Somewhat disappointed in the MNSSHP

[lovinmesomedisney]

We went to the party on the 18th of September. Since the party is only from 7 until midnight, I think Disney needs to come up with a better system of clearing out the park from the daytime guests. For the first hour and a half, it seemed we were dodging massive crowds from the regular operating day. There were several people in line for photos with the special characters who did NOT have on wrist bands. We even pointed this out to the cast members and nothing was done to keep these people out of the lines. It was pretty frustrating knowing we had paid hundreds of dollars for our group to attend, and yet others were there evidently free of charge!

[faline]

We went to the party on the 18th of September. Since the party is only from 7 until midnight, I think Disney needs to come up with a better system of clearing out the park from the daytime guests. For the first hour and a half, it seemed we were dodging massive crowds from the regular operating day. There were several people in line for photos with the special characters who did NOT have on wrist bands. We even pointed this out to the cast members and nothing was done to keep these people out of the lines. It was pretty frustrating knowing we had paid hundreds of dollars for our group to attend, and yet others were there evidently free of charge!

That's frustrating! When we last attended, there was a mother and child several folks in front of us in line for pictures with, I think, Cinderlla's carriage. When it came time for her turn, the cast member checked and, since she did not have a wristband, she was NOT permitted to have her picture taken and was told she would need to exit the park.

[Ian]

Yeah, we had this experience as well. I realize there are logistical challenges to clearing out the folks with no wristbands, but with all due respect to Disney you created the mess; you figure out how to fix it.

We watched the first parade and were surrounded by folks with no wristbands. To me, that's ridiculous. Basically the only thing I don't get to do if I have no wristband is ride the rides?? Why am I paying $60 per person then??

To quote ESPN's Mike & Mike ... "Come on, man!"

[joonyer]

Maybe they need to make it more obvious, like giving party guests special hats or something to make it blatantly obvious. Wristbands (or lack thereof) are too easy not to notice. I know, that's probably not to realistic a solution, but if Disney doesn't enforce the policy of making the non-ticket holders leave the park, they are going to sell less and less party tickets in the future. word will spread that you don;t need to buy a ticket to see the parades, fireworks etc. It seems to me that Disney has a financial incentive to sell more party tickets by making sure non-ticket hold can't enjoy the benefits offered by the party. Otherwise, they might as well just open the park to everyone.

[Ian]

Maybe they need to make it more obvious, like giving party guests special hats or something to make it blatantly obvious. Wristbands (or lack thereof) are too easy not to notice.It's not that ... there was just complete indifference on the part of CM's. I even witnessed more than one time when a group with no wristbands was able to get on an attraction!

Again, this goes back to what we talked about recently in another thread ... there's no upside for the average CM to confront a guest. Management is more likely to end up giving the guest free MNSSHP tickets to make up for their "bad experience" than they are to back a CM who tries to kick someone out of the park.

They'd much rather just stick it to all the folks who paid admission rather than do anything that might God-forbid upset someone trying to break the rules.

[joonyer]

It's not that ... there was just complete indifference on the part of CM's. I even witnessed more than one time when a group with no wristbands was able to get on an attraction!

Again, this goes back to what we talked about recently in another thread ... there's no upside for the average CM to confront a guest. Management is more likely to end up giving the guest free MNSSHP tickets to make up for their "bad experience" than they are to back a CM who tries to kick someone out of the park.

They'd much rather just stick it to all the folks who paid admission rather than do anything that might God-forbid upset someone trying to break the rules.

If that's the case, and I don't disagree that it is, then Disney ought to just open the party to everyone. I guess as long as they still sell enough tickets to cover the additional costs of the party they'll keep doing it.

[BigRedDad]

I will tell you what my plan is if I encounter this. I will be taking pictures of guests that do not have wristbands. If there is anyone there without a wristband, I will be raising $260 worth of mess with Disney Management. I will demand my money back because Disney is not managing their own policies and the benefits people have for purchasing those passes.

This is exactly why the park should close at 5:30PM for the nights of parties. This gives people in line to purchase items until 6PM to finalize their purchase. At 6PM, they are all herded out of the park. Those people with party passes AND in the park prior to 5:30 are permitted into one of the lands that is roped off, say Fantasyland. That gives Disney Security an additional hour to get the people out. Dining reservations are not permitted after 5PM for non-party ticket holders.

All I can say is if I experience this, it may take 2 extra free trips to the party to get my initial monies worth.

[debbymc4]

I think the whole thing is unfair. I went to the Magic Kingdom last Saturday during the day, not for the party. I paid the same one day ticket price, but had two hours less to enjoy the day that I would have had if I had gone on Friday (which I could not do). Plus, party-goers were in the parks prior to 7 pm, which really jacked up the crowds. Technically, they didn't pay to be there earlier than 7 pm. I think there should be a combo ticket option or something to be there all day and everyone who comes that day pays that increased price.

[luvdiznee]

This is exactly why the park should close at 5:30PM for the nights of parties. This gives people in line to purchase items until 6PM to finalize their purchase. At 6PM, they are all herded out of the park. Those people with party passes AND in the park prior to 5:30 are permitted into one of the lands that is roped off, say Fantasyland. That gives Disney Security an additional hour to get the people out. Dining reservations are not permitted after 5PM for non-party ticket holders.



They would have to shut down everything just to get those "hanger-ons" out of there. Can't see that happening.

[renecat]

I've been to both parties and really have never run into this problem. I've seen CM escort people without wrist bands out of the park. Last year at the halloween party I don't recall seeing on person without a wrist band. Maybe I was having so much fun that I wasn't going around looking for this.

[BigRedDad]

They would have to shut down everything just to get those "hanger-ons" out of there. Can't see that happening.

Exactly. There is nothing wrong with that if they are charging almost a 1-Day pass for a 5-hour party. These parties are $60 for adults. A 1-day pass is $82 for almost 12-hours.

[Ian]

I think the whole thing is unfair. I went to the Magic Kingdom last Saturday during the day, not for the party. I paid the same one day ticket price, but had two hours less to enjoy the day that I would have had if I had gone on Friday (which I could not do).Well yeah I mean I fundamentally agree with you. It seems really unfair for Disney to essentially chop four or five hours off a day for which many folks already paid admission and then ask them to pay again to get back in to a park they've already paid to be in.

But Disney and their defenders will tell you that park hours are subject to change without notice, not guaranteed, blah blah blah so they're covered from everything but an ethical standpoint. :shake:


I've seen CM escort people without wrist bands out of the park. Last year at the halloween party I don't recall seeing on person without a wrist band. Maybe I was having so much fun that I wasn't going around looking for this.I was having fun, too, but I certainly wasn't "looking around for it." It was impossible to miss.

I was jammed in a corner of Frontierland craning for a peek at a parade I had spent $65 to see. I couldn't help but notice that the folks in front of me, for the most part, had no wristbands on.

And I, for one, have never seen a CM "escorting" anyone anywhere. I've seen them lining the streets waving folks out of the parks, but I have never, ever seen a guest or guests being physically removed from the park by a CM for not having wristbands.

[Polynesian Dweller]

I think the whole thing is unfair. I went to the Magic Kingdom last Saturday during the day, not for the party. I paid the same one day ticket price, but had two hours less to enjoy the day that I would have had if I had gone on Friday (which I could not do).

There's a tiny flaw in this logic. Your admission is for any park that day. If you choose to go to MK on a party day rather than another that's open all day, you made the choice to lose the two hours not Disney.

The people Disney are actually shortchanging are those who paid for the party who are being crowded out by non-payers. Disney has an obligation to them and aren't doing it. People should complain because Disney will keep doing it as long as they can get away with it.

