New Al Lutz: Murphy the Dragon Repaired, HalloweenTime Success

[HydroGuy]

Al Lutz posted an update today at MiceAge here:
http://miceage.micechat.com/allutz/al110910a.htm

Highlights include:

o HalloweenTime Success
o World of Color Halloween Theme for 2011?
o HalloweenTime to give way to special ticket Christmas events?
o Murphy the Fantasmic dragon repairs almost complete
o World of Color repairs ongoing
o Star Tours 2 on track for May
o Food & Wine at DCA canceled


Note: Al Lutz does not work for Disney. His posts are not Disney announcements. He has solid contacts inside Disney and is helpful in giving an indication of what Disney is planning and considering. People planning vacations should be very cautious about making plans based on Al's articles. That is not what they are intended for. Rather, Al tries to give an insider view of what Disney is thinking and planning for those interested in what the future may hold. This can and does change over time.

Here is the disclaimer that Al has at the end of his article.

Keep in mind updates only get posted when there is something to report on, and not before. It takes time to confirm things, and even then we can only offer a snapshot of a continually evolving story. (People do change their minds you know.) Just like the happiest place on earth, patience is a virtue; the queue may take a while before you can enjoy the attraction.

 

[iheartdisney]

You forgot
*How the Disney Grinch is planning to steal Christmas, both from their customers AND their Cast members

 

[lwilkison]

Thank you Hydroguy!

That is great news about Murphy's return!

 

[skiingfast]

You forgot
*How the Disney Grinch is planning to steal Christmas, both from their customers AND their Cast members

It's not so much that DLR is going to charge extra. It's more that they are ending the free ride.

In WDW they have proven that you can charge for these events.
"Celebrate the magic of the season at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, a special event held each winter on select nights at Magic Kingdom theme park. The festivities are filled with live entertainment, spectacular fireworks and an oh-so-jolly holiday parade. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required."

And the Christmas Party pricing. "All other select nights, when purchased prior to the day of the event: $53.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $47.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9); Day-Of Event Prices: $59.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $53.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9);"


Or you can do something WoC style in Epcot.
"To ensure you have a seat, you may participate in one of our Candlelight Dinner Packages* that includes a delicious dinner, a Guaranteed seating section for the Candlelight Processional, and pre-arranged fireworks viewing."

And heres the pricing for that. "Dinner Packages range from $46.99-$61.99 per adult and $15.99-$23.99 per child"


At least WDW has one thing for free. "The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights on the Streets of America at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park is a breathtaking seasonal display featuring millions of glittering lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music. "


Is it really a surprise to suggest that DLR might charge for more extras?

 

[skiingfast]

I'm wondering is the Murphy version 2.3 or 3.0?

 

[PHXscuba]

I'm glad I'm going this Christmas while it's still all available.

PHXscuba

 

[iheartdisney]

It's not so much that DLR is going to charge extra. It's more that they are ending the free ride.
...

Is it really a surprise to suggest that DLR might charge for more extras?

When the Christmas parade has been part of the price of admission for 16 years, then my answer is yes.
When the special fireworks has been part of the price of admission for 10 years, again, my answer is yes.
When an out-of-town visitor decides to spend their vacation time and money at Disneyland, only to find that they have to pay admission TWICE for the same day, yet again, my answer is yes, that is a suprise.
If the problem at hand were the "unwashed masses of AP holders" (as many assert) then adjust the calendar so the "free ride" as you call it ends, and they will have to pay the upcharge in the form of the blackout pass. But obviously the APs aren't the problem. This type of greed just takes away the entire warm feeling that Christmas is supposed to bring.

I guess what suprises ME (and i hope I'm not alone) is why the WDW devoted do not expect more. You just get in line like sheep and fork over extra money for what should be included in the price of admission.

 

[JustAKid]

When the Christmas parade has been part of the price of admission for 16 years, then my answer is yes.
When the special fireworks has been part of the price of admission for 10 years, again, my answer is yes.
When an out-of-town visitor decides to spend their vacation time and money at Disneyland, only to find that they have to pay admission TWICE for the same day, yet again, my answer is yes, that is a suprise.
If the problem at hand were the "unwashed masses of AP holders" (as many assert) then adjust the calendar so the "free ride" as you call it ends, and they will have to pay the upcharge in the form of the blackout pass. But obviously the APs aren't the problem. This type of greed just takes away the entire warm feeling that Christmas is supposed to bring.

