People need to take an honest look at the evening hours, for a few years, they were way too crowded.
Additionally, a lot of the distinctions between value, moderate and deluxe resorts have been blurred with added transportation options like the Skyliner, more Hugh end offerings at Coronado Springs, etc. This will help bring back a bit of distinction between categories of resorts.
And this will also help ensure that evening hours don’t get overcrowded.
I also wouldn’t be surprised if Disney provides some extra FP benefits to moderate and deluxe resorts when FP comes back and maybe even makes the dining plan work differently at each category of resort or have different pricing depending on category of resort. Again, there needs to be more distinction between levels of resorts to justify the price differences.
If you paid $400/night more than me I would say you deserve more perks than 20 extra square feet in your room. Universal does it with the front of the line passes. You pay more you should get more.
I feel like Disney is already pricing out the average person with ALL the increases in prices. EVERYTHING has gone up and not just a little. Many, many prices have DOUBLED. The 25.00 parking for guests staying at the Disney resorts was a slap in the face as far as I’m concerned. There are already advantages to staying in the top level resorts. Nicer rooms, more space, closer to the parks. It is getting harder and harder for the average family to be able to go to Disney. All the resorts are high priced. I just don’t think this is fair. It should be for everyone who stays at a Disney resort.
They have to increase pricing. Everything in the world is going up. My local theme park is paying their employees $20 an hour. This is what happens when we
Everyone is getting all of these stimulus checks and it’s supposed to go back into the economy. Inflation is a real thing.
I don’t think you understand discrimination given your comment. It is not discriminatory for a business to charge more money for more services and higher end amenities. Just like it’s OK for Hilton to charge more than a Motel 6 across the street.
Mike, the Grand Floridian, for instance is not competing against the All Stars. It is competing against the Waldorf, JW Marriott, Four Seasons, and more that are on property and priced less or about the same. Disney is using their ability to grant exclusive access to the parks to compete. Has nothing to do with the moderate and value class of resorts.
One more comment. The US Is becoming more and more the country of the rich and the rest doesn’t matter. This is more and more obvious everyday. It’s the average American who keeps the country and economy going. One of these days I hope people realize this. Disney is following right along with “the rich only matter”. When the park starts to have less and less people, maybe then the people in charge will wake up!!! Walt would NEVER agree with the present state of affairs.
Well said Chris. The Disney Deluxe resorts are now competing with 7 Hilton’s on property, 4 Marriotts, the Four Seasons, etc. they need to compete where those others can’t: intellectual property in the resorts and access to the parks. As for all the people complaining about affordability, there are more options than ever for all budgets. Disney themselves have over 16,000 moderate and value rooms on property. There are also options to do split stays such as 4 nights at a value and 3 nights at a deluxe.
Yes. It’s a business with stockholders, not a charity. You are absolutely right. If they didn’t make money, they’d close. When they can’t report a profit, that’s when things would change. But while they have a profit, they’re doing exactly as they’re supposed to do.
Well here is the problem in of itself. Why does one need a reservation when they are back to full capacity? The perks of the deluxe resorts are there already larger rooms fewer guests, better food choices, better locations, and so on. Also, I would like to stay at a couple of deluxe resorts but most of them are not as interesting as many of the value and moderate resorts. Further, the value resorts are not a value anymore. I can get a room off properly for 1/3of the price and pay the same daily parking fee that resort guests are paying. The only perk that make the resorts nice is the extra magic hours. Taking away from that makes me say no to Disney even more. If people said their disappointment with dollars Disney would get the message.
Walt Disney was a businessman who designed his business to make money. They now have stockholders to be accountable to. It never was a charity or about some fanciful notion of doing good for the world. It’s a money-making operation, which is ok.
Ridiculous Kay. Your statement would be true if Disney only built Deluxe category resorts on property. But they in fact, built value and moderate resorts with over 16,000 rooms (about half the rooms they have on property) for those with smaller budgets or who just don’t feel the need to spend quadruple at a deluxe.
I have been a passholder for six years and the past year and half can only go with a reservation. This does not help us at all. What do we get as passholders. Nothing. I’m so disappointed in this. So ready for the reservation system to be done! We are the ones who put out the the most money to go to the parks when we want and cant. Also what about the annual waterpark passes. When can I get this back?? Don’t feel like I should have to pay 55 eventide I want to go. So I haven’t been
Umm, you get exactly what you paid for: entry to the parks every day that’s not blocked out for one price… that’s way lower than buying all the days individually.
