"Official" 2018 Disney After Hours (DAH) Thread (Now Closed, see New 2019 Thread)

[Stasieki]

When you get off space, look on the wall for a horizontal green or red line. One side is red and the other is green but I’m not sure which is which. You will follow this line around a corner, walk up a ramp, and will be back at the spot where they split left or right to get back on the ride. It saved us tons of time.

I almost went that way by accident last trip. LOL. Still can't imagine where it puts you back into the ride though.

 

[Haley R]

I almost went that way by accident last trip. LOL. Still can't imagine where it puts you back into the ride though.

When you are normally in line you get to that spot at the top where you can go right or left. It takes you right back there.

 

[MommaBerd]

@GADisneyDad14 - Now that the party’s over, I just want to say thanks for doing such a great job with this thread!

I enjoyed the camaraderie here and all the fantastic reports and tips everyone contributed! Now, let’s hope Disney doesn’t mess it up too badly next year!

 

[bbangel]

I am late with my report but just got back.
We had a fantastic time at DAH. It felt like the guests and cast members were all in a good mood, even joking about the cold. We entered around 6 and got our lanyards. We spent some time just walking around, taking pictures and enjoying the park. We knew we wanted to start in Frontierland so we headed to Pecos Bills for a snack.
Around 7 we headed to Splash Mountain as it had a non-existent line due to the cold. We rode Spash twice and then Big Thunder twice during the fireworks, then twice more just as DAH started.
We planned our night to limit our walking so we headed to liberty square and got popcorn and pop. Stored the uneaten popcorn in a bag while we rode HM. Got an ice cream and ate while waiting for the Tangled lantern photo (longest line of the night about 15 minutes)
Headed for Tomorrowland and finished the popcorn.
Rode Buzz twice without getting off, then Space twice. Back to Buzz for 2 more rides and then another ice cream/popcorn break.
Headed to Fantasyland, which definately had the most people. Rode SDMT twice and Peter Pan - loved going through the regular line slowly and still only a few minutes wait to get on a ship.
It was close to the end by this point and we decided to take some pictures and wander out Main Street slowly. Got one last drink for the road and left the park just after midnight.
A bus was waiting but it did wait a bit before leaving. Was in bed by 1:00, which made getting up to get on our cruise ship a bit difficult the next day but so worth it. Would do it again in a heartbeat.
From comments I heard from the CM's expect the upcoming hard ticket parties to allow entry at 6:00 as well.

 

[mcurrence]

Everything seems to be pointing this way. I know a bunch of people had issues with FPs and using day tickets for the parties in 2017 and that had never happened before...

 

[pitpat]

Here's another late trip report including the 3/8 DAH. This trip was myself, my wife, 6 year old daughter and mother in law (who was up for everything).

We arrived on Sunday, 3/4 and had a 4pm reservation at The Plaza. It turned out activating our APs at Guest Services was our longest wait of the week (maybe 20 minutes). Our only real goal this night was watching HEA for the first time. Between 5 and 7:30 we had FPs for Speedway, Buzz and Space Mountain and were also able to fit in COP, Peoplemover and some of that Tomorrowland Dance Party. We found spots on the grass in front of Casey's about 25 minutes before HEA and really enjoyed it. There was a 10pm close that night and what we were able to fit in after the fireworks really set the tone for our week. I grabbed a 4th FP for Jungle Cruise, then an unnecessary 5th for Magic Carpets. Then some hot chocolate at Sleepy Hollow, Haunted Mansion, Tangled Lantern shot with no wait and finished with Small World. Looking back, I think the park felt less crowded between 8:30-10 than it did for DAH. Getting so much done really eased any pressure for our DAH night.

Thursday was DAH, and as everyone mentioned, of course the coldest night of the week. It turned out that it felt colder before DAH started because of the wind. Once the party started it didn't bother us, even though I think it got down to 49 degrees. We had FPs for Enchanted Tales w/ Belle (first time doing that - very cute), 7DMT and Big Thunder Mtn. Also fit in the Move It, Shake It Dance party and dinner at Columbia Harbor House. Picked up our lanyards at the Liberty Square Ticket Office and got some hot chocolate for my daughter's thermos.

