MK on Party night but not attending.

[Happyinwonerland]

I don't understand why you're wanting to linger? The park is closed to non-party guests. If you must shop and eat, there are 3 other parks, the various resorts, and disney springs to fill those needs. I can't help but be suspicious of ulterior motives for those who try to linger past 7.

 

[Saimaeve]

I don't understand why you're wanting to linger? The park is closed to non-party guests. If you must shop and eat, there are 3 other parks, the various resorts, and disney springs to fill those needs. I can't help but be suspicious of ulterior motives for those who try to linger past 7.

Yeah, I've always wondered this. If you want to go, buy a ticket! It's a lot of fun and we enjoy it! If you can't afford it or don't want to buy, make other plans.

 

[IrishNYC]

I don't understand why you're wanting to linger? The park is closed to non-party guests. If you must shop and eat, there are 3 other parks, the various resorts, and disney springs to fill those needs. I can't help but be suspicious of ulterior motives for those who try to linger past 7.

Exactly! Especially when you know this far out that it closes at 7. There's no need to linger when you can eat elsewhere or shop earlier and elsewhere.

 

[pork]

I'd expect them to be more vigilant then normal this year. The first couple parties last year had issues with people staying without bands.it resulted in a lot of refunds which never makes the mouse happy.

 

[Srbright]

I'd expect them to be more vigilant then normal this year. The first couple parties last year had issues with people staying without bands.it resulted in a lot of refunds which never makes the mouse happy.

I've been off the boards since April '15. What happened last year?

Stacy

 

[HopperFan]

Been doing parties for a decade. Am repeatedly asked to show our MB even though we are in costume with short sleeves.

Have watched them block folks from entering any land that is not on the way to the front gate.

Have watched them block folks from bathrooms and no they did not finally let them in.

Have seen them stand guard at gift shop doors and refuse to allow anyone in who does not have a wristband.

Have seen and been asked for wristband to order at QS.

Book an ADR for 6:55 or earlier or be in line for a ride at 6:59, and depending on it's location be prepared to be escorted out.

Party time is not a normal closing, it is a hard closing and anyone without a ticket is expected to be out the gate by 7 pm unless the two above apply.

 

[kwdw]

I booked a dinner reservation at the Plaza for 6:55 last year - without a party ticket. It was a mid-October party night - not an early one. Left the restaurant about 7:50pm - with nobody telling me to make sure I left the park. I was pretty surprised. Nobody said a word or gave me a glance. Now - maybe it's because I was headed in the exit direction down Main Street (packed with folks waiting for the parade already!) - but I did stop and take a couple pictures of the castle. And I didn't try going in a shop. Two years earlier on a party night - by 6:30-6:45 pm - I certainly felt like an unwelcome guest - to the point I was mad because I knew I wasn't required to be out of the park until 7pm.

This is a tough balance for Disney - party-goers feel they have rights to low crowds, yet day guests expect the full park available to them until 7pm. It is NOT an unreasonable for an average guest to assume that they could shop in the stores and stop at Casey's to eat after 7 pm - that's what is allowed at a normal close. If you have never experienced it, you just don't know the rules. Only people who read things like this board - which is a tiny proportion of guests - would have any idea what to expect. So - please don't bash the posters who ask questions about this - some are new to the boards and asking honest questions - yet a couple of respondents assumed the OP had bad intentions.

 

[Blue32]

I don't understand why you're wanting to linger? The park is closed to non-party guests. If you must shop and eat, there are 3 other parks, the various resorts, and disney springs to fill those needs. I can't help but be suspicious of ulterior motives for those who try to linger past 7.

I have no plans to linger but if I can make a dinner reservation just before park close to maximize my time that's what I intend to do.

 

[Misha72683]

I've been off the boards since April '15. What happened last year?

Stacy

The first few parties were a mess. Lots of reports of large groups people being allowed to wqtch the parades without wrist bands, which made for increased crowds and complaints. A lot of people were really unhappy. Tey did fix the problems by the later parties, but the first few weren't so great.

