Will there be AP previews for the 60th celebration kick-off?

[Angrose]

There has been a lot of talk on another thread about early park closures for several days in May leading up to the 60th celebration kick-off on the 22nd: http://www.disboards.com/threads/weird-closing-hours-in-may.3396764/

I'm wondering if anyone thinks that they may have AP previews during on any of these days. Any bets or educated guesses out there as to if and/or when they may do that? Here are the dates it looks like DL will be closing early at 7:30pm:
Tue 4/28
Thu 4/30
Mon 5/4
Wed 5/6
Thu 5/7
Mon 5/11
Tue 5/12
Tue 5/19
Wed 5/20 DCA closing at 6pm
Thu 5/21 DL closing at 6pm

I wouldn't think there would be a special event on each of those days, but who knows? How far in advance would they announce something like that? I would love to attend an AP event, but I'm in NorCal so would need to make travel plans in advance in order to attend. Thanks!

 

[Sherry E]

There could be an AP preview of at least one of the new shows. It's not out of the realm of possibility that it could happen. The Disney Parks Blog may have a special meet/event for its readers. Or, as I mentioned in that other thread yesterday, I fully expect there will be at least one news-media preview day before 5/22 (and that won't be announced by Disney). There could be a corporate event on some night in that week.

Any of the immediate nights leading up to 5/22 could be vulnerable to some sort of pop-up, unannounced event. No one knows.

Disney won't announce anything if the general public is not invited, i.e., if it's a media event or private/corporate event. They will only announce it if people can be included via a Parks Blog meet-up or an AP sneak preview, and that kind of announcement could come as late as a week or two before 5/22.

I don't think there will be any previews for anyone in April or in early May -- only in the few days leading up to 5/22, if at all.

 

[SMD]

For Carsland, didn't you have to pay for the previews? I don't remember an AP preview. Maybe it was a lottery like they used to do. I do remember a limited blog event that was just a walkthrough and at least one radio station contest. It's possible that some of the closures are for construction or other infrastructure changes that can't be completed between 11pm-8am and they just need more time.

 

[ddwlms]

For Carsland, I paid $50 for an AP preview. The ticket specifically stated something to the effect of: not all rides may be functioning, and crowd levels could be high and that no refunds would be given in those circumstances. As it turned out, the crowd level was low and all three rides were functioning. One of the best splurges that I have ever made. I don't think that there was much warning of the offer before hand. (it just happened to coincide with my previously scheduled trip dates.)

 

[thmcdonald1]

For Carsland, I paid $50 for an AP preview. The ticket specifically stated something to the effect of: not all rides may be functioning, and crowd levels could be high and that no refunds would be given in those circumstances. As it turned out, the crowd level was low and all three rides were functioning. One of the best splurges that I have ever made. I don't think that there was much warning of the offer before hand. (it just happened to coincide with my previously scheduled trip dates.)

But that was an AP only preview?

 

[agamble]

I wouldn't be surprised if there are a bunch of CM previews of the new entertainment along with some media previews. I'm hoping for my AP anniversary party the week of our trip. It's the right time frame. But there are so many dates that are closing early I have no way of guessing if one could be an AP anniversary party, but I'm still hoping.

 

[seigyoku]

They could also be closing early for private events, or to do some testing and rehearsals that aren't in the middle of the night. Especially if they are still working on the projection mapping. I'm not holding my breath, and based on past experience with AP events, they often aren't announced until barely a week (maybe two) before. I've only ever been able to go to two (and only one after hours) because I happened to already be planning on being in SoCal on that day.

 

[SMD]

But that was an AP only preview?

IIRC APs could buy for non-APs but they had to also buy valid park admission. I believe that the previews were open to AP, DVC and D23. They also used Stage 17 to host a free merchandise preview at one point where all you had to do was show your AP and you could buy merchandise, take pictures with Lightning and sample food. This time around they're charging $100 for the merchandise event, so clearly not everything will be run the same way.

 

[thmcdonald1]

IIRC APs could buy for non-APs but they had to also buy valid park admission. I believe that the previews were open to AP, DVC and D23. They also used Stage 17 to host a free merchandise preview at one point where all you had to do was show your AP and you could buy merchandise, take pictures with Lightning and sample food. This time around they're charging $100 for the merchandise event, so clearly not everything will be run the same way.

Well, I'm definitely hoping they'll do something like that, especially with these closures! If they don't allow D23 in, I may have to upgrade my 5 day park hoppers to APs... It will be pricy, but definitely worth it in my opinion

 

[agamble]

It is not the AP anniversary party. We received our invitations today and the party is April 27 from 9pm-1am. So it's not even one of the days park closes at 7:30pm.

 

[wdwfan22]

It is not the AP anniversary party. We received our invitations today and the party is April 27 from 9pm-1am. So it's not even one of the days park closes at 7:30pm.

Can I ask how you got an invitation? I am an AP holder, and they never send me anything about AP events. Not by e-mail or snail mail.

 

[Gisele]

Can I ask how you got an invitation? I am an AP holder, and they never send me anything about AP events. Not by e-mail or snail mail.

Are you a relatively new APer? The anniversary event is for people who have APs that are coming due for renewal.

 

[Nicolette11785]

I am dues for renewal May 31st and never got anything. How can I sign up to go?

 

[wdwfan22]

Are you a relatively new APer? The anniversary event is for people who have APs that are coming due for renewal.

I had an AP a couple years ago, and just got another one in January. So it's not coming up for renewal. Does this mean only people up for renewal can go, or that they only get info on it?

 

[Nicolette11785]

You can only register if your pass is expiring in the specified window. However, those people can bring up to 5 AP holders (expiring or not) with them. They will need to register the AP guest that do not have their passes expiring.

 

[wdwfan22]

That just seems sad. If I have an AP, I should get to be included in any event, regardless of when it is expiring. I paid for my AP just like everyone else. And it certainly would make me want to renew if I knew I could attend events like this.

 

[figment_jii]

They've re-used the same link from the previous AP event:
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/passholder-anniversary-invitation-event/

These events are focused on the folks with APs expiring between May 24 and September 12, 2015. It's interesting, but the one in April doesn't mention anything about the new parade or shows. It's focus is on Frontierland, Adventureland, NOS, and Critter Country. The one in August has even less information.

 

[ddwlms]

But that was an AP only preview?

Yes, the one I went to was offered only to AP holders. There were also CM's attending, but I was not able to get a ticket for my daughter who was going to DL with me, but did not have an AP.

 

[agamble]

It came in the mail. But the details are available online as figment said. So if your pass expires in the window you can go even if you don't get an invite. We can't go as we're busy on the first date, and we're not renewing our pass so we can't go on the second date.

To the person who said it's not fair, it is fair. They offer an anniversary event 3-4 times a year and they include everyone. They already had one for those passes that expired earlier in the year, and they'll have another one for those who expire later in the year. So no one is left out.

The Indy event was open to everyone with an AP. There could still be AP previews for the parade/fireworks. They could be paid events like with DCA 2.0 or they could be like Indy where it's on a reservations system and whoever gets registered first gets to go. I actually think it'd be smart for Disney to offer some preview nights to APs. It would help curb the locals' crush on the park as the new entertainment opens.