From 8:30 on here's what we were able to do:
BTMRR
Splash (the rest of the crew poncho'd up, we still got blasted across the face with cold water - it was awesome)
Magic Carpets (to fill the 10 minutes until...)
Country Bears (maybe 10 people in the theater)
Haunted Mansion (tried to get stuck twice, but only a few seconds each time)
ice cream break (all the popcorn carts had long lines, but ice cream > popcorn anyway)
Carousel
Met Elena/Cinderella (just because my daughter never met Elena)
* Now, this was where I said Hi to Denise in line. I only regret that I didn't get the whole line to sing Happy Birthday to her, but I thought about it too late .
Winnie the Pooh
Tea Cups
Barnstormer x2
Journey of the Little Mermaid
Astro Orbiters
ice cream break
it was around 11:45 at this point and my daughter was skipping out of Tomorrowland.
But she fell asleep on my wife's shoulder while in line for Talking Mickey, which everyone got a kick out of. She had met him before anyway. We got great video and photos of her sleeping through the meet and Mickey had fun with it.
When she woke up in bed at the hotel she said "What, how did I get here? Did we meet Mickey"? But that's the classic way to leave the Magic Kingdom.

We were very pleased with DAH and will have great memories from it. The park didn't feel empty, but this quote from my daughter summed it up: "We're like VIPs - we have Fast Passes for everything!"

Thanks for the great thread everyone. It was helpful and fun.

 

[Haley R]

I’m hoping for this next year because we would definitely do it again. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that gave good tips and tricks. I would say our favorites were bringing a bag for popcorn (although I wish I would’ve gotten more popcorn) and the line to get back on space.

 

[MommaBerd]

I’m hoping for this next year because we would definitely do it again. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that gave good tips and tricks. I would say our favorites were bringing a bag for popcorn (although I wish I would’ve gotten more popcorn) and the line to get back on space.

SERIOUSLY! Best. Tip. Ever.
And, I also wish we had gotten more popcorn. DAH was the first time I had ever had WDW popcorn, and I have gone many times! The sweet treats always won over the popcorn. But, now I know I’m going to have to get popcorn again!

 

[Haley R]

SERIOUSLY! Best. Tip. Ever.
And, I also wish we had gotten more popcorn. DAH was the first time I had ever had WDW popcorn, and I have gone many times! The sweet treats always won over the popcorn. But, now I know I’m going to have to get popcorn again!

I thought the popcorn was so good! Maybe just because it was “free” and unlimited. It was hard to eat the ice cream because we wanted to rush to something else. The popcorn in our ziplock bags was great for a snack when we got back to the room! Lol we all scarfed it down and went to bed.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

@GADisneyDad14 - Now that the party’s over, I just want to say thanks for doing such a great job with this thread!

I enjoyed the camaraderie here and all the fantastic reports and tips everyone contributed! Now, let’s hope Disney doesn’t mess it up too badly next year!

Sorry for the slow response, but THANKS for the note! It was a fun ride for sure!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I also wanted to send a HUGE to everyone who shared their plans and experiences on this thread. Seems like most folks enjoyed themselves and had a lot of fun, even with so many selling out.

I do have one request.... if anyone would be so kind as to send me clear front/back pics of the lanyards and of the pamphlet they gave out when you walked in, I would very much appreciate it!

Lastly, Post #1 has been updated with links to reviews and I've also cut/paste below as well. If I missed yours, please let me know and I'll add it.

Hopefully Disney will offer this again in 2019 and we can do it all over again!

2018 DAH Review Links
1/19/2018 - @poodledogs55
1/19/2018 - @ziravan
1/19/2018 - @Wackdawg
1/19/2018 - @roost0524
1/19/2018 - @emtgirl4
1/19/2018 - @SPUNKYSHADOE
1/19/2018 - @WedWayPilot
1/19/2018 - @JayLeeJay
1/19/2018 - @mollygirl13
1/19/2018 - @anomamatt
1/19/2018 - @Yojenitan
1/19/2018 - @hcap1j
1/19/2018 - @heidijanesmith
1/19/2018 - @bcactus

