Park hours? What's going on?

[hopemax]

I theorize that average Disney guests have it better than we do because they aren't concerned with the economic well-being of the company. Their only concerns are am I having fun, am I getting my money's worth. They are hampered with thoughts like "I really don't like this but I want the company to succeed."

Yes, it's reasonable that Disney needs to make some cutbacks now. But how far should those cutbacks extend? Cutting back so far that people no longer thing it's worth the expense of a trip doesn't seem to be a good move. As much as I love Disney I'm not going to put their financial status above the financial status of my family. If these cutbacks spell the difference between being profits and losses, then I'll support Disney. If these cutbacks means the difference between a profit greater or less than last year, or even a profit a little less or a lot less than last year, as long as a profit is still being made, I support the guests.

 

[All Aboard]

Well I'll throw in a little first hand experience with the hours cuts. We just spent 5 nights at the World. Other than Saturday, we could do just about anything we wanted at any time that we wanted to. We stayed on Splash Mountain over and over and over again. Space Mountain, Tower, (and even at times) Test Track were all walk-ons. How about a great seat for Fantasmic, right before it started? You got it. Want to stand at the rail for Illuminations even though it just started? No problem. Want to experience every single attraction in the park in about a third of the time (or less) than it would normally take you? Have at it.

Let me tell you, the couple of hours that they cut from the operating schedule had absolutely no impact on the value that I received from WDW these past 5 days. In fact, I received more value than I ever have in the past.

None of the guests I talked to fretted over a few lost hours. Instead, they all talked about how amazing it was that there were so few people and that you were able to experience everything in such a short period of time.

Nope, nothing lost on me on this one. In fact, I'd probably say that I speak for most of the folks that have been there recently. On Monday after the 4:30 parade preview, the park emptied. Why? Because the vast majority of folks there had experienced everything in the park already, despite it being open for another 3 and a half hours. There were about 5 other tables with diners at Hollywood and Vine that night.

I'm just trying to give some first hand perspective on how low the guest volume is right now. If WDW DIDN'T take some cost cutting measures, it would be terribly irresponsible.

On the other hand, I've never seen as many characters out as I did in the last week. And with so few people there, you could spend lots of time with them.

 

[DVC-Landbaron]

On the other hand, I've never seen as many characters out as I did in the last week. And with so few people there, you could spend lots of time with them.

Well, at least that last bit gives me hope!

Thanks Gcurling!!

 

[DVC-Landbaron]

Landbaron, you pied piper of the Chicken Little Fifedom

How can someone that's so wrong, almost all the time, turn such a nice phrase!?!?

 

[renknt]

I don't have to read Jim Hill anymore (insert fanfare )
and here is a 21 bounce salute



DVCLANDBARON is back


I have missed youe pointed observations







Michael W Young

 

[Planogirl]

This (mostly) lurker says that it's great to see you all discussing these things again. Keep it up please! I love how I agree and disagree with so many of you at the same time.

I don't mind shortened hours at all IF Disney doesn't completely shut down too many places. That's when I start fretting. Those places that Disney has been supposedly contemplating shutting down like COP could be history soon but I intend to stay optimistic and hope that Disney will wait.

Now resume discussion.

 

[JeffJewell]

...a rumor in another thread that Disney is offering free resort nights with the purchase of admission media.

If true, that's precisely the kind of thing that would likely entice some customers who would otherwise have waited for their trip.

Jeff

 

[YoHo]

The key here and gcurling illustrates it well is that we are at unprecendented park attendence levels right now. It has likely never been this bad. We cannot judge whether the choices the company has made are correct or not until we look at it from the future. Landbaron, your rehtoric while laudable has no baring on this situation in that there is absolutly ZERO to compare it to. Walt NEVER had his park empty to near zero due to world events. We're dealing with a situation where if you tried to stay in the park from opening to midnight you would spend the majority of the day twiddling your thumbs since you've ridden and seen everything multiple times. I suppose that if you wouldn't mind that for the pure joy of being there at midnight, then that great for you, but I would guess 99% of guests would disagree which means Disney is doing something responsible for themselves and not hurting the guests. Think of your ticket as the entrance fee to expireance everything Disney has to offer. If you can finish everything you want to do in 2 days, but bought the 5 day pass, because that's how long it usually takes you, have you gotten less value? not really, you've gotten more value. Further if yous stay 5 days, you may get the value of 8 days. And yet the park is closing earlier then ever before.

The knee jerk reaction that less hours is less value simply doesn't apply right now.

 

[DisDuck]

As I consider myself a charter member of Car#1, its good to see the Captain return to the fold. I, currently, plan on leaving early November for the West Coast and my first DL visit. However, if my airline rescheduling collapses then I am off to WDW (just need to recycle my timeshare), less hours or not.