[honeebee86]

Last year when my hubby and I went, we were stopped multiple times by CM's who were doing wristband checks. It wasn't at the candy lines or anything, it was random. I swear we got checked twice just walking down Main Street, on the bridge into Liberty Square, just after the bridge going toward BTMR, and lots more times as well. It actually got a little annoying how many times we were asked, but I was glad they were doing it since it made me feel confident that when they found someone without a bracelet they would send them toward the exit. By the sound of it, it doesn't seem as they are monitoring the crowds as well this year or at least taking action when they see someone breaking the rules. It probably does have a little to do with the attitudes of CM's these days as well as guests. There is really nothing in it for them to take the chance of a guest making a huge deal even if they are in the wrong. I do think if we witness too many people there without wristbands, we should demand refunds. I think maybe Disney isn't as aggressive about crowd control with the parties because too many guest would complain about having to leave early and being unaware of the park closing (lack of planning in my opinion) and if they make a big enough a deal, Disney gives the free tickets to the party or a refund for their day "lost". Also, then there are more people to shop since they will most likely me refused on rides. It comes down to more money for Disney. So if we demand refunds for a very valid reason, then Disney will begin to lose money and hopefully smarten up about managing the transition in crowds. We are going to the party Oct. 7th. I can't wait to see for myself what is in store as far as this goes.

[johnO]

Last year we were in toon town fair when we realized the park was closed for NOn- MNSSHP pass holders. We promptly made our way to the front of the park and left. But I did notice others without wristbands still walking around. One thing that I didn't notice was an announcement in the parks letting people know that the park was closed for non-MNSSHP guests and that you needed to leave.

[DisneyPrincess21]

There's a tiny flaw in this logic. Your admission is for any park that day. If you choose to go to MK on a party day rather than another that's open all day, you made the choice to lose the two hours not Disney.

The people Disney are actually shortchanging are those who paid for the party who are being crowded out by non-payers. Disney has an obligation to them and aren't doing it. People should complain because Disney will keep doing it as long as they can get away with it.

:exactly:

[darthmacho]

The bottom line is that Disney should not take some people's money and not others for the same perks and priviledges. It's ethically wrong, and borderline criminal. It's also a slap in the face to honest people. That's my NSHO (Not So Humble Opinion) :mad:

I understand it's a huge undertaking to filter the crowd, but the other park seems to manage it for their Halloween nights, so why can't WDW? :twocents:

[Renfairwedding]

There's a tiny flaw in this logic. Your admission is for any park that day. If you choose to go to MK on a party day rather than another that's open all day, you made the choice to lose the two hours not Disney.

The people Disney are actually shortchanging are those who paid for the party who are being crowded out by non-payers. Disney has an obligation to them and aren't doing it. People should complain because Disney will keep doing it as long as they can get away with it.

:exactly::ditto:

[DiannaJ]

I have never seen this problem either. When the park is closing they always had CM's posted at various areas to check for wrist bands of everyone and I have had mine checked many many times which I did not mind at all. There will always be those people who will try to rip off the theme parks because they think that they are being taken advantage of or are just too cheap to pay the cost of the private parties. I know it's very expensive to go to Disney for those who want to go but to steal services from any business is a criminal offense that they should be arrested for but it's Disney and they don't want to make there guest mad and not have them come back...it's a double edged sword for them.

[TiggeRia]

I went to the party on the 21st and actually thought they did a decent job of filtering people out. In the first few hours, we were stopped several times by CM's to make sure we were wearing wristbands and they were also checked prior to entering candy lines or rides. There were several CM's walking through each land holding sticks with ghosts on them starting at one and and working their way to the other filtering people out. Also didn't have any trouble finding a spot on Main Street for the fireworks and front row for the parade, although we did go to the second showing. Sorry you guys had trouble with this-guess they need to improve their methods!

[lovinmesomedisney]

I have never seen this problem either. When the park is closing they always had CM's posted at various areas to check for wrist bands of everyone and I have had mine checked many many times which I did not mind at all. There will always be those people who will try to rip off the theme parks because they think that they are being taken advantage of or are just too cheap to pay the cost of the private parties. I know it's very expensive to go to Disney for those who want to go but to steal services from any business is a criminal offense that they should be arrested for but it's Disney and they don't want to make there guest mad and not have them come back...it's a double edged sword for them.

There wasn't a soul checking anyone at this particular party. We actually went to AK for the day, then entered the party right after 7. The way I see it, we paid $54 for some candy, because as stated, there were people with no wrist bands at the parade, the fireworks, AND even on Space Mountain! Nobody ever approached any of them. Our first encounter was at a character, so from that point on, we made it our mission to see if people had on bracelets. There were numerous who did not!

[lovinmesomedisney]

I went to the party on the 21st and actually thought they did a decent job of filtering people out. In the first few hours, we were stopped several times by CM's to make sure we were wearing wristbands and they were also checked prior to entering candy lines or rides. There were several CM's walking through each land holding sticks with ghosts on them starting at one and and working their way to the other filtering people out. Also didn't have any trouble finding a spot on Main Street for the fireworks and front row for the parade, although we did go to the second showing. Sorry you guys had trouble with this-guess they need to improve their methods!

I was wishing we could have gone on the 21st. I'm sure the difference was that the one we went on was a Saturday, and you went on a Tuesday night. We flew out that night, so it was not a possibility. :(

[lovinmesomedisney]

Last year when my hubby and I went, we were stopped multiple times by CM's who were doing wristband checks. It wasn't at the candy lines or anything, it was random. I swear we got checked twice just walking down Main Street, on the bridge into Liberty Square, just after the bridge going toward BTMR, and lots more times as well. It actually got a little annoying how many times we were asked, but I was glad they were doing it since it made me feel confident that when they found someone without a bracelet they would send them toward the exit. By the sound of it, it doesn't seem as they are monitoring the crowds as well this year or at least taking action when they see someone breaking the rules. It probably does have a little to do with the attitudes of CM's these days as well as guests. There is really nothing in it for them to take the chance of a guest making a huge deal even if they are in the wrong. I do think if we witness too many people there without wristbands, we should demand refunds. I think maybe Disney isn't as aggressive about crowd control with the parties because too many guest would complain about having to leave early and being unaware of the park closing (lack of planning in my opinion) and if they make a big enough a deal, Disney gives the free tickets to the party or a refund for their day "lost". Also, then there are more people to shop since they will most likely me refused on rides. It comes down to more money for Disney. So if we demand refunds for a very valid reason, then Disney will begin to lose money and hopefully smarten up about managing the transition in crowds. We are going to the party Oct. 7th. I can't wait to see for myself what is in store as far as this goes.

Maybe going to a party at a later date would help, because they may have the wrinkles worked out. All I know is that at THIS particular one, it was pretty much a nightmare. Trying to walk up Main Street was a mess. People trying to get out, people trying to get in. It was chaos. The party is very cool, and I only wish we could have experienced more of it.

[redunzl5]

this sounds just like the laissez-faire attitude I've encountered from CMs regarding expired fastpasses and line jumping.

[SoaringEpcot]

I went to the party on the 21st and actually thought they did a decent job of filtering people out. In the first few hours, we were stopped several times by CM's to make sure we were wearing wristbands and they were also checked prior to entering candy lines or rides. There were several CM's walking through each land holding sticks with ghosts on them starting at one and and working their way to the other filtering people out. Also didn't have any trouble finding a spot on Main Street for the fireworks and front row for the parade, although we did go to the second showing. Sorry you guys had trouble with this-guess they need to improve their methods!

We were there on the 21st as well. It was great wasn't it. Sorry for those that could not go that day.

[badkitty]

I've found the parties to be more crowded on the weekends especially if it is a Saturday since that is MK's busiest day of the week. Tues, Weds, Thurs parties seem to be less crowded to me especially during the first couple of hours.

[Belster]

We went to the party on the 18th of September. Since the party is only from 7 until midnight, I think Disney needs to come up with a better system of clearing out the park from the daytime guests. For the first hour and a half, it seemed we were dodging massive crowds from the regular operating day. There were several people in line for photos with the special characters who did NOT have on wrist bands. We even pointed this out to the cast members and nothing was done to keep these people out of the lines. It was pretty frustrating knowing we had paid hundreds of dollars for our group to attend, and yet others were there evidently free of charge!

