private event

[jworthy]

MK closed early tonight for a private event. One CM said that a person spent $400,000 to have the park for an unknown association for 4 hours. We ate at CRT and it seemed wierd to see the park so empty, but tons of employees standing around. Anyone know more about these private events?

 

[sndral]

Half of Epcot closed early a couple of years ago for a private party on the eve of TT reopening. I think it was for Chevrolet Corporate types and the press. If WDW wants to shut places down early they should post the info they are doing so @ least 6 mo.s in advance so that those of us planning our expensive visits can plan around Disney's closing things to cater to their VIPs, IMO.

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

No chance WDW would close the park for $400,000. Whoever paid tonight, really paid 1% rates.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I always laugh with the " a CM " said. First of all the CM that you/we see would not even have this knowledge, second they would have to keep their mouth shut about things like this. I'm not saying a CM didn't say these things, I am saying just like anywhere else, people like to act like they know something.

 

[disneydude365]

Disney usually won't release the info primarily for two reasons the first being they don't want anyone trying to sneak in with photoshopped documents

And two it's usually booked at random at least 2-3 months not 6months out...

 

[Cynthia1215]

It was an industry event. International association of amusement parks and attractions. http://www.iaapa.org/expos/iaapa-at...jor-new-networking-event-to-2014-expo-line-up

 

[bobbiwoz]

It was an industry event. International association of amusement parks and attractions. http://www.iaapa.org/expos/iaapa-at...jor-new-networking-event-to-2014-expo-line-up

Good work in finding this link!

 

[CarrieR]

That makes sense! We had a heck of a time getting back to Pop from Ohana last night - I thought MK closed at 7 for MVMCP and planned on transferring there. Rude awakening, a monorail trip, walk to Contemporary, bus to DTD, bus to AoA and walk back to Pop later, we made it... Were super curious about the convention!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Happens every once in awhile. and sorry, but no, they usually don't announce 6 months in advance.They are generally booked later than that.

DHS is closing early for a couple of private parties within the next couple of months, there's one for Pop Warner and one for CM appreciation.

 

[jworthy]

They had a bus waiting just for us to take us to POP, because we ate at CRT.

 

[richmo]

They happen. I've been to a couple when I went to Lotusphere several years back. One year we were at MK, then HS another. I think they also went to Universal on occasion. As I remember, the event would run roughly 7 til midnight and it was the only time I've seen alcohol openly served in the Magic Kingdom.

 

[100acreHiker]

We were there yesterday--I was surprised, given the early closing and the RAIN (wow--lots of it) how many people were still in the park for the first half of the day.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I'd be at Guest Services looking for my ticket back if that happened to me and I had plans to tour that night and used a ticket on the day only to get kicked out early.

 

[FlipHipster]

According to that link the convention attendees had to buy tickets to attend the event.

"Nov. 17. Tickets are US$149; IAAPA members can purchase tickets for US$104."

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

I'm going to go ahead and assume it cost a bit more than 400k.

 

[IWannaBuildASnowman]

If all it costs is $400K I say we all chip in and rent it out for ourselves some night.

 

[Delilah1310]

I've been a couple of these before ... not the whole park rented out, but portions.

One year, it was the Seas at Epcot - we could wonder through the aquarium where they had food and drink stations set up all over, and there were Turtle Talk with Crush showings (which were fun because it was all adults being silly). Then afterward, they led us to a private area right by the water for desserts and great views of IlluniNations.

Another year, they rented out the Atlantic Dance Hall on the Boardwalk and we had our food and drinks there, while a band played.

Another conference had rented out Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios - we had marvel charcters running around, food, drinks and we could ride the Hulk coaster, the Spiderman ride or the Tower one (can't remember the name).

Have no idea of the costs, but they were all great experiences for the conference attendees!

 

[Feralpeg]

I attended a private event at Universal Studios about nine years ago. The party was held after park closing. At that time of year, the park closed at 7pm. The party was held in front of The Mummy. That ride and a couple of others were the only ones available to party guests.

It was very nice. The catering was amazing. In total, there were about 100 guests. No idea what the company paid to do this. It was a party for clients of the company where I had worked for 30 years. Since I had just moved to Florida and knew many of these people, the company was kind enough to extend an invitation to me. We were shuttled in by bus and dropped off just behind the party area.

 

[Bluegrrl]

Just heard about this on the radio here (104.1). Yes, there is a HUGE industry convention going on down here in Orlando. HUGE! Why, you may ask? It's because Orlando is currently building some sort of super-high rollercoaster, our own "eye" Ferris Wheel and a number of other attractions, mostly going to be located along or near International Drive. It's gonna be big folks!

Also, I have been to a private party at Universal when Hogsmeade first opened. (LeakyCon and others rented out the area and MAN it was GREAT!!!) There are plenty of times when parks are closed for private parties and no one is notified. Not fun, but it happens. Although it's not quite the same thing, my parents have been to several industry parties at museums where the place closed early for the event.

 

[disnut8]

I'd be at Guest Services looking for my ticket back if that happened to me and I had plans to tour that night and used a ticket on the day only to get kicked out early.

But - your ticket says you are entitled to enter a park that day. And you could have.