Night at Cinderella Castle

[diswedwish]

When I went on the Backstage Magic tour in Jan. our guide's son was going to be one of the butlers. According to her, once you're in for the night, you're in. That's why the butlers are there. She said that various VIP people had stayed there with their families to get the suite prepped before they started giving away the castle stay, mostly to see what types of things people would need at 2am when you're "stuck" (not that I would feel trapped, but whatever ) in the Castle. One morning her son ran to the store for bubble bath for the tub - one of the VIP's daughters wanted pink bubble bath. So that's part of the reason they have the butlers. She explained that the other part is to "preserve the magic". They don't want us wandering around outside unsupervised seeing them wash down the pavement, horticulture doing their thing, and all of that other non-Cinderella stuff. That wouldn't be very magical From how she made it sound, they are literally right outside your door. And I would imagine that there have to be more than one. Although what do I know, I haven't won In my dreams maybe

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Here's a quote from the article:
"the suite cannot be rented, but The AP paid $587 for my stay, which was the estimated value for the overnight.) Staying in the suite also means I'm also grand marshal of the parade, the honorary guest in an event called the "Dreams Come True Dinner," created by Cinderella's Fairy Godmother, and the front-of-the-line guy at anything I want to ride."

Can you imagine if you really could rent the suite for $587???? that would be the best bargain going at WDW...suite for 6, Grand Marshall at the parade, dinner at CRT, front of the line access, and breakfast the nect morning? Wow!
Sure, I'd love to win the castle stay at YOAMD, but I'd pay $587 fot it in a heartbeat, too. Espescially with a group of 6 like we'll have in Dec.! Our 2 rooms at WL are almost that much, w/o all of the Pixie Dust and extras

 

[irisbud]

Here's a quote from the article:
"the suite cannot be rented, but The AP paid $587 for my stay, which was the estimated value for the overnight.) Staying in the suite also means I'm also grand marshal of the parade, the honorary guest in an event called the "Dreams Come True Dinner," created by Cinderella's Fairy Godmother, and the front-of-the-line guy at anything I want to ride."

Can you imagine if you really could rent the suite for $587???? that would be the best bargain going at WDW...suite for 6, Grand Marshall at the parade, dinner at CRT, front of the line access, and breakfast the nect morning? Wow!
Sure, I'd love to win the castle stay at YOAMD, but I'd pay $587 fot it in a heartbeat, too. Espescially with a group of 6 like we'll have in Dec.! Our 2 rooms at WL are almost that much, w/o all of the Pixie Dust and extras

Yeah, that price seemed awfully low to me, too. Rack rate MK view at GF approches this and may even top it during holiday season. Unfortunatly, I doubt they will ever rent to the general public at that price. It would be awesome, though. Imagine how hard booking it would be!

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Yeah, that price seemed awfully low to me, too. Rack rate MK view at GF approches this and may even top it during holiday season. Unfortunatly, I doubt they will ever rent to the general public at that price. It would be awesome, though. Imagine how hard booking it would be!

Yep....until now, everyone thought CRT was a tough one to get! I would be shocked if they EVER make it avail. to the general public, let alone at that price! It dosen't hurt to dream, though!

 

[tinkercat]

Here's a quote from the article:
"the suite cannot be rented, but The AP paid $587 for my stay, which was the estimated value for the overnight.) Staying in the suite also means I'm also grand marshal of the parade, the honorary guest in an event called the "Dreams Come True Dinner," created by Cinderella's Fairy Godmother, and the front-of-the-line guy at anything I want to ride."

Can you imagine if you really could rent the suite for $587???? that would be the best bargain going at WDW...suite for 6, Grand Marshall at the parade, dinner at CRT, front of the line access, and breakfast the nect morning? Wow!
Sure, I'd love to win the castle stay at YOAMD, but I'd pay $587 fot it in a heartbeat, too. Espescially with a group of 6 like we'll have in Dec.! Our 2 rooms at WL are almost that much, w/o all of the Pixie Dust and extras

We won the castle suite stay on 5/18. When we filled out our paperwork, the CMs told us that the prize is valued the way it is to avoid the winner having to claim it on their taxes or pay tax on it. They also said that if the suite were to ever be rented out for the night, the cost would probably be in the thousands for one night. I would like to think that they'll continue to make the castle suite stay available only through some special contest type thing, even when the YOAMD is over. Its so magical being chosen to stay and I think knowing it could be rented would take away from some of that.

 

[tinkercat]

Ok, I've just been curious about something. (This may sound actually like a stupid question lol...but oh well lol ) If you win the night in the castle, do they lock you in? I know they're obviously not going to keep the park open for you, but can you walk around the castle or walk around outside in the park? I'm pretty sure I know the answer, but it's Disney, you never know lol. Also, do they open the park early...kinda like special magic hours? Thanks.

In our experience, once we were in for the night, we were in. We didn't even ask to walk around the park so I can't really answer that portion of the question.

