Extra Morning Magic at MK ($69/person!)

[marie3246]

Mar 24, 2016 13:26:57 GMT -5 Amy said:

For me, as with all of the recent up charges/fees/expensive extra hours, the problem is that they are doing all of this at the same time as they are closing attractions and cutting characters. We are paying more and getting less. I wish if they were going to do all of this it would've gone along with the opening of the 3 new lands, not when things are already a bit bare.

This exactly. When is it enough? They have made so many changes in the last few years and continue to increase prices without adding much else. And I'm sure once the new construction is completed, prices will go up and up. Planning is already so hard to make everything work with EMH, parties, etc. Now it is just another thing I have to plan around because there is no way I'm paying that much for 3 rides and some mini breakfast. I love Disney and DD is just getting to the age when it is started to get super fun, but it is just so discouraging to plan a trip. What is next, the resort fees, hotel parking fees, etc? We live 2 hours away and like to stay on property, so we dont get to take advantage of the airport shuttle and we plan around EMH so the resort fees would be enough for me to stay offsite for sure. This all just feels so greedy to me and it is really off-putting. 

[marie3246]

Mar 24, 2016 14:09:08 GMT -5 chilerellanos said:

Also, it's a situation where things are literally changing daily. Yesterday they came out with the pay to be there after hours event thing.

Today it was the pre park opening thing.

I hear of a new character being cut almost daily.

I know the amount of things changing lately is insane to me. And most of the changes are sucking the enjoyment out of our future trip. We were thinking of buying DVC, but not so much anymore. 

[Deleted]

Mar 24, 2016 14:05:27 GMT -5 chilerellanos said:

I'm not considering canceling my vacation because of this ONE thing.

It's because of multiple things that have changed lately. Some which will directly impact the enjoyment of my trip, and others that probably won't.

But as a whole, they're making a lot of changes that repeat visitors will notice. And we are getting a lot less for a lot more money.

Im not saying we will never go to Disney again. We probably will.

But right now, there's a lot of construction going on in the parks, they've cut staff, character greets, attractions, night time entertainment, etc.

It's frustrating to be paying so much and be getting noticeably less of an experience than previous trips.

I mean I was there in January and there were NOT noticeable changes. Like at all. I mean stuff was closed at The Studios and Soarin was closed for updates, but it wasn't really that big of a deal at the end of the day. What was noticeable was the bus service was the best I have ever had. EVER. 

However this irks me on another level. Like it's messing with the flow of the day in the park. Like everyone KNOWS to avoid the park with EMHs. But now you have to avoid the days this is happening at MK too, and the days that the evening party is happening, and hard ticketed event days ( if you aren't on a hopper) and everyone knows don't go to MK on a Saturday, Sunday or Monday really. So it narrows the days of the MOST ICONIC PARK down to almost nothing.... UNLESS YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY THROUGH THE NOSE. 

Uggh I am so annoyed. 

[Amy]

Mar 24, 2016 14:12:11 GMT -5 @savestheday said:

Mar 24, 2016 14:05:27 GMT -5 chilerellanos said:

I'm not considering canceling my vacation because of this ONE thing.

It's because of multiple things that have changed lately. Some which will directly impact the enjoyment of my trip, and others that probably won't.

But as a whole, they're making a lot of changes that repeat visitors will notice. And we are getting a lot less for a lot more money.

Im not saying we will never go to Disney again. We probably will.

But right now, there's a lot of construction going on in the parks, they've cut staff, character greets, attractions, night time entertainment, etc.

It's frustrating to be paying so much and be getting noticeably less of an experience than previous trips.

I mean I was there in January and there were NOT noticeable changes. Like at all. I mean stuff was closed at The Studios and Soarin was closed for updates, but it wasn't really that big of a deal at the end of the day. What was noticeable was the bus service was the best I have ever had. EVER. 

However this irks me on another level. Like it's messing with the flow of the day in the park. Like everyone KNOWS to avoid the park with EMHs. But now you have to avoid the days this is happening at MK too, and the days that the evening party is happening, and hard ticketed event days ( if you aren't on a hopper) and everyone knows don't go to MK on a Saturday, Sunday or Monday really. So it narrows the days of the MOST ICONIC PARK down to almost nothing.... UNLESS YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY THROUGH THE NOSE. 

Uggh I am so annoyed. 

Just wanted to echo that not much had changed in January (we were there at the same time) the announced cuts have all RAPIDLY come out since then.

[pagas]

This doesn't bother me too much except for the potential 10 am open for regular park goers.

[ilikedonuts]

Mar 24, 2016 15:08:36 GMT -5 pagas said:

This doesn't bother me too much except for the potential 10 am open for regular park goers.

