Are the present problems with the parks (maintenance and shortened ride operating hours) caused by Disney? Or is it something deeper like the bad economy?
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Problems with the parks
- Thread starter CDS Disney
- Start date
SpongeScott
Well-Known Member
hmmm, i was just there and didn't notice any problems. In fact, it was the best trip to Disney I've ever done. Did you notice something while you were there or are you going on hearsay?
niteobsrvr
Well-Known Member
I have said on here before that Disney park hours now vs the park hours over the history of the World aren't all that different. Unfortunately, I couldn't find good information to back that up until today. Right here on WDWMAGIC, we now have the park hours from January about 13 years ago or so.
Park Hours
It seems that a lot of people must have visited Disney either over the Holidays or During the Summer season when the place is just nuts anyway. If you visit during the slower parts of the year, basically now until around X-mas or after New Years until the Spring Break Season cranks up with a couple other times thrown in for good measure, the current hours aren't that unusual.
The hours are probably slightly more reduced now than in the past because of the economy and world travel. If people arent going to be filling the parks up then it doesn't take as long for the guest to experience the rides and attractions they are interested in, so why should the Magic Kingdom Stay Open real late?
This time of year especially is very popular with European visitors and they just aren't traveling as much right now. Estimates say that segment of visitors is down somewhere in the neighborhood of 10%. ( I think the Sentinel had an article on this a week or so ago, you can get the facts there). This is a major issue for Disney especially when coupled with the decreased domestic travel.
All in all, given the events of the past year, I think Disney has done a tremendous job accomodating the guests while maintaining a good balance sheet.
I think many people who are thinking of later park hours also may have visited a couple of years ago when guests were arriving in droves like bees to a new flower garden. Unfortunatley, those days appear to be over for the time being until the economy and world politics get straightened out.
Park Hours
It seems that a lot of people must have visited Disney either over the Holidays or During the Summer season when the place is just nuts anyway. If you visit during the slower parts of the year, basically now until around X-mas or after New Years until the Spring Break Season cranks up with a couple other times thrown in for good measure, the current hours aren't that unusual.
The hours are probably slightly more reduced now than in the past because of the economy and world travel. If people arent going to be filling the parks up then it doesn't take as long for the guest to experience the rides and attractions they are interested in, so why should the Magic Kingdom Stay Open real late?
This time of year especially is very popular with European visitors and they just aren't traveling as much right now. Estimates say that segment of visitors is down somewhere in the neighborhood of 10%. ( I think the Sentinel had an article on this a week or so ago, you can get the facts there). This is a major issue for Disney especially when coupled with the decreased domestic travel.
All in all, given the events of the past year, I think Disney has done a tremendous job accomodating the guests while maintaining a good balance sheet.
I think many people who are thinking of later park hours also may have visited a couple of years ago when guests were arriving in droves like bees to a new flower garden. Unfortunatley, those days appear to be over for the time being until the economy and world politics get straightened out.
I agree that the park hours really haven't changed as much as people feel they have. I will have to add an exception to this though. I remember in the eighties (my high school years) that firends and I would drive up on the weekends to disney. I fully remember being at MK until 1am. If I remember right the park closed at either 11pm or 12 and we always stayed an hour after that.
I will say that this was always during the summer months ans I know that teh park hours are longer then. It just sweems to me there are not as many late nights during that time of teh year as there used to be. Sure they stay open until 9 or 10 but not usually any later.
Then again you only had two parks and the rest of the resort manily consisted of the hotels themselves since there really wasn't that much infrastructure to keep you busy outside of the parks.
I will say that this was always during the summer months ans I know that teh park hours are longer then. It just sweems to me there are not as many late nights during that time of teh year as there used to be. Sure they stay open until 9 or 10 but not usually any later.
Then again you only had two parks and the rest of the resort manily consisted of the hotels themselves since there really wasn't that much infrastructure to keep you busy outside of the parks.
jcmayid
New Member
JUST A CHANGE
I think if they want to cut the hours the parks are open, why don't they just open them later. There is nothing like walking through MK at night. It just sucks that they close it at 6 and 7 sometimes. I wouldn't mind them opening at 11 and staying open till 11. MK at night really feels magical. I could only wish.
