After Hours vs. 1 Day Park Hopper

[Raya]

Hello! We have one day in Orlando before a cruise. We'd like to go on Guardians and Ratatouille at EPCOT, then hit our favorites like Tower of Terror, Everest, Space Mountain etc. My plan was 1 day park hoppers, and a lot of caffeine. We've done 4 parks in one day before, and generally walk between 6 and 8 miles each Disney day, so that's totally doable. However, another member of our party has suggested that instead we skip park hopping, and just do the Magic Kingdom After Hours event. That would leave us up late the night before our cruise starts, but would make for a much 'calmer' day. Is there any good reason one way or the other?

 

[JasonMak2000]

I would say that it totally depends on the time of year and crowds. Crowds have been pretty heavy this week and yesterday we rode 3 rides in 5 hours at AK and then did 9 rides in 3.5 hours at HS after hours including Rise twice. Not to mention it is just a unique feeling to be in the park with so few people around.

 

[CarolynFH]

Obviously, if you only do MK After Hours, you won't be able to ride GotG, Remy, or any of your favorites except Space Mountain (and other MK favorites). So I'd say it comes down to how badly do you want to ride the attractions in the other parks? Since you named GotG and Remy first, it sounds to me like those are a priority.

 

[Marthasor]

It just depends if you only want to go to MK or if you would rather visit EP and MK. If you only want to go to MK, I would go to After Hours. I, personally, would want to ride GOTG!

 

[scrappinginontario]

The other thing to keep in mind is that park hopping doesn't start until 2:00 so if you plan to hop, all your 'extra' parks need to be done at 2PM or later.