Rumors of Light (ROL discussion thread)

[babyblues425]

Sounds like we are on the same schedule. We arrive on 4/21 and our AK day has been 4/22 all along. Fingers crossed it works out for us. I am making a plan B, just in case though. We will have a great trip either way I'm sure.

Us too, arriving on the 21st and had AK planned from the beginning on the 22nd..... Gonna have a good time regardless of the Houdini ROL...

 

[TML2012]

I guess they're waiting until they can be 100% sure that RoL will be up and running by 4/22 before updating the hours and show times. There has to be a lot of stress on those working on it currently. I hope, for everyone's sanity, that a break through happens soon! I hope that those that wanted to be with family this weekend weren't stuck testing RoL. They will likely be even happier than we are when everything is good to go and information can be released!

I think you are right. The rumour from a reliable poster on another forum is that the technical difficulties are holding up show and AK park hours scheduling. It makes sense that things are not going as well as Disney wanted otherwise they would not being doing all this daytime testing.

 

[jlundeen]

I think you are right. The rumour from a reliable poster on another forum is that the technical difficulties are holding up show and AK park hours scheduling. It makes sense that things are not going as well as Disney wanted otherwise they would not being doing all this daytime testing.

Well, I guess that could be true, however, with all the other nighttime activities that they have been hyping, I don't understand why they couldn't plan for later park hours, regardless of whether or not ROL is ready for primetime...

 

[YodasMom]

This is encouraging! I haven't received our DME info in the mail, either, and we're 26 days out. We received our first set of MBs on Saturday for the first part of our split stay.

I have another set of MBs that should come this week for the post-cruise part of the trip. I have friends traveling at the same time who have not received either.

 

[DVC4US]

Those dates were from Disney Website tonight. I thought I got the original hours from Disney's website as well. I may have gotten them from touring plans, but I thought I verified it with Disney before I booked my dining.

That's weird - I look at the website at least once a day(including right before I posted my answer) and I have never seen anything for June except MK closing at 10pm. Must be one of those weird website glitches.

I pick FP+ times in about 2 weeks and usually everything is pretty much set in stone by this time. Sometimes they will add an additional morning or evening hour depending on crowds but park times were set. Our plans are pretty much set, may shift just a little based on what they do at AK and with park hours but it would be nice to finalize things. I keep wondering if they are waiting to see what happens with the new "After Dark" events and potentially add some in June. I really feel for those going in April and May.

While I want to finalize things I do love this group and hearing everyone's plans. I may not post a lot, but I am always here lurking.

 

[Vernie822]

I sure hope so, too!

I had no idea what to expect from Disney ... oh, my two month anniversary on Dis is tomorrow(edit: in 11 minutes!)! I've learned so much since January 28th.

I was going to say, I am SO impressed at your vast Disney knowledge after only a few short months! I was so surprised when you said it was your first trip. Gold star for Paige, you've done your research lol. My fiance said to me this morning "I wonder how many people just show up at Disney with no plan and expect to do everything?" and I said "More than you think!" All of your hard work and research will pay off immensely.

 

[jlundeen]

I was going to say, I am SO impressed at your vast Disney knowledge after only a few short months! I was so surprised when you said it was your first trip. Gold star for Paige, you've done your research lol. My fiance said to me this morning "I wonder how many people just show up at Disney with no plan and expect to do everything?" and I said "More than you think!" All of your hard work and research will pay off immensely.

And it's funny you say that, cause when you are there and people watching (one of my favorite activities!) you can pretty well spot those that don't do much research - staring at maps, looking at show times, arriving for entry later in the morning, etc - vs those warriors who have the "DUMBO or die in a day" plans - walkie-talkies, huge backpacks so they don't have to go outside the park, racing from line to line - We started out as commando park visitors - had to see and do EVERYTHING...now, we pick and choose, plan for the unexpected, and while some things are a brisk walk, most are much more calm, with lots of time spent sitting and watch crowds....it's almost like another attraction!

 

[TML2012]

Well, I guess that could be true, however, with all the other nighttime activities that they have been hyping, I don't understand why they couldn't plan for later park hours, regardless of whether or not ROL is ready for primetime...

