Post here regarding WDW cutbacks, changes & Complaints

[raidermatt]

cforza, I understand your frustration. But just because hours are shorter, it does not mean services are cut, or you are getting less for your money. Park hours fluctuate throughout the year. We went in Sept of 2000, and the parks weren't open much later than they are today, if at all. I've looked at the March 2002 hours, and they are definitely longer than in 9/2000 (note: prior to recession). Fantasy in the Sky fireworks were only on Saturday night when we went.

The park hours and frequency of shows are based on the number of guests Disney expects in the parks. This has not changed. Reports are that on weekdays, the parks are practically deserted, and time is no issue at all.

I am not priviledged with Disney's marketing reports, so I can't say that your idea (4 days for price of 3, etc) is a bad one. In fact, that is the exact deal already in place at the DLResort in Anaheim. I can only say that if Disney feels that is enough of an incentive to get significantly more people to come to WDW, and they don't feel it damages their long-term plans, they will do it.

The reports from the vast majority of people who have been recently are that the reduced hours are more than offset by the decreased crowds.

I assume you are going in the very near future? I only ask because I believe the hours the parks are open begins to increase in the latter part of February, and definitely in March. (per hours posted at Disney.com)

 

[cforza]

Raidermatt, When I say service is cut I am referring to the hours. The very shortening of hours means I pay the same price for a ticket that someone paid last year, only I don't get to see all of the rides and attractions because Disney is not making them available to me! The very premise of the Park Hopper, with it's highly per day rate than a one park ticket, is to allow a guest to visit more than one park per day. If Disney cuts hours which prevents me from visiting more than one park per day, it is effectively eliminating this service to me. I am planning to go in March, and have always gone during high season and was able to benefit from "Park hopping". This is no longer feasible with some Parks opening as late as 10:00 am and closing as early as 6:30 p.m.

 

[raidermatt]

The very shortening of hours means I pay the same price for a ticket that someone paid last year, only I don't get to see all of the rides and attractions because Disney is not making them available to me!

My point is that you CAN see all of the rides and attractions (or at least as many as you did last year), because the lines will be shorter.

If Disney cuts hours which prevents me from visiting more than one park per day, it is effectively eliminating this service to me.

Again, if lines are shorter, you WILL be able to visit more than one park.

I am planning to go in March, and have always gone during high season and was able to benefit from "Park hopping". This is no longer feasible with some Parks opening as late as 10:00 am and closing as early as 6:30 p.m.

AK, MGM and MK open no later than 9am for the entire month (earlier on some days).

MGM closes no earlier than 7pm all month (9pm on some days), and WS closes at 9pm all month. MK does close as early as 6pm on a couple of days, but is open later much of the month, and 11pm for the last week. IF the lines are shorter, as is currently being predicted, park hopping should still be a valid option at any time.

Again, I'm not saying that reduced hours are a good thing, just that it is not a complete story. Reduced hours with the same crowds would cut what you can do, but if the crowds are smaller, you should be able to do just as much as before. Most importantly, that's what we are hearing from most people who have already gone with reduced hours.

 

[cforza]

Well Raidermatt, I certainly hope your right about shorter lines, but from what I've been reading, attendance is increasing every day and March is anticipated to have back to normal crowds, according to the number of rooms reserved. I only hope Disney lengthens its hours in accordance with the attendance level! Unfortunately also from what I've read, the shorter hours are still in effect for the beginning of March, when I'll be there.

 

[LoriZH]

Raidermatt is correct, the reason for the cutting of the hours is due to the number of attendees. If resorts are filling up, it's probably due to the fact that they have closed parts of resorts or have put on hold a resort that was due to open. I know it stinks not being able to stay at the parks later at that time of year, but I think it's all relative. I do however, believe that they should NOT cut on the parades and fireworks just because there are fewer people, to me that is not fair afterall, you still paid your money.

I am sure you are going to have a good time and I know you will come back happy

 

[Babblin'Boo]

I recently e-mailed WDW to request (beg) for the return of EE mornings. I expressed how I felt about USF canceling EE but still giving other privileges to their hotel guests at the parks, and requested that Disney provided similar perks or brought EE mornings back.

They replied, acknowledging the receipt of my e-mail and promised to move it up in the ladder.

