Changes to certain hours things are happening

[Katman1356...Jason 1,140]

So recently I have noticed two changes on the schedules. I dont know if they are errors or not so I am putting them here for now. 

As of August 20, 2017 Festival of Fantasy is showing a 2:00 pm start time. 

 

Also for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party the park closing time is showing 6:00 pm. Party start time is still showing as 7:00 pm

 

Thoughts?

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Verrrrrry interesting. 

I skimmed by something yesterday about the change in start time for the FoF parade, but I didn't have time to check it out and wasn't sure if it was a real thing or just a rumor.

I wonder if publishing a 6pm close for party nights is Disney trying to get the parks cleared faster/better so that all the day guests really are out by 7pm?? You know how that goes - "if the park closes at 7, I'm staying until 7." 

I've also seen a lot of random hubbub lately about what attractions aren't on the schedule as open during the parties - including some of the biggies.

Internal confusion or real life shuffling?

[WannaBeImagineer 98]

Interesting.

I don't know about those time changes but it reminded me of something.  We were there last week and there were so many people there to see the new Happily Ever After fireworks that they moved up the last Move it Shake it "parade" by 15 minutes.  I'm not sure if 15 minutes really helped but evidently one day Minnie's float got stuck in the crowd and had trouble getting out so they moved it up.  People were saving places 2 hours early for the fireworks!  Nuts!

I refused to fight for a spot in the hub for that long and because of it we never got a great view of the castle which is a big problem with this new show, you have to be able to see the front and center of the castle or you'll miss a lot of the projections.

WBI

[Travisma 1,317]

One post speculated that they are moving up the parade time to try to avoid the summer afternoon rains.

[Katman1356...Jason 1,140]

24 minutes ago, BradyBzLyn...Mo said:

Verrrrrry interesting. 

I skimmed by something yesterday about the change in start time for the FoF parade, but I didn't have time to check it out and wasn't sure if it was a real thing or just a rumor.

I wonder if publishing a 6pm close for party nights is Disney trying to get the parks cleared faster/better so that all the day guests really are out by 7pm?? You know how that goes - "if the park closes at 7, I'm staying until 7." 

I've also seen a lot of random hubbub lately about what attractions aren't on the schedule as open during the parties - including some of the biggies.

Internal confusion or real life shuffling?

Those lists were updated and Thunder Mountain and 7DMT added on. Splash is down for a refurb so wont be on the list. This was for the MNSSHP.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

There have been numerous incidents of Disney publishing changes like this, and then after internet backlash, they change things back.  It feels like they do this to see what they can get away with.  If there's a big outcry, they back off.  This could be one of those deals.

OR . . .

What could be going on is that with so many Halloween parties this year, they want to condition guests to start heading out of the MK an hour earlier. It is typically around 3:45 before FOF clears Main Street, and Halloween party guests are ready to pour in to the park at 4:00.  A lot of people leave the park after FOF.  Moving it up an hour gets them out of the park sooner and opens up Main Street.

As far as the 6 pm closes on party nights in November- could it be that they're going to make the Christmas party time 6-11 instead of 7-12?  Or, it may be that they're going to go back to a hard close, clear the park, and then not let Christmas party guests in until 7? Way back in the early days of the hard ticket parties, that's how it was done. 

19 minutes ago, WannaBeImagineer said:

I refused to fight for a spot in the hub for that long and because of it we never got a great view of the castle which is a big problem with this new show, you have to be able to see the front and center of the castle or you'll miss a lot of the projections.

I agree with this, and it's a huge problem.  Even though they expanded the Hub, it still isn't big enough to accommodate everyone who wants a good view of the projections on the castle.  Very, very dumb move on Disney's part to make projections such a big part of the new fireworks show. 

But maybe it's not dumb-I'll bet dessert party sales will skyrocket.

TCD

[Travisma 1,317]

What is the line of sight from the fireworks desert party like?

Are those paid seats good for the projections?

How soon before they start blocking off premium viewing spots in front of the castle for some other type of $$$ operation, or for FP viewing only?

