PM EMH drops from THREE Hours to TWO Hours

[KellyNY]

Well, once again, you stoop to personal attacks. You choose to cherry pick comments and not take my posts in totality (and I have quite a few). You do this frequently, whenever Disney is criticized. It's an attempt to shut down the topic. IMO You like to provoke arguments/fights and I will not waste my time indulging you.

I do not know how posting what you said earlier and deny now is an attack. I showed you your words, nothing else, like it or not.
BTW, spreading negativity is what causing arguments and threads closure.

 

[Colleen27]

I totally respect your perspective and opinion. I just can't imagine making large vacation decisions based on one hour of park time. Just thought I'd join in the discussion. It appears that people are offended that others don't agree, but I guess that is to be expected.

I'd like to add that we've never had to get up earlier than we do at home (leaving our resort at 8:00 is actually much later than my husband leaves for work) and we don't do that first hour at breakneck speed. We go to the parks on the NON EMH days and we follow the crowd calendar and the recommended park of the day and it works out for us. We've walked on to Test Track plenty of times. We don't ever have to run anywhere (not my style!) Just a little advanced planning, and we have leisurely days and get plenty done and have lots of fun. Seriously, my husband would NEVER go back to WDW if I had ever made him run, get up earlier on vacation than he does for work, or haul "butt" to get around the parks. For the record, we usually go the first and second week of December for 2 weeks, although we went for 10 days starting the Sunday after Thanksgiving one year.

Anyway, call me a Pollyanna, but I think this conversation boils down to glass-half-empty and glass-half-full folks. That is just my very humble opinion, and I don't think there is a person on this thread who hasn't stated theirs.

I'll back out of the conversation though. I think I have unintentionally offended and I don't want to do it again.

I for one am not offended. I do get frustrated at times with the attitude on the board that Disney can do no wrong, and that those of us who get upset/frustrated/disappointed by changes like the shortening of EMH (and the elimination of characters during EMH, the demise of the Lights of Winter, the all-ages pricing for annual passes, etc) are necessarily overreacting. Yes, there are a lot of things being added. That is, IMO, as it should be since prices continually rise and not justification for cuts elsewhere. And lately, a lot of the cuts/changes have touched on things that matter to my family - the CC hold makes us much less likely to indulge in our signature-every-night dining preference, the DxDDP price is going up dramatically for next year milking the last bit of savings out of it, and now the super-late nights in the MK are going away as well. It is very disappointing to see so much of what hooked us on Disney going away or becoming so much less carefree/flexible.

We're just not morning people. We get up at 7:45 during the school year, so making rope drop does take getting up quite a bit earlier than we do for school/work. DH & DS14 just aren't going to enjoy a vacation where I'm setting the alarm for 7am to get on rides without long lines; after midnight in the MK was where we made up for being night owls.

 

[Colleen27]

We totally understand that every cut upsets someone but we cannot not to notice that some people use every single cut to just scream how horrible Disney became. I remember thread about adding 25c to the price of soda. For some people it was end of the world, another example how Disney went down, it was not 25c for some but a particular % of icrease that was apparently more then it has to be. It was only 25c after all but sky was falling once again and when it happens way too often, it is clear that all some people want is to complain, just to spread negativity.

But it is rather annoying that anyone who complains about anything gets lumped in to that same category. You won't find me complaining about the price of drinks at WDW (heck, I don't think it is bad at all - we were at a concert on Saturday where a 20oz bottle of water cost $4.25 ), or about the lack of custom-printed napkins, or about the fact that I now have to shell out a whopping $1.50 for all 3 of my kids to get the Mickey straws they used to include at no added charge with kids' drinks. I will, however, vent/complain about changes that actually effect our enjoyment of Disney as a destination.

 

[KellyNY]

But it is rather annoying that anyone who complains about anything gets lumped in to that same category. You won't find me complaining about the price of drinks at WDW (heck, I don't think it is bad at all - we were at a concert on Saturday where a 20oz bottle of water cost $4.25 ), or about the lack of custom-printed napkins, or about the fact that I now have to shell out a whopping $1.50 for all 3 of my kids to get the Mickey straws they used to include at no added charge with kids' drinks. I will, however, vent/complain about changes that actually effect our enjoyment of Disney as a destination.

