Surprise announcement

[nytimez]

It is impossible for any of the parks to be open for 24 hours for any reasonable length of time. Once in a while, maybe. They HAVE to close the attractions for inspection.

But 24 hours on a single day? Not exactly a barnburner announcement and certainly not worthy of the heat being generated. It may be a one-off thing as part of a larger announcement, though.

It's definitely happening -- a 24-hour day at both parks on Feb. 29, and I heard this from someone who would definitely know. I'm told it's part of the announcement but not necessarily the entire announcement, just as you suggest.

 

[lindap1]

I say it's free dining all the time!

 

[kritter]

Take a full 24 hours to create as many memories as you can — because on Leap Day, 2012, Disney Parks are celebrating like never before!

For the first time ever, both Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom Park will be open for 24 hours of wonder, imagination and magic starting February 29 at 6:00 a.m.

Plus, beginning January 1, 2012, Disney Parks.com is giving away a vacation package every day until February 29, 2012 and has an exciting special offer!

Spend an extra night for free at either a Disneyland Resort Hotel or a Walt Disney World Resort hotel when you book a Room and Ticket Package for 3 nights or more, between February 26 and March 10, 2012. Purchase before January 31, 2012.

 

[lindap1]

did you just see this on tv? or is this what your hoping for?

 

[kritter]

did you just see this on tv? or is this what your hoping for?

It is on the Disney site. It is official!!

 

[lindap1]

the only thing exciting about that is giving away free packages, but I thought they were announcing it on tv first ....hmmm

 

[kritter]

the only thing exciting about that is giving away free packages, but I thought they were announcing it on tv first ....hmmm

Me too!!

 

[lindap1]

Maybe there is more to it

 

[gokdog]

Pretty narrow window on the free night, we are heading back to Disneyland 25 March but the trip giveaways should be nice.

 

[lindap1]

None of it sounds exciting enough to me to book right now

 

[lindap1]

it just showed it about the one more day, BUT is also said stay tuned for a major annoucement from Disney, so there's more to it!

 

[lindap1]

Blah! Nothing that will make convincing my hubby to go back in 2012!

 

[khiguchi]

I wanna go, but we have to conserve vacation days!!

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I say it's free dining all the time!

I sure hope not...

the dining plan has ruined the experience...probably irrepairably

 

[nytimez]

the dining plan has ruined the experience...probably irrepairably

It's saved me some money, though. Not the dining plan itself, since I don't use it. But since many of the TS restaurants now barely rise above CS meals, I choose CS far more often than I used to.

Also, I don't like planning everything 180 days in advance, and since the dining plan has made it tough to get a last-minute table even in slower times, I don't have much of a choice.

 

[anthony2k7]

I sure hope not...

the dining plan has ruined the experience...probably irrepairably

are you aware they offer it for much longer periods to international guests? especially us brits... the current tv add says something along the lines of "with free dining - now available during school holiday dates as well!"

 

[Cricket2]

Open 24 hours

So do I get a gold star or some sort of certificate or what?

 

[lockedoutlogic]

are you aware they offer it for much longer periods to international guests? especially us brits... the current tv add says something along the lines of "with free dining - now available during school holiday dates as well!"

that's good info...

but it doesn't really matter...it never seems to go away. It's always around...lurking.

And to be clear: its not "free dining" i'm opposed to...
Its ALL dining plans...

We were all such fools. The eliminated almost all specialization from the menus of the sitdowns, cheapened them, jacked up the prices (so you "feel" like you're getting such a great deal on the dining plans", and then used the plans to pack them in like sardines to ruin the casual atmosphere that was a big part of the dining experience.

And now you buy their plan and like it...or you pay $46.00 for the $18.99 grade new york strip at outback...or you can choose the free range chicken breast, center cut pork loin, or grilled salmon (no matter where you happen to be)...and follow it up with the creme brulee, cheesecake, and chocolate "thing" (no matter where you happen to be).

We all fell for it...the "walmarting" of a once truly unique collection of dining options conveniently dotting a "fun" place to be...

And nobody raised an eyebrow


As an aside...i looked up late march in the dining reservation system today...because we are going - again...like lemmings.

I looked up a Friday night in late March...and 71 of 72 restaurants had tables between 5 and 7...actuallly they were pretty open.

That's a big headached for Mr. Bob...that represents a lack of crowds at a traditionally solid to busy (depending on easter) time that should be booked pretty solid by now.

Rough year for the old profits in the "destinations" business segment.
Good for them

In case anyone is curious...the one restaurant booked up?
Tuotto Italia

An outsourced chain...though very good.