I guess what suprises ME (and i hope I'm not alone) is why the WDW devoted do not expect more. You just get in line like sheep and fork over extra money for what should be included in the price of admission.

Can't say I disagree here...

But then again, there is a reason WDW is so successful - because of the greed. Not saying I agree, or that it's right...just sayin'.

 

[Califgirl]

When the Christmas parade has been part of the price of admission for 16 years, then my answer is yes.
When the special fireworks has been part of the price of admission for 10 years, again, my answer is yes.
When an out-of-town visitor decides to spend their vacation time and money at Disneyland, only to find that they have to pay admission TWICE for the same day, yet again, my answer is yes, that is a suprise.
If the problem at hand were the "unwashed masses of AP holders" (as many assert) then adjust the calendar so the "free ride" as you call it ends, and they will have to pay the upcharge in the form of the blackout pass. But obviously the APs aren't the problem. This type of greed just takes away the entire warm feeling that Christmas is supposed to bring.

I guess what suprises ME (and i hope I'm not alone) is why the WDW devoted do not expect more. You just get in line like sheep and fork over extra money for what should be included in the price of admission.

I have to agree with you on so many points. I think that WDW can 'get away with it' so easily because it is only one park (Magic Kingdom) that has a hard ticket event. There are 3 other parks that you can still enjoy without paying an upcharge. (well, maybe two since I think Animal Kingdom closes fairly early each day.) Not to mention the 12 resorts and DTD that all have Christmas decorations and fun places to eat.

At WDW if they close one park it might be a blip on your radar because there is so much going on. At DLR, closing Disneyland early takes a big bite out of your available activites if you don't want to pay the upcharge.

For Halloween, guests couldn't even get a good Halloween atmosphere at DCA. There weren't any Halloween decorations or activites there for guests to enjoy.

 

[DisneyParkFan]

Thanks Hydroguy! If the Murphy rumors are true I'm going to be a happy Mouseketeer! I am going to DL for Thanksgiving Weekend and will be seeing Fantasmic! Since I live in the Midwest and make it out to DL about every 5 years, I was hoping to see this effect but was resolved that that might not happen on this trip. This is good, if not hopeful, news.

 

[Belle Ella]

I have to agree with you on so many points. I think that WDW can 'get away with it' so easily because it is only one park (Magic Kingdom) that has a hard ticket event. There are 3 other parks that you can still enjoy without paying an upcharge. (well, maybe two since I think Animal Kingdom closes fairly early each day.) Not to mention the 12 resorts and DTD that all have Christmas decorations and fun places to eat.

At WDW if they close one park it might be a blip on your radar because there is so much going on. At DLR, closing Disneyland early takes a big bite out of your available activites if you don't want to pay the upcharge.

For Halloween, guests couldn't even get a good Halloween atmosphere at DCA. There weren't any Halloween decorations or activites there for guests to enjoy.

This right here is exactly where my thoughts are. Having a hard ticket event that shuts a Park down earlier than normal on multiple nights is logistically doable at WDW because there is more available to the dispersed guests who didn't want to/didn't know/couldn't afford the event. DLR is so small compared to the vastness of WDW.

I am so glad that I went during the Halloween season early enough that I wasn't forced into DCA being my only option once that time rolled around because DCA had nothing Halloween to offer. Actually, it really had nothing to offer except WOC. And don't get me started on the Holiday fireworks and parade only being available to those guests at the parties.

This year's MHP may have been viewed as a success but isn't the Holiday season much more crowded anyway? I honestly don't see how doing the same thing for a Holiday Party would work logistically.

But what really disturbs me is the idea that the Cast Member parties would be going away. That is just depressing and would be an even dumber move (IMO) than ticketed Holiday/Christmas parties.

Definitely though, that Murphy might be ready to make her debut again soon! But once again, I'll believe that one when I see it, lol.