So let me get this straight Shirley… you are an ANNUAL PASSHOLDER and can go WHENEVER you want. Some of us that live thousands of miles away and can only go once every 4-5 years. So because I save my money and spend more money daily on hotels and Disney sees that and wants to recognize it in the form of an extra hour, you are mad?? Maybe you should just go to Universal and not bother us at Disney… You are acting like a spoiled child! Do us all a favor and take all the other like-minded whiners with you, that way everyone there actually wants to be there!
I don’t even know where to start with this..so many people can’t even afford Disney and when they do and save up for a long time..even w/ the pandemic they should be getting all the benefits like this jus as everyone else….like it used to be….and that is key because there have been so many changes to Disney w/ the pandemic too and I feel they are using this pandemic to make all these changes and it’s upsetting alot of people ..we go all the time..spend alot of money and this painting this trip this time has been a nightmare and my husband is about fed up wanting to spend our money elsewhere…people want it simple..easy..and they pay alot of money to do so and have benefits like this as it should be to everyone…I hope someone really listens to this!!
Christina what makes Disney different from other vacation destinations in that you think they should be “affordable to everyone”? Do you feel that Mediterranean cruises, Alaskan Fishing trips, Skiing in Vale, Hawaiian resorts should be affordable to everyone too? Disney, unlike these few examples have over 10,000 value rooms available. And no, a person paying $149 a night at All Star Movies should not get every benefit that someone paying $850 a night at the Polynesian gets.
How are they going to enforce this? How will they know if we are staying at a moderate or deluxe? Scan our magic bands? Magic bands aren’t free anymore, not everyone is wearing one anymore.
Just like the night
paid night events, you have to go to special location to get a wristband of sorts. At that point you’d have to show you paid for the party or in this case are staying at certain hotels. By a certain time of night, if you aren’t wearing a band the park employees stop you from getting onto rides.
They will literally have 3-5 cast members check tickets and magic bands before crossing bridges into the various lands like Adventure Land, Tomorrow Land and at other locations. If you are not supposed to be there they advise you to make your way to the exit.
The way it worked before with the old evening Extra Magic Hours that were available to all Resort Guest. Magic Bands were scanned at the entrance of every attraction to let you in the line. Never seen anyone that wasn’t a resort guest escorted out you just couldn’t get in lines.
I’m so disappointed right now. The best reason (and the only reason) to go during the busy (and hottest!) time of the year is because of the extended hours! I will be VERY unhappy if I just booked a ten day trip at a moderate resort and can’t stay late!
Some of the most magical moments can be seen at night. As a former Cast member, I remember how beautiful the later hours were! The true ambiance of the Magic Kingdom shone through with the lighting, and the mood. As an Annual Passholder now, and for quite a few years previous, I recall being able to stay in any of the parks offering extra evening hours and take it all in – even the rest of the Guests had a different attitude, like the magic really touched them. Unfortunately, I think WDW and the company as a whole lost some of the feel of their OWN magic and lost sight of what they are meant to be…so very disappointing, yes…but everything could still be closed, too.
I don’t think they will necessarily will kick you out of the park in the extra evening hours, you just can’t get on the rides anymore. Perfect time to just walk tge park and take it all in (at least I don’t think they kick you out so don’t quote me on that.)
I’m disappointed that the early entry doesn’t start until October right??
And that late night are for deluxe guests. Sorry but that is not right. Everyone pays to stay on property no matter what resort to have added perks, even paying for parking isn’t right either. So it shouldn’t be for the few select that are willing to pay the more expensive. Disney was so much better before this stupid pandemic screwed everything up.
Exactly, EVERYONE pays extra to stay on property! There are way better prices off property even with the cost of parking at the parks.
We’ve stayed in delux and economy Disney hotels. ALL are wonderful, the difference to us is you’re paying for posh and a lot of little extras, closer to parks, and better transportation. But all had the SAME extra hours, the staggered before or after hours depending on the day of the week. This giving it only to the privileged, those with money IS DISCRIMINATION! That’s why it feels bad and is wrong! I’m so sad because more and more Disney is becoming available only to the “haves” or “1%”. I believe Walt’s dream was for everyone around the world could afford the Disney experience.
