Question about October hours....??

[candmforever]

We're going to WDW in the first week of Oct., so naturally I was thrilled when the hours FINALLY came out. But I have a question about the hours.

WHY is Magic Kingdom closing earlier in October, when the time hasn't changed yet. The day we want to go, the park closes at 8 pm....the month b4, MK closed at 10 and 11 pm. I can see the earlier closure once the time has changed in late October, but in early Oct, it hasn't yet. I'm not sure if it's even completely dark by 8 pm, for the fireworks. And going during the day of EMH to MK is not an option for us.

Does anyone know why this is? And I know that sometimes Disney changes the schedule several times b4 the time arrives...so I"m wondering if they might change the times by then?

I'm just confused! HELP!

 

[lurontravel]

The parks stay open later during non-school breaks on weekends only, not during the week because these times are "non-peak" seasons (translation: lower crowds). However, in October and December, they have special "parties" on Friday and Sundays ( "Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party" and "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party") that you must pay a seperate fee to get in. The parties go from aprox. 7 pm to 1 am. I believe that if you buy your tickets for these parties in advance the cost is around $28 for kids, $35 for adults. The parks should still be open late on Saturdays, though. Also, here in Florida, it'll definitly be dark enough by 8 pm for great fireworks viewing (remember, the sun sets later up north then down here in Florida).

 

[crisi]

If you look at the September calendar, MK doesn't stay open much past 8:00 on a Tuesday night (in early September its 8:30 a few nights). Tuesdays are a low traffic MK day, its really unlikely they'd stay open later than 8-9 on a Tuesday.

That said, I've been there when they've announced extended hours at 3:00 on the day....we know its crowded when we hear the "The Magic Kingdom will stay open until 11:00 pm tonight." Doesn't happen often, I'd plan on the published hours.

 

[candmforever]

Thanks for your insight! That all makes sense......This is only our second trip w/ the kids so I"m not famliar w/ the "whys" of the schedule.
THANKS AGAIN!
M

 

[madge]

We're going to WDW in the first week of Oct., so naturally I was thrilled when the hours FINALLY came out. But I have a question about the hours.

WHY is Magic Kingdom closing earlier in October, when the time hasn't changed yet. The day we want to go, the park closes at 8 pm....the month b4, MK closed at 10 and 11 pm. I can see the earlier closure once the time has changed in late October, but in early Oct, it hasn't yet. I'm not sure if it's even completely dark by 8 pm, for the fireworks. And going during the day of EMH to MK is not an option for us.

Does anyone know why this is? And I know that sometimes Disney changes the schedule several times b4 the time arrives...so I"m wondering if they might change the times by then?

I'm just confused! HELP!

it's the off season--these hours are consistent with the last several years for the first week of October. You can get a lot more done in October than you can on many summer days

It is dark enough for the fireworks--even in early October.