? for the MK experts

[mom2rtk]

I think the real point to be made on PM EMH is this: Crowds will decrease significantly as the night goes on. Crowds TEND to be higher overall during regular park hours leading up to the PM EMH. So if you go with the intention of staying, but don't....... then all you have done is attend the MK on a pretty busy day. If you go and STAY......... past the first hour that is........... then you get the payoff.

 

[Guest-expert]

While my name says expert, i'll only claim to be an expert as it applies to my situation.

but since you asked,

You should really plan 2 days to see the MK, for the simple reason, "Don't rush." Pick one side, and work your way toward fantasyland, then the next day, start in fantasyland and work toward the other side of the park.
You could do the majority of the "must see" rides in one day if you start early, sort of depends on the size of your party.

You have plenty of good days there to find atleast 2 decend crowd days.

I notice alot of people complaining about EMH, but I find them useful. Especially since we typically leave the parks at noon.If we want to come back after putting the kids to bed (assuming grandma is with us) we can usually run the park and hit the rides the kids did not want to/were to scared to do.

 

[Planogirl]

I think that MK is best done in two days too but you can definitely see the highlights in one day. But who wants to just see the major attractions and what if you want to do some things over again? Also, you may want to escape from the crowds during the day and that adds time too.

What works for us is to get there at rope drop, hit as many popular rides as possible asap and rely on fastpass for the rest. Then you have time to meander and dine and shop or whatever. Then the next day we do it all over again. Any EMH (if they apply to us) are just extra.

I'm no expert though - I just know what works well for our family.

 

[mackeymouse4eva]

I have MANY times stayed for the EMH in the evening until mid-2am with my son who is now 6 ( but was 4 & 5 at the time ). We had an amazing time! It was cool, it was far less crowded as each hour ticked by, and we walked onto most rides with little or no wait. It clearly all depends on the child ( and family ) as to how they handle the late night hours. My son was always very adaptable and transitioned easily. I know many kids that need to stay much closer to what their schedule is at home or meltdowns will occur.


I will say that MY most magical Disney experience happened at approx 1:55am in the MK. My son & I were trying to dash to Space Mountain before they closed the line and were just about to Dumbo, when I said I didnt think we'd make it maybe we should just hop on Caurosel - ALL OF A SUDDEN there was Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Chip , Dale, Pluto - and they were climbing onto the horses next to us!! i couldnt take enough pictures!! Once the ride ended - the characters each took a child by the hand and rode Dumbo with them!!! Apparently the characters "close" the park on EMH nights in this manner. This was a year ago but I was told that it was a fairly common occurence especially if it was VERY late night. Another mother and myself felt like we had just been in one of the Disney commercials with the private "Magic" moments. Im sure we were more excited than the kids!!


If you decide to stay til 3am - it might be worth it to be around Dumbo at closing - because this "magic' MAY occur for you!!

 

[momofaprettyprincess]

I am far from an expert, but I will be there while you are there so I have done some research about the expected crowd levels, etc. The 23rd and 24th are expected to be VERY crowded, so you should probably plan to do the Magic Kingdom on your first couple of days.

In my experience, the single most important thing is to get the parks before they open so you are there when they do. The crowds disperse quickly and you can ride a lot of rides during that first hour or so.

Since we will both be there during a very crowded holiday period, I think a touring plan is very important. You might want to consider picking up a copy of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. I have found it very helpful and there are a number of touring plans in there. That said, being so close to your trip I'm not sure how helpful it would be other than the touring plans.

This forum has been very helpful to me during the 5+ years I have been coming here. You'll find lots of good info (and nice folks) here.

Thanks for the info. Yes, I must agree.....I always have a good experience on this forum...

I think the real point to be made on PM EMH is this: Crowds will decrease significantly as the night goes on. Crowds TEND to be higher overall during regular park hours leading up to the PM EMH. So if you go with the intention of staying, but don't....... then all you have done is attend the MK on a pretty busy day. If you go and STAY......... past the first hour that is........... then you get the payoff.

