Can't answer your questions on events, but we ended up at MGM on the ESPN Saturday this year not knowing anything about it! (Brits!) I presume it was busier, but we had no problems getting on any of the rides and attractions or eating, managing to book that day for Prime Time, and also get drinks and snacks no problem. The atmosphere was excellent even though we had no idea who anybody was etc. Great cheerleading group and motorcade(sp?), and enjoyed chatting to some people who had just come up for the day specially.