Extended Magic Hours - MGM

[Ilka]

Any experiences with the extended night hours at MGM? We're deciding if it is worth staying onsite to take advantage of the EMH on May 15th. Last May (2004) we enjoyed the EMH at the MK at night with barely any lines. But, at Epcot there weren't as many rides open and the lines were REALLY long, for Test Track in particular. I've read that the lines are longer this year at MK for the EMH, I'd love any insights about MGM's extended evening.

Thanks!

Ilka

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Back in Feb it was terrible!!! Lines were worse then compared to daytime. When we first left Fantasmic we went straight over to RnR, got on it about 15 minutes, by the time we got off, forget it! Lines there & ToT were crazy!!! We ended up heading over to Drew Carey's sound stage...a total of about 5 people in the theater.... after that we left. I didn't think it was worth it. I have done it at MK & it is worth it...but MGM ..... no way!

 

[Amy&Dan]

I had a similar experience in January/February. I think that since the two biggest attractions at MGM happen to be close to each other and Fantasmic that as soon as that show is over it is long lines galore. If you really want to do it, you might think about heading over to Star Tours or doing some shopping for the first half hour or 45 minutes and see if it thins out any. We did have a fairly short wait for the Little Mermaid show and the theater was not full when it did start. Also the shops were deserted.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

I can never recomend not going to ANY EMH you are awake for. The parks are so special at night and it's rare in many seasons for them to be open past dusk.

Best advice I can give for MGM is to see Fantasmic! another night on your trip if at all possible. While 10K people are sitting in the theater, you should have RnR and ToT to yourself for at least 45 minutes. Ride, re-ride, and when Fantasmic! lets out and people start filling the park, go check out some other areas (Muppets, Star Tours, GMR, etc.).

If you plan to stay until close, I bet you could get a few rides in there as well. People frustrated with crowds and/or fatigue tend to dissapate near closing. Remember, as long as you are in the queue at closing time you still will be able to ride (if the CM lets you get in line, you are in!). I often will get in line for RnR or ToT at the very last second and enjoy myself in line (if there is one) while everyone else rushes out of the park.

EMH's are a magical time, you just have to learn what everyone else does...and do the opposite!

Good luck!

N.E.D.

 

[dwfanatic]

We just got back for evening EMH at MGM earlier this month- lines were worse in the evening than in the daytime!! DS and I did playhouse disney while DH, DS, and cousin went to RnR- Fantasmic was still going...RnR had a 30 min wait. After Fantasmic let out, RnR was packed- not quite sure of the wait time- 1 hr or more. We met back up and were going to do the Great Movie ride, but wait was 45 minutes, and kids were tired, so we left. It was about 10 by this point- EMH were from 8:30-11:30 on this particular day. We were able to do more at MGM between 2 and 8:30 than in the EMH time- it was CROWDED!! Not sure if this is typical of EMH as were were there the Wednesday-Monday AFTER Easter. I didn't think parks were as crowded as people say during this time, though, either.

 

[swilphil]

We did evening EMH in March and did not experience long lines at all. We just did Great Movie Ride, Muppets, Disney Playhouse, Little Mermaid, and maybe one other ride--(Star Tours?). Our kids aren't big enough for the thrill rides. It was worth it to us, but there are other good reasons to stay on site too.