Very Disappointed at Disney for After Hours

[brockash]

Yeah, sorry. No sympathy here. They’re damned if they do, damned if they don’t.

What do you mean? They expect their guests to plan their details 180 days/60 days in advance... the least they could do is participate in their own game. I'm not sure who would "damn" them for releasing real, accurate info. It's not like somewhere down the line someone's going to "make" them change their dates/hrs. for it.... they just hold out for the greed; which is what I have no sympathy/empathy for.

OP you def have empathy from me.

 

[brockash]

I think their point was that the OP wanted a particular reaction from everyone that agreed with their opinion and that poster like myself does not have that reaction of oh I'm sorry that you are frustrated.
And they were referring to the fact that people get mad at Disney for having too many or not enough events and announcing things too early or too late.
In the end Disney is a business and is not going to make EVERYONE happy ALL of the time.

So you're saying they didn't read or understand the OPs post??? The OP clearly stated the frustration was with not knowing one way or the other. Lack of communication is the frustration especially when said companies customers are held to a higher standard of preplanning. The OP didn't say anything about them having too many or not enough.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

What do you mean? They expect their guests to plan their details 180 days/60 days in advance... the least they could do is participate in their own game. I'm not sure who would "damn" them for releasing real, accurate info. It's not like somewhere down the line someone's going to "make" them change their dates/hrs. for it.... they just hold out for the greed; which is what I have no sympathy/empathy for.

OP you def have empathy from me.

Do they put a gun to your head?
And they are a business so why not be greedy?

 

[Upatnoon]

We have a trip booked for May 2nd thru the 11th at the Polynesian. My FastPass window comes open next weekend. I’m disappointed at Disney for not making a new schedule for Disney After Hours. At least they should come out with a press release saying they are not going to have the time being.

Here we are with dinner reservations, FastPass needing to be booked and if they release a schedule after the fact it becomes harder to move things around. I don’t mind spending the money to go to After Hours because it allows us to relax more during the day. Oh well.

If Disney announced early dates for this event, then had to cancel them because of maintenance, staffing, low ticket sales, corporate events or other concerns, it would cause far more disappointment.

I think these add-ons are seen as little revenue boosters they squeeze in "when they can," but nothing would want to get in the way of larger park operations.

Having them infrequently also helps keep them "special" --- and more fully booked.

Thus, the best strategy for Disney when creating these events is to offer them only when they are certain they can happen, which means closer to the event time than some planners would like.

 

[DebbieB]

Would not affect my FPs or ADRs... The After Hours events occur after the parks close. I guess some might choose not to attend a park the day of a DAH event, just the event?

Our FP day is Tuesday, if there is an After Hours, we may reduce daytime MK time, maybe hit a different park.

Except for the fact that they have never had them in the summer. If there was a history of dates in May and June I’d believe that, but there isn’t, so it’s really an unknown. And it effects our plans because if it happens we won’t be making a PPO breakfast the next day

We went June 30 last year, loved it. It was a friend’s birthday, we started the day at 4:00 am to hit the opening of Toy Story Land. Rested in the afternoon, went to Top of the World for fireworks, then After Hours until 1:00am.

 

[fla4fun]

I don’t have a dog in the fight because I refuse to pay for any of their upcharge events, but I can understand the frustration of not wanting to plan your trip twice because Disney can’t be bothered to get their schedule together 60 days out. It’s a lot of work getting the ADRs and FP scheduled just right and no fun to have to try to shift everything around once it’s set.

It’s common sense that if you are going to make it almost mandatory for your customers to have their plans firmly made at 60 days out that as a company you should have your schedule set as well so the customer has some idea what they’re working with (with allowances for maintenance issues, of course). That is what causes all the frustration for those people who want to get everything set in advance.

Personally, I tend to be a bit more spontaneous and I am always changing plans on the fly while I’m there. But since I am not a thrill ride fan I am usually not trying to get the most popular FP anyway, and I usually eat QS so I can just grab a bite when I am hungry instead of being on a schedule. I do book FP in advance, but I end up changing about half of them. For me, it’s a lot less stressful to have minimal plans I can change easily. But I don’t think I am the typical WDW guest in that regard.