The idea of smaller crowds even with less hours intrigues me as in the past I have been mostly a Disney Commando. My wife complains that she doesn't get enough time to shop and browse. Well now she would. In fact, I will be able for the first time, sit back and smell the flowers and enjoy some of the other treats (like characters, street shows, etc) that I have spent little time at.

I think it is good business to reduce overhead expenses in this time of indecision. The stories of layoffs within Disney have actually turned out to be furloughs, the CM's are keeping their Id's. This says to me that Disney is not forsaking the future that they expect a near return to normal and want to be prepared. There has also been commentary here that Eisner has seen the light (its a shame that it took this long to occur) and that the future does hold promise for us fanatics.

So lets get our carpool together because right now it is the only way I can get into NYC when I need to.

 

[JeffJewell]

Further if yous stay 5 days, you may get the value of 8 days

That's actually a very good selling point for Disney to take advantage of right now.

When I say that, I'm speaking of selling to "the masses." Most folks savvy enough to have found the DIS know that the slower the season, the better the trip; that's not news to us.

And as you point out, right now is the slowest season, like, _ever_.

So the question I'd ask...

Whether or not you can convince _me_ that it's a better value; will Joe, Mary, and little Billy Lunchpail see it that way this fall?

Jeff

PS: I'm actually horrified at the thought that the first week in December, always a "fan favorite" vacation time, will now stand out as some of the busiest days this year: those of us who've planned ahead to be there that week specifically, probably won't be discouraged by the world's current batch of lunatics. This is likely why it's been so hard to get specific PS's and things like cruises this year: everyone going that week knows how to give themselves the best shot to get them. You'd better have at least three phones, kid. Still got those pre-MVMCP MK PS's ahead of us...

 

[tony9000]

It has been awhile for me posting. A good friend of mine was on the way to WDW on Sept 11th. They were at JFK at 8:30am waiting to board a flight. They were to meet family that was already in WDW 2 days before. Well as we all know the world changed that day and I think so did how many of us vacation. My friend said they felt trapped and cut-off from their family one in NY and the Other half in FL. They had planned this trip for 1 year. It was to be the WDW vacation of a life time. Now they say there not sure if they are going back again this year, or next. They had planned to be part of the DIS conv., but had to back out. As I read these boards I see the people that are so "Disney" and those that are looking for the total vacation. As my friends said, "It will be hard for me to get on a plane again", well I am sure that many people all over this great country feel the same way and we can sure see the results. The crowds are small at WDW and not many are flying these days. I can agree and disagree with many posts on this board, but the truth is that each one that posted is right. It is how they feel and that is what the USA is all about, Freedom, freedom to think for themselves. I do believe that Disney needs to be working with the airlines and making deals to get people back. However they do it they need to do it fast . As in Vegas and Atlantic City they give you free or discount rooms, and they know they will make it up in the long run. Disney needs to make sure that they make the people happy and get them back to the parks, they will make it up( for the stock holders) in the long run. Now, Mr Eisner as I think you should be reading these boards and finding out what your Disney Vacation Fans feel. You can learn much here. All the best to all.

 

[C.Ann]

I can hardly believe what I'm reading here.. Over 7000 people are presumed dead and the thread here is soley centered on whether or not you're going to get the biggest bang for your buck at Disney World?? I was IN Disney World when this horrific act of terrorism took place and between that and Tropical Storm Gabrielle the entire first week of our vacation was pretty much wiped out.. There was plenty we didn't get to see or do but when you look at the "big" picture it's so totally insignificant it's hardly worth a mention.. I happen to live in New York - was 1,325 miles away from my husband and the rest of my family when this madness broke out - and my only concern was getting back home so we could all be together again.. Our country is at WAR - there are hundreds of unaccounted for terrorists running around loose on Amercian soil.. If not seeing a parade, having shorter park hours, or not being able to get the most for your buck is so upsetting then stay home and reschedule.. No one is forcing you to go now.. I realize that these trips have been planned months - even years - in advance - so was ours - but let's get a grip here.. Getting to Disney World and "seeing it all" should not be at the top of anyones priority list right now.. Getting down on your knees and thanking God that we're all still alive SHOULD be.. And while you're down there you might also want to say a prayer that the NEXT act of terroism isn't even worse!

 

[DVC-Landbaron]

Renknt writes:

DVC-LANDBARON is back

Awe Renknt, I'm blushin' all over!!!!

DisDuck writes:

In fact, I will be able for the first time, sit back and smell the flowers and enjoy some of the other treats (like characters, street shows, etc) that I have spent little time at.