I said "some" people, I did not even use "many" as Mesa did. You have every right to complain about things, I also complain about things, everyone is bothered by something but some are bothered by everything. Huge difference.

 

[TLSnell1981]

But it is rather annoying that anyone who complains about anything gets lumped in to that same category. You won't find me complaining about the price of drinks at WDW (heck, I don't think it is bad at all - we were at a concert on Saturday where a 20oz bottle of water cost $4.25 ), or about the lack of custom-printed napkins, or about the fact that I now have to shell out a whopping $1.50 for all 3 of my kids to get the Mickey straws they used to include at no added charge with kids' drinks. I will, however, vent/complain about changes that actually effect our enjoyment of Disney as a destination.

The only time, I got upset, over the price of a drink was in Europe. Expensive and absurd are two different things. DH ordered Coca Colas (fountain drinks) @ $12 a pop...even ordered refills. What a huge waste of money. IMO They cost more, than the burger and fries. But, he doesn't look at prices and passes me the bill. What he doesn't know, doesn't bother him.

Yes, closing the monorail, when I'm at an MK resort does affect me. The changes to dining (prices, quality (lack of), surcharges) affect me. Changes to FP, can interfere with my ADRs...has an effect on me. We bit the bullet and used EMH, instead of FP. This worked okay, but now...that's changed too. The tarps, cuts in services/events/holiday decorations, price hikes, broken rides...just "icing on the cake".

We vacationed elsewhere last Christmas and will again, this year. There's no F&W booked either. It's rather sad and disappointing...only four days at WDW. The souvenirs are junk and we no longer enjoy TS. The food is over-priced and mediocre. We've vacationed at WDW for over 30 years, but Iger has changed that. Now, a few days in the World and dining in the Villa. No APs, just regular park tickets. I didn't change my habits...Disney did.

 

[Rip]

The only time, I got upset, over the price of a drink was in Europe. Expensive and absurd are two different things. DH ordered Coca Colas (fountain drinks) @ $12 a pop...even ordered refills. What a huge waste of money. IMO They cost more, than the burger and fries. But, he doesn't look at prices and passes me the bill. What he doesn't know, doesn't bother him.

Yes, closing the monorail, when I'm at an MK resort does affect me. The changes to dining (prices, quality (lack of), surcharges) affect me. Changes to FP, can interfere with my ADRs...has an effect on me. We bit the bullet and used EMH, instead of FP. This worked okay, but now...that's changed too. The tarps, cuts in services/events/holiday decorations, price hikes, broken rides...just "icing on the cake".

We vacationed elsewhere last Christmas and will again, this year. There's no F&W booked either. It's rather sad and disappointing...only four days at WDW. The souvenirs are junk and we no longer enjoy TS. The food is over-priced and mediocre. We've vacationed at WDW for over 30 years, but Iger has changed that. Now, a few days in the World and dining in the Villa. No APs, just regular park tickets. I didn't change my habits...Disney did.

This. We cut out F&W this year for the first time as well. Decided to stay the entire trip up the street, that place still seems to value their AP holders.

 

[Violet Parr]

Edited because I had said I'd step out of the conversation and I didn't. Sorry!

VP

 

[Phatoomch]

The only time, I got upset, over the price of a drink was in Europe. Expensive and absurd are two different things. DH ordered Coca Colas (fountain drinks) @ $12 a pop...even ordered refills. What a huge waste of money. IMO They cost more, than the burger and fries. But, he doesn't look at prices and passes me the bill. What he doesn't know, doesn't bother him.

Yes, closing the monorail, when I'm at an MK resort does affect me. The changes to dining (prices, quality (lack of), surcharges) affect me. Changes to FP, can interfere with my ADRs...has an effect on me. We bit the bullet and used EMH, instead of FP. This worked okay, but now...that's changed too. The tarps, cuts in services/events/holiday decorations, price hikes, broken rides...just "icing on the cake".

