Updated August hours for MK

[MickeyMinnieMom]

My plans were impacted. But it's hard to read through this thread (and I am saying this politely) because Disney can't win. People complain about shorter hours, Disney extends hours. People now complain about the extended hours impacting their breakfasts. I get it, I just can't work up too much steam. #firstworldproblems

I just wish that when they extend THIS LAST MINUTE that they'd add the hours just to the end of the day instead of the beginning.

Just a preference as a planner who's online making ADRs at 7am 180 days out. A bit of a pain when they mess with breakfasts as little as TWO WEEKS out. That doesn't seem respectful of the guests' time and planning to me, that's all.

Everything related to a WDW trip is a first world problem by definition, I think.

 

[wdwshelby9]

I was anticipating smaller crowds for our mid-August trip after all of the talk of such so far this summer on these boards. Now I am little concerned.

 

[DG-12]

...

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I am also a planner.
I think it's good guest service for Disney to look at hotel numbers, predicted crowds etc and decide to extend their park hours, thereby giving me, the guest, more time than I anticipated in the park.

I agree 100%!

Just think that they could achieve that by adding just to the end of the day when they are doing it this late -- that's all.

We've been going to WDW several times a year since 2005. MK is basically always open until 11 or 12 in August -- potentially barring some major economic downturn, which we aren't experiencing now. I think they probably have their forecasts for August together before 2 wks out. I think they could have released these changes sooner if they want to add 8am openings, which they have to know will mess with some plans.

Again -- just my preference / opinion.

 

[SBWB48]

Yup, my feeling too. They don't care that we had to decide what park we would be in day by day and what time we wanted to eat 180 days before vacation and then 60 days out decide what rides/shows we wanted. Which then gives an altered day, had we known 180 days out, we could have done different plans for that particular day. SMH

I'm going to eat breakfast on property somewhere. It might be in my hotel for an $8 breakfast or a $24 breakfast at BOG. But, for $24, I had better get a jump on the crowds, otherwise there's no sense in the additional money (and, to be honest, it was less likely to be the $24 breakfast and more likely to be the coffee and cupcake version anyway). I'd rather hit the $8 breakfast and be there for 8am rope drop.

But the only perk booked was breakfast. I can't see why people get upset over this. The ADR was for breakfast, not an empty street or the ability to be the first in line. I can't see how this is Disney's fault. And as far as empty tables hurting Disney, they will surely make more money opening the entire park to everyone who will start buying things rather than a handful of people, some of whom only plan on buying a cupcake. I think calling people "clueless" who will still book a breakfast is wrong....maybe they just expect a breakfast. If the expected crowd levels support it, they are making the trip more enjoyable for a large number of people, rather than a few who have an expectation on privileges not paid for. If you want an empty park or be the first on rides, book a EMM. That's what we did. Those are some of the perks with a EMM. Or at the very least, book a breakfast on a day with EMM, so that you know the hours will not change. That could help lead to less upsets in planning.

And I agree sometimes adjustments need to be made. With the park staying open to 2:00 am, well that is right up our alley! But we have FP+'s the next morning, early, and that won't be happening. So, I'm adjusting my FP+'s. Problem solved. Not everything goes as planned, but I've learned to roll with it!

I think you are missing the point. People book PPP breakfasts so they can enjoy their breakfast before the parks open- not spending the first hour of the parks opening eating. That's why we do make ADRs at the 180 day Mark. It does throw a wrench in our plans when Disney suddenly changed park hours so close to our trips

My plans were impacted. But it's hard to read through this thread (and I am saying this politely) because Disney can't win. People complain about shorter hours, Disney extends hours. People now complain about the extended hours impacting their breakfasts. I get it, I just can't work up too much steam. #firstworldproblems

I just wish that when they extend THIS LAST MINUTE that they'd add the hours just to the end of the day instead of the beginning.

