Villians Sinister Soirée

[MickeyMinnieMom]

This is a creepy trend. If this works well, what's to stop Disney from creating specialty events where you can see certain groups of characters exclusively?

And then the world comes to an end.



I'd be surprised if they did this, but hey... guess we'll see...

We save time with M&Gs on regular days by doing character meals. One could call this elitist as it prices some people out. I call it market segmentation. This is just more of that.

They do grant exclusive access to Imagineers and Animal Experts to those who can/do pay for those expensive meals, though... Maybe that's more akin to keeping some characters aside for those who pay more...?

I'm not shelling out for the private Disney guide, but I don't begrudge those who can/do. Not every offering is realistic for our family -- and I'm fine with that. I wouldn't call the company evil, for instance, for offering something I can't/won't pay for. (I know you didn't btw! ) It's business.

 

[ShannonMB]

This is a creepy trend. If this works well, what's to stop Disney from creating specialty events where you can see certain groups of characters exclusively?

I guess that would be the concerning part. I think it's wonderful that they offer over-the-top exclusive experiences for those who can/choose to afford them. I just would hate if it turned more into "Hey, why offer, say, Anna and Elsa for free in the parks at all? If people are willing to wait hours to see them, they might be willing to PAY, too!"

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I guess that would be the concerning part. I think it's wonderful that they offer over-the-top exclusive experiences for those who can/choose to afford them. I just would hate if it turned more into "Hey, why offer, say, Anna and Elsa for free in the parks at all? If people are willing to wait hours to see them, they might be willing to PAY, too!"

That strikes me as a horse of a different color -- something that would get real criticism (like OUTSIDE of social media etc -- like bad PR that would get major attention) -- I'd be surprised if they ever did something this stark. JMO.

 

[ShannonMB]

That strikes me as a horse of a different color -- something that would get real criticism (like OUTSIDE of social media etc -- like bad PR that would get major attention) -- I'd be surprised if they ever did something this stark. JMO.

There's certainly no way they could get away with making the announcement today that starting tomorrow A&E costs $50 a head. Some would argue, I'm sure, that a trend to nickel & dime/charge extra for everything including what we get for free now, has already begun.

 

[Planogirl]

And then the world comes to an end.



I'd be surprised if they did this, but hey... guess we'll see...

We save time with M&Gs on regular days by doing character meals. One could call this elitist as it prices some people out. I call it market segmentation. This is just more of that.

They do grant exclusive access to Imagineers and Animal Experts to those who can/do pay for those expensive meals, though... Maybe that's more akin to keeping some characters aside for those who pay more...?

I'm not shelling out for the private Disney guide, but I don't begrudge those who can/do. Not every offering is realistic for our family -- and I'm fine with that. I wouldn't call the company evil, for instance, for offering something I can't/won't pay for. (I know you didn't btw! ) It's business.

I'm not saying that Disney is evil by any means but I do think that they're a bit greedy.

I doubt that this soiree is worth the cost for example. Sure people can decide not to pay for it but people do get caught up in the need to participate in events and if they make these events more exclusive then people will fork over the money. I saw you say that the Frozen sisters shouldn't ever become a pay to play feature but who knows? This has been the trend.

 

[alpina0560]

Trying to get through now to get a reservation-- current hold time is OVER 30 MINUTES, so clearly there is a demand..

I'm only going to try to go because its just me and my BF - so although it is still $200, its not a family of four+.. also I have been trying to get an ADR for the Wishes dessert party & dinner at CRT and have been completely unsuccessful - so this combines the two into one event for less than I'd pay at a meal at CRT (and we will get to *hopefully* see characters other than princesses)

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I'm not saying that Disney is evil by any means but I do think that they're a bit greedy. I doubt that this soiree is worth the cost for example. Sure people can decide not to pay for it but people do caught up in the need to participate in events and if they make these events more exclusive then people will fork over the money. I saw you say that the Frozen sisters shouldn't ever become a pay to play feature but who knows? This has been the trend.

I hear ya. I do think there's a line Disney has to walk. Maybe it's getting finer and finer as time goes on!

They have a profit motive -- good. They also have an expertly segmented offering. The profit depends a lot on them striking the right balance between segments -- offering cool things for those willing/able to pay but not damaging the experience for those not taking part in those offerings.

I suspect that at times they'll cross that line. I just hope that when/if they do, they pull back. They have a profit motive that would tell them to pull back if management is solid.

 

[WildGinger]

And then the world comes to an end.



I'd be surprised if they did this, but hey... guess we'll see...

We save time with M&Gs on regular days by doing character meals. One could call this elitist as it prices some people out. I call it market segmentation. This is just more of that.

They do grant exclusive access to Imagineers and Animal Experts to those who can/do pay for those expensive meals, though... Maybe that's more akin to keeping some characters aside for those who pay more...?

I'm not shelling out for the private Disney guide, but I don't begrudge those who can/do. Not every offering is realistic for our family -- and I'm fine with that. I wouldn't call the company evil, for instance, for offering something I can't/won't pay for. (I know you didn't btw! ) It's business.

I agree with this...I am hoping they come out with something for MVMCP.

 

[aaarcher86]

Trying to get through now to get a reservation-- current hold time is OVER 30 MINUTES, so clearly there is a demand..

