MK on non christmas party nights?

[margot31]

So last time we went to MK at night was for a party. This year we are going again in Dec but the kids are a bit too young for us to really enjoy the party. We will have gma with us who has never been to Disney and well who wouldn't want to see what main street usa looks like at night with the lights......so is there anything still special that goes on on non party nights? Sure I am tempted to get tickets but its already a quick trip for us with just 4 days.

 

[siskaren]

The Happily Ever After fireworks/projection show and the castle lighting show.

 

[mom2rtk]

Expect crowds to be very large. During party season the MK is only open past 7 (or 6 this year I hear) on non-party nights. That can be as few as 3 nights a week. That tends to concentrate crowds into those nights.

 

[margot31]

The Happily Ever After fireworks/projection show and the castle lighting show.

The lighting of the castle is that before the fireworks? Is it still christmas themed or just a normal lighting? Sorry this is only my second time going this time of the year and like I said before it was for a party night.

 

[margot31]

Expect crowds to be very large. During party season the MK is only open past 7 (or 6 this year I hear) on non-party nights. That can be as few as 3 nights a week. That tends to concentrate crowds into those nights.

We wouldn't stay for the fireworks due to the kids...but I want to show MIL the lights at night if possible.

 

[mom2rtk]

We wouldn't stay for the fireworks due to the kids...but I want to show MIL the lights at night if possible.

Find out when the sun sets. Odds are high it will be dark before the park closes. My understanding is that you can't do rides after 6 without a party ticket but they won't chase you out until 7. If you're not staying for the fireworks, you really don't want to experience those crowds.

 

[siskaren]

The lighting of the castle is that before the fireworks? Is it still christmas themed or just a normal lighting? Sorry this is only my second time going this time of the year and like I said before it was for a party night.

I believe it happens at 6:15 and it's strictly a Christmas thing - the castle is covered with icicle lights.

 

[margot31]

Touring plans has MK closing at 9 one of the nights we are there. That was the night I was thinking of taking her over to the park. Since we wouldn't be kicked out at 6/7.

 

[mom2rtk]

I believe it happens at 6:15 and it's strictly a Christmas thing - the castle is covered with icicle lights.

So I guess the question is will they dare try to keep day guests from seeing the castle lighting this year? My guess is that they will hold it at a time to encourage day guests to congregate on Main Street for an easy exit.

I also seem to recall the time for the castle lighting changing over the course of the season as the sun set earlier.

Touring plans has MK closing at 9 one of the nights we are there. That was the night I was thinking of taking her over to the park. Since we wouldn't be kicked out at 6/7.

Expect huge crowds.

 

[sharonabe]

Touring plans has MK closing at 9 one of the nights we are there. That was the night I was thinking of taking her over to the park. Since we wouldn't be kicked out at 6/7.

The castle lighting even on a non-party night will be Holiday themed, and the castle will be decked out in it's icicles.. I think it's worth it to see it. Yes, it will be crowded, but you're not thinking of riding attractions. Since we don't know how they're going to handle this on party nights for guests not attending the party, I'd make a plan for a non-party night. If you get to see it on one of your other nights, you can readjust.

 

[mom2rtk]

The castle lighting even on a non-party night will be Holiday themed, and the castle will be decked out in it's icicles.. I think it's worth it to see it. Yes, it will be crowded, but you're not thinking of riding attractions. Since we don't know how they're going to handle this on party nights for guests not attending the party, I'd make a plan for a non-party night. If you get to see it on one of your other nights, you can readjust.

It's not just about how busy it will be at night. It's about how busy it will be all day.

 

[sharonabe]

It's not just about how busy it will be at night. It's about how busy it will be all day.

True, but it sounded like the OP just wanted to go at night to see it all lit up. If I had a choice between all day on a non-party and a day that has the party, I'd pick the party day for sure. BUT if I have hoppers and can just go over to MK on the evening of a non-party day, I'd be there!

 

[WishICouldSpeakWhale]

This will be different this year than in years past. No one knows yet exactly how it'll go. On party days, MK closes at 6pm to non-party guests. The party officially starts at 7pm. I don't believe this is happening with the Halloween parties, so Christmas time guests won't know until the Christmas parties begin.

I would assume CMs will be pushing non-party guests to the exit if they are still in the park after 6. If you want to see the castle lit up in any way, it might be better to go on a night that there is not a party.