Late Night Tips

[MmmSuite]

We always do late night at Disney, whenever possible! We usually have a sleep in morning or lazy pool morning, a solid lunch, and hit the parks around 1pm. Although it's challenging to find things to "ride" at that time in the afternoon, and in summer it's blisteringly hot, we are always busy. This is often the best time to hit the a/c shows like HOP, Philharmagic, COP, etc. I think with FP+, it'll be even better (did I SAY that???) because you can make reservations for rides that'd normally be swamped during that time! Anyhow, there is nothing as cool as being in MK at 1 or 2AM! DD and I were the ONLY ones walking through FrontierLand at 2:30AM, headed from HM to Splash- it was like having our very own private theme park!! One "funny" side to late night touring; we left MK at 3:20am-ish and took the bus back to POP, only to pass the sad, tired folks dragging their suitcases, headed to DME/MCO for their early morning flights. It seemed weird to be pumped up from a "day" at MK, headed for bed, only to see all these early risers dragging out of POP, headed for the airport! ANYHOW… late night touring. If you are fireworks maniacs, forego watching Wishes from in front of the castle and watch from FantasyLand. You miss the story and projections, but it's AMAZING to have the fireworks going off all around you- literally overhead! It's very noisy, and a tad scary, but it's like being right in the middle of the fireworks! We will next be at Disney in October, so there's only one "late" night at MK, and it's only until midnight. Kind of a bummer… we LIKE having our very own private theme park at 2AM!

Never having been to Disney I thought the late hours were year around! I'm a nightowl so I had 2:00 am sugarplum dreams in my head! Lol

When I realized there was only one late night during our September trip and it was until 12:00(and that only recently changed from 11:00) I was disappointed. I'm going to attempt to be a rope dropper some of these days though!

 

[apicozzi]

Agree with everything that has been posted for MK.

Since most of my recent trips have been adult-only, we like to make dinner reservations as late as possible (8:55/9:00) in World Showcase at Epcot. By the time you're done with dinner, Illuminations has been over for a while and most people have left the park. It makes for a nice relaxing walk out of the park if you take your time. Of course, if MK is open until 1, 2, or 3 that night, you can then make your way over there for more crowd-free riding!

 

[totallytigger]

One of my favorite MK memories is from when my DD (teen) and I stayed until park closing at 2 or 3 am!! We rode Space Mountain several times with basically no wait and most other attractions were the same. . We stopped at the ice cream shop on Main st before leaving and sat at a little outdoor table and watched the workers starting to prep park for the upcoming am crowd!! It was the least stressful park experience ever--no crowds, few strollers, very short lines, and everyone seemed to be in great moods instead of hot-tired-and grumpy. LOVED it!!!

 

[dvcHammer]

say up late and sleep in the next day, thinner crowds fewer tots and less heat= less stress!

In 64 visits, I have only made one rope drop!!!

 

[dvcHammer]

dupe post

 

[ali in wonderland]

Any tips for late night with kids (5 and 9 yr old). They like the night, (school sort of nixes the night owl thing) - and I think they would enjoy it.

We have kids the same age plus one who is older and one who is younger. Our family always does the late EMH. Just last week we went to MK until 1:30AM. The next morning we slept in and woke up about 9:30 so we still had a full night sleep. We decided to hang out at the pool since we were staying at Kadani Village from 11:30-4. Got showered and headed to HS for 5:30 dinner. We stayed at HS until Midnight. We were able to ride all rides, plus 2x on TSM, TOT, and ST. We also saw fantasmic. It's a great way to fit in relaxation and rides.

 

[Missymouse18]

For the past two summers Peter Pan, Small World, and Winnie the Pooh have been walk-ons around 11p.m. Wouldn't suggest waiting this late to do TTA or AO - last two summers (May) both of those closed right after 10:30. Also, at Epcot, a lot of the heavy stand by lines are very low. Walked right on to SE after 7p.m. and waited no more than 5 mins for Soarin' around 8:30p.m.