Just a preference as a planner who's online making ADRs at 7am 180 days out. A bit of a pain when they mess with breakfasts as little as TWO WEEKS out. That doesn't seem respectful of the guests' time and planning to me, that's all.

Everything related to a WDW trip is a first world problem by definition, I think.

The short notice is definitely unfortunate, especially for those who put so much effort into planning; however, as another PP stated, it seems the extension itself maybe for the "greater good" in some cases.

While I certainly understand there are many who book a PPO breakfast to avoid missing park time (I myself have one booked for September as well), there are seemingly just as many, given the number of threads and posts that mention the idea of making a PPO just for the sake of an empty park or advantage of getting in line first for FEA or SDMT, and that also then seemingly becomes unfair to the same group of families and fellow DISers who also do genuinely want to have a breakfast experience and comment on their frustration to get an ADR breakfast for places like BOG, Garden Grill, and especially Akershus now, due to those who do book PPO ADRs for the indirect benefits. Those who want the breakfast experiences now may have a chance at doing so...but again, I understand others who want both the experience and the ability not to lose park time.

Without defending Disney, because they are also messing with my plans (by releasing the SW dessert party bookings so late!), even if they did extend hours earlier, it doesn't seem like that should affect those who want a TS breakfast. Obviously, because it's not a universal extension, meaning still scattered start times throughout the week, some still maintain the benefit while some don't, and I'm sure that is where much of the frustration lies...if it was an 8am start the entire week for the entire month for example, then that might lessen the backlash as everyone is then on a level playing field; those who want the breakfast can do so, and those who want park time can do so, the benefit is gone for everyone. However, I do have a slight bias in that I hope families who do genuinely try to book a PPO for the character meal and/or experience is able to get one, primarily because breakfast is slightly less expensive, and for some, it may be the only meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner) within a reasonable budget for say a family of 4 (just solely based on threads I've seen).

 

[SBWB48]

I was anticipating smaller crowds for our mid-August trip after all of the talk of such so far this summer on these boards. Now I am little concerned.

I mentioned this in a previous post as well given all the feedback for July trips. But with the extension, you'd have to wonder, but hoping that if crowds are heavier in August, that the extension does help you!

 

[SBWB48]

I agree 100%!

Just think that they could achieve that by adding just to the end of the day when they are doing it this late -- that's all.

We've been going to WDW several times a year since 2005. MK is basically always open until 11 or 12 in August -- potentially barring some major economic downturn, which we aren't experiencing now. I think they probably have their forecasts for August together before 2 wks out. I think they could have released these changes sooner if they want to add 8am openings, which they have to know will mess with some plans.

Again -- just my preference / opinion.

Agree! But also beyond extending hours to 1-2am each night, it would probably be difficult not to add to the morning hours. We are two adults so extended evening hours are great, but it seems only fair to allow those with children (may not the really young ones, but those with 5-8 year olds) to be able to have a shot at utilizing extended hours since it seems families are more likely to wake up earlier than stay up beyond 11pm-12am

 

[RedOne3781]

I am actually really happy about the extended hours at MK. Especially the nighttime hours. I love being at the parks late.

As for those whose PPO reservations got screwed up: this happened to me last August too. Had a 8:05 res at CP, then they changed park opening to 8. At first I was bummed. But then, I changed my plans around a little. Moved the reservation to 10:30. Got to the park before rope drop, went on a bunch of rides while the crowds were low, and then had a nice relaxing "brunch". It turned out to be my favorite morning of the entire trip.

 

[BookGirl305]

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[Betty Rohrer]

I agree 100%!

Just think that they could achieve that by adding just to the end of the day when they are doing it this late -- that's all.

We've been going to WDW several times a year since 2005. MK is basically always open until 11 or 12 in August -- potentially barring some major economic downturn, which we aren't experiencing now. I think they probably have their forecasts for August together before 2 wks out. I think they could have released these changes sooner if they want to add 8am openings, which they have to know will mess with some plans.