I think it’s great when you stay at to the deluxe resort you should get more for what you spend but Disney should also move the bus stops closer we always stay at animal kingdom lodge and it’s one of the bus stops that is the longest walk at animal kingdom and magic kingdom kingdom when you pay that much don’t make us walk so far
I don’t care,already booked Boo bash, the following day to Magic kingdom again. I will skip my happy belated birthday self all over the park 8 month’s later. ?
I really enjoyed both extra magic hours at night and the extra ticketed after hours events. I also feel getting up early to either enjoy magic mornings or just a less crowded park in the a.m. is worth the lost sleep. ( BTW I kind of don’t love the parks in the hot afternoon and often escape to my lodging for a nap). Is it possible that attendance at the high priced resorts is lagging and Disney needs to entice? As an A.P. I have decided to stay more often at Disney vs off property because of the park pass allotment given to resort guest. Sorry but unless it is a milestone birthday or anniversary its just not in my budget to stay at a “Deluxe” resort.
My beef with only Deluxe resorts getting the extra evening hours is that the early morning you only get SELECT attractions/rides at the early bird park and EVERYONE has that if staying on property. The extra evening hours guests get ALL attractions/rides so they are getting to choose what they do in extra time, but the morning people are at the mercy of what WDW choose to have open.
This discrimination and NOT what Walt or Roy would have done. They’re already pricing things so high most families can’t truly afford to go. It used to be a running joke about having to take a second mortgage to spend a vacation at WDW, now that is reality and not funny.
WDW with all the changes to hours and having to reserve your “fast pass” or what park on what day, Disney is quickly losing the “Most Magical Place on Earth” feel. Most people on vacation are trying to avoid schedules, while Disney is tightening to a scheduled place. So sad.
The attraction thing is going to be based on what rides are probably ready to run at that time. By the night everything is already running and doesn’t need extra Maintenance to come check out the rides. Every ride has to be tested and approved before it can open to guests. I also don’t believe it’s discrimination…. You’re paying extra to get extra. You’re not going to stay at a Super 8 and extra all of the same perks as a Hilton.
Wish I could chime in with first hand knowledge, but we visit Florida with our cats… none of the hotels allow cats. No extra hours at all for cat people.
I feel like Disney is already pricing out the average person with ALL the increases in prices. EVERYTHING has gone up and not just a little. Many, many prices have DOUBLED. The 25.00 parking for guests staying at the Disney resorts was a slap in the face as far as I’m concerned. There are already advantages to staying in the top level resorts. Nicer rooms, more space, closer to the parks. It is getting harder and harder for the average family to be able to go to Disney. All the resorts are high priced. I just don’t think this is fair. It should be for everyone who stays at a Disney resort.
I feel like Disney is already pricing out the average person with ALL the increases in prices. EVERYTHING has gone up and not just a little. Many, many prices have DOUBLED. The 25.00 parking for guests staying at the Disney resorts was a slap in the face as far as I’m concerned. There are already advantages to staying in the top level resorts. Nicer rooms, more space, closer to the parks. It is getting harder and harder for the average family to be able to go to Disney. All the resorts are high priced. I just don’t think this is fair. It should be for everyone who stays at a Disney resort.
Disney is well-known for not being fair! It isn’t fair that one park in the US has annual passes and the other park doesn’t, so we shouldn’t take for granted that an annual pass is a carte blanche for everything Disney. Enjoy the perks that you are given because you’ll really miss them if they’re ever taken away!
I agree Glenn. Disney is a for profit company and can do what they want. Take it from people that love both US parks and lost their AP to DLR. It can go away at any time. We have saved and are bringing a 9 yr old next March for the 50th, and we are disappointed that we can’t afford a Deluxe hotel to take advantage of the magic hour at night. But as I told him, we don’t own the park we just have to follow the rules if we go or stay home. Grateful we are going and we will get an extra hour of sleep I guess 🙂
I think this is a nice perk! Everyone staying on property can get early access to every park every day. Then deluxe guests get extra evening hours at a park of Disney’s choosing. Universal has been giving their deluxe guests extra perks for years. It’s time for Disney to do the same.
Let’s not forget morning hours tend to be only be an hour while evening hours have been up to 3. Bad enough to stand in a line for over an hour for a ride that is simply minutes long. That is always fun to explain to a 5YO.