Yes...there will be a lot of people there that should not be. I do feel that Disney does the best that they can in clearing the park. We had to show our bands several times while walking through the park. I do think it is rare that you would encounter a CM that would ignore the fact that someone did not have a band though. Sorry you were not too thrilled!

[Ian]

I do think it is rare that you would encounter a CM that would ignore the fact that someone did not have a band though. Sorry you were not too thrilled!Can't say I agree ... It was not only not rare when I was there, it was 100% the norm. I saw no CM's take action against guests obviously not wearing wristbands.

This occurred in numerous places, most notably Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. We were walking towards the line when a large group of about 10 people rushed up to jump in line ahead of us. Not a single one of them had a wristband on. I turned to DW and remarked, "Don't sweat it ... no wristbands ... they'll get kicked out of line."

Didn't happen ... CM's waved them right on through.

[Belster]

Can't say I agree ... It was not only not rare when I was there, it was 100% the norm. I saw no CM's take action against guests obviously not wearing wristbands.

This occurred in numerous places, most notably Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. We were walking towards the line when a large group of about 10 people rushed up to jump in line ahead of us. Not a single one of them had a wristband on. I turned to DW and remarked, "Don't sweat it ... no wristbands ... they'll get kicked out of line."

Didn't happen ... CM's waved them right on through.

I am just saying that I have not experienced that on my trips and in fact it has been the complete opposite....to the point where I am actually getting annoyed that I keep getting stopped to show my wrist.

[LVT]

How many tickets do they sell for each? If everyone was there at the start, (Ticket holders only) would it be crowded or not? I cannot tell if these events are actually advantageous. I liked E-tickets even though I grumbled about the added price. It made one feel special. A vain, but pleasant feeling.

[TheRustyScupper]

I will be raising $260 worth of mess with Disney Management. I will demand my money back because Disney is not managing their own policies and the benefits people have for purchasing those passes. This is exactly why the park should close at 5:30PM for the nights of parties.

1) No way with either happen.
. . . WDW will not get all of us out of the park by 7:00pm
. . . there are no refunds on party tickets, per the ticket
2) Disney already cuts my park day for party goers.
3) And, but adding more parties, they cut more of my park time.
4) I will take as much park time as I can.
. . . can usually get 1-2 hrs (or more) into the party
. . . can usually get several rides
. . . can always see some of the party activities
5) Including staying as far into the party as possible.
6) It is about time to stick up for people who pay for whole days.
7) Then, get the day cut short by a party-night.
8) I feel that my park ticket should be worth more than 9-hrs.

[crltkcagle]

We attended in 2007 and there were several Cm's checking for wristbands. Of course our party got rained out so badly it was canceled only 30 minutes after it started. :(

[Daisy'sMom]

I just don't understand the problem. People that are mad about others leaving the park are the same people that get in 3 hours early and think that is a given right. Seems everyone will just have to deal with it, unless they close the park at 6, and reopen to party people at 7. :mickey:

[badkitty]

We attended in 2007 and there were several Cm's checking for wristbands. Of course our party got rained out so badly it was canceled only 30 minutes after it started. :(

Really? Wow! It must hae been a horrible storm. I've been to the party in the pouring rain for hours and the party was never cancelled. Was it a hurricane warning?

[badkitty]

I don't really understand the argument that the day park ticket is worth less on the days when there is a party and you are being cheated out of park time. Some days the park closes at 8PM, sometimes 9 PM, sometimes midnight, sometimes 7 PM. It all depends on when you go; the day of the week, the time of year, party days. You choose when you go.

[lynnek]

We have chosen not to go to the Christmas parade when we are there in Nov and for some reason, I remember Disney telling me the park was closing at 5 or maybe 6 for the parade. If they hadn't been trying to sell me tickets to the parade, how would I have known to leave the park early? Please remember, I'm new to all this and trying not to be clueless.

[Melanie]

We have chosen not to go to the Christmas parade when we are there in Nov and for some reason, I remember Disney telling me the park was closing at 5 or maybe 6 for the parade. If they hadn't been trying to sell me tickets to the parade, how would I have known to leave the park early? Please remember, I'm new to all this and trying not to be clueless.

They were trying to sell you tickets to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. You aren't having to leave the park early, you are leaving at the posted closing time, which is 7pm for party nights. Another reminder is the signs they place at the entrance to Magic Kingdom on party days stating that the Magic Kingdom will be closing promptly at 7pm for the party.

[DisneyPrincess21]

8) I feel that my park ticket should be worth more than 9-hrs.

With all due respect,

It is worth more than 9 hours, and this issue can be easily handled, simply visit a different park other than MK on the party days if it bothers you this much, and then visit MK on a non party day to get a full day out of MK. :mickey:

[BigRedDad]

1) No way with either happen.
. . . WDW will not get all of us out of the park by 7:00pm
. . . there are no refunds on party tickets, per the ticket
2) Disney already cuts my park day for party goers.
3) And, but adding more parties, they cut more of my park time.
4) I will take as much park time as I can.
. . . can usually get 1-2 hrs (or more) into the party
. . . can usually get several rides
. . . can always see some of the party activities
5) Including staying as far into the party as possible.
6) It is about time to stick up for people who pay for whole days.
7) Then, get the day cut short by a party-night.
8) I feel that my park ticket should be worth more than 9-hrs.

So, what you are proposing, is to cheat the WDW policies? This will get Moderator attention.

This is exactly why I will get my money back, not a refund, but my money back. It will take escalation through layers of WDW Management, threat of a small claims suit, and me taking pictures of Trespassers there while they should be out. Keeping a small journal of my discussions with CMs, their names, and their reaction to getting escorting the Trespassers out. I think we all know that WDW does nothing to enforce the rules.

If I run into this on Thursday and I feel I am getting raped by having to pay for something others are stealing from me, I will get my money back.

[lovinmesomedisney]

I just don't understand the problem. People that are mad about others leaving the park are the same people that get in 3 hours early and think that is a given right. Seems everyone will just have to deal with it, unless they close the park at 6, and reopen to party people at 7. :mickey:

I did not enter the park early. We went to AK for the day, which closed at 5. Went back to our resort, got ready for the party and entered AFTER 7, only to be bombarded by people who did not pay for the party. YES, they should close at 6 and empty the park. Otherwise, they should not have the parties at all.

[Cinderelley]

When we went Friday, There were plenty of people checking our wristbands. We couldn't get into the stores without showing our wristbands or candy lines or even enter Adventureland. There were other small touches missing though such as the fog at the entrance and the giant blow up spider in Tomorrowland. Those types of things are what disappointed me.

[lovinmesomedisney]

When we went Friday, There were plenty of people checking our wristbands. We couldn't get into the stores without showing our wristbands or candy lines or even enter Adventureland. There were other small touches missing though such as the fog at the entrance and the giant blow up spider in Tomorrowland. Those types of things are what disappointed me.

I was not asked ONCE to show my wristband. I guess there were different crews working different nights, but ESPECIALLY on a Saturday night, something should have been done, and yet NOTHING was. I have been to DW 17 times in the past 15 years. I love it, but I will not do any parties anymore. Unless of course, I do like everybody else. Use one of my regular days as entrance early and stay for the party for free!

[TheVBs]

So, what you are proposing, is to cheat the WDW policies? This will get Moderator attention.

This is exactly why I will get my money back, not a refund, but my money back. It will take escalation through layers of WDW Management, threat of a small claims suit, and me taking pictures of Trespassers there while they should be out. Keeping a small journal of my discussions with CMs, their names, and their reaction to getting escorting the Trespassers out. I think we all know that WDW does nothing to enforce the rules.

If I run into this on Thursday and I feel I am getting raped by having to pay for something others are stealing from me, I will get my money back.

