Will we be okay to leave MK for dinner on Dec 30 and then be able to get back in?

[sarobison]

We're planning to be in MK on Dec 30 and have ADR's at GF Cafe for an early dinner that evening. Our hope is to be able to leave the park mid-afternoon, have dinner, and then be back in for Wishes (if not early enough for the first Spectro at 7pm).

Is it doable? Or should we be worried about the park closing due to capacity? This is our last day at WDW and our only day in MK for this trip. It's my mom's 1st trip to WDW in probably 18 years so we want to make sure she gets to see the night-time stuff at MK.

 

[JohnnyB2]

I would try to find out if there were any closings while you are at the parks.Seeing that the 30th is on a Wed not all of the locals will be off work which will help you. Also with lower attendence this year,it may work in your favor.Ask the CM's when you are leaveing what their thoughts are for your return. It could be a big gamble
Good Luck

 

[WDWTeri]

We're planning to be in MK on Dec 30 and have ADR's at GF Cafe for an early dinner that evening. Our hope is to be able to leave the park mid-afternoon, have dinner, and then be back in for Wishes (if not early enough for the first Spectro at 7pm).

Is it doable? Or should we be worried about the park closing due to capacity? This is our last day at WDW and our only day in MK for this trip. It's my mom's 1st trip to WDW in probably 18 years so we want to make sure she gets to see the night-time stuff at MK.

Are you staying at a WDW resort? I believe that when they close the parks for capacity, they will still allow WDW resort guests to enter. We have never done this, so if someone has first hand info, please tell the details.

 

[mjkacmom]

Are you staying at a WDW resort? I believe that when they close the parks for capacity, they will still allow WDW resort guests to enter. We have never done this, so if someone has first hand info, please tell the details.

At the highest level of closing, WDW guests will be refused entrance - they will be guaranteed to get into A park, but maybe not the one you want.

 

[kbelle8995]

I wouldn't count on being able to get back into MK. This is the most popular park. So it will fill up first and it will remain full. Some visitors will leave later in the day. But I wouldn't count on being able to get back into MK. You could try but don't count on being able to get back in.

 

[Connears]

We have been for that week for the last 4 years and 12/30 is very popular for families with young kids to see fireworks and not have to do midnite on NYE, so it has reached max capacity when not even resort guests are allowed into the park until the crowds numbers allow..this can happen, but it is a tough call. Friends las year tried to get there at 6pm on 12/30 and were turned away , both we tried at 10:30pm to get in and it was fine..as the crowds change they will adjust.
Connears

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The turnstile master computer at each park keeps track of both entries and exits. When a park capacity closes (which is done in stages) there has to be a certain number of people exiting, with the total "in park" below a certain number, before they start allowing people in again.

I am low enough on the totem pole that I have no idea what these numbers are.

There are four stages to park closing:

Stage 1 - The parking lot entrance is closed. You can only access the park if you are using Disney Transportation.

Stage 2 - The ticket windows are all closed (and the automated Ticket Vending Machines are turned off). Unless you already have a ticket you cannot get in.

Stage 3 - Only people with Annual Passes or current Resort IDs will be allowed in.

Stage 4 - Nobody is allowed in.

Note - having restaurant reservations in a park, even with written proof, will not override a stage closing for you.

Also, if you are staying at a Disney owned and operated Resort and have a ticket, you are guaranteed entry into A park. Not necessarily the one you want (unless you want to go into AK). And if you have entered and left a park and do not have a hopper you may not get into anything.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Personally I would not risk leaving, so I would stay in the Magic Kingdom the whole time you are there.

 

[vicki_c]

Last year on the 30th -- it was total gridlock on Main Street after around 8 PM, I'd say. It took my husband an hour to get from Tomorrowland to the lockers at the front and back (they had opened up the back walkway behind the stores by then as well). I don't know if the park was closed or not, but just to give you an idea of what it was like in the early evening. If I really wanted to see the fireworks at MK on 12/30, I would not leave the park for dinner.

 

[sarobison]

Thanks for all of the advice. I think I am going to switch my ADR from GF Cafe to (hopefully) somewhere in the park. We are staying onsite but it's our last day (we're actually staying late and either driving home overnight or staying somewhere along the way) .

 

[marksmith]

we have an ADR at Ca Grille on 12/30 at 530 pm. Plan was to try to get back in to MK for 830 Wishes and if turned away head back to viewing at contemporary viewing bridge(available I understand as an earlier dining reservation) or the dock at our resort(GF).

Took a chance and got lucky today and booked the wishes dessert party for 730 on 12/30. If after dinner we get turned away at Mk, I wonder if I would get a refunf for this prepaid event? thoughts? thanks

 

[Cheshire Figment]

No. It is prepaid and if you are a no-show you will forfeit your advance payment. And if the Park is at Stage 4 closing you will not be allowed in even with proof that you have the reservation. (Stage 3 if you do not have a Resort ID or AP.) And cancellations for a refund must be at least 24 hours prior to the event.