Very disappointed in BB PTN tonight

[hanna-nana]

While we loved our experience and food at BB (only 25 minute wait for waterside table for party of 7!), the whole PTN thing was horrible. They only had the one side of the section reserved. We showed up at 7:20 and hung out around the sign only to be told that it would be a surprise as to where they'd form a line at 7:30. Then at 7:35, they finally opened the line on the OTHER end of the area right as new groups walked up. By the time we were checked in, the curb was filled with adults and only 3 children. The adults were taking up the space of two adults since their bags were next to them. My kids, ages 4 and 6 were asked to stand (so were the 9 and 11 yr old but that's understandable, 2 yr old was in the stroller). The adults that they crammed in behind us were pushing my kids into the adults sitting on the curb in front of us, who then kept grumbling at my kids.

Definitely not the experience I was hoping for. Pool day tomorrow, then 2 more park days to hopefully end on a high note. As of bedtime, my kids were D.O.N.E. Not feeling the same Disney Magic as we felt two years ago on our trip.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Sorry to hear about your disappointing experience. Please leave a comment to Disney about this. Management needs to know what's going on in these situations, especially for such a highly promoted, expensive experience.

 

[hanna-nana]

I had to get attraction pictures added to our PP+ card and upgrade our tickets otherwise I'd have stopped by city hall. But, I did send an email, informing them of our night, just simply as info that might help them. Totally not expecting any 'perks' just kindly letting them know how it all went. They are obviously still tweaking the process. And maybe it varies night to night. But this was really kind of awful. I'd have happily staked out my curb spot 2 hrs early if I had any idea this was how it would be. Wanted to let you guys know since it was so different from how the previous reviews have gone.

 

[OnePrincessMom]

Where is the reserved area for PTN if you have the dining package?

 

[mom2rtk]

That's really disappointing. I was thinking of doing this on our next trip, but if reports like this continue, I will have to just save my money and stake out spots elsewhere.

 

[PoohsFan1]

Thanks for the report. I am hemming and hawing over whether to get the PTN package or not, we are already planning on having dinner at BB on one of our nights so we thought mind as well add the package. Like the PP, if the negative responses for the package keep coming in, I may just forego it and stand wherever we can get a spot (my kids will be 15 and 12 so no problems about being able to see or not).

 

[sherilaine]

We watched the parade from right across the street from that area - I picked it because I figured if that was the same vantage point as those in the BB package it must be a fairly good one, and I honestly saw a very crowded reserved section across from us prior to the parade. On the other hand we were all rather comfortable on the opposite side of the street, with no crowding, but I could see they tried to cram too many people into the rope off section for the dining package. We didn't have to stake out a spot too early either as we were all prepared to stand as my kids are 13 and 12, no standing behind people who are sitting was great for them. From what I saw, there is little to no value to be had from that package, especially when showing up earlier than required still does you no good since they are not set on where the line will form.

I hope you enjoy your day off and the next two park days!

 

[Cal-Pie]

I think last night's parade and firework crowd control was an epic fail on every level. My husband commented that the "JV" team was in charge. I was sitting across from the BB section in front of Starbucks. I couldn't believe how long they waited to put up the ropes to close off that section. It was after 7 before they put the rope up and then they had to kick everyone out who already sat down.

After the parade, they put up the ropes that make walk ways across main, but they couldn't get people to walk through them, all movement totally stopped, even on the sidewalks where they usually keep people moving. The fireworks were delayed because of wind. When they finally started, even though we were at the rope, we couldn't see a thing through the solid sardine wall of people not moving through the walk way in front of us. The fireworks came to an abrupt end in the middle of the Nemo part when the wind picked up again.

People were trying to move up mainstreet, other people were trying to move down mainstreet. No one could go anywhere. CM's were completely helpless and they knew it. Most stopped trying. It took us 45 minutes to get from Starbucks to the front gate! A very unmagical end to a magical day.

 

[alopez926]

That's a real shame. I did the package a few weeks ago and had quite a different experience. The area was quite spacious for the PTN packagers on my night. I did not have a curb seat, but I was right behind the curbers with no one behind me. Plenty of room to stretch out before the parade and great view once the parade started (except for the curbers who decided to stand and jump up and down the whole time). I was able to move spots to avoid the standers and had an unobstructed view. I was very impressed that the CMs were so on top of people trying to sneak into the reserved area without a ticket (or just didn't know it was reserved).

I would have been similarly disappointed to pay all that money for an unpleasant experience in the reserved area. I'm sorry it wasn't as magical as it should have been!

 

[sherilaine]

When they finally started, even though we were at the rope, we couldn't see a thing through the solid sardine wall of people not moving through the walk way in front of us.

That is ridiculous! We were behind the rope at end of Main Street one evening for fireworks and when people in the walk way would stop they were quickly escorted out of the area by a CM. This was on a busy Friday evening as well. It sounds like Disney just got out of the wrong side of the bed with this one last night. Perhaps a bunch of people called in sick or something and they were simply understaffed.

