too many mnsshp scheduled in one week

[kydisneyfans]

My basic reply is that for every person who is upset at the limited hours, there is another family happy about being able to attend a party that they may not have been able to without 4 parties a week. I know that we are older and have visited Disney many times, but 9-7 is a full day to us. That's out the door by 8 and not back to the hotel by 8. Take a dip in the pool, get a movie, head to Disney Springs, or hit another theme park, there is soooo much to do at Disney. For fireworks, either park hop that day or do the MK for a full one. It will be busier but should still be manageable.

 

[Spoiledraf]

First response agreed with the OP, second response agreed with the OP, third response somewhat neutral, completely nonaccusatory. So this statement is f false.



Not knowing seemingly important information about a destination is the fault of the service provider (TA, wedding planner, etc.) isn't he fault of the venue. Disney doesn't keep the information a secret.

Standard MK hours are 9-7 (Epcot 9-9, Studios 9-8:30, AK 9-5.) Everything beyond those times is extended hours. No "theft".

Similar opinions have been expressed in the past. I'm curious why posters resent or disparage Disney from profiting for its owners.

You say standard hours are 9-7. I've visited over 20 times and have never seen MK close at 7 except for parties. Yes they deserve to make a profit but recent reports are that visitors are down while profits are up. In my opinion that's a bad trend because eventually less people is going to mean less profits. My vacations keep getting shorter because prices keep getting high not to mention services keep getting fewer. Even hard core Disney fans like myself have a limit. Mine is getting close. And apparently, with the lower numbers, a lot of others have already reached their breaking point.
It's mentioned above how crowded Saturday nights are because everyone who can't afford an extra $500 or in my case $900 to go a party, has to squeeze it in where available to see wishes and the E parade. Just today they extended the Sept 24 hours from originally posted 9-9 to now 8-12. Think that might have something to do with trying to satisfy the masses?

 

[fan1080]

Absolutely, but, it is unfair to the customer who did not know this to treat them as if they are stupid. They wouldn't know that information was missing to them. As I said, I found the information I needed before it ruined my trip, but, I trusted the TA I booked my wedding package with. I did not imagine they were not providing me all the info. I bet there are people in that situation. They are not stupid.

Unfortunately, the "didn't you do your research" mantra has been part of these boards for quite a few years. I've experienced it first hand when I complained about a party one time. Quite a few people on these boards think everyone is a Disney expert simply because they post here, and waste no time letting us know. It's absolutely ridiculous, and not very "magical".

 

[megster1123]

Unfortunately, the "didn't you do your research" mantra has been part of these boards for quite a few years. I've experienced it first hand when I complained about a party one time. Quite a few people on these boards think everyone is a Disney expert simply because they post here, and waste no time letting us know. It's absolutely ridiculous, and not very "magical".

I'm sorry, but I feel it's kind of ignorant to assume "magical" just happens. I busted my butt to research and plan our trip so we could enjoy our time to the fullest. "Magical" happens when our days are well-planned and our trip is customized to fit my family's needs and expectations based on what's available at the time. You can't expect "magical" when your kids hope to see fireworks that aren't scheduled or see characters that don't meet anymore. Do the work, enjoy the magical rewards.

 

[gatorlisa]

I get the OPs frustration. I find it annoying how many party nights there are too. When news broke of the MSEP's departure, we decided to go for a long weekend to see it one last time. Weekends are the only way to manage a trip with three park days and minimize the number of vacation days reqired for us, so we end up with either Thursday, Friday, and Saturday or Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the parks. For the weekend that worked for us, there are parties Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, so no matter how we arrange things, we only get one MK night. I've done my research and am fully aware of things going in, and this is by no means a once in a lifetime trip (I'm fortunate to be able to go fairly often if I want), but it's still frustrating that in September and October there are so many nights around the weekend that are early closures for the parties. But, we have hoppers, so on Friday we'll take advantage of the lighter crowds on a party day morning and spend the morning in MK and then hop somewhere else for the evening. That way if it's crowded Saturday afternoon and night (which I expect it to be since it's the MK's anniversary day), we'll have already ridden most stuff and can hit some of the less popular attractions and enjoy the parade one last time.

 

[smitch425]

Didn't read every response, so I apologize if this is repeat info, but prior to 2015, there was no Tuesday party the week of Columbus Day (at least for years when there was a Monday party). They added the Tuesday party to Columbus week last year because all of the parties that week in 2014 sold out, and the October crowds have greatly increased in the last few years. We are also there October 9-15. I recommend hoppers, if possible. They are a tremendous help during any party season. Hopefully the weather will be great for both of us, OP.

 

[lubob]

I agree it is no many party dates. We are going to be in disney week of oct 16 to oct 22 . Same problem we have only two night that they have wishes. And the electrical parade will as be gone by this time as well.

 

[fan1080]

I'm sorry, but I feel it's kind of ignorant to assume "magical" just happens. I busted my butt to research and plan our trip so we could enjoy our time to the fullest. "Magical" happens when our days are well-planned and our trip is customized to fit my family's needs and expectations based on what's available at the time. You can't expect "magical" when your kids hope to see fireworks that aren't scheduled or see characters that don't meet anymore. Do the work, enjoy the magical rewards.