I think if they want to cut the hours the parks are open, why don't they just open them later. There is nothing like walking through MK at night. It just sucks that they close it at 6 and 7 sometimes. I wouldn't mind them opening at 11 and staying open till 11. MK at night really feels magical. I could only wish.
CAPTAIN HOOK
Well-Known Member
I think that you'll find THIS years park hours based upon LAST years attendance, plus a certain amount of guess work.
Last year we were in the aftermath of Sept 11th and so park attendance was down. Twelve months later public confidence is growing in air travel again and so last years attendance will be down on this years actual and guesstimate attendance. So, basically the parks should be open longer this year than last.
Last year we were in the aftermath of Sept 11th and so park attendance was down. Twelve months later public confidence is growing in air travel again and so last years attendance will be down on this years actual and guesstimate attendance. So, basically the parks should be open longer this year than last.
niteobsrvr
Well-Known Member
Re: JUST A CHANGE
This is an interesting premise. I personally am a night owl so the later the better. Unfortunately, a lot of people arent and the later hours probably wouldnt work for them. My hat is off to of you folks who can get up every morning at the crack of dawn and be cheerful.
Another reason I would guess they don't do this is weather. For example, todays High in orlando is to be around 86 but the low will be around 69. Thats quite a difference and Florida touts in warmth and sun a lot. People dont expect to be chilly here but it can and does happen every year starting about now through Jan or Feb. And boy do people form up north notice. IF you dont beleive me jsut come work here this time of year and see how many comments you get about how chilly or even cold it is. On the particularly cold days, the magic Kingdom will begin emptying out at sundown if not after the 3 o'clock parade.
Originally posted by jcmayid
I think if they want to cut the hours the parks are open, why don't they just open them later. There is nothing like walking through MK at night. It just sucks that they close it at 6 and 7 sometimes. I wouldn't mind them opening at 11 and staying open till 11. MK at night really feels magical. I could only wish.
This is an interesting premise. I personally am a night owl so the later the better. Unfortunately, a lot of people arent and the later hours probably wouldnt work for them. My hat is off to of you folks who can get up every morning at the crack of dawn and be cheerful.
Another reason I would guess they don't do this is weather. For example, todays High in orlando is to be around 86 but the low will be around 69. Thats quite a difference and Florida touts in warmth and sun a lot. People dont expect to be chilly here but it can and does happen every year starting about now through Jan or Feb. And boy do people form up north notice. IF you dont beleive me jsut come work here this time of year and see how many comments you get about how chilly or even cold it is. On the particularly cold days, the magic Kingdom will begin emptying out at sundown if not after the 3 o'clock parade.
SnowWhite5669
New Member
I just returned and I didn't see any problems and it's not peak season so of course the hours are shorter!! We even got a surprise a few nights because MK stayed open later than we thought! I guess some people can never be happy!!:lol:
Pumbas Nakasak
Heading for the great escape.
Its funny that you think 69 is chilly , thats a scorching summers day in Scotland
I would agree with the park hours though. Im sure that the closing times on our 1st visitin Sept 94 were very similar to the present, and there was no AK or Blizzard beach or DTD
I would agree with the park hours though. Im sure that the closing times on our 1st visitin Sept 94 were very similar to the present, and there was no AK or Blizzard beach or DTD
SamatBCV
Member
I do remember when the park was open till 1 am every night (in August) and the only nights I see it open that late any more are E ticket nights. I miss staying in the MK that late every night, but that was when they just had the MK. There was no Epcot, Studios, AK, Pleasure Island, or Boardwalk.
With new late night places to go (PI and Boardwalk), Disney still has something to offer those who aren't ready to call it a night before midnight, and has more time to do nightly maintenance at the parks (espeacially since attendance is so much higher than 25 years ago).
With new late night places to go (PI and Boardwalk), Disney still has something to offer those who aren't ready to call it a night before midnight, and has more time to do nightly maintenance at the parks (espeacially since attendance is so much higher than 25 years ago).
General Grizz
New Member
I'm kinda bummed to see the small hours of the park. I mean, the MK closed at 7 PM for several weeks/months. That's just..madness!
