Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt I didn't go to DLR last fall but the stories about the traffic, crowding, and overflowing parking lots were all over the fan sites. Yes, Disney is greedy, but I think the popularity of the Halloween fireworks at DLR has lead to this.
Originally Posted By x Pirate_Princess x I was there for 5 days last October. I don't recall it being too overly crowded. Heck, even my daughter got called up for the Jedi Training show. We even got great seats for the Halloween show, right in front of the castle. No one got stepped on or jostled. I had my girls with me, and we were surrounded by families with little ones while waiting. Maybe it was the week we went?
Originally Posted By CuriouserConstance "I didn't go to DLR last fall but the stories about the traffic, crowding, and overflowing parking lots were all over the fan sites. Yes, Disney is greedy, but I think the popularity of the Halloween fireworks at DLR has lead to this." Yes, I agree with Hans. What do you do when something has become too popular to accommodate all that want to take part? You charge more. That way, less people will come, but you'll still make the same, if not more money while making the experience much better for those that are there. There by, probably increasing the odds of repeat customers. I know I pay a lot of money when I go to the DLR, and there is nothing worse than to have the experience ruined because it's too crowded.
Originally Posted By CuriouserConstance I just found this link (posted it in another thread) but it discusses the possible ticket options Disney is considering adding. There was one that was exactly what we've been discussing, here is the link: <a href="http://www.insidethemagic.net/2010/08/surveys-show-disney-considering-vip-and-add-on-theme-park-ticket-options-for-walt-disney-world-and-disneyland/" target="_blank">http://www.insidethemagic.net/...neyland/</a> But here is the important part: "Premium Holiday Ticket –Entrance to the Magic Kingdom or Disneyland on popular holidays with a limit on the number of guests allowed in the park, allowing more time with characters and shorter lines for attractions ($99 per person, per day – $17 more than the current one-day ticket)"
Originally Posted By disneymomiof2 <<<This higher priced ticket most likely has just made it possible that during the fireworks show, I might not get coffee spilled on me and my toes run over for the umpteenth time by a stroller while trying to view Jack Skellington's bubble head>>> Wow 999HAUNTS...you DO have the option to not go, if it is in fact that horrible for you to enjoy.
Originally Posted By Kathi K "RE post #70-So just because you can't see 1 fireworks show your never going back to DL and going to punish your grandchild? I'm sorry but you sound just like an AP'er that thinks they are entitled to every thing. I wish I lived close enough to DL that I could go every day or every weekend. So what if you can't see 1 crummy fireworks show, at least you can go to DL when ever you want.-And for every one else thats been whining about this, you can still stand at the gates and watch them.-talk about taking some thing for granted" Guess what, Doombuggy?! The more I think about this the more angry I am. Here are my reasons. When I purchased my Premium AP in March it was with the understanding that I would be able to see the Halloween fireworks without an additional charge. Just like I did last year. I loved those fireworks more than any other but I think Disney has enough of our money, what with two Premiums and a Deluxe for the granddaughter and all the $$ we spend when we are there. And you think it would be us who is punishing the grandchild? Not the way I see it. She loves the fireworks. Last time we took her to World of Color just so she could experience it. She liked it but told her Papa last time we visited her that next time she wanted to go to the fireworks. So now, if she comes to visit during Halloween, we have to tell her that we can’t afford to spend about $150 extra just to be able to see Halloween fireworks. And, we have to time our visit to the proper day to see the other fireworks. So much for 365 day access. We are not rich but we use our tax return money each year to treat ourselves to passes. We have done this for about four years. We grew up in this area but are now in our late 50’s and have dreamed all our lives about having Disney passes. We don’t take them for granted but we sure do see Disney taking us for granted. Lastly, if we were to stand at the gate to watch fireworks it would not be nearly the same. I have no idea how long we would have to stand there and I physically can’t do that. So, all things considered we are, for the first time, questioning our purchase of APs next year. Seems to me that would make you happy.
Originally Posted By 999HAUNTS <Wow 999HAUNTS...you DO have the option to not go, if it is in fact that horrible for you to enjoy. Very nice of you to make your first post here on LP bashing me for explaining my experience. I never said I didn't enjoy the show. Completely the opposite. The fireworks show in my opinion is worth the money. I was merely explaining what happened to me as a direct result of the overcrowding. WOW back at you.
