The Scoop on Grad Nights at DLR in May and June

[HydroGuy]

Hello Hydro Guy. Not sure if you will remember me or not, but I meet you as you were entering the park with your kids back in 2005. We were waiting in line for MM. Anyways, thank you for all your input on these boards. You have become quite an expert so to speak, LOL. We went back to DL in 8/07 and are planning a trip now 6/12-6/17. This is the first time we are staying at HOJO's, DL facing room.

Anyways, here is my questions since two of these Grad nights will directly affect us. This is the first time we are going in June, is the park not open to midnight until later June typically? Now that the kids are older we should be able to stay later and Wed. is our last day in the park. But, now I see it is a grad night which means an earlier closing time. We arrive on Saturday the 12th, so maybe we should start our three days in the park on Sunday and not go on Wednesday then instead. We fly home on Thursday so no big deal there. How would you do it?

Tom

I remember! Chicago wasn't it?

Usually DL transitions to full midnight hours sometime around June 15 or 20.

In case you have not seen it, I suggest you read this thread: "Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983. You will have some major, major crowds on June 13-15 because World of Color will likely be open (some say the debut will be June 11) and those days are not blocked for APs. June 11 is also the start of Summer Nightastic. June 16 is blocked but a grad night. Sat June 12 is blocked too and crowds will be less on the 12th and 16th.

Frankly I do not know what I would do. Would it better to have a full day at DLR on a day that is not blocked (like Sunday) or Wednesday partial day with grad nights but have APs blocked? I think I would lean slightly to going on June 14-16 and do the grad night day where crowds will be lower.

Is there a reason you cannot do all four days? The ticket prices are now buy 3 days get 5.

HTH

 

[TeamTnC]

I remember! Chicago wasn't it?

Usually DL transitions to full midnight hours sometime around June 15 or 20.

In case you have not seen it, I suggest you read this thread: "Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983. You will have some major, major crowds on June 13-15 because World of Color will likely be open (some say the debut will be June 11) and those days are not blocked for APs. June 11 is also the start of Summer Nightastic. June 16 is blocked but a grad night. Sat June 12 is blocked too and crowds will be less on the 12th and 16th.

Frankly I do not know what I would do. Would it better to have a full day at DLR on a day that is not blocked (like Sunday) or Wednesday partial day with grad nights but have APs blocked? I think I would lean slightly to going on June 14-16 and do the grad night day where crowds will be lower.

Is there a reason you cannot do all four days? The ticket prices are now buy 3 days get 5.

HTH

Great memory, Chicago is correct. I laugh because in 2007 I missed you by a couple of weeks and it looks like I am going to miss you again this summer, LOL. I just booked our trip over the weekend and now starting my research again. This site in incredible and you can find out just about anything. I was glad to see you are still on here.

Three years ago, I used your guide on what order to ride rides on early entry day and what a difference that makes. We basically walked on everything. In fact we even rode some two or three times without even having to get off. I will use that plan again this year.

The buy three get 5 days is not valid the days we are there from what I can tell. I thought they ended soon. If that is the case, then yes for sure we can go 4 days then and will.

WOC, I hope it does open when we are there, it will be nice to see something new. This will also be the kids first time on SM and Screamin. They are FINALLY old enough, LOL

Any advice on HOJO? First time booking it. I booked a Disney Facing room, but should I call and ask for anything else, ie a certain floor, no tree etc?

On a side note, my kids still ask me about who was that guy I was talking to on our first trip there. My son was old enough to remember and he still asks, LOL. Does you family still wear matching shirts on your first day? Do your kids still enjoy it as much?

Thanks for the help!!!

 

[HydroGuy]

Great memory, Chicago is correct. I laugh because in 2007 I missed you by a couple of weeks and it looks like I am going to miss you again this summer, LOL. I just booked our trip over the weekend and now starting my research again. This site in incredible and you can find out just about anything. I was glad to see you are still on here.

Three years ago, I used your guide on what order to ride rides on early entry day and what a difference that makes. We basically walked on everything. In fact we even rode some two or three times without even having to get off. I will use that plan again this year.

The buy three get 5 days is not valid the days we are there from what I can tell. I thought they ended soon. If that is the case, then yes for sure we can go 4 days then and will.

WOC, I hope it does open when we are there, it will be nice to see something new. This will also be the kids first time on SM and Screamin. They are FINALLY old enough, LOL

Any advice on HOJO? First time booking it. I booked a Disney Facing room, but should I call and ask for anything else, ie a certain floor, no tree etc?

On a side note, my kids still ask me about who was that guy I was talking to on our first trip there. My son was old enough to remember and he still asks, LOL. Does you family still wear matching shirts on your first day? Do your kids still enjoy it as much?

Thanks for the help!!!

The boys are way too old for matching shirts now. The 5 days for the price of 3 was extended until Sept. Double-check the Disney website. No HoJos advice from me. It has a good rep. We found the walk a little far but the pool really nice when we stayed in 2003. Others here have been more recently and can give you good advice.

