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

[nicko]

This is correct, I read the same thing, but I forget where. Even though the last time MK closed at 7 PM on a non-party night was something like January 2007, the official base operating hours are 9 AM to 7 PM. Anything later than 7 PM is a "bonus", and Disney extends the hours past 7 PM almost every night of the year!! People complaining that the park closes earlier this year than some previous trip, Disney changes park hours based on attendance and other things, and be sure to remember that park hours are always subject to change!

The assertion that base hours for the MK are 9 – 7PM (even in the summer) and that the MK is still “over delivering” (“a bonus”) by being open until 10 PM is simply absurd. If 7PM is standard closing even in the summer, how would they be able to have fireworks or the light parade? Disney commercials show images of the fireworks which give a consumer a reasonable expectation that they can expect the parks to be open after dark (not 7 PM).

The bottom line for me (and I think many others) is that in recent years past, my summer theme park ticket got me into MK from 9AM to 11 PM (or midnight) most nights, sometimes even longer. Now I only get 9 – 10 PM. For this consumer, I’m getting less. Does Disney have the right to reduce hours? Of course. However, the consumer also has the right to recognize that their vacation value is being eroded. Eventually enough people start feeling that way and Disney will no longer have the WDW “golden goose”.

 

[Lucius Best]

Of course people complained, especially on this board. "They added hours during peak time and ruined my PP ADR" Leading up to spring break that was all we heard.

I agree, lots of people complain when their plans get changed, but it does make me kind of sad sometimes. Not everyone is as lucky as I've been, going to WDW so many times since I was a kid. I can understand why these people would be upset, it must be frustrating when you save up so much money, for maybe a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and you're all excited, and you plan your trip 6 months out, and you get the PERFECT times for your ADRs, and your FP+ are all set, and then all of a sudden the hours change, or they change the party dates, or they add this new After Hours event when you are going to be there, and now you're all worried because you don't know how that will affect crowds or if you should change your plans, but that might mean losing the ADRs and FPs you worked so hard to get.

It makes me sad to see the complainers and the negativity, but sometimes people just need to vent. But it also makes me more sad when I see people be mean to the people who just had their vacation get more expensive or their vacation plans flipped upside down. Everyone handles change differently, and we all know nothing is guaranteed, but I don't get any joy in criticizing someone who is upset or worried about their vacation

 

[cruisingtwins]

Too many smiles Lucius too many smilies.

 

[Lucius Best]

The assertion that base hours for the MK are 9 – 7PM (even in the summer) and that the MK is still “over delivering” (“a bonus”) by being open until 10 PM is simply absurd. If 7PM is standard closing even in the summer, how would they be able to have fireworks or the light parade? Disney commercials show images of the fireworks which give a consumer a reasonable expectation that they can expect the parks to be open after dark (not 7 PM).

The bottom line for me (and I think many others) is that in recent years past, my summer theme park ticket got me into MK from 9AM to 11 PM (or midnight) most nights, sometimes even longer. Now I only get 9 – 10 PM. For this consumer, I’m getting less. Does Disney have the right to reduce hours? Of course. However, the consumer also has the right to recognize that their vacation value is being eroded. Eventually enough people start feeling that way and Disney will no longer have the WDW “golden goose”.

You know, I can admit when I'm wrong, and now that you say it like that, about the fireworks and parades, it actually does seem kind of absurd to say the base hours are 9 AM to 7 PM.

I'm also not going to say "Disney park hours are subject to change" or "nothing is guaranteed" either, because that would be kind of rude of me. I don't go in the summer, but it must be disappointing to you if you are going the exact same week and the park is closing an hour or two earlier than you are used to, especially when Disney just raised the price of park tickets??? I still love Disney and I want other people to love Disney too, so I hope you still go and have fun!!!

