Hi all,
Booked a big family holiday in DLP back in February and we now have only two and a half weeks to go!
Absolutely gutted to check the refurbishment schedule to find LOADS of stuff has been added that wasn't there when I booked. With a young niece and nephew on their first Disney holiday I was looking forward to taking them on the Railroad and Its a Small World. My other (older) niece likes Crush's Coaster. All of these (and a couple of others) are now closed. None of these were scheduled for maintenance when I made the booking.
I know the parks are undergoing an extensive refurbishment programme at the moment and I appreciate it is an all year round operation. I don't expect all the attractions to be open all of the time but I am annoyed that so much has been added to the maintenance schedule since I made the booking. Had I known about these closures I would have picked different dates.
Has this happened to anyone else and is it worth complaining?
I understand your disappointment, it's always painful when you are not able to go on favorite attractions. I had such experiences back in the years with the boat, Peter Pan, BTM.
But Disney states clearly that they announce the closures 3 months in advance and changes may apply. So you can expect anything to be closed. They don't sort the attractions to 1 class, 2 class. Just bad luck!
When exactly do you visit? Crush's Coaster closes on 14.09, you can still ride it on 13.09.
Complaining? I don't know, you can try but not sure what you'll get from that.
Complaining has no real use. They will note it down and don't really act on it. Mainly because they are upfront that the refurbishment schedule can and will change.
Having that said, I fully understand your frustration. We booked our honeymoon to DLR and just a few weeks before they started closing all the rides we wanted to visit. We should have known though as it was the weeks/months leading up to the Diamond Celebration.
Thank you for the replies.
I know Disney reserve the right to change the schedules but the latest casualty (Disneyland Railroad) has only just been added. That wasn't there last time I checked so that's appeared well within the three months timeframe. I've checked the dates around it and it doesn't seem to be a short closure either.
It's very simple....do some research before you book.
Especially when you're a member of a forum like this it should be easy to do some research.
1. It has been known for about 2 years now that 2016 will be an off-year for DLP.
Lots of major refurbs going on to make sure that everything is perfect for the 25th anniversary in 2017.
So you could've known that there is a huge possibility that a lot of things will be closed.
2. It is well-known that January and February are the two most "dead" months of the year.
Because of that, most refurbs will be in those months. Because it effects the least amount of guests.
This is a recurring thing every year, for a very long time already.
That's why it's also the cheapest time to go.
So if you do research, you know this before you book.
3. Lower your expectations.
I absolutely get that you want to give your niece and nephew the best experience possible.
Especially if it's their first time. But they are children. They will enjoy themselves.
Give them Mickey and princesses, and they will be happy. It's not children that make fuss, it's adults.
If you don't tell them about all the things they can do and see, they won't be disappointed.
Sure you can give them rougly an idea to prepair them and get them excited.
But don't get them TOO excited. Then they won't get disappointed.
Sometimes if you can book so far in advance that the closures aren't even announced yet.
I've been in February at least twice and most things were open, so yeah ok they do a lot of refurbs, but when I went only one or two rides were closed.
I'm not sure it's always ok to just go "research issue" at people, considering there is only so much you can easily find out. It's clearly not that the poster did no research at all.
Anyway, upinthesky, I would advise to call Disney anyway. Explain the situation in a friendly manner, and maybe they'll let you rebook for the same money to a better date.
You never know, and its definitely worth a try in my opinion.
Worst case you'll be stuck with the dates you have now so you don't really have anything to loose but time and the cost of the phonecall :)
Guys, unless i've read it wrong, Upinthesky booked the holiday in February but are actually going to be in DLP in 2 weeks... Is that right? So February being low season and 2016 being an off-year don't really apply here. It is clear the OP has done research and looked at closures when they booked to find there were none scheduled. I can totally understand your disappointment, I would be upset too :(
DLRPWonders:
I assume English is not your first language and you misunderstood my post.
I booked the trip in February 2015 and I am going in September 2015.
As you will see from my signature I am not new to DLP. I've been 6 times in 3 years and I am familiar with the concept of checking for closures before I book.
As for lowering my expectations I have stressed that I don't expect everything to be open. The point I am trying to make is how annoying it is to book a trip six months in advance with a couple of ride closures posted only to log on two weeks before departure to find half a dozen.
We're going 2016 and there's going to be 5 closures, 3 of which we really wanted to see and I find it incredibly annoying. I think what's more annoying is that because Disney are advertising it, they think that's acceptable. I personally think they shouldnt be rushing it for the best interest of their guests, and close one attraction at a time. But since it's the 25th anniversary coming up they're going to want to have it spotless as there's always higher admission rates on anniversaries throughout that year. It's just coming across as being pretty greedy and focusing so much on producing more revenue. I've kind of always thought that the Disney Paris have always been like that, but I think it's because they've been in so much debt. But I can't help but think if they focused on customers wants, the revenue would increase anyway.