 

[HydroGuy]

Mispost - consider it a bump!

 

[ishbit92]

I'm a recently graduated senior and I'll be in DL during at least one (maybe two) of the dates of the Grad Night...is there any chance they'd let me in even though I'm not from a California High School (I'm from Alaska, )? It sounds like soooo much fun!

 

[Albort]

The only difference between last year is where they park now... Not sure how they will be doing it this year.

 

[HydroGuy]

I'm a recently graduated senior and I'll be in DL during at least one (maybe two) of the dates of the Grad Night...is there any chance they'd let me in even though I'm not from a California High School (I'm from Alaska, )? It sounds like soooo much fun!

I have never heard of that. DLR has it setup to keep control of the process and all attendees must arrive by bus. And I would guess the school must be registered in some way. DLR cannot just have a bunch of buses show up and possibly be overcrowded and have to turn away buses.

 

[Timchat2]

With the tight turnaround between the end of the Grad Night and the park opening in the morning, does the park fully "recover" from the events of the night before? Is park upkeep affected for the day guests because of the small window for crews to do their work, or do most guests even notice that the park had been open just hours prior to their arrival that morning?

 

[HydroGuy]

With the tight turnaround between the end of the Grad Night and the park opening in the morning, does the park fully "recover" from the events of the night before? Is park upkeep affected for the day guests because of the small window for crews to do their work, or do most guests even notice that the park had been open just hours prior to their arrival that morning?

Yes it fully recovers, but I suspect that the night time work they usually do is limited. They can sweep up and wipe up, but no time for gardening work.

 

[tink929]

We were in the park last Thursday which was a Grad Night. They did start setting up some staging, lighting, and walking through with the K9 unit before the park actually closed, but it didn't affect much. It was later in the evening. The only big thing was that all the shops "hard closed" at park closing - no late-night shopping that night (well, if after 9pm is "late night").

 

[cwbronco]

We will be there for the 15th- through the 20th so it looks like we will experience two grad nights. During our six days there we will be spending one day at sea world which I was planning on being that Friday since I figured Friday would be packed at DL. Would it be more efficent to move Sea World to one of the Grad nights since the DL will be closing early that day anyways?

 

[momstable]

I will be there on June 16th & 17th as well, with a friend, her DD-7 and my DS-12. We will be on the 5 day for 3 passes.

We are starting on Sunday and Thursday will be our last day. We figure with 5 days to see everything, even with crowds, we should be good. We did get priority seating dinner reservations for World of Color, just to be on the safe side

 

[Piglet99645]

Thanks for this very helpful thread.

I'm wondering if any of you have specific suggestions (in light of grad nights) as to how to break up our four day trip of Thurs-Sun June 9-12.

I have been expecting our first day to be a Magic Morning day, but with grad night the night before, now apparently it won't be.

We are going to be three adults and three kids (ages 10, 5 and 2 so possibly TWO strollers, god help me). I'm tentatively planning 2.5 days at DL and 1.5 days at DCA. I'm not sure how to break it up.

I have my Ridemax subscription and have been playing with it, but of course our dates aren't available yet.

All suggestions welcome. Hydroguy I hope you are having fun at WDW!!

Piglet

 

[Piglet99645]

doh! This thread is a year old..... I'll repost as a new question.

I swore I looked at the date 3 times.

 

[HydroGuy]

doh! This thread is a year old..... I'll repost as a new question.

I swore I looked at the date 3 times.

The OP is accurate even though the thread is a year old.

 

[oumagic]

Thanks for updating the Original Post with the 2011 dates. I am a little fuzzy as to if they do fireworks on grad nights. We will get to the hotel @ 7pm this week on a grad night (5/19) and the park closes at 8PM. I was wondering if they shoot fireworks during the grad night private event and if anyone knows what time it would be if they did. The hotel we are staying at is supposed to have a pretty good view from the pool and the pool is open 24 hours.

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks for updating the Original Post with the 2011 dates. I am a little fuzzy as to if they do fireworks on grad nights. We will get to the hotel @ 7pm this week on a grad night (5/19) and the park closes at 8PM. I was wondering if they shoot fireworks during the grad night private event and if anyone knows what time it would be if they did. The hotel we are staying at is supposed to have a pretty good view from the pool and the pool is open 24 hours.

The 2011 dates have been in the OP since last October FWIW.

I can't remember when the fireworks happen but I believe it is at the start of the night. As the OP says they do shoot fireworks.

 

[HydroGuy]

I am copying the old OP here for future reference. The OP has changed and the quoted text which follows is not applicable in 2012 or thereafter.

And for good measure this will serve as a bump to the thread. Anyone interested in the new grad night format or what I think it means for guests should read the OP.

I am a 1981 Grad Night Alumni and see lots of questions on DIS about Grad Nights. So I decided to create a thread where people can get information and understand how it might impact their May or June trip to DLR.


What are Grad Nights?

