Disney After Hours BOO BASH

[Casper Gutman]

From what I've seen people say, yes. (No one with any real info...just people who have been attending the parties for years. The general observation is that the parties have felt more and more crowded.)

Soooo... perhaps my confusion stems from the fact that I haven't attended a party since 2016. Has Disney been overcrowding the parties, thus creating a crisis they solved by cutting entertainment and raising prices?

 

[GimpYancIent]

Soooo... perhaps my confusion stems from the fact that I haven't attended a party since 2016. Has Disney been overcrowding the parties, thus creating a crisis they solved by cutting entertainment and raising prices?

You don't sound confused at all.

 

[ImperfectPixie]

Soooo... perhaps my confusion stems from the fact that I haven't attended a party since 2016. Has Disney been overcrowding the parties, thus creating a crisis they solved by cutting entertainment and raising prices?

It's very possible. With the FP+ situation, I wouldn't be surprised.

 

[Wendy Pleakley]

These are not normal times. This is not a normal cash grab.

I'm pretty sure they're making less money with the AH events versus the usual holiday parties.

AH events are capped at a few thousand. Parties are in the tens of thousands for attendance.

The parties must make more money, even with the extra entertainment and lower price point.

 

[dreday3]

Wouldn’t you have rather the company built the parks out with more experiences - so there was room for everyone , instead of NOT building in new experiences such that they now have to charge you once to get in, then once more for the opportunity to ride?

Um, sure?

It's cute that you think if they built parks out with more attractions that they wouldn't have parties and after-hours.

 

[Chip Chipperson]

Sure there was - the uncertainty is only about the lead time Disney needed to run the event. The assumption is Disney had to make a call long before they knew the actual conditions we would be facing in Aug-Oct and possibly couldn't facilitate all the kind of entertainment they normally would have due to staffing or supply issues.

If you're arguing that lead time was an issue then you're providing another reason why they couldn't do a full party as usual.

Lots of solutions for that...
- Alternating days for entertainment
- Running the parties on different hours

Alternating days for entertainment doesn't address the issue of people being upset about missing the new 50th fireworks show. Running the full parties later at night than previous years doesn't address the complaints about it being held too late for small kids.

This concern has never stopped Disney from running the parties when Disney launched a new fireworks show. This concern doesn't stop Disney from closing the park for other dates.

How many of those other times were a major anniversary?

Or Disney could have addressed the specific issues that were preventing them from doing the party as they normally do. Running a reduced DAH doesn't address limits on the party - it's simply a side step to offer something different without acknowledging or addressing specific constraints. The normal theme park already operates with more staff and more crowds then the party - so those aren't the reasons why the party couldn't happen. They could have reduced the size of the party without issue if capacity was a concern. That really only leaves pricing, and entertainment options as reasons why the party wasn't a fit.

That still leaves all of the other complaints about running MNSSHP during the 50th - it's either too late at night for kids or cutting park hours so day guests miss the 50th fireworks.

or...

Run a DAH event with MNSSHP features? CRAZY THOUGHT? I mean... wouldn't that cost more? Oh wait... they already did raise the price.

That's exactly what they're doing. Normal DAH events don't have trick or treating, costumes allowed for guests, or Halloween cavalcades. You want a full party. That wasn't going to happen this year but you refuse to accept that.

TLDR - What you got is not the 'only thing' that could have happened. It's simply what Disney chose to do.

I never said it was the only option. In fact, I listed the others. The DAH event is the best option this year due to a convergence of factors. In future, post-COVID non-50th years I would hope for the parties to return.

 

[bcoachable]

Um, sure?

It's cute that you think if they built parks out with more attractions that they wouldn't have parties and after-hours.

If they had built out, They still could!
They could call them “Extra Magic Hours”
and allow us rubes in, if we would just pay a bit more and stay at there hotels

 

[Animaniac93-98]

Will be interesting to compare this with Oggie Boggie Bash. So far it sounds like the only changes to that party will be socially distanced greets and no World of Color: Villainous (because it's under refurb I think?). They're even doing dessert parties and extra pay reserved parade viewing!

 

[pixarprincess]

My information does not come from the “cast”

I’m not going to say that there’s no chance that the cap will be increased between now and Halloween. My point was that the limit was not set based on how many they could sell but rather how many they felt was appropriate for the event and price point. Even if they increase the cap between now and Halloween it will still be a fraction of a standard party.

Which super sucks for those of us who paid for dates that late and get a lesser experience. The whole point is low crowds And no, I don't consider less than previous parties to be the same thing. Parties pre-covid were absurdly crowded. This price point is almost double (we're the week of Halloween), minus a lot of entertainment and multiple hours. It better be the almost walk on lines that people saw last night or it is absolutely not appropriate.

