Evening Extra Magic Hours . . . still crowded?

[janette]

How are the crowds at MGM for the late EMH? We've never done it but considering it, the parks are expected to be very busy. Do they still have fastpass for the late hours?

 

[SithBladeborn]

When I was there during my spring break The EMH crowd levels were much more manageable than when the park was during the day time I found that this was the case for all the parks.

 

[Just2554]

I just got back this afternoon and we did evening EMH at Magic Kingdom and MGM and found it 100% worth it. the MK was deserted except for Fantasyland adn we walked on everything time and time again. At MGM, the Rock 'n Roller Coaster was the only thing that was crowded. We walked on everything else there too.

I guess it just depends on the overall crowd levels while you're there.

 

[Izeesmom]

We were in Epcot EMH (evenings) in June-05, and I didn't think it was worth it. However, we also did MK's EMH (evening) and it was really worth it. And plan on doing it again. I will give you an update in about 2 weeks when I get back!!!!! 5 days left, look out WDW here we come.....

 

[nhdisnut]

We had good luck last April with MK evening EMH. The park closed at 10 so the EMH ended at 1am. We walked out of the park at 12:45am after having a wonderful time in Fontierland and Adventureland. Spash and BTMR were walk ons as was POTC. We never did venture over to Fantasyland or Tomorrowland - we were having too much fun where we were! By the time we left the park it really felt empty.

We are hoping that we have similar luck in our trip this April but especially for our upcoming Christmas week trip. We are not early risers, but can stay up really late! We are hoping that on those nights that the parks are open until 1, 2, or 3 in the morning (particularly MK) that most people will give up and go home after only an hour or so of EMH time. I'm particularly interested if anyone has experience with evening EMH during Christmas week....

 

[noladave]

IMHO - it's a mixed bag.

We just got back 3/2, and for MK NIGHT EMH it was well worth it. MK close at 10pm, EMH until 1am. Starting with parade times (another good time to hit attractions) we rode buzz about 4 times, space mountain twice, and then headed over to hit splash mountain and thunder mountain. By 12pm, we had also hit jungle cruise (9 people on the boat our 5 plus 4 others), and POC without any wait. Basically by 11pm, the park was almost empty (as empty as MK can be), and had no waits, with one exception - space mountain. That was because it kept breaking down!
MK EARLY EMH was again a success, as you can ride BUZZ and SPace mountain several times with minimal wait, and get FP's for later in the day. Head over to Thunder and Splash, and had minimal wait, just as the park opened.

MGM EARLY EMH was a delight - We hit RNRC, then got a FP, and went over to Star Tours. We got right on at Star Tours, and then headed over to Muppetvision (no wait). By that time, it was FP time for RNRC again, and went and did that. By that time, the full park was open, and we just went about our business.

MGM LATE EMH was much more difficult to call a success. I counted 8 attractions that are open during EMH, and let's face it, 2 of those have huge crowds - TOT and RNRC. We lined up for FP's at 7pm, and at 7:07 they opened the FP line. Our FP's were 7;45 - 8:45. By the time we made it back from Dinner at Sci-Fi, at 8:35, all FP's were gone. We did Star Tours, and just walked around. Not much else to do.

We didn't do AK NIGHT EMH due to last year, as again, there's not a whole lot to do early in the year. It get's dark by 6pm, so none of the "close at dusk" attractions are open. That bascially leaves Dinoland. Hopefully EE will help, but I think you are better off doing early EMH for AK.

EPCOT is similar - EARLY EMH you can so Soarin (get a FP first), wait about 5-10 minutes, and then ride your FP. Run over to TT, and either get a FP, or 10-20 minute wait. By that time, park is open, and crowds develop.
LATE EMH is not as successful, but still fun. Just remember FP's start all over at EMH, so if FP's are gone at 6pm, then the will start over later on during EMH. The other attractions during late EMH are the ones to hit (I shrunk the audience, figment, etc.).

 

[#1 TITANS FAN]

If you do need to get a wrist band as/after EMH starts, don't stop at the distribution point right by the park entrance; they give them out at several locations, the ones deeper inside the park are always much less crowded.

 

[Fire14]

My experiences have been:
June 05 MK was ghost town PM Epcot was not bad but don't plan on riding soarin it was zoo city entire night.
Nov.05 MK was ghost town after about 1/2 hr after park closing
Epcot other than soarin was pretty calm and 0-10min wait.

From posts I've read and what I've seen Soarin is crazy no matter when you go and FP's always seemed to be gone whenever I checked.

 

[Eeyore2003]

Because of all the comments about crowded evening EMH, I avoided Epcot, MK and MGM, but AK sounded like it might be worth it from comments. We did it and it was very nice, uncrowded, and I liked being at AK after dark. It was neat (this was November so wouldn't happen in summer I guess).

Anyway, just make sure you get done in Africa and Asia what you want to do before 5 as those areas close. We got there about 3 just before the afternoon parade and did rides in Africa and Asia during the parade. All walk ons and Kali River Rapids over and over without getting off. Then we spent the rest of the evening having dinner and doing the rest of the park. Also, realize that the only eating place open after 5 is Pizzafari.

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

My DS16 and I are visiting WDW with stay at BCR August 18th - 24th and this is the first time I have scheduled dining, etc. around EMHs PM. The one I was concerned about is the MK, which is on a Sunday. However, my thought process was that school will have started in alot of places and with it being a Sunday night they should be concerned about returning for school on Monday. Well, we'll see.