Joined: Nov 09, 2005 Posts: 1316 Location: Doyville, Ee-arth
Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 5:34 pm Post subject: Theme Park Special Events: Ripoff or Great Experience?
So today I was looking at information for the big Princess/Pirate/Whatever evening events they're doing at WDW. Lots of people witch and moan about how expensive these special events are, and I've pretty much discovered that I agree with them. Quel horreur!
It costs at least $140 for a family of four without discounts (assuming the two kids are under ten! if they're older, you're talking an extra twenty bucks...) to just get in the door. This doesn't include dinner or admission to the MK earlier in the day. There is a treasure hunt souvenir activity, but if it's anything like the trick or treating at MNSSHP, it's not going to be a major pillage by any stretch of the imagination. And sure, you do, in theory, have access to unique entertainment and a whole evening of thinned crowds to enjoy some of the better attractions...but to be honest, several of these special evenings are occuring during low season, when folks aren't exactly fighting through thick queues anyway. And, some of the show aspects reek of oldskool MNSSHP, where the dance parties and spooky storytelling are pretty much old hat. And isn't the 'pirate tutorial' a daily thing in Adventureland anyway? For a hundred-forty bucks, I want to see the Kraken bust through the ground and start sucking down tourists.
Now, I do agree that under some circumstances, special events might be worth a try. Lots of people say that VMC is worth it if you won't be at WDW when the parade and fireworks will be regular-admission perks. I think it's also fair enough to try NSSHP if you've never been, and really enjoy Hallowe'en parties. But given that the ticket prices have risen so much since these events began, I'm unsure that I can recommend them anymore. You can make the case that little kids will think it's special, but then I ask...aren't there better ways to spend that $140+ that the kids might like as much or more? I mean, you're at freaking WDW...you could put them money toward CRT or a deluxe bibbidi bobbidi makeovery thingy in the ripoff room at WoD. Or you could - GASP! - save the money for college or something.
Anyway. Like all of those Disneyland merch events, these started out as something special and interesting, but they're really not so much anymore. I loved the HM 30th anniversary event, but subsequent attempts to recreate the success of that first outing have kinda degenerated into cheap (er, expensive) shills for bizarre and uninteresting collectibles. I mean, who REALLY needs a POTC patio chair for goodness sake? I don't care if it IS made by some amazing figurine sculptor capable of painting the finest giclee reproductions this side of the Musee d'Orsay.
We've been to MVMCP and MNSSHP in WDW, ToT Opening Event, IJTFE 10 Aniversary, and a NBC event in DL, and I must say that you do pay a lot for getting a little. NBC was a huge dissapointment, but the ToT and Indy events were a blast. Mainly because we got to dress up and the people we were with made the evening great. I still say the ToT event was the best ever.
As for the holiday parties in WDW, I think they are good events, with MNSS being the better of the two. VMC is good, but it's more like an Extra Magic Hours thingy with a special parade and hot cocoa. Both are worth expereincing at least once, in my opinion.
But to Kali's point, Disney has gotten to the point of charging an awful lot for very little ROI (return on investment). But what's sad is that people will pay and since they will, Disney will still go cheap and charge a lot. _________________ When you're curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.
--Walt Disney
Joined: Mar 09, 2006 Posts: 809 Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 7:49 am Post subject:
I agree with DP. I've seen MNSSHP twice and liked it a lot, but for upwards of $35, it's probably something I'd leave off (although I don't have children). The parks are usually packed and I don't get to ride as much during that time. As for MVMCP, you have to experience snow on Main Street at least once
I miss the E-ride nights, where you could have an empty park. The days of being able to walk all the way from Adventureland through Frontierland to the Haunted Mansion without seeing another person are sadly gone. The EMHours are packed as well.
Joined: Nov 09, 2005 Posts: 1316 Location: Doyville, Ee-arth
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 10:08 am Post subject:
I agree with you both.
