Will you pay $150 for the new "Disney After Dark" event in the MK?

[Peepster]

Having attended the DVC event, I have to say we had a fantastic time. Yes, we waited for a few attractions but also walked on attractions we haven't been on in years (speedway, Pooh, Dumbo, etc) and laughed ourselves silly! We enjoyed the treats offered and the live entertainment...
BUT....it was at no extra fee!!
Had we been asked to pay to go, we would have chosen not to go.

 

[crazy_for_the_dis]

I would consider paying for it - lets run the numbers...

First, I value my wife & my time (spent together) at $1.70/minute.

A 1 day non-peak MK ticket is $105, or $210 total, so I'd have to save 53 minutes of waiting in line for it to work out - this isn't out of the realm of possibility. Walk on to BTMRR and SM and you're set here.

If i already had multi-day tickets (we usually to to the parks for 5 days, with hoppers) - the difference between a 3 and 4 (or 5 day, since 5th day is free) is $23 from UT - so I would be paying $254 extra for the 2 of us (300-46), so we'd need to save 149 minutes of waiting. This could also work out, but will depend on how many tickets are sold and delta's in wait time. Walk onto 4 rides and this starts making sense. Anything over 5 or 6 walk ons and we'd be fools NOT to do this.

In conclusion - as others have said, the shorter the time you're spending at WDW/MK the more beneficial this offering is.

Although, there is something to be said for grabbing a drink (or 3) at Trader Sam's and then heading over to MK with less crowds...

If it is offered in August, definitely. I had the same idea, Trader Sams with my daughter (adult), then off to see the parade/wishes, and three hours of short lines. Sounds like the most magical evening I have planned so far! Hoping it is a success so they continue it through the summer.

 

[DisneyGuy]

I voted "Not Sure". I don't care about any "free" food or drinks, the ONLY thing that would make this worthwhile is having virtually no lines that exceed 5-7 minute wait TOPS because 3 hours is limiting and I don't want to waste it in line. Also, we don't know how they are going to clean out the park for the the event - if they pull a MNSSHP type clean out - than no thank you - not good enough. $150.00 for 3 hours is BIG money and I'd only be interested if it was worth my while.

 

[snayak]

If it is offered in August, definitely. I had the same idea, Trader Sams with my daughter (adult), then off to see the parade/wishes, and three hours of short lines. Sounds like the most magical evening I have planned so far! Hoping it is a success so they continue it through the summer.

On paper it makes a lot of sense, however I fear that the 3 hours is down to 2 (queue "can you feel the love tonight") as the day guests make their way through their last attraction lines and mosey on down Main Street to exit.

Thankfully we have little to no interest in spending time at M&Gs (no kids - though I enjoyed meeting Beast after our BOG dinner, but there was no wait) so if you start with non-headliners I'd imagine you could get short lines all night. Once or twice down SM is enough for me, and my back. I'd just be happy strolling from attraction to attraction instead of speed walking.

(BTW, PSU alum 2004 - go State!)

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

I wish the 7.5% of you that voted 'not sure' would have simply voted 'no'. You're likely voting that way instead of 'yes' because of the cost. You conceptually like the idea of lower crowds, but aren't sure you can justify the cost. If the Disney consumer doesn't make a stand about costs at some point, we'll continue to see things like this. And, in the end, 95% of Disney customers suffer for the benefit of the 5% that can actually afford these over-priced perks.

Actually, it depends on when it is offered. I wouldn't make a trip to attend. But if it worked out when I was already there, yes.

It also depends on what is offered. Mine train seems obvious. But what about Pooh? Or other rides that might not be as popular as mine train?

 

[kittyab]

Actually this crazy idea is really making us re-think future trips there. I am surprised how many are saying they would shell out $149 for 3 hours. I rather spend my vacation funds on something else. Like Pandora charms

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

I'm waiting for the next new, exciting, magical attraction - an animatronic Mickey at the exit to each park just waiting to turn each guest upside down and shake the last dime out of your pocket before you can leave. Those wacky Disney executives, always making more magic!

