When will the Disney Money Grabbing End?

[Marionnette]

Can this be purchased in lieu of an admission ticket or is it in addition too it? If its in lieu of I would do it for one the nights it stayed open until 2. I don't spend more than 7 hours in the park, and if its truly a limited number then it won't be so crowded. I'm pretty sure the 14th and 21st cover Spring Break for alot of school districts, so I'd definitely go at night and pay an extra $30 a ticket for less crowds.

From what I can tell, it is a hard ticket event, similar to the Halloween and Christmas parties. However, the difference here would be that with MNSSHP and MVMCP, guests without a hard ticket to the event are "swept" to the exit at 7 PM. With this event, regular park closures are expected to be 10 PM or 11 PM. So while you could theoretically enter the park at 4 PM (like they do for MNSSHP and MVMCP) and stay until 1AM or 2 AM, you will be sharing the park with all of the other day guests until much later.

Posters on the TPAS who called Disney about this event are being told that guests without a hard ticket will be permitted to stay in the park to shop and buy food but they will not be able to ride any attractions after the official closing time.

 

[Hikergirl]

From what I can tell, it is a hard ticket event, similar to the Halloween and Christmas parties. However, the difference here would be that with MNSSHP and MVMCP, guests without a hard ticket to the event are "swept" to the exit at 7 PM. With this event, regular park closures are expected to be 10 PM or 11 PM. So while you could theoretically enter the park at 4 PM (like they do for MNSSHP and MVMCP) and stay until 1AM or 2 AM, you will be sharing the park with all of the other day guests until much later.

Posters on the TPAS who called Disney about this event are being told that guests without a hard ticket will be permitted to stay in the park to shop and buy food but they will not be able to ride any attractions after the official closing time.

If I was planning a visit for MK for just one day and it fell on one of those dates I'd probably do it. We'd just go to the park after dinner time so 6 or 7. I'd just make sure I ate enough Mickey Bars and drank enough soda to make up for the additional cost LOL.
If I was there for a longer vacation it wouldn't be worth it too me. We don't do rope drop, and are more night owls so we'd prefer to stay late anyway.
For some it is a good option, but I do think the price is high for what they are offering. If it was like $125, it would be just a little more than regular 1 day admission.

 

[CMNJ]

Disney is not a nonprofit. I'm not sure why you care about this offer, no one is forcing you to purchase it.

I think many people "care" about this offer because of the future implications. If they charge $150 for 3 hrs and it is successful what price will the Halloween and Christmas party tickets be? Will this replace EMH evenings at MK? If this takes off will MK start closing early multiple nights every week for these hard ticket events? When we go in Oct they close at 7 pm 4 nights per week. The 3 nights they don't close early are SO MUCH BUSIER as those not interested in purchasing party tickets (or can't afford them) come those days to get "the most for their money" and see the fireworks/MSEP. People don't want that to become the new norm.

 

[CMNJ]

I believe the info I read said that entry time for this is 7 pm not 4 pm like MNSSHP/MVMCP (which makes sense since they also start earlier)

 

[supersnoop]

I think many people "care" about this offer because of the future implications. If they charge $150 for 3 hrs and it is successful what price will the Halloween and Christmas party tickets be? Will this replace EMH evenings at MK? If this takes off will MK start closing early multiple nights every week for these hard ticket events? When we go in Oct they close at 7 pm 4 nights per week. The 3 nights they don't close early are SO MUCH BUSIER as those not interested in purchasing party tickets (or can't afford them) come those days to get "the most for their money" and see the fireworks/MSEP. People don't want that to become the new norm.

But they aren't taking anything away to add this event. They're charging for a new experience at times that they were not previously open. This shouldn't make anything "worse." It can only make things better for the select few who actually pay for the event.

 

[Hikergirl]

I think many people "care" about this offer because of the future implications. If they charge $150 for 3 hrs and it is successful what price will the Halloween and Christmas party tickets be? Will this replace EMH evenings at MK? If this takes off will MK start closing early multiple nights every week for these hard ticket events? When we go in Oct they close at 7 pm 4 nights per week. The 3 nights they don't close early are SO MUCH BUSIER as those not interested in purchasing party tickets (or can't afford them) come those days to get "the most for their money" and see the fireworks/MSEP. People don't want that to become the new norm.

I wouldn't want to see this become the new norm replacing evening EMH but every once in awhile during high crowd weeks this could be a good thing. I do wish the cost was a little less though, but it I think that about everything at WDW LOL

 

[Anthony1971]

It seems that when the economy is not doing so well Disney does well as people can justify going to Disney for the kids... When the Economy is doing well it is Hawaii for less then Disney.. then maybe the prices will go down as they did in the early 2000's or at least big discounts and the return of non expiring tickets which is also gone again...
In the big picture people are also excited about Pecos bills and them adding nachos and beef for 11.99 because it has a toppings bar...... it is nachos and beef and some toppings with a drink yours for the low price of 16.00 plus tax???

 

[TheRustyScupper]

For $149 PER PERSON, you too can enjoy 3 extra hours in the MK after the park closes!

