Pirates of Carribean out of commision in June?

[Torjohnson]

I have never been to wdw...but have been to dl 100 times. I went two months before the 50th, on a fairly crowded three day valentines weekend, and Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, and the haunted mansion were all closed. (and the tiki room). Those rides all mean something to me. We had such a great time, and I know you will too. It does hurt not to have Pirates running(I was looking to see the differences)(I am going in june) but oh well.
Have a great time...

 

[PhotobearSam]

Hey there qpdoll.....WELCOME TO THE DIS!!!

As for an answer to your question, are you going to Disneyland in California or Disneyworld in Florida?...I get confused as there is a Pirates ride at both.

 

[FigNewton]

Just wanted to quickly point out that the different travel seasons are not, have never been, and never will be determined by what rides are operational, nor is the vice versa true. Yes, one pays more to go in the peak season... but you aren't paying more to ensure the rides are open, you're only paying more because the demand for time and space at Disney increases. A person going during "peak" season has no more right to expect every attraction to be open than a person going in "off" season.

 

[rangebob]

I hate to throw this one out there but Pirates isn't scheduled to be reopened until the first of July. From what I always see with rehabs they normally don't open too much earlier than scheduled.

 

[Goofy4WDW1964]

Just wanted to quickly point out that the different travel seasons are not, have never been, and never will be determined by what rides are operational, nor is the vice versa true. Yes, one pays more to go in the peak season... but you aren't paying more to ensure the rides are open, you're only paying more because the demand for time and space at Disney increases. A person going during "peak" season has no more right to expect every attraction to be open than a person going in "off" season.

Yes, it's true that ride operation is not based on the season. But it has been the practice of WDW in the past to do rehab and refurbishments during the off season. Have you ever seen Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach go through a refurbishment during the summer? Perhaps they don't because it affects fewer guests by doing it during the winter. But, then again, these practices were followed when WDW actually cared about their guest's experience. Guests are not as high a priority as they used to be. And, I don't think it would be as big a deal if Disney's reason for doing it now instead of during the off season wasn't so that they get a PR boost out of it.

 

[canda]

You should boycott the MK that week since POC will not be open. If they were doing a total renovation of the ride to make it excatly like the movies, it could be 1-3 years to finish. during that time, it would hit several peak seasons. When they change SM it will take a long time. But they should open the unfinished ride during peak season to show they care about customers.. oops that would be bad customer service to put people on a ride that has only half the track up.

 

[CanadianGuy]

A couple of quick thoughts..

1) I'll be going May 29 to June 03 .. and I too was deeply disappointed that PotC will be closed. It is -- bar none - my favorite Disney experience. As soon as I realized I was going - I thought about Pirates. But it's going to be closed on my trip. I could have delayed my trip till August. But I chose not to over one ride.

2) Swear to Jiminy Cricket - EVERYTIME - I have been to DisneyWorld the Liberty Bell Riverboat has been 'down'. I could care less for the most part because I guess I don't know what I'm missing... and at the rate things are going - I never will. It's down for 'refurbishment' during this trip as well.

That's life at these parks. When I went in 1995, certain attractions were closed.. and others were just opening. Alien Encounter was in soft openings (the first time) and I got to experience that.. and on that trip I also got to try out the Virtual Aladdin's Carpet Ride that eventually wound up in DisneyQuest.

I believe it was in the Sound of Music about "closing a door and opening a window.."

I know that while it may be yet a few years before I get back to the parks; eventually I'll get back and the odds are, I'll get to ride PotC then.

And for what its worth ... Disney did open the ride for a very busy period around Easter weekend for those guests. That *did* show customer service.

Unfortunately, I would imagine that the early time frame in June they'll be right in the thick of the refurbishment and they could not open it up just here and there willy nilly.

That's life. I bet you'll find something new or different that you hadn't counted on that will fill the void left by Pirates. (Check out the PotC attraction at DisneyQuest even!)

J

 

[WDWtinkbell1982]

Hey,

That's a good idea. I have never been to Disney Quest...thanks for the tip!

A couple of quick thoughts..

