**Villains After Hours - Magic Kingdom** FAQ & Discussion Thread

[ryman471]

You are correct- if you read deep into the description is does still include the promise of low wait times vs little wait times for regular AH’s., but they don’t promise little to no waits.

I don’t disagree at all. People should absolutely let Disney know if things aren’t what they think they should be, but I’m not seeing reports this round that differ much from last time so I don’t think they’ve increased the number of tickets being sold.
People should know up front that the wait times at VAH’s are going to be longer than at AH’s. Personally, I don’t think there’s enough at a VAH to make up for longer waits and the extra cost, but that’s just my personal preference.

what is the difference between "little wait times" and "low wait time"? Nothing. They are false advertising. Plain and simple. Any Joe schmoes that doesn't read up on the stuff in forums i 100% guarantee they would think these 2 events are the same and the only reason your paying 20 bucks or so more for VAH is because of the villain show. They should NOT be selling one more ticket than DAH. This has changed my mind to get VAH. It sucks they are not offering regular DAH in June when we are going but it is what it is.

 

[cakebaker]

what is the difference between "little wait times" and "low wait time"? Nothing. They are false advertising. Plain and simple. Any Joe schmoes that doesn't read up on the stuff in forums i 100% guarantee they would think these 2 events are the same and the only reason your paying 20 bucks or so more for VAH is because of the villain show. They should NOT be selling one more ticket than DAH. This has changed my mind to get VAH. It sucks they are not offering regular DAH in June when we are going but it is what it is.

I see a big difference. Low wait times to me at least, means lower than normal park hours and these times, while longer than I like and longer than I think they should be, are indeed lower. Little wait means just that...little, not much at all, if any. It's admittedly a fine line, but as can be seen in this thread, the opinions of the very same event on the same date are all over the map. Even with the heavier crowd levels at VAH, it would seem it can be managed- riding the most popular rides at the end of the event is the best way to go. At both events, the popular rides are going to be busier getting the non-party people through the line. Personally, I think there should be a buffer- but there isn't, so we make adjustments. We absolutely lucked out when they added an AH event to our arrival day. Had it only been the VAH offered later in the week, we wouldn't have done it. We're not interested in villains, we're interested in rides during AH's.

It's really up to each person to do their own research. It wouldn't take 5 minutes to look up both events and find out that VAH's are more crowded. I don't think it's even close to false advertising. Still, anyone who wasn't satisfied with the event should contact Disney and let them know. But I can tell you, all the complaints I've made about the holiday parties have fallen on deaf ears. As long as it's a minority of people and sales don't suffer, they have no reason to change.

 

[eeyoreandtink]

I see a big difference. Low wait times to me at least, means lower than normal park hours and these times, while longer than I like and longer than I think they should be, are indeed lower. Little wait means just that...little, not much at all, if any. It's admittedly a fine line, but as can be seen in this thread, the opinions of the very same event on the same date are all over the map. Even with the heavier crowd levels at VAH, it would seem it can be managed- riding the most popular rides at the end of the event is the best way to go. At both events, the popular rides are going to be busier getting the non-party people through the line. Personally, I think there should be a buffer- but there isn't, so we make adjustments. We absolutely lucked out when they added an AH event to our arrival day. Had it only been the VAH offered later in the week, we wouldn't have done it. We're not interested in villains, we're interested in rides during AH's.

It's really up to each person to do their own research. It wouldn't take 5 minutes to look up both events and find out that VAH's are more crowded. I don't think it's even close to false advertising. Still, anyone who wasn't satisfied with the event should contact Disney and let them know. But I can tell you, all the complaints I've made about the holiday parties have fallen on deaf ears. As long as it's a minority of people and sales don't suffer, they have no reason to change.

I think you are splitting hairs to try to find a justification for what they are doing, and there just isn’t one. They are putting profit ahead of delivering what was advertised.

 

[cakebaker]

I think you are splitting hairs to try to find a justification for what they are doing, and there just isn’t one. They are putting profit ahead of delivering what was advertised.

I'm not justifying anything. It's just a fact. VAH's are more crowded. They sell more tickets. Complain if you don't like it, but don't expect to have the same experience at both events. They are providing exactly what they advertised- lower waits. They just aren't low enough for some people- including me.

 

[WhitneyMB]

'm not justifying anything. It's just a fact. VAH's are more crowded. They sell more tickets. Complain if you don't like it, but don't expect to have the same experience at both events. They are providing exactly what they advertised- lower waits. They just aren't low enough for some people- including me.

Anecdotally, I had no idea that Disney made a distinction between "low" wait times and "lower" wait times when I purchased my tickets to a June VAH last month. They are non-refundable, which is disappointing.

 

[ryman471]

Anecdotally, I had no idea that Disney made a distinction between "low" wait times and "lower" wait times when I purchased my tickets to a June VAH last month. They are non-refundable, which is disappointing.

Exactly. false or if splitting hairs, misleading advertisement on their part. And like it was mentioned, as long as they get enough to buy it, they wont change it. Not a good business practice though, especially for Disney.

 

[ellbellthomps]

How "low" are the wait times?

 

[WhitneyMB]

How "low" are the wait times?