 

[jhaig]

I'd expect them to be more vigilant then normal this year. The first couple parties last year had issues with people staying without bands.it resulted in a lot of refunds which never makes the mouse happy.

The first few parties were a mess. Lots of reports of large groups people being allowed to wqtch the parades without wrist bands, which made for increased crowds and complaints. A lot of people were really unhappy. Tey did fix the problems by the later parties, but the first few weren't so great.

We were at the first party last year and it was exactly what others had reported - a huge mess, with MK filled with guests without wristbands, no overhead announcements that the park was closing for a special event, many confused CM's (overheard one yelling to another "There's too many people. I don't know what to do!"), and a long line of paying party guests at customer service demanding refunds. In 2014 we were able to see 20+ characters, enjoyed the fireworks, parade, and short ride and candy lines. Last year we waited 20-30 min in one line for three pieces of candy while people with no bands lined the streets for the parade. We managed to see a grand total of 3 characters, fighting through the sea of humanity and leaving at 9pm vowing never to do another "special" event, and for 2 of the characters we saw, Jack and Sally, we were in line by 430pm just to avoid a 2 1/2 hour wait for them.

I did get my money back after the fact (the only time I have ever complained to Disney directly). The first party left a horrible impression on many people that has the misfortune of attending. I think they eventually straightened things out after a few parties, but we will never go back.

These parties are not the special events they used to be. They are way too crowded, probably oversold because any way Disney can make a buck regardless of the guest experience, they will, and the fun is simply gone for us.

 

[pork]

We were at the first party last year and it was exactly what others had reported - a huge mess, with MK filled with guests without wristbands, no overhead announcements that the park was closing for a special event, many confused CM's (overheard one yelling to another "There's too many people. I don't know what to do!"), and a long line of paying party guests at customer service demanding refunds. In 2014 we were able to see 20+ characters, enjoyed the fireworks, parade, and short ride and candy lines. Last year we waited 20-30 min in one line for three pieces of candy while people with no bands lined the streets for the parade. We managed to see a grand total of 3 characters, fighting through the sea of humanity and leaving at 9pm vowing never to do another "special" event, and for 2 of the characters we saw, Jack and Sally, we were in line by 430pm just to avoid a 2 1/2 hour wait for them.

I did get my money back after the fact (the only time I have ever complained to Disney directly). The first party left a horrible impression on many people that has the misfortune of attending. I think they eventually straightened things out after a few parties, but we will never go back.

These parties are not the special events they used to be. They are way too crowded, probably oversold because any way Disney can make a buck regardless of the guest experience, they will, and the fun is simply gone for us.

Yeah that could be me exactly. I was at the first and second party. Number 2 was worse for me. They were both bad though.

The worst part was no one bothered to scan my tickets before giving my family party bands at number 2. I called and they instantly offered to refund the first party but said they couldn't refund number 2 because I didn't attend. I then directed them to photo pass pictures of me there and was transferred to a manger. He seemed pretty mortified my tickets were never checked. Asked me to explain how I got the band and then refunded both of them.

My guess is the issue was less overselling and more that people didn't need a ticket to get a band. I'm planning on giving the parties another shot just because I used to love them so much. Hopefully they learned and this year is better.

 

[PghDisneyDarling]

I am a former cast member of Main Street from 2 years back, and Disney was running a pretty tight ship back then when it came to closing out for parties. Everything is to close right at 7, and especially on Main Street it's a big production. Someone at every store door and every room inside checking wrist bands. It's a very good filter system and is made to not start right until 7pm. But it is hard when you are trying to push a large group of people out of the park with about 25 people, and checking every single person's wrist band down Main Street. I have seen more than one guest get very angry because they "didn't know" it was a ticketed event (mainly foreign travelers) and the option there is supposed to be to give them the option of purchasing a ticket if the event is not already sold out, but even then I have seen many guests yell and scream at cast (including myself).