 

[flynnibus]

If you're arguing that lead time was an issue then you're providing another reason why they couldn't do a full party as usual.

No, the statement you quoted was in response to your statement "There was literally no solution that would please everyone this year".

The outcome we got was not the ONLY option - it was the chosen option. My statement was acknowledging there are constraints that we assume - but do not know for certain.

Alternating days for entertainment doesn't address the issue of people being upset about missing the new 50th fireworks show. Running the full parties later at night than previous years doesn't address the complaints about it being held too late for small kids.

Again - why is this somehow a deal breaker this year vs the prior years and new shows? It's not - it's a choice or excuse. This 'risk' is something Disney undertakes CONSTANTLY as it does things like put up lights on the castle, etc. This is not new - and anniversaries are not new either. The 50th is going to be an 18 month event. This concern doesn't even affect the event until October. Plus, it's another thing the audience has already been conditioned to accept - that in this time period day guests don't always get the evening entertainment due to the parties. Are you really trying to argue Disney switched to DAH because of the day guest complaints??

The 'but the 50th...' excuse doesn't hold water. Disney even proved it themselves with the xmas event and that's just ONE solution possible.

This is the first I've heard of anyone mentioning the 'too late for kids' concern -- but this should be moot as well because that's exactly what DAH is doing... so not seeing how that pushes the needle either way. Doing DAH instead doesn't help this...

That still leaves all of the other complaints about running MNSSHP during the 50th - it's either too late at night for kids or cutting park hours so day guests miss the 50th fireworks.

So you really think Disney pivoted away from their humongus party strategy so day guests can see the 50th castle show 7 days a week? Yet, while they proved other options are available with the very next event??

That's exactly what they're doing. Normal DAH events don't have trick or treating, costumes allowed for guests, or Halloween cavalcades. You want a full party.

But they didn't offer the full party experience. We don't need to rehash (again) the major elements they didn't do vs the parties.. or even vs the latest incarnation of the DAH events. This was not a full roster by any means - compared to either type of event.

That wasn't going to happen this year but you refuse to accept that.

That's not the argument at all - The argument is that just because it's labeled an DAH event doesn't mean the customer base isn't hungry for their normal halloween festivities and looking for those. While people try to wave their hands and say "Its not a party, its DAH" -- they refuse to acknowledge that Disney has essentially made this the party substitute. And in doing so, they have invited party expectations and comparisons. So it is natural for people to be disappointed that the DAH event does not stand up to the offers of the party... not shouted down with "but it's a DAH!".

Disney put a DAH event in the party slot and didn't run the party. That's the facts.

Meanwhile people are thrilled to be paying more and getting less - with nothing to do with Covid restrictions. You think parties are returning after? I think Disney is licking their chops with 'after hours' all the time. Look at the 2020 scheduled dates that were announced prior to the shutdown.

This is the new norm... buh bye Headless Horseman.

 

[Chi84]

I feel like I've entered an alternate reality on this site. A number of people in the main COVID thread are saying WDW should probably not even be open right now, while people in this thread are complaining that the Halloween party is not going on as usual, refusing to even acknowledge that Disney's decisions are impacted by COVID.

Just as a test, I mentioned to two of my non-Disney fanatic friends that Disney is cutting back on their usual Halloween festivities this year. Both said something along the lines of, "Oh, yeah, well that's happening everywhere because of COVID." I'm going to the Boo Bash this year (virus allowing), and will be at the usual Halloween party next year (virus allowing.) This is not the new norm, any more than COVID restrictions are the new norm. They're a response to the current situation. I've been around here long enough to know that the negativity is generally off the charts, but this one takes the prize.

 

[flynnibus]

I feel like I've entered an alternate reality on this site. A number of people in the main COVID thread are saying WDW should probably not even be open right now, while people in this thread are complaining that the Halloween party is not going on as usual, refusing to even acknowledge that Disney's decisions are impacted by COVID.

Impacted, sure - as it was acknowledge prior - Disney was making decisions before they knew what Aug-Oct would bring. That doesn't support arguments like 'but the 50th fireworks...' or 'but park hours...' or why the event is lacking things like attraction overlays or the event's frequency or really for canceling the party in the first place.

Disney is doing fireworks elsewhere.. including the christmas event - so COVID???
Disney is already doing bigger crowds daily than either of these things - so COVID???
Event price is up significantly while the offers are more limited - so COVID???
Event is lacking existing attraction overlays - so COVID???

People don't see a valid comparison between parties and DAH - because COVID?

The only thing Disney isn't doing relevant to these discussions is parades and stage shows (which are only coming around now).

