Night of Joy

[Master Gracie]

Hello all,

My wife and I have decided to spend our 4th Anniversary in WDW at the Night(s) of Joy. We have never attended this event previously and are really pretty excited about it.

Can anyone who has been tell me how it works exactly. I know that it is in the Magic Kingdom and that it begins after the park closes for the evening, but how and where do they arrange the stages? How many stages are there?

Any answers to these or any other questions that you may deem important would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Princess Michelle]

It's been awhile since I've been to a NOJ but in the past there was one stage in each land, except, I don't think I ever recall seeing one in Frontier Land but I could be wrong about that. The castle is the main stage and will usually have the two biggest artists on it, the Tomorrowland stage is used, there is one set up in Adventureland and also one in Fantasy Land. I don't remember exactly where the one in Adventureland was set up, I want to say it was across from the Swiss Family Robinson tree house or in that general vacinity. The Fantasy Land stage was next to the Ariel's Grotto area. Each stage usually has 2 artists performing on it at different times and they generally do 2 shows each. Like I said though, it has been a loooooong time since I've been to one but that's how they were set up for all the ones I have been to in the past. Maybe someone who has been more recently can let us know if it's any different. I'm hoping to go to the Thursday night event this year, one of the best lineups they've had in a loooooong time (hence the reason that's how long it's been since I've gone! LOL).

I hope you guys have a great time!

 

[Madi100]

We went to NOJ in '99. Michael W. Smith was there, and it was worth it just to see him. HOWEVER, we had the idea that there wouldn't be too many people there. I was thinking if you take all of the people that are staying in the resorts and off-property how many of them really want to go to a Christian concert? WELL, what I wasn't planning on was every single teenager affiliated with any youth group in Florida was at this function.

This trip was just my husband and myself. We listened to music, but we also wanted to ride some of the rides. What ended up happening was we stood in lines with a bunch of unchaperoned teenagers. A little bit roudy, and we felt a little bit out of place.

Now after being once, if I had the chance to go back again, I'd do it in a heartbeat. What could be better than Michael W. Smith in Magic Kingdom? However, I would go in with a different attitude. I would be expecting all of the teenagers and wouldn't expect to see only mature adults.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Originally posted by Madi100
This trip was just my husband and myself. We listened to music, but we also wanted to ride some of the rides. What ended up happening was we stood in lines with a bunch of unchaperoned teenagers. A little bit roudy, and we felt a little bit out of place.

I haven't been to one, but in the 2 years I've been on the DIS, sentiments like that above are all I've seen.

The concesus seems to be if you're going for the music, you'll have a GREAT time. If you're going for rides, it may not be worth your money.

I WAS at the Magic Kingdom during the DAY when NOJ was taking place, and I can second what Nicole said about the stages. In 2002, there was a stage in Tomorrowland between Space Mountain and the TTA, one in front of the castle, and one in Adventureland next to Pirates of the Caribbean. I didn't see one in Frontierland, and I don't usually go to Toontown Fair, so I don't know if there was one down there.

Have a fantastic trip, and enjoy the concerts!

 

[Master Gracie]

Thanks for the information guys.

How are the crowds during the day when the NoJ is going on?

My wife and I have fond memories of spending our honeymoon in WDW and the crowds were extremely light. We were hoping that it would be much the same this time, excepting the NoJ crowds of course.

 

[SnackyStacky]

When we went in 2002 the crowds were non-existant except at the Magic Kingdom.

NOJ started on a Friday that year, and that Friday the crowds were TERRIBLE! (At least in relation to the crowds we'd experienced the entire week until that point). At about 10 am, Splash and Big Thunder were both 45 - 60 minute waits.

It was ONLY at the Magic Kingdom though. All the other parks were no busier than usual for September.

We left Saturday morning, so I really can't say whether or not that trend lasted, but I would assume it did.

 

[Madi100]

We didn't actually go to the park the day of the concert. We just went at night. It was a seperate ticket event. So, I would imagine that a lot of the youth groups come in for just the concert. The ticket was $26, I believe for NOJ, so to add the price of a park ticket for during the day could get expensive if the don't have annual passes.

 

[mco-missy]

I have taken my church's youth group to this event in 1999, 2000, and 2001. I must agree that the crowds at night are huge! The Friday night event is less crowded than Saturday. However, this year they are adding a Thurs night and I expect that would not be as crowded. The reason for the lighter crowds on Friday (in my opinion) are that many churches travel in from all over the state. Disney has deals for early purchase of tickets being able to enter the parks at 4:00pm. So, to be there at that time you have to get an early afternoon start. Well, Friday is a school day and it would mean pulling the youth out of school early which some parents don't like to do. Therefore, I feel that Thurs would be a good choice since Thurs is a school day and Friday- not too many parents would like their kids pulled out early Thurs and then miss Friday. (The event doesn't end until 1am). WHEW.....That sure was long-winded wasn't it!

I do agree that if you are going for the concerts that's wonderful. But, if you think it will be a good night for rides- don't be dissappointed if it is crowded with unchaperoned middle school and high school kids. And try Thurs night for sure- you might be pleasently suprised with less crowds!

 

[Blueberry]

My DS and his wife went one year mostly for the music, but they also wanted to take in a few rides....IT WAS WILD TO SAY THE LEAST!! DS is in his mid 20s and all he could talk about was the unchaperoned kids running wild. On PoC kids were actually jumping on and off the boats, the same on Small World and the kids were getting out hitting the dolls...Do not know why CM did not stop them, but no one was saying a thing to them.

If you are going for the music that is great, but if unruly crowds on rides bother you, you might not enjoy the rides...

 

[Talking Hands]

Agree forget the rides and enjpy the music. Remember it is Thur, Fri and Sat this year. Going Thurs and Friday myself.

 

[umbluegray]

First, let me say congratulations on your upcoming anniversary.

Second, I hope y'all enjoy NOJ. We were planning on making our trip coincide with NOJ so we could attend. Unfortunately, we had to move our trip back a few months to May of next year.

Anyway... WOW! What an incredible lineup!

The schedule is as follows:

Thursday September 9:
- Michael W. Smith
- Avalon
- Jars of Clay
- Point of Grace
- 4Him
- FFH
- Mark Schultz
- Across the Sky

Friday September 10:
- Steven Curtis Chapman
- Third Day
- Rebecca St. James
- Skillet
- Stryper
- Sonicflood
- Downhere
- Warren Barfield

Saturday September 11:
- Kirk Franklin
- Jaci Velasquez
- CeCe Winans
- 12 Stones
- Salvador
- Jeremy Camp
- Joy Williams
- Jump 5