Why is the park closing at 7pm every night?

[mom2rtk]

I guess the point is its not like it was meant to close at midnight.

I doubt a single person complaining expected the parks to be open until midnight.

The parks were expanded to attract more guests. Now the guests are there it seems DLR wants to continue operating like they did with lower attendance.

But if things continue as they are, I suppose it's quite possible the number of guests could go back to the "good old days" level again.

 

[fctiger]

I doubt a single person complaining expected the parks to be open until midnight.

The parks were expanded to attract more guests. Now the guests are there it seems DLR wants to continue operating like they did with lower attendance.

But if things continue as they are, I suppose it's quite possible the number of guests could go back to the "good old days" level again.

Sure and they still are! DCA will still be open at 8, thats the point! Even at WDW, parks close at different times as well. Does it suck, sure, but its not like the entire resort is shutting down, its one park closing an hour earlier which its been doing technically for awhile anyway when you include the parties (although you can go if you pay) and DCA has been the go-to park for those shorter hours for a few years now.

End of the day it sounds like its a one-off experiment to see if DCA can be much of a placeholder as DL can. And judging by its attendance in the last year I can understand why they think that. But if it cant, I imagine it will just go back to 8 as before. BUT if the experiment works, then that could mean more of these changes but I dont really see it as anything more than a rare change here and there in off season times.

 

[mom2rtk]

Sure and they still are! DCA will still be open at 8, thats the point! Even at WDW, parks close at different times as well. Does it suck, sure, but its not like the entire resort is shutting down, its one park closing an hour earlier which its been doing technically for awhile anyway when you include the parties (although you can go if you pay).

End of the day it sounds like its an experiment to see if DCA can be much of a placeholder as DL can. And judging by its attendance in the last year I can understand why they think that. But if it cant, I imagine it will just go back to 8 as before. BUT if the experiment works, then that could mean more of these changes but I dont really see it as anything more than a rare change here and there in off season times.

At WDW there is always at least 1 park that is open until 9, often there is more than one open that late or even later.

The problem is that every "experiment" comes at the expense of someone who paid full price for park access for that week. And not all of them are locals or AP holders who can just catch what they miss on their next trip. I doubt the people there at this time feel any better about it knowing it is "rare" and won't affect the people there next month. Just like the people there during the potential RSR closure care that Disney chose a low crowd time so it would affect the fewest people. For those experiencing it, the change could be affecting 100% of their DLR experience for years to come. Because that's their only trip during that time.

 

[fctiger]

At WDW there is always at least 1 park that is open until 9, often there is more than one open that late or even later.

The problem is that every "experiment" comes at the expense of someone who paid full price for park access for that week. And not all of them are locals or AP holders who can just catch what they miss on their next trip. I doubt the people there at this time feel any better about it knowing it is "rare" and won't affect the people there next month. Just like the people there during the potential RSR closure care that Disney chose a low crowd time so it would affect the fewest people. For those experiencing it, the change could be affecting 100% of their DLR experience for years to come. Because that's their only trip during that time.

I hear you but this is how its ALWAYS been during low season there. Shorten hours, lots of refurbs, lack of shows, more construction, etc, etc this is always what you have to put up with in lower seasons at DLR. Its no different today than it was for decades. Im not saying I dont feel bad for people, of course I do. We ALL been there at some point. This is why I DONT go during low season to these parks for these very reasons. On the positive you got low crowds and easier lines but on the minus you have a lot less rides, few night time shows and they kick you out on your butt before the sun properly sets---all for the same price lol. No thanks!

Trust me, I've travelled to every Disney theme park on the globe multiple times for several decades and lets say I've had my share of surprises lol. You have no idea how it feels when the French CM rolls her eyes at you telling you the reason why so many rides are shut down that week when it wasnt even listed on the calendar you just travelled on the other side of the world to see was because of union issues at Disneyland Paris...but you just came to ride SM lol. The only thing people can do is try and postpone their trips if it means that much or simply make the best of it but let Disney know they are unhappy. Express it at City Hall, write emails, whatever people feel is appropriate.

Again, its an experiment, which they done plenty of times. If the audience reacts negatively enough it will probably not be repeated OR at least where people have a bigger heads up in the future.

 

[PCMama]

We have gone to Disney in October with shorter hours and in march with long hours but long lines. I was initially disssappointed in shorter October hours but let me tell you - we got so much more in wity the shorter hours and less crowds then when the park is open late during a more crowded season. Now when planning for low,season we just include a weekend. If planning for a new time of year, I check the calendar a year out to get an idea of typical closing times. And yes, I bough my plane tickets for next June already. We are flying from afar and I had to take advantage of a low fare I found.

