MSEP to end Oct. 9 - Parade moves to Disneyland for a "limited time"

[mom2rtk]

I'm not sure why, but at this point it seems fairly obvious that Disney is trying to lower attendance numbers at WDW. DHS is gutted with a ridiculous timeline for new construction, prices are soaring, and now we are being told unceremoniously that nighttime parades are no more.

That's one theory.

My theory is that they thought they could keep the numbers up in spite of huge price increases and cuts in entertainment in recent months. It didn't work (as declining attendance indicates) and now they are feeling forced into additional cuts.

Besides, if they were trying to lower attendance numbers, why would they be offering the $79 ticket deal to AP holders until the end of September?

 

[Jennasis]

I feel a little bit like we're watching the wheels coming off the bus.

 

[Sparkly]

DOOM
GLOOM
THE WORLD IS ENDING
ENDING
NOOOO

 

[mom2rtk]

DOOM
GLOOM
THE WORLD IS ENDING
ENDING
NOOOO

Does it matter to you that it matters to others?

 

[HatboxHaint]

DOOM
GLOOM
THE WORLD IS ENDING
ENDING
NOOOO

The sky is falling the sky is falling! Oh nope...it's just dopey.

 

[Sparkly]

The sky is falling the sky is falling! Oh nope...it's just dopey.

Confirmed, Dopey fell on the MSEP and broke it. That thing's like 40 years old, it must be held together by duct tape at this point.

 

[hollygolitely93]

Reading between the lines...

They didn't announce this until now as they wouldn't cut MSEP until they were confident ROL would be operational for late fall/holiday. I think this move indicates ROL will indeed be open in Sept/Oct--in line with the latest rumors. They will now have the Special Events at MK more than half the nights in fall; Star Wars Spectacular at DHS (added night offering); and ROL at AK (added night offereing). thus they feel confident they can cut MSEP and still have a robust nightime entertainment program during Fall/Holiday.

But what about come January? I think there will be a new WDW parade. PTN is going somewhere for use--they imply that. Paris seems a popular guess. Would then Paris parade come to WDW? Makes sense that they can't announce WDW parade until ready to announce PTN in Paris which would be timed appropriately to promote the anniversary.

 

[mom2rtk]

Reading between the lines...

They didn't announce this until now as they wouldn't cut MSEP until they were confident ROL would be operational for late fall/holiday. I think this move indicates ROL will indeed be open in Sept/Oct--in line with the latest rumors. They will now have the Special Events at MK more than half the nights in fall; Star Wars Spectacular at DHS (added night offering); and ROL at AK (added night offereing). thus they feel confident they can cut MSEP and still have a robust nightime entertainment program during Fall/Holiday.

But what about come January? I think there will be a new WDW parade. PTN is going somewhere for use--they imply that. Paris seems a popular guess. Would then Paris parade come to WDW? Makes sense that they can't announce WDW parade until ready to announce PTN in Paris which would be timed appropriately to promote the anniversary.

Nailed it.

 

[freediverdude]

*Starts to play SpectroMagic music* Oh wait, they let those floats rot backstage, never mind, sigh.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Reading between the lines...

They didn't announce this until now as they wouldn't cut MSEP until they were confident ROL would be operational for late fall/holiday. I think this move indicates ROL will indeed be open in Sept/Oct--in line with the latest rumors. They will now have the Special Events at MK more than half the nights in fall; Star Wars Spectacular at DHS (added night offering); and ROL at AK (added night offereing). thus they feel confident they can cut MSEP and still have a robust nightime entertainment program during Fall/Holiday.

But what about come January? I think there will be a new WDW parade. PTN is going somewhere for use--they imply that. Paris seems a popular guess. Would then Paris parade come to WDW? Makes sense that they can't announce WDW parade until ready to announce PTN in Paris which would be timed appropriately to promote the anniversary.

Yup. Sounds about right. Good guess!

 

[goofyintoronto]

The CM I spoke with today was still in shock and said they only found out about it last night. I was surprised she knew littler about it and it confirmed my suspicion that this was a last minute decision. Who knows why? The IDEAL business decision would have been to give people a year advance notice. Many people who might have waited to go to WDW might have booked an early vacation just to catch the parade once more. Many who planned their fall vacations early, like me, cannot change them at this point. Two months notice was a crappy thing for Disney to do. While the parade was not the main and only reason why I am going this October, it was definitely THE parade I wanted to catch again. I saw it in 1980 for the first time and not again until 2011. I never knew 2011 was going to be my last time seeing it. And while people talk a lot about Paint the Night, I watched some of it on YouTube and all I got from it was that is is a revamped version of the MSEP with a bit of the original music turned techno a la Britney Spears. Not tempting for me (sorry to anyone that loves it.....)

Same here. This is exactly me too. It was a very crappy thing to do to give only two months notice. At this point its quite difficult to change my plans...esp since everything is paid for AND I also purchased my MNSSHP ticket. I arrive on Oct.12, so im missing msep by 3 days! so bummed out about that.

 

[Nancyg56]

So this is just more cost-cutting?

It seems so, but you never know.

Well, pulling a popular attraction did wonders for their attendance last year.

I think that the Osborne Lights was different, and an event that folks looked at as a special limited "show". If Disney thinks the same "trick" can boost attendance, I believe they will be suprised.

I would probably be willing to lose my $200 for 2 adult MVMCP tickets and cancel my entire trip just so they don't profit more from me.

Not me. I never cut my nose to spite my face. I may vote with my pocketbook while I am there, choosing to spend less than I normally do, and might turn my normally "big" holiday trip into an extra low budget version.