Wow. Just a thought.... and I'm really being genuine, not trying to be snarky or smart, so please don't take offence.... do you really want to go to this event with that mindset? If this is where your energy and focus is, you might be creating a self-fulfilling prophecy here. We plan on trying out this party for the first time on our trip next year. I have no intention of giving the possibility of witnessing the complaints here a second thought. We'll either enjoy it and want to do it again on a future trip, or we won't. Just a thought.... :)

[LauraByTheSea]

We were there on the 23rd, and had a blast. Didn't once think about if anyone was crashing our party. We were too busy collecting CANDY! :mickey:

[Zawadi]

Does anyone know whether the MNSSHP wristbands are different colours for each party?

We saw a family in AK last Friday (01 Oct) around lunchtime all wearing MNSSHP wristbands (green with purple Mickeys and orange writing). Presumably they obtained then at the party the previous evening Thurs (30 Sept).

We always remove our wristbands when we return to our hotel at the end of the night.
Just found it odd that people were still wearing MNSSHP wristbands in the middle of the day in another park. (Yes, sometimes kids like to keep them on, but adults too?) My immediate thought was that they were going to cheat the system and return to MK on a hopper ticket before 7pm and stay for the party, but then I may have been wrong.

[BigRedDad]

do you really want to go to this event with that mindset?

Yes, I am going with that mindset. I plan to have fun and enjoy the party. However, if I am paying $260 to enjoy and others are stealing that money from me, I hold WDW responsible for that.

I have a very sadistic view of society and justice. I feel people should pay for their crimes 10-fold. This would prevent much of this garbage that happens at WDW and in our country. I personally feel anyone without a party ticket that has not exited by say 7:15PM (give them a little leeway) gets arrested for trespassing. Lets just take a rough estimate here. Say there are 10,000 people at the party at $50 per person, this is $500,000 worth of activity being stolen from people that are paying for it.

Imagine if you bought a ticket for the event, but people that are at the park refused to leave and left the park at capacity. You were not permitted to enter because of this and you cannot get a refund. What would you do?

[TheVBs]

Yes, I am going with that mindset. I plan to have fun and enjoy the party. However, if I am paying $260 to enjoy and others are stealing that money from me, I hold WDW responsible for that.

I have a very sadistic view of society and justice. I feel people should pay for their crimes 10-fold. This would prevent much of this garbage that happens at WDW and in our country. I personally feel anyone without a party ticket that has not exited by say 7:15PM (give them a little leeway) gets arrested for trespassing. Lets just take a rough estimate here. Say there are 10,000 people at the party at $50 per person, this is $500,000 worth of activity being stolen from people that are paying for it.

Wow. Ok. To each his own I guess.


Imagine if you bought a ticket for the event, but people that are at the park refused to leave and left the park at capacity. You were not permitted to enter because of this and you cannot get a refund. What would you do?

Well now, this is an entirely different scenario. If I bought a ticket to a party and was not even allowed into the park, I have no doubt Disney would offer a refund.

However, if I bought the ticket, were able to enjoy the party and take advantage of the special activities, but noticed that there were non-ticket holders there as well. I would complain to Disney, but not ask for a refund.

What I most definitely would not do is set off on any vacation or special event with the intent to look for other people doing things they shouldn't be. I do my best to have a positive outlook, it makes me happy and I genuinely believe it makes my life better.

If I spent nearly $300 for my family to attend a wonderful party at the Happiest Place on Earth, then spent that time trying to catch everyone I could who was doing something wrong, I would be a very unhappy person and I may as well flush my $300 rather than spend it on the event. Just my point of view.... :mickey:

[badkitty]

I was not asked ONCE to show my wristband. I guess there were different crews working different nights, but ESPECIALLY on a Saturday night, something should have been done, and yet NOTHING was. I have been to DW 17 times in the past 15 years. I love it, but I will not do any parties anymore. Unless of course, I do like everybody else. Use one of my regular days as entrance early and stay for the party for free!

"Like everybody else"? That is a bit extreme. There are plenty of people who follow the rules (and many of them are in this thread), myself included. I have always been asked to show my wristband and I would never stay for a party I didn't pay for. I would think very few people actually plan to stay for the party for free.

Was your band visible? Or others in your group? Maybe the CMs could see it and didn't need to ask.

[badkitty]

Lets just take a rough estimate here. Say there are 10,000 people at the party at $50 per person, this is $500,000 worth of activity being stolen from people that are paying for it.

I don't want to start an argument here but do you really think 10,000 people are trying to cheat the system? I don't think that many people are still in the park that haven't paid for the party. For the guests that haven't left, I think many folks just don't understand that they have to leave. I have seen many CMs trying to explain to confused guests that even though the rides are still open and there are a lot of people in the park that they have to have a special ticket to stay.



Imagine if you bought a ticket for the event, but people that are at the park refused to leave and left the park at capacity. You were not permitted to enter because of this and you cannot get a refund. What would you do?

I really wonder if that many tickets are sold for the party to max out capacity. I have never witnessed anyone refusing to leave. That would be very sad indeed.

[badkitty]

Does anyone know whether the MNSSHP wristbands are different colours for each party?


I have noticed that the parties have different colored bands throughout the week. I don't know if they reuse a color.

[dnickels]

So between this and all the other threads about party tickets / entrance times, the best summary I can come up with is...

We want the 'official' written policies enforced to get / keep other people out of the park
-no entry before 7 pm for those on party tickets
-no one else but party ticket holders in after 7 pm
BUT
We want the 'unofficial' policy applied to get us extra time in the park
-entry at 4 pm, don't you dare make me wait until 7 for the party ticket holders
-and the unofficial feel free to linger and buy things for an hour or hour and a half after closing time for regular ticket holders.

Am I the only one who sees a little inconsistency here? :confused:

[Renfairwedding]

Wow. Just a thought.... and I'm really being genuine, not trying to be snarky or smart, so please don't take offence.... do you really want to go to this event with that mindset? If this is where your energy and focus is, you might be creating a self-fulfilling prophecy here. We plan on trying out this party for the first time on our trip next year. I have no intention of giving the possibility of witnessing the complaints here a second thought. We'll either enjoy it and want to do it again on a future trip, or we won't. Just a thought.... :)

I was thinking the same thing. What fun is it to go looking for cheaters instead of just having fun.

[11290]

I have never witnessed anyone refusing to leave. That would be very sad indeed.

I can tell you for a fact that there are quite a few people that "refuse to leave" while the sweep is in progress.

In most cases a discussion with a coordinator or a manager convinces them that they have to vacate the park but sometimes Security has to come to help them out.

The sweep takes from 30 to 45 minutes to complete and the worst area is in front of the Castle while the shows are in progress. People tend to try to hide out in the crowd watching the show thinking that we won't see them.

To the posters that say they have never been asked to see a wristband, if it is clearly visible, most CM's will not ask, only if it is not visible. Colors change for each of the parties and we don't know what color they are using until about 3:45 of that day when they are handed out.

I was at a bridge position once last year during the sweep and stopped a person without a wristband that turned out to be a fairly high level manager at MK. She had put a jacket on over her clothing and her name tag was not visible on her jacket. She really gave me a hard time, especially when I asked for her ID. She backed off a bit when I asked her why her name tag was not visible according to costuming standards.

[JerseyDad]

......wow...lotsa' interesting observations about MNSSHP. We have only done the "party" once....back in 2005...on Halloween :pumpkin:.........and as I remember it...none of the described issues seemed to have reared their ugly heads.

As I recall....they had MK vacated as of 4:00 or 4:30...and was off limits / closed until it opened again at 7pm. (I also somewhat recall that in those "closed" hours...the park was "Halloweened" with more decorations...but...I won't swear to it).

......I don't have any "trick-or-treater" aged children any more...as my daughter was 8 yrs old back in 2005....but it's a shame that so many issues seem to make the experience more than somewhat problematic.