 

[epcotty]

With these posts I always expect to see how it's disappointing because of the cost vs the time you get to be there, or it's not as good as advertised, etc. I guess not on these boards

 

[maxiesmom]

What do you mean? They expect their guests to plan their details 180 days/60 days in advance... the least they could do is participate in their own game. I'm not sure who would "damn" them for releasing real, accurate info. It's not like somewhere down the line someone's going to "make" them change their dates/hrs. for it.... they just hold out for the greed; which is what I have no sympathy/empathy for.

OP you def have empathy from me.

But Disney is pretty straightforward that everything at the parks and resorts is subject to change and availability. I've been on my vacation and had the park hours change. You have to make your best guess with your schedule and be prepared to go with the flow.

 

[Disneylover99]

Do they put a gun to your head?
And they are a business so why not be greedy?

Your posts on this thread come across as angry and bothered by others disappointment. Maybe it's the phrase gun to your head which you've used twice now. I don't know.

If Disney announced early dates for this event, then had to cancel them because of maintenance, staffing, low ticket sales, corporate events or other concerns, it would cause far more disappointment.

I think these add-ons are seen as little revenue boosters they squeeze in "when they can," but nothing would want to get in the way of larger park operations.

Having them infrequently also helps keep them "special" --- and more fully booked.

Thus, the best strategy for Disney when creating these events is to offer them only when they are certain they can happen, which means closer to the event time than some planners would like.

Thank you! This makes sense.

 

[piccolopat]

I would just assume this event will not take place. If it does, I would look at my plans and see if it made sense to change them in order to go to a $$$ event. I don't believe in adding unnecessary stress. No matter what we do, we'll have a good time.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Unfortunately, this is par for the course for WDW special events. It is quite rare that they release event dates in a timeframe that fits their standard pre-planning 180-day and 60-day windows. Yes, it's frustrating. My best advice would be to look at the current calendar and make a "best guess" as to when this event may occur during your stay and plan around that guess. It's not ideal, but, unfortunately, there is not much else you can do.

 

[ryanpatricksmom]

I"m hoping for AH at HS and AK for our trip in August. I actually booked a room only reservation for two nights before our package, so if HS opens up (and I'm assuming that it will be on Saturday since that hasn't changed throughout the history), I can just purchase a ticket to that event. It won't affect my plans at all except for making it more difficult to fit everything in if they don't have one. The AK component has proven more complicated since they have done both Tuesday and Wednesday nights, so my ADRs will be booked to accommodate either scenario....which is aggravating, so I feel your pain OP. For MK we bought tickets to MNSSHP, so we're covered there. We have Deluxe Dining for this trip, so we'll be spending half of our time eating anyway, LOL!

 

[Nancyg56]

What do you mean? They expect their guests to plan their details 180 days/60 days in advance... the least they could do is participate in their own game. I'm not sure who would "damn" them for releasing real, accurate info. It's not like somewhere down the line someone's going to "make" them change their dates/hrs. for it.... they just hold out for the greed; which is what I have no sympathy/empathy for.

OP you def have empathy from me.

I sympathize as well. I think that there is something to be said about equity between a business and it's customers, and Disney does not always play by the same rules it has laid out for the "guests."

For many of us, planning is key. We do not wing it for park days, ADR's and FP. We can try to make a best guess in terms of "party" nights based on the previous year, but trying to plan around extras like DAH is not as easy. Sure, there is always something in the disclaimers about changes, etc, but I think that if DIsney not only encourages plannign 180 days in advance, but kind of expects it, the same should hold true in how hours and events are rolled out. DO they need to? Of course not, but it woudl be nice.

I do not buy the before or after house, and never use the EHM either, but I understand that others do. I empathize with those people who are trying to plan and do nto have all the info necessary to make park and dining decision.

Do they put a gun to your head?
And they are a business so why not be greedy?

Oh please, you know why the OP is frustrated. I love WDW, and make it a vacation destination often. I also know Disney is a business, and do not begrudge Monday making decisions, but I do believe that more than ever, DIsney is a vacation that requires advance planning. Can a family regroup and change plans when Disney makes changes? Of course, but whenever possibel don't you agree that Disney owes their consumers the info needed to make plans?

