We have had such great times during those hours and created very fond memories. It's kind of hard to explain, but that night has become special to us. I love the atmosphere, the craziness of being out so late with our whole family (feels kind of like breaking the rules, you know?), people watching, getting on some rides multiple times in a row, like BTMRR, having a waffle next to the castle at 2 a.m. (my daughter loves this!), going further into the park, while so many head out after the firework-it's pure chaos and we love it!
I just read in previous posts here that they stopped since it was so quiet, but I didn't find it that quiet. Rides like PP and 7DMT still had crazy wait times even at 2:30 a.m. There were still lots of people milling around even after closing. It is so very crowded during the week of the 4th, it seemed like a great benefit to staying onsite. I am just not so sure staying onsite is as worth it now as it used to be. Could it be they don't do so many late EMH now that they offer things like paying to stay after hours, or paying to come in early? These were perks that I feel I already pay for by choosing to spend extra to stay onsite and now they seem less and less "special". I really don't mean to sound cynical. This is a big trip for us, and we have so much to celebrate. Like others, we have been saving for 2 years an my dh has worked countless overtime hours to pay for it. He was really disappointed when I mentioned it last night. I have to say, though, that my 15 year old said, "Well, I just look forward to all of us spending time together there and that is what is important!" Leave it to my teenage daughter to put it back into perspective for me. But, still really hoping for at least an 11 pm closing and EMH til 1! One can always keep hoping....