P.O.C Refurb - What to do?

[NaturalNine]

Hi All

Travelling all the way over from Perth Australia for a month in southern california, hoping I can get some advice from you on the refurb of Pirates.

Our original plan, was the following:

Check in 1st March Disneyland Hotel, Check out 3rd March Disneyland Hotel
6th of March - 14th March - Airbnb very close to Disneyland
Spend 3/1, 3/2, 3/3 and 3/6-3/13 in the parks (With plenty of breaks etc), so all up 10 days at DL/DCA

Unfortunately I've now seen P.O.C is down for refurb and not likely to reopen until 15th of March. One of our absolute favourite rides from our last trip back in 2013 was POC and we were especially looking forward to taking our 2 year old daughter on this ride as it's probably the most thrilling of the rides without a height restriction. So we're pretty bummed...

We have the 10 day pass that is available to Australian's but the condition of it is the 10 days must be consumed within 14 days of first use. We are in Southern California until the 26th of March so my absolute preferred option, would be to speak with guest relations about our disappointment of the ride closure and the fact we've travelled half way around the world, and this combined with everything else thats closed for Star Wars Land etc, it's really disappointing so would they be able to extend the validity of our tickets, i.e.: We'd still only have 10 days on the passes, but rather than having to consume them in 14 days could they give us 21 days and that way we can "Save" the last day on our passes to return when POC is back up and running - do you think they'd be willing and able to do this?

Alternatively, I'm considering cancelling my DLH Accomodation (Which I really don't want to do), Miss the first 3 days of March in Disneyland (Which I also don't really want to do as it'll be the quietest) and schedule our first DL Day on the 6th of March, so we'd then go to the parks 6th of March to the 13th and return on Saturday the 18th and maybe also Sunday the 19th. By doing this, we'll run into much higher crowds, not get to stay at DLH (As other accomodation is already sorted) and even then, what if we did this and POC was still not back open due to delays etc?

Really would like your advice on this if possible?

Thanks in advance

 

[Geemo]

Hi All

Travelling all the way over from Perth Australia for a month in southern california, hoping I can get some advice from you on the refurb of Pirates.

Our original plan, was the following:

Check in 1st March Disneyland Hotel, Check out 3rd March Disneyland Hotel
6th of March - 14th March - Airbnb very close to Disneyland
Spend 3/1, 3/2, 3/3 and 3/6-3/13 in the parks (With plenty of breaks etc), so all up 10 days at DL/DCA

Unfortunately I've now seen P.O.C is down for refurb and not likely to reopen until 15th of March. One of our absolute favourite rides from our last trip back in 2013 was POC and we were especially looking forward to taking our 2 year old daughter on this ride as it's probably the most thrilling of the rides without a height restriction. So we're pretty bummed...

We have the 10 day pass that is available to Australian's but the condition of it is the 10 days must be consumed within 14 days of first use. We are in Southern California until the 26th of March so my absolute preferred option, would be to speak with guest relations about our disappointment of the ride closure and the fact we've travelled half way around the world, and this combined with everything else thats closed for Star Wars Land etc, it's really disappointing so would they be able to extend the validity of our tickets, i.e.: We'd still only have 10 days on the passes, but rather than having to consume them in 14 days could they give us 21 days and that way we can "Save" the last day on our passes to return when POC is back up and running - do you think they'd be willing and able to do this?

Alternatively, I'm considering cancelling my DLH Accomodation (Which I really don't want to do), Miss the first 3 days of March in Disneyland (Which I also don't really want to do as it'll be the quietest) and schedule our first DL Day on the 6th of March, so we'd then go to the parks 6th of March to the 13th and return on Saturday the 18th and maybe also Sunday the 19th. By doing this, we'll run into much higher crowds, not get to stay at DLH (As other accomodation is already sorted) and even then, what if we did this and POC was still not back open due to delays etc?

Really would like your advice on this if possible?

Thanks in advance

I really don't see Disney extending your pass from 14 days to 21 days. I'd hate for you to get an okay response when you ask, only to have it not honored when you are actually trying to get through the gates.

Not trying to mean here.... However, I'm sure guest relation CM's have heard it all regarding peoples disappointment to ride closures. Whether due to StarWars Land or scheduled refurbishments.

Refurbishments are know to be a little erratic compared to what is scheduled. You might get lucky and have it open while you're there.
If not you'd be better off purchasing a one day ticket if POTC is truly open at the end of your stay in the USA.

Geemo

 

[Gisele]

I really don't see Disney extending your pass from 14 days to 21 days. I'd hate for you to get an okay response when you ask, only to have it not honored when you are actually trying to get through the gates.

Not trying to mean here.... However, I'm sure guest relation CM's have heard it all regarding peoples disappointment to ride closures. Whether due to StarWars Land or scheduled refurbishments.

Refurbishments are know to be a little erratic compared to what is scheduled. You might get lucky and have it open while you're there.
If not you'd be better off purchasing a one day ticket if POTC is truly open at the end of your stay in the USA.

Geemo

Two thumbs up and a bag of Cheetos!

 

[Gisele]

It is possible that the POTC will have a soft opening or just simply re-open prior to the 15 of March. Maybe the 13th or 14? It's been known to happen before regarding refurbishments opening back up.

 

[NaturalNine]

If not you'd be better off purchasing a one day ticket if POTC is truly open at the end of your stay in the USA.

Geemo

mmmm $414 for one ride (Family of 5), after already being in the parks for 10 days, I think not... Not after already coughing up $15k+++ to visit.

Thanks for the advice all the same - let's hope for an early opening date or a compassionate guest relations.