I think that some comments are missing a point here. Perhaps Disney is throwing a bone to DVC owners. So be it. It might be due to transportation issues. Not thrilled but we don’t know the closing park times. They need to bring back the days when buses dropped you off close to the entrance and only Disney resort guests got the benefits and not those Disney Spring off property hotels got them.. FYI, if you stay more than 5 days on property you should get the transportation from the airport free. You are a captive guest and will spend your money there.
As far as I’m concerned this is blatant discrimination! Whether you stay in a cheaper hotel or not Disney is still making money. If I had been one of Walt’s daughters I would have never allowed this kind of treatment to the guests. I’m sure Walt is spinning in his grave knowing how greedy those who now run the company are!!! What a shame.
So what disney is saying that not EVERY night is just for the people who stay in the fancier resorts? Cause everyone can’t afford those resorts unless you have a job that pays you very well. Well I dont have that kind of a job, cause I’m one of the frontliners and I work hard for what I make. And so when we go to Disney in a few months I hope I can enjoy the extra magic hours if I wish too. But i will do the early morning ones though, cause I’ve always wanted to see Disney at Christmas time!!
I really like that they are doing to magic hours this way. I remember when jt was for every guest and it was miserable. If guests are spending way more on rooms I don’t understand why it’s such a big deal to get these perks. You get what you pay for. Disney doesn’t have to do any extended magic hours but they choose too. The fact of the matter is there will always be disney fans who aren’t happy with what disney decides to do unless it benefits everyone.
I remember a time disney extra night hours cost extra and was open to all who stayed on grounds (you got a special cheap arm band to prove it). I really liked that cause you have to many families dragging small children who are tired around til 1 or 2 in the morning. But early hours where part of the package to staying on grounds and families with the young kids who get up early where happy cause the older kids slept in.
People will complain no matter what when change occurs. They are beginning to follow Universals very successful business plan. Pay to play as they have proven people will spend more for perks and extras. I wouldnt be surprised if paying for faster ride access (something to replace FPs) also begins soon. Its a business. They are out to make money. And in fairness the demand for Disney will be at an all time high for the 50th. Now is the time to see if this will work. If not in 21 months when the 50th celebration ends you may things revert if they fail. But I expect the new norm to be pay to play.
ALL WDW resort guests should be granted Early AND Late Extra Magic Hour access to all the parks. That is, at least ONE FULL HOUR of each EVERY DAY! To deprive the Moderate and Budget guests of these privileges gives them less incentive to stay on- property! The Company must stop pinching pennies and give the public what it wants!!!
The decision to have extra evening magic hours for deluxe resorts and villas is just fine. Those guest make a decision to save, budget and pay to stay in them and have the perks that go with them. That is no different than every facet of life. I’ve stayed at every class of resort depending on my budget and type of trip i want to have. This is NOT about catering to the rich or discriminating against poor. There are more resorts on property and within 15 minutes of the parks than ever that cater to all budgets. Plenty of options for those not able or willing to pay Disney Deluxe prices. There now 7 Hilton owned resorts on Disney property, all priced at or below the price of most Disney moderates. Again, you pay for what you get. Don’t buy an economy plane ticket and complain that you don’t get the perks of a First Class ticket. Don’t stay at Motel 6 and complain that there isn’t a lazy river, pool bar, and room service. Don’t buy a Chevy Spark and complain that you don’t have heated seats and a navigation system. Get it?
Comments for Fans Aren’t Happy With Disney’s New Extra Hours, Here’s Why
Chris
People need to take an honest look at the evening hours, for a few years, they were way too crowded.
Additionally, a lot of the distinctions between value, moderate and deluxe resorts have been blurred with added transportation options like the Skyliner, more Hugh end offerings at Coronado Springs, etc. This will help bring back a bit of distinction between categories of resorts.
And this will also help ensure that evening hours don’t get overcrowded.
I also wouldn’t be surprised if Disney provides some extra FP benefits to moderate and deluxe resorts when FP comes back and maybe even makes the dining plan work differently at each category of resort or have different pricing depending on category of resort. Again, there needs to be more distinction between levels of resorts to justify the price differences.
Mike
Isn’t the distinction in the price difference already found in quality of resorts, room sizes and in some cases location?
Kay
Amen
Michael Perez
If you paid $400/night more than me I would say you deserve more perks than 20 extra square feet in your room. Universal does it with the front of the line passes. You pay more you should get more.
