Not sure $149 Disney After Hrs event is doing well... (ETA: reviews in 1st post)

[sunshine1]

The only characters available were Mickey and the princesses in Fairy Tale Hall

Thanks for letting me know.

 

[HeyIt'sMe]

Maybe I'm weird. Ok, I am weird but while it would be nice to ride the attractions with little or no wait I don't think I'd like being in the park when it is so empty. Especially at night. I think it's more fun when you have more people around. Not mobs of people but just enough to make it festive.

 

[sunshine1]

If the crowds stay low like this then i reckon it a good event.
Thanks tinkerbella for pic.

 

[jayohjayoh]

Didn't read all the new replies since yesterday afternoon, but a lot of the area concierges were invited for free as well.

 

[Mikie]

Maybe I'm weird. Ok, I am weird but while it would be nice to ride the attractions with little or no wait I don't think I'd like being in the park when it is so empty. Especially at night. I think it's more fun when you have more people around. Not mobs of people but just enough to make it festive.

I feel the same way! It does sounds really strange to say, and if I'd never experienced it, I would never have thought it. But I was in DHS once about 10& years ago in a REALLY slow day and some areas of the park were DESERTED. Instead of feeling like "awesome! I own this place!" It felt kind of lifeless and sad. For me, there is a magic number of people to have around - I wonder how that "feel" was at DAH last night.

 

[ArwenMarie]

It's too early to judge whether this was a success or not. People were waiting to see reviews. If they advertise this, I think we will see numbers of paid guests go up.

It's not a bad option if you are buying a one-day ticket or are traveling in a smaller group. What we won't see are many families buying this on top of their weeklong tickets but it was never intended for them anyway (versus the early morning Fantasyland package)

I also think this is definitely a test...let's watch and see if one of these pops up for Frozen.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Didn't read all the new replies since yesterday afternoon, but a lot of the area concierges were invited for free as well.

Offsite I assume? That's very smart of them.

 

[jade1]

My view of this event as a non-EMH-guest:

I arrived at MK after work about 615. Crowds were extremely low - spring break is definitely over. I saw 1 couple with credentials about 6:30 coming in, but no more really until after fireworks (I'm sure they were out. But with the low crowds, I was averaging about 15 minutes per ride so I wasn't paying too much attention)

After Wishes I made my way over to Tomorrowland for the last 40 minutes of regular park hours. In that time I was able to ride Space, Little Mermaid, and Haunted Mansion. NFL was deserted, There were maybe 10 people in my stretching room in HM. Overall, the park was extremely empty. I saw Peter Pan marked as 20 minutes, I probably could have gotten my own boat on Small World. I didn't check out 7DMT, but based on the complete lack of people I would guess that it was a pretty short wait at that point too.

I got out of HM a few minutes after 11, so everything was officially EMH. I saw 4 people walking towards HM, a few waiting in Liberty Square for MSEP, but other than that I didn't see any credentials (I was in Liberty square which has no attractions, so that's probably why). After watching the parade, I started to head towards the exit at 11:30. There weren't any checkpoints to see if I had credentials (I could have easily wandered the park unlike the parties). Walking down Main Street, Casey's and Starbucks were the only food open - Casey's was blocked off to non-EMH guests, and I saw a group get turned away.

The stores were supposed to have a hard close at 11, but they all seemed to be open to everyone - every door was open and there were no CMs checking credentials.

I left the park about 11:45. My overall impression was that it felt like a standard off-season after-wishes evening, and the event crowd didn't add anything noticeable. Even after the official check-in time, I was still averaging 15 minutes a ride.

Nice report thanks.

I think the difference is MK usually closed at 10PM after Spring Break (mid April through May). EMH was there each week and still is.

So the testing seems to be during a more manageable crowd level, and during hours traditionally closed,

But it does give in effect-a second and even better EMH evening to those interested, instead of just closing at 10.

 

[poppinspenguins]

You bought a single day MK ticket?

This comment, probably more than any other on regular disboards, drives me insane.

There are more than you think that buy 1 day tix. Len testa on some.podcast estimated 8 to 10% on average per day (I would guess more during summer or Christmas vacay)

I am the perfect example...we used to do one day trips while we visited family in tampa. We got smart and got non expiring tix and still have some (but those are no longer an option)

Yes multi park tix are are cheaper in the long run. Guess what? Not every one is there for the long run.

