How do hard ticket events affect that day's attendance as compared to parties?

[tentaguasu]

As I understand it, back in the days of the Halloween and Christmas parties, attendance at the Magic Kingdom was way down during the day because people hated having to leave early and miss out on fireworks. That actually made it a great day to visit for non-partiers, since you could get so much done even with the shorter hours.

I'm wondering if anything similar happens at hard-ticket event (like the upcoming Boo Bash).

On the one hand, I'd guess no, because it happens after park close, so, in theory, it won't hurt day guest.

On the other hand, I'd guess people still shy away and perhaps park hours are a tad shorter.

On the third hand (?!) maybe that's all out the window with park-pass reservations.

So any ideas? Which is it?

Any insight is appreciated!!

 

[DWillowBay]

I think I'd most align with your "on the one hand". The day is roughly the same for day guests, so I wouldn't think it would impact attendance by much. In the 'olden' days of parties, they WOULD impact park attendance because the day was shortened by a few hours. I once saw a mom give Guest Services a VERY rough time because she had driven in from Tampa, arrived at the MK at 5pm and was very angry that the park closed (for a MNSSHP) at 7:00. I would have sympathized, but times are posted and to arrive at 5 is late in the day anyway. I don't know the particulars of the story, but there was a definite impact due to a party.

 

[sethschroeder]

I go with lower crowds for rope drop and higher crowds late afternoon than normal.

 

[MDIME]

I go with lower crowds for rope drop and higher crowds late afternoon than normal.

I agree. I’m thinking during the 2(?) hours of overlap it will be really busy.

 

[scrappinginontario]

I agree. I’m thinking during the 2(?) hours of overlap it will be really busy.

That's what I'm anticipating too, especially if we find fireworks are held during the overlap. Still waiting for fireworks to be added to the calendar for Aug 2021.

 

[gharter]

I go with lower crowds for rope drop and higher crowds late afternoon than normal.

In the past, the party days were less crowded until 4 pm when the party guests could get in.
As these events start later, I would expect the park to have near normal crowd levels until later when the AH groups can enter.
If they have overlapping fireworks, it will definitely be more crowded close to park close.

 

[Upatnoon]

For non-party guests it will be a win because there will be fireworks every night.

Now, we don't know how many tickets Disney will be selling to these after-hours events, but I suspect the impact of those guests arriving in the evening won't be as bad as thousands of guests packing the parks on those limited non-party nights as was seen in the past.