Again -- just my preference / opinion.

with only changing the staying open would not be that much help to parents of younger kids as they will not make it that long so they also change some of the mornings. if you family there is one group that staying only in the evening means they would not get to use any of the hours. just another way to look at it

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

While I certainly understand there are many who book a PPO breakfast to avoid missing park time (I myself have one booked for September as well), there are seemingly just as many, given the number of threads and posts that mention the idea of making a PPO just for the sake of an empty park or advantage of getting in line first for FEA or SDMT, and that also then seemingly becomes unfair to the same group of families and fellow DISers who also do genuinely want to have a breakfast experience and comment on their frustration to get an ADR breakfast for places like BOG, Garden Grill, and especially Akershus now, due to those who do book PPO ADRs for the indirect benefits. Those who want the breakfast experiences now may have a chance at doing so...but again, I understand others who want both the experience and the ability not to lose park time.

Without defending Disney, because they are also messing with my plans (by releasing the SW dessert party bookings so late!), even if they did extend hours earlier, it doesn't seem like that should affect those who want a TS breakfast. Obviously, because it's not a universal extension, meaning still scattered start times throughout the week, some still maintain the benefit while some don't, and I'm sure that is where much of the frustration lies...if it was an 8am start the entire week for the entire month for example, then that might lessen the backlash as everyone is then on a level playing field; those who want the breakfast can do so, and those who want park time can do so, the benefit is gone for everyone. However, I do have a slight bias in that I hope families who do genuinely try to book a PPO for the character meal and/or experience is able to get one, primarily because breakfast is slightly less expensive, and for some, it may be the only meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner) within a reasonable budget for say a family of 4 (just solely based on threads I've seen).

I book a PPO breakfast BOTH for the breakfast experience itself, AND to essentially be first in line for SDMT.

Not sure why my having both of those experiences should come second, in a way, to someone who just REALLY wants the breakfast and nothing else...

I book at 7am, 180 days out to get that experience. Those who really want just the breakfast but "have trouble" getting it probably didn't do that, or they'd have it!!!

Disney is doing SO MUCH last minute these days. Some of it may be unavoidable, like with new offerings. But deciding only 2 wks out that they're extending MK hours -- including some 8am openings -- IN AUGUST (known to be a busy time every year except perhaps during a MASSIVE recession, which we're not in) seems to be done with complete disregard for the planning guests have done -- planning THEY very strongly recommend.

That's all. It's an opinion. We don't have to agree.

 

[Polybound]

Have a look at the link below for extended MK hours for August.

https://media.disneywebcontent.com/StaticFiles/ParkHours/WDWTravelAgent_August.pdf

Thank you for post this. Not only MK hours in August, but AK hours in December as well.

 

[SBWB48]

The short notice is definitely unfortunate, especially for those who put so much effort into planning; however, as another PP stated, it seems the extension itself maybe for the "greater good" in some cases.

While I certainly understand there are many who book a PPO breakfast to avoid missing park time (I myself have one booked for September as well), there are seemingly just as many, given the number of threads and posts that mention the idea of making a PPO just for the sake of an empty park or advantage of getting in line first for FEA or SDMT, and that also then seemingly becomes unfair to the same group of families and fellow DISers who also do genuinely want to have a breakfast experience and comment on their frustration to get an ADR breakfast for places like BOG, Garden Grill, and especially Akershus now, due to those who do book PPO ADRs for the indirect benefits. Those who want the breakfast experiences now may have a chance at doing so...but again, I understand others who want both the experience and the ability not to lose park time.

