After hours, DVC Moonlight Magic, Extended Hours - which is really worth it?

[Anjelica]

Experiences? Recommendation on what you would make as a priority?

During our week in February (staying at Boulder Ridge/Wilderness Lodge):

MK - Afterparty
DHS - Afterparty
EPCOT - DVC Moonlight Magic
EPCOT - Extended Evening
MK - Extended Evening

 

[Dave006]

Hard to make suggestions without knowing your daytime plans.

Dave

 

[Anjelica]

Hard to make suggestions without knowing your daytime plans.

Dave

They will revolve around our evening plans hence why I was curious to peoples thoughts on it. We tend to be a bit more of “vampires” on vacation at times

 

[Dave006]

They will revolve around our evening plans hence why I was curious to peoples thoughts on it. We tend to be a bit more of “vampires” on vacation

If money is no object than do both After Hours Parties. Otherwise I would pick HS or MK depending your groups' ages but not both. The other (3) options are free. Are you actual DVC members as that is required for the Epcot evening?

Late evening are great most times of the year but February is a very interesting weather month. It can get quite cool in the evenings.

Dave

 

[Anjelica]

Yes I am a DVC member who purchased direct so I am eligible (just have never been).

 

[NYCANC]

Our fave ever is MK After Hours. Best time we ever had- my teens loved it too.

 

[NotTheBatesMotel]

We haven’t done Moonlight Magic but have done the rest of them. My list in order of favorites:
MK After Hours
MK Extended evening
HS After Hours
EPCOT Extended Evening

MK is the best IMO in terms of events because there are enough rides to make up for unexpected ride closures/hiccups. Things can get slightly backed up at HS if something closes but crowds are still way better than daytime hours. Epcot was my least favorite due to the world showcase being closed + fewer rides to choose from.

 

[CarolynFH]

Yes I am a DVC member who purchased direct so I am eligible (just have never been).

Keep in mind that you’ll have to compete with other DVC members for the limited number of tickets for MM. You can try on December 16 with the other members who have DVC reservations for the February date and if not successful then you can try again on December 19. If you get in to MM, IMHO it’s much better than DEEH.

And I also think the MK after hours party is better than DEEH, but of course DEEH is free, so I might prioritize the DHS after hours as my paid event, if budget didn’t allow both.

 

[tkd lisa]

No one has mentioned that moonlight magic also provides free snacks and sometimes there are rare character interactions. We had a full on dance party with max and goofy once.

I haven't done the paid events but smh definitely doesn't have that.

 

[msmayor]

According to my kids, any event at HS that lowers crowd levels is absolutely worth it. There are so many heavy-hitters in that park, that historically have long wait times on regular park days, that a ticket for lower crowds is fantastic.

They did the After Hours party when we went in 2024 and said it was fantastic.

 

[Dug720]

No one has mentioned that moonlight magic also provides free snacks and sometimes there are rare character interactions. We had a full on dance party with max and goofy once.

I haven't done the paid events but smh definitely doesn't have that.

After Hours also includes free bottles of soda and water, free popcorn, free Mickey bars (and maybe sandwiches?), and fruit bars.

 

[elvispursley]

I'd do one of the After Hours if I couldn't get Moonlight Magic and if you're already staying deluxe, then the EEH are already included so I'd do those as a "bonus". I find I get more done at MK during the EEH than Epcot just because Epcot's so spread out. But we tend to do them both when we're there.

 

[Minsc]

We have done a few After Hours events and they all have been worth it, but the family would likely vote the MK After Hours event as the best. If you can stay up late, you will have a great chance at low crowds, particularly on a weeknight. Here are some images from an MK AH event a couple of years ago. These were taken around 10:30-45pm.

 

[georgina]

The only one I have done is MK AH, and I do that instead of a day ticket to MK. I love the atmosphere and get a lot done.