MK closing at 4:30pm 5/15?

[PittPantherfan]

5/15 is our arrival day - staying at CR and had planned on going to MK after we arrive as we always always do arrival day at MK but it's closing at 4;30pm - what could be going on?

 

[CarolynFH]

5/15 is our arrival day - staying at CR and had planned on going to MK after we arrive as we always always do arrival day at MK but it's closing at 4;30pm - what could be going on?

One of the special annual CM parties that had to be canceled due to weather earlier this year. They deserve their night - I guess it's a chance for you to make a new arrival night routine!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

This is the CM service celebration party (for CMS hitting employment milestones) that was supposed to take place in 2021 and was postponed during the pandemic. Then postponed further from February because of weather.

 

[stinkpickle]

I would be arriving as soon as possible. Those early closing make for great days at MK.

 

[TigerlilyAJ]

I would be arriving as soon as possible. Those early closing make for great days at MK.

Thanks for saying that. I'm facing the same on May 3 at MK (anyone know why?) and hope we can have fun.

 

[romanr27]

Thanks for saying that. I'm facing the same on May 3 at MK (anyone know why?) and hope we can have fun.

Same reason - CM appreciation party. Both previous dates have needed to rescheduled because of weather and are being made up 5/3 and 5/15.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

5/3 is the rescheduled 2020 CM service celebration, and 5/15 is the one for 2021.

Guests who don't have hoppers will likely avoid going to MK those days, so it's possible there will be fewer people there - it's a good gamble provided you don't mind missing the fireworks.

 

[L_MD]

I'm at WDW on 5/3 and was at first bummed about the 4:30 close, but I think it will be great...people without hoppers are going to choose another park and hopefully it will be a chill MK day!

 

[Nana2Callie]

I am thinking the same thing on the 15th as being a good option. It depends on what time we arrive; but lighter crowd good be a nice start to the week.

 

[dd316]

This is the CM service celebration party (for CMS hitting employment milestones) that was supposed to take place in 2021 and was postponed during the pandemic. Then postponed further from February because of weather.

February was postponed? I was there and they still closed the park early. Kind of a bummer to look back and realize they closed the park early for nothing.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

they changed it at the last minute when it turned out to be very cold and rainy, they probably hadn't planned to staff the park for the rest of the day. Bummer but it happens

 

[Tess]

I know I switched my park day to MK when I found out last month. I saw how crowds avoided MK in February and I am keeping my fingers crossed for a less busy a.m.

 

[eeudj]

It seems the Magic Kingdom is closing at 430 on May 15th …. Is there an after hours event? Sorry if it’s been asked but I just noticed

 

[CarolynFH]

It seems the Magic Kingdom is closing at 430 on May 15th …. Is there an after hours event? Sorry if it’s been asked but I just noticed

It’s a CM party that was postponed from February. MK attendance is expected to be light that day because of it, so it could be a great day to visit MK!

 

[FinnsMom7]

Does anyone know if they will have fireworks that night? park hours don't list any - that is a non park day for us but I initially planned to watch from Poly - if I know there aren't any I can tweak my plans to fill with something else. TIA.

 

[rdaky]

Does anyone know if they will have fireworks that night? park hours don't list any - that is a non park day for us but I initially planned to watch from Poly - if I know there aren't any I can tweak my plans to fill with something else. TIA.

No. They will not have fireworks that day.

February was postponed? I was there and they still closed the park early. Kind of a bummer to look back and realize they closed the park early for nothing.

The weather was terrible that day. It was a last minute cancellation and there were fewer cast members scheduled for evening attractions, stores, etc. They would not have had the staffing to keep it opened. Also, it's one thing to have it opened for guests who want to push through the weather in their ponchos. It's another thing to have an outdoor party to celebrate long time cast members in pouring down rain. That's not fun and not a good way to show appreciation for them.

 

[eeudj]

Does this mean that it is expected to be a slower time of the year? I know there really is no “slow” time but just curious…. I
Am thinking the last weeks of May will be crazy as it is rumored Guardians May be opening so maybe this was best times?

 

[joy13]

5/15 is our arrival day - staying at CR and had planned on going to MK after we arrive as we always always do arrival day at MK but it's closing at 4;30pm - what could be going on?

We arrive the same day and I had a MK park reservation but switched it to Epcot when I saw the closing time. I wondered the same thing, looks like a party for the CM’s maybe. Have a great trip!

 

[disneyworldsk]

I noticed on May 15th MK closes at 4ish. What is the reason and what should my strategy be if i am park hopping? May 15th will be my arrival day with an epcot adr for dinner at 7. thanks!

 

[Marionnette]

I noticed on May 15th MK closes at 4ish. What is the reason and what should my strategy be if i am park hopping? May 15th will be my arrival day with an epcot adr for dinner at 7. thanks!

There's a discussion about it here:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/mk-closing-at-4-30pm-5-15.3874870/#post-63831926