Tiana's Riverboat Party Ice Cream Social and Parade Viewing Starts Nov. 29th

[pixarmom]

So crazy as it may be, I just reserved this. I would not do this with our whole family of five - princesses are really not a big thing in our family and the cost is silly. But on the day I booked the dessert party, it's just my 9-year-old son and me. He likes parades but doesn't do well with crowds. He loves desserts and popcorn. And boats. He usually misses afternoon parades because he needs an afternoon break, so I'm hoping this might be his opportunity.

 

[Kebby]

They likely will stop the boat right at that section near the bridge where there is the biggest gap in the trees. I'm planning on booking, and either keeping it or cancelling once I see video from the actual event

 

[summerw]

Year of a Million Upsells. I hate the cabanas more because the tents really seem cheap and out of place in a park with great theming but if they build permanent structures that fit the theming, I will just trust think it's crazy expensive and will laugh at people who use them while secretly being envious.

This is just weird though. We saw Tiana on the boat at Disneyland and it was cool but not even $5 each cool. And I get wanting some space for the parade as I was disturbed the one time I caught fof by many people's complete lack of regard for personal space. However, you are in the sun, at least on the upper deck, standing, crowding in for spots next to the railing, probably holding smaller or even medium children so they can see. I just can't see that I would ever pay for this. Why can't disney give people who are paying crazy amounts chairs?

 

[SureAsLiz]

Year of a Million Upsells. I hate the cabanas more because the tents really seem cheap and out of place in a park with great theming but if they build permanent structures that fit the theming, I will just trust think it's crazy expensive and will laugh at people who use them while secretly being envious.

This is just weird though. We saw Tiana on the boat at Disneyland and it was cool but not even $5 each cool. And I get wanting some space for the parade as I was disturbed the one time I caught fof by many people's complete lack of regard for personal space. However, you are in the sun, at least on the upper deck, standing, crowding in for spots next to the railing, probably holding smaller or even medium children so they can see. I just can't see that I would ever pay for this. Why can't disney give people who are paying crazy amounts chairs?

It sounds like characters and parades aren't for you. That's fine. For some of us, those are the most important pieces of the park.

I am paying for it because it's an event that I am interested in.
I love FOF and have seen it many, many times. I don't need an ideal view.
I love ice cream. It is absolutely the best dessert item IMO
I love Tiana and Naveen. I would visit them in the glen at least 3 times a week when they still met there. I visit Tiana in the hall just as many times now. This is a fun opportunity to see them together again.

Sure, I could stand in the sun and watch FOF any other day. I can buy a Mickey bar, and go to the hall. But on this day, I'm choosing to go to a fun event instead.

 

[ellie05]

Some things really only make sense to Disney fans and I think even some fans are hitting that boiling point. There is no way I'll be paying money for crappy view of the parade even if they throw in some ice cream to a meet and greet I was able to do for free. Thanks but not thanks.

Now having an attraction close a couple hours of the day for an upsell event set a terrible precedent for things to come...

 

[Disneylover99]

Now having an attraction close a couple hours of the day for an upsell event set a terrible precedent for things to come...

This is what bothers me. Reserved dessert parties, fireworks viewings, cabanas to rent, etc... I have no problem if people want to book them, if they're just reserving a space. But when they start closing down rides/attractions for those experiences to charge extra? I just don't see why anyone would think that's a good idea.

 

[mickey2minnie1]

I think it sounds like a beautiful event! Ride it when it is operating. The theming perfect!

I am going early March to see my son in the CP. We are not sure what park we will be going to for our two park days yet as he does not know where he will be placed.

My DD 14 looooves Princess Tiana and FoF is her favorite parade ever, so this is a serious consideration for my daughter and me. The food and beverage part sounds awesome!

 

[summerw]

It sounds like characters and parades aren't for you. That's fine. For some of us, those are the most important pieces of the park.

I am paying for it because it's an event that I am interested in.
I love FOF and have seen it many, many times. I don't need an ideal view.
I love ice cream. It is absolutely the best dessert item IMO
I love Tiana and Naveen. I would visit them in the glen at least 3 times a week when they still met there. I visit Tiana in the hall just as many times now. This is a fun opportunity to see them together again.