 

[mom2rtk]

I think most people expect shorter hours in the off-season. But that doesn't mean they are ok with the "let's experiment with even shorter hours" plan.

 

[PCMama]

I think most people expect shorter hours in the off-season. But that doesn't mean they are ok with the "let's experiment with even shorter hours" plan.

I agree.. I especially don't get the shorter hours thing when supposedly attendance is up.

 

[damo]

I think most people expect shorter hours in the off-season. But that doesn't mean they are ok with the "let's experiment with even shorter hours" plan.

Especially when the resort hotel and ticket and annual pass prices are as high as they are! If they are going to shorten hours and close multiple e-ticket rides, the prices should be reflecting that. If they are going to put hours back to the way they used to have them before Cars Land, then they should put hotel prices back to that same level as well.

 

[fctiger]

I think most people expect shorter hours in the off-season. But that doesn't mean they are ok with the "let's experiment with even shorter hours" plan.

LOL of course no one would be HAPPY with it and obviously Disney would never come out and say that but most of us are just calling a duck a duck.

But yes its done all the time when they see what they could get away with.

I agree.. I especially don't get the shorter hours thing when supposedly attendance is up.

Chalk it up to greedy corporations trying to cut expenses and raise revenue whereever they can.

 

[DPickering]

LOL of course no one would be HAPPY with it and obviously Disney would never come out and say that but most of us are just calling a duck a duck.

But yes its done all the time when they see what they could get away with.



Chalk it up to greedy corporations trying to cut expenses and raise revenue whereever they can.

lol Heyfctiger, you do get around man. How are you? (dougpickering5 from imdb)

 

[fctiger]

lol Heyfctiger, you do get around man. How are you? (dougpickering5 from imdb)

LOL Doug??? Wow man, how are you? This is surreal!

I never wouldve guessed you are a Disney fan? But you probably can say the same about me.

Funny all that time on IMDB and both closet Disney fans. Ok sorry people back to regularly scheduled programming just sooo funny. Hope to see you here more often man!

 

[DLR29]

Especially when the resort hotel and ticket and annual pass prices are as high as they are! If they are going to shorten hours and close multiple e-ticket rides, the prices should be reflecting that. If they are going to put hours back to the way they used to have them before Cars Land, then they should put hotel prices back to that same level as well.

To change prices on simply that small set of factors is unreasonable. What about crowd levels? I have to wait in longer lines during the summer. Does that mean I'm entitled to a lower priced ticket because I can't get as much done due to long lines?

In a huge business like DLR, prices are set to hit specific profit margins. There is clearly enough demand the warrant the high prices and meet an ideal number. There are people who are willing to pay the current prices...why would any business lower prices when they are making a good amount of money at the current time?

It's also completely unfair to use the Cars Land opening date as a point of reference. First of all, the current off-season hours for DCA are 2 (2 1/2 if you watch WoC) hours longer than what they were 2 years ago (DCA used to be open 10AM-6PM). DLR has also added so much entertainment (Mickey and the Magical Map, Buena Vista Street entertainment, Princess Fantasy Faire, random DCA streetmosphere) so even with "short" hours, you are getting "more" on a random September day in 2013 than in 2011---thus "justifying" a higher price.

 

[damo]

To change prices on simply that small set of factors is unreasonable. What about crowd levels? I have to wait in longer lines during the summer. Does that mean I'm entitled to a lower priced ticket because I can't get as much done due to long lines?

In a huge business like DLR, prices are set to hit specific profit margins. There is clearly enough demand the warrant the high prices and meet an ideal number. There are people who are willing to pay the current prices...why would any business lower prices when they are making a good amount of money at the current time?

It's also completely unfair to use the Cars Land opening date as a point of reference. First of all, the current off-season hours for DCA are 3 hours longer than what they were 2 years ago (DCA used to be open 10AM-6PM). DLR has also added so much entertainment (Mickey and the Magical Map, Buena Vista Street entertainment, Princess Fantasy Faire, random DCA streetmosphere) so even with "short" hours, you are getting "more" on a random September day in 2013 than in 2011---thus "justifying" a higher price.

Nah, the hours are 10-7 at MK and 10-8 at DCA in early September. Adding streetmosphere and a couple of shows doesn't justify almost doubling the hotel pricing. The DLH was $169 in September in 2010!!!

I understand that Disney is just trying to make money, blah, blah, blah but that doesn't make it any easier to swallow when prices have been raised so dramatically for APs and hotel prices since Cars Land opened.

Other parks (WDW and USO) drastically reduce their hotel prices in September. Not sure what's going on with DL lately. They're getting a little too big for their britches.