If Disney has been slacking on this, like I am hearing they were last year, I would be disappointed. It is understandable how frustrated Disney must also be because trying to get that many people out of the park is not an easy task, but when it is ruining the experience for everyone else, that's when it's a problem. But ruining the experience also comes from the people who think they are entitled to stay in the park any longer, and throw a fit, make an ADR right up before 7 with the intent of being there for the party, or hop in a line right before they start checking bands. Trying to squeeze that little more out of your day isn't savvy, it's rude.

Left the restaurant about 7:50pm - with nobody telling me to make sure I left the park.

The protocol with this is someone is supposed to escort you out of the park, every time. Someone was definitely slacking!

We managed to see a grand total of 3 characters, fighting through the sea of humanity and leaving at 9pm vowing never to do another "special" event, and for 2 of the characters we saw, Jack and Sally, we were in line by 430pm just to avoid a 2 1/2 hour wait for them.

This is just how the parties are now, and it sucks. Even in 2014 I had problems with wanting to see the special characters, but everyone either had a line lasting the entire party, or they had already cut the line off. They have been allowing more ticket sales for the parties, and it just seems to be taking the special-ness away from everyone else.

 

[Misha72683]

We went to one of the last parties last year (Oct 25th) and it was great. We had a reservation at BOG and they definitely checked our wristbands as we were leaving. Main Street and the hub were crowded, but the rest of the park wasn't too bad. We got lots of candy and rode plenty of rides. It was great.

 

[Nancyg56]

I'm very surprised by these answers as I've been to 3 parties and I have never been checked for a wrist band to use a toilet nor seen any CM anywhere near one checking others. I would never dream of waisting precious party hours to peruse The Emporium that can be done anytime so I imagined anyone in there were day time guests left shopping. I thought Disney was always willing to take a few more $ from its guests. I would never try to linger for party events as I know that is rude and against the rules.

I have been to several parties, and I have always been checked when I went into a store at around 7. No one told me I could not shop prior to, but I was very aware that the CM's were checking. I saw them refuse to allow entry after 7.PM.

Disney is willing to take additional money. They already did that when they sold all those hard tickets to people who expect to spend more once they enter. You cannot purchase any party merchandise without a ticket.

Has anyone done this recently? When is the latest you can make a table service ADR on a party night time-wise?

You can make an ADR up to 6:55. If you want to do this, and I think it is a good way to maximize the time you are in the MK that day, make sure you know what you want, and book that meal as soon as possible. On party nights not only the MK restaurants book up, but the monorail TS restaurants do as well.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Sorry the answer isn't the one you wanted. But barring extraordinary circumstances if you want to shop or eat in the park after 7, you have to be attending the party.

As for the restrooms, if the CMs see wristbandless guests they will guide them to the restrooms outside the park. I'm sure in an emergency they will allow use of the restroom but at some point the guest will be asked to leave the park.

 

[Julie's Haircut]

We have been to MNSSHP three times and each time have watched cast members escorting non-wristband patrons out. Last time we went (2014) we saw them start doing the sweep at 6:45 at BTMRR. When they say the park closes at 7 then they want you walking out the door at 7, not getting onto rides.

Stacy

To hell with that. If a CM tried to shoo me out at 645 I'd tell him to pound sand and go wherever I wanted, including entering a 45 minute ride line at 659pm. They can escort me out when I exit the ride, but I'm not going to give up 15 minutes that I paid for.

I have no plans to linger but if I can make a dinner reservation just before park close to maximize my time that's what I intend to do.

If they want non party guests OUT by 7pm, they need to post a closing time of 6pm. Otherwise, day guests are entitled to make a reservation for 655, or enter a shop or ride line until 659.

I am a former cast member of Main Street from 2 years back, and Disney was running a pretty tight ship back then when it came to closing out for parties. Everything is to close right at 7, and especially on Main Street it's a big production. Someone at every store door and every room inside checking wrist bands. It's a very good filter system and is made to not start right until 7pm. But it is hard when you are trying to push a large group of people out of the park with about 25 people, and checking every single person's wrist band down Main Street. I have seen more than one guest get very angry because they "didn't know" it was a ticketed event (mainly foreign travelers) and the option there is supposed to be to give them the option of purchasing a ticket if the event is not already sold out, but even then I have seen many guests yell and scream at cast (including myself).