Without defending Disney, because they are also messing with my plans (by releasing the SW dessert party bookings so late!), even if they did extend hours earlier, it doesn't seem like that should affect those who want a TS breakfast. Obviously, because it's not a universal extension, meaning still scattered start times throughout the week, some still maintain the benefit while some don't, and I'm sure that is where much of the frustration lies...if it was an 8am start the entire week for the entire month for example, then that might lessen the backlash as everyone is then on a level playing field; those who want the breakfast can do so, and those who want park time can do so, the benefit is gone for everyone. However, I do have a slight bias in that I hope families who do genuinely try to book a PPO for the character meal and/or experience is able to get one, primarily because breakfast is slightly less expensive, and for some, it may be the only meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner) within a reasonable budget for say a family of 4 (just solely based on threads I've seen).

I book a PPO breakfast BOTH for the breakfast experience itself, AND to essentially be first in line for SDMT.

Not sure why my having both of those experiences should come second, in a way, to someone who just REALLY wants the breakfast and nothing else...

I book at 7am, 180 days out to get that experience. Those who really want just the breakfast but "have trouble" getting it probably didn't do that, or they'd have it!!!

Disney is doing SO MUCH last minute these days. Some of it may be unavoidable, like with new offerings. But deciding only 2 wks out that they're extending MK hours -- including some 8am openings -- IN AUGUST (known to be a busy time every year except perhaps during a MASSIVE recession, which we're not in) seems to be done with complete disregard for the planning guests have done -- planning THEY very strongly recommend.

That's all. It's an opinion. We don't have to agree.

I certainly don't disagree and think I stated that in my comment right after that line .

There are certainly many like yourself that do want both, and it definitely doesn't make one more important than the other; however, to be fair as well, which a PP stated, if the option to be first in line for SDMT was taken away (re: the lengthy thread on some who have reported being held at Akershus until the RD crowd arrived and therefore, eliminating the advantage/perk), would those who wanted both previously, still book the breakfast? It's a toss-up as you may want to still keep it since you did it for both and not simply the advantage . Similarly, there are certainly MANY who were also up at 7am on their 180, and perhaps 180+10, and still didn't get the ADR just because there can't possibly be enough for everyone who wants one (again, as evident by the numerous threads and replies where people have expressed frustration at the fact that they were up early AND didn't get one because even being up at 7am on 180+10 won't get you the ADR if there are people doing the same with trips a few days prior to yours that overlap), and I'm sure not because they didn't 'try'. That is more so what I am referring to, that's all.

Not defending Disney's decision to make park changes so late, but as a PP mentioned, if there is an expected level of crowds expected now (since recent reports have suggested July has been slow for the most part) that weren't expected before, perhaps based on attendance the last few days, I think you would have more angry guests with short hours, despite pleasing those who could keep their PPO ADRs. I doubt Disney did it totally out of the goodness of Disney Magic by offering longer hours (i.e. more expenses), without a valid business reason (e.g. more bookings, new offerings = more locals, etc.). Again, not ideal for Disney to 'force' people into booking so far in advance, but I also think by offering reservations early, you avoid the feeding frenzy later (and those like ourselves who did book early now don't have to worry about it entirely), especially when all the sudden there is an expected influx of people that has made Disney rethink keeping parks opened longer = more costs.

Just a thought, and agree that we don't have to agree, but just want to provide a different perspective, even though I could be just as disappointed if the same happens to me in September .

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I certainly don't disagree and think I stated that in my comment right after that line .

There are certainly many like yourself that do want both, and it definitely doesn't make one more important than the other; however, to be fair as well, which a PP stated, if the option to be first in line for SDMT was taken away (re: the lengthy thread on some who have reported being held at Akershus until the RD crowd arrived and therefore, eliminating the advantage/perk), would those who wanted both previously, still book the breakfast? It's a toss-up as you may want to still keep it since you did it for both and not simply the advantage . Similarly, there are certainly MANY who were also up at 7am on their 180, and perhaps 180+10, and still didn't get the ADR just because there can't possibly be enough for everyone who wants one (again, as evident by the numerous threads and replies where people have expressed frustration at the fact that they were up early AND didn't get one because even being up at 7am on 180+10 won't get you the ADR if there are people doing the same with trips a few days prior to yours that overlap), and I'm sure not because they didn't 'try'. That is more so what I am referring to, that's all.

