Sept Hours Posted but I'm Upset about...

[mlbretscher]

....how early MK closes on 9/11. I booked our Disney trip almost a year in advance. We had planned to spend 9/11 at MK (it's our ONLY Saturday night in our 8 day stay at WDW) but now I've learned that MK will close at 6 pm! I recently learned that it's because of the Night of Joy, but I can't help but feel a little ripped off. I mean I am paying for a package that includes park hopper passes and now if I want to spend Saturday night at MK I have to buy another ticket or should I say TICKETS for my family of 5!? Sorry I just had to get that off my chest.

 

[two-foxes]

Is there any reason that you can't trade that day for another park, and choose another day to go to MK when the hours are extended? From what I know, Saturdays are good days to avoid MK due to crowds anyway. The good thing about park hoppers is that you can go to whatever park you want whenever you want, so you are not locked into being in any park at any time. Try not to feel ripped off. No matter what vacation you go on, you have to be just a little flexible so you can adjust to this little bumps that come up.....heaven knows you'll run into more!

 

[kilee]

Sorry you are disappointed. Thats the joy of going in Sepetember. Almost always early hours. The good news is you can usually get so much more done because of the lower crowds.

 

[stinkerbelle]

Originally posted by kilee
Sorry you are disappointed. Thats the joy of going in Sepetember. Almost always early hours. The good news is you can usually get so much more done because of the lower crowds.

exactly - we've done EVERYTHING in MK by 3pm when arriving at the park by 9/10ish in the morning.

But saturdays are REALLY crowded...I would sway days...maybe do MGM or AK that day.

 

[anne930]

Saturday night is usually the night they have Spectromagic and stay open later. We were there 2 years ago in September and Spectro was being scheduled for one night - Saturday. It misted rain that evening - we sat on the curb for 2 hours waiting on the parade and when it finally came, most of the floats were empty - very few characters/people. Then we waited for the fireworks and no Tinkerbell. I know Disney can't control the weather, but it was very frustrating! What was even worse, we found out on our last day that they added an extra parade the next night - we could have adjusted our schedule and gone if we had known. Evidently the NIGHT OF JOY is a very popular event; they've even added an extra night this year. Disney is making a lot of people happy by having the event.

Bottom line: there's nothing you can do about it - even though it's frustrating, there are so many things at Disney you can enjoy - you won't see them all no matter how well you plan. My suggestion - be flexible and try to find something else you will enjoy - if all else fails, it will give you an excuse to plan another trip.

 

[mlbretscher]

I was originally very diappointed as I herd we should really Spectromagic and I thought Sat night in the "off" season would be the only time we'd get a chance to see it. In looking at the Sept calendar, however, there is another Spectro performance during the week.

 

[fairytinkerbell]

I'm sorry it closes so early on a Sat. nite!! That happened to us 5 years ago in august- even universal closes at 7pm on sat's!!! i can't believe it!

We're going in October and i'm sure mk closes early on Saturday, but i think last year it was open til 8pm ? or later? so who knows for october-
but instead of letting it screw up your plans, just think about how u will "be forced" to take a break from the parks - a much needed break - and you can
have time to go back to your hotel, shower and change and head out for a nice dinner and see Orlando...

HEre are some things you can do since the parks close early:

1. Go to a dinner show in Orlando, or Disney
2. Go eat at The Mercado Shopping Center on International Drive (shops and restaurants) you can eat at "The Crab House" which I heard has delicious seafood, not so expensive, or Bergamos Italian Restaurant w/ singing waiters;
then walk over to see The TITANIC Exhibit next door - i think they stop admitting people at 8pm. You will see hundreds of authentic Titanic artifacts and copy of the grand staircase, etc. It's definitely a MUST SEE.
3. Go to Downtown Disney and eat at a restaurant there
4. Check out Disney Quest -
5. Have dessert at Ghiardelli Chocolate Shop - (to go I think) in Downtown Disney

I hope u use some of my tips! Have a MAGICAL TRIP!!!!

 

[Mymatisse]

I'm going in September and was actually quite pleased about the MK hours. Since they will be showing Wishes the MK is generally staying open later than it has in the past. I'm actually going to get to ride Splash in the dark! woo hoo!

My suggestion is just to do another park that day. MK during the NOJ is kind of busy anyway, better to just avoid. Hope you don't let this one change of plan ruin your entire vacation.