Sure, I could stand in the sun and watch FOF any other day. I can buy a Mickey bar, and go to the hall. But on this day, I'm choosing to go to a fun event instead.

I wasn't trying to bash anyone who's into it. Different strokes. I've waited 1.5 hours for Disneyland's Christmas parade and 2.5 for paint the night. And I was definitely joking about laughing at cabana people. I just think if disney's going to monetize free experiences, they should provide chairs, and families shouldn't have to struggle to get their little ones a view. It seems like they've been monetizing every show lately, and many people (although not dis'ers) will book it, not realizing it's a narrow view in the sun, jockeying for a spot at the railing. Since I grew up with roaming characters, it feels anti-Walt to me to make seeing Tiana on the riverboat only available if you pay. It should be just one of those magical things at Disney. every time I log on lately, I read how they've created a way to make money off something that was free. I stand by Year of a Million Upsells.

 

[SureAsLiz]

I wasn't trying to bash anyone who's into it. Different strokes. I've waited 1.5 hours for Disneyland's Christmas parade and 2.5 for paint the night. And I was definitely joking about laughing at cabana people. I just think if disney's going to monetize free experiences, they should provide chairs, and families shouldn't have to struggle to get their little ones a view. It seems like they've been monetizing every show lately, and many people (although not dis'ers) will book it, not realizing it's a narrow view in the sun, jockeying for a spot at the railing. Since I grew up with roaming characters, it feels anti-Walt to me to make seeing Tiana on the riverboat only available if you pay. It should be just one of those magical things at Disney. every time I log on lately, I read how they've created a way to make money off something that was free. I stand by Year of a Million Upsells.

You're right on the view - many people won't realize that it won't be great. But crowding for spots? Kids who can't see? We don't know that the experience will be like that. The boat is pretty large with multiple levels and lots of railing

You can see Tiana in the hall from open to close, every single day - they aren't removing her M&G for this.
I am still bitter about losing Naveen and having him as a paid only character. I will be the first to say that I don't agree with that move. But several years ago we lost Beast and he moved into a paid only situation. We lost Eric, and can't meet him at all anymore. It's not ideal, but it's better than nothing. And it's not new to this year.

These upsells aren't taking away experiences for other guests. Tiana will still meet. The boat will still travel. You can still sit in a shady spot without it being in a tent.
I don't agree with all of the new additions (premium parking?), but it's been stated that it will be a tight year for the company, and this is a way to keep everything going.

Also, I don't get the 'anti-Walt' sentiment that always comes up when something is announced. Disneyland was one giant upsell when it opened. Sure, you could visit the park for a small fee, but if you wanted to actually do anything worth doing? Hope you bought a ticket book or two.

 

[Disneylover99]

These upsells aren't taking away experiences for other guests. Tiana will still meet. The boat will still travel. You can still sit in a shady spot without it being in a tent.
I don't agree with all of the new additions (premium parking?), but it's been stated that it will be a tight year for the company, and this is a way to keep everything going.

I disagree. The boat will be closed for three hours. We always ride the Riverboat mid afternoon. This upsell will definitely impact our family.

 

[SureAsLiz]

I disagree. The boat will be closed for three hours. We always ride the Riverboat mid afternoon. This upsell will definitely impact our family.

But it will still be open the rest of the day. The boat isn't going away forever. Just because it won't be available from 1-4, doesn't mean it won't be available.

The Tomorrowland Terrace closes down every night for the dessert party. One of the ferry boats goes down for the Ferrytale Wishes cruise. Whole (prime viewing) sections of theaters are reserved for those who booked dining packages. Every one of those impacts me on a weekly basis. But I plan around them by taking a different path, or form of transportation, or way of accessing the theaters.

 

[Lisa F]

Year of a Million Upsells. I hate the cabanas more because the tents really seem cheap and out of place in a park with great theming but if they build permanent structures that fit the theming, I will just trust think it's crazy expensive and will laugh at people who use them while secretly being envious.

This is just weird though. We saw Tiana on the boat at Disneyland and it was cool but not even $5 each cool. And I get wanting some space for the parade as I was disturbed the one time I caught fof by many people's complete lack of regard for personal space. However, you are in the sun, at least on the upper deck, standing, crowding in for spots next to the railing, probably holding smaller or even medium children so they can see. I just can't see that I would ever pay for this. Why can't disney give people who are paying crazy amounts chairs?

I would guess the cabana thing is a trial. they are not going to build permanent structures until they get a sense of true demand... then they might do something that is more permanent.

 

[HopperFan]

It's fine if some folks have never ever booked something extra for their family; Dessert Party, Halloween Party, Christmas Party, Fantasmic Package, CP Package ..... and also see these new things as something they wouldn't pay for.

But there are plenty of us that book these things to do much of what is there for no extra charge. And within those who pay there are things we will pay for and some we won't because we all have different visions for our trips, different budgets, different special needs etc.

These "upsells" do not hurt other guests. Yes the riverboat is closing for a couple hours - but this particular attraction remains underused, often running way below capacity, and Disney saw a way to utilize it more. Disney is smart to look at underutilized spaces and do something to maximize the space and their profits. The Cabanas are sitting on what was dead space and impact NO ONE. As shared many locations close for special events, this is nothing new.

There is plenty at Disney that I don't understand why someone would throw their money away on ... some hotels, some restaurants etc .... but if it makes them happy and it makes Disney money (yes, I'm a stockholder) then so be it. I see no reason to be upset about these things - just don't book them.

 

[Disneylover99]

But it will still be open the rest of the day. The boat isn't going away forever. Just because it won't be available from 1-4, doesn't mean it won't be available.

The Tomorrowland Terrace closes down every night for the dessert party. One of the ferry boats goes down for the Ferrytale Wishes cruise. Whole (prime viewing) sections of theaters are reserved for those who booked dining packages. Every one of those impacts me on a weekly basis. But I plan around them by taking a different path, or form of transportation, or way of accessing the theaters.

Tomorrowland Terrace is just a space. It's hardly even open for business. Getting people to pay for prime viewing spots don't bother me. Everyone still has access to the show.

But taking an attraction down for three hours mid day, everyday is a very slippery slope. I guess we see things differently.

 

[HopperFan]

Tomorrowland Terrace is just a space. It's hardly even open for business. Getting people to pay for prime viewing spots don't bother me. Everyone still has access to the show.

But taking an attraction down for three hours mid day, everyday is a very slippery slope. I guess we see things differently.

But it is an underutilized attraction that can still provide the same number of people a ride with less trips. At one point there was even rumblings that this attraction may either leave or be anchored because of a future Frontierland plan that would restrict it's path. Again a RUMOR as far as we are concerned but ..... it's about maximizing. It may not make some folks happy but it's not a top attraction either.

 

[Disneylover99]

But it is an underutilized attraction that can still provide the same number of people a ride with less trips. At one point there was even rumblings that this attraction may either leave or be anchored because of a future Frontierland plan that would restrict it's path. Again a RUMOR as far as we are concerned but ..... it's about maximizing. It may not make some folks happy but it's not a top attraction either.

Maybe I would feel differently if they were using this as some kind of character cruise first thing in the morning when it definitely is not popular. But from my experience it is not an underutilized attraction mid afternoon. It's always been pretty full when we've been on it.

 

[Jfsag123]

@Jfsag123 - Naveen!!

Yep, that's what happened to him

Ugh! I'd just finished patting myself on the back for the money I'll save for skipping the Wishes dessert party on our next trip and now they come up with this mess that we will almost certainly have to do if it's still around. Where's the "sucker" emoticon?

 

[j2thomason]

I am looking forward to reviews when this starts next week. I just booked it for my solo trip in March. The only thing that would make it better for me is a chair to sit down! I think there are a few on the boat, but not nearly enough.

 

[tink too]

On the fence about booking this for our upcoming trip, so looking forward to next week's reviews.

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

On the fence about booking this for our upcoming trip, so looking forward to next week's reviews.

After giving it thought, I am still on the fence about this. I showed DH the description and he thinks it would be worth doing for various reasons; but I'd also like to see some reviews and photos/video footage before making a final decision.