This discussion of replacements/alternatives is going to outlast all COVID restrictions... you can bet on it.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

No, the statement you quoted was in response to your statement "There was literally no solution that would please everyone this year".

The outcome we got was not the ONLY option - it was the chosen option. My statement was acknowledging there are constraints that we assume - but do not know for certain.



Again - why is this somehow a deal breaker this year vs the prior years and new shows? It's not - it's a choice or excuse. This 'risk' is something Disney undertakes CONSTANTLY as it does things like put up lights on the castle, etc. This is not new - and anniversaries are not new either. The 50th is going to be an 18 month event. This concern doesn't even affect the event until October. Plus, it's another thing the audience has already been conditioned to accept - that in this time period day guests don't always get the evening entertainment due to the parties. Are you really trying to argue Disney switched to DAH because of the day guest complaints??

The 'but the 50th...' excuse doesn't hold water. Disney even proved it themselves with the xmas event and that's just ONE solution possible.

This is the first I've heard of anyone mentioning the 'too late for kids' concern -- but this should be moot as well because that's exactly what DAH is doing... so not seeing how that pushes the needle either way. Doing DAH instead doesn't help this...



So you really think Disney pivoted away from their humongus party strategy so day guests can see the 50th castle show 7 days a week? Yet, while they proved other options are available with the very next event??



But they didn't offer the full party experience. We don't need to rehash (again) the major elements they didn't do vs the parties.. or even vs the latest incarnation of the DAH events. This was not a full roster by any means - compared to either type of event.



That's not the argument at all - The argument is that just because it's labeled an DAH event doesn't mean the customer base isn't hungry for their normal halloween festivities and looking for those. While people try to wave their hands and say "Its not a party, its DAH" -- they refuse to acknowledge that Disney has essentially made this the party substitute. And in doing so, they have invited party expectations and comparisons. So it is natural for people to be disappointed that the DAH event does not stand up to the offers of the party... not shouted down with "but it's a DAH!".

Disney put a DAH event in the party slot and didn't run the party. That's the facts.

Meanwhile people are thrilled to be paying more and getting less - with nothing to do with Covid restrictions. You think parties are returning after? I think Disney is licking their chops with 'after hours' all the time. Look at the 2020 scheduled dates that were announced prior to the shutdown.

This is the new norm... buh bye Headless Horseman.

Please make it stop.

Most of us here are going to attend this thing. You’re not even going, you don’t like it, we get it. You’ve made your point.

OTOH, we’re psyched and ready and are going to enjoy it as it is, eyes wide open, no matter how it is described or titled, because that’s what non-miserable people do at WDW.

 

[MisterPenguin]

I'm going to the Boo Bash this year (virus allowing), and will be at the usual Halloween party next year (virus allowing.)

Scuttlebutt is no Party Nights next year, same reason this year: It would interfere with nightly 50th celebrations.

 

[GimpYancIent]

No, the statement you quoted was in response to your statement "There was literally no solution that would please everyone this year".

The outcome we got was not the ONLY option - it was the chosen option. My statement was acknowledging there are constraints that we assume - but do not know for certain.



Again - why is this somehow a deal breaker this year vs the prior years and new shows? It's not - it's a choice or excuse. This 'risk' is something Disney undertakes CONSTANTLY as it does things like put up lights on the castle, etc. This is not new - and anniversaries are not new either. The 50th is going to be an 18 month event. This concern doesn't even affect the event until October. Plus, it's another thing the audience has already been conditioned to accept - that in this time period day guests don't always get the evening entertainment due to the parties. Are you really trying to argue Disney switched to DAH because of the day guest complaints??

The 'but the 50th...' excuse doesn't hold water. Disney even proved it themselves with the xmas event and that's just ONE solution possible.

This is the first I've heard of anyone mentioning the 'too late for kids' concern -- but this should be moot as well because that's exactly what DAH is doing... so not seeing how that pushes the needle either way. Doing DAH instead doesn't help this...



So you really think Disney pivoted away from their humongus party strategy so day guests can see the 50th castle show 7 days a week? Yet, while they proved other options are available with the very next event??



But they didn't offer the full party experience. We don't need to rehash (again) the major elements they didn't do vs the parties.. or even vs the latest incarnation of the DAH events. This was not a full roster by any means - compared to either type of event.



That's not the argument at all - The argument is that just because it's labeled an DAH event doesn't mean the customer base isn't hungry for their normal halloween festivities and looking for those. While people try to wave their hands and say "Its not a party, its DAH" -- they refuse to acknowledge that Disney has essentially made this the party substitute. And in doing so, they have invited party expectations and comparisons. So it is natural for people to be disappointed that the DAH event does not stand up to the offers of the party... not shouted down with "but it's a DAH!".