Christine Robertson
I feel like Disney is already pricing out the average person with ALL the increases in prices. EVERYTHING has gone up and not just a little. Many, many prices have DOUBLED. The 25.00 parking for guests staying at the Disney resorts was a slap in the face as far as I’m concerned. There are already advantages to staying in the top level resorts. Nicer rooms, more space, closer to the parks. It is getting harder and harder for the average family to be able to go to Disney. All the resorts are high priced. I just don’t think this is fair. It should be for everyone who stays at a Disney resort.
Sharon
The most ridiculous parking fee is that they charge you an extra parking fee to park at the cabins in Fort Wilderness.
Each of the cabins have their very own driveway!
No one else can use it. It’s PART of the cabin. It will sit empty and unused if you don’t use it. But you have to pay for it. Nonsense.
Savannah
They have to increase pricing. Everything in the world is going up. My local theme park is paying their employees $20 an hour. This is what happens when we
Everyone is getting all of these stimulus checks and it’s supposed to go back into the economy. Inflation is a real thing.
Eugenia
Disney is in business to make money. “Fair” doesn’t have anything to do with it. I
Shawna L. Kicklighter
Seems highly discriminatory.We cannot afford deluxe or luxury hotel rates. Seems like Disney is trying to recoup their Covid 19 losses $$$
KenR
I don’t think you understand discrimination given your comment. It is not discriminatory for a business to charge more money for more services and higher end amenities. Just like it’s OK for Hilton to charge more than a Motel 6 across the street.
Kenr
Mike, the Grand Floridian, for instance is not competing against the All Stars. It is competing against the Waldorf, JW Marriott, Four Seasons, and more that are on property and priced less or about the same. Disney is using their ability to grant exclusive access to the parks to compete. Has nothing to do with the moderate and value class of resorts.
Christine Robertson
One more comment. The US Is becoming more and more the country of the rich and the rest doesn’t matter. This is more and more obvious everyday. It’s the average American who keeps the country and economy going. One of these days I hope people realize this. Disney is following right along with “the rich only matter”. When the park starts to have less and less people, maybe then the people in charge will wake up!!! Walt would NEVER agree with the present state of affairs.
KenR
Well said Chris. The Disney Deluxe resorts are now competing with 7 Hilton’s on property, 4 Marriotts, the Four Seasons, etc. they need to compete where those others can’t: intellectual property in the resorts and access to the parks. As for all the people complaining about affordability, there are more options than ever for all budgets. Disney themselves have over 16,000 moderate and value rooms on property. There are also options to do split stays such as 4 nights at a value and 3 nights at a deluxe.
Sue
They want to give to the ones who send the most money. Bottom line. Disney is about $$$$$.
Ting Ming
Yes. It’s a business with stockholders, not a charity. You are absolutely right. If they didn’t make money, they’d close. When they can’t report a profit, that’s when things would change. But while they have a profit, they’re doing exactly as they’re supposed to do.
Tim
Well here is the problem in of itself. Why does one need a reservation when they are back to full capacity? The perks of the deluxe resorts are there already larger rooms fewer guests, better food choices, better locations, and so on. Also, I would like to stay at a couple of deluxe resorts but most of them are not as interesting as many of the value and moderate resorts. Further, the value resorts are not a value anymore. I can get a room off properly for 1/3of the price and pay the same daily parking fee that resort guests are paying. The only perk that make the resorts nice is the extra magic hours. Taking away from that makes me say no to Disney even more. If people said their disappointment with dollars Disney would get the message.
Kay
That is very true. I believe Walt would be sad at the way the parks are being run. It was to be for families.??
Christine Robertson
EXACTLY!!! Soon many families will not be able to go and pay these exorbitant prices. Very sad.
Ting Ming
Walt Disney was a businessman who designed his business to make money. They now have stockholders to be accountable to. It never was a charity or about some fanciful notion of doing good for the world. It’s a money-making operation, which is ok.
Kenr
Ridiculous Kay. Your statement would be true if Disney only built Deluxe category resorts on property. But they in fact, built value and moderate resorts with over 16,000 rooms (about half the rooms they have on property) for those with smaller budgets or who just don’t feel the need to spend quadruple at a deluxe.
Shirley
I have been a passholder for six years and the past year and half can only go with a reservation. This does not help us at all. What do we get as passholders. Nothing. I’m so disappointed in this. So ready for the reservation system to be done! We are the ones who put out the the most money to go to the parks when we want and cant. Also what about the annual waterpark passes. When can I get this back?? Don’t feel like I should have to pay 55 eventide I want to go. So I haven’t been
Wanda
“What do we get as passholders?”