 

[chelynnah]

It's far too a expensive an offering for us to EVER be interested in. I totally get the folks who think a completely empty park would feel creepy...it has to me, the few times I've had areas of the park pretty much to myself (right after rope drop we went to Frontierland and we were the only humans there and it felt really strange, and we also stayed at Epcot until the all the crowds left after Illuminations and strolled out of the park through WS and were the only people there...felt a little zombie apocalypse). But walk-ons are certainly a plus.

I'll freely admit I am rubbing my hands together atop Mount Crumpet hoping this event fails in the long run.

Seriously? What effect does it have on you one way or the other of it fails or Is successful. What impact makes you so selfish as to say you hope it fails when for others it may be something that really works for their personal experience? Just wow SMH

 

[whiporee]

Good Morning, everyone!
I've been keeping up with this thread (trying to, anyway!) and others on the subject of these new evening and morning paid offerings.
It has been very interesting for me to read the comments of other folks who have a different perspective and brought up topics that hadn't occurred to me.
My reaction is this: I think much of the angst people feel about these events is due to the fact that they were offered on such short notice. I think (yes, making assumptions, I know!) most posters on these forums are people who enjoy Disney and/or travel there often. Therefore (extrapolating, I know!), they are aware that it is generally to the benefit of the travel party to make arrangements as far in advance as possible. Disney has trained us to do this, and we have learned how to do so to our own best advantage, whatever each of us determines that to be. When the travelers follow the "rules" Disney has set in place to book hotel, dining, and rides well in advance, they have invested a considerable amount of time and energy into planning their vacation, and they rightly (IMO) have the expectation that those plans will proceed as planned (barring of course any unforeseen issues with rides, weather, illness, etc.). When Disney offers events like this on such short notice, it messes with everyone's pre-planning efforts, and there is a natural emotional response to that. The dates of these events are so close to people's well-made travel plans that there is now no flexibility to change their schedules, and I think most people don't WANT to change their schedules, because now they have been anticipating and looking forward to their trip the way they planned it. I believe most people would have been much more receptive to the evening and morning paid events if Disney had offered them 181 days ahead of the first one (pre-ADR booking window), or at least 61 days ahead (pre-FP+ booking window for on-site guests) because then they would have felt like they had more of a choice about these events and how they might fit (or need to be worked around) with their planning. I know some will say that one day prior to their booking window is not enough time; you can never meet everyone's needs/wants, but that would have at least demonstrated a level of understanding and respect from Disney about the need for travelers to pre-plan which THEY created.
I have read that notice about these events was "leaked" early as it is; wondering why the need to move forward (and how long were they going to wait!?). They postponed the already-announced evening events at AK (which also messed with many people's plans, including mine), so why not postpone these, which hadn't even been officially publicized yet? I'm sure there are a multitude of factors behind-the-scenes that I know nothing about which impacted Disney's decisions, but without the benefit of that information, it is difficult for visitors to accept all of these last-minute changes.

I actually don't think it's that at all. If Disney had given more lead time to the announcement, we would have had six months of complaining instead of two.

People don't like it when they think Disney is not giving them something they want. If there's a common thread to the criticism it's that -- I want to get all I want/can for the ticket I paid for, and Disney is limiting what I get for my money. I get that and usually agree.

What I don't agree with is the villianization of Disney in these -- or any -- processes. it does come down to making money, but that goes both ways. Because for the guests it comes down to spending money. Disney wants to maximize their limited resources, and so do its customers. So, for example, if Disney extended hours to 1 am, and there are 1000 people left in the park, all of whom are walking on and all of whom paid a standard entry ticket, that's not Disney's best use of resources, and as much as patrons may resent them acting in their own interest, it's no different than the consumer acting in their own as well. You don't see customers offering more money on nights when WDW stays open late -- customers are just grateful for the extra time. And on those nights, WDW sees a benefit to their extra costs. But if the benefit doesn't match the cost -- no matter how much other money they company or the park makes -- then it's no different from a customer deciding they aren't going to pay whatever the price may be.