 

[VandVsmama]

Yes, $414 is a lot for just one ride. However, if your travel plans also include going to Sea World, Legoland, the San Diego zoo, and Universal Studios, each of those (especially Universal Studios) could be about that same amount for park admission.

Unfortunately, I highly doubt that Guest Relations will allow you to have a 21 day window to use your tickets. You could always inquire with them before your trip.

 

[NaturalNine]

Mmmmm but a day at universal would give me much better value than a day at Disney to do just one ride

I wouldn't be asking for free days off Disney - just extended validity to use what I've paid for

Anyway - I'll hit them up when I arrive and see how I go - face to face is always more influential than an anonymous person on email/telephone

 

[Frozen2014]

Don't have an answer for you but just posting as I totally understand. We're coming in August and we were looking at changing the week we come for one ride as well (Haunted Mansion will be closed end of August which is our ideal week). At our WDW trip, DD loved this ride so much that when we returned she kept asking when we can go to Haunted Mansion again (as opposed to when we can go to Disney again)...and now with our planned trip, she'll miss it. Dh convinced me that for one ride it's not worth changing our trip, but totally get your dilemma. Sounds like you may have a compromise (by giving up other options such as the hotel and larger crowds) but guess you just have to see what is more worth it. You're coming from far so it's not a black and white answer. Whatever you decide, you'll have an amazing trip.

 

[MacMama0930]

I would try to reach out to someone before your trip, because isn't the alternative canceling your stay at DLH? It's hard to say, because you'd hate to rearrange your plans and then maybe have POTC open a couple of days early! Honestly, if I were you, I'd ask a CM now, in email so the answer is in writing. If the answer is no, I would not cancel your DLH stay. I think the magic of staying onsite and having those relatively low crowds the first days of March (I'll be there too!!) will be better than the magic of one ride, one that will be crazy crowded after being down, ya know what I mean? I sympathize with you! I was so disappointed when I planned my November trip, only to have Disney finalize the entertainment two weeks before my trip - and PTN was NOT on my days. I wanted to see that parade so bad, it was one of the reasons why I booked my trip! But I got over the disappointment and had an amazing time!! Enjoy your trip!

 

[closetmickey]

The only thing I would caution about changing dates is this....you never know when additional rides will be added, possibly to your new dates. Last summer a Soarin closure was announced for our trip just a few weeks out.

 

[Butterfly123]

The only thing I would caution about changing dates is this....you never know when additional rides will be added, possibly to your new dates. Last summer a Soarin closure was announced for our trip just a few weeks out.

Yes! And sometimes instead of early soft openings, the openings are delayed. It's very hard to predict.

 

[disneychrista]

Is changing the dates of your stay at the DLH an option? If so I would call and explain and see if they can change your dates.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I would stick to your current plans and miss PotC. I know it's one of the best rides. It's my favorite. But, it's not worth the extra headache. Enjoy everything else. I hate to say it, but they're not likely to take pity on you due to the SWL closures. Many have tried to take advantage of that and all I know of have failed. Disney doesn't care if you've traveled half-way across the world because ultimately, a lot of people have done the same. I hope whatever you decide works out for you and that you have a great time!

 

[Monstropolis]

I would stick to your current plans and miss PotC. I know it's one of the best rides. It's my favorite. But, it's not worth the extra headache. Enjoy everything else. I hate to say it, but they're not likely to take pity on you due to the SWL closures. Many have tried to take advantage of that and all I know of have failed. Disney doesn't care if you've traveled half-way across the world because ultimately, a lot of people have done the same. I hope whatever you decide works out for you and that you have a great time!

Couldn't agree more. We are in a similar position coming from Perth and having POC closed, but it is what it is. I'm not going to let some closures ruin a entire trip for me and my family. Still plenty of things to see and do. Goodluck if you give it a go though

 

[NaturalNine]

THanks all I'll be keeping the current dates and booking, we did WDW in December 2014 and the crowds drove me nuts, so having the quieter start of March will be a big advantage for us before the spring break crowds kick in.

I'll definitely still try my luck at Guest Relations when at the park, fingers crossed I have some luck

 

[catmegs]

NaturalNine whereabouts did you get your 10 day park tickets? We are from New Zealand and used to see them advertised on travel agent websites here. Now they appear gone- can't find them anymore on any Aussie sites either

 

[Monstropolis]

NaturalNine whereabouts did you get your 10 day park tickets? We are from New Zealand and used to see them advertised on travel agent websites here. Now they appear gone- can't find them anymore on any Aussie sites either

I know you didn't ask me, but I got my families 10 day hoppers from Kirsten at Magical Mouse Holidays. Not sure if she see services NZ though, so maybe just ask,

 

[catmegs]

I know you didn't ask me, but I got my families 10 day hoppers from Kirsten at Magical Mouse Holidays. Not sure if she see services NZ though, so maybe just ask,

Awesome- thank you!!

 

[NaturalNine]

NaturalNine whereabouts did you get your 10 day park tickets? We are from New Zealand and used to see them advertised on travel agent websites here. Now they appear gone- can't find them anymore on any Aussie sites either

Heya, I know they're available from here: http://magicalmouseholidays.com.au/Disneyland/10-day-disneyland-vacation-pass

I bought mine through Flight Centre, I have a contact who would sell you some via email if that helps? They can take credit card over the phone/email with no fee's too and then just email you the vouchers. P.M Me if you want his details - I paid $1840 Australian for 3 adults and 1 child

 

[sophies*mom]

Of course it doesn't hurt to try, but like others have said it's most likely not gonna happen (as far as extending ticket expirations). Even if one person says yes, Disney is notorious for not giving the same correct info twice, so *if* one person says yes, another person you encounter, at the turnstiles for instance, probably wouldn't honor it anyway.
I do hope you figure out a way to make your trip worthwhile though!