 and I didn't find it crowded at all. Trick-or-treat lines were short, ride lines were short and we watched the 2nd parade and it wasn't crowded at all. One thing I realize now and didn't even think about it at the time is that noone ever asked us to see our wrist bands. I know both my kids costumes had long sleeves so it's not like the band was clearly visible. But they also did use that hour before the start of the party to clear out non-ticketed guests.

We are going to MVMCP in Dec. and I have already bought the tickets. I am very irritated at the whole situation with the park closing at 7pm. And that park closing time is not a mistake(according to a trusted source). To make matters worse they will be having fireworks display before park closing so that means even more non-ticketed people will stay for the party. I'm not quite sure why I spent the money for the tickets.

And to the OP...the point is not that park clearing will occur an hour later it is that there will be no park clearing like at the previous parties. If it doesn't bother you that you paid money for tickets for this special event while others just decide to stay for the special event without paying for tickets then that is fine. Enjoy the party. But many of us who paid money for these tickets were told one thing...this was a special event, there is a limited number of tickets sold and the event requires a special ticket...but now we find out that this is not the case. We have the right to be irritated.

Annie

 

[mking624]

The thing is, you don't know if these are over exaggerated concerns. You are merely assuming and hoping they are. None of us will know what's going on until the first night. And as I said earlier...I am attending that party and am not too happy that I'm going to be a guinea pig for it. There is nothing wrong with me having concern over why they can't and won't be straightforward about what's going on.

I have been to previous parties. I have seen the CM's do their sweeps of day guests and check everyone for wristbands, especially in the early hours of the party. Yes, I have seen them tell day guests their day at MK is over, but that the other parks remain open. I have never watched other people's wrists. I have never asked myself whether or not they were day guests "sneaking in".

And that's fine for you, but that doesn't put us in the wrong just because we are.

This year, they may or may not begin sweeps and day closure til 6 PM, instead of 5. Do you think they can't or won't do their jobs in an hour??? Expectations are key....This year, still based on rumors, and in spite of calls in which CM's directly SAY they will remove day guests, perhaps in an hours' less time, many posters are expressing that "I paid good money" ,"I scrimped and saved" "I am NOT sharing...", etc

Why do these statements bother you? Yes I DID pay good money, yes people DID scrimp and save, no people do NOT want to share. Why is that a bad thing? It's not fair to those who did spend that money to have someone come in without having paid a dime for it and do the same things we are. It's a slap in the face. If the closure was at 6pm instead of 5pm...WONDERFUL. That still gives an hour for the party to start. But the problem is not that there's an hour between the park closing and the party starting. The problem is that the park closing time is listed at 7pm...the exact same time as the start of the party. THAT is why people asre upset because they know there's no way they will be able to accomplish as good of a sweep as they could when they had an hour to do it previously.

Let Disney do their job and trust that they do it well. We all know there are many areas where policy and rules are not enforced. Are you afraid this is what will happen? Are you afraid there will be too many sneaky interlopers escaping the watchful CM eyes???

Being that people have reported it happening in the past? Yes.

What bothers me is an underlying tone that I read - a genuine fear, anxiety and, yes, even panic...about somebody else getting something. There will be a few moochers in every group, but in this instance, I think the fear is waaaay over exaggerated, causing some agita, and totally unnecessary reactions.

And that's fine for you to feel this way...but the rest of us feel our thoughts on this are completely justified...especially when Disney keeps giving conflicting reports on what will happen at the party.

Essentially, I have been reading here is that many are telling Disney in the e-mails, is, " If you close to day guests an hour earlier, I don't believe you're going to do your job right, and I will be cheated, swindled and taken advantage of by throngs of nonpaying guests!"

I am wondering if the expectations of MNSSHP ticket holders might be a tad too exaggerated...

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.

 

[gigi1313]

to the OP... are you in favor of pool-hopping? 'cause this is *exactly* the same thing... on group getting something they are not paying for and the other group paying for something they are not getting full value of...

as a MNSSHP ticket-holder, i'll admit, i will be irked if day guests are not requested to leave the park...

 

[vatmark]

I am sorry if you feel that I was harsh and offensive. I hate to see people get up in arms, anxious, reactive and panicky without reason. I do understand you don't want "extra" crowds. These parties already ARE very crowded. I have no idea how many tickets are sold, or how many nights MNSSHP is sold out.

I have been to previous parties. I have seen the CM's do their sweeps of day guests and check everyone for wristbands, especially in the early hours of the party. Yes, I have seen them tell day guests their day at MK is over, but that the other parks remain open. I have never watched other people's wrists. I have never asked myself whether or not they were day guests "sneaking in".

This year, they may or may not begin sweeps and day closure til 6 PM, instead of 5. Do you think they can't or won't do their jobs in an hour??? Expectations are key....This year, still based on rumors, and in spite of calls in which CM's directly SAY they will remove day guests, perhaps in an hours' less time, many posters are expressing that "I paid good money" ,"I scrimped and saved" "I am NOT sharing...", etc.

Let Disney do their job and trust that they do it well. We all know there are many areas where policy and rules are not enforced. Are you afraid this is what will happen? Are you afraid there will be too many sneaky interlopers escaping the watchful CM eyes???

The fear of extra crowds I appreciate. I believe Disney will do what they have always done, only faster, thereby extending the day guests good will, and moving MNNSHP guests in and about the park on time. If it's one thing I DO trust Disney on, it's people-moving. Queues, transport, ride loading, etc.... they DO have it down.

What bothers me is an underlying tone that I read - a genuine fear, anxiety and, yes, even panic...about somebody else getting something. There will be a few moochers in every group, but in this instance, I think the fear is waaaay over exaggerated, causing some agita, and totally unnecessary reactions.

Essentially, I have been reading here is that many are telling Disney in the e-mails, is, " If you close to day guests an hour earlier, I don't believe you're going to do your job right, and I will be cheated, swindled and taken advantage of by throngs of nonpaying guests!"

I am wondering if the expectations of MNSSHP ticket holders might be a tad too exaggerated...

The point is that park hours are till 7pm. You cannot tell people they have to leave at 6pm if the park hours are till 7pm which also happens to be the start time of the party.