DOOM
GLOOM
THE WORLD IS ENDING
ENDING
NOOOO

I never understand why people feel the need to mock and ridicule others. For many, this planned trip is a once in a lifetime, long planned out dream come true. Or for others, these parades etc hold memories or sentimental value that they look forward to revisiting. You may not feel this way about MSEP, or any of the other cutbacks, but it is disrespectful to be insulting to those who do.

I am hoping that something occured that makes it impossible fo WDW to commit to a replacement, but that there is something in the pipeline. I love the "light parades" and even though MSEP was never my favorite, I know others enjoyed it. I do like the evening parades!!!!

 

[mom2rtk]

*Starts to play SpectroMagic music* Oh wait, they let those floats rot backstage, never mind, sigh.

I wonder if they're rotting backstage with the Lights of Winter.

 

[mom2rtk]

I think that the Osborne Lights was different, and an event that folks looked at as a special limited "show". If Disney thinks the same "trick" can boost attendance, I believe they will be suprised.

Yeah, I wasn't really serious. Sometimes I can't help myself.

Not me. I never cut my nose to spite my face. I may vote with my pocketbook while I am there, choosing to spend less than I normally do, and might turn my normally "big" holiday trip into an extra low budget version.

I would surely be tempted. But I couldn't do it either. But I might do exactly what you describe and cut back in other ways, maybe try to eat offsite and buy fewer souvenirs.

I never understand why people feel the need to mock and ridicule others. For many, this planned trip is a once in a lifetime, long planned out dream come true. Or for others, these parades etc hold memories or sentimental value that they look forward to revisiting. You may not feel this way about MSEP, or any of the other cutbacks, but it is disrespectful to be insulting to those who do.

Very nicely put.

I am hoping that something occured that makes it impossible fo WDW to commit to a replacement, but that there is something in the pipeline. I love the "light parades" and even though MSEP was never my favorite, I know others enjoyed it. I do like the evening parades!!!!

I actually have felt all along that there was something else coming. But it's a huge disservice to the guests this fall to leave them with no replacement and not enough notice to change plans (in many cases). We have thought all along we would go to DLR in November, but I have changed plans countless times since the parade nonsense started. I have outgoing flights scheduled to DLR, but started making ADRs and planning park days at WDW a few weeks ago. I've hated that I didn't have enough information to actually commit to something we could be happily anticipating.

 

[Nancyg56]

I wonder if they're rotting backstage with the Lights of Winter.

Ohhhhh, don't make me talk about Light is Winter! I have not stopped complaining!

 

[mom2rtk]

Ohhhhh, don't make me talk about Light is Winter! I have not stopped complaining!

Apparently neither have I.

 

[Nancyg56]

Yeah, I wasn't really serious. Sometimes I can't help myself.




I actually have felt all along that there was something else coming. But it's a huge disservice to the guests this fall to leave them with no replacement and not enough notice to change plans (in many cases). We have thought all along we would go to DLR in November, but I have changed plans countless times since the parade nonsense started. I have outgoing flights scheduled to DLR, but started making ADRs and planning park days at WDW a few weeks ago. I've hated that I didn't have enough information to actually commit to something we could be happily anticipating.

I knew!

I agree. My DS and DDIL are joining me on a big ol WDW trip in December, and I have felt so discumjumbled in my planning. Normally it is not an issue, we have been before, but DD and DSIL have not really. I wanted to plan the "good stuff" for them. My dining is a mess, and for the first time ever I have a few "back up" ADR's because I really don't know what the evening in some parks will look like.

I can say one thing, if we wind up keeping this trip, it maybe the last shebang I plan. I will return, but I doubt I will add DxDDP, stay in a Deluxe, and add events and souvenirs. I know how to Tavel on a tight budget and still have a great time.

 

[HopperFan]

The CM I spoke with today was still in shock and said they only found out about it last night. I was surprised she knew littler about it and it confirmed my suspicion that this was a last minute decision. Who knows why? The IDEAL business decision would have been to give people a year advance notice. Many people who might have waited to go to WDW might have booked an early vacation just to catch the parade once more. Many who planned their fall vacations early, like me, cannot change them at this point. Two months notice was a crappy thing for Disney to do. While the parade was not the main and only reason why I am going this October, it was definitely THE parade I wanted to catch again. I saw it in 1980 for the first time and not again until 2011. I never knew 2011 was going to be my last time seeing it. And while people talk a lot about Paint the Night, I watched some of it on YouTube and all I got from it was that is is a revamped version of the MSEP with a bit of the original music turned techno a la Britney Spears. Not tempting for me (sorry to anyone that loves it.....)

Just because that CM knew nothing about it doesn't mean that no CMs were in the know ................... they were. I knew about it 10 days ago.

There is more to the story. Disney obviously didn't anticipate the backlash from DL, and what might be last minute is how Disney is handling it. It is completely possible the story will end as planned eventually but who knows. They are getting quite good at screwing up "news" and scrambling ... and aggravating guests.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

That's one theory.

My theory is that they thought they could keep the numbers up in spite of huge price increases and cuts in entertainment in recent months. It didn't work (as declining attendance indicates) and now they are feeling forced into additional cuts.

Besides, if they were trying to lower attendance numbers, why would they be offering the $79 ticket deal to AP holders until the end of September?

Not saying you are wrong, but that would be a most epic case of corporate obliviousness.

 

[mom2rtk]

Not saying you are wrong, but that would be a most epic case of corporate obliviousness.

If not, then the hand that's trying to lower attendance needs to have a chat with the hand that's trying to raise it.