I'm only going to try to go because its just me and my BF - so although it is still $200, its not a family of four+.. also I have been trying to get an ADR for the Wishes dessert party & dinner at CRT and have been completely unsuccessful - so this combines the two into one event for less than I'd pay at a meal at CRT (and we will get to *hopefully* see characters other than princesses)

What day are you booking for? I'd love to hear which villains are actually there.

 

[alpina0560]

What day are you booking for? I'd love to hear which villains are actually there.

September 12.. I was thinking about waiting to try and book until after the first party to see who would be there but I'm guessing it will probably sell out - I guess we will see if I ever get through to a CM.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

What day are you booking for? I'd love to hear which villains are actually there.

I booked for Oct 16 -- a surprise for DH and the kids. A little late to provide feedback, but I will be back here sharing our experience... whether it's AWESOME or totally STINKS!!

 

[ChanFO]

Hey, if someone has $99 to spend on this... have fun! This fool and her money will find other ways to be parted, though. The $70 per person I already spent was enough.

 

[ziravan]

it's in the restaurant. By law they will not be able to exceed the capacity of the restaurant. That restaurant does not hold 10,000 people. I think it has a top capacity of about 200. They're doing 2 sessions at some of the parties so that's a max of 400 in the priority viewing. Which does seem like a lot but I don't know where the priority viewing is.

They are doing 2 sessions for only three of the nights. Count those separate and that's 29 events. If the capacity is equal to the restaurant at 200, then that's 20K per event, or $580,000 gross for the entire MNSSHP.

Or, 5,800 guests out of probably more than 250,000 MNSSHP guests (10K X 26 nights - that's just a guess). If close to accurate, then that's 2.5% of MNSSHP guests. And those guests (MNSSHP) are already guests inclined to spend extra on ticketed events.

Sooooooooooo,

This event within an event is being marketed to a specialized group of guests within a specialized group of guests. They don't need a significant number of takers to pull this off. I guess I'm surprised they didn't charge twice as much (although I would bet this was pitched as a $50 event and they DID decide to charge twice as much).

 

[eyehartdisney]

This is a creepy trend. If this works well, what's to stop Disney from creating specialty events where you can see certain groups of characters exclusively?

You mean like Lilo and rabbit's character dinners? Or, you know, the MNSSHP or MVMCP themselves?

 

[wzd081]

Just FYI for anyone curious..

The event is refundable with the standard 1 day notice. So if you book and early reports are bad (unless of course you're an early event attendee) then you can cancel and get your money back. And you do not need to have MNSSHP tickets to book it, however, you def don't want to book it without MNSSHP tickets and wait on those too long and then have the party night sell out and be forced to cancel.


Also, for anyone who might not realize this is not for AP holders only. At first I didn't think so, but it was posted only on the AP facebook (I can only imagine it was their way of giving them a heads up and then maybe they'll be releasing the info more publicly somewhere else) and then had a special number to call. So I almost hung up and didn't wait through the 30+ mins because I convinced myself it was probably AP only. However, I stayed on the phone and was happy to figure out it was not. I doubt there are many other people who could be confused like I was, but just in case I wanted to mention it.

 

[alpina0560]

Trying to get through now to get a reservation-- current hold time is OVER 30 MINUTES, so clearly there is a demand.. I'm only going to try to go because its just me and my BF - so although it is still $200, its not a family of four+.. also I have been trying to get an ADR for the Wishes dessert party & dinner at CRT and have been completely unsuccessful - so this combines the two into one event for less than I'd pay at a meal at CRT (and we will get to *hopefully* see characters other than princesses)

after 45 minutes I was able to make my reservation. made it for the 11:45 dessert party.. the cm said it would last 45 minutes, so I can't wait to be one of the last people in MK for our last day there!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

This event within an event is being marketed to a specialized group of guests within a specialized group of guests. They don't need a significant number of takers to pull this off. I guess I'm surprised they didn't charge twice as much (although I would bet this was pitched as a $50 event and they DID decide to charge twice as much).

This one includes both character performers and at least one Equity performer. I haven't seen a lot of $50 private events at WDW that include that.

 

[ElizabethDarling]

I'm torn, all this villains unleashed bad wrap I've read about leaves me wondering if this might have the same outcome.. I also read that some were given MNSSHP tickets and or refunds so now I'm also worried more then the norm might be attending MNSSHP and I SHOULD buy the $99 tickets for better viewing/experience.... What to do, what to do...

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I'm torn, all this villains unleashed bad wrap I've read about leaves me wondering if this might have the same outcome..

it can't. As this event is held in a restaurant, they are limited to the capacity of the restaurant. So no overselling.

I also read that some were given MNSSHP tickets and or refunds so now I'm also worried more then the norm might be attending MNSSHP

Does not mean they were offering tickets to MNSSHP events that were already sold out. They've been doing these parties for ages and they know what a succesful capacity is for MNSSHP. Sold out ones are obviously going to be more crowded, but the MNSSHP is not an event based primarily on character greetings, so you don't get tons of guests upset that they didn't have time for enough character greetings.

 

[Xoxolyn]

after 45 minutes I was able to make my reservation. made it for the 11:45 dessert party.. the cm said it would last 45 minutes, so I can't wait to be one of the last people in MK for our last day there!

I've been on hold for 25 minutes. I hope my stupid phone doesn't drop the call. I assume it's a prepay? If the reviews sound bad, I'll drop it