DHS 8pm Closing/Attempt to Ride Headliners or Keep 7:15 ADR Sci-Fi

[davkata]

I have heard that the last hour of operation can potentially be a good time to get on some of the headliners at DHS mainly RnRC, TSMM & TOT. Anyone agree or not? This would be during President's week in February and Fantasmic Shows are at 7 and 8:30 as I know that also affects ride wait times. We will be using FP+ as well during our trip so we will have other opportunities to ride. Trying to decide if we should cancel our 7:15 ADR at Sci-Fi and opt to attempt to get in a few rides instead.

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

We've never been when to park closes as early as 8, as we prefer summer hours until 10 or later.

My experience is that the attraction lines start getting shorter as the line for the early Fantasmic starts to form. In the final hour of operation, we been lucky enough to ride Toy Story 4 times on more than one occasion. We've also hit RnR up to 3 times in an hour. It seems to keep a moderate line later than the other rides. We've found Tower to be a walkon that can be experienced as may times as you can stand.

Just keep in mind that the posted wait times are often greatly exaggerated in the evening. Last June, the posted wait at TSMM was 75 minutes with an actual wait of 15 or less for example. You can use this info to your advantage.

Also keep in mind that you can enter a line right up until closing time to get in one more ride. This strategy works well at DHS as you should still have plenty of time to head over for the next Fantasmic.

As for rides vs. Sci-Fi; that's for you to decide.

 

[savannie]

I would move the Sci-Fi ADR up a couple of hours. We often take advantage of the last hour before the park closes; there's rarely a wait at all, even for the bigger rides.

That being said, 7 is a little early. This strategy normally works best when the park closes at 10 or later, since parents like to get the little ones home and to bed. You'll probably still see some wait times from 7 to 8, though they'll be much shorter than the rest of the day.

I love Sci-Fi Dine-in, too, which is why I would just move the ADR up and do both.

 

[davkata]

Thanks for the replies. We currently have 2 ressies at Sci-Fi for that night, so I'm trying to decide which to cancel. (Don't wanna be a ADR hog!) The 7:15 one fits better with our FP+ (trouble trying to change some) and the other things we hope to fit in before and after dinner. We were very late for our ADR last year at Epcot when we got stuck on a broken down TT so I'm reluctant to have our schedule too tight! Thanks again!

 

[Hopefully]

Thanks for the replies. We currently have 2 ressies at Sci-Fi for that night, so I'm trying to decide which to cancel. (Don't wanna be a ADR hog!) The 7:15 one fits better with our FP+ (trouble trying to change some) and the other things we hope to fit in before and after dinner. We were very late for our ADR last year at Epcot when we got stuck on a broken down TT so I'm reluctant to have our schedule too tight! Thanks again!

I have to comment - you are being an ADR hog, so the earlier you cancel one the better.
Given everything you have said, I would keep the 7:15 ADR at Sci Fi. It fits your schedule best. I also think there is a good possibility of the hours being lengthened during President's week. That is a busy week.
Good Luck

 

[davkata]

I have to comment - you are being an ADR hog, so the earlier you cancel one the better.
Given everything you have said, I would keep the 7:15 ADR at Sci Fi. It fits your schedule best. I also think there is a good possibility of the hours being lengthened during President's week. That is a busy week.
Good Luck

I should have known a fellow Bostonian would make a comment LOL! I asked the question within minutes of snagging a second ADR so I can cancel one ASAP. (which I have already done). Of course, not that anyone ever makes multiple ADR's and then moves and/or cancels them while they are still in the planning stages of their trip, now do they??

 

[hiroMYhero]

I should have known a fellow Bostonian would make a comment LOL! I asked the question within minutes of snagging a second ADR so I can cancel one ASAP. (which I have already done). Of course, not that anyone ever makes multiple ADR's and then moves and/or cancels them while they are still in the planning stages of their trip, now do they??

Do you really think guests use multiple email addresses or MDEs to book multiple ADRs for the same timeframe?

I just wanted to say that I was in DHS during Presidents' Week last year and DHS maintained their 8:00 p.m. closing time. I'm glad you chose the ADR that best fits into your current schedule.

 

[davkata]

Do you really think guests use multiple email addresses or MDEs to book multiple ADRs for the same timeframe?

I just wanted to say that I was in DHS during Presidents' Week last year and DHS maintained their 8:00 p.m. closing time. I'm glad you chose the ADR that best fits into your current schedule.

That does seems like a way around the "system". I, however can barely keep track of the ONE email address and ONE MDE account I have, let alone hope there aren't any "magical Disney glitches" (which seem to occur often with MDE) preventing a booking of an ADR when one does finally become available. I was glad I remembered my password from last year to even access my MDE this year LOL! I was simply implying that I am sure many people make multiple ADR's for a variety of non-overlapping days/times while they are still making their plans, and then go back and cancel what is not needed once their plans are set. Sorry if I implied otherwise or offended anyone in the process. My original comment of calling myself an "ADR Hog" was meant to be lighthearted.

 

[hiroMYhero]

That does seems like a way around the "system". I, however can barely keep track of the ONE email address and ONE MDE account I have, let alone hope there aren't any "magical Disney glitches" (which seem to occur often with MDE) preventing a booking of an ADR when one does finally become available. I was glad I remembered my password from last year to even access my MDE this year LOL! I was simply implying that I am sure many people make multiple ADR's for a variety of non-overlapping days/times while they are still making their plans, and then go back and cancel what is not needed once their plans are set. Sorry if I implied otherwise or offended anyone in the process. My original comment of calling myself an "ADR Hog" was meant to be lighthearted.

I think you missed my ... you're just a good planner and canceled as quickly as possible.

 

[davkata]

I think you missed my ... you're just a good planner and canceled as quickly as possible.

Yesss!! Sorry! Too many hours of staring at this computer screen I guess! Thanks for the good planner compliment. My family laughs at me when I hand out itineraries for any trips (and we have travelled alot, not just Disney)but they always thank me when we walk past people waiting in lines! One hot July in Venice when we came out of our tour of St. Marks Basilica they couldn't understand why people were standing in the full sun waiting over an hour to get inside...ummm, because their Mom's didn't research on line and find out you can pay just one euro for a timed ticket, that's why!!

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

I should have known a fellow Bostonian would make a comment LOL! I asked the question within minutes of snagging a second ADR so I can cancel one ASAP. (which I have already done). Of course, not that anyone ever makes multiple ADR's and then moves and/or cancels them while they are still in the planning stages of their trip, now do they??

Which ADR did you keep?

 

[davkata]

Which ADR did you keep?

I kept the 7:15. It worked better for what we want to accomplish that afternoon/evening. We can be done with attractions and rides, eat, exit the park just around or after close and head to MK until midnight.