REVIEW OF THE 24 HOUR EVENT
So it's been a crazy few weeks (hence lack of anything get done on here or elsewhere in my life), but I wanted to try to keep things going before I run out of steam like I did at the event. But a couple of people were asking here and elsewhere about strategies and tips and thoughts, so I thought I would try to put together my take on things.
Is the event worth it? Yes, but maybe only one time.
Hahah great! Moving on...
Okay okay. I know through the report, I was mostly smiles and giddy grins, and if you are any sort of Disney fan, this event will definitely put a smile on your face. But the question is for how long? Knowing your limitations, especially your 'Disney touring' ones,
BEFORE you even book that room or plane ticket is pretty important. We all love to plan (to various degrees) but planning how your body will cope with not only staying awake for 24 hours (okay it was more like 27) but touring the park as well is essential for if you should, or how you should, go about the event.
I am a bit of an insomniac and can go days without sleeping, I sleep at really weird hours (it is 3am and I once again cannot work on the post because the site goes into maintenance aka "database error" for the next few hours), and usually struggle with the act of falling asleep altogether. Therefore, I am likely a good candidate for 24 hours of abuse.... I mean amazing fun and bliss!
But even if you suffer from narcolepsy, you can still have a great time! But know your body's limit before hand (and those in your party if you are going with others).
Unfortunately for me, I didn't totally account for the events leading up to it. I knew it'd be crazy taking the last flight on the eve of the event after a crazy long work week. I thought I'd get a few more hours of sleep then I did. And the month of working out (yes I work out solely for Disney trips
), while helpful to a degree, can't truly cope with spurts of soreness, frustration, and just flat out being exhausted. Sadly, this is not just Disney were are talking about here, but psychological and physical warfare!
So again, know your body (and psyche) when planning, you're body will thank you for the consideration...
(
if you don't listen to your body, you might end up riding 'it's a small world' 50 times in a row... you wouldn't want that would you?)
The second thing to keep in mind is knowing what you are looking to get out of the event. For me, it was simple, spend 24 hours in my happy place. I fell in love with the MK (Main Street at night specifically) on my first trip, so I honestly didn't need or really want to get anything else out of the event other than simply being there. So unless you are a hopeless romantic, or truly just want to take advantage of 24 hour access to rides, chances are you will want to get more out of the event. Truth be told, I took zero interest in any of the special events planned during this event (things in years past looked more appealing though). Random Anna/Elsa inserts in the Welcome Show and the parades? No thanks. Disney Channel Characters? Ummm who? Dance parties? I don't dance. Generic cupcakes? I'll pass.
Okay Mr. Fun Sucker, what was it that you got out of it then? Again, I am a bit of an anomaly and really truly value the more simple things; I couldn't have asked for more than just being there that day. The fact that Disney kept the gates open 24 hours was more than I could ask for, so any kind of "red carpet treatment" was above and beyond what they needed to do. But what made the event worth it, and this was something I didn't factor in really, was how much I got out of sharing the event with those around me. 24 hours in the park was great, but being able to share Disney love and passion and enthusiasm with people standing next to you in line, or chatting up with long-timers while waiting for the parade or getting shout outs back and forth about our costumes, it was a feeling worth experiencing for sure! I didn't need the other random events thrown in there to enhance my experience, because the people that day totally made the event what it was.
Now I will say that, for a guy not really looking or expecting much, even I was a bit disappointed at Disney's lack of detail/offerings for the event. I am 100% not kidding when I say that the highlight of the extras was getting a generic "Inside Out" pin for being one of the first people there that day... okay the closing show on Main Street was pretty fun... But dance parties are nothing special at Disney. Throwing Anna and Elsa and Frozen merchandise in there was about as poorly done as their initial inserts at the other parks when they were first introduced (although that Frozen insert in the MSEP might have been cool; did that even happen? I missed the times because I preferred drying off in ride lines). The Disney Channel characters might have been the best highlight if you are a fan of them (unfortunately I am not). Although a highlight of the day was bumping into one of them outside the Haunted Mansion, and the guy was swarmed by screaming girls. I got "pushed" right up to him as I was passing by and told him to "hang in there" and he gave a sarcastic kind of smile
Perhaps I am a fun sucker? Perhaps I was simply in the wrong places at the wrong times? But I didn't see or get much out of what Disney was offering for the event. Again, with little to no expectations, I would say Disney met them perfectly
But this is a chance to really go all out, above and beyond, to take advantage of the fact that thousands of your die hard fans are making trips just to be there for that one day. I wish there was more offered, but again, I am simply thankful they let us stay for the 24.