 

[aaturner]

We will be there the 2nd week in June. I know it is a very busy time of year. We are planning several late nights in MK, it is open until 12am-2am several of the days we are there. For those of you that have done EMH at MK during a very busy time, are the lines still walk on or what type of wait can we expect. I know they will be shorter than during the day, but want to set my families expectations before we get there.

 

[Virtucomp]

If you visit during June-August the park is usually open very late. MK after 12:00AM is great. We usually hit the park early to get some rides in and then break for a good lunch or diner in an air conditioned restauraunt. By late afternoon the park is packed and everyone is getting tired and cranky so a break recharges even if you don't sleep.

Then return to the park at 5-6PM ready for a late night. Since the temps drop to more comfortable levels after dark you feel more alive and you can dry out your sweat drenched stuff. In summer I usually develop a hidden mickey on my shirt formed from the salt from the sweat drying (I know gross but funny).

We stay away from Fantasyland until at least 12AM. By 1AM the strollers are gone and you can walk on any Fantasyland ride. Much more fun that hours in line with tired kids.

The next day is a good day to have a family character breakfast instead of running into the park at RD. Alternate the late nights with slow paced days.

Ray

 

[dadofgoofy]

We will be there the 2nd week in June. I know it is a very busy time of year. We are planning several late nights in MK, it is open until 12am-2am several of the days we are there. For those of you that have done EMH at MK during a very busy time, are the lines still walk on or what type of wait can we expect. I know they will be shorter than during the day, but want to set my families expectations before we get there.

We've been in June very frequently, and I can tell you probably 75% of the people leave MK after Wishes. Avoid main street like the plague during that time. That is a great time to hit Adventureland, get a Dole Whip or hit Jungle Cruise (Which is SOOOO much better at night). Then, we're able to ride everything in tomorrowland, adventureland, fantasyland, and HM. Last year, between 11p and 2a, we rode Peter Pan 5 times, plus all of the mountains.

Plus, there is nothing better that sitting in new Fantasyland along the castle wall between 2-3 am knowing you are one of the few left in the park. It truly is my favorite time in MK.

 

[aaturner]

Thank you so much! I was afraid I was getting excited about late night hours only to end up in long lines after all. We are night owls and really looking forward to those nights at MK. Our first time in the MK on this trip will be on EMH night. We have dinner at O'hana's and heading to MK from about 9pm-2am......even more excited now!

 

[mummabear]

With our time difference we are up late, and the kids are still happy until past midnight. They think it's great to be out after dark as they don't get that alto at home.
I agree Fantasyland becomes much easier to deal with, and for us a little more magical after wishes.
A good time to do ETWB is right after wishes.
Also we have done Mickey meet and greet with late closing and had him for 20 minutes all to ourselves.
At DHS the evening EMH Disney junior dance party is possibly the most fun we had all trip

 

[shyjade]

This is a great thread! As a rope dropper you guys are making me want to try the late nights at least a couple times during our upcoming trip in 4 days!

TRY IT!!

We were die-hard rope droppers until our trip last year. We used to go-go-go during the day and turn in super early, get a good night's sleep, and back at it early the next morning.

Last year we tried out a PM EMH at MK, watched Fantasmic & Illuminations (for the first time), had a late dinner with friends in Italy and enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the WS & Boardwalk afterwards. We even went to Downtown Disney for the first time at night and it was great, walking around with a tasty adult beverage, listening to the live music. While we did a few early mornings, we did enjoy sleeping in (and napping in the afternoons when we needed it- another first for us). And we had a BLAST!!!

While planning our next trip, the only early mornings we have planned is our first day at AK (to take advantage of the lower crowds and leave by lunchtime) and our departure day so we can make the most of it. While I agree the best way to maximize rides is RD, we have been to Disney enough times that we are finding a whole new way to enjoy the parks at night.

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

Tip #3 - Even though it closes early, Late Night Tips do apply to the Animal Kingdom.

AK has 3 or 4 really good rides that are very crowded during the day. However, the majority of the visitors hit the road after the Jungle Parade leaving the park virtually empty during the last 2-3 hours of operation. 7 pm in AK is the equivalent of midnight at MK.

For those contemplating AK as a half day park, you can maximize your time by making it the latter half of the day. It's not uncommon to have a Dinosaur ride vehicle all to yourself or be able to ride Everst so many consecutive times that you can't take it anymore.