1) I'll be going May 29 to June 03 .. and I too was deeply disappointed that PotC will be closed. It is -- bar none - my favorite Disney experience. As soon as I realized I was going - I thought about Pirates. But it's going to be closed on my trip. I could have delayed my trip till August. But I chose not to over one ride.

2) Swear to Jiminy Cricket - EVERYTIME - I have been to DisneyWorld the Liberty Bell Riverboat has been 'down'. I could care less for the most part because I guess I don't know what I'm missing... and at the rate things are going - I never will. It's down for 'refurbishment' during this trip as well.

That's life at these parks. When I went in 1995, certain attractions were closed.. and others were just opening. Alien Encounter was in soft openings (the first time) and I got to experience that.. and on that trip I also got to try out the Virtual Aladdin's Carpet Ride that eventually wound up in DisneyQuest.

I believe it was in the Sound of Music about "closing a door and opening a window.."

I know that while it may be yet a few years before I get back to the parks; eventually I'll get back and the odds are, I'll get to ride PotC then.

And for what its worth ... Disney did open the ride for a very busy period around Easter weekend for those guests. That *did* show customer service.

Unfortunately, I would imagine that the early time frame in June they'll be right in the thick of the refurbishment and they could not open it up just here and there willy nilly.

That's life. I bet you'll find something new or different that you hadn't counted on that will fill the void left by Pirates. (Check out the PotC attraction at DisneyQuest even!)

J

 

[WDWtinkbell1982]

Yes....that is why we choose peak season, isn't it? Our chances of having most of the main attractions running are higher than when there are more guests? Or at least that is what I was told when we planned our first trip with the assistance of a Travel Agent...a Disney Travel Agent. So I am not pulling this factoid out of the air.

Yes, they do offer extended park hours...but that is in direct correlation with the crowd levels. I agree with you that the decision was based on marketing the movie. I am thrilled about the update! But for me personally, the timing is !!!!!!

I am beginning to regret posting about how I felt. It seems like people take it soooo personally if you have a minor complaint about WDW. I picked the wrong place to voice my frustration. Thanks for supporting my point tho, Goof .

When I first traveled to Disney, the service was second-to-none. I was 7 and in a wheelchair. I had cast memebers litterally falling over each other to get to me, help my parents...give me baloons. The 2nd time, there was a major difference. Let's just say it was horrible. Rude describes the cast members and service...but that was 1976. The third time it was very good....and then the trips I took starting in 1996 was fantastic!!! Then in 2003 we noticed a slight decline....multiple rude cast members...some poor housekeeping....little or no response to complaints by cast members.

So the level goes up and down throughout the years...I attended a conference on training in 2002 and Disney presented...they acknowleged this! The quality of their service does go up and down! It is due to many variables...leadership vision and direction, management, current cast members, incentive plans.....but all and all Disney sets the standard in customer service. So I have come to expect much more from them...because they expect so much from themselves.

I love Disney....!! Otherwise, I would not return. So, with that being said...let's stop the finger pointing and people telling me how wrong I am for feeling dissapointed...or how I should look forward to the other things there are....as I said in my first post...I know it is PETTY!

Yes, it's true that ride operation is not based on the season. But it has been the practice of WDW in the past to do rehab and refurbishments during the off season. Have you ever seen Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach go through a refurbishment during the summer? Perhaps they don't because it affects fewer guests by doing it during the winter. But, then again, these practices were followed when WDW actually cared about their guest's experience. Guests are not as high a priority as they used to be. And, I don't think it would be as big a deal if Disney's reason for doing it now instead of during the off season wasn't so that they get a PR boost out of it.

 

[keishashadow]

I was hoping that perhaps they'd get finished early & open (soft opening?) during our June trip. Do plan on swinging past a few times just in case .

As for people being disappointed, how can you blame them? For many this may be their 1st trip. Kids do tend to get their hearts/minds set on things.

JMO, why didn't this ship sail earlier in the year ala most major rehabs? If it's to create hype for the movie, I think it might irritate more than a few diehard fans.

I hate to throw this one out there but Pirates isn't scheduled to be reopened until the first of July. From what I always see with rehabs they normally don't open too much earlier than scheduled.

 

[Deesknee]

Here's hoping they have a soft opening of it 6/7 - 6/14, to gage our reaction to it. I know that's wishful thinking.