1/26/2018 - @KCSherri
1/26/2018 - @Megsmachine
1/26/2018 - @alexce
1/26/2018 - @Liver Lips Mcgrowl
1/26/2018 - @DavidHobart
1/26/2018 - @jennab113
1/26/2018 - @Eighty8Keys
1/26/2018 - @BK2014
1/26/2018 - @TheFloatingBear
1/26/2018 - @hosler427
1/26/2018 - @Disneyhokiefam
1/26/2018 - @fiasco32 - Great Pics!
1/26/2018 - @Dviro
1/26/2018 - @CAQDaddy
1/26/2018 - @ckb_nc
1/26/2018 - @IceQueen182 t

1/30/2018 - @TropicalDIS
1/30/2018 - @fgnghg5821
1/30/2018 - @OhhBother
1/30/2018 - @intricatejewel
1/30/2018 - @sequoia 14
1/30/2018 - @sdomino11
1/30/2018 - @OhhBother
1/30/2018 - @katherine52478
1/30/2018 - @amandaleigh2
1/30/2018 - @focusondisney
1/30/2018 - @SafariFan1984
1/30/2018 - @Euby
1/30/2018 - @mcurrence
1/30/2018 - @Amanda&Mike
1/30/2018 - @kmc8826
1/30/2018 - @Karen46
1/30/2018 - @baler31
1/30/2018 - @Thomasfouraker

2/8/2018 - @Disney_Princess83
2/8/2018 - @DisneyGuy
2/8/2018 - @TLK 71
2/8/2018 - @lizabu
2/8/2018 - @sky13
2/8/2018 - @ShelleyLovesOrlando
2/8/2018 - @GMatisse
2/8/2018 - @coasternut22
2/8/2018 - @MommaBerd
2/8/2018 - @hereforthechurros

2/15/2018 - @PlutosNumberOneFan
2/15/2018 - @georgina
2/15/2018 - @CarolynFH
2/15/2018 - @nancy155
2/15/2018 - @cancersucks
2/15/2018 - @elder1923
2/15/2018 - @melliemelo
2/15/2018 - @julezdisney

3/1/2018 - @SmithSmith
3/1/2018 - @Momfoaj
3/1/2018 - @wootejl
3/1/2018 - @Danadanes
3/1/2018 - @Lesley Wake
3/1/2018 - @MischaOz
3/1/2018 - @disneylovinglawyer
3/1/2018 - @Haley R - Tea Cups Lantern Photo
3/1/2018 - @Haley R
3/1/2018 - @to be tink

3/8/2018 - @The_Big_Goof
3/8/2018 - @Minniemoo15
3/8/2018 - @ScottKC
3/8/2018 - @Pdollar88
3/8/2018 - @DGsAtBLT
3/8/2018 - @Disney.Denise
3/8/2018 - @Disney.Denise - Tangled Lantern Photo
3/8/2018 - @TexasKiwiPrincess
3/8/2018 - @kristenabelle
3/8/2018 - @lark
3/8/2018 - @bbangel
3/8/2018 - @pitpat

 

[lark]

GADisneyDad14 -- great job with the thread. As can be seen by 130 pages this is really an event that people are passionate about and this thread has been on target and helpful to all of us.

 

[focusondisney]

These aren’t the best photos, but might work til you get something better. I apologize for the folds in the brochure. I gave it to DH to look at & he had it folded up in his pocket before I knew it. He knows we need to save these things!!

Thanks for the awesome thread! Can’t wait til next year!!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

@focusondisney!

 

[Haley R]

We are thinking about doing the princess half marathon feb 21-24. Should we tentatively plan on trying the first week in March for dah?

 

[nemodeb]

We did DAH two years ago in May. So much fun!! Without going back through 130 pages of threads to see if this has already been asked, is there ANY possibility of WDW having this event in May this year? Really want to do this again!!! Thanks!

 

[to be tink]

I have a trip report on pg. 126 for 3/1.

I also wanted to send a HUGE to everyone who shared their plans and experiences on this thread. Seems like most folks enjoyed themselves and had a lot of fun, even with so many selling out.

I do have one request.... if anyone would be so kind as to send me clear front/back pics of the lanyards and of the pamphlet they gave out when you walked in, I would very much appreciate it!

Lastly, Post #1 has been updated with links to reviews and I've also cut/paste below as well. If I missed yours, please let me know and I'll add it.

