After-hours private party in DHS - What to expect?

[Vexorg]

I am currently in the process of trying to convince my boss to let me attend a technical conference related to my job that will be taking place at WDW at the end of September (Hmmm, let me think about that for a couple of milliseconds...) and on looking at the conference schedule, it looks like one of the items on the schedule is a party that takes place after regular park hours at DHS. Having never been to the parks outside the regular hours (aside from doing Mickey's Christmas Party once a long time ago) I'm wondering what to expect in terms of rides and shows. I'm guessing there would be somewhere around 5000-6000 people in attendance at the party to give you an idea of the size. Since my wife and I already have APs we'll have plenty of other opportunity to visit the parks, but I'm wondering if this might be a good chance to get in some rides on short lines?

 

[Robo]

Expect TSM, Star Tours, RnRC, ToT, Gt. Movie Ride and Muppets to be running.
Expect a fireworks show in the Fantasmic! theater (or possibly a showing of Fantasmic!)

Other "shows" are unlikely.

Expect some sort of food service.

 

[Shroog]

Just curious-what day is this after hours party at DHS?

 

[Vexorg]

It would be on September 27th, related to a technical conference being held at the Dolphin and Swan resorts. The conference website is showing it as 8pm to Midnight. Regular park hours are listed as 9am-7:30pm that day.

 

[Shroog]

Okay thanks!!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

It really depends. I have done one that had several rides open but no fireworks. I understand those are a HUGE additional cost so you may not get them.

 

[Traveliz]

There are all sorts of options for after hours parties...it's essentially what they pay for. Often a section or area is pretty much available with the rest of the park closed off. The food and beverage service may be outside displayed rather than you going into establishments. Sometimes there are many or different characters milling about. It could be anything but if I had the opportunity I would definitely go!

Liz

 

[Micca]

I've been to a couple of private parties at MK & Epcot. No matter what, you absolutely want to go! It's a different experience that doesn't come around too often for most folks.

 

[Dznefreek]

It all depends on what the host wants to pay for.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

probably also beverages. could be open bar or paid bar depending on what the host wants to spring for. might even be non-alcoholic only.

 

[DebbieB]

Is it included with your convention admittance? Sometimes it's a separate charge.

 

[Vexorg]

In this case it is included with conference admission. There is an option to bring a guest, but that costs $150 extra. Since my wife will likely be accompanying me on the trip, I will probably spring for it.

 

[hakepb]

Expect TSM, Star Tours, RnRC, ToT, Gt. Movie Ride and Muppets to be running.
Expect a fireworks show in the Fantasmic! theater (or possibly a showing of Fantasmic!)

Other "shows" are unlikely.

Expect some sort of food service.

Just curious, Do they still run fireworks in the Fantasmic theater now that they have a permanent fireworks launch pad behind the park (that doesn't require clearing out areas of the park like TSMM)?

 

[Robo]

Just curious, Do they still run fireworks in the Fantasmic theater now that they have a permanent fireworks launch pad behind the park (that doesn't require clearing out areas of the park like TSMM)?

It depends on what the convention organizers order.
There are a multitude of options.

 

[scrappingbuckeye]

Expect a lot of awesomeness! Super short lines - I'd do it in a heartbeat!

 

[bsb]

Is this the Splunk conference? My husband is attending and I just found out about the party, i'm hoping he can get me a free ticket from his vender (fingers crossed!) We were told that there will be "most" rides open and free drinks (alcoholic and non) and an assortment of "heavy hor d'oeuvres"

 

[MushuHill]

I did this a few years ago with a pediatric dental convention. The park closed early and they bussed us from dolphin to HS. When we got off the bus we walked down a red carpet and cast members were standing down the sides screaming and asking for our autographs. It was really cute. The whole park was open to ride the rides and with so few people compared to a park day all the rides were walk on. They had tables with free food, tables with free beer and wine. You could go to any QS location and order food for free. At the end of the party there was a firework show and we boarded the bus back to the dolphin.
It was amazing and something I will never forget!!!
The beds at the dolphin were so soft and fluffy. I loved it there. Some of the other girls were in the swan. The Sean had two bathroom sinks, but the dolphin only had one.

 

[Robo]

free drinks (alcoholic and non) and an assortment of "heavy hor d'oeuvres"

Be cautous of the five-pound lobster puffs.

Just sayin'

 

[MushuHill]

This picture was from our event!

 

[Anesthesia Fine]

One year my dad's organization did this; I forget everything that was open but he did say after his first three times through RnRC the CM just said, "Sir, you can just stay on the ride if you'd like" and so Dad rode at least six or seven more times.

I'd say after-hours events are definitely worth it for the short lines alone.