Not defending Disney's decision to make park changes so late, but as a PP mentioned, if there is an expected level of crowds expected now (since recent reports have suggested July has been slow for the most part) that weren't expected before, perhaps based on attendance the last few days, I think you would have more angry guests with short hours, despite pleasing those who could keep their PPO ADRs. I doubt Disney did it totally out of the goodness of Disney Magic by offering longer hours (i.e. more expenses), without a valid business reason (e.g. more bookings, new offerings = more locals, etc.). Again, not ideal for Disney to 'force' people into booking so far in advance, but I also think by offering reservations early, you avoid the feeding frenzy later (and those like ourselves who did book early now don't have to worry about it entirely), especially when all the sudden there is an expected influx of people that has made Disney rethink keeping parks opened longer = more costs.

Just a thought, and agree that we don't have to agree, but just want to provide a different perspective, even though I could be just as disappointed if the same happens to me in September .

Fair enough!

I will only say that I have never failed to get an early ADR in who-knows-how-many trips since 2005 by being online as soon as they open.

If I got to it later than usual, I've often gotten one by continuing to check.

Not saying this doesn't happen at all, of course!! I guess I'd just be surprised if it happens SO much. Perhaps these are people who ONLY want an early BOG ADR, instance. If you're open to either CP, CRT or BOG, I'd be VERY surprised if you can't get something at 7am, 180 days out.

 

[erinch]

Will be there Aug 5-19!

Is there documentation anywhere of why the 3rd week of August is expected to be higher in crowds, when so many schools are in session? What audience is coming?

also curious that there is only 1 Fantasmic, if MK is expected to be so mobbed?

What don't I understand?

 

[crazy_for_the_dis]

Just a guess, but free dining starts (maybe just with the disney visa, I can't remember the exact dates), plus many schools in the northeast are not back until after Labor Day.

 

[Shadowcat70]

Saw an email in my inbox today. Gave me a shock, as I was wondering if something was going to be up with the Haunted Mansion while we are there:

"There has been an unexpected change in the operating schedule of an attraction or show during your upcoming Walt Disney World® visit. Your FastPass+ selection for Haunted Mansion from 9:30 PM to 10:00 PM is no longer available."

Then I read the next part and just laughed - no cause for worry:
As a replacement, a new selection was made for Haunted Mansion from 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM."

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Saw an email in my inbox today. Gave me a shock, as I was wonder if something was going to be up with the Haunted Mansion while we are there:

"There has been an unexpected change in the operating schedule of an attraction or show during your upcoming Walt Disney World® visit. Your FastPass+ selection for Haunted Mansion from 9:30 PM to 10:00 PM is no longer available."

Then I read the next part and just laughed - no cause for worry:
As a replacement, a new selection was made for Haunted Mansion from 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM."

I received the same thing... And had the same reaction!!!

 

[Hessie628]

I booked breakfast ADRs at Ohana and 1900 PF for our Aug 17th trip in hopes that we would make it to the park shortly after opening. That's not going to happen now. I've talked up the breakfasts and my DD is so excited so I'm not going to change them. I'll still enjoy WDW, but hate that plans have to change. Now I'm concerned crowd levels are most likely going to be higher. Yet another thing I can't control. Lol.

 

[johnsonet]

Saw an email in my inbox today. Gave me a shock, as I was wondering if something was going to be up with the Haunted Mansion while we are there:

"There has been an unexpected change in the operating schedule of an attraction or show during your upcoming Walt Disney World® visit. Your FastPass+ selection for Haunted Mansion from 9:30 PM to 10:00 PM is no longer available."

Then I read the next part and just laughed - no cause for worry:
As a replacement, a new selection was made for Haunted Mansion from 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM."

Had the same thing happen for a ToT FP+