Thank you....2 days @ MK takes alot of stress away and now we'll be able to relax and enjoy the park w/o rushing!

While my name says expert, i'll only claim to be an expert as it applies to my situation.

but since you asked,

You should really plan 2 days to see the MK, for the simple reason, "Don't rush." Pick one side, and work your way toward fantasyland, then the next day, start in fantasyland and work toward the other side of the park.
You could do the majority of the "must see" rides in one day if you start early, sort of depends on the size of your party.

You have plenty of good days there to find atleast 2 decend crowd days.

I notice alot of people complaining about EMH, but I find them useful. Especially since we typically leave the parks at noon.If we want to come back after putting the kids to bed (assuming grandma is with us) we can usually run the park and hit the rides the kids did not want to/were to scared to do.

Yes, I asked and thank you so much for responding. Great advice! I’m copying all of these great tips into a word doc.

 

[momofaprettyprincess]

I think that MK is best done in two days too but you can definitely see the highlights in one day. But who wants to just see the major attractions and what if you want to do some things over again? Also, you may want to escape from the crowds during the day and that adds time too.

What works for us is to get there at rope drop, hit as many popular rides as possible asap and rely on fastpass for the rest. Then you have time to meander and dine and shop or whatever. Then the next day we do it all over again. Any EMH (if they apply to us) are just extra.

I'm no expert though - I just know what works well for our family.

Thank you! yes, I agree....and my daughter will probably want to do some things over and over again! We changed our hotel reservation and now we'll arrive on Saturday......the crazy thing is we still have to pack!

I have MANY times stayed for the EMH in the evening until mid-2am with my son who is now 6 ( but was 4 & 5 at the time ). We had an amazing time! It was cool, it was far less crowded as each hour ticked by, and we walked onto most rides with little or no wait. It clearly all depends on the child ( and family ) as to how they handle the late night hours. My son was always very adaptable and transitioned easily. I know many kids that need to stay much closer to what their schedule is at home or meltdowns will occur.


I will say that MY most magical Disney experience happened at approx 1:55am in the MK. My son & I were trying to dash to Space Mountain before they closed the line and were just about to Dumbo, when I said I didnt think we'd make it maybe we should just hop on Caurosel - ALL OF A SUDDEN there was Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Chip , Dale, Pluto - and they were climbing onto the horses next to us!! i couldnt take enough pictures!! Once the ride ended - the characters each took a child by the hand and rode Dumbo with them!!! Apparently the characters "close" the park on EMH nights in this manner. This was a year ago but I was told that it was a fairly common occurence especially if it was VERY late night. Another mother and myself felt like we had just been in one of the Disney commercials with the private "Magic" moments. Im sure we were more excited than the kids!!


If you decide to stay til 3am - it might be worth it to be around Dumbo at closing - because this "magic' MAY occur for you!!

Wow, what a "magical" story. I was swept away @ my desk while reading your post. Thank you for sharing.

My daughter is like your son in that she is very adaptable. She enjoys late afternoon naps while on vacation and “parties” all night. The EMH should work out well for us.

 

[KellyNY]

Sunday and Monday should be more crowded at MK because many people begin and end their vacations on those days and many people begin and end their vacations at MK. You will need more then 1 or even 2 days to cover everything at MK but you do not have to. You are newbie and everything for you is interesting. I suggest to absorb as much as possible. I mean absorb everything, not only rides. Look around, smell the roses. Pay attention to all little details, MK is a gorgeous park. It is too late to read books. Just visit Disney.com and figure out which rides are must for you and your family. Remember, FPs can be used after time frame printed on them on a same day, so do not run from one side of the park to another because your FP time is on, you will ride it when you get there. Do not miss parades. If you need a front row(little kids or something), get there at least an hour before and guard your spot. You will still be able to find spots the last minute, but not front row, your view will be obstructed.
Buy something at Main Street bakery. Do not miss ride on a train, as you enter MK go upstairs to your left. You can just ride it around the park(3 stops) or get out earlier and skip Main Street walk(you can always walk there later.) Do not miss People Mover, right next to Astro Orbiter, very relaxing. Use photopass and ask them to take a picture with your camera, they always gladly do that. Enjoy your trip.