Probably the best thing to do is to look at the wait times during the next few VAH. The "headliners" (SDMT, SM, BTRR) tend to still have long lines the first hour. They gradually get less and are fairly short the final hour. Some people have reported that the posted wait times are overestimates, which makes it confusing, but it's at least something to go off of.

 

[cakebaker]

Anecdotally, I had no idea that Disney made a distinction between "low" wait times and "lower" wait times when I purchased my tickets to a June VAH last month. They are non-refundable, which is disappointing.

The two events are described differently. VAH says low waits, AH says little wait. I don’t know how disney defines either, but I know there’s a reason they aren’t described the same. But, if you think they didn’t deliver what they promised, go to guest services. No guarantees, but I’ve certainly been fully refunded for a non refundable event when it was nothing that they promised. I’m just saying, if you read the reviews, you’ll know up front that VAH has longer lines. Then if you choose to go anyway, you go in knowing.

 

[cakebaker]

How "low" are the wait times?

If you read through this thread you’ll find lots of reports from people who have attended the event. It seems to vary from night to night, person to person. The only sure thing is, it’s more crowded and longer waits than regular AH.

 

[Sarahslay]

I am just remembering all of this same type of discussion going on last year with the events. People were complaining, wanting refunds, lines were too long and they didn't get to do anything. Then there are people like me who go in, have a great time, ride all the rides they want multiple times, catch the show, see the dragon, leave happy. It is more crowded than AH, that is for sure, and if you go during a time that is busier (as this last week was CRAZY due to US and UK schools being out) then the event will probably be busier too.

 

[married2mm]

We attended after hours last year and loved it.
The wait times were low & the cm s were really fun too.

The only downside was returning to parking lot and discovering hire car had a flat tyre.
Long story short -we certainly had an after hours event as we went to bed around 630am

We have decided to give villains a try -
If it’s as terrible as some have described; I shall most definitely be visiting guest services.
Hoping it’s not and definitely going on the bus to this event!!

 

[DeluxePrincess]

We are giving it a try at the end of May. I watched a live stream from this past Friday and it seemed very busy. However, I think some of the wait times are a bit exaggerated. We are going with the expectation that the headliners will not be a walk on. DD18 loved the music/dance party vibe in front of the castle. She'd be happy doing that all night. DS13 would be content riding Buzz all night. I think we will enjoy ourselves.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I am just remembering all of this same type of discussion going on last year with the events. People were complaining, wanting refunds, lines were too long and they didn't get to do anything. Then there are people like me who go in, have a great time, ride all the rides they want multiple times, catch the show, see the dragon, leave happy. It is more crowded than AH, that is for sure, and if you go during a time that is busier (as this last week was CRAZY due to US and UK schools being out) then the event will probably be busier too.

Yep. The rinse, wash, repeat cycle of a Disney event thread.

 

[Princess_Nikki]

Just bought tickets for February 28th!! So excited I’ll be there in 2 days!!! So far I’ve read great reviews regarding the February parties. Now that the Princess Half Marathon weekend is over, there’s a brief lull until Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival, Easter, & Spring Break. Really praying for a lower crowd.. Lol. Either way, I’m stoked!!! VAH is on my Disney Bucket List.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Been a little behind on the thread, did we really just spend 2 pages debating the definition of the words low and little?

Anyways, for thread newcomers, "review posts" are linked to Post #10 for easy reference. Many people take the time to stop by to post their experiences with VAH - this can be a good spot to find reviews/info from real-world posters without having to read through the other thread chatter and event questions.

I am impressed with those that went 2/21. It was SO cold and windy that day. We had to be outside at 3:30am for the Princess 10k the next morning - wow, BRRRR.

Thank you to everyone for your contributions to the thread.

 

[jannalynn_11]

If we are in MK 3/6 and decide sometime that evening that we want to stay to attend this event, where can we purchase tickets in the park? Or would it be easier/still available to purchase online that evening?

Also, once we have our tickets bought & linked, where are the locations in the park to receive event wristbands?

 

[alliecat523]

We’ll be there tomorrow. Normally not a high item for us but we arrive late and it was a good option to squeeze in extra time at a park.

We never expect walk ons even at parties. Haven’t seen that since 2009 and don’t think I will see it again. As with everything it’s managing expectations. I know the tickets are expensive but I made the choice to purchase them.

 

[Philsfan77]

If not doing any other parks on a VAH event day...and booking 3 fast passes...what's the earliest you could book a fastpass+ for the event that lets you in at 7? Could you technically book one from say 6:15-7:15...then your next one right after that from say 7:20-8:20...then 8:25-9:25 and maybe sneak in 1 more before the event starts?

 

[eeyoreandtink]

We’ll be there tomorrow. Normally not a high item for us but we arrive late and it was a good option to squeeze in extra time at a park.

We never expect walk ons even at parties. Haven’t seen that since 2009 and don’t think I will see it again. As with everything it’s managing expectations. I know the tickets are expensive but I made the choice to purchase them.

These events are VERY different from parties though. I would never expect MVMCP or MNSSHP to be walk on, but these events typically have been walk on or very close. We have done several of the regular after hours events and experienced walk ons for every ride except SDMT and SM. those we had to wait through maybe 2 cycles to get on.