I think the park technically closes at 7 but you can get in at 4 w/your party ticket.
Sandy 321, I think if I had your experience, I would agree. I don't think I would go on a night closer to Halloween and weekends when more locals are likely to be there. As for the candy, at first they were super stingy, and I thought it was a waste but towards the end they start being more generous and we did end up w/a good amt but I agree, I would NOT go just because of the candy, in fact, I really had to go through it, some things were very sticky and I threw a lot away, not that we need to eat it anyway, lol. And I do wonder if people who can't have sugar are really annoyed by this because there wasn't really any alternative to candy.
My experience was really good, we do take advantage of the rides because we don't really like dance parties though we did check them out, and waiting on line to see characters(there are still lines for that). The characters are in costume which is cute.
Like everything in Disney, it is about perspective and the experience on any given night. It's a shame that it can't be more universally positive given the amt of money we all spend. As for the rude cast member--my goodness no one asked for their commentary on what time a little girl who paid for her ticket should stay up till while ON VACATION...sheesh!
So, OP, as with anything, there are pros and cons, if it is in the budget, definitely try it, if not, I love Sandy's idea of making a special time of celebrating on your own.
Have fun either way!