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

14 minutes ago, Travisma said:

What is the line of sight from the fireworks desert party like?

Are those paid seats good for the projections?

How soon before they start blocking off premium viewing spots in front of the castle for some other type of $$$ operation, or for FP viewing only?

The dessert party took over the entire FP+ viewing area in front of the Plaza Restaurant, so the line of sight is pretty good.  Plus, since regular park guests aren't allowed in with the rich folk, it's nowhere near as savage as being out in the Hub with the unwashed masses. They also offer seated viewing in the Tomorrowland Terrace, which I don't think has as good a view of the projections- but Tinkerbill flies right over, and you get to sit in a nice chair and eat as many cupcakes as you possibly can.  Either way, those areas offer a lot better viewing than being stuck somewhere on Main Street, or somewhere outside of the Hub.  Bottom line is that they have taken a huge amount of viewing area away from regular guests.

Oh, and they have already blocked off space in the Hub for VIP viewing.  With Wishes, they had commandeered the upper floor of the Train Station for the Ultra-Rich who pay for the VIP Tour Guides.  Since they need to see the projections now, they roped off a nice space right in the middle of the Hub for the rich folk.  They love that, because it's easier to sneer at the commoners who only paid $125 to be packed in like sardines.

And FP+ viewing?  Ha Ha!  You can forget about that.  No way are they going to give away prime viewing spots for free.

TCD

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

39 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

 

As far as the 6 pm closes on party nights in November- could it be that they're going to make the Christmas party time 6-11 instead of 7-12?  Or, it may be that they're going to go back to a hard close, clear the park, and then not let Christmas party guests in until 7? Way back in the early days of the hard ticket parties, that's how it was done. 

Yup, I remember the hard closes. They also did some decorating during that hard close time to make it a truly unique experience. There were some restaurants open during the hard close, so if you had a regular park ticket and a party ticket AND a dinner reservation you could stay and eat.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

8 minutes ago, mouseketab.....Carol said:

There were some restaurants open during the hard close, so if you had a regular park ticket and a party ticket AND a dinner reservation you could stay and eat.

That was in the days before the internet publicized all of the tricks and loopholes, and it was something we got to do a few times as a family when my kids were very young.  I remember two very nice pre-MVMCP meals- one in the castle, and one at Tony', and then walking out to an empty park to start the party.

However, I also remember what the entry experience was like for party guests without dining reservations when they did hard closes.  Not fun.

TCD

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

57 minutes ago, Katman1356...Jason said:

Those lists were updated and Thunder Mountain and 7DMT added on. Splash is down for a refurb so wont be on the list. This was for the MNSSHP.

Good to hear.  Seemed really odd that some of the most popular rides wouldn't be open during the parties.

48 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

Or, it may be that they're going to go back to a hard close, clear the park, and then not let Christmas party guests in until 7?

I'd be really surprised if they did this.  They've conditioned party guests that they can get into the park at 4pm with their party ticket for years now. If they suddenly tell them "nope sorry, not until 7" there's going to be some serious whining.

I'd buy them trying to get day guests used to clearing out at 6 though.  Especially now that people are not just staking out parade spots early, but fireworks viewing spots as well.  That makes that whole hub/Main St. area a traffic nightmare in general, but especially if they're trying to funnel all the day guests out at the same time.

[Travisma 1,317]

24 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

The dessert party took over the entire FP+ viewing area in front of the Plaza Restaurant, so the line of sight is pretty good.  Plus, since regular park guests aren't allowed in with the rich folk, it's nowhere near as savage as being out in the Hub with the unwashed masses. They also offer seated viewing in the Tomorrowland Terrace, which I don't think has as good a view of the projections- but Tinkerbill flies right over, and you get to sit in a nice chair and eat as many cupcakes as you possibly can.  Either way, those areas offer a lot better viewing than being stuck somewhere on Main Street, or somewhere outside of the Hub.  Bottom line is that they have taken a huge amount of viewing area away from regular guests.