DD15 as well as DD2 (and the rest of the family for her sake) hope it will have soft opening ....possibly June 19-25. I keep warning DD2 that her favoirte "yo ho" ride will be getting "fixed" when we go see Mickey.

 

[WDWtinkbell1982]

I could not agree with you more!!!!!

I was hoping that perhaps they'd get finished early & open (soft opening?) during our June trip. Do plan on swinging past a few times just in case .

As for people being disappointed, how can you blame them? For many this may be their 1st trip. Kids do tend to get their hearts/minds set on things.

JMO, why didn't this ship sail earlier in the year ala most major rehabs? If it's to create hype for the movie, I think it might irritate more than a few diehard fans.

 

[Goofy4WDW1964]

You should boycott the MK that week since POC will not be open. If they were doing a total renovation of the ride to make it excatly like the movies, it could be 1-3 years to finish. during that time, it would hit several peak seasons. When they change SM it will take a long time. But they should open the unfinished ride during peak season to show they care about customers.. oops that would be bad customer service to put people on a ride that has only half the track up.

You obviously have selective reading since you didn't pay attention to the entire posts. It isn't going to take 1-3 years to refurbish POC. It is taking several months. A big difference. So, why not do that refurbishment when it affects fewer park guests? They don't have anything schedule to be down for rehab in September. Why not do it then? Because if they did that, they wouldn't get the PR for the movie. I don't have a problem with rides being closed for refurbishment. It has to be done. I have a problem with Disney making their PR a higher priority than their guest.

 

[faindrops27]

Well,I am sure glad it will be open in September. Plus a refurbishment!! Woohoo. I can't wait to see. I missed riding it in October. Oh, and to the person who said, they may not be able to get back to disney. Maybe thier last trip.So Sorry. My brother got sick, he always wanted to go to disneyworld so, we planned a quick last family trip within 2 months.Well our trip was planned for october, last year. But, sadly he passed away. In august. Hope you, and your family have a good time. While there though. When you put all things in perspective.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I am just miffed beyond miffed they are doing this to captialize on their new movie and leaving their guests (who pay good money) out in the cold during peak season. There should be better planning so that guests are not continually ripped-off.

While sure, a favorite attraction being closed is disappointing, twenty-seven of the twenty-nine attractions and shows JUST in Magic Kingdom WILL be open the entire month of June. In fact, a total of FOUR attractions total, among all four parks (six if you count the water parks, seven if you include Disney Quest) will be closed during June. ALL other attractions and shows will be open.

Don't get me wrong, no one loves WDW more than my family, but the continual reduction in services (paying for hopping) and increase in prices (2004 rumors of charging for fast pass)

Yes, RUMORS. Two years later, the FastPass charge has yet to be instituted or even confirmed.

I agree - why close it during peak season??? ESPECIALLY since my kids can talk about no other ride after attending the cleverly camoflaged DISNEY COMMERICAL called "The Incredibles on Ice"!!!

To coincide with the nationwide release of the second "Pirates" movie.

I don't think it's petty. I'm going in peak season and I am paying peak prices, I expect the rides to be open.

In all fairness, the only thing for which Guests are paying "peak" prices during June is Disney resort rooms - you all are paying the same price for park admission, food, souvenirs, etc, as Value Season Guests - and MUCH more is closed at these times. Heck, between November 1 and February 28, one entire water park or the other is closed - yet Guests adding the Plus option to their MYW passes still pay the same price as Guests who have their choice of water parks.

And guess what, the parks made a lot of money when the service at WDW was much higher than it is now. Before you offer up another marketing lesson, you better go back a few years and take an honest look at Disney movies and what they brought in. Up until the first POC came out, the WDW parks were financing ABC and the movie division of Disney out of it's profits.

Of course, up until Disney bought ABC, NO Disney money was financing ABC

Yes....that is why we choose peak season, isn't it? Our chances of having most of the main attractions running are higher than when there are more guests?

And MOST of the main attractions WILL be running while you're there.

2) Swear to Jiminy Cricket - EVERYTIME - I have been to DisneyWorld the Liberty Bell Riverboat has been 'down'. I could care less for the most part because I guess I don't know what I'm missing... and at the rate things are going - I never will. It's down for 'refurbishment' during this trip as well.