We vacationed elsewhere last Christmas and will again, this year. There's no F&W booked either. It's rather sad and disappointing...only four days at WDW. The souvenirs are junk and we no longer enjoy TS. The food is over-priced and mediocre. We've vacationed at WDW for over 30 years, but Iger has changed that. Now, a few days in the World and dining in the Villa. No APs, just regular park tickets. I didn't change my habits...Disney did.

I keep saying this - every time one of these 'the sky is falling threads' comes around I notice that the ones who seem to be affected the most by changes are those who have vactioned 20 & above times and/or 3+ times a year. Could it be that your just Disneyed out

I use EMH but I'm like 'meh, no biggie' I certainly don't pay high prices to stay on resort just for an extra few hours of park time a week.

 

[Cyrano]

This is a reminder.
If you cannot stay on topic and see different views as the reason to indulge in attacks I suggest you walk away from this thread.

 

[maxiesmom]

I'd love to see some poster's reactions to one of their favorite things--small or large--disappearing and seeing how they may express that disappointment or if they look to justify it behind business sense or any other reasoning.

And I totally understand the business-end of the EMH argument as well, but it doesn't mean I have to agree with it.

I can actually tell you one thing that I really enjoyed that Disney cut. And that was the ride to your room when you first arrived at the resort. It was such an nice touch, to be driven right up to your room and shown where it was, instead of the building being circled on the map and oh have a good time figuring out where your room is.

I really miss that little drive. I understand why they cut it, it probably saves them a ton of money. But I do miss it. But on the other hand, I don't think Disney is going down the tubes because they no longer drive me to my room.

 

[tiki23]

This is a reminder.
If you cannot stay on topic and see different views as the reason to indulge in attacks I suggest you walk away from this thread.

 

[larryz]

Here's how I see it.

Third hour of EMH = employees getting more hours

More hours = higher payroll

Higher payroll = lower bonus for Bob

Lower bonus for Bob = Betty stuck longer.


So, if A + B + C + D = Betty gets fixed, then I'm all for shorter EMH hours!

 

[Cafeen]

Here's how I see it.

Third hour of EMH = employees getting more hours

More hours = higher payroll

Higher payroll = lower bonus for Bob

Lower bonus for Bob = Betty stuck longer.


So, if A + B + C + D = Betty gets fixed, then I'm all for shorter EMH hours!

The question is though, is that logic correct?

Some may see it as A + B + C + D = Bob gets a new car elevator.... (erm, well cutting out all that which is what you implied ).

I think a big part of the reaction, and mine included for sure, is the timing of the announcement. We just had the new, sizable dining plan increases and resort rate increases 2 weeks ago. A few weeks before that was the ticket increases, which were also sizable, especially for APs.

In the meantime, we haven't gained any hard fast information on the improvements. A little menu preview, vague opening dates, and the partial opening of a small part of the entire FLE. No news about Cameronl...erm...AvatarLand (which, I'd not be all that broken up about falling though ). It seems that the negative information lately has outstripped the positive. Add to that the fact that they are touching core things that many people enjoy, and it's not going to be good any way you slice it.

If they had made this announcement in March or so, with the changes starting after Labor day, I'd bet that the outcry would be somewhat less and there would have been things to soften the blow. As it sits right now, we see cut value and higher cost without much return.

It seems like Disney's PR team has also suffered some cutbacks as well (they DID go through a backstage/corporate CM reduction a couple years back, right?).

 

[Tarheel girl 1975]

I sincerely hope that it only lasts for the "low season". The really late PM EMH were one of my favorite parts of WDW. But i guess that 1 hour shorter isn't so bad...

But the low season is likely when those 3 hour EMH nights are going to be missed the most. In low season, the parks close early and EMH would be from 8-11. I would bet that there are still plenty of people in the park from 10-11. We very rarely use EMH ourselves, but the cut would be easier to swallow if it wasn't on the heels of another price increase and/or it was coupled with an extension of general park hours.