Umm, you get exactly what you paid for: entry to the parks every day that’s not blocked out for one price… that’s way lower than buying all the days individually.
Sherry McCourt
How will the later night hours work? How will they know if you are already in the park, or is it after the park closes?
Michael
So let me get this straight Shirley… you are an ANNUAL PASSHOLDER and can go WHENEVER you want. Some of us that live thousands of miles away and can only go once every 4-5 years. So because I save my money and spend more money daily on hotels and Disney sees that and wants to recognize it in the form of an extra hour, you are mad?? Maybe you should just go to Universal and not bother us at Disney… You are acting like a spoiled child! Do us all a favor and take all the other like-minded whiners with you, that way everyone there actually wants to be there!
Christina
I don’t even know where to start with this..so many people can’t even afford Disney and when they do and save up for a long time..even w/ the pandemic they should be getting all the benefits like this jus as everyone else….like it used to be….and that is key because there have been so many changes to Disney w/ the pandemic too and I feel they are using this pandemic to make all these changes and it’s upsetting alot of people ..we go all the time..spend alot of money and this painting this trip this time has been a nightmare and my husband is about fed up wanting to spend our money elsewhere…people want it simple..easy..and they pay alot of money to do so and have benefits like this as it should be to everyone…I hope someone really listens to this!!
KenR
Christina what makes Disney different from other vacation destinations in that you think they should be “affordable to everyone”? Do you feel that Mediterranean cruises, Alaskan Fishing trips, Skiing in Vale, Hawaiian resorts should be affordable to everyone too? Disney, unlike these few examples have over 10,000 value rooms available. And no, a person paying $149 a night at All Star Movies should not get every benefit that someone paying $850 a night at the Polynesian gets.
Beautiful gorgeous
How are they going to enforce this? How will they know if we are staying at a moderate or deluxe? Scan our magic bands? Magic bands aren’t free anymore, not everyone is wearing one anymore.
Lauren
Just like the night
paid night events, you have to go to special location to get a wristband of sorts. At that point you’d have to show you paid for the party or in this case are staying at certain hotels. By a certain time of night, if you aren’t wearing a band the park employees stop you from getting onto rides.
Brian
Still if I am already in the park how are they going to enforce it? Scan my wrist whenever I go on a ride?
JS
Yep. That’s exactly what they do.
KenR
They will literally have 3-5 cast members check tickets and magic bands before crossing bridges into the various lands like Adventure Land, Tomorrow Land and at other locations. If you are not supposed to be there they advise you to make your way to the exit.
TA
The way it worked before with the old evening Extra Magic Hours that were available to all Resort Guest. Magic Bands were scanned at the entrance of every attraction to let you in the line. Never seen anyone that wasn’t a resort guest escorted out you just couldn’t get in lines.
Jennie Duncan
I’m so disappointed right now. The best reason (and the only reason) to go during the busy (and hottest!) time of the year is because of the extended hours! I will be VERY unhappy if I just booked a ten day trip at a moderate resort and can’t stay late!
Lisa
Some of the most magical moments can be seen at night. As a former Cast member, I remember how beautiful the later hours were! The true ambiance of the Magic Kingdom shone through with the lighting, and the mood. As an Annual Passholder now, and for quite a few years previous, I recall being able to stay in any of the parks offering extra evening hours and take it all in – even the rest of the Guests had a different attitude, like the magic really touched them. Unfortunately, I think WDW and the company as a whole lost some of the feel of their OWN magic and lost sight of what they are meant to be…so very disappointing, yes…but everything could still be closed, too.
JS
I don’t think they will necessarily will kick you out of the park in the extra evening hours, you just can’t get on the rides anymore. Perfect time to just walk tge park and take it all in (at least I don’t think they kick you out so don’t quote me on that.)
Tamara
So disappointed in Disney, it’s geared for the rich. Working families don’t have a chance. Money, money money..
kathy barr
So true ?
kathy barr
I’m disappointed that the early entry doesn’t start until October right??
And that late night are for deluxe guests. Sorry but that is not right. Everyone pays to stay on property no matter what resort to have added perks, even paying for parking isn’t right either. So it shouldn’t be for the few select that are willing to pay the more expensive. Disney was so much better before this stupid pandemic screwed everything up.
SG
Exactly, EVERYONE pays extra to stay on property! There are way better prices off property even with the cost of parking at the parks.