As a company, DIsney has dropped the communication ball a lot. This has been especially true as they book resorts that they know will be under construction, without pools, etc, adn then drop that bombshell on unsuspecting guests. They also add events that affect guest planning, withhold park hours, and make changes willy nilly at times. Can they? Sure. Should they? I think no. Not as a matter of course. Unexpected changes in their business may make last minute decision necessary, but lately that has nt been the case.

My family is easy. We have been enough times that we are not planners other than park days and meals, so even FP decisions are just for convenience and not strategic. I still can empathize with families who travel is more limited, and who want to have a plan that works for their needs.

 

[jaceraden]

I was hoping for months for DAH since I had an upcoming trip. Finally I got to the point where I had to make other plans. Then Disney announced after hours during my dates. I grabbed them even though it wasn't ideal for my new trip plan. I survived! And you will too.

 

[Nancyg56]

I was hoping for months for DAH since I had an upcoming trip. Finally I got to the point where I had to make other plans. Then Disney announced after hours during my dates. I grabbed them even though it wasn't ideal for my new trip plan. I survived! And you will too.

But that is the problem. You survived but the overall plan was not ideal. I know it can be done, btu I feel that as a destination that really is enhanced by advance planning, WDW should try to play fairly. They have needed to be pushed to do so lately. For a period iof time, ADR's were at 180 day, but park hours were released much later. Really? It is lazy on the part of DIsney IMO.

 

[SaintsManiac]

But that is the problem. You survived but the overall plan was not ideal. I know it can be done, btu I feel that as a destination that really is enhanced by advance planning, WDW should try to play fairly. They have needed to be pushed to do so lately. For a period iof time, ADR's were at 180 day, but park hours were released much later. Really? It is lazy on the part of DIsney IMO.

I've completely changed my planning method now that I know how much we love doing extra events. Their inconsistency drives me bonkers, though.

HEA dessert party wasn't available to book for November 2017 until July 2017.

HEA dessert party available at 180 day mark for July 2018.

Just one of my examples of annoyance LOL

 

[Nancyg56]

What do you mean? They expect their guests to plan their details 180 days/60 days in advance... the least they could do is participate in their own game. I'm not sure who would "damn" them for releasing real, accurate info. It's not like somewhere down the line someone's going to "make" them change their dates/hrs. for it.... they just hold out for the greed; which is what I have no sympathy/empathy for.

OP you def have empathy from me.

Exactly. If this was an isolated example of how Disney decisionmakers have lost touch with the average guest I woudl say roll with it. It is an anomoly. But this is just one more thing that makes me crazy. I firmly believe that those folks who make decisions need to put them into practice before they toss them our for guests, For instance, who plans a walkway in the middle of Summer that lasts forever with not line drop of shade? Someone who did not need to walk it after having spent hours in a park. That's who. WHo plans an entire Land and does not think about seating and shade and traffic patterns. Someone who has not tried to get through TSL in August.
WHo makes ADRs open at 180 but park hours at 160? Someone who gets to walk in and eat anywhere at any time.

Really, the days of Walt strolling through the MK are gone, but a little consideration from people whose finances are greatly improved by the folks who are impacted by their decisions would be nice.

 

[ryanpatricksmom]

And not to state the obvious....we are all waiting for the opportunity to spend an additional $125 per person per event, after already paying top dollar to be in the parks during those dates, LOL! A little cooperation would be nice.

Edited to add....I've been wondering if they're holding off because the price is about to change.

 

[Nancyg56]

I've completely changed my planning method now that I know how much we love doing extra events. Their inconsistency drives me bonkers, though.

HEA dessert party wasn't available to book for November 2017 until July 2017.

HEA dessert party available at 180 day mark for July 2018.

Just one of my examples of annoyance LOL

This is exactly what I am talking about. I love Disney and it. Is a frequent travel destination for my family, however I do not think there is an over abundance in consideration for guests lately. Personally, I would trot that bunch of people who are making these decisions, or probebaly not making them timely, out to live a week in the shoes of regular guests. As I have often said, frequent flyers can manage, but the one time visitor, or those who save for rare visits? I think that the lack of consideration is a shame. And I really do nto understand how people familiar with WDW practices lately refuse to see changes that have been occuring the past few years that are pretty disrespectful towards guest in general. Even if those changes do not affect you, they affect others.

 

[cakebaker]

Does Disney ever officially announce they aren’t going to do something?