.....what I definitely DO remember is that as we were leaving the park...there were cast members at the exit gates who were loading TONS of candy into the bags of the exiting trick-or-treaters...or giving it to anyone that wanted a sugar over-dose!!

[lynnek]

Yikes!! I was second guessing some previously made dinner reservations at O'hana and then Kids Night Out for the night the Christmas Party is happening--thinking I'll stay with my plans. Jelly Rolls is sounding really good:)

[seanyred]

In 2004 we went to MNSSHP twice. Back then they closed Tomorrowland earlier then the rest of the park and only party guests were able to be in tomorrowland. I felt that this method worked the best. In 2007 we went to Pirates and Princess and they were no longer using this method and I noticed more stragelers. But I do feel that overall the policy is enforced

[lovinmesomedisney]

"Like everybody else"? That is a bit extreme. There are plenty of people who follow the rules (and many of them are in this thread), myself included. I have always been asked to show my wristband and I would never stay for a party I didn't pay for. I would think very few people actually plan to stay for the party for free.

Was your band visible? Or others in your group? Maybe the CMs could see it and didn't need to ask.

Well, since it was quite warm that evening, yes my wristband was quite visible, but the bare wrist of those without wristbands was also VERY visible. This is why I have such a problem with the way this party was handled. I WAS THERE! I witnessed it. All the people who are saying what may have happened, and what happened when they were there, actually is annoying me somewhat. I guess some people can see no wrong in anything Disney does, but for someone who frequents the place, I see both the good and the bad. I saw the people in the character lines, I saw the people on the rides, and I saw the people at the fireworks and the parades with no wristbands. We had a group of 10, who all paid admission to this party. It was certainly very frustrating. Yes, we still had fun, we still got candy, but we were still frustrated! It is definitely a flawed system that needs to be corrected.

[CaptainSad]

There's a tiny flaw in this logic. Your admission is for any park that day. If you choose to go to MK on a party day rather than another that's open all day, you made the choice to lose the two hours not Disney.

The people Disney are actually shortchanging are those who paid for the party who are being crowded out by non-payers. Disney has an obligation to them and aren't doing it. People should complain because Disney will keep doing it as long as they can get away with it.

My sentiments exactly. I have said in other threads that you can always do another park that day or use your park hopper to EPCOT. Also they have signs stating when the MK closes especially party nights.

[CaptainSad]

The bottom line is that Disney should not take some people's money and not others for the same perks and priviledges. It's ethically wrong, and borderline criminal. It's also a slap in the face to honest people. That's my NSHO (Not So Humble Opinion) :mad:

I understand it's a huge undertaking to filter the crowd, but the other park seems to manage it for their Halloween nights, so why can't WDW? :twocents:


Maybe it is because Disney has Thousands more then the other park. Or maybe what the other park offers for Halloween is not quite kid friendly..

[CaptainSad]

......wow...lotsa' interesting observations about MNSSHP. We have only done the "party" once....back in 2005...on Halloween :pumpkin:.........and as I remember it...none of the described issues seemed to have reared their ugly heads.

As I recall....they had MK vacated as of 4:00 or 4:30...and was off limits / closed until it opened again at 7pm. (I also somewhat recall that in those "closed" hours...the park was "Halloweened" with more decorations...but...I won't swear to it).

......I don't have any "trick-or-treater" aged children any more...as my daughter was 8 yrs old back in 2005....but it's a shame that so many issues seem to make the experience more than somewhat problematic.

.....what I definitely DO remember is that as we were leaving the park...there were cast members at the exit gates who were loading TONS of candy into the bags of the exiting trick-or-treaters...or giving it to anyone that wanted a sugar over-dose!!

I disagree with you on the MK being vacated at 4. They have never done that...

[Figment104]

I have to admit that from what I saw I thought they were doing a pretty good job of getting people out of the park so that it was only ticket holders attending. We went to the one on 9/18 and noticed that there were CM standing in front of the doors to the stores and would not let people in even to shop if they didn't have a writs band, ours were checked, and we saw other people turned away that didn't have them. We were also asked multiple times to show our wristbands at various spots throughout the park, in candy lines, and also for rides. There was one CM I was actually really impressed with, during the second parade she was actively telling people to get down and off of things even though those customers weren't happy about it. I thought it was great she was enforcing those rules!

I will admit there was quite a crowd when we first entered for the party since they had main street split for those entering and those leaving but once out of that area, we didn't notice a lot of crowds at all! We had a great time and can't wait to go to another one!

[Disney Doll]

Just wanted to chime in to say that we have attended the party twice in the last 3 yrs and had a great experience both times. We were not overrun by non-paying party goers. Were there some non-paying guests there? Probably. Honestly, I don't know because I was too busy having fun to notice. CM's seemed to be doing a decent job checking wrist bands. I'm sure there are off nights just like anything, but I think their current procedures work well enough.

People who are truly motivated will probably find a way to cheat, but that's life. Some people steal. Some people scam. Some bad guys get caught and some don't. I'm not going to dwell on it. I will continue to do the right thing by paying for my admission and I will not let the cheaters spoil my fun.

[Figment104]

I posted my last post before I got quite all the way through and I have to say this really surprised me.
All the people who are saying what may have happened, and what happened when they were there, actually is annoying me somewhat. I guess some people can see no wrong in anything Disney does, but for someone who frequents the place, I see both the good and the bad. I saw the people in the character lines, I saw the people on the rides, and I saw the people at the fireworks and the parades with no wristbands. I was at the exact same party 9/18 and did the same thing where we were at another park and arrived at the MK just after 7 and agree that main street was a mob sceen, but aside from that I really didn't see anything else that you've pointed out, but the opposite. Now this isn't my opinion, it's an observation, just as you are writing about yourself. I've been to Disney 20 times in the last 25 year so I am also aware of the good and bad of Disney.

I don't mean this to be in any way offensive it was just an observation since I was at the exact same party and hope it will be viewed as such. We had a great time! :mickey:

[badkitty]

Well, since it was quite warm that evening, yes my wristband was quite visible, but the bare wrist of those without wristbands was also VERY visible. This is why I have such a problem with the way this party was handled. I WAS THERE! I witnessed it. All the people who are saying what may have happened, and what happened when they were there, actually is annoying me somewhat. I guess some people can see no wrong in anything Disney does, but for someone who frequents the place, I see both the good and the bad. I saw the people in the character lines, I saw the people on the rides, and I saw the people at the fireworks and the parades with no wristbands. We had a group of 10, who all paid admission to this party. It was certainly very frustrating. Yes, we still had fun, we still got candy, but we were still frustrated! It is definitely a flawed system that needs to be corrected.

I'm not questioning what happened to you but offering a suggestion as to why you weren't asked to show your wristband. That is what I was commenting on.

I don't think everything that Disney does is right.

What bothers me is your comment about staying and not paying "like everybody else". I certainly do not stay for a party I didn't pay for.

[ANG]

We went to the party in 2006. I realize that was awhile ago, and maybe policies have changed. But I specifically remember not being asked to see my wristband the entire night. I didn't pay attention to see if others had them on, but I did wonder how they knew I belonged there.

[Belle619]

When we went Friday, There were plenty of people checking our wristbands. We couldn't get into the stores without showing our wristbands or candy lines or even enter Adventureland.

We were there on Friday as well and there were a lot of CM's checking our wristbands. I was actually surprised at how many check-points we had to pass during the first part of the party.

[lovinmesomedisney]

Well, I guess I should have known better than to post such a thing on Intercot. Heaven forbid if you have any opinion other than the "Regulars." I'm sorry the other people in my group of 10 are not registered on Intercot, so I guess I can't have them tell you what we experienced. For all of you saying it wasn't crowded on the 18th, you must totally have a different perspective of what is and isn't crowded, because that was the most crowded I have seen the Magic Kingdom in 7 Septembers. I guess I should post lies and tell everybody how perfect everything is at DW. Then all the "Regulars" can all say how they agree!!!!!!