(Warning:
The event may cause you to look like "zombie Ariel")
With all that being said, if you are Disney and you are pushing a Frozen-themed event, would it have been difficult to borrow the parade floats from DHS for a day or pull some of the them from
MVMCP? Blow "snow" on Main St? Perhaps have a few special Frozen character photo ops? I don't know, but it seemed liked Disney dropped the ball. I kind of don't blame them, since it is obvious their attention is all on
Disneyland right now with all the 60th anniv. stuff, but it seemed like the WDW event was barely even an after thought.
I would say that if you are looking to go next year to keep your expectations to a bare minimum. I usually don't set the bar so low when it comes to Disney, but it might help with your experience next time around. Simply be thankful for the 24 hour access and view everything else as an added bonus. After all, every extra that day was free of charge. Since it didn't cost me anything extra, I can't really complain about what was offered. But keep that perspective in mind for next year's event.
Along with knowing your body, your mental state, your ideas for what you want to get out of the event and your expectations, I would say that it is important to practice your patience before, during and after the event is over. Having a right mind going into it, getting proper sleep, etc before hand will give you an extra boost to outlast most everyone else who didn't. I mention this because, while I am generally a patient person, I (sadly) found myself cursing under my breath, grumbling about this or that (pointless stuff), and feeling frustrated at moments when I generally wouldn't. But sleep deprivation, the weather (oh lordy I forgot to mention that it was hovering near 100 by midday with rain drizzling most of the night), the soreness, etc. can corrupt even the most purest of minds. So despite your efforts, try packing some extra patience for this event; it was hot and crowded and extra patience would certainly go a loooong way for you and for the other guests in the park. Eventually, I would realize my childish behavior and remedy it with big smiles, going out of my way to compliment CMs (a
HUGE tip all guests should practice) and strike up friendly convos with other guests. But also be aware that patience can come and go, even after you wake up the next day (stay tuned for a decent rant about my mental breakdown the following day at Star Wars Weekend in a later post...). Patience goes a long way for the 24 hour event! Learn it. Practice it. Live it.
Finally, as mentioned in the report, have some goals for the day. Have a reason for being there and set some goals to help keep you motivated in those moments you feel you might want to cave in and go back to the resort. No joke, the goal of being there (and being awake) for the full 24 hours was needed for me personally, otherwise I probably would have given up around 2 or 3am (or gone back in the afternoon for a nap). I also wanted to ride every ride. This actually became a bit of a challenge when the rain started closing "outdoor" rides and then I added catching as many shows/parades/attractions on top of it... it certainly kept me busy, plus I now have bragging rights about accomplishing so much at the MK, all in one day. The final goal was to simply enjoy every moment and stay positive. Apparently Disney World and events like this are meant to be fun?
But even the best of us can lose that mentality from time to time, so make sure you keep reminding yourself that you are at Disney! Have fun out there!
Some people asked, "is the event worth it?". In short, yes... and no! I feel that every Disney fanatic should add this event to their bucket list. However, I could certainly understand this being a one and done kind of thing. I personally do not care for the weather at the end of May, nor the early summer crowds that show up for this and Star Wars Weekend. It was great checking both off my own list, but I don't know that I would come back for the event due to those factors. The "extras" might be the incentive needed to consider going in future years, but again, Disney is not obligated to do so. If it is an opportune time to make a trip (this was the case for me this year), then 24 hour access is simply a bonus. But I don't forsee myself going out of the norm to make the trip next year, unless the theme/offerings are well worth the compromise of dealing with the heat and crowds... although it might be cool to take on the WDW46 (
http://www.parkeology.com/wdw46-official-record)....
Ten Tips for the 24 Hour Event:
- Know yourself (and your group, if there is one) - understand your body's physical and mental capabilities
- Plan - Most of us love to plan and this event is no exception. Make up an itinerary/plan of attack to keep you motivated (see mine below) in those moments you feel like giving up. Also plan for the extremes with weather. It got to be crazy hot during the day (95ish) and a poncho/umbrella was needed for a majority of the night.