Oh, and they have already blocked off space in the Hub for VIP viewing.  With Wishes, they had commandeered the upper floor of the Train Station for the Ultra-Rich who pay for the VIP Tour Guides.  Since they need to see the projections now, they roped off a nice space right in the middle of the Hub for the rich folk.  They love that, because it's easier to sneer at the commoners who only paid $125 to be packed in like sardines.

And FP+ viewing?  Ha Ha!  You can forget about that.  No way are they going to give away prime viewing spots for free.

TCD

I guess I've been out of the loop.  There is more than 1 desert party?  I knew about the one in the Terrace area, but there is another one also?

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

21 minutes ago, Travisma said:

I guess I've been out of the loop.  There is more than 1 desert party?  I knew about the one in the Terrace area, but there is another one also?

Yes, you're out of the loop.

When it comes to ways of fleecing guests, Disney moves fast and furious. so it's hard to keep up.

There is one dessert buffet, but they have split this into two paid events, depending on how deep your pockets are.

There's the traditional dessert party, where, for a mere $20 surcharge, you get a seat:

End your day with a grand finale featuring scrumptious sweets and prime fireworks views. Read More

End your day with a grand finale featuring scrumptious sweets and prime fireworks views.

This sensational celebration starts at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant with a tempting array of freshly prepared desserts plus a variety of seasonal fruits and cheeses. The bountiful buffet may include such favorites as:

• Chocolate-dipped strawberries
• Disney character-themed desserts
• Ice cream
• Create-your-own cookie

And you can toast your day of park fun and the incredible experience ahead with an enticing selection of beverages including:

• Sparkling cider
• Hot chocolate
• Signature lemonades
• Coffee
• Tea

As showtime approaches, you’ll be escorted to your seats on the patio of Tomorrowland Terrace. Then, just sit back and relax—and watch in amazement as the skies ignite and Cinderella Castle glows with enchanting illuminations.

Admission is $79 per adult and $47 per child (ages 3 to 9) including tax; gratuity not included or required. Separate Magic Kingdom park admission is also required.

.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/tomorrowland-terrace-fireworks-dessert-party/

 

But there is also the "Plaza View" dessert party, for cheapskates that don't want to pay $20 for a seat, and you get a place to stand in the old FP+ viewing area:

End your magical day with a celebration featuring delectable desserts and an enchanting fireworks extravaganza. Read More

End your magical day with a celebration featuring delectable desserts and an enchanting fireworks extravaganza.

First, join us at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, where a tempting array of freshly prepared desserts, seasonal fruits and flavorful cheeses awaits. The bountiful buffet may include such favorites as:

• Chocolate-dipped strawberries
• Disney character-themed desserts
• Ice cream
• Create-your-own cookie

You can raise a glass of your favorite beverage to toast your day of theme park adventures—and the enchantment to come. Drink selections include:

• Sparkling cider
• Hot chocolate
• Signature lemonades
• Coffee
• Tea

As showtime nears, Cast Members will escort you to a prime location in the Plaza Garden for priority viewing of the nighttime fireworks spectacular. Then, watch in amazement as the skies ignite and Cinderella Castle glows with enchanting illuminations.

Admission is $59 per adult and $35 per child (ages 3 to 9) including tax; gratuity not included or required. Separate Magic Kingdom park admission is also required.

Please note that the fireworks experience may be changed or canceled without prior notice.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/tomorrowland-terrace-fireworks-dessert-party-plaza-view/

As I said, now that a clear view of the castle is necessary, they're going to be raking it in on this dessert party.

I'm sure there are already plans being made for the other old FP+ viewing area in front of Casey's Corner.  Maybe an All You Can Eat Corn Dogs Fireworks party?

TCD

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

37 minutes ago, BradyBzLyn...Mo said:

I'd be really surprised if they did this.  They've conditioned party guests that they can get into the park at 4pm with their party ticket for years now. If they suddenly tell them "nope sorry, not until 7" there's going to be some serious whining.

I'd buy them trying to get day guests used to clearing out at 6 though.  Especially now that people are not just staking out parade spots early, but fireworks viewing spots as well.  That makes that whole hub/Main St. area a traffic nightmare in general, but especially if they're trying to funnel all the day guests out at the same time.