Grad Nights are special events held at DLR for graduating high school seniors and their dates held during times when DLR is normally closed. They are typically held from midnight until 6AM and thus do not interfere with regular DLR day visitors. In recent years both DL and DCA parks have been open to attendees.


Where can I find official Grad Night information?

Official information regarding dates, dress code, entertainment, etc., is given here:

http://www.grad-nights.com/gradnightcalifornia.htm


When are Grad Nights?

Grad Nights at DLR are held from mid-May until mid to late-June. Check the above link for Grad Night schedules.

For example, the dates for 2012 are:

May 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31
June 1, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22

NOTE: The above dates were shown in August, 2011 and do not make sense. Grad nights on Friday nights have never happened to my knowledge. Check back later for updates.

The dates for 2011 were:

May 12, 19 and 26
June 2, 8, 9, and 16

The dates for 2010 were:

May 20 and 27
June 3, 10, 16, 17, and 24


How do Grad Nights affect regular visitors?

The events are chaperoned and thus attendees are not allowed to freely roam the area around DLR. The attendees are only allowed to come in on buses (no individual drivers) and are guided into the parks and are not allowed to leave the parks until closing at 6AM. At that point attendees are guided back to their buses. Thus there are no issues with high schoolers being disruptive to guests outside the parks.

Grad Nights do impact park hours for regular visitors. Typically on Grad Nights the parks close early - DL closes at 9PM and DCA closes at 6PM. With the parks closing earlier it also means that it is uncertain any night time entertainment such as Fantasmic and fireworks will be scheduled. In 2009 DL did offer nighttime entertainment a few times on grad nights. In 2010 they expanded this and moved fireworks and Fantasmic to earlier showings. In general be aware that if you plan trips on days with grad nights it is less certain what entertainment may be offered.

Grad Nights also impact Magic Mornings (MM) at DL. If there is a Grad Night the previous night (with DL open until 6AM) then MM will not be held.

Sometimes MM are moved after grad nights. On the one Wednesday grad night in 2010 on June 16, the normal June 17 MM was moved to Wednesday June 16. Same thing in 2011 for the June 8 grad night.

Typically Grad Nights do have fireworks so if you are staying near the parks you may hear them and have some potential sleep disruption.

 

[DisneyisaBLAST]

Thanks for the update, HydroGuy. I'm stressing because the day I was planning on going to DCA is June 12th and with the kids having park hoppers for day use this year, I'm concerned they'll increase attendance levels past historical crowd level predictions.

If Disney definitely isn't closing the parks early and you don't think the teens will arrive until the afternoon, I guess it shouldn't be TOO much of a problem. :-/

It will be our first time to Disneyland and we have 2.5 days to enjoy it - so I'm trying to make the most of it! Here's hoping grad nights isn't a disaster and Radiator Springs Racers is open in time for our trip (pretty please)! What are the odds?

 

[sweetlovin']

Updated January 18, 2012

In year 2011 and before the DLR grad nights were held from midnight to 6AM and caused changes to regular hours, entertainment and Magic Mornings. Starting in 2012 this will no longer be the case.

Here is a link to the grad night website: http://www.grad-nights.com/gradnightcalifornia.htm

Here are the dates for 2012:

May 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31
June 1, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 19, 21, 22

I called their 800 number today and "Sue" told me the following:

1. Each grad will get a 1 day parkhopper ticket good for entry any time that day. Thus grads will be mixed in with regular attendees during regular hours.

2. DL will close by 11PM on these nights for regular guests.

3. Grads can stay for the special "party" from 11PM until 3AM

4. There will be a performance of Fantasmic after 11PM only for the grads

5. Only DL park will be open after 11PM

6. In 2013 the same will happen, but only DCA will be open after 11PM and WOC will show

7. The special grad party will alternate between DL and DCA each year


What does this mean for the regular guest? No one knows for sure yet but here is my educated guess:

o Regular guests no longer need to pay attention to early park closures or reduced entertainment or modifed Magic Mornings because of grad nights. So many of the past grad night "gotchas" will no longer be an issue.

o Attendance on grad night party days will have a higher number of high school seniors there during the regular hours.

o I suspect DLR will stagger the grad night attendees with SoCal blockout days. A quick glance at the 2012 grad night schedule and my memory of blockouts this past June, there seems to be staggering to some degree - especially in June.

o For years where grad night parties are at DCA there will be extra noise from grads and WOC untul 3AM that will mostly impact GCH hotel guests because they are closest. FWIW, most GCH guests in the past have reported - including me - that noise in the GCH rooms from the parks is not a significant issue if you have the windows closed. Light sleepers may be impacted though.

Thank you so much. I was told that the park would close early in May (like 6pm or 7pm) for the grads. Being from the East Coast, 11pm PST is really late for me. So, I would have left the park by that point anyway. That is excellent news.

When the May schedule comes out, will it reflect the new show times for the grad nights? Or is it annouced only at the park that day?

Again, thank you for all your help.