 

[Robo]

Most people think "PM EMH" and jump immediately to "3AM at MK."

It is far more common that an EMH end time will be 11PM or Midnight.

Now, those same nights' end times could be 10 or 11PM.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Most people think "PM EMH" and jump immediately to "3AM at MK."

It is far more common that an EMH end time will be 11PM or Midnight.

Now, those same nights' end times could be 10 or 11PM.

A pretty early night for me..and those on Pacific Time.

 

[KellyNY]

Most people think "PM EMH" and jump immediately to "3AM at MK."

It is far more common that an EMH end time will be 11PM or Midnight.

Now, those same nights' end times could be 10 or 11PM.

Shorter regular hours is the price to pay for going during slow times/ less crowds, you get less hours but it is also cheaper.

 

[tiki23]

Shorter regular hours is the price to pay for going during slow times/ less crowds, you get less hours but it is also cheaper.

It's a Disney planning board - we know that.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

I just read a quote on Touringplans that suggested that 75% of all onsite guests DON'T EVEN USE EMH.

So that said, are they really cutting away at something? If so few people use it?

~I think the "cuts" are just temporary. Disney has a huge deadline to meet, as many anxiously await the New Fantasyland! I bet Disney finds that extra hour to be more valuable now than before. When deadlines like this quickly approach every second counts, IMHO.

So I guess I'm having a hard time understanding how this is such a big loss. It's a change, yes.
VP

~How can this be a "loss" when Disney is working feverishly to create this brand new experience for us? This is largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom & we all get to share in that history. They probably need more time.

And when things do not change, people complain that there is nothing new, and when they build new things, people complain about constractions, and when they updating rides, people complain about ride closures even so they complained about rides conditions. And the list continues.

~I just can't deny how much effort Disney is putting into restoring and enhancing the parks! I just couldn't go around complaining all day about old irrelevant stuff, with all of the work that's being done on the New Fantasyland, in addition to operating and maintaining the parks! It's not like this kind of thing happens every day, which is more the reason to celebrate! When I saw the pictures of Main Street when they removed the tarps several months ago, I was blown away! Disney did a fabulous job restoring the buildings, I can't wait to see it!

ITA that there is a difference between constructive criticism and downright negativism. I don't believe that anyone thinks Disney is perfect and likes every change they make, but it's how we react to it that is the key IMO.

Just look at this thread for example. 28 pages so far and nothing has been accomplished other than sharing the news that evening EMH will be cut by one-hour (maybe permanently, maybe not).

Yet what keeps the thread going is the desire to express frustration with this and other cuts. At some point we need to agree to disagree as it seems evident that no amount of back-and-forth will change anyone's mind.

For example, when someone brings something positive up such as the new FLE, it's called nothing but more meet and greets despite new attractions (UTS:JLM, SDMT) and restaurants or when Toy Story Mania is mentioned, it's called nothing but a video game. How is that type of rhetoric really beneficial to stating your case? It looks like nothing will make you happy and that you appear to complain just to complain. I think that attitude is the frustration by many. Why not civilly discuss both the positives and negatives? A focus on one or the other exclusively is not healthy.

~I agree for an individual to eagerly engage in that kind of negativity --> repetitively, persistently, and in what I consider to be a dogmatic nature, raises all kinds of red flags, but do understand these kinds of extremes can also be coping or defense mechanisms. I won't go there, just speaking in general, but I get what you are saying.

We thoroughly enjoy our trips to Disney. Our last WDW trip was our best yet after 14 years and no we didn't use the third hour of EMH even though we stayed on-site. Our last Disney cruise was our second best yet (6 total). And we are excited about our upcoming trip to DLR to see the new Carsland, WOC and many other updates since our last trip in 2008. I think so many forget that Disney is more than just WDW and that they are working to improve the experience for guests in all parks and all venues whether on-land or at-sea. Granted, not all change is good but they do continue to expand and add so it's not all doom and gloom IMO.

