End of April - Parks close early?

[steviethegreat]

I couldn't find anything through a google search and my computer won't let me search the Disboards, so if this is covered somewhere else, I apologize.

I was doing some research for my USO trip in April. We're in the parks the 27th, 28th, and 29th. But it looks like the parks close EARLY on the 28th and 29th, both days are showing 6PM.

Is that normal? Can I expect that to change or is that set in stone? Considering the few weeks before are showing 10pm closing times or 9pm closing times, I'm a little shocked that, on a weekend, the parks are closing at 6pm? Is there something I don't know about, like an event or something?

 

[Owl X]

Sometimes the parks close early due to private parties or corporate events.

Universal Studios also closes early during Special Ticket Events (such as Halloween Horror Night in Sep/Oct).

It appears that April 28th & 29th are dates of the Grad Bash:
https://www.universalorlandoyouth.com/Grad-Events/Events/Default.html

 

[schumigirl]

It is Grad Nights.

Happens every year and dates won't change.

 

[JaxDad]

I was also planning a weekend trip to Universal that weekend. The early closing time may not be a big deal for us, but does anyone know if it is crazy busy in the parks during the day? I have a reservation at Cabana Bay too, so I'm wondering how crazy it will be there as well...

 

[schumigirl]

I was also planning a weekend trip to Universal that weekend. The early closing time may not be a big deal for us, but does anyone know if it is crazy busy in the parks during the day? I have a reservation at Cabana Bay too, so I'm wondering how crazy it will be there as well...

It's local kids, so don't worry the hotels won't fill up with them.

Parks don't get crazy busy as they don't arrive too early.

 

[JaxDad]

It's local kids, so don't worry the hotels won't fill up with them.

Parks don't get crazy busy as they don't arrive too early.

Thanks @schumigirl! I'm sure City Walk will be a zoo in the evenings, but that might actually be pretty fun. I know my 13-year old son will probably love it!

 

[steviethegreat]

Blegh. I had no idea. Well, I guess we'll get there early all three days, book it through the parks, and then hang out in Disney Springs at night. I'm glad I asked now and didn't expect them to change. I'll let me friend know so she's not surprised. I guess one of the biggest benefits of going during peak season is that the parks are open later. :/