Hogmeade at night

[Brynnie]

Myself and DH are AP holders and we are going to be at PBH March 7-11. Im thinking its going to be warm/nice out, so our plan is going to be hitting the parks early (we are planning on doing 2 days of IOA and maybe 1day/1 evening of US), returning to the hotel for a few hours of pool time during midday and then heading back to the parks in the evening.

We plan to do WWOHP rides during early entry but I really want to wait to explore the shops at night. I have read that the shops stay open after closing.....how long can we linger after the park is offically closed?? I am worried about spring break crowds, so I was hoping this would be a good plan of action. I really want to see the castle at night and I DO NOT think I could handle being in really crowded small shop. Also, does the 3 broomsticks seat up until right before park closing?? I really want to eat there since I am a huge Potter fan! Thanks for any advice!

 

[Metro West]

We plan to do WWOHP rides during early entry but I really want to wait to explore the shops at night. I have read that the shops stay open after closing.....how long can we linger after the park is offically closed?? I am worried about spring break crowds, so I was hoping this would be a good plan of action. I really want to see the castle at night and I DO NOT think I could handle being in really crowded small shop. Also, does the 3 broomsticks seat up until right before park closing?? I really want to eat there since I am a huge Potter fan! Thanks for any advice!

The shops usually stay open for about a hour or so after park closing but it depends on how many people are wanting to shop. Food service stops 30 minutes prior to park closing so you will have to plan accordingly.

 

[mesaboy2]

The shops usually stay open for about a hour or so after park closing but it depends on how many people are wanting to shop. Food service stops 30 minutes prior to park closing so you will have to plan accordingly.

Agree with Metro on the first point, but not the second.

My family closed down WWoHP three straight nights this past weekend. I asked specifically at Three Broomsticks how late they stayed open, and they told me right up until closing time. Friday night we walked in at 6:57 (park close at 7:00) and Sunday night at 8:54 (close at 9:00). Both times we were welcomed with smiles and served great food and not rushed out at all. We enjoyed having it almost to ourselves. It was great emerging from there those nights 30 minutes after close and seeing a virtually empty WWoHP. Stores were still open both times, but I noticed park security slowly working their way forward from the castle at around 45 minutes post-close each night.

I believe the outdoor carts with Butterbeer and PJ also closed at official park close, but can't be sure.

ETA: OP, I saw your PM after this and responded--let me know if you don't get it.

 

[Brynnie]

Thanks so much to both of you for the replies! Mesaboy2...I got your PM, thanks! Sent you a mssge back. We feel really prepared and we are so excited! I will post a TR with pics! Wish us luck!