The reality is that we all know that these other nighttime activities are filler to keep people busy while they wait for ROL. They do not really sound like stand alone attractions that would actively draw people to AK without ROL. Can you imagine the complaints that Disney would receive from people who made plans around AK extended hours (with the assumption that ROL would be showing) only to arrive at AK and find Nighttime Safari, Harambe Wildlife Parti and Discovery Island Carnivale but NO headliner.

 

[KateP85]

With RoL I think it sounds like everyone was confident with the 4/22 opening date, and then once the show testing started, things were harder than anticipated or didn't go quite to plan. I still think they'll open on schedule, but I'm really thinking at this point it will be stand-by only or maybe some last minute (same day?) FPs. Depending on how much more they continue to hype the show and how many shows they can pull off opening night, this might be fine or it might be a disaster.

 

[yulilin3]

With RoL I think it sounds like everyone was confident with the 4/22 opening date, and then once the show testing started, things were harder than anticipated or didn't go quite to plan. I still think they'll open on schedule, but I'm really thinking at this point it will be stand-by only or maybe some last minute (same day?) FPs. Depending on how much more they continue to hype the show and how many shows they can pull off opening night, this might be fine or it might be a disaster.

When Mark Hamill came to Star Wars Weekends they gave out standby vouchers for people that went to get in line for his show at park opening, I think the show started at 4pm and there was a huge line at park opening, so everyone in that line got a standby voucher to guarantee a spot inside. People that went to get in line later didn't make it.
I really hope they do this so people are not in line for RoL for hours and hours, it's better for Disney to have them walking around spending money on food and merchandise.
Only time will tell, I'm going to AK tomorrow, and once again will get pictures

 

[KateP85]

When Mark Hamill came to Star Wars Weekends they gave out standby vouchers for people that went to get in line for his show at park opening, I think the show started at 4pm and there was a huge line at park opening, so everyone in that line got a standby voucher to guarantee a spot inside. People that went to get in line later didn't make it.
I really hope they do this so people are not in line for RoL for hours and hours, it's better for Disney to have them walking around spending money on food and merchandise.
Only time will tell, I'm going to AK tomorrow, and once again will get pictures

Hmmm. So did they advertise that, like they told people if they wanted a stand-by voucher they would be given out from park opening? Or was it one of those things that traveled by word of mouth? I'm just wondering how many angry people there would be if they showed up for RoL in the afternoon to be told that tickets had been handed out that morning and there were none left. I know SWW was huge and there were tons of people looking to meet the stars, but I feel like this has been more hyped up and everyone going to AK on 4/22 is expecting to be able to see the show.

Looking forward to seeing some new photos!

 

[figmentfan423]

Well, I guess that could be true, however, with all the other nighttime activities that they have been hyping, I don't understand why they couldn't plan for later park hours, regardless of whether or not ROL is ready for primetime...

As much as I want to see ROL and hopefully score a dining package I don't think of the rest as filler. Seeing I have kids in school AK is a daylight hours park for me as we go in summer. I can't wait to see everything after dusk so ROL or no ROL it will be new and exciting for us. Disney needs to get some later hours up for summer so I can finish planning. Rant over and thnx for the support

 

[yulilin3]

Hmmm. So did they advertise that, like they told people if they wanted a stand-by voucher they would be given out from park opening? Or was it one of those things that traveled by word of mouth? I'm just wondering how many angry people there would be if they showed up for RoL in the afternoon to be told that tickets had been handed out that morning and there were none left. I know SWW was huge and there were tons of people looking to meet the stars, but I feel like this has been more hyped up and everyone going to AK on 4/22 is expecting to be able to see the show.

Looking forward to seeing some new photos!

word of mouth, that Friday of SWW the people that went straight to the line got their standby voucher and then news traveled, by Saturday and Sunday most people knew in advance

 

[figmentfan423]

Hmmm. So did they advertise that, like they told people if they wanted a stand-by voucher they would be given out from park opening? Or was it one of those things that traveled by word of mouth? I'm just wondering how many angry people there would be if they showed up for RoL in the afternoon to be told that tickets had been handed out that morning and there were none left. I know SWW was huge and there were tons of people looking to meet the stars, but I feel like this has been more hyped up and everyone going to AK on 4/22 is expecting to be able to see the show.