Kurt, I think there are quite a few adult parkgoers who go to the after hours special events because they want an experience akin to an E-ride night or empty extra magic hours - lots of good attractions late into the night without the crowds. But when the events ARE crowded and the prices are sky-high, they rebel. Perhaps Disney could reinstitute something like E nites, spend less on entertainment and other stupid extras, charge lower ticket prices, and make just as much money...
And David...you're right. It's up to us to provide feedback that demands better value. I loved MNSSHP, but for the price, I wouldn't go back. UNLESS they added more perks or lowered the price.
Joined: Mar 09, 2006 Posts: 809 Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 12:19 pm Post subject:
Unfortunately, last Sept. when I went it was absolutely packed during the EMH - almost as much as during normal park hours for the first two hours. That's my favorite time in the park - when it's empty and lit up.
I can see trying it once, or for a special occassion, but I can't see paying for these tickets twice. Frankly it is just not worth it in price or in stress.
Joined: Nov 09, 2005 Posts: 1316 Location: Doyville, Ee-arth
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 2:49 pm Post subject:
absolutely, wdwfan!
and yes, i realise that extra magic hours are often crowded, though people often expect they won't be. the good news is that they're free, and they DO offer you more time in the parks.
onecutemoose Bouncing Between Wonderland & Neverland
Joined: Nov 09, 2005 Posts: 6730
Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2007 1:49 pm Post subject:
I agree with DP...the company makes the event.
I think if more events had the theming of TOT te response would be muc greater. I thhink providing food would be better too.
We all went to Pirates and Princesses....grandma in our group said it was her favorite part of the trip. I enjoyed it a lot a I went around withh my seven year old buddy finding all the treasure spots.
I don't know if I'd do it again....but the fireworks show was INCREDIBLE....
In keeping with my prior post... I think I'd try pirates once... Can't see shelling out more than once. Two considerations....
I would repeat a Special event if I were with a different person/group.... So it was a trip with my niece, who has never experienced it.... I can see doing it again to share the experience. Same way if I had grandkids I could see making it a grandparent "tradition".
Next, if it offered something more than a candy I could get at the local drugstore for 2 bucks.... Then there might be repeat reason.
But at $30+ a ticket... for Spouse, self, kids(3), and I almost always bring a grandparent, or niece/nephew... it is $200 to start with. Rather use that to have a nice dinner in Epcot. (or 2 nice dinners in Kissimmee).
Extra hours, I'll do... and had a lot of fun doing them. Crowd seems more jolly. even more so than at hard ticket events.
Joined: Feb 21, 2006 Posts: 4196 Location: Sanford, Fl
Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 10:05 am Post subject:
Yeah, but some of us can't eat muffins..... stupid diet.....
Well, I have gone to the Halloween and Christmas events for the last several years and I have loved them....
We tried to go one of year and switch each year, but we both fell in love with the Halloween event....
For us, it is the stuff that they do during the event that you can't do during a normal visit or even extra magic hours.....
Things such as the special fireworks and parades, meeting different characters (you can only meet Maleficent during the Halloween party), the themed picture opportunities, the special "events" (my mother loves the trick or treating)....
Now, we also love the fact that we can hit all of the rides that we want, with almost no wait in lines (we are AP holders, we hate waiting)...
But, for some people, these extras may not be worth it for them.... I have not been to the P&P party, so I don't know first had if the extra's are worth it.... we may do it next year, just to say that we have done it and see if it is worth it....
Never been to any of the merchandise or ride events, so I can't comment on them.... But I do know most of those events (even the lousy special pin events) are just so expensive, I don't know if those would be worth it or not, can't afford to find out myself...
But yeah, I think it is different for each person (based on their likes and dislikes)... some of them, you have to go to see what all the fuss is about....
_________________ Up or Down North, South, East, or West An Adventurer's Life is Best!
Joined: Nov 09, 2005 Posts: 1316 Location: Doyville, Ee-arth
Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 11:47 am Post subject:
you're right...you do need to experience at least one to say 'meh'...and the value calculation depends on your personal preferences. and how much disposable income, you have, too.
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