How does extended hours work in winter?

[koru]

Can anyone tell me what happens in winter with the extra 3 hours in the evening for people staying at WDW resorts? If it goes dark at 6pm, does that mean the extended hours are in the dark?

Reason I ask is that I am trying to decide whether to go for villa or WDW resort. One of the advantages of the resorts is the Extended Hours, but if it would be in the dark, I'm not sure I would use it much.

Also, the advantage of Extended Hours is to miss the queues, but I'm deliberately planning to go in early Feb (before Presidents Day) because the crowds will be low, so I'm wondering if the Extended Hours really make a difference. Can anyone give me an idea just how quiet it is likely to be in early Feb? (eg, how long to queue for the popular rides?)

(Our kids are 8 and 5, so we can't keep going all day, anyway.)

thanks

koru

 

[carolfoy]

Yep! they do EMH in the dark and its fabulous! quieter and with loads of atmosphere.

 

[florida sun]

Yep! they do EMH in the dark and its fabulous! quieter and with loads of atmosphere.

I agree with Carol, great atmosphere, and if your staying onsite, the Disney transportation is great to get you from your resort hotel to the parks and back for EMH, just in case you were a bit concerned about driving in the dark. Happy planning and welcome to the Dis

 

[carolfoy]

I didn't mention but we were last out one night at the magic kingdom, it was wonderful - no queue for the bus!

 

[Goofyish]

I'm sure even in summer sunset is around 8:30pm. The parks do take on a completely different magical atmosphere in the dark, especially Epcot World Showcase

 

[paulh]

I wish they would return back to the time they used to open past midnight anyway without EMH
Paulh

 

[dee slack]

is it always 3 hours after normal closing, as whenever you read the official blurb on EMH they say 'up to' 3 extra hours. We are going early Dec when I believe it's still fairly low attendance

 

[VAN]

Comment to PaulH ... they still have it open until midnight --- but only when the parks are so crowded you cannot move!!!

The park hours are really based upon the expected attendance. If you are there and the park closes early, you can expect that the day-time crowds will be minimal. If MK has a closing of 10:00 or later, you can figure that there are going to be heavier day-time crowds and expect long lines for the popular attractions.

 

[Miffy2003]

is it always 3 hours after normal closing, as whenever you read the official blurb on EMH they say 'up to' 3 extra hours. We are going early Dec when I believe it's still fairly low attendance

Pretty sure it is Dee. I think they leave the "up to" in there to cover themselves

 

[gilld]

We were in there one night at gone 2.30am which was seriously weird but we rode Space Mountain about 10 times with no queue. And then had an ice cream on the way out! When we got back to the TTC they had vans giving you a ride to your own vehicle - great service.

 

[paulh]

van the parks used to shut 1am/2am they reduced the hours an then intojused emh good marketing ploy to fill disney hotels
paulh