I would be surprised to see them go back to a hard close too- that took a lot of manpower, and it wasn't fun for anyone.

I think you're right about wanting to clear the park.  The problem with the Christmas Party is that they do that Frozen Castle Lighting show late, and a lot of regular day guests stick around for that.  I could see some deal where they do the Castle Lighting at 6, and then herd all of the non-party guests out.

If they stick with the 6 pm close, and still let party guests in at 4, that adds perceived value to the party tickets, at no cost to Disney.  That could easily lead to more sales, and more money in Disney's pockets.  Everyone wins.  Well, except for the regular park guests.  But who cares about them?  They can buy a party ticket if they don't like it.

TCD

[Travisma 1,317]

5 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

 

As I said, now that a clear view of the castle is necessary, they're going to be raking it in on this dessert party.

I'm sure there are already plans being made for the other old FP+ viewing area in front of Casey's Corner.  Maybe an All You Can Eat Corn Dogs Fireworks party?

TCD

$49 gets you 1 standard weiner, ($10 extra for a deluxe dog) one warm watered down soda, and 3 bags of Cracker Jacks.

You also get a wooden box to stand on so you can see past the parents with kids on their shoulders!

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

5 minutes ago, Travisma said:

$49 gets you 1 standard weiner, ($10 extra for a deluxe dog) one warm watered down soda, and 3 bags of Cracker Jacks.

You also get a wooden box to stand on so you can see past the parents with kids on their shoulders!

$49?

You'll never be a Disney executive thinking small like that.

Since they are getting $59/79 per sucker on the other side, they need to charge $89 on this side.  Maybe after Tinkerbill lands, he can come over here and judge the hotdog eating contest.

I like that wooden box idea.  I think they should have CM's selling those out in the Hub. 

TCD

[Travisma 1,317]

24 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

$49?

You'll never be a Disney executive thinking small like that.

Since they are getting $59/79 per sucker on the other side, they need to charge $89 on this side.  Maybe after Tinkerbill lands, he can come over here and judge the hotdog eating contest.

I like that wooden box idea.  I think they should have CM's selling those out in the Hub. 

TCD

Now whose not thinking like a bean counter.... RENTING is the way to go.

$25, and you get $5 back when you return them at the stroller rental booth.  Since most people won't want to lug them and cranky kids that far, they will just leave them lying around.  And you can't return one unless you have the receipt that matches the S/N, so some enterprising kid can't collect them all and get the deposits back.

OK $89 and 2 hot dogs, but still $10 extra for each deluxe.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

It's been 2 1/2 years since the night we were crushed on Main Street, and reading about how the new fireworks show will incentivize even more people to descend into that space to be able to see the projections makes me shake my head.  Maybe instead of selling dessert parties and wooden boxes to stand on, they should rent out armored suits to protect people from being trampled.  

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

8 minutes ago, Travisma said:

Now whose not thinking like a bean counter.... RENTING is the way to go.

$25, and you get $5 back when you return them at the stroller rental booth.  Since most people won't want to lug them and cranky kids that far, they will just leave them lying around.  And you can't return one unless you have the receipt that matches the S/N, so some enterprising kid can't collect them all and get the deposits back.

OK $89 and 2 hot dogs, but still $10 extra for each deluxe.

I agree with renting the viewing boxes.

But, let's have two or three different heights for the boxes.  That way guests can one-up each other.

And, they could also rope-off some area and make it a no Kids on Shoulders zone.  Maybe charge $25 to enter the No KOS area?

TCD

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

6 minutes ago, DaveInTN said:

It's been 2 1/2 years since the night we were crushed on Main Street, and reading about how the new fireworks show will incentivize even more people to descend into that space to be able to see the projections makes me shake my head.  Maybe instead of selling dessert parties and wooden boxes to stand on, they should rent out armored suits to protect people from being trampled.  

I remember that, and despite the construction walls coming down and the expanded Hub area, we are right back to it.