[lovinmesomedisney]

I posted what WE experienced and how WE felt cheated. I don't know if they were checking people as they went in and out of the shops, because we were there for a week, I wasn't wasting my party time in the shops. There were plenty of other opportunities for that. They absolutely were not checking in the candy lines when we went from Toon Town to the Speedway. Also, as I said, in the character line, we, along with several other people, pointed out those without wrist bands and the Cast Member shook her head, like oh well. All I know is, I will never waste $500 on another party.

[Disneyfirsttimer]

Wow! What a heated discussion. I do agree Disney needs to better handle the way the parties work since guests are paying extra $$$ to be there.

We went in Oct 2007 (mid-week) and found it to be extremely crowded. Much too crowded to enjoy. I don't recall looking for wristbands on guests, but I just felt they oversell the party itself. Nothing was anywhere close to walk-on as we had been told. Agree something needs to be done - less tickets sold, close park to non-party guests earlier, don't allow party guests in before 6:30pm, etc.

Many ppl try to get what they can from Disney without paying. I think they feel they deserve it since they paid so much to be there in the first place. I also think the CMs need to be better trained and stick to the policies. We always stay on property and you need to show your Key Card at the rides after the park closes for EMH. The CMs do check the cards, but really don't look at them. They don't actually check the dates. The cards all look the same from year to year. I am glad they check, but they don't really. So I am sure many stay for EMH that aren't Disney property guests. The list can go on for ppl trying to get things that are not coming to them.

As far as the park closing early and the ppl feeling they are getting jipped since they paid the ticket for the day, it happens. We booked our last trip from 9/8-9/12. Turns out MK was closing at 7:00pm for Nights of Joy on 9/10 and 9/11. That left us limited on MK nights. We did the best we could with it.

The best we can do is do the right thing. I for one would not stay at the party when I am not suppose to be. Agreed with all the crowds, it is nearly impossible to clear all non-party ppl out. Some many honestly not know. Some may.

We are going next Sept during party dates and I am rethinking the party itself.

Karyn

[Melanie]

MODERATOR ALERT!!!

Welcome to the latest and greatest hot topic on INTERCOT! Like any other hot topic, there are extreme feelings on both sides, which sometimes leads to discussions going down a road we don't want to travel.

At this point, I'm going to remind everyone to be respectful of your fellow board members and remember to comment only on the topic at hand. No personal attacks or judgement please.

Thanks everyone! :pumpkin:

[DisneyPrincess21]

MODERATOR ALERT!!!

Welcome to the latest and greatest hot topic on INTERCOT! Like any other hot topic, there are extreme feelings on both sides, which sometimes leads to discussions going down a road we don't want to travel.

At this point, I'm going to remind everyone to be respectful of your fellow board members and remember to comment only on the topic at hand. No personal attacks or judgement please.

Thanks everyone! :pumpkin:
Thanks Mel :thumbsup: :balloon:

[johnO]

Should people cheat the system and stay inside the park after 7pm, no. But arrests? We do live in a society where the punishment is meant to fit the crime. Do you suggest that a Dad, Mom and there two toddlers be placed into physical custody merely because they didn't make it out of the gate by 716pm? Sounds cruel, unusual and more fitting of a stalinist police state or perhaps an Islamist state where your hands are cut off for stealing.

He who is without sin...cast the first stone...

[Goes4FastPass]

Isn't this whole argument as simple as on "party days" (and there are so many of them now), regular admission guests want to get all they can and party guests want to get all they can.

Day guests say, "Pile the party guests up at the gates until 7pm". Ridiculous.

Party guests say, "Give us a park without a single non-party guest present." Yeah, keep wishing on that star.

My upcoming trip will find me at the MK with my grandson one day as a party guest and another as a day guest. If we're wearing wristbands I don't expect to be denied entry to the BTMRR queue at 5:22pm nor do I expect to have to drag my grandson out of that queue at 7:04pm if we're not wearing wristbands.

If I buy an admission to a WDW park or event and act like a reasonable, responsible guest can't I just go and have fun and make memories with my family?

and I don't want to hear, "It depends on the CM. Some like to catch and punish and are super-strict, others pay no attention."

[Daisy'sMom]

Be careful what you wish for. If Disney hears enough complaints maybe they will close park at 6, make everyone leave and let the party people in at 7. That will not only stop the complaints, but ruin alot of things for alot of people. Partiers won't be allowed in early and day people will be made to leave.
We have gone to MNSSHP and MVMCP many times. Never had a problem.
Relax and enjoy the fun. :mickey:

[devoted93]

When we went Friday, There were plenty of people checking our wristbands. We couldn't get into the stores without showing our wristbands or candy lines or even enter Adventureland. There were other small touches missing though such as the fog at the entrance and the giant blow up spider in Tomorrowland. Those types of things are what disappointed me.

That's odd, I was there on Friday night, as well and I don't think I was asked to show my wristband a single time. I got there at about 5 pm and stayed until past midnight and didn't get checked at all. I personally loved the entire night - walk-on for all the rides, great atmosphere, free candy ... loved it all. This was my first time.

EDIT: I should also point out that I called the Disney line on Friday and was told that I could enter as early as 4 pm.

[BigRedDad]

nor do I expect to have to drag my grandson out of that queue at 7:04pm if we're not wearing wristbands.

Unfortunately, this is exactly what should happen. At 7PM, you should be exiting the park and not waiting in a queue. The CMs job should be telling you that you will not be able to get on if you are in line after 7PM. The CM at the ride loading should be checking for your band and deny you entry on the ride.

Call it what you will. People paid money so they don't have to wait behind you after 7PM, not 7:04PM. As you wait to get on the ride at say 7:10, you will be slowly walking and meandering your way out of a park and enjoying benefits that are not afforded to you as a non-party guests.

Personally, I think WDW has <messed up> the entire process. There are much better processes that can be followed to insure people like this are out of the park.

#1 Party tickets get you in at 7PM, not earlier
#2 Day tickets are only good until 6PM and the park closes at that time to give an hour to herd these people out.
#3 Day and Party ticket holders are permitted into one roped off area such as Tomorrowland.

[Carolanne]

Be careful what you wish for. If Disney hears enough complaints maybe they will close park at 6, make everyone leave and let the party people in at 7. Up to & including 2005, MK did close at 6 PM on party nights (I wasn't certain if I was remembering this correctly, but the historical hours listed on Intercot seem to verify this). I remember making my way through the people exiting the park & making my way back to Tomorrowland to have my picture taken (anyone remember the free pictures WDW used to give on party nights?). For some reason I kind of remember party guests being directed toward Tomorrowland, specifically so CM's could focus on getting those park guests without party tix to the exits.

It seems like MK closing at 7 PM came about in 2006.

[lovinmesomedisney]

Be careful what you wish for. If Disney hears enough complaints maybe they will close park at 6, make everyone leave and let the party people in at 7. That will not only stop the complaints, but ruin alot of things for alot of people. Partiers won't be allowed in early and day people will be made to leave.
We have gone to MNSSHP and MVMCP many times. Never had a problem.
Relax and enjoy the fun. :mickey:

This is EXACTLY what I want. Why do people need to enter the party early? If the party is from 7 to midnight, then that's when you should be there. If I am invited to a party at a friend's house, I don't expect to be able to go over 3 hours early. I don't understand the need to get in early. Go to a different park that day and then the MK. Or, go to the MK, then use your party ticket to stay. I don't understand what the big deal is about arriving early.

[Renfairwedding]

For me its to get to a ADR at 7:30. :eat: They ask you to get there 20 min early. so If I had to wait in long line of people to get in at 7:00, Wheel like a mad man to Liberty Tavern in ten min would be crazy. :bolt: Ok maybe they could make allowances for ADR people but it would be crazy at the gate.