You know what is more expensive than a one day ticket? A 2 day ticket (or more and the hotel to go with it)

I just people get on a "I know more about Disney than these stupid one day ticket people" high horse.

People.know it's expensive and don't always have the time or resources for multi day. It was a single day ticket as a day away from the beach that really got my into Disney

Rant over. Soap box back into storage.

 

[DWillowBay]

Someone posted this on FB from last night. Everything that was available during the event. I actually think having meet and greets open, like Mickey and princesses is great!

View attachment 162180

WAIT!!! Does that say, in essence, FREE ICE CREAM at the bottom???!!?? I'm in! They'll LOSE money, for sure! There's a rumbly in my tumbly!!

 

[poppinspenguins]

This is were I hate myself. I was against this idea at first, now its like, here's my money if there are dates in June.

I see your point. But the whole thing makes me sad still. We went o a three hour emh in June about 5 yrs ago. EMPTY and awesome (except we were starving). loved that it was free but worry it will not ever be again. The three hour emh have already been gone for awhile

 

[jade1]

This comment, probably more than any other on regular disboards, drives me insane.

There are more than you think that buy 1 day tix. Len testa on some.podcast estimated 8 to 10% on average per day (I would guess more during summer or Christmas vacay)

I am the perfect example...we used to do one day trips while we visited family in tampa. We got smart and got non expiring tix and still have some (but those are no longer an option)

Yes multi park tix are are cheaper in the long run. Guess what? Not every one is there for the long run.

You know what is more expensive than a one day ticket? A 2 day ticket (or more and the hotel to go with it)

I just people get on a "I know more about Disney than these stupid one day ticket people" high horse.

People.know it's expensive and don't always have the time or resources for multi day. It was a single day ticket as a day away from the beach that really got my into Disney

Rant over. Soap box back into storage.

I think that's why they have 7PM entrance, so folks like you can also enjoy the parade, C the Magic and Wishes if you want on this ticket. As well as guest flow mentioned.

 

[tinkerbella16]

WAIT!!! Does that say, in essence, FREE ICE CREAM at the bottom???!!?? I'm in! They'll LOSE money, for sure! There's a rumbly in my tumbly!!

Yes, I believe from the snack carts that are usually out every day. I know the Mickey Premium Bar lovers will love that! I like the fruity options!

 

[TexasKiwiPrincess]

Maybe I'm weird. Ok, I am weird but while it would be nice to ride the attractions with little or no wait I don't think I'd like being in the park when it is so empty. Especially at night. I think it's more fun when you have more people around. Not mobs of people but just enough to make it festive.

Me too. I love the energy of a good crowd! I think there is a point where the crowd level crosses a line, and maybe that's the sweet spot some of the hard ticket party events have experienced. When we attended MVMCP the crowds were ridiculous! However, a park that feels totally empty would also feel a little sad and lonely...maybe a little creepy? I would much rather ride in a full train on any of the coasters, with all of us laughing and cheering, than have an entire train to myself. I just don't want to wait more than 10 minutes! lol

 

[MommaBerd]

I wholeheartedly agree with the PP who said this isn't targeted for your average multi-day family guests. From the time they first announced it I thought it would an incredible experience IF you only had one day for MK or were celebrating a special occasion. And, I think that's what makes this DIFFERENT from parties and EMH. Parties ARE for families. Will they increase the prices this year? I think we can agree that's a given. But, they don't want to price out the FAMILY because that is the target audience for that event. In the future, will they charge for EMH? If I had to make a bet, I'd say no. But I also imagine they will continue to limit the availability.

 

[tinkerbella16]

I wholeheartedly agree with the PP who said this isn't targeted for your average multi-day family guests. From the time they first announced it I thought it would an incredible experience IF you only had one day for MK or were celebrating a special occasion. And, I think that's what makes this DIFFERENT from parties and EMH. Parties ARE for families. Will they increase the prices this year? I think we can agree that's a given. But, they don't want to price out the FAMILY because that is the target audience for that event. In the future, will they charge for EMH? If I had to make a bet, I'd say no. But I also imagine they will continue to limit the availability.