I don't think anyone -- on this thread or any other -- tries to browbeat those who choose not to pay into paying, but there is a lot of criticizing those who think there's value there, and there's a lot of demonization of Disney for doing the exact same thing its customers do. I don't think any of these things are a money grab, because I think Disney makes plenty of money. I think they are trying to find a way to regulate their increasing crowds without turning people away at the gate. I've said before that I think the key might be a split day -- a ticket that gets you in for either 9-8 or 1-12, so both sides have time with smaller access. But I'm just spitballing and there are plenty of other options -- like they could just switch to Disney Nights, and have every day end at 7, and then bring in a new crowd at 5 until 11.

They have limited resources in terms of ride capacity. I know the easy answer is that they should expand, but that's up to them -- Hamilton has sold out through November, but I'd be hard pressed to tell them they're being negligent by not putting four or five productions on the road. I feel the same way about Disney.

 

[whiporee]

I'm pretty sure the 9-7 base hours is there for legal reasons, to take away liability for those days when the park closes at 7. I used to drive a cab in Orlando and that's pretty standard behavior -- you get the car for 12 hours but you're only "charged" for 10, so if there are breakdowns or things the company isn't required to compensate you for the lost time. I imagine that's why Disney claims a 907 base day, because those are the minimum hours it is open.

 

[DOPEYLUVER]

I am working on my taxes and should be doing that instead of playing on the boards. The only reason I am saying that is because I admit that I have not read this entire thread so will probably state something that has been said and beaten to death.

There is no question that Disney is in it for the money. However, how many of us have been asked to take a survey. Many, many, many people have been complaining about the crowds. So how can this be addressed? Disney raises the prices and while everyone complains, the crowds keep coming. I've seen threads where people say they would like stroller free days at Disney. They would like kid-free days at Disney. While this certainly doesn't guarantee those things, I do think the pricing is going to keep families to a minimum. My next trip to Disney is with a friend. Each of us pays our own way, so it is "only" going to cost us each $150. I am almost in disbelief that I am even considering going but I am - considering it.

 

[Lucius Best]

Seriously? What effect does it have on you one way or the other of it fails or Is successful. What impact makes you so selfish as to say you hope it fails when for others it may be something that really works for their personal experience? Just wow SMH

You seem really angry?? When Disney makes changes, some people are going to like it, and some people won't.People are entitled to their opinion. I don't know why this person is hoping for the After Hours events to fail, but that's fine, I'm guessing they are worried that it will negatively affect their next vacation, either with crowds, or fewer late nights at MK? Maybe they are worried over nothing, but it's their vacation, and they are paying for it, so they are entitled to be a little "selfish" with what they hope Disney does in the future. Either way, I'm not going to worry about it.

 

[serenitynow]

Maybe it's time to close this thread

 

[Kimberly9701]

I've said this on multiple threads-

I think it sounds wonderful for a 5 night or less stay!!! I would definitely just purchase 4 days tickets and the 5th do this event!

 

[Kimberly9701]

I am working on my taxes and should be doing that instead of playing on the boards. The only reason I am saying that is because I admit that I have not read this entire thread so will probably state something that has been said and beaten to death.

There is no question that Disney is in it for the money. However, how many of us have been asked to take a survey. Many, many, many people have been complaining about the crowds. So how can this be addressed? Disney raises the prices and while everyone complains, the crowds keep coming. I've seen threads where people say they would like stroller free days at Disney. They would like kid-free days at Disney. While this certainly doesn't guarantee those things, I do think the pricing is going to keep families to a minimum. My next trip to Disney is with a friend. Each of us pays our own way, so it is "only" going to cost us each $150. I am almost in disbelief that I am even considering going but I am - considering it.

I've been to WDW soooo many times as an adult sans kids. I know 100% that we would have chosen this option every time.
Lower crowds, short lines, lack of masses of strollers.
I hope you do it! Have a wonderful time and please report back!

 

[hiroMYhero]

Here's a friendly reminder to please follow the posting guidelines. Everyone is entitled to share their own objective and subjective opinions on the after hours topic.