Disney put a DAH event in the party slot and didn't run the party. That's the facts.

Meanwhile people are thrilled to be paying more and getting less - with nothing to do with Covid restrictions. You think parties are returning after? I think Disney is licking their chops with 'after hours' all the time. Look at the 2020 scheduled dates that were announced prior to the shutdown.

This is the new norm... buh bye Headless Horseman.

What! The Headless Horseman has always been socially distanced! He's HEADLESS so no mask issue. This really kills the Halloween mood.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Impacted, sure - as it was acknowledge prior - Disney was making decisions before they knew what Aug-Oct would bring. That doesn't support arguments like 'but the 50th fireworks...' or 'but park hours...' or why the event is lacking things like attraction overlays or the event's frequency or really for canceling the party in the first place.

Disney is doing fireworks elsewhere.. including the christmas event - so COVID???
Disney is already doing bigger crowds daily than either of these things - so COVID???
Event price is up significantly while the offers are more limited - so COVID???
Event is lacking existing attraction overlays - so COVID???

People don't see a valid comparison between parties and DAH - because COVID?

The only thing Disney isn't doing relevant to these discussions is parades and stage shows (which are only coming around now).

This discussion of replacements/alternatives is going to outlast all COVID restrictions... you can bet on it.

They didn’t just whip this up out of thin air. If you’re planning Halloween in the Spring, and you don’t know what the pandemic will bring in the Fall, this is what you do. It’s a balance between responsible and “enough.” And they’re almost all sold out, so keep tilting at windmills. Disney needn’t mind.

 

[flynnibus]

And they’re almost all sold out, so keep tilting at windmills. Disney needn’t mind.

Another zinger... customers are irrelevant as long as there are enough others to buy. Noted.

The perfect setup for the New Disney we are getting...

 

[Chi84]

because that’s what non-miserable people do at WDW.

Thank you! I was starting to wonder if I’m the only one who has any fun at WDW. As far as I can tell, people seem to think that it’s okay to spend money on the Boo Bash as long as you realize that you are stupid for not getting your money’s worth and that your actions are selfishly ruining Disney for others. In other words, it’s okay to go as long as you feel bad about it. What nonsense!

 

[JohnD]

I'm pretty sure they're making less money with the AH events versus the usual holiday parties.

AH events are capped at a few thousand. Parties are in the tens of thousands for attendance.

The parties must make more money, even with the extra entertainment and lower price point.

Maybe. Parties cost less but more people. AH costs more but fewer people. Overall, you’re probably right that the parties make more overall.

 

[Casper Gutman]

I feel like I've entered an alternate reality on this site. A number of people in the main COVID thread are saying WDW should probably not even be open right now, while people in this thread are complaining that the Halloween party is not going on as usual, refusing to even acknowledge that Disney's decisions are impacted by COVID.

Just as a test, I mentioned to two of my non-Disney fanatic friends that Disney is cutting back on their usual Halloween festivities this year. Both said something along the lines of, "Oh, yeah, well that's happening everywhere because of COVID." I'm going to the Boo Bash this year (virus allowing), and will be at the usual Halloween party next year (virus allowing.) This is not the new norm, any more than COVID restrictions are the new norm. They're a response to the current situation. I've been around here long enough to know that the negativity is generally off the charts, but this one takes the prize.

This is pretty cynical exploitation of COVID. You’re in the other thread, so you know that Chapek just announced they will keep daytime attendance at 100% and make no other capacity concessions for COVID - so the idea that the company going full speed ahead at the height of Delta announced a limited-capacity event when it seemed the pandemic was in hand strains credulity. Covid is merely being used as cover to cut hours and offerings.

You are in this thread, so you know that the main nonsense PR spin Disney is using to ditch the party this year AND next is the lackluster 50th. Gotta give people time to really enjoy the golden lawn gnomes.

Look, I’ll admit I’m wrong about the corporation if, in the next month, they either A) significantly limit daytime attendance or B) use their power responsibly by demanding guests be vaccinated. I think I’m pretty safe.

The reason this is a hot button issue is that a lot of people who love WDW think it is in a tailspin, with rising prices, declining quality, disappearing entertainment and service, and uninspiring new attractions. This party (and the SW hotel) take that tailspin to blatantly parodic depths, depths anyone on these boards six years ago would have found unimaginable even as a joke. And when people keep paying, it reinforces the nonsense and destroys any hope folks have of the tailspin reversing.

The people saying, “Sure, it’s diminished and overpriced, but I know what I’m getting and can afford it so shut up”… everyone of the curmudgeons was like that at one point. And as the decline continues, the point will come where it’s too dramatic to be accepted. And then you’ll look around for who could caused such damage to something you loved.