 

[snayak]

Actually this crazy idea is really making us re-think future trips there. I am surprised how many are saying they would shell out $149 for 3 hours. I rather spend my vacation funds on something else. Like Pandora charms

And that's totally cool!

If I can save waiting in lines for 2-3 hours then it's worth it to me. Bonus would be cooler temperatures, less crowds, and fewer strollers, etc.

There are things that I don't understand spending money on, such as first class air travel...everybody lands at the same time! And I remember flying when I was a kid in the 90's and getting snacks and meals and all sorts of stuff that costs $$$$$ now.

Don't get me started on the trickery at supermarkets with same sized packages & less food with shiny new designs. It's like a sneaky 20-25% price increase!

 

[kittyab]

And that's totally cool!

If I can save waiting in lines for 2-3 hours then it's worth it to me. Bonus would be cooler temperatures, less crowds, and fewer strollers, etc.

There are things that I don't understand spending money on, such as first class air travel...everybody lands at the same time! And I remember flying when I was a kid in the 90's and getting snacks and meals and all sorts of stuff that costs $$$$$ now.

Don't get me started on the trickery at supermarkets with same sized packages & less food with shiny new designs. It's like a sneaky 20-25% price increase!

True enough, but $149 would be for my family of 3 almost $450.00 usd. I am in Canada, the dollar is not so great. So we really have to pick and chose what we really want to do. We are actually thinking of cutting the Halloween party from our schedule.

I couldn't imagine a family of 6 paying $149 per person for 3 hours.

 

[snayak]

True enough, but $149 would be for my family of 3 almost $450.00 usd. I am in Canada, the dollar is not so great. So we really have to pick and chose what we really want to do. We are actually thinking of cutting the Halloween party from our schedule.

I couldn't imagine a family of 6 paying $149 per person for 3 hours.

Agreed - but they likely aren't the target demographic. This would make perfect sense for my wife and I, 2 adults no kids, who would appreciate a less crowded park with fewer children. Or for some of our friends to do a date night and leave their toddlers with the grandparents for a night. For example, I would pay more for a movie ticket with adult only shows (none are offered in my area though...)

I wouldn't complain if it was cheaper than $149 but pricing it that high tends to exclude larger parties/families. Note how there is no separate pricing for kids...

And the USD is strong right now, we are taking full advantage by visiting Europe for another 10 days...that makes 20 days in the last 4 months!

 

[Glenn]

No way. This sure confirms the idea that Disney doesnt care about Joe average. When the christmas party started they sold limited tickets. Now days it seems they try to cram as many folks in as possible. I can see this happening to this special event in a hurry. What next to drain out pockets, pay toilets?

 

[ct7878]

I love WDW - we really do. We have done Halloween and Christmas parties, fireworks cruises, desert parties, tour experiences, etc. I have no problem paying for a special or unique event, but there is nothing special about this! I just don't understand? Crowds may be less, but given what we have seen with other hard ticket events lately we don't even know that this is guaranteed.

I am always the biggest supporter of a Disney only vacation because I hate to leave property and break the the magic. But if I was looking to spend an extra $150 on vacation in Orlando, I would go to Discovery Cove. They do limit the guests, it included breakfast, lunch and drinks and if I remember there may even be tickets for Sea World included. This experience is worth 150-200, 3 hours in the MK- no.

 

[tinawv]

There you go:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/is-this-a-sign-of-things-to-come.3494867/

Fast passes are next (I say half jokingly).

 

[tinawv]

At the rate things are going, a ticket will just get you in the gate. Everything else will be an additional cost. This is not the WDW I have come to love. If people accept and pay for this it's just the beginning. I see fast passes as an additional cost in the not to distance future.

 

[knewton64]

My TA emailed me this 'Offer" yesterday -



I thought about it......
thought about it.................

and
thought about it some more
like Pooh would -


Then politely informed her 'No.'