I also think that because they think it's okay to advertise it early and then everyone has to be okay with it is the most frustrating part. The ticket prices are still the same, and they aren't any plans to compensate visitors at all. They could give out free vouchers for maybe a hot drink and a snack, increase the amount of meet and greets (as I've found paris to be the worst for meeting characters), slightly reduce the admission costs for these periods, give out a special pin to visitors during these times, a discount voucher for meals/store, an extra short parade during the day. Any of these things would at least feel like they're considering the customers and that its obviously going to affect their experience, it even could stop visitors from returning. It doesn't have to be something huge and expensive but just SOMETHING as a gesture of good will for the inconveniences would definitely makes things better and make them appear more considerate.
I absolutely agree with you!
Seriously, well put!
I have to write it too - very good said, Disneylove!
So right. We are probably not going in 2016. Too many closures.
Same, I'm skipping 2016 also. I feel I'm just not getting value for the money they charge. I understand that the refurb need to happen, but that doesn't mean I have to be happy about it.
Besides you go to DLP for the rides, I also go for all the other entertainment. Having that said, my wife and I were dissapointed in the amount of street entertainment they offered in 2013 and we have hopes (and we see more things scheduled now) that it will be better.
With the APs we had for DLR we managed to go about 6 times in a year. And most of the time we stayed 3 to 4 days and only went on 1 or 2 rides a day. For the rest we enjoyed all the other things the park has to offer.
Quote from: Disneylove on August 26, 2015, 07:26:19 PM
We're going 2016 and there's going to be 5 closures, 3 of which we really wanted to see and I find it incredibly annoying. I think what's more annoying is that because Disney are advertising it, they think that's acceptable. I personally think they shouldnt be rushing it for the best interest of their guests, and close one attraction at a time. But since it's the 25th anniversary coming up they're going to want to have it spotless as there's always higher admission rates on anniversaries throughout that year. It's just coming across as being pretty greedy and focusing so much on producing more revenue. I've kind of always thought that the Disney Paris have always been like that, but I think it's because they've been in so much debt. But I can't help but think if they focused on customers wants, the revenue would increase anyway.
I also think that because they think it's okay to advertise it early and then everyone has to be okay with it is the most frustrating part. The ticket prices are still the same, and they aren't any plans to compensate visitors at all. They could give out free vouchers for maybe a hot drink and a snack, increase the amount of meet and greets (as I've found paris to be the worst for meeting characters), slightly reduce the admission costs for these periods, give out a special pin to visitors during these times, a discount voucher for meals/store, an extra short parade during the day. Any of these things would at least feel like they're considering the customers and that its obviously going to affect their experience, it even could stop visitors from returning. It doesn't have to be something huge and expensive but just SOMETHING as a gesture of good will for the inconveniences would definitely makes things better and make them appear more considerate.
Totally agree with you on this one we booked in February to go in January 2016, luckily their is not too many favourites of ours shut, Big Thunder Mountain is the main fav but that's closed for a long time. Others say shut until January so not sure if we are gonna catch those or not. Definitely agree with them possibly bringing out a few more characters over the whole period of this big refurbs, cant see that its gonna cost them any more to chuck out a few more random characters 😁
Quote from: arvidbux on August 26, 2015, 10:10:53 PM
Besides you go to DLP for the rides, I also go for all the other entertainment. Having that said, my wife and I were dissapointed in the amount of street entertainment they offered in 2013 and we have hopes (and we see more things scheduled now) that it will be better.
With the APs we had for DLR we managed to go about 6 times in a year. And most of the time we stayed 3 to 4 days and only went on 1 or 2 rides a day. For the rest we enjoyed all the other things the park has to offer.
Well that's the beauty of any Disney park isn't it, people can go for different things. Of course, if DLP didn't want people to come for the rides, they wouldn't have quite so many of them so it's understandable that people (I'm by far not the only one) decide to give 2016 a miss as too many are closed.
Its a good thing that there are plenty of people that go for characters, atmosphere and entertainment, else the turn-out next year could be quite poor really.
That said, I still think they should offer some form of compensation to make up for the closures for those that do go next year.
If you think about it, they already have the money for the refurbishments, but the rides cost a hell of a lot of money to run per day, so they're probably going to make a slightly bigger profit having them closed. Extra characters would be the easiest and most cost effective thing to do in my opinion.
I might send them an email.
We were going to give DLP a miss next year and just get our Disney fix in Anaheim but extra characters wandering the parks would definitely tempt us to visit once or twice!