In order that folks keep in mind DISboards rules the link is posted below

here.

Posts and posters are expected to comply with these guidelines at all times.

You may disagree with a poster’s viewpoint, and discuss the issue, but no name calling, being sarcastic or personal attacks.

It is often good advice if you see a thread or post which your are unhappy with to walk away and give yourself a time out. Alternatively use the report post button which will alert all the moderators and the webmasters to any post, where appropriate action if necessary will be taken. If you add a comment yourself you may also face infractions as per the guidelines.

 

[chelynnah]

I feel like a lot of people just have no perspective on how this event can impact those of us who have actual short term travel plans in place.

How would you feel if 8 weeks before your vacation in Oct/Nov/Dec Disney decided to have Halloween or Christmas Parties every single night you planned - 6/7 months in advance - to be at MK?

Actually for our trip last November (planned for over a year and offsite, so no EMH) Disney changed their opening hours 4 weeks in advance (to some benefit in that they opened slightly earlier a couple of days and slightly later another couple). For some who had got that elusive preopening ADR 6 months earlier that sucked. They also decided to film the Christmas parade 3 of those days (instead of December like they usually do). OMGosh you'd think the world ended the way some people blew up. One of those parade days was non-negotiable as a MK day for us Bit I chose not to let it bother me in the slightest. Were those changes a bit inconvenient. Maybe. But I got to see some things I never would have, we reworked a couple of FPs and we had an AWESOME day (and got to see Reba McIntyre live along with several other artists).

I refuse to let 'what ifs' ruin my vacation. We work and plan long and hard for these (live in UK so can't go as often as many), but we know stuff happens and are always prepared to roll with whatever happens. Life is too short to get your panties in a bunch over every little maybe. And of a couple of hours change here or there (for good or bad) in the grand scheme of life is honestly not that big a deal. Disappointing yes, end of the world, I don't think so.

On a similar note, all this doomsday, what if crap being spouted over these DAH is just ridiculous. Nowhere have they hinted at removing EMH, nowhere have they taken away any hours to create this event, or hinted that they will. People have said for years they would pay extra for a later experience (esp those offsite) and that's what this is.

Seriously, it is what it is. Go, enjoy your vacation the way you like, appreciate others may do it differently, and accept the fact that Disney CAN and DOES alter their hours whenever they like. I don't hear people complaining when those changes benefit them. So accept that sometimes they won't, roll with it, and enjoy being in the most magical place on earth.

 

[megs1313]

This may have already been said, but I just got home from WDW and am only now having a chance to sit at a computer and type out my experience on thursday evening at MK. i DID NOT have an after hours ticket. We were there with our kids and fireworks at 10 was as late as we could stay anyway.

Here is what happened:

I saw two younger women in the bathroom behind tomorrowland terrace cafe wearing their after hours badges. It seemed likely to me that they were CMs there for free. Earlier in the day, there had been speculation on here that CMs would get in free just like DVC and I wanted to know if it was true. The CMs were actually very chatty. Here is what they said:

1. Yes the CMs were offered free tickets for thursday.

2. The circulating rumor among CMs was that ONLY 200 tickets were sold for the event prior to opening up to DVC.

3. The event was intentionally under-advertised, because Disney expected it to sell out quickly.

4. The CMs asked me a lot of questions about why I wasn't attending and said "they're going to want to know about this at work tomorrow, so this is helpful."

5. The CMs said this event is targeted for people traveling without children and for OFF PEAK season. The morning hours event will be aimed more at families during the summer than the after hours event.

6. The CMs said Disney was particularly concerned about whether this event (or its sister event in the morning) would impact a guest's plans to attend party events or other special experiences (like CRT or Wishes Dessert Party). They were confused as to why the others sell so well and then this not so much.

