Another EMH question

[mo3]

I tried posting a question about this, but since I'm new at this I'm not sure if I did it correctly. I couldn't find the post. Please forgive a newbie!
We are going to WDW in August and are interested in how EMH actually works. The guidebook I bought (Unofficial Guided to WDW) said to avoid parks with EMH due to crowds. MK and EPCOT are "scheduled" for evening EMH on two of the nights we will be there. Does that mean that the MK which should be open until 11pm for the general public will be open until 2am? And EPCOT will be open till midnight? Why would we avoid evening EMH? My husband was sold on staying at Disney for three nights (in addition to 2 days at U/IoA) because a friend told him about paying extra to ride the major attractions after the parks close. I gather that EMH is different. We have three teens who would love riding late at night (not to mention my night owl husband!).
I love these boards...I am quickly becoming addicted. I got a teacher's discount at the SWAN and two posters gave me tips on getting a discount at the Hard Rock. Thank you!

 

[Princess Wannabe]

You are correct about WDW & Epcot staying open an additional 3 hours past 'posted' closing time on EMH. Keep in mind that not ALL attractions in the park are open for those 3 hours; just certain ones.

As far as 'avoiding' the EMH nights, this is a personal decision. You will never know how busy it will be on the EMH nights; some people have got lucky and found the parks pretty empty at night, and managed to really get alot out of the 3 hours. Other people have found the parks packed - wall to wall people - with wait times ridiculously long.

I would suggest at least going and trying it...what can you lose? Get your wristband, and then see how the crowds are.... Even if its crowded initially, it may 'thin out' as the evening goes on. As much as people have the best intentions to make it to 2:00 am, some times our bodies tell us it's time to go back and go to sleep! If you do stay for the entire 3 hours, don't get up early the next morning to hit an early EMH...you'll die!

And by the way, welcome to the DIS boards!

 

[ArielDreams]

I just got back yesterday - EMH at night was great at both MGM and MK! Granted this week wasn't too crowded anyway but we were able to get so much accomplished. Mickey and Minnie even made an appearance together about 15 min before EMH ended for pics and autographs - i've never had the opportunity for a photo with both of them before so this was really exciting. I would definitely take advantage of them, especially if you are night owls.