Originally Posted By doombuggy "So much for 365 day access." How are you not getting 365 day access? NO ONE is stopping you from going when ever you want. Just because you would have to leave early on a party day did NOT deny you access for that day. "When I purchased my Premium AP in March it was with the understanding that I would be able to see the Halloween fireworks without an additional charge." That's your own fault for thinking that. Read the terms of use, It clearly states things can change with out notice. What if they didn't do a Halloween show this year? Would you still feel like you were getting cheated?
Originally Posted By mickeymorris1234 (For me at least) I think that since the fireworks show was offered as apart of normal Halloween celebrations with-out being locked away in a pricey (hopefully worth it) party we feel cheated. My biggest complaint is what they are replacing it with is RDCT! Couldn't they come up with something at the very least keep Magical going!
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt I can understand feeling cheated. I get that. But to complain because your family can't see some fireworks at Disneyland because you can't afford to pay extra to take your grand kids to see them is something completely different. Consider the fact that some families can't afford to go to Disneyland at all. Seriously, I think some perspective is needed here.
Originally Posted By doombuggy Doc Hans, That's exactly what made me mad about her comments. AP'ers can go WHEN EVER they want to. Every one else in the world gets to go once or never in their lives. Do I think it's crummy what DL is doing? sure. But I'm not going to cut my nose off over 1 fireworks show. If I was an AP'er I'd still be thankful I can go WHEN EVER I WANT! This is from DL's terms of use page. updated 4-13-10 "Passports are not valid for private events or events that require a separate admission." "Passports do not guarantee theme park admission, are nonrefundable, nontransferable and remain the property of Disney. Restrictions apply including, but not limited to, capacity constraints." This one drives it home "Parks, services, entertainment and attractions may change operating hours, close temporarily, or may otherwise change or be discontinued without notice and without liability."
Originally Posted By CuriouserConstance I saw a clip of the Halloween Fireworks online, and it looks like an awesome show. If I was going to DL during this time, I'd do anything I could to make the show! But alas, I'm poor for the time being, and me and my husband have opposite schedules and no vacation time, and have to start thinking ahead to Christmas, so no extra money for awhile
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub Another way to look at this: sometimes it is fun to whine out loud and complain that life feels unfair until your friends help you put it all in perspective. I hope we all remain LP friends as we work out our love for Disney!
Originally Posted By pleiades357 Uhmmm... are we hoping that people who are paying more for an exclusive will behave better? I that works... let me know ;-)
Originally Posted By pleiades357 What I wonder if is there will be compensation for APs who bought their passes expecting certain hours and now will find that the park is closing early (?if I understand it) and they are expected to pay extra? is that the way it is working this year? I haven't looked at the schedule, won't effect me much, but have friends who take their families and often stay late...
Originally Posted By dsnykid Why would there be compensation to AP holders if the park opens early? When we buy our APs it is made VERY clear that it doesn't guarantee you entrance to the park as quoted in post 91. They are charging extra for a show - I am very happy they are because I think the crowds at the free shows are too much and in my opinion, incredibly unsafe. I have no intention of travelling to Disneyland during Halloween - it seems to be a very busy time as many of my students and others in our school system, end up going with their families. Should I get a refund because I'm an AP holder and know it's going to be busy, so I avoid the park? No and any one who thinks so has an incredibly selfish and narcissistic view of the world in my opinion. If seeing the fireworks are so important to you, you have 4-6 weeks to set aside small amounts of money each week to pay for it, otherwise, you don't go and life continues on.
Originally Posted By pleiades357 *****No and any one who thinks so has an incredibly selfish and narcissistic view of the world in my opinion. If seeing the fireworks are so important to you, you have 4-6 weeks to set aside small amounts of money each week to pay for it, otherwise, you don't go and life continues on.****** I think you are taking it a lot more seriously than I intended and it was not about me, I don't stay late as I said. Yes, Disney can change the schedule any way they want to any time, but that does not encompass the fact that buyers generally expect it to be somewhat the way is was previously. I hope things improve for you.