See Dis. This is one of the reasons I insist on later hours. Maybe not now (Strange days indeed!) but normally. Half the fun I have at Disney is sitting back and just enjoying the ambience! People watching. A slow stroll through the lands. Maybe even hours between 'rides'. I think that's why World Showcase is my favorite. With the MK, at night, a very close second!! The late hours make that possible. It makes it less of an amusement park (running from ride to ride) and more of a theme park (a place that doesn't really need any 'rides', it's just an experience on it's own)!!

There has also been commentary here that Eisner has seen the light (its a shame that it took this long to occur)

Careful Dis!! Keep up that kind of talk and you'll find yourself in car # 2 faster than you can say 'Ei$ner Basher'!!

C.Ann writes:

I can hardly believe what I'm reading here.. Over 7000 people are presumed dead and the thread here is solely centered on whether or not you're going to get the biggest bang for your buck at Disney World??

Yep!! As President Bush says, it's time to try to get back to normal. And for us this is normal. Or as normal as we can possibly get!

I understand your feelings. CNN and MSNBC are on in my house almost 24 by 7. And I must say that the absolute slowest time I've ever witnessed on these boards was the day of Sept. 11th and a couple days following it. But slowly we are starting to get back to normal. Actually, other than a few short remarks on a thread or two, this is the first one I've delved into since 9-11.

I realize that these trips have been planned months - even years - in advance - so was ours - but let's get a grip here.. Getting to Disney World and "seeing it all" should not be at the top of anyones priority list right now.. Getting down on your knees and thanking God that we're all still alive SHOULD be.

At the risk of diving too much off-topic, I must say I totally disagree!! By dwelling on the events to the exclusion of normal, routine, everyday trivia seems to me to be empowering the terrorists. Something I refuse to do!!! If you care to dwell on this event I'm sure you can find all sorts of message boards devoted to the subject. Heck, just go to the debate Board here on the Dis. But this Board is dedicated to the exploration of the business side of Disney and the confirmation of rumors about Disney. And business goes on even in these strange times. And for me, this little internet site is a very welcome diversion from the real world! I guess what I'm asking is that while you may not agree with our content and/or subject matter or the timing of such, please don't rain on our parade!! For us it's a little piece of sanity (and admitted trivia) in a seemly insane world!

For you it may not be the right time, but for me it is. Or as Planogirl writes:

This (mostly) lurker says that it's great to see you all discussing these things again. Keep it up please!

I guess that most of us feel the same way.

 

[C.Ann]

Sorry, but I don't think that thanking God I'm alive and praying that nothing worse happens is "dwelling on this event.." I happen to live in New York and this has hit home particularly hard for me and my family.. Perhaps if you were a little closer to the situation you might not take the "bury your head in the sand" route.. Do we need to get back to normal? Sure - but your "normal" isn't necessarily the same as MY normal.. I wonder what "normal" is for the families of those 7000 people that died?

My intent was not to "rain on your parade" but simply to point out that if seeing a parade is the top priority in ones life then perhaps instead of whining about it the trip should be rescheduled.. There's still plenty to see and do in DW even if hours and events are changed and/or cancelled.. To bash Disney for the acts of these terrorists is ludicrous..

The choice remains the same.. Go and take what you can get or stay home until you can get it ALL..

 

[All Aboard]

C. Ann,

The parade is not at the top of our priority list. But, sometimes it seems that debating every decision that Disney makes is. And, quite honestly, like Landbaron says -- that is life as usual for us folks. You see, we even meet in person to do this stuff. Now I know that the term "get a life" is entering your mind right now, but it's what we do with a portion of our free time.

But, to your points directly. I think you are calling into question our sensitivity to the families effected by the tragedy -- simply because we continue to debate the finer points of Disney's actions. With all due respect, I've gotta disagree with you there. To use your word - it would be ludicrous for us to mince every word or thought right now and walk on eggshells.

There's no reason why folks cannot disagree with the methods WDW is taking to deal with the situation of very low attendance.

And **THAT'S** what they are dealing with. Not the tragedy, not the losses of lives. No, they are dealing with the impact on them. And that's the reduced attendance.

So, when we debate the choices WDW is making right now, we are not in any way belittling the atrocities that took place, or the tragedy of the loss of so many lives. I can assure you that we are all as angry and saddened as anyone.

But I do apologize if this thread has caused you grief. That's not the intent. As Landbaron said, it's just business as usual around here.