 

[momof2n2]

OP - I have been there 9 times, I think. I always get fuzzy, as a few of them were so close together. I try to remember by the hotel...

Anyway - I used to think I knew a lot about WDW. I went there a bunch in the first 6 years I was married. I'd buy a new Birnbaum's guide ever two years. I always had friends asking for info. and advice. THEY thought I was an "expert."

**Ahem** Then a new friend mentioned the book "Unoffical Guide to WDW," and I read it. And I found this board. And it was quickly evident that I only knew 10 - 20% of what was available to know!!!

And it has never been the same.

Did I have a blast all the other visits? YEP. I never left disappointed [albeit we went off season.]

Now that I know that I don't know all that I could know, I must say, there is a certain degree of STRESS to be had!

So - with only a few days until your trip, I would encourage you to keep in mind that you CAN NOT do everything at MK in your upcoming trip, BUT you CAN have fun with everything you DO get to do.

Arrive early.
Read up on how Fastpasses work.
Search "Best days for WDW" and also poke around the websites for suggested plans of attack for your parks.
Make sure your camera batteries are charged.
Dress in layers.
And have lots and lots of fun.

 

[momofaprettyprincess]

Sunday and Monday should be more crowded at MK because many people begin and end their vacations on those days and many people begin and end their vacations at MK. You will need more then 1 or even 2 days to cover everything at MK but you do not have to. You are newbie and everything for you is interesting. I suggest to absorb as much as possible. I mean absorb everything, not only rides. Look around, smell the roses. Pay attention to all little details, MK is a gorgeous park. It is too late to read books. Just visit Disney.com and figure out which rides are must for you and your family. Remember, FPs can be used after time frame printed on them on a same day, so do not run from one side of the park to another because your FP time is on, you will ride it when you get there. Do not miss parades. If you need a front row(little kids or something), get there at least an hour before and guard your spot. You will still be able to find spots the last minute, but not front row, your view will be obstructed.
Buy something at Main Street bakery. Do not miss ride on a train, as you enter MK go upstairs to your left. You can just ride it around the park(3 stops) or get out earlier and skip Main Street walk(you can always walk there later.) Do not miss People Mover, right next to Astro Orbiter, very relaxing. Use photopass and ask them to take a picture with your camera, they always gladly do that. Enjoy your trip.

Great tips. For all who's joining me this upcoming weekend....please stop and smell the roses with me!

I will research your other tips tomorrow @ work n add to my tip sheet.....

OP - I have been there 9 times, I think. I always get fuzzy, as a few of them were so close together. I try to remember by the hotel...

Anyway - I used to think I knew a lot about WDW. I went there a bunch in the first 6 years I was married. I'd buy a new Birnbaum's guide ever two years. I always had friends asking for info. and advice. THEY thought I was an "expert."

**Ahem** Then a new friend mentioned the book "Unoffical Guide to WDW," and I read it. And I found this board. And it was quickly evident that I only knew 10 - 20% of what was available to know!!!

And it has never been the same.

Did I have a blast all the other visits? YEP. I never left disappointed [albeit we went off season.]

Now that I know that I don't know all that I could know, I must say, there is a certain degree of STRESS to be had!

So - with only a few days until your trip, I would encourage you to keep in mind that you CAN NOT do everything at MK in your upcoming trip, BUT you CAN have fun with everything you DO get to do.

Arrive early.
Read up on how Fastpasses work.
Search "Best days for WDW" and also poke around the websites for suggested plans of attack for your parks.
Make sure your camera batteries are charged. Dress in layers.
And have lots and lots of fun.

Thanks again for a great post. Yes, planning @ last minute, packing @ last minute as well as mentally preparing @ last minute can be overwhelming. But I will do my best to relax and make the most of every moment.

I just brought a new camera and luckily it takes AA and rechargeables...this was important since I ALWAYS forgot to charge them!