I can say though, that we had a guest services concierge type CM who was available to us at all times. All we had to do was pick up the phone and they were there immediately. I believe they were stationed in their own little room next to the suite because a few times when we were coming out to meet them at the elevator, they were coming from another door right next to ours. Whenever we needed something, they got it for us (bandaids, a blanket for the baby, etc.). There was a nice fruit basket in the room when we arrived, as well as a fridge stocked with water, sodas, juice and a sign that said milk and some other stuff was available on request. They also left some chocolate goodies and strawberries for us at night. My sister is a smoker and when she wanted to smoke, one of our CMs came down with us and she smoked near the castle. It didn't seem like we could wander around though because the castle entrances were roped off and everything. We did get to go shopping shortly after park closing the night we stayed though. The stores were still open and DS needed a shirt. One of our CMs came shopping with my sister and I and the other went up to the suite with my DH and kids.

As far as I know, they do not open the park early. Our breakfast ressie was for 9am and we left after that, but we slept in so we didn't get out and about in the morning before people came into the park.

To be honest, the suite was so incredible and they treated us like royalty. None of us had any desire to walk around the park that night. We were too busy enjoying our time inside the castle!

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Wow! Congratulations! I'm sure you had an amazing time in the Castle! I, too hope that they keep it as a contest prize or use it for make a wish kids, etc. It would just seem more magical that way, than being something that anyone (Well, anyone with enough money, anyway) could book to stay in. I had heard a rumor somewhere that if it was ever rented, it would be for $10,000 a night. That's why when I saw the "prize value" in that article I was shocked. Really, a stay in the castle is priceless. I'm glad that you enjoyed your magical night in the castle!

 

[dameodie]

Here's what *I* would want to know...

If a non-resort guest wins the castle stay on an evening EMH night, would they be "escorted" to the suite at regular park closing, or would they be allowed to ride the rides during EMH?

I would HOPE that Disney would err on the side of the magical, but Lord knows they love their resort guest perks...

 

[Mickey Rules]

In our experience, once we were in for the night, we were in. We didn't even ask to walk around the park so I can't really answer that portion of the question.

I can say though, that we had a guest services concierge type CM who was available to us at all times. All we had to do was pick up the phone and they were there immediately. I believe they were stationed in their own little room next to the suite because a few times when we were coming out to meet them at the elevator, they were coming from another door right next to ours. Whenever we needed something, they got it for us (bandaids, a blanket for the baby, etc.). There was a nice fruit basket in the room when we arrived, as well as a fridge stocked with water, sodas, juice and a sign that said milk and some other stuff was available on request. They also left some chocolate goodies and strawberries for us at night. My sister is a smoker and when she wanted to smoke, one of our CMs came down with us and she smoked near the castle. It didn't seem like we could wander around though because the castle entrances were roped off and everything. We did get to go shopping shortly after park closing the night we stayed though. The stores were still open and DS needed a shirt. One of our CMs came shopping with my sister and I and the other went up to the suite with my DH and kids.

As far as I know, they do not open the park early. Our breakfast ressie was for 9am and we left after that, but we slept in so we didn't get out and about in the morning before people came into the park.

To be honest, the suite was so incredible and they treated us like royalty. None of us had any desire to walk around the park that night. We were too busy enjoying our time inside the castle!

CONGRATS!!! Thanks for the info !!!

 

[TyNicJen]

How do you enter or get picked?

 

[Mickey Rules]

How do you enter or get picked?

be at the right place at the right time LOL!!

 

[Ithastobe]

I'd like to be 'sent to our room' LOL! One can only hope ***Sigh**

 

[Monteloco]

that was a great question, i had wondered about that too. But hey it is Fantasyland the princess' start out locked up in towers anyway!

 

[DisneyLaura]

We won the castle suite stay on 5/18. When we filled out our paperwork, the CMs told us that the prize is valued the way it is to avoid the winner having to claim it on their taxes or pay tax on it. They also said that if the suite were to ever be rented out for the night, the cost would probably be in the thousands for one night. I would like to think that they'll continue to make the castle suite stay available only through some special contest type thing, even when the YOAMD is over. Its so magical being chosen to stay and I think knowing it could be rented would take away from some of that.

I read your post on another thread. How exciting. That was sure some Dumbo ride, huh?

 

[Enderikari]

When I went on the Backstage Magic tour in Jan. our guide's son was going to be one of the butlers. According to her, once you're in for the night, you're in. That's why the butlers are there. She said that various VIP people had stayed there with their families to get the suite prepped before they started giving away the castle stay, mostly to see what types of things people would need at 2am when you're "stuck" (not that I would feel trapped, but whatever ) in the Castle. One morning her son ran to the store for bubble bath for the tub - one of the VIP's daughters wanted pink bubble bath. So that's part of the reason they have the butlers. She explained that the other part is to "preserve the magic". They don't want us wandering around outside unsupervised seeing them wash down the pavement, horticulture doing their thing, and all of that other non-Cinderella stuff. That wouldn't be very magical From how she made it sound, they are literally right outside your door. And I would imagine that there have to be more than one. Although what do I know, I haven't won In my dreams maybe

Well, that is incorrect information... It is a violation of innkeeper's laws to "lock" someone in for the night... There are after hour tours that a guest can take immediately after the parks closes, and if they get up in the middle of the night and want some fresh air, or need to go out for a smoke (it happens), then their concierge makes sure the areas they would be going to are safe, and clear, then escort them out...