Looking forward to seeing some new photos!

How are you doing today? I take it since you're on here the eviction is taking longer than expected.

 

[DVC4US]

The reality is that we all know that these other nighttime activities are filler to keep people busy while they wait for ROL. They do not really sound like stand alone attractions that would actively draw people to AK without ROL. Can you imagine the complaints that Disney would receive from people who made plans around AK extended hours (with the assumption that ROL would be showing) only to arrive at AK and find Nighttime Safari, Harambe Wildlife Parti and Discovery Island Carnivale but NO headliner.

I totally agree with you. I think they are waiting to update the hours for AK to make sure that April 22 is a firm date for ROL going live.

Still doesn't explain why they haven't updated June hours for MK & AK. Again, maybe they are waiting to see what kind of crowds get drawn to ROL instead of the other parks.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

When Mark Hamill came to Star Wars Weekends they gave out standby vouchers for people that went to get in line for his show at park opening, I think the show started at 4pm and there was a huge line at park opening, so everyone in that line got a standby voucher to guarantee a spot inside. People that went to get in line later didn't make it.
I really hope they do this so people are not in line for RoL for hours and hours, it's better for Disney to have them walking around spending money on food and merchandise.
Only time will tell, I'm going to AK tomorrow, and once again will get pictures

Looking forward to the pictures!

That's good to know - it seems like a comparable situation and it does make more sense for Disney. I'm hoping that we know more even in that last week. It's our last day and I can adjust plans if I need to be at AK at opening, but that wasn't our current plan - we were going to pop into MK to say "goodbye" for a couple of hours at EMH, then a late Stitch breakfast, and then head to AK - but that is definitely food for thought to adjust things!

 

[DVC4US]

And it's funny you say that, cause when you are there and people watching (one of my favorite activities!) you can pretty well spot those that don't do much research - staring at maps, looking at show times, arriving for entry later in the morning, etc - vs those warriors who have the "DUMBO or die in a day" plans - walkie-talkies, huge backpacks so they don't have to go outside the park, racing from line to line - We started out as commando park visitors - had to see and do EVERYTHING...now, we pick and choose, plan for the unexpected, and while some things are a brisk walk, most are much more calm, with lots of time spent sitting and watch crowds....it's almost like another attraction!

This is us too! We are all adults (no little ones until the grandkids come along) and have been going for years. We usually do what we what, depending on crowds, then grab a drink and people watch. It's the highlight of the day sometimes. We've also had some great conversations with the people around us on occasion.

 

[yulilin3]

This is my plan, go to AK at opening on the 22nd and hope and pray they do the voucher thing...Disney cannot handle a line of hundreds of people for hours and hours in one spot. They are going to come up with something.
I'm a local so I don't mind spending a whole day just waiting I understand how frustrating it will be for people that do have plans for AK for that day and there's really no way to plan without all the info needed. The only thing I can say is sit down with your family and prioritize what you want to do...do you want to sacrifice time at AK in order to see RoL? or would you rather enjoy the park and then take a chance on RoL...as usual I imagine the last RoL show will be the easiest to get into but for people going opening night it might still mean waiting for at least 3 to 4 hours...these are just my opinions

 

[TheFloatingBear]

This is us too! We are all adults (no little ones until the grandkids come along) and have been going for years. We usually do what we what, depending on crowds, then grab a drink and people watch. It's the highlight of the day sometimes. We've also had some great conversations with the people around us on occasion.

We love to people watch too! And I know that often people complain about the buses, but we love meeting new people on the bus! There's nothing like an early morning bus ride with little kids talking about their plans for the day - love it!

 

[KateP85]

How are you doing today? I take it since you're on here the eviction is taking longer than expected.

Lol yep, little one is still ignoring all attempts to get him to pack his bags. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow to decide if we should wait a little longer or think about an induction. I have tried every single thing I can think of to get him to move, but nothing so far. DS3 was a week early and weighed 7lbs 15oz so now I'm terrified about this baby being huge and still having to get him out somehow!