Quote from: HildeKitten on August 26, 2015, 10:47:23 PM
That said, I still think they should offer some form of compensation to make up for the closures for those that do go next year.
It would be great if they would offer some form of compensation but I would also say it should be with enterainment in the park. But of course with any form of compensation, people will ask for more, want it all the time etc, especially when you advertise it somewhere.
Quote from: twentythingamabobs on August 26, 2015, 11:09:24 PM
We were going to give DLP a miss next year and just get our Disney fix in Anaheim but extra characters wandering the parks would definitely tempt us to visit once or twice!
I love that in Anaheim. No matter where you are in the park, or what hour; characters! Or live entertainment. I hope they improve that a bit in Paris since our last visit in 2013 but I'm not holding my breath.
I know you shouldn't really take rumours as gospel truth but Disneyland Railroad and It's a Small World has been rumoured to be closed from September since the beginning of the year. (Disneyland Railroad has to close with Small work due to it passing right through it)
ED92 put out a refurbishment schedule for 2015-2017 and so far everything seems to have been correct.
(http://i38.servimg.com/u/f38/18/85/93/43/calend10.png)
(Sorry I can't find the larger image)
Quote from: Disneylove on August 26, 2015, 07:26:19 PM
We're going 2016 and there's going to be 5 closures, 3 of which we really wanted to see and I find it incredibly annoying. I think what's more annoying is that because Disney are advertising it, they think that's acceptable. I personally think they shouldnt be rushing it for the best interest of their guests, and close one attraction at a time. But since it's the 25th anniversary coming up they're going to want to have it spotless as there's always higher admission rates on anniversaries throughout that year. It's just coming across as being pretty greedy and focusing so much on producing more revenue. I've kind of always thought that the Disney Paris have always been like that, but I think it's because they've been in so much debt. But I can't help but think if they focused on customers wants, the revenue would increase anyway.
I also think that because they think it's okay to advertise it early and then everyone has to be okay with it is the most frustrating part. The ticket prices are still the same, and they aren't any plans to compensate visitors at all. They could give out free vouchers for maybe a hot drink and a snack, increase the amount of meet and greets (as I've found paris to be the worst for meeting characters), slightly reduce the admission costs for these periods, give out a special pin to visitors during these times, a discount voucher for meals/store, an extra short parade during the day. Any of these things would at least feel like they're considering the customers and that its obviously going to affect their experience, it even could stop visitors from returning. It doesn't have to be something huge and expensive but just SOMETHING as a gesture of good will for the inconveniences would definitely makes things better and make them appear more considerate.
I agree also. We're booked to go in November and knew that some attractions would be closed (especially with the refurb coming up). What I didn't expect was to find BTM and IASW closed at the same time. I really love BTM (who doesn't) but am not too fussed about IASW. Don't get me wrong, it's fun and all, but I won't miss not going on it (personal preference). Our issue is that these two rides can hold a large number of guests at one time, either queuing or on the ride itself. With both closed, I imagine that a lot more people will be going on other rides and generally filling up the park. We're worried that we'll be queueing that much longer and finding the crowds that much bigger.
Quote from: Discovery_Mountain on August 26, 2015, 11:17:20 PM
I know you shouldn't really take rumours as gospel truth but Disneyland Railroad and It's a Small World has been rumoured to be closed from September since the beginning of the year. (Disneyland Railroad has to close with Small work due to it passing right through it)
ED92 put out a refurbishment schedule for 2015-2017 and so far everything seems to have been correct.
(http://i38.servimg.com/u/f38/18/85/93/43/calend10.png)
(Sorry I can't find the larger image)
I hope this doesn't sound like a silly question, but is the Disneyland Railroad going to be closed in November? I've been looking over the forum and other websites and only found a mention of a rumour that it would be closed. If it is true that the DLRR is also closed, add that with the ever-growing list of attractions that are closed, I'm beginning to wonder if it is worth going to DLP at all. Mind you, it's too late to cancel now and the trip is paid for but my point is I feel a bit gutted. We paid the same price we would if everything was running as normal, but to have so much closed and no "incentive" or "freebie" (something along the lines of what
Disneylove mentioned in their post), I can't help but feel the guests aren't as important to DLP as they used to be.
Or am I just being silly? I mean we love Disney. I'm lucky to have been to DLP many, many times as a child and even got to go to WDW a few times. My fiancée however has only been to DLP twice, and neither time she felt she got the true "Disney Magic" feeling. This is our first Disney trip together and with so much having gone wrong with the trip before it's even started, and now the sheer amount of refurbs, I'm hoping that it isn't a flop. A very expensive flop at that!