We are all getting crazy about the times. The early entry as I have said before as quoted from a CM is all about a smooth transition. Lots of people out as lots come in. Yes there will be cheaters but I don't let that bother me so much. I get to spend a cool FUN night at DISNEY and I get to trick or treat like a kid in the costume of my choice. :mpumpkin:

Shame on the cheaters ... Boo To You :ghost: (lol a little Not So Scary Parade humor)

[DisneyPrincess21]

Unfortunately, this is exactly what should happen. At 7PM, you should be exiting the park and not waiting in a queue. The CMs job should be telling you that you will not be able to get on if you are in line after 7PM. The CM at the ride loading should be checking for your band and deny you entry on the ride.

Call it what you will. People paid money so they don't have to wait behind you after 7PM, not 7:04PM. As you wait to get on the ride at say 7:10, you will be slowly walking and meandering your way out of a park and enjoying benefits that are not afforded to you as a non-party guests.

Personally, I think WDW has <messed up> the entire process. There are much better processes that can be followed to insure people like this are out of the park.

#1 Party tickets get you in at 7PM, not earlier
#2 Day tickets are only good until 6PM and the park closes at that time to give an hour to herd these people out.
#3 Day and Party ticket holders are permitted into one roped off area such as Tomorrowland.

:thumbsup:

[seanyred]

Up to & including 2005, MK did close at 6 PM on party nights (I wasn't certain if I was remembering this correctly, but the historical hours listed on Intercot seem to verify this). I remember making my way through the people exiting the park & making my way back to Tomorrowland to have my picture taken (anyone remember the free pictures WDW used to give on party nights?). For some reason I kind of remember party guests being directed toward Tomorrowland, specifically so CM's could focus on getting those park guests without party tix to the exits.

It seems like MK closing at 7 PM came about in 2006.

I remember the same thing. I still have my free picture of my DW and I on our honeymoon sitting at my desk at work. As you stated we were in the park earlier that day on our AP and then around 6pm we went to a roped off Tomorrowland waited in line for our picture to be taken and by the time that was done it was 7pm and the park was open for the party. This system worked much better.

I wonder if the current system is Disney trying to have its cake and eat it too.

[dnickels]

This is EXACTLY what I want. Why do people need to enter the party early? If the party is from 7 to midnight, then that's when you should be there. If I am invited to a party at a friend's house, I don't expect to be able to go over 3 hours early. I don't understand the need to get in early. Go to a different park that day and then the MK. Or, go to the MK, then use your party ticket to stay. I don't understand what the big deal is about arriving early.

I think this is the ideal situation but as some of the other threads have shown, there are also party ticket holders who go nuts at the thought they can't get in at 4 pm. Closing at 6 pm and re-opening at 7 pm seems like it would make everyone a little upset (meaning it's probably the most fair compromise) from a guest experience perspective.

Unfortunately, the bean counter side of Disney probably sees that time as lost hours where guests could be in the stores to buy merchandise so I'd be surprised to see a change in policy.

[Melanie]

After having to clean up some posts in this thread, I'm going to ask again that everyone refrain from personal attacks and judgement. All this back and forth banter isn't constructive, and we don't want to have to close the thread.

From what I can tell, yes, Disney may need to institute a better way of transitioning for these parties, but as it stands now, ticket holders can get in at 4pm and day visitors are asked to leave the park by 7pm. Those are the facts and remember - any mention otherwise of how to get around this is against the INTERCOT Terms of Service.

[Disney Doll]

This is EXACTLY what I want. Why do people need to enter the party early? If the party is from 7 to midnight, then that's when you should be there. If I am invited to a party at a friend's house, I don't expect to be able to go over 3 hours early. I don't understand the need to get in early. Go to a different park that day and then the MK. Or, go to the MK, then use your party ticket to stay. I don't understand what the big deal is about arriving early.

We like to enter early because we have young kids and never stay past the 9 pm fireworks. Judging from the mass exodus that seems to follow the fireworks I bet a lot of families do the same. I wouldn't bother with party tickets for a couple of hours, but if we can get in early and still enjoy some of the party at 7pm I feel like it's not a waste. Sure, we could use our regular park ticket to get in early, but using a day for a couple of hours before the party seems like a waste too.

We generally rest in the morning making sure to get in good naps so that the kids can make it to 9pm. If they changed the party admission we'd probably wait a few years on the party until the kids are older and I would be willing to bet that we wouldn't be the only ones. Maybe that's what we should do in your view, but that's a missed opportunity on ticket sales for Disney.

[lovinmesomedisney]

We like to enter early because we have young kids and never stay past the 9 pm fireworks. Judging from the mass exodus that seems to follow the fireworks I bet a lot of families do the same. I wouldn't bother with party tickets for a couple of hours, but if we can get in early and still enjoy some of the party at 7pm I feel like it's not a waste. Sure, we could use our regular park ticket to get in early, but using a day for a couple of hours before the party seems like a waste too.

We generally rest in the morning making sure to get in good naps so that the kids can make it to 9pm. If they changed the party admission we'd probably wait a few years on the party until the kids are older and I would be willing to bet that we wouldn't be the only ones. Maybe that's what we should do in your view, but that's a missed opportunity on ticket sales for Disney.

I understand what you are saying, but the tickets are sold under the preference that the party is from 7 until midnight. We had a 3 year old, a 6 year old, and a 7 year old with us. We took the ticket for what it said. We didn't even consider entering early, because as stated, it says 7 to midnight. If Disney is letting people in early for the purpose of selling more tickets, than I feel even MORE cheated. It almost appears a bait and switch thing. I guess I'll never understand how you can sell a ticket with rules and totally diss those rules. What about the people who don't go on these boards? What about people who did spend the money, and thought that they could not get in until 7? It just appears to me if it were cut and dry, there is nobody who could complain. If, like you say, they are doing this for the simple reason of selling more tickets, then shame on them. Also, I didn't notice the mass exodus you are referring to, because I was sure hoping for it. Could the people piling out possibly be those who didn't pay for the party?

[lovinmesomedisney]

[QUOTE=Goes4FastPass;2106821]

If I buy an admission to a WDW park or event and act like a reasonable, responsible guest can't I just go and have fun and make memories with my family?

Of course you can IF YOU BUY AN ADMISSION! You said it yourself, right there. My point exactly. The people who were in there without wristbands, DID NOT buy an admission.

[badkitty]

The first time I ever went to a party I purchased my ticket as a walk-up the day of the party. I was actually at MGM for the day and bought my ticket there. The CM at the ticket booth told me I could get in the MK at 4PM.

[BellesRose]

My first party was in 2005 and it was perfect! Then I noticed a difference in 2006...more crowded and chaotic. 2007 was the same as 2006, if not worse. 2008 was just too much. I skipped in 2009 because I was moving, and now in 2010 I have passes and I don't see paying extra money to go and stand in crowds. Also, the rates have increased considerably since 2005. It's ridiculous. I do think it's completely unfair for those who stay without tickets. Why should I pay if you don't have to? Give me one good reason why I should pay and you shouldn't.

Say Disney opens at 9am. No one should get in before 9, right? With the exception of those with ADR's, I suppose. Now, say it closes at 9pm. No one should be allowed to stay late, right? My opinion is that the Magic Kingdom should close around 5:30 and all guests should leave. It should re-open at 6:30 for parties, when all party guests can arrive. If you don't like having to leave, visit another park that day. If you don't like that you can't get in early, skip the party. The Animal Kingdom closes at 5pm almost every day. I realize that there is a huge difference between MK and AK, but 5pm is 5pm. If AK guests can deal with it, I'm assuming MK guests can, too. After all, Disney is a privilege. It's not necessary, and it's not mandatory. And perhaps, if things changed and were more fair for everyone, I would return to my favorite event at Disney!

