Magic Kingdom to test earlier closing on Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party event nights

[Oogieboogie]

I paid for the extra park time. The day Guest did not, hence their rightful dismissal from the park

In what world is eight hours enough to visit MK and experience ALL attractions? Maybe fantasyland

I'm not talking about allowing day guests to stay for the party for free but they have paid to be there until 6:00. They have to share those last 2 hours with party people. It's widely known on Disney forums that people have been able to enter the party as early as 4:00 but it's advertised as 7-12. It's an old debate but I think this is a step to try and make it a little easier for everyone.

 

[space42]

It wouldn't be hard, considering sunset is at ~5:30 in December. But now you're just wanting too much. We already learned today that there are 8 hours that all the attractions are available- even if they aren't running them. And if you don't like it- tough luck!
Did I get that right @wdwfan22 ?

Prior to 2005 that is exactly what they did.

From what I recall. MK closed at 6pm with Fantasy in the sky. We used to watch from the Beach at ft wilderness prior to heading over to the party.
The parties were from 8-1 during that time but you used to be able to enter at 7pm. Since the parks were already closed for one hour it was similar to coming first thing in the morning to a completely empty park. That first hour from 7-8 was a fantastic time to be in the MK.

 

[mm121]

Mickey's Hippity Hoppity Easter Party

Mickey's Sticky Sweltering Summertime Party

they could drag July 4th out for the entire month with special parties in liberty square outside the hall of presidents

 

[HauntedMansionFLA]

There are still 8 hours available during the day on a party night to visit Magic Kingdom and all attractions can easily be experienced during that time frame.

Rope drop it, use your 3 FP's and park hop to another park.

 

[xdan0920]

Rope drop it, use your 3 FP's and park hop to another park.

What if the family Couldn't afford hoppers? Too bad for that LOSER!!!! Right? lolz

 

[21stamps]

What if the family Couldn't afford hoppers? Too bad for that LOSER!!!! Right? lolz

Simple solution, choose a different park that day.

 

[larryz]

I paid for the extra park time. The day Guest did not, hence their rightful dismissal from the park

Nah, you paid for 5 hours, not 8. The day guest attending on a party day will now only get 9 hours (9 to 6) instead of the 12 she'd get on a non-party day, yet she's not getting a discount for losing those 3 hours... yeah it's her choice, but it's not fair that the party people get 3 free hours while her hours are being cut without compensation.

 

[Oogieboogie]

Your argument is flawed for one simple reason: Park hours vary at different times during the year, with no change in price. Hours are publicized and people know what they get for their ticket. Life is not fair. Life does not hand out participation awards.

I'm not asking for a discounted ticket. The point I was making was that people were complaining about day guests getting in extra time during the party (getting in a ride line at 5:59)meanwhile it's fine for party guest to get 3 free hours on a party ticket. I know disney allows it and that's why I think they're going with this plan.

 

[21stamps]

I love the stories in defense of the poor, poor victims who willingly took themselves to a theme park on a day where park hours do not include fireworks. I say we start a gofundme page for them, maybe a hashtag campaign? Not sure which is more appropriate in this scenario.

Or, we could look at reality- most people probably aren't paying full price that day, and even if they are- they willingly did so. I don't think anyone forced these poor souls to go to MK that day.

 

[larryz]

I do not gives a rat's behind about the poor day Guest. They can shell out the money for a party ticket arrive at 4 o'clock and enjoy MK until midnight. Or they can suck it up and go to MK on another night. The pity party for the day Guests around these parts lately is getting out of hand.

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not.

ETA: After seeing some of your other posts, I no longer wonder.

 

[Oogieboogie]

I do not gives a rat's behind about the poor day Guest. They can shell out the money for a party ticket arrive at 4 o'clock and enjoy MK until midnight. Or they can suck it up and go to MK on another night. The pity party for the day Guests around these parts lately is getting out of hand.

I actually am shelling out money for a party ticket and am looking forward to it but I think party goers are being a little unfair. You cant expect no one to go to MK those days.

 

[21stamps]

I actually am shelling out money for a party ticket and am looking forward to it but I think party goers are being a little unfair. You cant expect no one to go to MK those days.

Are you also going to MK on a day when you aren't attending a party, but other people are? I am, and I don't feel cheated by it. If I didn't want to go, I wouldn't. I think we still have free will..

 

[larryz]

I've never portrayed myself to be a nice person.

Which is why I don't understand your antipathy for PotC. But that's another conversation...

 

[Oogieboogie]

Are you also going to MK on a day when you aren't attending a party, but other people are? I am, and I don't feel cheated by it. If I didn't want to go, I wouldn't. I think we still have free will..

I am! I'm going on a Tuesday and it'll be wonderful. We do have free will which is why it's funny when people tell you to not go to a park on a certain day.

 

[wdwfan22]

Because they allow you to enter the park at 4:00pm. That gives me extra park time and is cheaper than a one day ticket. If they did away with this, I would certainly reconsider attending the parties.

Don't be surprised if this feature fades away also.

 

[Kman101]

I apologize if they've posted times for HEA in the months the parties are going on, but for the two or three days they don't have a party, is HEA still being offered?

 

[Kman101]

Far as we know yes.

Thanks. I wasn't sure and was in the process of looking it up. I kind of thought they might not do it because of the crush of people that would descend on the park for those few nights but it also doesn't make sense to take away their primo new show, that wouldn't be very smart.

 

[JustInTime]

We were in the MK a few years ago with our 3 year old to see the castle lighting. We were up in the hub. Trying to exit the park after, while others were coming in for the party was a nightmare. At one point, we were literally stuck, shoulder to shoulder in the crowd, unable to move. The poor CMs were desperately trying to direct everyone. It was a mess. Something needs to be done.

Things are different now. Party guests are pretty much forced down the overflow alley upon entry. That's where they get they stuff like maps and bags. So it's really not a big issue anymore. Also, the larger hub really helps too.

 

[wdwfan100]

Well, this does work in the sense that you won't have people jumping into standby lines at 6:59 and hanging around. It's easier to usher people out of shops and restaurants than to kick them off the rides (even though they can easily do that too).

I think this is a good thing. I'm in the minority, at least for now, but obviously enough people have said something in the past that have made Disney see this change was needed.

I understand crowd control being an issue, but people paid for admission to a park that closed at 7:00pm. Getting in a line at 6:59pm shouldn't be an issue. Disney is giving preferential treatment to the upcharge event at the expense of the day guest. My access to park activities and attractions should not be arbitrarily limited and reduced by an hour. Just my opinion.

 

[Tori]

I wish they were doing this for MNSSHP too!