Wow the Halloween party parade is...short

[auteur55]

just waited over an hour to watch the parade though the floats were awesome it flew by in like ten minutes. Ridiculously short. Please tell me the Disney World one is longer, better and more interactive as I'm taking my kids there next month.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Since this board is for Disneyland planning, you might want to discuss the Halloween parade at the WDW Magic Kingdom on the WDW forums. I've included the link to WDW Theme Parks below.

http://disboards.com/forums/theme-parks-attractions-and-strategies.2/

 

[Astylla]

It appears Boo to You is closer to 20 minutes yet in comparison Festival of Fantasy is listed at 12 minutes.

It is short but seems like a larger production overall. I'm unsure if I'll keep our dining reservations as its our first/only party and it seems like reports do far state you can still get a decent view 20-30 before.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/mickeys-boo-to-you-halloween-parade/

 

[Snap Crackle Pop]

Its like 3 minutes longer I think, all the youtube videos I've seen are between 12-13 minutes for Boo To You (WDW), and the Frightfully Fun Parade is 10 minutes just about.
Frightfully Fun Parade is better than the last Halloween parade (from what I have heard.)

 

[Snap Crackle Pop]

Its like 3 minutes longer I think, all the youtube videos I've seen are between 12-13 minutes for Boo To You (WDW), and the Frightfully Fun Parade is 10 minutes just about.
Frightfully Fun Parade is better than the last Halloween parade (from what I have heard.)

Edited: I see it's 20 minutes, I was just comparing it from a youtube video.

 

[fifthdimensiondweller]

Yeah just watched boo to you on Sunday and it seemed short to me. I don't know how it compares to Disneyland but I felt like wdw was short

 

[Darkbeer1]

OK, some you will say this is "grumpy", but it is real life, and is backed by multiple current Disneyland Entertainment CM's, who of course, don't want to be named.
The "current" Disney management philosophy is to try and save as much money as they can, while still offering a "decent" show.

One priority is a reduction of actual "live" Entertainment CM's working on the floats. They prefer robotic and decorative features and lighting, which is a one time cost, and many times can be reused in future projects.

Also, safety is a priority in design, both for guests, and the CM's on the floats and walk along side them.

So there are serious debates, how long does the parade need to last? Can we get away with one less float?

And the same issues with shows, I have seen comments about the Frozen schedule. And yes, Disney does have to make decision a bit in advance (based on CM Union contracts) as to how many shows a day, and how many days a week they want to offer it. Disney execs want show venues to be full, or very close to it. (The 95% rule is mentioned a lot in planning).

Now for new shows, and special events, Disney will go for a bit "extra", but the way the entertainment is designed, they have different levels, so you might start off at level 4, but then cut back to level 3 (less performers and costs) on weekends/holidays and a level 2 on slow weekdays. (Level 1 is designed if performers get sick and not available at the last minute, and not usually offered unless needed).

No this is not just a Disney policy, bit something you find at other parks, and entertainment venues in general.

But if you are not happy with the offering, I strongly suggest your voice be heard, just write the park management and let your voice be heard. (I don't really recommend going to Guest Relations and voicing your complaint, as not all those complaints make it to the needed execs. To be honest, the old fashioned USPS method still is the best option, as the mail room does direct the mail fairly well. Just make it clear near the top of your letter that you mention the specific issue you want to address. If you have multiple complaints, I would thinking about multiple letters, unless your main issue was the trip in general. Also, it is very helpful to send Positive comments, a letter with a complaint, and a complement tends to get better attention and moves up the readership list. (Different levels of execs, the first person sorts them and takes tallies, those that stand out move up the ladder.

The senior execs get summaries (tallies) and selected quotes from letters/e-mails/guest relations voiced comments. They also get summaries of Social Media and mainstream media happenings.

I loved being able to see some of these summaries, alas, usually months later, about things I reported on in the past. (Some of the sources from inside Disney have to be very careful in dealing with folks like me, well, used to, as I am not as much a main player anymore in regards to Disney. On the other hand, the Theme/Amusement park industry in general is still listening, as I have moved behind the scenes in Media production, and since Disney doesn't work with outside companies for the most part. (If they do, say Travel Channel, they control all the internal production and picks up most of the costs, and in return gets to control the content).

But I had a meeting at a request of a very senior exec for one of those Theme/Amusement park companies, he was saying some of the "gossip" about what he had heard about me from others in similar positions a few weeks ago.

But the saying "A squeaky wheel gets fixed" is fairly true, if enough folks complain about the shortness/reduction in entertainment offerings, the parks will pay attention and make adjustments. Of course, don't expect the Moon, just state that it seemed too short and you would have liked to seen a specific character added.

Heck, if I can get the Mark Twain forced into Dry Sock for repairs from the outside, it does show that enough pressure can make Disney pay attention and make repairs/changes.