 

[alice-d]

My 2 cents for what it's worth. Everytime some person has tried to vent a complaint recently they are getting slapped on the hands with a .. how can you be so trivial at a time like this..response. IMHO... what happened on Sept 11th is horrible, but these are the DIS Boards and they are the appropriate place for discussing Disney Trips good and bad. Disney was reducing hours before this happened. I think Disney is less than clear sometimes with its' information, and people are just responding to having the rug pulled out from under their planning. I also think that anyone dealing with customer service needs to learn to say the words...We are sorry for the inconvience...(On the flip side back in the 80's when things were traditionaly slower in the off months the only park open at night was EPCOT and the nightime parade and fireworks at Magic Kingdom was never held in months like October and November, just during the busy seasons like the summer, Christmas week and Spring Break. Disneyland used to be closed on Mondays.)

 

[DVC-Landbaron]

Sorry, but I don't think that thanking God I'm alive and praying that nothing worse happens is "dwelling on this event.."

It is if you're on the Rumors and News Board of the DIS!! We've got a Community Board for the praying and hoping, and a wonderful Debate Board for all sorts of ethic/legal/moral questions you may have surrounding the events. Post there. Have fun. I may join you. But here we talk about how stupid (or smart) Disney is for making a certain business move. Nothing more. And certainly nothing less!!

Perhaps if you were a little closer to the situation you might not take the "bury your head in the sand" route

Ahhhh! Quick to judge, are we? I happen to be very good friends with a couple in New York. My daughter spent the entire summer with them this year. The wife of this couple worked at the World Trade Center. On the 85th floor of tower one!! We had a horrible Tuesday until about noon when we found out that she first visited a branch office on the way in to work that day!! Two of her very close co-workers were not so fortunate. They are among the missing. But I'll let you know if they suddenly turn up!

To bash Disney for the acts of these terrorists is ludicrous

Well! You made me read this stupid thread all the way through again just to be sure. There were a lot of dumb comments (some by me) and some very insightful remarks. But nowhere did I find any allusion of Disney bashing, especially for the acts of the terrorists!! Just what did you have in mind?

Now, to try and bring this thing back on topic I have a question for you C.Ann. Just what business alterations should Disney take in the near future? Should they lower prices to attract customers. Should they bunker down and cut costs until the crisis is over? Should they advertise more or less? Will that make a difference? Should all night time activities stop? Maybe they should add more with the hope of enticing guests to Orlando? Just what specific business moves will satisfy the customer, boost attendance, increase revenue, decrease costs, minimally affect the SHOW and at the same time, most importantly, raise shareholder value? I await your reply.

 

[YoHo]

Just an Aside.

What happened in New York is a Tragedy the likes of which no livng american has ever seen. The mere act of me commenting on it trivializes it. HOWEVER, it is now time to get back to normal. Knowledgable people have been saying that many americans are in shock. supposedly, if you watched more then 2 hours of continuous newscoverage on Sept 11, then you are clinically in SHOCK. Every moment we spend not going about our normal lives is a moment that the terroists have won from us. There is time for greiving. there will be greiving for a long long time, but not behaving like normal, not getting back on track with our vacations, with our lives, with our shopping, then not only will the terorists have stolen the lives of those killed, but they will have stolen the lives of every american and will have destroyed the country in which we live. This is unacceptable. So I say, Debate the irrelevent. Discuss trivialities. We need to act like normal, go buy that new car. (I wish I had money for a down payment. 0% financing on 5 year car loans is completely insane. NOT buying a car right now would be supremely stupid.) And by all mans, on the Disney Rumours and news board, Debate and discuss rumours and news. If we don't or arent' aloud to, then I suggest we petition Pete to have the whole thing shut down, because its a waste of money and bandwidth.



Just to reiterate, I mean no Disrespect. I was lucky enough that the people I know that live in New York were out of Harms way. I greive with everyone for those that were not.



Incidently, I was aware that Disneyland used to be closed mondays, although I didn't think that continued in the eighties. I've also been aware that in the past, MK was only open til midnight during the traditionally busy season. What has happened, and I don't have exact figures to back this up, but base it on when Disney changes their hotel rates is that the classically busy times are not as busy as they used to be for any number of reasons, while at the same time, the classically slow seasons have picked up slightly.

 

[DisDuck]

Just checked DL hours and schedule as still planning to be there 1st week of November. MK opened till 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights while DCA opened to 8pm on Friday and 10pm on Saturday. Rest of week closing early (didn't check specifics as won't be there during the week).

So right now no changes on the West Coast. If anyone knows differently, please let me know.

 

[DebbieB]

...(On the flip side back in the 80's when things were traditionaly slower in the off months the only park open at night was EPCOT and the nightime parade and fireworks at Magic Kingdom was never held in months like October and November, just during the busy seasons like the summer, Christmas week and Spring Break.

On my first trip in October 1994, Spectromagic & MK fireworks were not held at all between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. MK closed everynight at 7:00. We did get to see Sorcery in the Sky though at MGM (Saturday night only).