Prepare yourself - it's still gonna be out of commission during your upcoming trip. As disappointing as this might be, I'd actually be grateful - it's taking about ten MONTHS to rehab the boat, and that can only be because there were problems with it! At least next time you go (not your upcoming trip), it should be running!

I was hoping that perhaps they'd get finished early & open (soft opening?) during our June trip. Do plan on swinging past a few times just in case

Honestly, unless you're already in Adventureland, I wouldn't bother. Disney virtually never does soft openings of rehabs. There's really not any point - they don't need to 'test' the ride, they already know it works. And they can check the effectiveness and operation of the rehab without needing Guests' opinions.

You obviously have selective reading since you didn't pay attention to the entire posts. It isn't going to take 1-3 years to refurbish POC.

Yes, I think that poster is aware of the time the rehab will take, given her/his comment

If they were doing a total renovation of the ride to make it excatly like the movies, it could be 1-3 years to finish

 

[MrsHeg]

We'll be there the last week in June and are hoping that it will be open as I was sure that my three year old grandson would love it. But if not we plan om having a great time anyway.

 

[FigNewton]

Somehow this thread fell away from my attention after I posted, but since it got bumped a little, guess I'll go back and respond to some things, if you'll pardon the 10-12 day lag.

Yes....that is why we choose peak season, isn't it? Our chances of having most of the main attractions running are higher than when there are more guests? Or at least that is what I was told when we planned our first trip with the assistance of a Travel Agent...a Disney Travel Agent. So I am not pulling this factoid out of the air.

No one accused you of pulling any factoid out of the air, though I'm not sure factoid is actually the word you want as it implies a lack of evidence for veracity.

However, you do make a statement that kinda blows your position out of the water. You say the Disney Travel Agent told you CHANCES are HIGHER during peak season. Which of course, does not mean that they will or should all be open during your stay. Probability doesn't always work in your favor. Sometimes you bet on a 7 and roll snake eyes.

I am beginning to regret posting about how I felt. It seems like people take it soooo personally if you have a minor complaint about WDW. I picked the wrong place to voice my frustration. Thanks for supporting my point tho, Goof .

You know, it isn't so much that you posted a minor complaint about Disney. It's that the prevailing attitude of the statement (and no it wasn't explicitly stated but the sentiment was pretty clear), is that since you are paying more to stay during Peak season, you are entitled to more things being in operation than someone going in, for instance, Value season.

But that is not the case, and yes people will take issue with that. The money you are spending has nothing to do with keeping the rides open during your time there, it has to do with the demand on the hotel rooms. Your park ticket prices are the same.

Disney still does plenty of their rehabs in the off seasons. Heck, they even OPENED Pirates in the middle of the rehab during the busiest part of the rehab period despite it being unfinished - I'm sure that wasn't the easiest thing for them to do, but they did get it open for a while when the largest crowds came rolling in.

I love Disney....!! Otherwise, I would not return. So, with that being said...let's stop the finger pointing and people telling me how wrong I am for feeling dissapointed...or how I should look forward to the other things there are....as I said in my first post...I know it is PETTY!

You are mistaking the problem here. Yes there is some finger pointing abotu how wrong you are for being disappointed, but they are reacting to the way you expressed it, not simply the fact that you are disappointed. There are almost always going to be rehabs going on and we all get disappointed when we go and our favorite attraction isn't open.

The problem started with your statement that you were "miffed beyond miffed" (a little stronger statement than just disappointment that the ride wouldn't be open) because you were "paying good money" and being left out in the cold in the peak season and then following that statement guests like you were being ripped off. Guests in Value Season pay good money too, and they have to put up with rehabs too. But Disney can't do all their rehabs for a given year during one season so they HAVE to split them up somehow. Sometimes marketting plays a factor into deciding which ones occur when. But how much money you are spending on your hotel room, ultimately, doesn't mean you are entitled to a superior experience in the park. Chances are greater, but chances are just chances.

 

[madthemouse]

POC, was schedule to open on July 7th. With the most recent news letter from Disney, they are now schedule to open on July 1st. I hope that is of some help.