MK entry question when park reaches capacity

[oc_tony]

DW here. I booked the Wishes dessert party for Dec 27, but have a question about park entry during such a busy time. We don't plan to spend that day at MK, so we'll probably arrive at the entrance in the afternoon and do an early light dinner at a CS location.

If the park reaches capacity earlier in the day, around what time do they typically start letting guests in again? Anyone experienced this situation before? I think it was discussed on the podcast during the "Christmas in July" segments, but I thought I'd post my questions to all the DIS experts out there. TIA!

 

[zulemara]

from what I have observed, the park hits peak capacity mid-late morning and starts to open up again around 2-3pm, and especially after the 3pm parade. I personally think 3-4 is the best time to enter the park if it is busy.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

When the parks reach capacity they have 4 closing stages which they use depending exactly how busy they are at that time and here is the list of those stages.

Stage 1 - The parking lot entrance is closed. You can only access the park if you are using Disney Transportation.

Stage 2 - The ticket windows are all closed (and the automated Ticket Vending Machines are turned off). Unless you already have a ticket you cannot get in.

Stage 3 - Only people with Annual Passes or current Resort IDs will be allowed in.

Stage 4 - Nobody is allowed in.

Note - having restaurant reservations in a park, even with written proof, will not override a stage closing for you.

 

[EDuke98080]

We have been there when the MK was closed during the hoildays because of capacity. We ended up being able to enter around 2PM. Since that one day we do not go to the MK during high capacity days like that. It was an experience to spend New Years Eve Day there but we ended up seeing two attractions in 8 hours. You could not walk from one area to any other area, it was literally wall to wall to wall people. We had to exit the Park by walking behind Main Street in the cast area only. The atmosphere was claustraphobic at best and frightening when you think if there was ever an emergency. It took hours to transport to the TTC and we left before the end of the night. Sorry if this is a downer but it is honest and my advice is to avoid the MK if they say it is closing due to capacity.

 

[oc_tony]

Oh yeah, we're expecting ridiculous crowds, and have seen it firsthand at Disneyland during the week between Christmas and New Years. It's crazy wall-to-wall people. That's why I booked the dessert party, so we'd have a reserved spot for the fireworks on at least one night. I just wasn't sure when they typically re-open MK. I figured 3pm-ish would be about right.

We won't care so much about doing attractions that night, and are pretty laid back about sitting and people watching, just waiting for crowds to die down (even if that means hanging around until closing). On 12/27, Wishes shows at 10pm and the park closes at 11.

 

[EDuke98080]

Oh yeah, we're expecting ridiculous crowds, and have seen it firsthand at Disneyland during the week between Christmas and New Years. It's crazy wall-to-wall people. That's why I booked the dessert party, so we'd have a reserved spot for the fireworks on at least one night. I just wasn't sure when they typically re-open MK. I figured 3pm-ish would be about right.

We won't care so much about doing attractions that night, and are pretty laid back about sitting and people watching, just waiting for crowds to die down (even if that means hanging around until closing). On 12/27, Wishes shows at 10pm and the park closes at 11.

You have the perfect expectations and will have a great night! Have fun at the party and eat lots of yummy goodies!

 

[Joshua_me]

You'll have a great time !

We're there for Christmas/New Years about every three years or so, and we always have fun...

In fact, a couple of years back, the crowds after 10pm or so were quite manageable. Splash Mountain and the HM were both walk-ons !

It's a magical time to go...

Have fun !