If you guys want the e-mail to do your share, here it is:

WDW.GUEST.COMMUNICATIONS@WDA.DISNEY.COM

Addy:

Guest Communications, WDW Co
P.O. Box 10040
Lake BUena Vista, Fl 32830-1000

 

[suevee]

Just thought I would let you guys know that DW called yesterday about my email. I pointed out to the rep that they were doing a favor to Universal by stopping enites and ee mornings. I said from my point of view this could result in lower hotel occupancy with loss of resort dollars. Also if their customers choose to stay elsewhere their dollars may easily go to other resorts, other restaurants, other shops, and other theme parks. I do not feel the Caravan of Characters equal the ee mornings and enites. I realize ee mornings and enites started out as being dependent on park attendance but has become a perk that make DW unique and resort guests feel special. If it is discontinued then why is DW any better than Universal and their hotels? I told her that I felt marketing shot themselves in the foot to save a few dollars and that it could easily backfire. I told her that my family has spent in excess of $20000 (yes last trip was $15000 because there were 10 of us for 10 days) in the last 2 years. And we are planning a trip for Feb 2003, however we were looking at other options in Fl because of the changes in DW. She was very nice and agreed with some of the things I said. So email! Get your voice out! With the competition for our dollars they are listening.

 

[Babblin'Boo]

Yup, I got a similar reply. I emailed this address:

wdw.guest.communications@wda.disney.com


Just join forces!

 

[Letsbgoofy]

I received a phone call after my e-mail as well. It only takes a few minutes to send an e-mail, and Disney seems to be genuinely interested in hearing from their guests about this issue.

 

[Timbo]

I will be on site Feb 8 and I am very sad to see that EE has been replaced by the Character Caravan. My son and I would get up early while my wife and my daughter rested. We had some great times with the EE. My whole family loves to see the characters in the parks. It is always a treat to run into them unplanned or at a character meal. I am sure that seeing the characters at your hotel will be enjoyed by many but personally I would rather have the EE back as a benefit for staying on site.

 

[Carl]

We ALL want it back.

 

[NandP]

Me Too !!

 

[2boys'mom]

to email Disney about early entry. Check it out!

 

[BrerMom]

Dear *****,

Thank you for your letter.

We are sorry, but at this time there has been no announcement of any plans to reinstate the Surprise Morning program. We thank you for your understanding.

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us.

Please include your full name, E-Mail address, and reservation number if applicable on all correspondence.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

*******

 

[kretsch]

Keep the requests to Disney going. The CM who worked the bus depot in the morning was talking to us as the Character Caravan pulled up to the lobby. She stated that a lot of guests are very disappointed that the EE's are not in place and that they would like them back.

 

[cforza]

What I don't understand is why Universal can do what Disney cannot. Many people here are defending Disney by saying they must cut back hours and do away with perks etc. but I don't buy it. It costs Universal as much to run it's parks and hotels as Disney, so how can they do it? They are offering good discounts at their hotels AND maintaining on-site perks, like FOTL access. Disney is not offering as good discounts as it has previously and removing perks for on-site guests, like EE. If Universal can do it, so can Disney!

By the way, we are making a statement with our wallet. We were going to spend our entire vacation at Disney, but since Universal is by far offering the better value, that's where we will spend our last 3 days, at a superior hotel to most of Disney's Deluxe properties at half the cost, not to mention being able to use FOTL!

 

[Dustmouse]

I have been out of the loop and can't believe what I'm reading tonight! Our trip in June was the most magical, fantastic, memorable experience and I cannot believe what changes have been made since then!

We LOVED the character breakfast at Garden Grille....now gone!
We used EE to EPCOT, MK, and MGM...now gone!
We stayed on property...got there early and left late.

I am simply stunned, disappointed and at a loss for what has happened. The months since 9/11 have been saddening and it was my memories of Disney that continued to help me smile.

*sigh*

 

[buzz2400]

I would think if there are no crowds at the parks then it would not matter that much that they eliminated EE. There would not be long lines. I had always thought that was what EE was for. To ride some of the rides without long lines. Also if there is not crowds you get more done and therefore you don't need to be at the parks late at night. The disney caravan sounds like a good idea if you are a young kid. My son is 10 and I know he would not care about that. I could just imagine getting him out of bed early in the morning to shake Mickey's hand. Hahaha. Disney should do something different like the first night you get vouchers for a dinner at the food court of the resort you are staying at. I feel that you need to have some kind of perk if you are staying on site. Disney does advertise a lot about the EE when you stay on site. I am going in August, staying on site and using the length of stay pass. I looked into the park hopper pass but we like the idea that we can visit the water parks as many times as we like with the length of stay pass. Does anyone know if the EE is gone for good or only until the crowds come back?

 

[LoriZH]

I am going over to the resorts board to find that link! lol

I want EE back! lol We are up so early anyway and believe it or not, especially on vacation. I loved getting there early and leaving early it was nice.

Buzz, if you are going in August, good choice as far as the water parks go, you should spend a lot of time there, it is truly HOT there in August.

 

[Babblin'Boo]

My friend who sent an e-mail to:

wdw.guest.communications@wda.disney.com just let me know that a cast member called today, regarding her request to bring EE mornings back. The CM confirmed that several people have been writing expressing the disappointment in having characters at the resorts instead, and all requests are being recorded, identities (and/or phone & addresses) confirmed and forwarded higher up.

Please write!!

l