Grad Night ?'s

[labagit]

My niece will be attending Grad Night at Disneyland next month. It will be her first trip there. Since my own Grad Night was more than half my lifetime ago (shh!) I really can't remember much, and it's probably not relevant anyways. How crowded is Grad Night typically? Is it like peak season midweek or slower season? Is there any strategy to follow regarding which rides to hit first to minimize waits? I'm assuming no FastPass...? Any other tips? I want to help her have the best time possible, thanks!

 

[weslovesauntmeg]

I graduated last year..and went to Grad Nite and it's like going to DL at the busiest time of the year. I went at the end of May..so it could be different but i doubt it. You are correct there are no FP..it would be too crazy. All together I think we went on 4 or 5 rides at the most. I say the simple strategy is to do all the rides you really want to do first..because by the middle of the night it's going to be packed.

The main thing about Grad Nite is just being there with all your friends and fellow graduates. They also have some of the restaurants turned into dancing clubs..which is really fun..hope she has a blast!!

 

[PigletGurl]

Does it get really crowded during the day on those days?

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

I had my Grad Night on a Wednesday night in May in 2005 and that was the busiest time I have ever been to DL ever in my life. There are no FPs and the only time the whole night we went on rides was early when we first got there, and we probably went on like 5 or 6. It was a blast but by 1am I was out trying to fall asleep on Main Street.

Whether she goes on 100 rides or 0 she'll have a blast enjoying DL and being with her classmates..

Oh yeah, and like weslovesauntmeg said, they turn some restaurants into clubs and that's a lot of fun!

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

Does it get really crowded during the day on those days?

No, they are bussed in at night. So you won't see any differences in the crowds during the day. The only thing that is different is that DL closes at 9pm those nights.

 

[labagit]

Thanks for the responses, but I really didn't like your answers. I'd hoped they limited the crowds a bit, but it wouldn't be like Disney to turn down any money, would it?! I know she'll have a great time regardless, and I'll definately let her know about the clubs. I guess she'll just have to make a return trip some day to enjoy all the magic.

 

[pigletliz]

I spoke to several kids who attended Grad Night this past week. They loved the clubs and hanging out with their friends, but they said even at 2 am, a few rides (Indiana Jones) had two hour waits

Their tips:

Make sure she takes a nap before heading out
Dress in layers (Gets colder when you get tired)
Money for goodies (Sweatshirt was $35, Ears were $15)
Carry very little extra stuff
Realize that a LOT of other schools will be there.
If you see a short line - go for it!
Enjoy herself

 

[weslovesauntmeg]

As pigletliz added a few tips..here are mine.

Make sure you follow all the guidelines that Disney gives you..
1. Not allowed to wear any logos or school names of any kind..last year I saw people get turned away for wearing logos.

2. Purses have to be a certain size..make sure it's small.

3. Make sure the purses don't have any sharp objects..such as nail clippers, tweezers, pencils or pens. Those are considered harmful objects.

There are alot of rules and regulations but it really is for the kids safety..most importantly have fun!!

 

[labagit]

I'll pass all the tips on. Thank you! I do remember her talking about no logos, but I'll stress the importance of that and the other things mentioned.

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

I'll pass all the tips on. Thank you! I do remember her talking about no logos, but I'll stress the importance of that and the other things mentioned.

Her school should give her a list of what Disney allows for them to wear/not wear. And even though the rules are kind of dumb (I thought they were super dumb), they're there for a reason, so just make sure her and her friends follow them because Disney won't second guess turning them away or making them stay in the bus if they don't follow the rules..

Yes, and the nap tip is very important!! I was SO tired that night and I spent most of my time trying to stay awake than enjoying it!!