Advice & Misc Info To Share For Night Owl Touring?

[Tia1977]

I've been stalking DIS for a year. You guys are truly the best! Rarely do I post bc I end up finding my answers by reading your previous info/posts. Been years since I was @ WDW, taking my new family (hubby 12yr old stepdaughter) for the 1st 2wks in June. We're a 2nd shift family, and my year of planning has been devoted around ensuring a 2nd shift & laid back Disney (yes, we'll be in the herd of family's showing up around noon to make our 1st FP+). Arrive late, close the park down. All our FP+ selections are booked like 3 lil duckies in a row 1st thing on park days (6 total), then it's a free for all after. My main focus is MK (3 MK days). I've stalked countless other WDW forums, articles, touring strategies, etc; always very lil info/touring geared towards night owls who'll never see a RD. Any info and/or personal experience you can share when there during a busy time like we are? Since our FP+'s are taking care of our "do or die's", it leaves us open for what fits in the flow. Cept I have no idea what the typical nighttime flow is (lol).

 

[mickey1968]

I have a similar way of touring. I like to sleep late, then have my "Must Do" FP+ lined up for noon or after, then I just enjoy wandering around the MK riding things as they come up. I definitely like to close down the park at night rather than do rope drop. I typically tend to visit during low to moderate crowd levels like early May or Halloween so it works for me. My trip last Dec was the week before Christmas and I practically didn't get out of my room before Noon on most days. But I still got to ride the biggies that I love because I had the FP+. My favorite times to be in the MK are after dark with all the pretty lights. Twice as magical as daytime!

 

[senadler]

I think this type of touring is a little easier with the new FP+ since you don't need to be at the park to book your rides. However, it is also much easier during lower crowd times. Going in June, you will probably need to try and take advantage of very late EMH, especially at the MK. I think the other parks our doable with FP+ and staying until close.

 

[agavegirl1]

Double check closing times for your chosen parks close to your departure date. WDW has been changing hours based on expected attendance lately. If you are not doing any "rope drops", you should be able to get a lot done by staying until park close. Remember, you can still get in line 5 minutes before park close and still ride a ride. Wait times are likely to be inflated to discourage this but use your common sense and actual people in line. Are you using Disney transportation after closing? If so, expect up to an hour wait at your bus stop or 30 to 45 minutes for a monorail ride back. When you are tired, this can make a difference. Bring a snack and distraction for transport back to your resort.

If you are driving to the parks, expect park closing traffic.

 

[Tia1977]

Thank you guys very much for sharing, and the advice! So cool about how late people can get in line (; And thanks for the heads up on the WDW transportation and possible inflated wait times bf park close!

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

Search for the thread titled "Late Night Tips". There's lots of good information gathered there.

Some key things to remember when visiting late at night are:
1. many guests will arrive way too early in the morning, eventually get hot and tired and leave
2. others will arrive later, but will be clueless and get frustrated and leave
3. those that stay will line up way too early for evening parades and fireworks
4. most importantly, wait times are greatly exaggerated in the evening

 

[Tia1977]

Thank you!!!!! It did have lots of info. Thank you for taking the time to share!