Need Ideas on how to handle grad nights

[dcraythorn]

I just reliezed that we will have 2 grad nights during our stay in May. What is the best way to handle these? I know that mornings should be good, but then afternoon's how busy will it get and at what park? Should be do DCA in the afternoon and then head back to DL? Thanks.

 

[Greysword]

I won't be able to tell you how you should handle Grad Night, as your priorities and touring is different then mine and my family's. However, I will relate what we do.

This will sound a bit cliche, but we do nothing (like Seinfeld ). We don't change our touring due to Grad Nights, except to not enter the assigned park when it is closed (cause they won't let us in).

We generally try to focus on the morning, so we rise early to get to the park for rope drop (or MM), tour the parks until noon-2PMish, then head to the hotel for a pool break. After dinnertime, we head back into the park for a couple of hours (usually from about 6-8 or 9) and enjoy the night shows, shopping, and a few rides. The mornings are for ride attractions and the evenings are for atmosphere and show attractions. We then try to get to the hotel between 8 and 9PM, so we can get enough sleep to get up again the next day.

I don't think crowds are terrible during Grad Night days. The parks can handle a lot of folks, and the crowds at DCA tend to be smaller than DL, so if you have a concern, just hop. It certainly isn't Christmas busy, by any means. Also, DTD is another great place to spend some time, especially at night. They have street performers that are really good and the atmosphere is lively.

Good luck, have fun, and don't worry about it!

 

[Blue32]

I just reliezed that we will have 2 grad nights during our stay in May. What is the best way to handle these? I know that mornings should be good, but then afternoon's how busy will it get and at what park? Should be do DCA in the afternoon and then head back to DL? Thanks.

Like the PP said, using the mornings for rides and the evening hours for shows is smart advice. Also, the other reports I have read say that the majority of Grads will be in DL during the day and evening and then hop to DCA for their after hours party. We also have two Grad Nights on our upcoming trip and will hop if needed and focus on the "thrill" rides during the morning hours.

 

[nannyz]

Three of our five days will be grad days, but I'm just going to ignore it and do my thing. I am sure we will have a great time.
Too much planning and thinking just makes it to stressful for me.

 

[rtfelt]

The grads get a full park hopper pass. They will show up around 10-11 in the morning and go to DL. They will crowd DL during the day. They will move over to DCA sometime during the evening to get ready for their party.

 

[Czardas]

We also have 2 grad nights during our stay. We're coming a long way for our trip and I'm not letting any worry about grad nights faze me/us.
I have booked Napa Rose chefs counter for one night, early sitting. The other BTRBBQ.
We will hit the parks early and if the crowds get too much, then we are off to Trader SAMs in the afternoon

 

[dcraythorn]

Thank you everyone for responding. There are some really good ideas and we will just go with the flow.