What's up with Disney's Extra Magic Hours?

I had not heard anything about possible reductions in EMH. It might be weird that Splash Mountain is not open, but I think that they have always closed some attractions for EMH.

I wonder what all these "hassles" are that people talk about with staying offsite. Yes you need to rent a car, or if you drove down, then you have one. However, I rent time shares, though I don't own one, that are literally across the road from Disney property. It is kind of a hassle to go into each bedroom to wake my family (just kidding).

We have had views of the fireworks. In the morning I am not waiting for a bus that makes multiple stops with hundreds of others. I just toss my breakfast dishes into the dishwasher, and hop in the car, and drive directly to the place I want to be. In the evening we have two bathrooms, with two showers, and like 4 TVs, and a Jacuzzi in the master bedroom for my aching feet and bones.

When the parks close, a tram takes me to my car. I get in and drive to my room. It probably takes me about the same, or maybe less time than dealing with the busses to the All Star resorts. I could leave the strollers in the car when the kids were little. We kept a cooler in the car with fresh cold drinks, and sometimes lunch when the kids were little.

When I parkhop, I jump in my car and drive to the other park. Unless you are hopping between MK and Epcot, I guarantee that it is less of a hassle than hopping on Disney Transportation. Actually, when I hop between MK and Epcot, I just use the Monorail anyway just for fun. At the end of the day the Monorail takes me right to where I need to be.

I get why people want to stay onsite, but I just don't understand what these mythical hassles are that everyone seem to have.

It's been a year since they've removed Splash from the Extra Magic Hours. I went in September last year and it was off the list. Yeah, it stinks that it isn't available for EMH, but there are other rides that are available, so I just pick those.

I've heard they're looking to get rid of EMH altogether, but until I see an announcement (as opposed to a rumor), I'm not really going to believe that.

I think they cut the hours down because of costs. Think of how much less they have to pay when it's one or two hours as opposed to three.

As far as ride choices go, perhaps Splash needs more nightly maintenance than other rides, or it is more costly to run longer than other rides in the park.

Universe of Energy has a longer show time, and it is much, much less popular than things like Soarin or Test Track. I can't even think of the last time I saw Universe of Energy more than 1/2 full...

I still think there are more benefits to staying at a Disney resort than downsides. Personally, I'm not willing to deal with the hassles of off-property resorts (i.e. vehicle rental or poor shuttle transport, etc.) because they took away EMH. I try to plan around ride availability. I ride Splash during the day and other rides during EMH.

I'd give Disney the feedback that you're disappointed that Splash or other rides aren't available. It couldn't hurt.

I was unaware until now that Splash was closed to the EMH... quite a disappointment. ...Also, I don't know if I am just remembering differently, but it seems as if the current EMH days are shrinking. I thought I remembered there being more days available throughout the week with both AM and PM EMH...but it seems as if they are dwindling ...I dunno.

...My thoughts... the only way Disney will know how we feel is if we tell them... I have written a small handful of times letting them know my concerns (or my gratitude)... Ex: Dining plan, I felt they should at least give us a choice of either appetizer or dessert... (personally) we are NOT a dessert family, so I thought it would be great if they would give us a choice to opt for an appetizer if we wish (i.e. salad) instead of a hefty dessert... My thoughts, we get enough snack credits to cover our sweet tooth as it is... They wrote back something like this "we always consider our guests comments and strive for the highest standards" ... who knows? it's just worth a try... if we give our 2 cents enough, then at least we are [somewhat] heard. I LOVE Disney so much that I think it's worth taking the time out to let them know what we, the customers, think.

I've heard rumors that they're looking to cut back on EMH.

I personally would still stay on Disney property just because it's more convenient (and with all the extra driving and parking fees, it doesn't seem to be that big a difference). But it would be a definite loss.

I say complain about it... if they get enough complaints they will take action when guests aren't happy.

I imagine they're expensive to run.

Maybe they think it'll still be enough of a perk without the extra cost?

I have not heard about this. That is disappointing. 'Mackenzie' is right. You should complain. Maybe if they hear enough complaints, they will rethink this. Thanks for letting us know.