I gave my feedback. I told them they needed to lower the price. I said it made me more interested in MNSSHP or MVMCP because those seemed to have more value than this for a family like mine. I'm sorry if this is repeat information. Like I said, I'm just now home from my trip. It was very obvious to me that CMs had been given free passes based on who was entering the park near closing. If I was one of those 200 who paid, I would be PISSED.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Seriously, it is what it is. Go, enjoy your vacation the way you like, appreciate others may do it differently, and accept the fact that Disney CAN and DOES alter their hours whenever they like. I don't hear people complaining when those changes benefit them. So accept that sometimes they won't, roll with it, and enjoy being in the most magical place on earth.

Yes, yes, yes.

 

[3smithboys]

DH and I are going for a week in June just the two of us to celebrate our 24th anniversary. I suffer from severe migraines, so our park time is limited. Last night I was telling DH about the feedback from the first evening event... he is not one who ever wants to pay extra for anything...

To my surprise he said that if they offered this during our June trip that he might consider it. I was shocked, I wasn't even sure I was considering it; however, he said that if it meant that there was a day that he could get me out of the heat and we could relax... and be guaranteed a low crowd MK evening... it might be worth it since it's just the 2 of us. Now if we had the kids with us - no way we'd pay for 5!!!

I'm still interested in hearing the feedback from a few more evenings to see what more people have to say before we jump on the bandwagon... (and the dates have to be extended, of course....)

 

[chelynnah]

You seem really angry?? When Disney makes changes, some people are going to like it, and some people won't.People are entitled to their opinion. I don't know why this person is hoping for the After Hours events to fail, but that's fine, I'm guessing they are worried that it will negatively affect their next vacation, either with crowds, or fewer late nights at MK? Maybe they are worried over nothing, but it's their vacation, and they are paying for it, so they are entitled to be a little "selfish" with what they hope Disney does in the future. Either way, I'm not going to worry about it.

Did you read the whole of the quote I was replying to (in particular the last line)?

I'm not angry at all, just gobsmacked at the idea that someone is 'gleefully rubbing their hands together hoping it fails'. That isn't really expressing an opinion, it's just plain not nice

 

[sunshine1]

This may have already been said, but I just got home from WDW and am only now having a chance to sit at a computer and type out my experience on thursday evening at MK. i DID NOT have an after hours ticket. We were there with our kids and fireworks at 10 was as late as we could stay anyway.

Here is what happened:

I saw two younger women in the bathroom behind tomorrowland terrace cafe wearing their after hours badges. It seemed likely to me that they were CMs there for free. Earlier in the day, there had been speculation on here that CMs would get in free just like DVC and I wanted to know if it was true. The CMs were actually very chatty. Here is what they said:

1. Yes the CMs were offered free tickets for thursday.

2. The circulating rumor among CMs was that ONLY 200 tickets were sold for the event prior to opening up to DVC.

3. The event was intentionally under-advertised, because Disney expected it to sell out quickly.

4. The CMs asked me a lot of questions about why I wasn't attending and said "they're going to want to know about this at work tomorrow, so this is helpful."

5. The CMs said this event is targeted for people traveling without children and for OFF PEAK season. The morning hours event will be aimed more at families during the summer than the after hours event.

6. The CMs said Disney was particularly concerned about whether this event (or its sister event in the morning) would impact a guest's plans to attend party events or other special experiences (like CRT or Wishes Dessert Party). They were confused as to why the others sell so well and then this not so much.

I gave my feedback. I told them they needed to lower the price. I said it made me more interested in MNSSHP or MVMCP because those seemed to have more value than this for a family like mine. I'm sorry if this is repeat information. Like I said, I'm just now home from my trip. It was very obvious to me that CMs had been given free passes based on who was entering the park near closing. If I was one of those 200 who paid, I would be PISSED.

Thanks for this info.

 

[Jennasis]

Did you read the whole of the quote I was replying to (in particular the last line)?

I'm not angry at all, just gobsmacked at the idea that someone is 'gleefully rubbing their hands together hoping it fails'. That isn't really expressing an opinion, it's just plain not nice

As i said....I've been dabbling in villainy.