It still opens at 9. The early people can just eat breakfast from 8:30-10am. It sounds better to say 2 hr and 15 minutes then $70 for 1 hr and 15 minutes plus an hour you'd already get. Ooooooh Disney!

[ilikedonuts]

Mar 24, 2016 14:40:15 GMT -5 Amy said:

Mar 24, 2016 14:12:11 GMT -5 @savestheday said:

I mean I was there in January and there were NOT noticeable changes. Like at all. I mean stuff was closed at The Studios and Soarin was closed for updates, but it wasn't really that big of a deal at the end of the day. What was noticeable was the bus service was the best I have ever had. EVER. 

However this irks me on another level. Like it's messing with the flow of the day in the park. Like everyone KNOWS to avoid the park with EMHs. But now you have to avoid the days this is happening at MK too, and the days that the evening party is happening, and hard ticketed event days ( if you aren't on a hopper) and everyone knows don't go to MK on a Saturday, Sunday or Monday really. So it narrows the days of the MOST ICONIC PARK down to almost nothing.... UNLESS YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY THROUGH THE NOSE. 

Uggh I am so annoyed. 

Just wanted to echo that not much had changed in January (we were there at the same time) the announced cuts have all RAPIDLY come out since then.

Yes exactly. The amount of stuff they are closing or cutting and not adding more then a freaking Olaf meet and greet or extra stuff you have to pay $$$$$$ for.

[ilikedonuts]

And whatever I'm a crazy Disney person. I'll own that.

[lala]

I think part of the issue is that these new events at the MK are dressed up just enough to be "new" or "different" but really it's just paying for something resort guests already got for free. So, sure now non-resort guests get it but like someone said upthread between this and regular EMH and party days, etc, it pretty much makes it so that there's no good day to go to a park and increasingly difficult to get a pre-rope drop ADR. But, IIRC, there are no pre rope drop ADRs at Disneyland, so maybe they aren't worried about that part?

And there is speculation about what all happened now that they took the night shows off of the fast pass system. Will those be tickets events now? Kind of like the dessert parties?

[ilikedonuts]

Mar 24, 2016 15:30:51 GMT -5 lala said:

I think part of the issue is that these new events at the MK are dressed up just enough to be "new" or "different" but really it's just paying for something resort guests already got for free. So, sure now non-resort guests get it but like someone said upthread between this and regular EMH and party days, etc, it pretty much makes it so that there's no good day to go to a park and increasingly difficult to get a pre-rope drop ADR. But, IIRC, there are no pre rope drop ADRs at Disneyland, so maybe they aren't worried about that part?

And there is speculation about what all happened now that they took the night shows off of the fast pass system. Will those be tickets events now? Kind of like the dessert parties?

I would bet my house that the wishes FP area will become a special viewing area/party that costs $$$$$$$$.

[lala]

Of course, what else would they do with it?!

I don't know - I am torn a bit b/c whatever, disney is a business and if people will pay...go for it. Some of these changes though, do have a direct impact on how people plan and tour - and the whole reason people plan and tour is b/c disney trained us to. People are just getting used to the way fast passes work now.

Obviously people have to decide what is and isn't worth it. I just feel like it's getting even more complicated and I'm feeling more nickel & dime that ever.

[ribollita]

Mar 24, 2016 15:30:31 GMT -5 @licia said:

I think there's something wrong with the argument that people who pay to get into the parks early are somehow robbing others of vacation happiness/value.

Is someone saying this? To me, don't hate the player, hate the game. Just tell me the effing game rules six months in advance given your [Disney's] self-imposed booking timeline.

[lala]

Also, most of us that are annoyed are self proclaimed Disney people, disney's highest affinity group. I don't think our negative take is uncommon amongst that group - but I could be wrong. If you're a once in a lifetime kind of person, I don't think you'd have the same feelings. Doesn't mean anyone is wrong, we just feel differently.

That's a lot of presumptions though!

[ilikedonuts]

Mar 24, 2016 15:56:13 GMT -5 lala said:

Also, most of us that are annoyed are self proclaimed Disney people, disney's highest affinity group. I don't think our negative take is uncommon amongst that group - but I could be wrong. If you're a once in a lifetime kind of person, I don't think you'd have the same feelings. Doesn't mean anyone is wrong, we just feel differently.

That's a lot of presumptions though!

Exactly.

Plus it's got to be pretty bad when basically EVERYONE on a message board like the Disboards actually are all in agreement that both the morning and night time extra hours are insane.

[fancefpp]

I don't think you have to be a huge disney person to be annoyed by this. Everything Disney seems overpriced to me (tickets, hotels, food)then add on top of that all the planning you have to do, and it can turn into a pretty stressful experience for the average family. No one is forcing me to bring my family there, but it is an experience that we'd like to enjoy. That being said, I'm planning to try to save time and trying to find ways to save money, as well. This latest money making endeavor just makes Disney look greedier, which you could argue is already the case. There are so many families that are already priced out of Disney. Plus, all these add-on are confusing for the average traveler.

