? About MK Closing When It Reaches Capacity

[Eeyore's Queen]

We just decided to go to Disney for Christmas break. I know the MK will close if it reaches capacity but will we be let in because we are staying on site? I thought I read that somewhere. I wanted to have a leisurely Christmas morning and go to MK for the parade and dinner. I don't feel like getting there too early. Also, does anyone know what time the Christmas parade is on Christmas day?

Thanks

 

[kilee]

Staying on site guarantees you entry into a park-- not always the one of your choice. However, the parks do close at different levels. The first level being no more offsite guests. Then no more resort guests. At Christmas it's really iffy-- you do run a risk of getting shut out of a park even if you're staying onsite. However, I wouldn't let it stop me from traveling during that time.

 

[Eeyore's Queen]

Thanks for the info. What if I have a PS for later that day? Does that make a difference. I don't really care about doing any of the rides, etc. because we are also going around Thanksgiving time. I just want to take it easy that week. I would like to see MK on Christmas day, however and maybe eat at the castle for dinner.

 

[GoldenOldie]

If you find yourself faced with a Phase 4 closing (no additional entries from anywhere), you will not be admitted because you have a PS. Once the park reaches any stage, it will stay in that phase until park management deems it safe to lower it.

If you do not qualify for admittance in the current phase the park is operating in, no amount of begging, pleading, or crying will get you in at that time. It should be noted that capacity is NOT controlled on a "one person leaves and one person is allowed to enter" basis. It could be several hours before admissions are allowed to resume.

If you anticipate the park might close and you have a PS there for a later time, don't leave.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by Eeyore's Queen
Also, does anyone know what time the Christmas parade is on Christmas day?

Also realize that the parade that runs on Christmas day is NOT the one broadcast on ABC. The parade broadcast on television is taped--the last few years it's been taped on the first Saturday in December.

The parade will run, but probably at or near its normal scheduled time. And be prepared to stake out a spot very early if you want a good view!

 

[Eeyore's Queen]

Yeah, I realized it wasn't the same parade. And we are going to MVMCP earlier in the month so I don't really NEED to see the parade. It is the same one as MVMCP, right? I just think the kids would like to see it. I think maybe we will avoid MK on Christmas day and make a PS somewhere else. Thanks for all of the input.

Heidi

 

[seashoreCM]

If you are concerned the park may close due to capacity, you probably don't want to be there. It is difficult to move about in many places such as Main St. and wait times for rides are at their worst.

Better not to make PS's for that park on that date and instead plan on going to a different park, and not consume time park hopping.

As far as I know, everything that happens or can be seen at MK on Christmas Day (other than people saying "Merry Christmas") is also on many of the days preceding and many of the days following.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[TDC Nala]

You could also make a PS to eat at a resort, which you could still get to even if you were denied entry to a park.

 

[mostyn17]

Can anyone go to the taping of the parade or is there a special invatation? I think that would be so neat to see.

Thanks.

Travis

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by mostyn17
Can anyone go to the taping of the parade or is there a special invatation? I think that would be so neat to see.

Anyone can go. In fact, they usually announce it at the resorts to get as many people as possible to pack into the park for the day. A full park looks good on TV.

But, be warned that the process may not be what you expect. It's basically a full day affair. They tape the parade in very small segments. The TV crew sets its cameras on a small segment of the route and start up the parade. When the parade reaches a predetermined destination, everyone stops. They back-up the parded, reset the cameras and do it all over again. It's a full blown TV production--not just a running of the parade that happens to occur in front of cameras.

All of the little celebrity drop-ins ("Let's go to Wayne Brady at Disney's Animal Kingdom") are filmed separately--often on different days.

There's certainly nothing wrong with checking out the parade if you'll be in town, but I'd go into the day with a "Plan B" if it doesn't end up being what you thought.