:'(
Quote from: TappyFish on August 27, 2015, 03:24:59 AM
I hope this doesn't sound like a silly question, but is the Disneyland Railroad going to be closed in November? I've been looking over the forum and other websites and only found a mention of a rumour that it would be closed. If it is true that the DLRR is also closed, add that with the ever-growing list of attractions that are closed, I'm beginning to wonder if it is worth going to DLP at all. Mind you, it's too late to cancel now and the trip is paid for but my point is I feel a bit gutted. We paid the same price we would if everything was running as normal, but to have so much closed and no "incentive" or "freebie" (something along the lines of what Disneylove mentioned in their post), I can't help but feel the guests aren't as important to DLP as they used to be.
Yes, unfortunately! There were rumors here and on other places about it, but Disney officially put it in the schedule of closures some days ago, which I find a little bit strange, mild to say.
Closure starts on 31.08.2015 - Monday. And it's closed at least till 25.11.2015 (that is the last day officially released by today).
I can understand the disappointment being expressed here. In many ways I feel the same and I agree with those saying maybe Disney could put out extra characters or entertainment to make up for it. However last night as I looked at the list of closures, feeling depressed, I worked out what would actually be closed on the specific days I'm there and actually it's not so bad. According to every refurbishment schedule I could find only IASW, BTM, River boats and Disney Rail Rd are closed during my stay. That's not as bad as I thought with the added bonus that as I cant ride IASW I wont be humming that tune all day long. Oh no here it comes again ;D
HAHAHA, RockNRoller, you made me laught till I fall from the chair!
See - it's even in my signature.
When are your days for visiting?
Quote from: Mileto on August 27, 2015, 10:32:15 AM
When are your days for visiting?
End of November, the perfect time to enjoy Christmas without the big crowds
Yeh! We are there too. We could meet and sing together. ;D
Quote from: Mileto on August 27, 2015, 10:36:03 AM
We could meet and sing together. ;D
Now there's a thought, stand outside IASW, start singing and see how many people join in. ;D
HAHAHA! Will do this definetly, I'm crazy enough.
So if you see somebody singing end of Nov. - it would be me. The shy person next to me - RockNRoller. ;D
When I booked my trip over 6 months ago, only the closure of Small World was announced, which was fine, because I don't like Small World (sorry to the fans, to each their own!).
And now the Railroad, all the sad, because I looked forward to riding that. But hey, I'll just ride it next time; Still a bummer though!
Quote from: Mileto on August 27, 2015, 02:41:06 PM
The shy person next to me - RockNRoller. ;D
Shy! shy! embarrassed maybe :-[. I'll have you know I once stood on my head in the middle of Main Street ;)
Harsh reply from DLRPwonders... :(
Wasn't it only last week another member was told off for berating forum posters for 'not doing their research'... Tut, tut. If we're not careful newbies might never ask anything!
I completely agree with you! I booked our holiday in February for September too and only in the past two months have I discovered they're closing Pirates, IASW and the Railroad - literally, some of my favourite rides! I was/still am truly gutted and now the holiday just doesn't feel as special as I always associated Pirates as part of my arrival tradition. Of course, there's lots to make up for it and I am by no means saying it will be horrendous, because it won't, but it's just sad that they can't make the announcements earlier.
I totally agree with you Joey, it's so annoying isn't it.
I booked months ago, checked everything, a few closures were announced and that was that.
In the mean time, one thing after another is going on the closure list for the time of our stay, which is just not cool.
I'm sure we'll have a great time too and I understand that some closures suddenly happen due to circumstances, but these refurb ones really could have been announced a little better.
I have a similar problem. We booked in december last year and are going in September as well and we were aware of the rumors. But now only recently Indiana Jones and Crush Coaster were also added. I just wished they would split it up a little bit you know. It would be so much better if it had only been one of the two. Because lets face it both are very popular and major attractions. I've never been in the Crush Coaster before and i was actually really looking forward to it.
But as they said, I don't think there is much to be done about it. Though with all the closures it would be nice indeed if they lowered there prices, or at least gave something as a compensation.
Exactly! I'm wondering what else will be added on the list between now and the date of my trip at the end of the month. Hopefully nothing.
We've found the same issue, going 7-11 oct and more closures added recently. I am a little sad for my son as its his favourite... BUT being a big DLP lover I do understand they're open 365 days a year and there will be closures unannounced until later on some occasions.
The way I look at it as most if our UK theme parks (if not all) close for the winter months meaning they can do refurbishments in this time. Disney doesn't so it's inevitable they do close some rides and attractions even at short notice.
Still going to have a blast and enjoy every magical moment! And make up for it on our next visit when these particular rides are open :D