[ilikedonuts]

Mar 24, 2016 16:02:25 GMT -5 @licia said:

chilerellanos I never called anyone a spoiled brat or silly, and also have not stripped anyone of their autonomy. In fact, I have gone out of my way to say I would never shame or try to make anyone feel bad over liking Disney. I like Disney, too. People like what they like. I read that this change was the last in a line of many that have you canceling your trip. That's fine. You do you.

I'm criticizing the outrage over this change. It's an extra hour that people can pay to enter the parks early and ride 3 rides. It hasn't taken away early magic hours that people get for staying on site. It does not make the Magic Kingdom inaccessible. I must be missing why it's so damaging, because I'm still left shrugging my shoulders.

So making 3 rides that already get crazy long waits during the day have long waits BEFORE the park even opens meaning unless you pay $$$$ or stay onsite and get fastpasses doesn't make it less accessible?

And they've already decreased the number and hours of EMH. It's pretty much a given that if this is a success they have less incentive to worry about EMH.

[ilikedonuts]

And honestly shoving so many new things that cost $$$$ and removing a ton of stuff weeks before people's trips that Disney basically makes it so you have to plan 6 months out, is shitty. Hands down.

If people want remove Disney portions of their trips until there all of this has been figured out and new stuff is opened, more power to them. You speak with your money at Disney.

[ilikedonuts]

Mar 24, 2016 16:40:42 GMT -5 @licia said:

Mar 24, 2016 16:38:36 GMT -5 ilikedonuts said:

So making 3 rides that already get crazy long waits during the day have long waits BEFORE the park even opens meaning unless you pay $$$$ or stay onsite and get fastpasses doesn't make it less accessible?

And they've already decreased the number and hours of EMH. It's pretty much a given that if this is a success they have less incentive to worry about EMH.

Waiting at rides doesn't make a whole park inaccessible as is being suggested in this thread.

Isn't that the nature of the beast? 

No one said it was the whole park. But 3 major rides that you at least had a chance previously at rope drop to not have a 2 hour wait.

[lala]

Actually, once upon a time, I could plan my touring so that i never waited more than 20 minutes for anything. That kind of touring plan isn't for everyone, but it worked for us very well and I miss those days.

[Deleted]

Mar 24, 2016 16:49:07 GMT -5 @licia said:

Mar 24, 2016 16:44:34 GMT -5 ilikedonuts said:

No one said it was the whole park. But 3 major rides that you at least had a chance previously at rope drop to not have a 2 hour wait.

I read in this thread that people will now be avoiding Magic Kingdom on these pay-to-play days, along with early hour days and the weekend/Mondays. 

So, it was said.

Again, I don't care. You do you. But if people want to pony up $70 to get in early, more power to 'em. I hope they get to ride every ride twice and have a fantastic blood sugar spike from that juice.


You are being purposely obtuse
A - my name is not people if you want to call me out please feel free to tag

B -  What I mentioned up thread about not visiting MK on certain days if you are on a non hopper ticket is just a good common sense touring plan. You don't plan your day at the most crowded park purposely & if you are not hopping you don't plan a day at MK on a party night ( unless you want to be done with parks by 7pm) 

[alleinesein]

Mar 24, 2016 15:30:51 GMT -5 lala said:

I think part of the issue is that these new events at the MK are dressed up just enough to be "new" or "different" but really it's just paying for something resort guests already got for free. So, sure now non-resort guests get it but like someone said upthread between this and regular EMH and party days, etc, it pretty much makes it so that there's no good day to go to a park and increasingly difficult to get a pre-rope drop ADR. But, IIRC, there are no pre rope drop ADRs at Disneyland, so maybe they aren't worried about that part?

And there is speculation about what all happened now that they took the night shows off of the fast pass system. Will those be tickets events now? Kind of like the dessert parties?

We sorta have them for the Plaza Inn; on DL extra magic hour mornings you can book a reservation during that hour and you have a separate entrance gate to get into the park.  You don't need to be a resort guest as long as you have breakfast reservations.  So if you can eat your food in 20-30 minutes you can then hit up Tomorrowland and Fantasyland before the park opens to the public.

[spankswife]

I think this is so greedy, and leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

Basically ruins rope drop magic.

But the sad thing is, people will pay it.

[alleinesein]

Is the line for Pooh really that long at the MK? I really do not see the appeal of it and I've been on it many times at DLR and have never had to wait more than 5 minutes even when the park is packed.

