Looking for advice on the AK Moonlight Magic Event

[bandjbaine]

We will be attending our first ever moonlight magic event at AK Sep 6th. How crowded are these events? What's the best way to get the most out of the party? I am hoping we get to do the new Pandora rides and see the ROL show- but I'm sure that will be everyone at the event. Anyone want to guess at a strategy for the best experience?

 

[maburke]

Get there the absolute earliest that they will let you in, and head for the must-do rides that will get crowded. Once lines get long, take a break & enjoy the snacks. I generally avoid the characters unless there's no line, but I do like to check out any special DVC merchandise. You can also do the less crowded attractions. Then the big ones will probably get less crowded toward the end.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Last year they gave you a FP time for the Safari as you entered. I wonder if they will do anything like that this year! For the DVC Pandora preview, they gave you a FP for FoP, wouldn't it be great if they did something like that?

 

[Lehuaann]

Last year they gave you a FP time for the Safari as you entered. I wonder if they will do anything like that this year! For the DVC Pandora preview, they gave you a FP for FoP, wouldn't it be great if they did something like that?

That would be, but doesn't Pandora have a max capacity?

 

[Barbydoll8]

Fortunately I've been to 3 of these events. I believe they limit them to around 25k people. At least that's what I heard on the last two.
Last years AK was the most crowded all the time in the Dino Land area. Don't get your snacks there. They are throughout the open areas of the park. Not all areas of AK will be open.
Agree with others - get there as early as you can and do the stuff you want to do first and last. Like the safari. It gets too dark too fast to see it well at night.

 

[imaginiff]

Last year they gave you a FP time for the Safari as you entered. I wonder if they will do anything like that this year! For the DVC Pandora preview, they gave you a FP for FoP, wouldn't it be great if they did something like that?

I think that approach would be a great idea. I'm hoping they work out something for Pandora/FoP. Questions for those of you that went last year and were staying on-property and received your bands at your resort (last year I went but stayed off-site and had to pick up my band and FP for the Safari after I entered the park). When you picked up your band at your resort, did they also give you your fast pass for the safari at that time, along with your free arcade game coupons? Am staying on-property this time. Can't wait to go to this event again.

I agree with a PP that commented that DinoLand was the most crowded! Also, last year the park closed at 7. This year the park closes at 9. And last year the closed the safari early...it was not opened for the whole event.

And if you look at your event confirmation, there is mention that you are not guaranteed access to Pandora. I'm getting there as early as possible.

 

[bandjbaine]

Would love to see the FP thing happen. This will be my first after hours park event so quite excited about it! Thanks for all the advice- would love anymore tips you have!

 

[Barbydoll8]

did they also give you your fast pass for the safari at that time, along with your free arcade game coupons?

I made my fastpass selections on MDE before arrival but they did give us our arcade coupons when we checked in at the park. We went early and had our own line to enter the park.

 

[imaginiff]

I made my fastpass selections on MDE before arrival but they did give us our arcade coupons when we checked in at the park. We went early and had our own line to enter the park.

We went a little early last year also....the park was still open, and we were directed to a table that was set up beyond the turnstiles (there was no special line, but we went the first night they had it...two days after Labor Day). What I'm trying to figure out is if it would be a better strategy to go really early (we have annual pass and park hopper) and get our wristbands there and hope that maybe they will have assigned time "fast passes" for FOP. We are having a Hollywood Studios morning, so my fastpasses are already spoken for. When we checked in at the table, we were "given" a time to go to the safari....which was fine by me. And it was one per person. I'd be very much okay with a similiar arrangement for Pandora FoP....at least one ride per person, with another line for those that want a second time around. I'm sure the Disney crowd control experts have already thought this through and will come up with something to keep things civil!

We also plan on grabbing something for dinner BEFORE getting to the park.....don't want to waste time on line waiting for something to eat. LOL. If I remember correctly, last year Flame Tree Barbeque was open for food for purchases. Don't forget A/P holders get 20% off there thru Sept. 30th! Also Tables in Wonderland.

We were happy with the free Mickey Bars and other great ice cream, bags of chips and stuff, cookies and really, really GOOD ice water and lemonade. They had those glass "urns" set up, with the spigots. So you needed to grab a plastic cup. I don't recall any soda in cans being offered....just ice water and lemonade...maybe ice tea?

 

[ScubaCat]

really, really GOOD ice water

That was some excellent water. LOL. I think I drank about 8 cups throughout the evening. I thought I was the only one who noticed. SmartWater has nothing on whatever they had in those thermoses.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Fortunately I've been to 3 of these events. I believe they limit them to around 25k people. At least that's what I heard on the last two.
Last years AK was the most crowded all the time in the Dino Land area. Don't get your snacks there. They are throughout the open areas of the park. Not all areas of AK will be open.
Agree with others - get there as early as you can and do the stuff you want to do first and last. Like the safari. It gets too dark too fast to see it well at night.

Dinoland area was probably the most crowded because of the free games each guest got to play. We were given coupons to play the games and we used them all.