If Disney has been slacking on this, like I am hearing they were last year, I would be disappointed. It is understandable how frustrated Disney must also be because trying to get that many people out of the park is not an easy task, but when it is ruining the experience for everyone else, that's when it's a problem. But ruining the experience also comes from the people who think they are entitled to stay in the park any longer, and throw a fit, make an ADR right up before 7 with the intent of being there for the party, or hop in a line right before they start checking bands. Trying to squeeze that little more out of your day isn't savvy, it's rude.

The protocol with this is someone is supposed to escort you out of the park, every time. Someone was definitely slacking!

This is just how the parties are now, and it sucks. Even in 2014 I had problems with wanting to see the special characters, but everyone either had a line lasting the entire party, or they had already cut the line off. They have been allowing more ticket sales for the parties, and it just seems to be taking the special-ness away from everyone else.

Awwwww, boo hoo hoo. I couldn't care less if it makes more work for the CMs or if someone thinks it's rude to enter a ride line while the park is still open for day guests. If party guests can get in three hours before the advertised start time, day guests can start to do things right up to the posted closing time.

 

[lovethattink]

We've gone to the parties for many years. AND we've gone as day guests many times on party days. At 7pm, cm do ask for wristband checks as you walk through various places. Only guest with wristbands are permitted in certain directions. Everyone else gets ushered a different direction. At the party we went to last year, we were asked to show wrist bands a half dozen times. It got to the point that as soon as we saw a cm we just put our arm up in the air!

As day guests, we have entered attractions just prior to 7pm without any problems. After the ride, we were ushered towards the exit. No hard feelings, no testy cast members. Just cm doing their job.

The good thing about a thread like this, those planning day trips on party days, will know from reading that they need to plan their shopping ahead of time.

I love party days. Especially from opening til around 2pm. We've found we can cover so much more territory than a typical park day. The early closing seems to scare away park guests. Though I do have to add that last year when we went on party days, we found the MK much more crowded than previous years. I'd expect that trend to continue.

My suggestion to OP is to shop early and send packages to package pick up or back to the resort.

 

[anneboleyn]

To hell with that. If a CM tried to shoo me out at 645 I'd tell him to pound sand and go wherever I wanted, including entering a 45 minute ride line at 659pm. They can escort me out when I exit the ride, but I'm not going to give up 15 minutes that I paid for.





If they want non party guests OUT by 7pm, they need to post a closing time of 6pm. Otherwise, day guests are entitled to make a reservation for 655, or enter a shop or ride line until 659.



Awwwww, boo hoo hoo. I couldn't care less if it makes more work for the CMs or if someone thinks it's rude to enter a ride line while the park is still open for day guests. If party guests can get in three hours before the advertised start time, day guests can start to do things right up to the posted closing time.

Wow, why would anyone ever want someone with such a lovely attitude escorted out of the parks??

 

[Day-Day]

....

I love party days. Especially from opening til around 2pm. We've found we can cover so much more territory than a typical park day. The early closing seems to scare away park guests. Though I do have to add that last year when we went on party days, we found the MK much more crowded than previous years. I'd expect that trend to continue.

My suggestion to OP is to shop early and send packages to package pick up or back to the resort.

What time are the party goers allowed in the MK? We have enjoyed the low crowds on a party day in the past and it sounds like a good plan to stay for a 6:45 to 6:55 dining reservation. We are considering BOG just before 7pm for our visit in September; however, when we were in the park on one party day (Nights of Joy) it got really crowded with much longer ride wait times starting around 4:30pm.

During other party days, we visited early in the day and went elsewhere after a mid-day resort break. Seems like the last couple of hours for day guests may be better spent at another park if the guest can park hop.

 

[Robo]

What time are the party goers allowed in the MK?

As early as 3:45-4:00PM, using only a party ticket.