"""you need to have a lot of the support staff at full strength (security, bag checks, ticketing, CMs at the gates, transportation, etc.)"""
That is true. I hadn't thought of that.
I have done a few early mornings but the 3 hours at night sounds great, particularly because there is usually not enough time in the parks the enjoy the ambiance after the sun goes down. Hopefully this will still be in effect in December for my next trip.