~Of course, it's not all "doom & gloom". This is why the Disboards is so successful! It's overwhelmed with positive people who have a passion for "all things Disney" and they're not afraid to show it! I've read so many inspirational posts of just how much Disney means to people and their loved ones. This stuff keeps me coming back, and far outweighs the silly complaints about old tarps and how good prime rib used to be!

I don't think everyone who is not upset about losing EMH is somehow unsympathetic to those who are upset about it or doesn't "understand".

~Of course not! It's all about perspective.

As I've said before (and I've seen many others post similarly), we too have enjoyed that third hour of EMH. We too have ridden POTC as the only one in the boat more than once or done SM three times in a row with no wait. It was fun and a great experience walking onto Splash Mountain and being the only two on the ride with all the empty boats and then getting soaked and afterwards, walking down an completely deserted street through Frontierland laughing about it.

~This was our experience last summer, as well. It was just the first hour of EMH and we were one of two families on Splash Mountain, that was all! The CM's were so nice and offered us another consecutive ride without having to exit the log. Big Thunder Mountain was empty, too. As we were leaving Frontierland, it was completely empty and very dark, but we all had a blast.

But it is because of these experiences that I also understand why Disney has made the decision to no longer do the third hour of evening EMH. Am I disappointed - sure. Will it break my next trip - no. I'm not trying to downplay anyone's frustration, and I can see both sides to this. Even though I understand the frustration and disappointment, it doesn't mean I have to agree with it.

~I appreciate this. People work so hard for so little to bring us these magical experiences. It's very important for me to acknowledge those good experiences and share them with others, it's just the right thing to do. I just couldn't return from a vacation and not have a single and I mean not one kind thing to say about anything or anyone on my trip. Then turn around and make plans to head back to the same place over and over again. If I don't like a place, I don't go, it's just that simple.

You're right, it's the handful on both extremes that seem to bring out the most lively "discussions". That's why I do like it when they add or improve upon attractions, shows or other events that are good quality and are popular. Yes, it does happen despite the many naysayers on here.

~I'm sorry, I just couldn't go on vacation, have a fabulous time, come back, "punish" Disney by booking yet another trip and then complain about how awful Disney is until it's time to go again. I "love" when Disney adds and improves upon attractions! That's why we keep going back to WDW every year!

~Soon, we'll have the new Fantasyland complete with: (Thanks Berlioz70)

1. Indoor Interactive Dumbo Queue
2. Dual Dumbo the Flying Elephants
3. Casey Jr Splash 'n' Soak Station
4. Winnie the Pooh Meet and Greet
5. The Great Goofini Kiddie Coaster
6. Fantasyland Train Station
7. Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
8. Ariel’s Grotto
9. Enchanted Tales with Belle
10. Be Our Guest Restaurant
11. Gaston’s Tavern
12. Bonjour Gifts
13. Princess Fairytale Hall
14. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
15. Pete's Silly Sideshow
16. Big Top Souvenirs featuring The Flying Piggolinis

~There are 16 new and rethemed attractions that are soon to open on that fabulous list! I just can't think about old tarps and scrims and stuff. I just wanna celebrate all of this newness and losing one hour that I may or may not use, will have no impact on my excitement. I hope you stick around more and help keep this excitement going for those of us who love Disney and love to celebrate!!!

~Thank you, KSDisneyDad for taking a moment to espouse some much needed positivity in this thread. I'm totally in love with your enthusiasm, right now!

~Seriously, with sixteen brand new attractions that must meet impending deadlines and pass important inspections in time for the New Fantasyland Grand Opening, coupled with Disney refusing to confirm whether or not this is a "permanent" change, I'm going to have to correlate this to the Fantasyland expansion. I support Disney's decision 100% and I just can't see it as a cut when they're building all this new stuff, IMHO!

 

[Fantasmiss]

~Of course not! It's all about perspective.

Sorry, but it's not. It's about people being different and appreciating different things. As I said, WDW could close down all the thrill rides and Animatronic shows and I'd be completely fine with it. The last hour of EMH is one of my favourite things about WDW, I don't lack perspective. I most certainly do not. And I'm not negative, or whatever else you think I might be. I just have a different opinion/taste than you.