For those who've actually been there when MK closed due to capacity...

[kerri0616]

So, if you've seen the MK close due to capacity, can you tell me when they started letting people back in?

For instance, let's say that MK refuses to allow people in after 1:00 pm. If we go to dinner at CM and try to reenter around 7:00 pm, would the park be reopened?

Does my question make sense? Basically if we're at MK on Xmas day and leave for dinner, do you think we'd be able to reenter at say 7 pm for nighttime fun? I'm sure MK will stop allowing people in on Xmas, but I'm wondering how long it takes before the throngs leave and those shut out will be allowed in?

Thanks for trying to help me. I sound so confused!!!

Kerri

 

[Robo]

So, if you've seen the MK close due to capacity, can you tell me when they started letting people back in?

For instance, let's say that MK refuses to allow people in after 1:00 pm. If we go to dinner at CM and try to reenter around 7:00 pm, would the park be reopened?

Does my question make sense? Basically if we're at MK on Xmas day and leave for dinner, do you think we'd be able to reenter at say 7 pm for nighttime fun? I'm sure MK will stop allowing people in on Xmas, but I'm wondering how long it takes before the throngs leave and those shut out will be allowed in?

Thanks for trying to help me. I sound so confused!!!

Kerri

Just in general terms, I'd never take a chance and leave any park (if I wanted to be there later) when there was a chance of "closing" it to further entry. No one can possibly predict what a given crowd will or won't do on a given day (i.e. Christmas in 2004 vs. Christmas crowds in 2006).
Some folks might leave, but many will STAY. Even if they do re-open for guests, there is a chance that you would be at the "new" cut-off point.

Disney even does this relatively often with Fantasmic! at MGM.
Many nights (certainly not all) the theater can become filled to SRO (and beyond) before the show starts.
They play repeated announcements as you approach the theater that you should not leave, once inside, as they cannot guarantee the you can get back IN (if the crowd swells to capacity) even if you are trying to just rejoin the rest of the members of your group.

 

[Devil_Dog99]

From what I understand and remember (from a CM at MK), there are four levels of closure before they shut anyone out. If you are staying on property, you are virtually assured admission.

In answer to your question, I have seen it where the MK has closed on Christmas Day by 11:00 am and re-opened at 4:00. I have also seen it on another Christmas Day close by 11:00 and never re-open, the crowds were that bad.

As for your plan, if you are staying on property, you should be ok. Even if you don't, as long as you can get in before the park fills up, they should be letting people back in after 7:00, and I think if you get in early, you can leave and come back, even if the park is closed to new arriving guests.

But a word of warning - MK can get VERY crowded on Christmas Day. Yes, it is wonderful to be at the Happiest Place on Earth on the Happiest Day of the Year. But outside of the parades and Wishes, by 11:00 AM the lines at all teh attractions are enough to take the starch out anyone's Christmas stocking. DW and I did MK on Dec 25 for three years and by the third year I had had enough of the crowds. We now get teh CP dinner package and have a nice Christmas dinner at the Rose and Crown. Plus the Epcot crowds are lighter (cuz everyone is over at MK!!)

Have fun!!!

 

[MonkeyPants]

was there one july 4th it was 10:30 or so when they stopped letting people in. I could not believe the crowds, it was crazy. I have no clue when they started to let people in again, we left early afternoon, it was just too much for us to take

side note, you are only the second person I have seen to spell your name that way Drives my sister crazy that she could never get any of the 'name' merchandise at Disney

 

[kerri0616]

Thanks all. Actually, I was planning Candlelight Processional for 12/25 (if those darn packages would ever come out!!) and MK on 12/26. I would expect 12/26 to be just as busy as 12/25!!! Maybe we should book Crystal Palace for 12/26 instead of Chef Mickeys...

And Monkeypants...yes, I was cursed with a name with no ready-made merchandise. That's why my children have names Scott and Matt!

Kerri