Two Premium Events - My Experience & Thoughts - Don't Hate

[GPoppins]

Mods - This may be in the wrong spot so I won't be surprised if it's moved.

So I returned under a week ago from a long, rainy trip to WDW. While the nearly constant rain put a damper on most of our trip, I have to say that the weather didn't manage to ruin the two premium events that have been the topic of much venomous discussion here on these boards. While they were not the usual top notch, well-oiled events cranked out by Disney productions, each event had its merits.

My family and I attended the Soiree attached to MNSSHP. The credentials gave us access to the parade viewing area. We were greeted and handed bottles of water when entering the area. Now is when many of you will chime in to say how stupid I was to pay for a viewing area that is "free" by the next time the parade rolls around. What I say to you is that for me - and for my family which includes my mother only two years out from having had a major stroke that has left her not in the best condition - this was a plus. We didn't have to wait long for the parade. We felt special having an area for us. It felt nice to anticipate extra fun that evening. The parade was great and the fireworks were grand. For the actual Soiree, we were thrilled to spend time in Cinderella Castle and while the desserts were not our cup of tea, the interaction with the characters and the time spent doing something out of the ordinary made the event worthwhile.

We also attended the Late Nights Live at EP and used the concierge services at the lounges around World Showcase. The lounges were simply areas marked off for us. We had credentials to enter the areas. Ordering food in the lounges was nice but not necessary. The Late Nights Live event certainly was odd at times and needs some work - i.e. strange entertainment, lame cocktails, limited food offerings - BUT it was another different kind of experience. Also, the merchandise that was part of the package was outstanding - the wine glass, insulated bag, Food & Wine MB, the bottle of wine, the gift card...all really nice.

Here's the thing - we go to WDW at least three times a year and have always had a wonderful time but since I nearly lost my mom a couple of years ago, the trips are particularly meaningful. I want to have memories of doing everything under the sun that is physically possible for her and that we can afford. If a "premium package" makes waiting for a parade a little bit easier, I'll book it. If trying one of these packages gives us a new memory to talk about and remember, I'll book it. If that makes me an idiot then I'll take it. When so many of you want to criticize people for buying these packages and for blindly taking Disney's bait, you should consider that everyone approaches things with different experiences and different situations. Peace out!

 

[Sazzo'sMommy]

I appreciate your reasoning and reviews! I, too, delved into the premium package with the Star Wars Weekend parade and fireworks dessert party.

My Brother-in-Law almost died the previous summer of a rare lung virus that left him in a coma for three weeks, in the hospital for two months, and rehabbing still to this day.

He had more fun the entire day of the Star Wars Weekend event, and he still has to use a wheelchair around the parks, as his lung capacity will only ever reach 60% of what it was. Seeing his face, watching him come back to life, smile, have fun, snack, drink, and enjoy himself will always be a memory that I will cherish! I am glad that you too see how important the seemingly little things are when a loved one was almost lost, and now "family time" has a new and different meaning to us all!

Good for you and best wishes for your mother's continued recovery and all of the memories that you will make together!

 

[Josh Hendy]

To the OP, these are good points!

Think of premium parade viewing like this: to view the parade from a good spot, you can either trade your money for it, or if you don't have the money or you choose not to spend it you can trade your time and energy and "camp out". Either way, both kinds of folks can get what they want.

But I have a question: what do you mean by "strange entertainment" at Epcot Late Nights?

 

[GPoppins]

To the OP, these are good points!

Thanks!

Think of premium parade viewing like this: to view the parade from a good spot, you can either trade your money for it, or if you don't have the money or you choose not to spend it you can trade your time and energy and "camp out". Either way, both kinds of folks can get what they want.

But I have a question: what do you mean by "strange entertainment" at Epcot Late Nights?

Well, everyone was just standing around at the start of things and then suddenly there was this dramatic music and these dancers with whips. Multicolored lighted whips. Dancing. Flinging the whips. Then two stilt walkers in dark costumes walking around the whipping dancers. Then they were gone. Soon enough a DJ started playing techno music. Saying things like, “Welcome to Epcot’s Late Nights Live! Let’s get this party started.” Um, no. So then we saw people heading back into that pavilion between the UK and Canada. So we went back there and there was a band. A really cheesy band. Doing covers of everything from Michael Buble songs to the popular song, “All About that Bass.” In this pavilion, we received our “special” drink - which amounted to some kind of vodka concoction in a light up glass with no ice. There were also juggling bartenders. Need I say more...?

 

[RSWA2]

When so many of you want to criticize people for buying these packages and for blindly taking Disney's bait, you should consider that everyone approaches things with different experiences and different situations.[/COLOR] Peace out!

I agree, everyone approaches things differently. I splurge and don't splurge on certain things at Disney. Like I won't/rarely pay for dessert at a meal, but I would pay for a premium dessert event for the whole experience. Glad you had fun.