And yes people right now are willing to pay those prices, but when you start changing times and ride closures well after reservations have been made, it doesn't make for eager return customers.

 

[fctiger]

Nah, the hours are 10-7 at MK and 10-8 at DCA in early September. Adding streetmosphere and a couple of shows doesn't justify doubling the hotel pricing.

I understand that Disney is just trying to make money, blah, blah, blah but that doesn't make it any easier to swallow when prices have been raised so dramatically for APs and hotel prices since Cars Land opened.

Other parks (WDW and USO) drastically reduce their hotel prices in September. Not sure what's going on with DL lately. They're getting a little too big for their britches.

Cars Land has made it a little too easy for DL push customers around.

Yeah definitely agree with this! It seems like DLR feels it can up the ante for both locals and tourists a like now. They already cut the spring deals for locals and jacked up the Aps and one day ticket prices for many to the point of insanity. And now they arent even discounting the hotels in the low seasons like they use to. You can still find deals but they are getting fewer by the year and getting a hotel room for around $200 in September (outside of Dapper Dan weekend) is basically history.

Thats why Im befuddled why people come during low season in terms of what you are giving up but basically paying the same prices, although you can save on planes and off site hotels for sure. BUT if coming to DLR you want to be guaranteed a certain ride, shows, hours, etc, all that is up in the air. And the farther out you book it, the bigger those varibles gets. I know for many its reduced crowds and hassles, but if you want to be guaranteed certain attractions and hours this isn the time to go, period. This is really Disney downtime as best they can and they try to cut a lot of corners because they expect more locals than tourists.

But I always wondered why the American parks dont do a price tier system like Hong Kong does now? If you go during low season and weekdays the price is lower and during high season and weekends its higher. One day isnt a huge difference (roughly $5-7), but if you are going multiple days it makes sense. And that should reflect park hopper prices as well. I know I feel less ripped at Hong Kong knowing Im paying a cheaper amount on a wednesday when the park closes at 7 vs when it closes at 10 on a Saturday (although the park is so small you can still see it within 5 hours but its principle). And unlike DLR you still get nightly fireworks even when it shuts down at 7.

Anyway I dont want people to think Im DEFENDING Disney so much as Im saying this is just the status quo there as its always been. I can understand people dont like it, and it sucks the 7 pm announcement wasnt made sooner, but this is something you have to put at there vs WDW which caters to more tourists all year round. BUT different challenges comes with that as well of course. DLR really tries to cut corner from late August through October and again Jan through March so they have to be prepared.

I would probably take Mom2rtk advice and say if this REALLY bothers you but you like to go during this time in the season the better bet is probably WDW because you will get a bit longer hours and obviously more things even in the off season. AND you actually gets discounts vs DLR where they still try to milk you dry even with less things and time to do it in.

 

[damo]

Yeah definitely agree with this! It seems like DLR feels it can up the ante for both locals and tourists a like now. They already cut the spring deals for locals and jacked up the Aps and one day ticket prices for many to the point of insanity. And now they arent even discounting the hotels in the low seasons like they use to. You can still find deals but they are getting fewer by the year and getting a hotel room for around $200 in September (outside of Dapper Dan weekend) is basically history.

Thats why Im befuddled why people come during low season in terms of what you are giving up but basically paying the same prices, although you can save on planes and off site hotels for sure. BUT if coming to DLR you want to be guaranteed a certain ride, shows, hours, etc, all that is up in the air. And the farther out you book it, the bigger those varibles gets. I know for many its reduced crowds and hassles, but if you want to be guaranteed certain attractions and hours this isn the time to go, period. This is really Disney downtime as best they can and they try to cut a lot of corners because they expect more locals than tourists.

But I always wondered why the American parks dont do a price tier system like Hong Kong does now? If you go during low season and weekdays the price is lower and during high season and weekends its higher. One day isnt a huge difference (roughly $5-7), but if you are going multiple days it makes sense. And that should reflect park hopper prices as well. I know I feel less ripped at Hong Kong knowing Im paying a cheaper amount on a wednesday when the park closes at 7 vs when it closes at 10 on a Saturday (although the park is so small you can still see it within 5 hours but its principle). And unlike DLR you still get nightly fireworks even when it shuts down at 7.

Anyway I dont want people to think Im DEFENDING Disney so much as Im saying this is just the status quo there as its always been. I can understand people dont like it, and it sucks the 7 pm announcement wasnt made sooner, but this is something you have to put at there vs WDW which caters to more tourists all year round. BUT different challenges comes with that as well of course. DLR really tries to cut corner from late August through October and again Jan through March so they have to be prepared.