We’ve stayed in delux and economy Disney hotels. ALL are wonderful, the difference to us is you’re paying for posh and a lot of little extras, closer to parks, and better transportation. But all had the SAME extra hours, the staggered before or after hours depending on the day of the week. This giving it only to the privileged, those with money IS DISCRIMINATION! That’s why it feels bad and is wrong! I’m so sad because more and more Disney is becoming available only to the “haves” or “1%”. I believe Walt’s dream was for everyone around the world could afford the Disney experience.
Fran
“This giving it only to the privileged, those with money IS DISCRIMINATION!”
LOL, then anything that costs money is discrimination.
Edward Snyder
I think it’s great when you stay at to the deluxe resort you should get more for what you spend but Disney should also move the bus stops closer we always stay at animal kingdom lodge and it’s one of the bus stops that is the longest walk at animal kingdom and magic kingdom kingdom when you pay that much don’t make us walk so far
Evelyn Morales
I don’t care,already booked Boo bash, the following day to Magic kingdom again. I will skip my happy belated birthday self all over the park 8 month’s later. ?
Thomas
I really enjoyed both extra magic hours at night and the extra ticketed after hours events. I also feel getting up early to either enjoy magic mornings or just a less crowded park in the a.m. is worth the lost sleep. ( BTW I kind of don’t love the parks in the hot afternoon and often escape to my lodging for a nap). Is it possible that attendance at the high priced resorts is lagging and Disney needs to entice? As an A.P. I have decided to stay more often at Disney vs off property because of the park pass allotment given to resort guest. Sorry but unless it is a milestone birthday or anniversary its just not in my budget to stay at a “Deluxe” resort.
Kit
My beef with only Deluxe resorts getting the extra evening hours is that the early morning you only get SELECT attractions/rides at the early bird park and EVERYONE has that if staying on property. The extra evening hours guests get ALL attractions/rides so they are getting to choose what they do in extra time, but the morning people are at the mercy of what WDW choose to have open.
This discrimination and NOT what Walt or Roy would have done. They’re already pricing things so high most families can’t truly afford to go. It used to be a running joke about having to take a second mortgage to spend a vacation at WDW, now that is reality and not funny.
WDW with all the changes to hours and having to reserve your “fast pass” or what park on what day, Disney is quickly losing the “Most Magical Place on Earth” feel. Most people on vacation are trying to avoid schedules, while Disney is tightening to a scheduled place. So sad.
Savannah
The attraction thing is going to be based on what rides are probably ready to run at that time. By the night everything is already running and doesn’t need extra Maintenance to come check out the rides. Every ride has to be tested and approved before it can open to guests. I also don’t believe it’s discrimination…. You’re paying extra to get extra. You’re not going to stay at a Super 8 and extra all of the same perks as a Hilton.
Wreckit Ralph
Wish I could chime in with first hand knowledge, but we visit Florida with our cats… none of the hotels allow cats. No extra hours at all for cat people.
Christine Robertson
I feel like Disney is already pricing out the average person with ALL the increases in prices. EVERYTHING has gone up and not just a little. Many, many prices have DOUBLED. The 25.00 parking for guests staying at the Disney resorts was a slap in the face as far as I’m concerned. There are already advantages to staying in the top level resorts. Nicer rooms, more space, closer to the parks. It is getting harder and harder for the average family to be able to go to Disney. All the resorts are high priced. I just don’t think this is fair. It should be for everyone who stays at a Disney resort.
Christine Robertson
I feel like Disney is already pricing out the average person with ALL the increases in prices. EVERYTHING has gone up and not just a little. Many, many prices have DOUBLED. The 25.00 parking for guests staying at the Disney resorts was a slap in the face as far as I’m concerned. There are already advantages to staying in the top level resorts. Nicer rooms, more space, closer to the parks. It is getting harder and harder for the average family to be able to go to Disney. All the resorts are high priced. I just don’t think this is fair. It should be for everyone who stays at a Disney resort.
Glenn
Disney is well-known for not being fair! It isn’t fair that one park in the US has annual passes and the other park doesn’t, so we shouldn’t take for granted that an annual pass is a carte blanche for everything Disney. Enjoy the perks that you are given because you’ll really miss them if they’re ever taken away!
