Just wondering if anyone else has also heard this rumor that a CM recently shared with me:
The TOTWL will not be reopening, at least in its current form. Its operation/revenue was just too erratic with the massive influx of people during fireworks and the staff not being able to keep up with demand during that one short time period; then it being a ghost town at all other times of the day.
Instead, they are working on monetizing it better by requiring payment to visit the top of BLT in every circumstance. The CM thought it would take the form of the $100 per person July 4 fireworks paid events, but could be like a dinner reservation similar to Cali grill with return-rights, or perhaps just a straight-up entrance fee. Regardless, the CM literally said the words, "yeah members are NOT going to be happy when they announce the changes to TOTWL."
Hopefully just a rumor, but a worrying one. Can anyone confirm/substantiate?
I read all of the replies but no one seems to be pointing out that they did try a "dessert party" of sorts at TOTW (not holidays, either)...I cannot remember but I believe it included dinner at the Wave and then a reserved area on the outdoor viewing area with some wine or beer. It did not seem well attended despite them trying it out for several weeks, and a few of the long time TOTW CM's said it was not popular and people thought it overpriced since it was essentially dinner at the Wave then a place to watch the show which was literally a roped off area next to where everyone else watches the show.
Maybe a few people will pay 100.00 but there is not much seating there in the TOTW and certainly not much of what you might call "family friendly seating". Most families I observe come, watch outside and leave. Some sit with a drink then watch and leave. I often see tables occupied with no sales, so maybe they need to enforce a minimum spend for an hour before fireworks. Usually within a half hour most people have left when fireworks are done.
But the real issue (in my eyes) is...why would anyone pay MORE for a dessert party like event with a less enticing location? Are the fireworks great and the music piped in? Sure. But for 60.00 at MK you get savory apps, desserts, coffee and a perfect view of fireworks AND projections and all the extra things happening during the show. The 50th show is gearing up to have projections all up and down Main Street. Maybe some people will just want to see the fireworks but there is much more to these newer shows.
These are just my hunches but who knows what Disney will do or why they will do it? I have attended about a dozen dessert parties. For 60.00 for the after party, we get the perfect view in the "hub area" garden, then while everyone rushes out, we have our light dinner of the snacks, desserts and coffee. Paying more to watch from far away is not that appealing.
We also go to TOTW every night of every trip for a nightcap (via Disney transport or Lyft if we are not staying there). Normally when we get there the fireworks rush is over and it is after park people doing the same thing we are doing. In average year, my guess is we would be at TOTW probably 15-20 times when adding up all of our trips. About only one or two of those included fireworks, but we certainly did spend money there. In my observations, a large portion did not - they came, they watched, they left. I guess if there is a charge for prime time to just view the show many might not come, who knows. I would not pay 30 or 40 bucks for a viewing area when for 20 bucks more I can get a better view and cheeseburger egg rolls
included.
I have saved 47K on my two resale contracts so to save that amount on APs I would have to buy them 117 times in the next 46 years I have left....I think not!