And, they say P.T. Barnun is dead.

 

[MamaJinji]

I couldn't ever justify paying that much more, for just a few hours. Especially not when I know I'm already shagged out by that point! I'm more sad about the implications if it works. No more EMH, I'd bet. At least it makes the decision to stay off-sight easier, since it's not like you'd be getting EMH anyway, and the nearby hotels are providing transportation to the parks now too. I feel like Disney might eventually price themselves out of their customer base.

 

[Marionnette]

I believe the info I read said that entry time for this is 7 pm not 4 pm like MNSSHP/MVMCP (which makes sense since they also start earlier)

"Official" entry time for MNSSHP and MVMCP is 7 PM but guests are permitted into the park at 4 PM with their ticket. I'm almost positive that I read the original text on the Disney website to say that you could get in at 4 PM with a After Hours ticket but I may be mistaken about that and there's no screen grab to support that.

But now that I think about it, we went to the Finish Line Party in Epcot last fall. It officially began at 10 PM but we were able to enter the park at 7 PM with our ticket. The MK After Hours Party would probably be similar.

 

[CMNJ]

But they aren't taking anything away to add this event. They're charging for a new experience at times that they were not previously open. This shouldn't make anything "worse." It can only make things better for the select few who actually pay for the event.

I'd agree that they weren't "taking anything" away but if the people who buy these tickets wouldn't have gone to MK that might otherwise then it is taking away from the experience of those with days tickets since presumably those people will take advantage of the 7 pm entry leading to higher crowds from 7-10 (or 11 depending on the date). Depending on how "limited" this event is it may not be terribly noticeable but if it is "limited" like the Halloween parties it will have noticeable effect. MK is significantly busier on MNSSHP days after 4 when they begin allowing party goers in who did not have a day ticket. FP for the headliners are gone due to the glitch that allows them to book FP with the party tickets (in the 3:30-6:30 time period) even though a party ticket is not sold as allowing FP access. I'm not opposed to Disney having after hours events but I do think this could negatively impact the evenings of the day guests who have made plans months in advance to be there.

 

[amylevan]

I think many people "care" about this offer because of the future implications. If they charge $150 for 3 hrs and it is successful what price will the Halloween and Christmas party tickets be? Will this replace EMH evenings at MK? If this takes off will MK start closing early multiple nights every week for these hard ticket events? When we go in Oct they close at 7 pm 4 nights per week. The 3 nights they don't close early are SO MUCH BUSIER as those not interested in purchasing party tickets (or can't afford them) come those days to get "the most for their money" and see the fireworks/MSEP. People don't want that to become the new norm.

Here's the thing....if it's successful, then obviously WDW hasn't been charging the right price for Halloween or Christmas party tickets and they SHOULD raise them. All throughout fall and the Christmas season this year, people were on here complaining that the parties were too crowded. So, maybe they need to up the price to lower the crowds.

Do I think $149 is ridiculously overpriced? Yes. But I also think the dessert parties are ridiculous and they seem to fill up. So, if a bunch of people decide that $149 is the right value for them, I don't understand how others can get all up-in-arms with Disney. I won't be buying, but if Mr. & Mrs. Smith decide that this seems like a great idea, so be it.

 

[CMNJ]

"Official" entry time for MNSSHP and MVMCP is 7 PM but guests are permitted into the park at 4 PM with their ticket. I'm almost positive that I read the original text on the Disney website to say that you could get in at 4 PM with a After Hours ticket but I may be mistaken about that and there's no screen grab to support that.

But now that I think about it, we went to the Finish Line Party in Epcot last fall. It officially began at 10 PM but we were able to enter the park at 7 PM with our ticket. The MK After Hours Party would probably be similar.

I actually had copied the info off the website this am to text to my husband-that's where I got the 7 pm from. You are correct the other parties allow entry at 4 pm (except I think the recent MK DVC parties were also 7)

From Disney's Website this am

Details:

More Magic in Less Time
Treat yourself to a classic Magic Kingdom experience—complete with select attractions, ice cream novelties and more.


By purchasing a ticket to Disney After Hours, you can make the most of a truly magical occasion when Magic Kingdom park lets you in for the last few hours of the day… and then stays open for 3 extra hours at night, just for Guests of the event!

This is your chance to fit in even more theme park fun, all while enjoying many of the most popular attractions and Character Greetings around—such as:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Disney Princess Greetings at Princess Fairytale Hall
Peter Pan’s Flight
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Space Mountain
And much, much more!
Ice Cream Novelties & Select Beverages Included!
In the midst of the laughs and thrills, be sure to chill out with ice cream novelties and select bottled beverages—included with the cost of admission—available at carts stationed through the park. In addition, you can also purchase select menu items at Casey’s Corner and STARBUCKS® Coffee and specialty beverages from Main Street Bakery.

And remember: admission is limited to only a select number of Guests. Be sure to purchase your tickets today!