I would probably take Mom2rtk advice and say if this REALLY bothers you but you like to go during this time in the season the better bet is probably WDW because you will get a bit longer hours and obviously more things even in the off season. AND you actually gets discounts vs DLR where they still try to milk you dry even with less things and time to do it in.

My thinking was just like hers. Our vacation is in November after the beginning of Christmas season when I thought it would be safe and prices are higher. Now apparently BTMRR and Space Mountain will be closed. Looks like you can't win either way, lol.

 

[mom2rtk]

My thinking was just like hers. Our vacation is in November after the beginning of Christmas season when I thought it would be safe and prices are higher. Now apparently BTMRR and Space Mountain will be closed. Looks like you can't win either way, lol.

One of the things I like about early December at Disney is that it is so close to peak Christmas season is that it is typically off-limits for refurbs. That's part of the reason the potential closures have come as such a surprise.

 

[DLR29]

Nah, the hours are 10-7 at MK and 10-8 at DCA in early September. Adding streetmosphere and a couple of shows doesn't justify almost doubling the hotel pricing. The DLH was $169 in September in 2010!!!

I understand that Disney is just trying to make money, blah, blah, blah but that doesn't make it any easier to swallow when prices have been raised so dramatically for APs and hotel prices since Cars Land opened.

Other parks (WDW and USO) drastically reduce their hotel prices in September. Not sure what's going on with DL lately. They're getting a little too big for their britches.

And yes people right now are willing to pay those prices, but when you start changing times and ride closures well after reservations have been made, it doesn't make for eager return customers.

I corrected my original post. DCA is now open 2 hours more than in previous "off seasons" and DL is open 1 less hour. Still that's 1 more collective hour than in the past. And you cannot compare prices from 2010 to now without also considering the additions of...
-All of Cars Land
-All of Buena Vista Street
-Ariel's Undersea Adventure
-Star Tours 2
In addition to all of the entertainment that was previously listed.

I just looked it up on the official website. A night at the Disneyland Hotel on a weekday in early September is $244 (and that is booking 3 weeks in advance). That's an increase of $75--a very reasonable increase considering 3 years of inflation AND all of the additions that I mention.

fctiger makes a great point with this statement:

Thats why Im befuddled why people come during low season in terms of what you are giving up but basically paying the same prices, although you can save on planes and off site hotels for sure. BUT if coming to DLR you want to be guaranteed a certain ride, shows, hours, etc, all that is up in the air. And the farther out you book it, the bigger those varibles gets. I know for many its reduced crowds and hassles, but if you want to be guaranteed certain attractions and hours this isn the time to go, period.

Summer is a great time to go to Disneyland!

 

[damo]

I corrected my original post. DCA is now open 2 hours more than in previous "off seasons" and DL is open 1 less hour. Still that's 1 more collective hour than in the past. And you cannot compare prices from 2010 to now without also considering the additions of...
-All of Cars Land
-All of Buena Vista Street
-Ariel's Undersea Adventure
-Star Tours 2
In addition to all of the entertainment that was previously listed.

I just looked it up on the official website. A night at the Disneyland Hotel on a weekday in early September is $244 (and that is booking 3 weeks in advance). That's an increase of $75--a very reasonable increase considering 3 years of inflation AND all of the additions that I mention.

fctiger makes a great point with this statement:

Summer is a great time to go to Disneyland!

Ya, the almost doubling part in September is innacurate for early September, the date I checked was Sept. 17 at $330 when RSR is scheduled (still rumoured, I guess) to be closed.

I've been to Disneyland in the summer and it was a great time to go! I was hoping mid-November would be a great time to go too, since my DLH rate is $409!

Don't get me wrong, I am still very excited to go on this long planned trip with four generations (my 1 and 5 year old niece and nephew (who was so looking forward to those two coasters) all the way up to my 86 year old mother.) It is just disappointing when a carefully planned trip doesn't turn out quite as you had expected for rides that you had hoped to ride a few times each day.

 

[DPickering]

LOL Doug??? Wow man, how are you? This is surreal!

I never wouldve guessed you are a Disney fan? But you probably can say the same about me.

Funny all that time on IMDB and both closet Disney fans. Ok sorry people back to regularly scheduled programming just sooo funny. Hope to see you here more often man!

heh Ditto.

I'm doing really well. I am definitely a Disney fan and my son has caught the bug too so here I am. Great forums. Have learned a ton!

 

[back2disney]

How did the shorter hours affect everyone from last year?

I'm going early August 2014 and compared to when I went the same time last year both DL & DCA will be open 1 hour shorter.

Did management get the crowd levels correct or was your experience less than desired?