For more Suite Pictures and video (including the transformation effect on the televisions) go here -
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/news-article.aspx?storyid=82325

 

[Mickey Rules]

Well, that is incorrect information... It is a violation of innkeeper's laws to "lock" someone in for the night... There are after hour tours that a guest can take immediately after the parks closes, and if they get up in the middle of the night and want some fresh air, or need to go out for a smoke (it happens), then their concierge makes sure the areas they would be going to are safe, and clear, then escort them out...

For more Suite Pictures and video (including the transformation effect on the televisions) go here -
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/news-article.aspx?storyid=82325

Thanks for the videos, they're great!!

 

[bethmomoftwins]

Just to add my $.02, we won the castle suite stay back in February (you can view my post about our win http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1379587 here). And no, you are not on lock-down at night. My FIL is a smoker and went out several times when the park was closed without issue. The concierge just accompanied him down.

The suite conceirge(s) "live" in a room someplace up there, right next door to the suite. If for any reason you want to leave, you just call them up on the pretty princess cinderella phone, and they magically appear in the suites' vestibule where the elevator is. There is an emergency exit (stairs) which can be used .... uh, in an emergency. The elevator can only be called by the conceirge with a special pass. So even if you were out in the upper vestibule alone, you couldn't go anywhere. I'm sure there would be some kind of alarm with the emergency exit. Disney does not want you just wandering around the MK alone when the park is closed.

When we stayed, it was the Pirate and Princess party, which we were not planning on attending (pre-win). But when we won, they told us that we were able to attend for free- all 7 of us! So yes, we went and stayed til the bitter end. The park closed at 12:30am that night and we were out in the park til around 1am. Our guide (Daniel at that point) told us that we could walk around the park for up to 2hrs after closing, but that we would encounter the maintenence that happens at night. Besides the fact that we were exhausted from the excitement of the day, that it was 1am, and that I wanted to spend SOME time in the suite, I honestly didn't want to see the "non-magic" afterhours. Look, I'm a grown woman and I know that pixie dust does not clean up the park at night but it's not something I need to see. I want to hold on to the fantasy for as long as possible.

As for the morning-we couldn't haul our butts out of bed after that late,late night any earlier than absolutely neccessary. But I'm sure that if you wanted to get out early in the am and walk around, you could (with the guide, of course).

Hope that answers your questions.
Beth

 

[Mickey Rules]

Just to add my $.02, we won the castle suite stay back in February (you can view my post about our win http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1379587 here). And no, you are not on lock-down at night. My FIL is a smoker and went out several times when the park was closed without issue. The concierge just accompanied him down.

The suite conceirge(s) "live" in a room someplace up there, right next door to the suite. If for any reason you want to leave, you just call them up on the pretty princess cinderella phone, and they magically appear in the suites' vestibule where the elevator is. There is an emergency exit (stairs) which can be used .... uh, in an emergency. The elevator can only be called by the conceirge with a special pass. So even if you were out in the upper vestibule alone, you couldn't go anywhere. I'm sure there would be some kind of alarm with the emergency exit. Disney does not want you just wandering around the MK alone when the park is closed.

When we stayed, it was the Pirate and Princess party, which we were not planning on attending (pre-win). But when we won, they told us that we were able to attend for free- all 7 of us! So yes, we went and stayed til the bitter end. The park closed at 12:30am that night and we were out in the park til around 1am. Our guide (Daniel at that point) told us that we could walk around the park for up to 2hrs after closing, but that we would encounter the maintenence that happens at night. Besides the fact that we were exhausted from the excitement of the day, that it was 1am, and that I wanted to spend SOME time in the suite, I honestly didn't want to see the "non-magic" afterhours. Look, I'm a grown woman and I know that pixie dust does not clean up the park at night but it's not something I need to see. I want to hold on to the fantasy for as long as possible.

As for the morning-we couldn't haul our butts out of bed after that late,late night any earlier than absolutely neccessary. But I'm sure that if you wanted to get out early in the am and walk around, you could (with the guide, of course).

Hope that answers your questions.
Beth

First off, CONGRATS!! Yes, this helped a lot, you helped clear up some things I was a little confused on !!!

 

[drakethib]

I would like to think that they'll continue to make the castle suite stay available only through some special contest type thing, even when the YOAMD is over. Its so magical being chosen to stay and I think knowing it could be rented would take away from some of that.

I agree.

This is one thing that the mouse should not put a $ figure. Kids need to be able to wish for something good that can happen to anyone.

 

[pamouselover]

LOCK ME IN AND THROW AWAY THE KEY!!!
PLEASE!