Park closing procedure on party days?

[blf14]

We're looking at going to MK on a Halloween party day - but are not interested in attending the party. I know then that the park will close at 6:00... but what actually happens at 6?

I've read that party-goers get wrist bands, and no one is allowed on rides w/o them... but what else? I'm picturing some big announcement and CM's frantically herding everyone like cattle, lol! But surely not? (Since party-ticket holders will also be there.)

We were hoping to be able to eat an early dinner in-park before we head back to the resort.

 

[hakepb]

Since watching the parade and fireworks are tge big reason people pay for the event, CM’s are vigilant about checking for bands and escorting out non-party guests.

If you get a late, pre-party ADR, you can eat, but expect to be kindly escorted out of the park with no stopping for shopping or snacks.

 

[monkyby87]

People for the party get wrist-bands at entry. If you do not have a wrist-band, you are not allowed to enter the line for any rides, just as you mentioned. For that next hour until the party starts CM's will start funneling people out of the park. You'll be able to linger in the park for a bit if you don't have the wrist-band, but you can't get in line for any rides.

 

[RachaelA]

In park ADRs don’t go past a certain time for people without party tickets.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Park closes at 6pm and party does not officially start until 7pm.
This gives enough time for day guests to leave.
You can make an ADR up til I believe 6:10pm if you are not attending the party and you'll be nudged to leave after.
No need to overthink this. Just leave when the park closes.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

The true ‘park clearing’ will start at 7pm. What I mean by this is 7pm is when you see the largest presence of lines of CMs generally walking together looking for guests without party wristbands. It’s a legitimate sweep, for lack of a better term. Non-party guests generally have 6-7pm to leisurely finish up their business and make their way out, but by 7pm, they want day guests out.

If your dining carries over past 7pm, they will likely escort you to the front of the park when leaving the restaurant.

 

[blf14]

Thank you all - makes perfect sense! And I'd overlooked the part about the party not starting until 7, so that helps me get my head around it also. We're definitely not interested in pushing any rules/ limits... I just know myself and usually go soooo far overboard to comply that I can see me in a dead sprint for the gate at 5:55! Will be nice to at least be able to walk at a normal pace and breathe on our way out, lol Thanks!

 

[Day-Day]

I have been in the park before a party night begins and noticed the crowds and wait times starting to climb at around 4:30-4:45. We had very short waits and low crowds up until the folks starting coming in for the party. We left around 5pm or so to go to EPCOT supper. It should be a very good day in the MK during the day but there is an overlap of folks between 4pm and 7pm.

You may be able to walk at a normal pace to leave but breathing may be difficult.

 

[disneyseniors]

I have been in the park before a party night begins and noticed the crowds and wait times starting to climb at around 4:30-4:45. We had very short waits and low crowds up until the folks starting coming in for the party. We left around 5pm or so to go to EPCOT supper. It should be a very good day in the MK during the day but there is an overlap of folks between 4pm and 7pm.

You may be able to walk at a normal pace to leave but breathing may be difficult.

Yes, I agree. I've been to the MK on party day, and they opened the floodgates at 4:30pm!. We couldn't move through the crowds, let alone ride the attractions. I will not go on party days again, or leave before 4:30.

 

[blf14]

Yes, I agree. I've been to the MK on party day, and they opened the floodgates at 4:30pm!. We couldn't move through the crowds, let alone ride the attractions. I will not go on party days again, or leave before 4:30.

Oh, scheeze - really?! I had no idea the party drew that type of crowd. Sigh. It would really mess with our plans if we avoided MK on all party days - there's so many!

 

[Fangorn]

Oh, scheeze - really?! I had no idea the party drew that type of crowd. Sigh. It would really mess with our plans if we avoided MK on all party days - there's so many!

The crowds only become difficult after 4pm when the party folks are allowed into the park on just their party ticket. For the next couple of hours, there are really 2 overlapping masses of people. Before 4, it's not bad - a lot of people don't like to go to MK on party days as they feel they're being shortchanged with the shorter hours. Unfortunately, that results in the non-party days being very crowded (especially Sat) as people now all crowd into those days. Non- party nights can be very crowded (especially Sat) as those are the only nights you can see the fireworks.

Steve

 

[Fangorn]

Also, be aware that it's not just rides; you will not be allowed to enter the stores on Main Street once the park has closed at 6. The doors are closed and guarded by CMs who will only allow party goers to enter.

Steve

 

[DGsAtBLT]

To piggyback off this, if we’re there late October, are we better off going to MK on a party day, leaving at around 4 to avoid crowds and then having an MK evening on a non party day? We don’t mind hopping, but won’t bother if the crowd levels aren’t too different on a party day.

Not attending the party, if that wasn’t clear.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

To piggyback off this, if we’re there late October, are we better off going to MK on a party day, leaving at around 4 to avoid crowds and then having an MK evening on a non party day? We don’t mind hopping, but won’t bother if the crowd levels aren’t too different on a party day.

Not attending the party, if that wasn’t clear.

Different strokes for different folks, but I would do exactly what you describe.

 

[gharter]

We have been in MK on several party days. The crowd tends to be small until 4 or 4:30, when they let the party crowd enter. Then it became very crowded.
I would agree at leaving at 4:30. We got an ADR at 5 and then left the park after.

If you don't have a band after about 6 , the CMs will encourage you to exit the park.

 

[Jennasis]

Be warned...MK on NON-PARTY days is a zoo. Especially in the evening. Like off the chains.