Best to see late shows when park stays open late?

[DisneyDM]

We are going 1/11 to 1/17, and staying at a WDW resort. Under the new system where some parks stay open late. Is it better to see Illuminations at Epcot, Fantasmic at MGM and Spectromagic at MKingdom on the nights the park stays open late, figuring people from off-site leave after show and we can avoid exit crowd. Or, is it better to avoid the park show that stays open late, possibly going to the late park after the night show?

Appreciate any experiences and help.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

If there are two so any show go to the 2nd showing. That one is usually less crowded. We got great viewing at Spectro in Nov when we stayed for the later one.

I don't believe there will be any fireworks or parades during the extended hours. They will have already happened earlier in the evening when the park is open for all.

 

[princess lovers mom]

that would be any interesting idea as yes those who are not staying on site or who don't get the band to stay for the late hours will all have to leave after the last show...even though park closing hours are usually right after the last show they usually give you almost an hour to get out of the park anyway...we usually let them all go and head out later...I would rather stay in the park than waiting in line for a bus...

But...you may also find that more resort guests will be there on the long nights to see that late show as they are planning to stay for the "after hours"...

If you are not planning to stay for the extended hours my vote would be to avoid the park that is offering those late hours as it is stated above the second shows are usually lighter and I would choose a second show on a nonEH night and leave the park slowly

 

[MrsJ Henry]

Sorry I misunderstood your post.
Yes i would do as the above poster is saying.

 

[Inga]

Hi

Just a quick note...we were planning on doing the late night MK and watch the Wishes fireworks show on our upcoming trip in Feb...but when we checked the show times, there wasn't a firework show planned for that MK late night! So, we now need to find another night of that week to see the fireworks.

All the other park's firework shows (Illuminations and Fantasmic) are on every night, late night extended hours or not, but Wishes seems to be different. So check the exact dates of your trip against the schedule (and recheck as the late night dates seem to be ever changing) so you don't miss out!

Inga