Somewhat disappointed in the MNSSHP

[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.

[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.

[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.

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.