Considering Fireworks are so easily cancelled, I think staking out a spot is an incredible waste of time, unless you are a local visitor - we found just being in the "area" during the parade and then moving into the street with the masses after the parade moves past worked great and requires you only to wait in the street for about 15 minutes from end of parade to fireworks time.

 

[hanna-nana]

I think last night's parade and firework crowd control was an epic fail on every level. My husband commented that the "JV" team was in charge. I was sitting across from the BB section in front of Starbucks. I couldn't believe how long they waited to put up the ropes to close off that section. It was after 7 before they put the rope up and then they had to kick everyone out who already sat down.

After the parade, they put up the ropes that make walk ways across main, but they couldn't get people to walk through them, all movement totally stopped, even on the sidewalks where they usually keep people moving. The fireworks were delayed because of wind. When they finally started, even though we were at the rope, we couldn't see a thing through the solid sardine wall of people not moving through the walk way in front of us. The fireworks came to an abrupt end in the middle of the Nemo part when the wind picked up again.

People were trying to move up mainstreet, other people were trying to move down mainstreet. No one could go anywhere. CM's were completely helpless and they knew it. Most stopped trying. It took us 45 minutes to get from Starbucks to the front gate! A very unmagical end to a magical day.

Yes! I'm glad you noticed this too. We had a very magical time last time, two years ago. Walked by 10 mins before fireworks, grabbed a spot on he sidewalk and sat to watch. Loved it. It even brought me to tears. Last night was a mess. I don't know how anyone sees fireworks on mainstreet. Especially with kids. Adults were towering over us. I'm 5 ft and couldn't see a thing so I put my 6 yr old on my shoulder. Ouch. But at least she saw the show until they had to stop half way through LOL

I'm guessing they only used half the section last night because they had more crowds than expected. Which makes it sad for those who planned on a nice parade experience.

 

[hanna-nana]

Good luck to those going soon. I would think they'll continue to make changes to make it worth it. I really do. If not, I'd probably still do in since last nights crowd was crazy. But know this....they opened the line at the north end of the viewing area and in the street. Knowing that, you know where to be to be first. And then spread out and fend for yourself! I finally had my DH put the 4 yr old on his shoulders so she could see and not be fussed at by strangers. there were no more adults behind him, he ended up at the back of the rope.

 

[Cal-Pie]

Yes! I'm glad you noticed this too. We had a very magical time last time, two years ago. Walked by 10 mins before fireworks, grabbed a spot on he sidewalk and sat to watch. Loved it. It even brought me to tears. Last night was a mess. I don't know how anyone sees fireworks on mainstreet. Especially with kids. Adults were towering over us. I'm 5 ft and couldn't see a thing so I put my 6 yr old on my shoulder. Ouch. But at least she saw the show until they had to stop half way through LOL

I'm guessing they only used half the section last night because they had more crowds than expected. Which makes it sad for those who planned on a nice parade experience.

It really was a ridiculous, ridiculous night. On Sunday we were able to hang out by the entrance to adventure land during the parade, and then slide into a spot just left of the hub right as they put up the ropes. It was a wonderful view. I'll definitely do that again, but I'll not be trying mainstreet again.

 

[bumbershoot]

Since you're still there, go to city hall. There is NO need to send an email when you're still there. It's entirely different people who will be dealing with the righteous complaint.

When we were there they had both sides roped off. That's what they should keep doing. You pay a lot for that package (especially us since we are vegetarians and weren't told mint juleps were included in the package so we basically paid double what dinner would have cost us) and they should have ample seating.

 

[msr709]

I'm subscribing to this thread as I HAD intended to get that package but only if these issues are resolved by the time of our trip in July.

 

[row]

Somewhat similar experience for me on 3/4. CMs would not give advanced info on where the line would start, and they did not want us hanging around in the area prior to 7:30. They kept trying to shoo us away. If they don't switch it up every night, prepare to line up at end of the reserved area, furthest from the castle.

I will say that the CMs did a great job at keeping non BB people out of the reserved area and that we had tons of space to stretch out.

 

[sharona]

OP I would definitely go to City Hall and let them know how disappointed you were. That experience is not worth the premium you paid for dinner and reserved viewing! I was also considering this as we planned to eat at BB anyway but in the end I decided we will take our chances. There are only 2 of us (me and DD13), we'll have 4 chances to get a good spot and we decided we don't need to be sitting curbside.

 

[Girimama33]

We typically like to watch the parade and fireworks by IASW. I booked the BB package for myself and DD the Friday before Easter. We have both seen the parade before, but not curbside. I am hanging on to my reservation for now, since we want to eat at BB during our trip, but the recent reports are not encouraging...especially since we are going at a busy time.

 

[dragonflycurls]

It sounds like the area was way too small for the number of people. With all the craziness this has created, I really feel like they need to add chairs like fantasmic's dessert party had. Too many people are upset when they don't get curb seating.

 

[hanna-nana]

But what would complaining now do? I'm really not looking for reimbursement. We did enjoy dinner. I just think that the powers to be should know about how it was handled and maybe the CMs running the area didn't need to be so rude and sneaky. I'd hope my email would get to the right eyes.

If we have time tomorrow maybe I'll go if it's not busy.