And isn't it ignorant that others assume we haven't done our research?

No one here is a 100% expert with regards to Disney. Many of us do hours and hours of research, and plan as much as we think is required.

Then we come here and are accused of not doing enough research and planning.

That's the part that isn't very magical.... some of the responses here on this forum.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Just today they extended the Sept 24 hours from originally posted 9-9 to now 8-12. Think that might have something to do with trying to satisfy the masses?

Extending Saturday hours this time of year is pretty typical, it's not a new thing this year. MK hard ticket Halloween parties have been happening for many years. They are adding more because the parties are selling out.

There's nothing you can do about the number of parties, which are scheduled due to demand for them. So some get frustrated and call Disney "greedy" and somebody actually said on another thread that they don't see why all the parks can't be open to the public until midnight every day of the year. It's a given that won't happen.

 

[megster1123]

And isn't it ignorant that others assume we haven't done our research?

No one here is a 100% expert with regards to Disney. Many of us do hours and hours of research, and plan as much as we think is required.

Then we come here and are accused of not doing enough research and planning.

That's the part that isn't very magical.... some of the responses here on this forum.

I guess my issue was that, here it is, less than a month prior to the dates in question for the OP and they're just now noticing that there's 4 parties during their trip? Maybe instead of creating a thread just to complain, it might be more productive to seek advice for planning or creative ways to work the schedule. It's the needless whining that isn't very magical for me.

 

[fan1080]

I guess my issue was that, here it is, less than a month prior to the dates in question for the OP and they're just now noticing that there's 4 parties during their trip? Maybe instead of creating a thread just to complain, it might be more productive to seek advice for planning or creative ways to work the schedule. It's the needless whining that isn't very magical for me.

Agreed, threads that have a tone of complaining are for sure not that great. But, everyone's approach is different. The way I see it, at least people are asking questions.

I guess my issue was that, here it is, less than a month prior to the dates in question for the OP and they're just now noticing that there's 4 parties during their trip? Maybe instead of creating a thread just to complain, it might be more productive to seek advice for planning or creative ways to work the schedule. It's the needless whining that isn't very magical for me.

Disney makes changes all the time that affect plans I've (many of us) put in place months previous. Hours change, party dates are added, then more party dates are added after the original dates come out.

For us, it was back in Feb 2008. We booked CRT so we would have enough time to exit and watch wishes after Supper. At some point, a party was added that same night, and I never noticed. As we were exiting CRT, we were immediately stopped by staff and we were asked to leave the park. The change in hours, and the added party, happened after we booked CRT. Back then, I guess they didn't contact you when your ADR was affected by changes in park hours, because I never received a call, and our reservations weren't cancelled. We were completely blindsided, and yes, it was definitely my fault for missing it. But it just goes to show how even though I did all the planning.... you get my point.

So, instead of the, "haven't you done your research" mantra, it would be more helpful to be polite and explain it. Too many times responses here are much more of a rude tone than they need to be.

 

[Spoiledraf]

Tuesday Sept. 26, MK closes at 8? Four parties that week and an 8pm close. What's the deal with that?

 

[Missyrose]

At some point, a party was added that same night, and I never noticed. As we were exiting CRT, we were immediately stopped by staff and we were asked to leave the park.

But you can see the difference between what happened to you and someone complaining about shortened park hours that have been listed for more than six months.

Disney goes overboard with having the shortened hours on the schedule when it posts initial park hours. A couple of years ago, there were a couple of super early 7pm closings over Labor Day week. I extended my August trip in the hopes that those early closings meant an early start to the Halloween parties. The second of the early closings ended up being the first party, not the first one we'd extended our dates through. No party for us and that date went back to normal hours a few weeks later.

Disney isn't pulling the rug out from under people with the parties, they're very upfront about it.

 

[maxiesmom]

Tuesday Sept. 26, MK closes at 8? Four parties that week and an 8pm close. What's the deal with that?

That is not totally out of line for September.

 

[fan1080]

But you can see the difference between what happened to you and someone complaining about shortened park hours that have been listed for more than six months.

Disney goes overboard with having the shortened hours on the schedule when it posts initial park hours. A couple of years ago, there were a couple of super early 7pm closings over Labor Day week. I extended my August trip in the hopes that those early closings meant an early start to the Halloween parties. The second of the early closings ended up being the first party, not the first one we'd extended our dates through. No party for us and that date went back to normal hours a few weeks later.

Disney isn't pulling the rug out from under people with the parties, they're very upfront about it.

I wasn't trying to relate my story to the OP's.

Disney has slowly, over the years, added the parties, and then increased the number of those parties. It was mentioned earlier in this thread the Disney hasn't decreased hours for the parties. That is not true and can be seen by looking back at the historical hours.

