Extended Hours and Crowds in Dec.

[tinkermell]

Is it worth it to avoid the parks that stay open late for extended hours? We will be there over the holidays and wanted to visit the MK on Dec. 21st. The regular closing time will be around 11:00 according to last year's calendar. Will people with small children stay for 3 hours more??? That is really late! My children are in their 20's, so that is no big deal. The later the better usually! Would appreciate any input!

 

[mmeb144]

Well, I'm looking for info for that time frame, too. I would stay in the park later, but I'm a nutty 41 year old.

Marie

 

[drusba]

The new system of extended hours did not go into effect until January 1, 2005. Before that they had early morning extended hours. They also had 3 hour late night openings for resort quests who paid an extra $12 each to do so at MK (but not any other parks) on selected nights each month but that had been discontinued for quite some time before Christmas of last year, generally did not occur during any holiday times, and they limited the number of tickets that could be purchased, making it ideal, but you cannot compare that to the new system which has no extra price added or number of ticket restrictions. We experienced one of the first late night extended hours of the new system on January 2, 2005 at MGM. Shortly before normal park closing the crowds were wall to wall people. During the first hour of the three hour extended hour period it was still wall to wall people but by the end of the second hour the crowds had gone down quite a bit although it was still very crowded. We were also informed that on the same day all the other parks without extended hours were wall to wall people all day, the norm for the holiday season. During the upcoming Christmas holiday period you should not expect any better than that.

 

[tinkermell]

Drusba, Did the MGM close at 11:00 and then stay open another 3 hours? Or did they close at 8:30 or so?? And mmeb144, I'm right with you. I'm 49 and willing to hang in there too!!! I might start to regret it after a few nights, but I will survive.

 

[drusba]

Its official closing time was 10 and it stayed open to 1.

 

[tinkermell]