Hopefully Disney will offer this again in 2019 and we can do it all over again!

2018 DAH Review Links
1/19/2018 - @poodledogs55
1/19/2018 - @ziravan
1/19/2018 - @Wackdawg
1/19/2018 - @roost0524
1/19/2018 - @emtgirl4
1/19/2018 - @SPUNKYSHADOE
1/19/2018 - @WedWayPilot
1/19/2018 - @JayLeeJay
1/19/2018 - @mollygirl13
1/19/2018 - @anomamatt
1/19/2018 - @Yojenitan
1/19/2018 - @hcap1j
1/19/2018 - @heidijanesmith
1/19/2018 - @bcactus

1/26/2018 - @KCSherri
1/26/2018 - @Megsmachine
1/26/2018 - @alexce
1/26/2018 - @Liver Lips Mcgrowl
1/26/2018 - @DavidHobart
1/26/2018 - @jennab113
1/26/2018 - @Eighty8Keys
1/26/2018 - @BK2014
1/26/2018 - @TheFloatingBear
1/26/2018 - @hosler427
1/26/2018 - @Disneyhokiefam
1/26/2018 - @fiasco32 - Great Pics!
1/26/2018 - @Dviro
1/26/2018 - @CAQDaddy
1/26/2018 - @ckb_nc
1/26/2018 - @IceQueen182 t

1/30/2018 - @TropicalDIS
1/30/2018 - @fgnghg5821
1/30/2018 - @OhhBother
1/30/2018 - @intricatejewel
1/30/2018 - @sequoia 14
1/30/2018 - @sdomino11
1/30/2018 - @OhhBother
1/30/2018 - @katherine52478
1/30/2018 - @amandaleigh2
1/30/2018 - @focusondisney
1/30/2018 - @SafariFan1984
1/30/2018 - @Euby
1/30/2018 - @mcurrence
1/30/2018 - @Amanda&Mike
1/30/2018 - @kmc8826
1/30/2018 - @Karen46
1/30/2018 - @baler31
1/30/2018 - @Thomasfouraker

2/8/2018 - @Disney_Princess83
2/8/2018 - @DisneyGuy
2/8/2018 - @TLK 71
2/8/2018 - @lizabu
2/8/2018 - @sky13
2/8/2018 - @ShelleyLovesOrlando
2/8/2018 - @GMatisse
2/8/2018 - @coasternut22
2/8/2018 - @MommaBerd
2/8/2018 - @hereforthechurros

2/15/2018 - @PlutosNumberOneFan
2/15/2018 - @georgina
2/15/2018 - @CarolynFH
2/15/2018 - @nancy155
2/15/2018 - @cancersucks
2/15/2018 - @elder1923
2/15/2018 - @melliemelo
2/15/2018 - @julezdisney

3/1/2018 - @SmithSmith
3/1/2018 - @Momfoaj
3/1/2018 - @wootejl
3/1/2018 - @Danadanes
3/1/2018 - @Lesley Wake
3/1/2018 - @MischaOz
3/1/2018 - @Haley R - Tea Cups Lantern Photo

3/8/2018 - @The_Big_Goof
3/8/2018 - @Minniemoo15
3/8/2018 - @ScottKC
3/8/2018 - @Pdollar88
3/8/2018 - @DGsAtBLT
3/8/2018 - @Disney.Denise
3/8/2018 - @Disney.Denise - Tangled Lantern Photo
3/8/2018 - @TexasKiwiPrincess
3/8/2018 - @kristenabelle
3/8/2018 - @lark
3/8/2018 - @bbangel
3/8/2018 - @pitpat

 

[Haley R]

We did DAH two years ago in May. So much fun!! Without going back through 130 pages of threads to see if this has already been asked, is there ANY possibility of WDW having this event in May this year? Really want to do this again!!! Thanks!

I highly doubt it. Even if they did, I think they would’ve started selling tickets by now.

 

[nemodeb]

I highly doubt it. Even if they did, I think they would’ve started selling tickets by now.

That's true, it is getting closer.
Thanks.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I have a trip report on pg. 126 for 3/1.

Hey, I'm SO SORRY for the slow reply here. Got your review linked. Thanks again!