For instance 2008:

Feb 10: MK closes 11pm
Feb 11: MK closes 9pm
Feb 12: MK closes 9pm
Feb 13: MK closes 9pm
Feb 14: MK closes 7pm (Pirate and Princess Party 7pm-12am)
Feb 15: MK closes 11pm
Feb 16: MK closes 11pm
Feb 17: MK closes 11pm

It's pretty evident MK closed earlier than usual to allow for the party. In fact, according to my planning spreadsheet, MK was supposed to be open until 9pm on Feb 14, but then the party was added and the hours reduced.

Disney has been very smart with the parties, by slowly de-sensitizing their park visitors to the fact that we now have reduced hours, which you can get back, if you purchase an additional ticket. Good marketing!

 

[Missyrose]

I wasn't trying to relate my story to the OP's.

Disney has slowly, over the years, added the parties, and then increased the number of those parties. It was mentioned earlier in this thread the Disney hasn't decreased hours for the parties. That is not true and can be seen by looking back at the historical hours.

For instance 2008:

Feb 10: MK closes 11pm
Feb 11: MK closes 9pm
Feb 12: MK closes 9pm
Feb 13: MK closes 9pm
Feb 14: MK closes 7pm (Pirate and Princess Party 7pm-12am)
Feb 15: MK closes 11pm
Feb 16: MK closes 11pm
Feb 17: MK closes 11pm

It's pretty evident MK closed earlier than usual to allow for the party. In fact, according to my planning spreadsheet, MK was supposed to be open until 9pm on Feb 14, but then the party was added and the hours reduced.

Disney has been very smart with the parties, by slowly de-sensitizing their park visitors to the fact that we now have reduced hours, which you can get back, if you purchase an additional ticket. Good marketing!

Disney got rid of Pirates and Princess parties years ago. Does it get credit for cutting back on parties in that case?

The flip side to the "there are too many parties" crowd are the folks who actually enjoy the parties and are grateful for the different experience in the park. There are even people who lament that Disney holds parties during the school year since so many people can only travel on school breaks.

So while many of you tsk tsk some of us for being Disney apologists, we're actually something different - people who actually enjoy the parties.

 

[megster1123]

I wasn't trying to relate my story to the OP's.

Disney has slowly, over the years, added the parties, and then increased the number of those parties. It was mentioned earlier in this thread the Disney hasn't decreased hours for the parties. That is not true and can be seen by looking back at the historical hours.

For instance 2008:

Feb 10: MK closes 11pm
Feb 11: MK closes 9pm
Feb 12: MK closes 9pm
Feb 13: MK closes 9pm
Feb 14: MK closes 7pm (Pirate and Princess Party 7pm-12am)
Feb 15: MK closes 11pm
Feb 16: MK closes 11pm
Feb 17: MK closes 11pm

It's pretty evident MK closed earlier than usual to allow for the party. In fact, according to my planning spreadsheet, MK was supposed to be open until 9pm on Feb 14, but then the party was added and the hours reduced.

Disney has been very smart with the parties, by slowly de-sensitizing their park visitors to the fact that we now have reduced hours, which you can get back, if you purchase an additional ticket. Good marketing!

What you overlook in your theory though, is that you're not just "getting back" extra hours with the party ticket purchase. If they reduced hours and then offer them back at an additional cost, then yes, that's pretty ridiculous. But you're getting the party and everything extra that comes with it.

Honestly I still don't see what the fuss is all about. The parties are there, they're not a secret. It is what it is. If you don't like the parties, choose different time of year to visit.

 

[fan1080]

Disney got rid of Pirates and Princess parties years ago. Does it get credit for cutting back on parties in that case?

The flip side to the "there are too many parties" crowd are the folks who actually enjoy the parties and are grateful for the different experience in the park. There are even people who lament that Disney holds parties during the school year since so many people can only travel on school breaks.

So while many of you tsk tsk some of us for being Disney apologists, we're actually something different - people who actually enjoy the parties.

After cancelling the Pirate and Princess Party, Disney gets credit for putting hours back to where they were before adding the parties.

No tsk tsk from me, I'm glad you enjoy the parties. We went to a MNSSHP a couple years ago and had a great time. I simply pointed out that Disney has in fact reduced hours to add parties. Disney has been very smart with the parties, making money by charging us more, for what we previously already had included.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Do we, as in the general public "we," know how many tickets is the limit for sale at each party? I don't believe that they sell out every night so if they cut back to, say, three nights per week, wouldn't that be good enough?

I mean, there are a few descriptions on this thread about empty parties. If Disney didn't make those nights party nights, wouldn't people who wanted to go then just book another night during their stay?

When I go to WDW, the tickets are a large chunk of my vacation budget. If I'm buying multi day tickets, is it wrong to expect that the most popular park with the most night time entertainment will be open more nights than not during our stay?

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Well, no, the parties are not exactly the same as extended hours. The parties have different offerings. Different parade, different fireworks, different character greetings that are accessible only if you buy a ticket to the party.

I guess the issue is that when you buy a ticket to a theme park, you can't "expect" the latest hours will be available for you at the exact park you want to visit every single day. It's not just Disney that closes a park "early" for special events.