[Disney Doll]

I understand what you are saying, but the tickets are sold under the preference that the party is from 7 until midnight. We had a 3 year old, a 6 year old, and a 7 year old with us. We took the ticket for what it said. We didn't even consider entering early, because as stated, it says 7 to midnight. If Disney is letting people in early for the purpose of selling more tickets, than I feel even MORE cheated. It almost appears a bait and switch thing. I guess I'll never understand how you can sell a ticket with rules and totally diss those rules. What about the people who don't go on these boards? What about people who did spend the money, and thought that they could not get in until 7? It just appears to me if it were cut and dry, there is nobody who could complain. If, like you say, they are doing this for the simple reason of selling more tickets, then shame on them. Also, I didn't notice the mass exodus you are referring to, because I was sure hoping for it. Could the people piling out possibly be those who didn't pay for the party?

Actually I didn't learn about the 4pm entrance from any online discussion board. CM's were very forthcoming with that information. I guess I fail to see how you feel cheated based on the fact that people were allowed to enter at 4pm. Nobody is skirting the rules here. Disney not only allowed, but in my case invited people with party tickets to enter at 4pm. I would imagine that some staggering in arrivals helps with crowd control. Imagine what a nightmare if everyone was lined up outside at 7pm waiting to get in.

As far as the mass exodus, I was in the midst of the crowd making my way up main street so in my experience yes, a good number of people left with me after the fireworks. Given your sensitivity to others questioning your experience I am certain that you are not meaning to imply that my experience is not a valid account. I was not consumed with checking for wristbands as that is not my job, but I did enjoy seeing the other guests in costume and I can only assume that the majority of people in costume weren't just left over day guests.

[clausjo]

We've gone to the party 3 times over the last 4 years. All of the times I've purchased the tickets over the phone to be held at will call and all of the times the CM on the phone has said we could get in as early 4:00. We took advantage of getting in early, because we were told we could. We picked up our tickets close to 4:00 and again, the CM that handed us our tickets told us we could go right in.

We were there at the MK as a day guest on Friday. Around 4:00 we started seeing people with wrist bands for the party that night. We started to leave the park at 6:45 and, I'd say around 6:15 we started seeing CMs with the signs that were directing non-party people to start leaving. There's no way I would try to stay past closing time, but I was also not offended in any way by the people that had arrived for the party at 4:00. Sure it was a bit more crowded, but in all honesty, it didn't make that much of a difference. If Disney is going to tell people they can get into the party 3 hours early, why wouldn't you do it if you could?

I think we just need to accept that there is a flaw in the system and hope they do something about it, but as long as Disney is allowing this to happen, we just need to go with the flow and enjoy our time there. If it seriously offends you, don't buy the ticket. If enough people don't buy, maybe they'll get the message.

[DisneyNut6777]

:mickey: Wow!! what a topic. So many opinions, and different feelings. I for one go by what the policy is. If Disney lets people in at 4:00 pm, then they do. This will be our first MNSSHP for my DW and myself. When checking out all the info on the party and the times we were fine with the party starting at 7:00 pm. We didn't even know of a 4:00 pm entry time. Since Disney chooses to let entry begin at 4 pm then they do. So you can enter at 4pm or whenever. Personally I don't feel like parading around in my costume until closer to 7pm. I am going for the parades and the candy, and the characters, and shows. I go with an open mind, I expect there to be a crowd, because in order to make money disney has to have a good crowd for a party. I am looking forward to it. I hope everyone has a good time and enjoys themselves.:mickey:

[lovinmesomedisney]

My first party was in 2005 and it was perfect! Then I noticed a difference in 2006...more crowded and chaotic. 2007 was the same as 2006, if not worse. 2008 was just too much. I skipped in 2009 because I was moving, and now in 2010 I have passes and I don't see paying extra money to go and stand in crowds. Also, the rates have increased considerably since 2005. It's ridiculous. I do think it's completely unfair for those who stay without tickets. Why should I pay if you don't have to? Give me one good reason why I should pay and you shouldn't.

Say Disney opens at 9am. No one should get in before 9, right? With the exception of those with ADR's, I suppose. Now, say it closes at 9pm. No one should be allowed to stay late, right? My opinion is that the Magic Kingdom should close around 5:30 and all guests should leave. It should re-open at 6:30 for parties, when all party guests can arrive. If you don't like having to leave, visit another park that day. If you don't like that you can't get in early, skip the party. The Animal Kingdom closes at 5pm almost every day. I realize that there is a huge difference between MK and AK, but 5pm is 5pm. If AK guests can deal with it, I'm assuming MK guests can, too. After all, Disney is a privilege. It's not necessary, and it's not mandatory. And perhaps, if things changed and were more fair for everyone, I would return to my favorite event at Disney!

I totally agree with your posts. This was the very FIRST party I have attended in all my visits to WDW. It is also the LAST I will attend. I am never wasting my hard earned money again for something that is so "Jacked UP." You make some very valid points referring to AK. I would LOVE to stay longer at AK, but yes, it closes at 5, therefore, we use two days of our tickets at this park.

[lovinmesomedisney]

We've gone to the party 3 times over the last 4 years. All of the times I've purchased the tickets over the phone to be held at will call and all of the times the CM on the phone has said we could get in as early 4:00. We took advantage of getting in early, because we were told we could. We picked up our tickets close to 4:00 and again, the CM that handed us our tickets told us we could go right in.

We were there at the MK as a day guest on Friday. Around 4:00 we started seeing people with wrist bands for the party that night. We started to leave the park at 6:45 and, I'd say around 6:15 we started seeing CMs with the signs that were directing non-party people to start leaving. There's no way I would try to stay past closing time, but I was also not offended in any way by the people that had arrived for the party at 4:00. Sure it was a bit more crowded, but in all honesty, it didn't make that much of a difference. If Disney is going to tell people they can get into the party 3 hours early, why wouldn't you do it if you could?

I think we just need to accept that there is a flaw in the system and hope they do something about it, but as long as Disney is allowing this to happen, we just need to go with the flow and enjoy our time there. If it seriously offends you, don't buy the ticket. If enough people don't buy, maybe they'll get the message.

I am not blaming people who go in at 4 for doing so, I am blaming Disney for letting them do so. My paperwork clearly said the party is from 7 to midnight. No place on that paper work did it say, "But you can enter at 4." Honestly, I really don't care that people go at 4, even though in my honest opinion, that should not be allowed. My problem was the amount of people in the park during the party time, with no wristbands on. I will not pay for a party again, because after just attending one, I figured out how much I was being ripped off. It amazes me how offended people on this board get about people using old mugs for refillable sodas, yet so many people seem to think it's ok to attend a party without paying for a ticket. :confused: :confused: :confused:

[BraddyB]

First times to get into the party, then people in the party without tickets, and now you brought up the refillable mug debate? I have a feeling this thread is about to get even more interesting than it has been !!!

[DisneyPrincess21]

Bottom line Disney clearly is telling people they can enter at 4. These tickets holders are not breaking any rules by going into the park 3 hours early, because Disney is telling them they can enter at 4.

And to be technical Disney says the party is held from 7:00pm-12:00 midnight, but they don't state that you must wait until 7:00pm to enter the park, the party just doesn't officially begin until 7:00pm.

People need to get over the idea that they know more than Disney, and how they should run the parties, because clearly this company knows what they are doing.

Everyone needs to remember that going to Disney is a truly wonderful thing, that some people may never experience. And as long as you are priviliged enough to be able to go to WDW, is it really necessary to fight over these petty issues? Just be happy your at the happiest place on earth, and stop sweating the small stuff. There are much bigger problems in the world to worry about, and this is not one of them. :balloon:

And if your angry at people who are braking the rules by staying at MK without a hard ticket, that doesn't mean we should all cheat the system. As long as you are following the rules that is all that matters. The cheaters will eventually be caught.

If you don't want to be kicked out of Mk at 7:00pm, then don't go on a party night, visit another park. That is a pretty easy solution.

If you want to be angry with someone be angry with Disney, not the party ticket holders who are following Disney's rules.

:beat:

[Melanie]

And with that, I think this thread has now run it's course.

:beat: