Question for those traveling late May thru mid-June

[jbish]

Our trip is 6/14-6/18. This is truly a "bonus" trip for us as DH only suggested we go in March. I had already thought we would wait until 2017, so I was excited about this opportunity! We don't have the flexibility to change it by a few weeks or so, as I think you're suggesting, so we couldn't make a change at this point.

I was excited about all of the things you've mentioned - and thinking I have buffer space even (except for Soarin', which, last I heard, might be debuting with the new movie at the very end of our trip). So now I've gotten to the point where I'm really expecting ROL, Frozen, new SW fireworks, etc. to all be included.

However, it's also been 2 1/2 years since we all went as a family, so there's plenty of things that are new to us - 7DMT, especially. Moreover, my kids are little so there are things that they have never done yet. Plus they are now completely into Star Wars, which just changes our whole touring strategy, particularly with the potential of multiple visits to HS (which I never would have thought 6 months ago).

So, to us, we will still have a blast on this trip. And whatever we don't get to experience this time will, hopefully, be there for us next time!

 

[gypsicat]

Our dates are set in stone due to work schedules, school schedules and other activities. We will be there June 8-18th

It is our first visit, so for us pretty much everything is new. But with things in limbo, it has been hard to plan for some days. For us, the one thing that is really giving me a hard time is the whole Elsa/Anna meet and greet.

Just knowing there is new stuff on the horizon and we may miss it IS sort of a bummer but it isn't going to ruin our trip. I just don't like the current limbo I am in on meeting those darned princesses, lol.

 

[Amy&Dan]

For me personally I can handle it if none of these new things happen, I'd just like to know! Our trip is May 25th to June 6th. No way will I postpone or cancel.

The uncertainty is driving me nuts. At this point my big hope is for the Star Wars fireworks to be going. Don't care if its the current version or the new one. I've kind of just reconciled myself to ROL likely being a no go. And if the new Frozen ride doesn't open I'm ok with that too.

 

[redsbe]

First, I want to say that I don't feel devalued as a person by these changes, only the trip . Just in the economic sense, there would be more experiences per dollar spent if the new attractions are open. I suppose if you wanted to be technical, my vacation has less value relative to a vacation happening in late July (which was my hypothetical example). But you are right if you're suggesting that vacation probably has similar value relative to trips that people have already taken in 2016.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip to WDW (as you can see, I'm earning my ears), and I don't think we'll be back anytime soon. So that might explain why I'm disappointed about these changes and delays, but as you may have noticed I'm not alone in feeling this way. You may feel and see it differently, and that is perfectly fine. I just wanted to clarify in response to your question.

I understand, but as WDW opens more attractions and events in the coming months and years, one can always make the claim that there would be higher economic value in the future compared to present. Since WDW is always adding more value via new attractions events (and in past has as well) your issue is and has been always present. I also get the once-in-a-lifetime view of this trip, but again WDW is and never has been a static experience, the only value you receive is what is present when you pay to be there. And here is the real value issue: weather, crowds, closings, break downs, and other unanticipated changes while on the trip could greatly change the experience you expected and paid for - none of which you can plan for or anticipate. Does the economic value of your once in a life time trip decrease when rain washes out the only times you planned on seeing the MK fireworks or Test Track breaks down and is unexpectedly closed all day on your only Epcot day. If you really are concerned about economic devaluing, those are what can occur and you have no control over (nor does WDW).

 

[redsbe]

For me personally I can handle it if none of these new things happen, I'd just like to know! Our trip is May 25th to June 6th. No way will I postpone or cancel.

The uncertainty is driving me nuts. At this point my big hope is for the Star Wars fireworks to be going. Don't care if its the current version or the new one. I've kind of just reconciled myself to ROL likely being a no go. And if the new Frozen ride doesn't open I'm ok with that too.

During 15 WDW/DL trips over the last two decades the most important lesson I learned was to plan for only what you could expect and know at the time of planning, not the uncertain or unknown, and then deal with the unexpected that will occur when you are at WDW (weather, crowds, ride break downs), keeping in mind much of what could happen is completely out of your control and for which no way you can plan for. We are there May 31-June 5 and all my planning is based on what I know is certain as of right now, can adjust to some degree as needed heading up to departure day, but nothing I can do or plan for that is unknown or uncertain at this point, including soft reopenings, new attractions ready, or other unanticipated changes. Plan for what you can experience and enjoy based on what you know to be true today, then you can treat and new opportunities that may emerge as bonuses.

 

[Silvermist999]

We are going to be at WDW for 10 days at the end of May. I was looking forward to Soarin being open, but we've rode it many times before. We only rode BTMRR for the first time our last trip (since our kids weren't ready for it yet) and we are so happy that the refurb won't happen during our trip. Sure, it would be nice if the new Frozen ride will have soft openings during our trip, but if it doesn't that's ok too. And now that ROL won't be open yet, we'll be skipping AK this time and maybe doing another MK day instead. So much to look forward to - hopefully the weather will be cooperating, which to me, is way more important

 

[Amy&Dan]

Well this is your first family trip (and 25 years for your parents) there are certainly many open attractions and activities to experience for the first time, regardless of those underdevelopment that may not be ready for your visit. WDW is constantly evolving and changing with ongoing construction and pending reopenings year round and every year - all of which are not in your control. I agree adding new paid early hours days at MK can mess with plans, but I doubt it will have as much impact as some are speculating - only time will tell. But for a first time visit why would you feel devalued by missing on rides/attractions not ready thus why plan for, and not value all that exists that you have never experienced?

I've been going to WDW for many years and I've been on this board for many years as well. I can vouch that this current situation is different than anything I've seen. Now that Fastpass+ has us all booking our days/rides in advance, we are more dependant than ever before to have the information we need to do all this preplanning. Also to have Disney make a formal announcement of when ROL would open, only to have that change very close to many of our trips is frustrating. I too have thought a few times that I wish we would have picked a few weeks later but it is what it is.

The lack of information on headliner rides/shows at AK, Epcot, and HS plus the addition of these new special ticketed mornings at MK have made planning very difficult at all four theme parks. Add to that cutbacks on things like MSEP, water park hours and EMH, all of which is out of the norm and its just kind of non stop. Disney created the preplanning frenzy and its hard to roll with the punches they have delivered with lack of information and changes.

I get that ROL is new and that issues have come up. But if they could just get the Star Wars fireworks on the schedule and get the hours changed to reflect it, that right there would help. "Summer 2016 " was fine a few months ago, but we're mid April now and it would be nice to know!

After 40+ Disney trips I've learned to accept things being out my control. But this is a first as far as the amount of things I am having to work around and wait to find out about.

 

[Amy&Dan]

During 15 WDW/DL trips over the last two decades the most important lesson I learned was to plan for only what you could expect and know at the time of planning, not the uncertain or unknown, and then deal with the unexpected that will occur when you are at WDW (weather, crowds, ride break downs), keeping in mind much of what could happen is completely out of your control and for which no way you can plan for. We are there May 31-June 5 and all my planning is based on what I know is certain as of right now, can adjust to some degree as needed heading up to departure day, but nothing I can do or plan for that is unknown or uncertain at this point, including soft reopenings, new attractions ready, or other unanticipated changes. Plan for what you can experience and enjoy based on what you know to be true today, then you can treat and new opportunities that may emerge as bonuses.

Yeah I'm over 40 trips to Disneyland and World over the last 13 years. So I get it.

And btw, a formal announcement of April 22nd blows uncertain and unknown away.

I have indeed been enough to know things change and crowds, weather and refurbs are all part of the experience! And since I have trips planned for October and March I am beyond lucky enough to know what's not there this trip will be for the next ones. But I can still have some smh moments with the changes that have come up very recently as well as the lack of information about the Star Wars fireworks which is unusual. Normally the entertainment schedule is showing all the nighttime shows when I'm just over 40 days out.

 

[Gillyrose779]

We are going May 27- June 5. We are fine if they do not open... what is annoying is feeling like I have to constantly check if things open up. I would be pretty upset with myself if I miss out on FastPasses b/c there is not way I will stand in the standby line for brand new rides/events.

 

[redsbe]

We are going May 27- June 5. We are fine if they do not open... what is annoying is feeling like I have to constantly check if things open up. I would be pretty upset with myself if I miss out on FastPasses b/c there is not way I will stand in the standby line for brand new rides/events.

Same happens with last minutes closures unannounced including day of, we arrived at MK one day last year only to find attraction closed, open FP+ (plus added 4th FP+) while in the park. Wondering if WDW bas been burned in the past by announcing soft or hard re-openings or openings that did not occur, and now approach is not to announce unless 100% ready including last minute - perhaps FP+ has resulted in such changes with announcing openings?

 

[redsbe]

Yeah I'm over 40 trips to Disneyland and World over the last 13 years. So I get it.

And btw, a formal announcement of April 22nd blows uncertain and unknown away.

I have indeed been enough to know things change and crowds, weather and refurbs are all part of the experience! And since I have trips planned for October and March I am beyond lucky enough to know what's not there this trip will be for the next ones. But I can still have some smh moments with the changes that have come up very recently as well as the lack of information about the Star Wars fireworks which is unusual. Normally the entertainment schedule is showing all the nighttime shows when I'm just over 40 days out.

Not to be critical, but wondering how does Star Wars fireworks impact your plans?

 

[redsbe]

Yeah I'm over 40 trips to Disneyland and World over the last 13 years. So I get it.

And btw, a formal announcement of April 22nd blows uncertain and unknown away.

I have indeed been enough to know things change and crowds, weather and refurbs are all part of the experience! And since I have trips planned for October and March I am beyond lucky enough to know what's not there this trip will be for the next ones. But I can still have some smh moments with the changes that have come up very recently as well as the lack of information about the Star Wars fireworks which is unusual. Normally the entertainment schedule is showing all the nighttime shows when I'm just over 40 days out.

In trips from 2012-2014 we would see changes to the entertainment schedule, and even park hours, a few weeks before visit. So I not so sure late announcement of openings and events is really that new at WDW, thinking that they are more careful and also not wanting to open a FP+ opportunity unless certain and not risk pulling it out later.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Not to be critical, but wondering how does Star Wars fireworks impact your plans?

Just trying to decide what nights we will do HS. If there are no fireworks we will go once and do Fantasmic. If the fireworks are going we will go two times maybe three. I currently have ADR's at DTD and MK. Not sure I want to ditch those for HS restaurants.

And not to be critical but surely a seasoned expert like yourself understands everyone's plans are different and based on the unique likes and priorities of each visitor/family. Nighttime shows are the #1 priority of my family. So not knowing if ROL and Star Wars fireworks are going during our timeframe is an issue.

Not a deal breaker but we're anxious to know.

 

[Amy&Dan]

In trips from 2012-2014 we would see changes to the entertainment schedule, and even park hours, a few weeks before visit. So I not so sure late announcement of openings and events is really that new at WDW, thinking that they are more careful and also not wanting to open a FP+ opportunity unless certain and not risk pulling it out later.

I will say second Electrical Parades and Fantasmic showings were common add ons in the days and weeks leading up. Since we began going so definitely used to that. MK would frequently see an extra hour added to the day's schedule. But I do not remember a time where a fireworks show was not part of the schedule at all this close in.

Your fastpass theory makes sense for ROL, but not tge Star Wars fireworks.

 

[vinotinto]

On our last trip (Oct 2015) there wasn't anything new. Even though we had been on all the rides/attractions, it was still fun. We revisited all of our old favorites. More importantly, crowds were pretty bad over the long weekend, even without anything new being open. I can't imagine how they will turn out to be when the "new" things open. Yes, it'll be cool to try something new, but it will bring on even more crowds. So, that may be a great reason to keep your current reservation.

 

[BaseballMoM2007]

We will be there May 22nd- May 31st. We are locked into dates because of the baseball tournament we are attending. While I am disappointed that some of the new things may not be open I am glad BTMRR refurb was pushed back. It was down every time we tried to ride it when we were there in September so we never got to ride it. It is a favorite of ours. I have fastpasses booked for it 3 days so hopefully we can find it open at least once

 

[anniemae]

Nope, would not cancel. There will always be something closed for refurb. Disney is in a stage of transition and it will be for a while. There is so much to do and always something to look forward to for the next trip.

 

[Floridadreaming2016]

This is me. The sad thing is, is that I don't have the will/energy to change stuff around at this point. Like others have mentioned, RoL (along with the nighttime safari and the Tree of Life effects) was supposed to open on 4/22. It just never occurred to me that by June 2nd, it still wouldn't be open. Granted, they may make an announcement in May that it's opening the very next week, but I'm not optimistic at this point.

I think I'll probably get to see the new SW fireworks, but I read a rumor on the SW thread that the old ones will end on 6/3 and new ones begin 6/5, with none on 6/4, and of course, one of my HS nights was/is on 6/4! I had one other night planned there to see the fireworks twice.

I started putting together a list of what days I could possibly change (and changing ADRs/FPs), but then that affects something else like the 'Sounds Like Summer' concert at Epcot or putting us at a non-recommended park, etc.

I wasn't really counting on Soarin' to be open, and as far as the Frozen ride, it would be nice, but it's not a must-do.

Then I think it will be just my luck that I change park days around only for them to announce that RoL will be open when I'm there, that SW fireworks will be going on the original night, etc.

I'm just "blah" about planning at this point.

I agree- I have messed with this trip so much and I am really bummed about no Soarin but the trip is for DH. I can't change it all again.

 

[maryj11]

I've been going to WDW for many years and I've been on this board for many years as well. I can vouch that this current situation is different than anything I've seen. Now that Fastpass+ has us all booking our days/rides in advance, we are more dependant than ever before to have the information we need to do all this preplanning. Also to have Disney make a formal announcement of when ROL would open, only to have that change very close to many of our trips is frustrating. I too have thought a few times that I wish we would have picked a few weeks later but it is what it is.

The lack of information on headliner rides/shows at AK, Epcot, and HS plus the addition of these new special ticketed mornings at MK have made planning very difficult at all four theme parks. Add to that cutbacks on things like MSEP, water park hours and EMH, all of which is out of the norm and its just kind of non stop. Disney created the preplanning frenzy and its hard to roll with the punches they have delivered with lack of information and changes.

I get that ROL is new and that issues have come up. But if they could just get the Star Wars fireworks on the schedule and get the hours changed to reflect it, that right there would help. "Summer 2016 " was fine a few months ago, but we're mid April now and it would be nice to know!

After 40+ Disney trips I've learned to accept things being out my control. But this is a first as far as the amount of things I am having to work around and wait to find out about.

Oh I totally agree this year is different then any other year we have gone to Disney. It actually has me kind of frustrated not knowing what to do when it comes to planning. I have to many dining reservations because I'm not sure what we will be doing on which day yet. We will be looking out for the Frozen ride to open and saving a night for ROL. I just keep checking to see if there are any updates on the new attractions, shows, fireworks, and waiting for the hours to be updated . It definitely is different planning this year.

 

[MSS91]

I can bet you that a bunch of these are going to open June 18th...why? because that is the day after we leave

I feel like chances are best that ROL and FEA are open by mid june though, they seem to be the most complete. I would love for Soarin to be open by the time of our trip, but i feel that is gonna be a stretch.