CJ
I agree Glenn. Disney is a for profit company and can do what they want. Take it from people that love both US parks and lost their AP to DLR. It can go away at any time. We have saved and are bringing a 9 yr old next March for the 50th, and we are disappointed that we can’t afford a Deluxe hotel to take advantage of the magic hour at night. But as I told him, we don’t own the park we just have to follow the rules if we go or stay home. Grateful we are going and we will get an extra hour of sleep I guess 🙂
Stefanie
I think this is a nice perk! Everyone staying on property can get early access to every park every day. Then deluxe guests get extra evening hours at a park of Disney’s choosing. Universal has been giving their deluxe guests extra perks for years. It’s time for Disney to do the same.
Sheigh
Let’s not forget morning hours tend to be only be an hour while evening hours have been up to 3. Bad enough to stand in a line for over an hour for a ride that is simply minutes long. That is always fun to explain to a 5YO.
Deb
I think that some comments are missing a point here. Perhaps Disney is throwing a bone to DVC owners. So be it. It might be due to transportation issues. Not thrilled but we don’t know the closing park times. They need to bring back the days when buses dropped you off close to the entrance and only Disney resort guests got the benefits and not those Disney Spring off property hotels got them.. FYI, if you stay more than 5 days on property you should get the transportation from the airport free. You are a captive guest and will spend your money there.
Barb
As far as I’m concerned this is blatant discrimination! Whether you stay in a cheaper hotel or not Disney is still making money. If I had been one of Walt’s daughters I would have never allowed this kind of treatment to the guests. I’m sure Walt is spinning in his grave knowing how greedy those who now run the company are!!! What a shame.
Diane
So what disney is saying that not EVERY night is just for the people who stay in the fancier resorts? Cause everyone can’t afford those resorts unless you have a job that pays you very well. Well I dont have that kind of a job, cause I’m one of the frontliners and I work hard for what I make. And so when we go to Disney in a few months I hope I can enjoy the extra magic hours if I wish too. But i will do the early morning ones though, cause I’ve always wanted to see Disney at Christmas time!!
Savannah
I really like that they are doing to magic hours this way. I remember when jt was for every guest and it was miserable. If guests are spending way more on rooms I don’t understand why it’s such a big deal to get these perks. You get what you pay for. Disney doesn’t have to do any extended magic hours but they choose too. The fact of the matter is there will always be disney fans who aren’t happy with what disney decides to do unless it benefits everyone.
Paul
I don’t like that everybody can’t enjoy the extended hours… Disney was made for everyone……. NOT just the privilege.
Theresa Spradling
I remember a time disney extra night hours cost extra and was open to all who stayed on grounds (you got a special cheap arm band to prove it). I really liked that cause you have to many families dragging small children who are tired around til 1 or 2 in the morning. But early hours where part of the package to staying on grounds and families with the young kids who get up early where happy cause the older kids slept in.
Brian Sparhawk
People will complain no matter what when change occurs. They are beginning to follow Universals very successful business plan. Pay to play as they have proven people will spend more for perks and extras. I wouldnt be surprised if paying for faster ride access (something to replace FPs) also begins soon. Its a business. They are out to make money. And in fairness the demand for Disney will be at an all time high for the 50th. Now is the time to see if this will work. If not in 21 months when the 50th celebration ends you may things revert if they fail. But I expect the new norm to be pay to play.
Matthew Brewster
ALL WDW resort guests should be granted Early AND Late Extra Magic Hour access to all the parks. That is, at least ONE FULL HOUR of each EVERY DAY! To deprive the Moderate and Budget guests of these privileges gives them less incentive to stay on- property! The Company must stop pinching pennies and give the public what it wants!!!
KenR
The decision to have extra evening magic hours for deluxe resorts and villas is just fine. Those guest make a decision to save, budget and pay to stay in them and have the perks that go with them. That is no different than every facet of life. I’ve stayed at every class of resort depending on my budget and type of trip i want to have. This is NOT about catering to the rich or discriminating against poor. There are more resorts on property and within 15 minutes of the parks than ever that cater to all budgets. Plenty of options for those not able or willing to pay Disney Deluxe prices. There now 7 Hilton owned resorts on Disney property, all priced at or below the price of most Disney moderates. Again, you pay for what you get. Don’t buy an economy plane ticket and complain that you don’t get the perks of a First Class ticket. Don’t stay at Motel 6 and complain that there isn’t a lazy river, pool bar, and room service. Don’t buy a Chevy Spark and complain that you don’t have heated seats and a navigation system. Get it?
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