 

[Albort]

one word... lame...

 

[skiingfast]

one word... lame...

Do you think the question of the CM parties ending is true?

 

[KCmike]

Great comments everyone. When I first read the report I had the same feeling of disgust. When is enough, enough? The park was designed for a family to be able to be together and play together. This country has already gone through financial pains and many are doing without. Many have lost their jobs. I am very blessed to still have a job and be able to give "extras" to my family. Disneyland is definitely an "extra". I enjoy Disneyland for many more reasons than I do WDW. I love the nostalgia and "back in time feel" I get when I walk down Main Street. Please don't go down the road of WDW and kill the very things I love at DL. I feel like WDW is always trying to get in my pocket. I don't feel that way at DL. Maybe I am too naive in my feelings. Long story short...keep it affordable. Sorry for the rant.

 

[disney-super-mom]

You forgot
*How the Disney Grinch is planning to steal Christmas, both from their customers AND their Cast members

When the Christmas parade has been part of the price of admission for 16 years, then my answer is yes.
When the special fireworks has been part of the price of admission for 10 years, again, my answer is yes.
When an out-of-town visitor decides to spend their vacation time and money at Disneyland, only to find that they have to pay admission TWICE for the same day, yet again, my answer is yes, that is a suprise.
If the problem at hand were the "unwashed masses of AP holders" (as many assert) then adjust the calendar so the "free ride" as you call it ends, and they will have to pay the upcharge in the form of the blackout pass. But obviously the APs aren't the problem. This type of greed just takes away the entire warm feeling that Christmas is supposed to bring.

I guess what suprises ME (and i hope I'm not alone) is why the WDW devoted do not expect more. You just get in line like sheep and fork over extra money for what should be included in the price of admission.

I have to agree with you on so many points. I think that WDW can 'get away with it' so easily because it is only one park (Magic Kingdom) that has a hard ticket event. There are 3 other parks that you can still enjoy without paying an upcharge. (well, maybe two since I think Animal Kingdom closes fairly early each day.) Not to mention the 12 resorts and DTD that all have Christmas decorations and fun places to eat.

At WDW if they close one park it might be a blip on your radar because there is so much going on. At DLR, closing Disneyland early takes a big bite out of your available activites if you don't want to pay the upcharge.

For Halloween, guests couldn't even get a good Halloween atmosphere at DCA. There weren't any Halloween decorations or activites there for guests to enjoy.

This right here is exactly where my thoughts are. Having a hard ticket event that shuts a Park down earlier than normal on multiple nights is logistically doable at WDW because there is more available to the dispersed guests who didn't want to/didn't know/couldn't afford the event. DLR is so small compared to the vastness of WDW.

I am so glad that I went during the Halloween season early enough that I wasn't forced into DCA being my only option once that time rolled around because DCA had nothing Halloween to offer. Actually, it really had nothing to offer except WOC. And don't get me started on the Holiday fireworks and parade only being available to those guests at the parties.

This year's MHP may have been viewed as a success but isn't the Holiday season much more crowded anyway? I honestly don't see how doing the same thing for a Holiday Party would work logistically.

But what really disturbs me is the idea that the Cast Member parties would be going away. That is just depressing and would be an even dumber move (IMO) than ticketed Holiday/Christmas parties.

one word... lame...

Great comments everyone. When I first read the report I had the same feeling of disgust. When is enough, enough? The park was designed for a family to be able to be together and play together. This country has already gone through financial pains and many are doing without. Many have lost their jobs. I am very blessed to still have a job and be able to give "extras" to my family. Disneyland is definitely an "extra". I enjoy Disneyland for many more reasons than I do WDW. I love the nostalgia and "back in time feel" I get when I walk down Main Street. Please don't go down the road of WDW and kill the very things I love at DL. I feel like WDW is always trying to get in my pocket. I don't feel that way at DL. Maybe I am too naive in my feelings. Long story short...keep it affordable. Sorry for the rant.

Yep. All of the above pretty much sums it up.

 

[Albort]

Do you think the question of the CM parties ending is true?

its possible... considered on how many things they cut out already. :\