My vacation is too packed enough as it is

and.......this "Offer" is IMHO:
1) too expensive
2) not a 'themed' atmosphere like MNSSHP or MVMC party.
2a) I went to MNSSHP years ago and yup, there was upwards to 45 min attraction wait time so what makes this 'event' so special and advertises the allusion that you the Guest can just WALK on the attraction to NO wait time???

Hmmmmm.......somewhere I can hear P.T. Barnum laughing to all of this........
(Yes, to those of you who haven't been on a 'hard ticketed' event like a MNSSHP before, this might appeal to you and once you see......)



Now per the day in question IF I were to have said YES to my TA:
3) and to me, the kicker is that it will take me 1 hour up to the MK park and one hour back.......
combined with 1 hour from Pop to Epcot, then approx 45 min from there to HS..............
and then to add this????

4) Therefore .......R U FREAKIN KIDDIN ME??


YES, I would go if:

1) they gave comp tours of the hotel room inside Sleeping Beauty's Castle.
2) They gave comp tours of the Roundhouse and behind the Berm.
3) They gave comp tours of the basement of MK.
4) They offered comp food at MK aka Casey's.
5) They offered comp drink from Gaston's.
6) They had RARE character M&Gs; like the pilot from "Duck Tales" for example.
7) The Steamtrains were in operation and ok for Guests to ride on as well.

8) and just slug down as much soda and sweets and remain up for 48 hours straight...............



In reality,
this to me is nothing but a money grab attempt from the Disney Execs and they should be ashamed of themselves.


**T-minus 399 more hours and my DISney adventure begins***




T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[Karin1984]

I wish the 7.5% of you that voted 'not sure' would have simply voted 'no'. You're likely voting that way instead of 'yes' because of the cost. You conceptually like the idea of lower crowds, but aren't sure you can justify the cost. If the Disney consumer doesn't make a stand about costs at some point, we'll continue to see things like this. And, in the end, 95% of Disney customers suffer for the benefit of the 5% that can actually afford these over-priced perks.

If this poll was trending 97%-98% 'no', the Disney decision makers would be squirming right now. As it is. they may see enough potential in 12%-13% to think it's a smart move.

That is like wishing 'I wish they hadn't come up with this plan at all'. I'm sorry to say, but there are people who are willing to pay for it. And yes, I might be one of them. It's not entirely a cost thing, the euro/dollar is still good enough (depending on results of the US elections, it might get even better). To me it's more what will I get for my money. And we do not know yet, I'll wait for the reviews. A practically childless Magic Kingdom is on my wishlist for a long time. I budget for these kind of splurges. I might give up staying onsite for this, and would make this the finale of my trip.

 

[Ensusieasm]

Hey, don't crowds thin out after fireworks anyway? I mean isn't midnight to 2 am already pretty uncrowded?

 

[Tiggr924]

Hey, don't crowds thin out after fireworks anyway? I mean isn't midnight to 2 am already pretty uncrowded?

Yes. If you do EMH, things start to die out. That's why this whole idea makes me frustrated. Disney is taking something that is typically free and profit off it. There have been times in the summer that MK was open until 3am. This was a "perk" of being on property. Which is what worries me about EMH... that we're going to see them disappear.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Bitter? No. Not at all. I appears to me that 87% of the people reading this forum see this for what it is....and that is money grab for Disney. Meanwhile, somewhere between 5.5% and 13% of the people on this forum are too naive to realize that they are getting the exact same thing today for free.

If only everyone were as smart as you - is that what you are saying?

 

[momof2n2]

Bitter? No. Not at all. I appears to me that 87% of the people reading this forum see this for what it is....and that is money grab for Disney. Meanwhile, somewhere between 5.5% and 13% of the people on this forum are too naive to realize that they are getting the exact same thing today for free.

Um... You're forgetting all the FREE ice cream & soft drinks!!!