As I shared on the Happily Ever After thread, on the night we watched the new show, we were able to snag a spot in the old FP+ viewing area in front of Casey's.  There's a walkway that runs behind there that they try to keep clear during the fireworks so guests can still move around. The CM's who were supposed to keep that clear gave up  and let guests stand wall to wall in that walkway. Meaning that there were no open walkways in the Hub for about 30 minutes before and during the fireworks.

I think even an armored suit wouldn't protect you from being trampled, if, God forbid, there was a need to evacuate the park when people are packed in like they allow.

TCD

[Travisma 1,317]

14 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

I remember that, and despite the construction walls coming down and the expanded Hub area, we are right back to it.

As I shared on the Happily Ever After thread, on the night we watched the new show, we were able to snag a spot in the old FP+ viewing area in front of Casey's.  There's a walkway that runs behind there that they try to keep clear during the fireworks so guests can still move around. The CM's who were supposed to keep that clear gave up  and let guests stand wall to wall in that walkway. Meaning that there were no open walkways in the Hub for about 30 minutes before and during the fireworks.

I think even an armored suit wouldn't protect you from being trampled, if, God forbid, there was a need to evacuate the park when people are packed in like they allow.

TCD

when people are packed in like they allow.  That is a problem, and I only think it'll be getting worse.  We stayed for Wishes back in early April, and the Hub area and Main Street were packed at that time.  I can only imagine how bad it is now with everyone wanting to see the new show. At least regulars didn't always stick around to see Wishes, at least we didn't.  There's a lot to be said about walking out of the park without being pushed along and getting onto the Monorail and not being crushed.

As we've all said at various times, Disney has hyped their "Magic" too well and it's always crowded now.  And with each new thing it's going to be worse.  They could double the size of the MK and it would still be crowded.

[lightbikes 73]

 

8 hours ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

Everyone wins.  Well, except for the regular park guests.  But who cares about them? 

So again the average Joe Shmoo, who managed to scrape together the 2K for tickets, and another 2K for food, just to take his little average family to Disney for that once in a lifetime experience is going to be trampled, squished, hit, and generally bullied and still not be able to see the Castle show and fireworks.

I'm getting sadder all the time.

 

 

[Millermouseketeers MaryAnn 150]

We looked at the dessert party for $59 but are passing. That's just too much for a family of 5!

We like to do something new each trip but I would rather something else for that price!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

12 hours ago, lightbikes said:

 

So again the average Joe Shmoo, who managed to scrape together the 2K for tickets, and another 2K for food, just to take his little average family to Disney for that once in a lifetime experience is going to be trampled, squished, hit, and generally bullied and still not be able to see the Castle show and fireworks.

I'm getting sadder all the time.

If Joe Shmoo can pay $4K to get his family to Disney World, then surely he can cough up another $300 to pay for the dessert party.  There is no trampling or squishing in the Tomorrowland Terrace.

Remember, Disney wants all of your money. 

Thus, the year of a Million Schemes^TM.

TCD

[Travisma 1,317]

26 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

If Joe Shmoo can pay $4K to get his family to Disney World, then surely he can cough up another $300 to pay for the dessert party.  There is no trampling or squishing in the Tomorrowland Terrace.

Remember, Disney wants all of your money. 

Thus, the year of a Million Schemes^TM.

TCD

And your kids $ and grandkids $ and the next 5 generations $ to pay for your trip now!

Disney makes you feel like you're the biggest loser if you don't buy and do every add on they throw at you.

I know we are lucky to live nearby, have AP's and can spread out doing things, but reading some of the FB posts from people that are planning their trips is both sad and comical.

They are having meltdowns because they could only book 4 of the character meals and they need 6, or they can't squeeze in a visit to Bippity Bobbity, because they have 2 planned character meals and the fireworks desert party scheduled that day.

It makes you wonder how much of this they are dong for the kids or how much they are doing for bragging rights to their mom circles.

I've seen posts where they have 5 outfit changes a day.  Wonder how that works out for them when they are spending most of the day at a park or trying to get back to their hotels on overcrowded buses?