- Set goals - Setting goals will give you something to work towards and to keep you from getting bored, but also to get that much more out of the event.
- Prep - Whether working out and getting in shape before hand or getting a good amount of sleep the night before or packing some extra Tylenol, prepping is important for the long day ahead
- Patience! - Pack patience and stay positive. 24 hours in the park is a loooong time. While crowds were generally lower in the morning, things got pretty crazy around by evening. Long lines, huge crowds, slow movement. They are going to happen.
- Be nice - Okay that is a typical everyday piece of advice, but when you are sleep deprived, sore, hungry, etc. sometimes we need to remind ourselves of this. Plus it will not only enhance your experience but also that of other guests and even CMs! Give a compliment. Strike up conversation. Support the CM who has been there for a 12+ hour long shift.
- Stay hydrated and properly nourished - I forgot to pack my water bottle, but drinking fountains and cups of water (not just soda!) were important as becoming dehydrated will mess you up even on a normal day. But also, it is important to eat something! At times I would actually lose track of time or when the last time I ate something was. Make a mental note and dabble in Disney's many food offerings!
- Try something new! I can't understand how some of us have made multiple trips and have yet to visit Tom Sawyer Island or ride Stitch's Great Escape. Food is one thing, but rides are another. You have 24 hours to fill, surely you can find something you have never done/tried at the Mk.
- Get into it! - Whether it's dancing at the parade, getting into a show or character meet up, riding Goofy's Barnstormer for the 10th time, whatever... don't become static, immerse yourself in whatever it is you are doing at that moment.
- Try dressing up or Disney bounding - Throughout the day, I had moments where I felt like I was at MNSSHP (minus those awesome decorations). While certainly not as common as that party, there were plenty of people out either in full on costumes (mad props to you since it was soooo hot out there) or simply bounding (like me). We gave compliments back and forth. We got weird looks (whoever went as Olaf with a "cloud" over their head was simply awesome). But I like to think we had a little more fun than the others because of it.
- Have fun!
MY PLAN OF ATTACK FOR THE 24 (proposal)
NOTE: I didn't much follow this one... at all...
Friday
4:15-4:30 Get up and get ready for the best day ever!!
4:35 Be at the bus stop
MY 24 HOURS
6-6:20 Space Mountain
6:20-6:45 Photograph Sunrise (6:31am)
6:45-7:30 Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Tomorrowland Speedway
7:30-7:40 Check in for ADR
7:40-8:40 Breakfast at Crystal Palace
8:40-9:40 Jungle Cruise
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Swiss Family Treehouse
9:40-12:00 Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Walt Disney World Railroad (Frontierland-Frontierland)
11:50-Noon Find spot for Festival of Fantasy Parade
Noon-1:30pm Festival of Fantasy Parade (shoot in Liberty Square)
Liberty Square Riverboat
Country Bear Jamboree
1:30-5:00pm Lunch?
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Stitch's Great Escape
Carousel of Progress
5:00-5:15pm Flag Retreat
Enchanted Tiki Room
5:40-6:00pm Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! (shoot in Liberty Square)
5:45-6:45pm Peter Pan's Flight FP+
5:15-8pm Mickey's PhilharMagic
Hall of Presidents
7:05-8:05pm Seven Dwarfs Mine Train FP+
8:00-8:20 Photograph Sunset (8:15pm)
8:20-8:30 Sleepy Hollow Waffle
Go to FP spot for Celebrate the Magic / Wishes!
8:35-9:30PM Celebrate the Magic / Wishes! FP+
9:30-12:45 Mad Tea Party
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
“it's a small word”
10:00-11:00 Enchanted Tales With Belle FP+
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
The Barnstormer
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Under the Sea-Journey of The Little Mermaid
12:45-1:00 Get spot for Main Street Electrical Parade
1:00-1:30 Main Street Electrical Parade
1:30-5:30 Dinner?
Pirates of the Caribbean
Peter Pan's Flight
Haunted Mansion
Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Free Rides!!!
5:30-6:00am Main Street
* You may want to rent a locker to store your tripod
* Snacks to try: Special 24 hour treats, popcorn, Mickey bar, Dole Whip Float, Turkey Leg, waffle, strawberry lemonade, french fries from the Outpost, try Tortuga Tavern and the Diamond Horseshoe
Stay tuned for more updates on the remaining days of the trip!!