I agree! If I did choose to ever do the MK After Hours, it will most likely be for MYSELF.. I like to take solo trips, so even though I may not be happy with the price, it could be something I'd do solo and have a lot of fun.

I know a lot of people are worried that the MNSSHP and MVMCP's are going to go up drastically because of this event.. like to a $100 a ticket or more. I do not see that happening. Tickets for those go up each year, but only a few dollars. I do not see them increasing the price over $30 this year. I actually enjoy doing the parties solo too.

 

[jade1]

I wholeheartedly agree with the PP who said this isn't targeted for your average multi-day family guests. From the time they first announced it I thought it would an incredible experience IF you only had one day for MK or were celebrating a special occasion. And, I think that's what makes this DIFFERENT from parties and EMH. Parties ARE for families. Will they increase the prices this year? I think we can agree that's a given. But, they don't want to price out the FAMILY because that is the target audience for that event. In the future, will they charge for EMH? If I had to make a bet, I'd say no. But I also imagine they will continue to limit the availability.

I can see a lot of 10 day trips add this in IMO. One night at MK with no waits could be worth it to many guests.

Its surprising how much a deluxe or even moderate stay will cost over 10 days, or even a week.

Airfare and tickets for 4 app $3,000, rooms $2,000 to $5,000, plus food.

A budget of $5,200 becomes $5,800, or $7,200 becomes $7,800.

 

[HeyIt'sMe]

I feel the same way! It does sounds really strange to say, and if I'd never experienced it, I would never have thought it. But I was in DHS once about 10& years ago in a REALLY slow day and some areas of the park were DESERTED. Instead of feeling like "awesome! I own this place!" It felt kind of lifeless and sad. For me, there is a magic number of people to have around - I wonder how that "feel" was at DAH last night.

Me too. I love the energy of a good crowd! I think there is a point where the crowd level crosses a line, and maybe that's the sweet spot some of the hard ticket party events have experienced. When we attended MVMCP the crowds were ridiculous! However, a park that feels totally empty would also feel a little sad and lonely...maybe a little creepy? I would much rather ride in a full train on any of the coasters, with all of us laughing and cheering, than have an entire train to myself. I just don't want to wait more than 10 minutes! lol

Ok, good, it's not just me then.

Creepy - that's what I thought when I saw the pictures of the dark, empty areas of the park.

 

[anniemae]

I think this is a great option for summer time guest who don't have small children. It is brutal in the hot sun, and many wait and go in the late afternoon into the evening. This would be great for couples with no kids, or with older kids. No hot sun to deal with, low crowds, spend the afternoon at the pool.........

 

[Mikie]

This comment, probably more than any other on regular disboards, drives me insane.

There are more than you think that buy 1 day tix. Len testa on some.podcast estimated 8 to 10% on average per day (I would guess more during summer or Christmas vacay)

I am the perfect example...we used to do one day trips while we visited family in tampa. We got smart and got non expiring tix and still have some (but those are no longer an option)

Yes multi park tix are are cheaper in the long run. Guess what? Not every one is there for the long run.

You know what is more expensive than a one day ticket? A 2 day ticket (or more and the hotel to go with it)

I just people get on a "I know more about Disney than these stupid one day ticket people" high horse.

People.know it's expensive and don't always have the time or resources for multi day. It was a single day ticket as a day away from the beach that really got my into Disney

Rant over. Soap box back into storage.

I can see your irritation. I have no idea what the poster you quoted meant, but I know I've asked that question of people before. I don't mean "you fool! Why don't you know better?" When I do it, I'm trying to keep the math and comparisons honest.

If someone says "compared to a one-day, this isn't SO bad" but they travel on a multi-day ticket, then it's a nonsense comparison. You were never going to pay $120 (yikes on those new prices!!) so saying DAH is "only $29 more" is meaningless. That traveler would need to compare it to, say, $55 , the average daily price of their multi-day ticket. The inflated comparison is one way Disney parts many of us with our money.

I'm Just saying that of course 8-10% of people buy one day admission and their value calculations are very different from 90-92% of folks who don't visit that way. If I'm interested in getting into a conversation about the pros and cons of an add-on, I need to know a little about the traveler I'm conversing with and see if their points make sense for me.