Show Less



Call Today to Purchase Your Tickets
Contact the Disney Reservation Center by phone to buy your tickets to this one-of-a-kind special event! Admission to Disney After Hours can be purchased for $149 per Guest (tax not included), and takes place on the following dates:


April 28 and May 5, 2016 from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM
April 14 and 21, and May 8, 12 and 19, 2016 from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM
To purchase a ticket for one or more of the dates listed above, please call the Disney Reservation Center at (407) 827-7185 for assistance. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Show Less


[IMG]
Important Details for Disney After Hours
Learn all you need to know about Disney After Hours—including when you can check-in and enter the park.


[B]Official check-in for the event will take place at the Main Entrance to the theme park beginning at 7:00 PM[/B].
Please note that Magic Kingdom park will officially close to Guests who haven’t purchased Disney After Hours tickets at 10:00 PM on April 28 and May 5, 2016; and at 11:00 PM on April 14 and 21, and May 8, 12 and 19, 2016.
Walt Disney World Resort hotel Guests—including those staying at Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel and Walt Disney World Swan Hotel—may use Walt Disney World Transportation after the event for up to 2 hours.
Please note that the number of tickets available is limited. In addition, all tickets are non-refundable, non-transferrable and are only valid for admission during the special event date and hours.
All attractions, entertainment and experiences are subject to change without notice.

 

[Disneyliscious]

Im anxious to see the price increase for MNSSHP and MVMCP this year. We know its coming.

 

[CMNJ]

Im anxious to see the price increase for MNSSHP and MVMCP this year. We know its coming.

Me too-if 3 hours costs $150 what must 5 hours plus a special parade and fireworks cost now lol

 

[OhMari]

Are these are the dates that "grad" nights used to take place? Except they would let people in the parks all night. I think they discontinued Grad nights 2 or 3 years ago.

I think it is even sadder that they took away EMH already too on certain days. When EMH started, there used to be a park that opened early and a park that stayed open longer. I was planning out my days, for last February, and I was surprised by the cut down of EMH. Disney takes away, thinking you will forget what you used to have and then brings it back with a price tag.

 

[Ava]

I can see the appeal of this as an add-on to an otherwise non-Disney vacation. A 1-day adult MK ticket for those dates is $110+tax. For an extra $39, you'll get a (presumably) much less crowded park experience plus beverages and dessert included. You can enter at 7pm, see the regular nighttime parade/fireworks, then ride with short lines for the 3 hours after park close. And probably get 3 FP+ to use between 7pm-park close because we know how great Disney is at fixing "glitches" that don't actually make them lose money.

If I were planning a non-Disney trip to central Florida, I'd consider doing this to get a little Disney fix one night. The price is high to pay for a family, but for a single adult or couple I'd consider it.

 

[Hikergirl]

I can see the appeal of this as an add-on to an otherwise non-Disney vacation. A 1-day adult MK ticket for those dates is $110+tax. For an extra $39, you'll get a (presumably) much less crowded park experience plus beverages and dessert included. You can enter at 7pm, see the regular nighttime parade/fireworks, then ride with short lines for the 3 hours after park close. And probably get 3 FP+ to use between 7pm-park close because we know how great Disney is at fixing "glitches" that don't actually make them lose money.

If I were planning a non-Disney trip to central Florida, I'd consider doing this to get a little Disney fix one night. The price is high to pay for a family, but for a single adult or couple I'd consider it.

My dd is going to be going to Universal this summer but she needs her WDW fix so she is taking one day to go to MK. If they offer this event while she's there I think she'd want to do it. She can then add a day to her Uni tickets and then do MK at night.

 

[LilyWDW]

I don't see the huge "to do" about this or why people are freaking out. They are not replacing EMH with this. They're not taking away any park time for this (like with parties). You can choose to do it or not. I just don't get being upset. There was obviously a demand for it or Disney wouldn't be doing it. I think it's a good business move that doesn't hurt me as a guest in any way.

Honestly, I think it sounds fun depending on how many tickets are sold.

 

[CMNJ]

I don't see the huge "to do" about this or why people are freaking out. They are not replacing EMH with this. They're not taking away any park time for this (like with parties). You can choose to do it or not. I just don't get being upset. There was obviously a demand for it or Disney wouldn't be doing it. I think it's a good business move that doesn't hurt me as a guest in any way.

Honestly, I think it sounds fun depending on how many tickets are sold.

I don't know if anyone is upset necessarily (like as in ruining their day) but I do think a lot of people are concerned with the recent prices increases (tickets, dining plan, restaurants), increases in ticketed events/tours, etc as to the direction that Disney is headed. It does seem more and more that they are catering to the once in a lifetime visitors and those with a lot of disposable cash. Could I afford the after hours event sure-do I want Disney to start charging me exorbitant amounts of money to attend MNSSHP because people are willing to spend $150 for an extra 3 hours-no. Honestly if the Halloween party price is that high (or higher) this year we will probably rethink going. It was a blast but not worth $150 pp in my opinion. Perhaps if they dramatically limited attendance and We could get pictures with the rare characters like the 7 dwarves and ride the mine train (my son's favorite ride) all night with no wait I'd consider it.