Security needs to be increased. Also, Disney should be looking more long-run (I think), take more views of public interest at hand, especially to its original fans, and also at making higher budget attractions. JIYI, Food Rocks, etc. just don't cut it. They should also allow the Seasonal Attractions operate on demand. *sigh*. Now Seasonal Passholders or fans can only visit the COP or the Timekeeper...when the park is packed! And yet, Disney does not bother to advertise or allow guests to even know full what the essence of these great attractions are. Or when they're operating.
Security needs to be increased. Also, Disney should be looking more long-run (I think), take more views of public interest at hand, especially to its original fans, and also at making higher budget attractions. JIYI, Food Rocks, etc. just don't cut it. They should also allow the Seasonal Attractions operate on demand. *sigh*. Now Seasonal Passholders or fans can only visit the COP or the Timekeeper...when the park is packed! And yet, Disney does not bother to advertise or allow guests to even know full what the essence of these great attractions are. Or when they're operating.
SpongeScott
Well-Known Member
I really don't think that public confidence has come back that much in air travel. There is still the threat of terrorism and the amateur security work at the gates is not helping the situation. Also, the economy in our country right now is absolutely dismal and this is effecting attendance at the parks much more than air travel, IMO. We went earlier this month and found attendance to be LOWER this year than last year. We also found that the time in the parks right now is very ample to do everything we want to do inside the parks. However, I do like the idea of MK opening later to stay open during the night. There is nothing like MK after the sun goes down and the lights come on.
niteobsrvr
Well-Known Member
An awe inspiring sight is to see Main Street USA, Just after the last guest leave the park and there are few if any people from the maintenance crews on the street yet.
Standing at Town Square looking down the street at the Castle with hardly anything to obstruct your view is, well, indescribable.
niteobsrvr
Well-Known Member
Originally posted by happy snapper
Its funny that you think 69 is chilly , thats a scorching summers day in Scotland
Funny you should say that. While all of the NORTH Americans were complaining of chilly weather during those times, i heard hardly a comment from the British, Scottish, or Irish guests I came in contact with.
Invero
Well-Known Member
Don't get me started on Maintenance Issues... My last "rant" on it was 6 full pages, 10pt, single spaced. And that was just the tip of the iceberg.
Coming from a Disney Transport perspective, I wouldn't really blame too much maintenance issues on "Disney" per se, but rather CM's who just don't really care anymore to take the time to fix something quick and simple before it escalates. And if they do try and do something, they do the quick and easy way, instead of the proper way. Perhaps money has something to do with it, but I'm not quite convinced. After seeing attitudes of people face on, I'm more willing to beleive that some CM's are losing the magic...
frazierle
Member
During our annual Mardi Gras escape to Disney we have faced the 6:00 pm closures, I initially did not like them. But after spending a day at the uncrowed parks the kids (3 and 6) are about puckered out about that time anyway. Our last trip was the most crowded I have every seen it during Mardi Gras. I believe almost every night I was there they stayed open later. Friday night had an 8:00 pm closure and they stayed open till 11:00. Most of the other nights were for only an hour or two. I was told (by a CM) this was due to the un-expected large crowds they were having. At least from my experience they will adjust the advertised schedules depending on the crowds.
It seems though they should still do at least the fireworks when they close early.
Going back in 2 days.
It seems though they should still do at least the fireworks when they close early.
Going back in 2 days.
steve2wdw
WDW Fan Since 1973
As someone posted earlier, years ago when there was only the MK, the closing hours were always much later. Off season was always 9 pm or later. As Epcot came on line in '82, I noticed MK starting to be reduced. That would only be natural, as for the enormous expense of all those World Showcase restaurants to operate. Disney must have wanted all those bodies to head over there to eat at a much higher price than the Tomorrowland Terrace or Pecos Bill. Since hauling sleepy children around MK late at night probably doesn't generate alot a revenue, it seems that the route they took funneling people to Epcot has probably paid off. Also the fact that people are spread out over four parks during the day, means that you get to see more of that particular park in one day than in the early days. Back in the 70's, the lines in the MK generally averaged 45 minutes or more for most attractions. It wasn't uncommon to wait 2 hours for Space Mountain or to wait through 6 show cycles at the Country Bear Jamboree, so you needed those night time hours to get in those 10 to 15 attractions in one day. Now, if you hustle, you can do the whole MK in a day and a half, no problem. Sadly, this bigger WDW needs fewer hours to experience the magic.