You'll still have plenty of time to hop over to another park for 3 or 4 more hours.

 

[dddisrunner]

We've been in June very frequently, and I can tell you probably 75% of the people leave MK after Wishes. Avoid main street like the plague during that time. That is a great time to hit Adventureland, get a Dole Whip or hit Jungle Cruise (Which is SOOOO much better at night). Then, we're able to ride everything in tomorrowland, adventureland, fantasyland, and HM. Last year, between 11p and 2a, we rode Peter Pan 5 times, plus all of the mountains.

Plus, there is nothing better that sitting in new Fantasyland along the castle wall between 2-3 am knowing you are one of the few left in the park. It truly is my favorite time in MK.

We will be there the 2nd week in June. I know it is a very busy time of year. We are planning several late nights in MK, it is open until 12am-2am several of the days we are there. For those of you that have done EMH at MK during a very busy time, are the lines still walk on or what type of wait can we expect. I know they will be shorter than during the day, but want to set my families expectations before we get there.

My family will be braving Christmas at Disney 12/21-1/1 and I was wondering if the late nights/low crowds will hold true for that time of year as well? I know that it is the most crowded/beyond crowded time of year, but I was wondering if anyone has experience from practicing this touring during the busiest time of the year?

 

[BandontheRun]

My family will be braving Christmas at Disney 12/21-1/1 and I was wondering if the late nights/low crowds will hold true for that time of year as well? I know that it is the most crowded/beyond crowded time of year, but I was wondering if anyone has experience from practicing this touring during the busiest time of the year?

We will be there from 12/28-1/3. First time during this season but we are looking to make the most of the crowds by booking things like hoop de Doo, cirque etc.
I'm not sure when they take the Christmas stuff down. I am also curious as to any WL NYE celebrations?

 

[nkereina]

Tip #3 - Even though it closes early, Late Night Tips do apply to the Animal Kingdom.

AK has 3 or 4 really good rides that are very crowded during the day. However, the majority of the visitors hit the road after the Jungle Parade leaving the park virtually empty during the last 2-3 hours of operation. 7 pm in AK is the equivalent of midnight at MK.

For those contemplating AK as a half day park, you can maximize your time by making it the latter half of the day. It's not uncommon to have a Dinosaur ride vehicle all to yourself or be able to ride Everst so many consecutive times that you can't take it anymore.

You'll still have plenty of time to hop over to another park for 3 or 4 more hours.

Great tip. Last trip, we rode EE 4-5 times in a row during the Jungle parade. The longest wait was just walking through the whole queue! It was walk-on.

 

[HookdonWDW]

SHHHH!!!!! Could everyone please stop talking about closing down the park instead of RD??? If you keep talking about how great nights at the parks are, the secret will get out and we all know what happens when a secret about WDW gets out....

 

[johde]

We will be there the 2nd week in June. I know it is a very busy time of year. We are planning several late nights in MK, it is open until 12am-2am several of the days we are there. For those of you that have done EMH at MK during a very busy time, are the lines still walk on or what type of wait can we expect. I know they will be shorter than during the day, but want to set my families expectations before we get there.

I can't specifically help you with June, but in my experience, as strange as it sounds, the more crowded the park is during the day, the less crowded it will be at night. This picture was taken Jan 1, 2013 just before midnight. The park was open till 1 A.M. for all guests (No EMH)



The next day, Jan 2nd, 2013 at 3:30, I took this picture, just before leaving the park for the afternoon.



The general rule of thumb I've found is when the parks are packed in the afternoon, the bulk of guests are too tired to stick around for the late park hours. When the parks are less crowded, more people have energy left to stick around into the late night.

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

SHHHH!!!!! Could everyone please stop talking about closing down the park instead of RD??? If you keep talking about how great nights at the parks are, the secret will get out and we all know what happens when a secret about WDW gets out....

I did think of that before I started this thread. I feel like I'm leading a counter-culture movement against the Rope Drop establishment.

That's fine. Folks going early and getting tired makes our touring plans that much more efficient.