My family is one of those that will pay for stuff especially if it includes a meal; we are already going to drop $$ to eat so we might as well get something extra out of the deal.

[ilikedonuts]

Mar 24, 2016 20:23:40 GMT -5 alleinesein said:

Is the line for Pooh really that long at the MK? I really do not see the appeal of it and I've been on it many times at DLR and have never had to wait more than 5 minutes even when the park is packed.

My family is one of those that will pay for stuff especially if it includes a meal; we are already going to drop $$ to eat so we might as well get something extra out of the deal.

It can be. Not as long as Mine Train and Peter Pan, but definitely the 3rd longest line in Fantasyland. Plus it breaks down all the time (at least it does every single trip for us. multiple times a trip) that when they getting it working again the line is crazy.

[bronxgirl]

Mar 24, 2016 16:49:07 GMT -5 @licia said:

Mar 24, 2016 16:44:34 GMT -5 ilikedonuts said:

No one said it was the whole park. But 3 major rides that you at least had a chance previously at rope drop to not have a 2 hour wait.

I read in this thread that people named @savestheday , since I'm apparently calling her out on her plans by mentioning in a casual manner something she said up thread, will now be avoiding Magic Kingdom on these pay-to-play days, along with early hour days and the weekend/Mondays. 

So, it was said.

Again, I don't care. You do you. But if people want to pony up $70 to get in early, more power to 'em. I hope they get to ride every ride twice and have a fantastic blood sugar spike from that juice.

LOL for days. You obviously care about this profusely as evidenced by your relentless perseveration. Seriously, let it go already.

[jeaniebueller]

Mar 24, 2016 16:40:45 GMT -5 ilikedonuts said:

And honestly shoving so many new things that cost $$$$ and removing a ton of stuff weeks before people's trips that Disney basically makes it so you have to plan 6 months out, is shitty. Hands down.

If people want remove Disney portions of their trips until there all of this has been figured out and new stuff is opened, more power to them. You speak with your money at Disney.

I don't get the insistence that you have to plan disney 6 months out. The last two trips we have made, we books FPs at 60 days and 30 days and were still able to get character meals and dinner reservations (one dinner reservation made less than 24 hours before the meal) with no big deal. 

[ilikedonuts]

Mar 28, 2016 10:11:33 GMT -5 jeaniebueller said:

Mar 24, 2016 16:40:45 GMT -5 ilikedonuts said:

And honestly shoving so many new things that cost $$$$ and removing a ton of stuff weeks before people's trips that Disney basically makes it so you have to plan 6 months out, is shitty. Hands down.

If people want remove Disney portions of their trips until there all of this has been figured out and new stuff is opened, more power to them. You speak with your money at Disney.

I don't get the insistence that you have to plan disney 6 months out. The last two trips we have made, we books FPs at 60 days and 30 days and were still able to get character meals and dinner reservations (one dinner reservation made less than 24 hours before the meal) with no big deal. 

You got all the popular places right at normal dinner time?

[jeaniebueller]

Mar 28, 2016 10:13:36 GMT -5 ilikedonuts said:

Mar 28, 2016 10:11:33 GMT -5 jeaniebueller said:

I don't get the insistence that you have to plan disney 6 months out. The last two trips we have made, we books FPs at 60 days and 30 days and were still able to get character meals and dinner reservations (one dinner reservation made less than 24 hours before the meal) with no big deal. 

You got all the popular places right at normal dinner time?

I have no idea what is considered popular, but i booked the grand floridian cafe for a 6:30 dinner on president's day less than 24 hours before the meal. Also, i switched our tusker house character meal time 3 days before we arrived as well. 

[ilikedonuts]

Mar 28, 2016 10:14:52 GMT -5 jeaniebueller said:

Mar 28, 2016 10:13:36 GMT -5 ilikedonuts said:

You got all the popular places right at normal dinner time?

I have no idea what is considered popular, but i booked the grand floridian cafe for a 6:30 dinner on president's day less than 24 hours before the meal. Also, i switched our tusker house character meal time 3 days before we arrived as well. 

Cinderella's, Akershus, Ohana, Be our guest, chef Mickey's, any 8am prepare ADRs at MK. Id put those in the popular category. Specifically around 5-6pm will be booked up 180 days out.

When you go during party season (September-December) plus free dining your reservation opportunities is already less (can't book past 6:55 unless you have tickets to the party) to start plus people gave free dining so they are trying to book more then non free dining times.

And yes you can get stuff 24 hours out but people don't want to count on that. I've swapped stuff last minute.

[lala]

You can get something closer or during the trip. But if you want a specific restaurant at a specific time the 6 months is often needed. Everyone plans their trips differently and/or have different expectations.

If I had tried to get 8am reservations at akershus 30 days out, I highly doubt I would have been able to.