Park hours/planning questions

[eac578]

Hello, I am planning a trip to arrive on Aug 17 - 26 (staying on property). My ADR day is in 9 days. A few questions...

Currently Disney has only released park hours for the 17/18. It seems like they may be released day by day? I feel like this is cutting it close in terms of rearranging park plans etc. but I suppose we should have all of the hours posted the day before our ADR day if it continues like this. Any chance they will release earlier?

Next, on the 18th I had planned MK, but it is set to close at 6pm. Is this for a special event? Would that be a Halloween party or after hours? We have hoppers, I would think an early close might be a good day to start in MK?

We would also really like to do the MK after hours event but dates are not posted yet. It's hard to plan dinner reservations, other parks etc not knowing this yet. Any idea when these dates could be released?

Thanks so much!!

 

[holden]

I'd look at hours from last year during that week to guess what the hours might be. Park hours can change up to a few weeks ahead of time, so nothing is really set in stone until a couple of weeks from that date.

Sounds like the 18th might be a Halloween party. I'd say that would be a good MK day as party people would most likely wait to arrive later.

I don't know when after hour events will be announced, but historically they are still offering them. I'd book whatever ADRs you want and then change them if needed. You can cancel an ADR up to a day in advance.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Currently Disney has only released park hours for the 17/18. It seems like they may be released day by day? I feel like this is cutting it close in terms of rearranging park plans etc. but I suppose we should have all of the hours posted the day before our ADR day if it continues like this. Any chance they will release earlier?

Disney releases hours on their park calendar on a rolling 190 day basis - so it's meant to help the 180+10 crowd. Of course, hours can/will in many cases change later on, but these initial hours at least can help you plan EMHs, any early park closings (like MNSSHP, etc), etc.

We would also really like to do the MK after hours event but dates are not posted yet. It's hard to plan dinner reservations, other parks etc not knowing this yet. Any idea when these dates could be released?

The pattern of releasing DAH dates has been eratic and impossible to predict. I'd make you plans as if they WON'T be offered for your dates, then adjust later if they do.

Next, on the 18th I had planned MK, but it is set to close at 6pm. Is this for a special event? Would that be a Halloween party or after hours? We have hoppers, I would think an early close might be a good day to start in MK?

Typically, MNSSHP days have been good days to go to MK - many will opt to not go to MK on that day given the reduced hours and no nighttime spectacular. Things DO pick up in the afternoon through - DVC MNSSHP guests can get in at 2pm, all MNSSHP guests can get in at 4pm - so you get a lot of crossover traffic at that point.

 

[figmentfinesse]

6pm MK close dates are great for crowds! I am also going in mid-late August and I’m pulling my hair out waiting to see if we get an mk after hours.

 

[eac578]

Sounds good thanks!
We're hoping for an early Crystal Palace on the 18th and planned on a midday break, so will plan MK from open to early afternoon, then hop elsewhere after a rest at the resort.

 

[Afabena]

Definitely check last years park times for that week. They will not release the park hours until 180 days before I believe which is not helpful when planning and booking ADRs. Then they could change hours when the dates get closer. Definitely do MK in the morning on a 6pm park close day. You can hop somewhere else that night.