What time do day guests need to leave on party nights?

[Her Dotness]

I never want to say that anyone didn't see what they report seeing.....but, OP, should you be worried about being pressured to leave before 6:00 I can report that I have been in the parks on party days many, many times and have never seen anyone being asked to leave early or being lead to the gate before closing time.

I should clarify. I've never observed CMs telling non-party guests to leave, so "urging" was a misleading term.

Walking past the various CMs stationed at intervals throughout Fantasyland who ask to see party wristbands gets the message across, IMO, that non-partygoers ought to be heading out.

Perhaps my inclination to make party CMs' job a bit easier led me to speak imprecisely. So, ::: up on soapbox ::: If not staying for the party, leave MK before 6:00.

I have seen queues of guests following a CM to the gate on Christmas Party nights around 6:00 more than one year. Have only been once to the MNSSHP so shouldn't have suggested I know how it's done for that party.

 

[emmabelle]

I decided to dump my BOG for 4pm on a party night and make a 6pm for Steakhouse 71. I'm happy with that change.

 

[mwmom]

Another idea is to resort hop. Get on the monorail and ride to GF and Poly. You could shop at the hotels and stroll around. Then go back to MK and hop on the boat to WL. Once there, there is plenty to do to keep you busy until dinner including seeing the geyser erupt on the hour, shop, sit in the lobby, take a picture with Humphrey, and walk the grounds. You could easily eat up a couple of hours doing that. Have fun! WL is my favorite place to visit!

 

[parasail_of_congress]

I never want to say that anyone didn't see what they report seeing.....but, OP, should you be worried about being pressured to leave before 6:00 I can report that I have been in the parks on party days many, many times and have never seen anyone being asked to leave early or being lead to the gate before closing time.

This has been my experience as well during the two times I've been at MK for a regular day during a party night. In August, we were on Main Street in the shops and bathrooms around 6:30-6:45.

 

[maryj11]

The crowds on party days are great, but once it hits 4:00 and the party guests can enter the crowds do pick up significantly---- your idea to hop to another park for a couple hours at 4:00 p.m. and then head to WL isn't a bad one.

Yes I remember entering at 4:00 for a party and Main Street was a mad house. Long lines at the rides also. This year we have a reservation at the Contemporary at 5:00 and then we will head over after that.

 

[Love Tink]

I should clarify. I've never observed CMs telling non-party guests to leave, so "urging" was a misleading term.

Walking past the various CMs stationed at intervals throughout Fantasyland who ask to see party wristbands gets the message across, IMO, that non-partygoers ought to be heading out.

Perhaps my inclination to make party CMs' job a bit easier led me to speak imprecisely. So, ::: up on soapbox ::: If not staying for the party, leave MK before 6:00.

I have seen queues of guests following a CM to the gate on Christmas Party nights around 6:00 more than one year. Have only been once to the MNSSHP so shouldn't have suggested I know how it's done for that party.

I'll respond again by saying that I have never seen CMs in Fantasyland (or anywhere else) asking to see party wristbands before closing time. I also see don't think people should feel the need to leave before closing time on a party day or any other day - the "rules" allow guests to enter ride queues or make dining reservations for 6:00.

 

[ktlm]

This has been my experience as well during the two times I've been at MK for a regular day during a party night. In August, we were on Main Street in the shops and bathrooms around 6:30-6:45.

This year? I wonder if the staffing issues mean not as many CMs available to police the areas so they aren't being as strict with the bathrooms and Main Street shops this year. I thought it was quite ridiculous that they weren't letting people use the bathroom.

Magic Kingdom used to close at 7:00 p.m. on party nights-- the same time the party started. For MNSSHP, MK started closing at 6:00 in 2018 for the first time. MVMCP did it in 2017- a year before MNNSHP started the early close time.

 

[parasail_of_congress]

This year? I wonder if the staffing issues mean not as many CMs available to police the areas so they aren't being as strict with the bathrooms and Main Street shops this year. I thought it was quite ridiculous that they weren't letting people use the bathroom.

Magic Kingdom used to close at 7:00 p.m. on party nights-- the same time the party started. For MNSSHP, MK started closing at 6:00 in 2018 for the first time. MVMCP did it in 2017- a year before MNNSHP started the early close time.

We had the same experience both this year and last time we were there in 2018. Yes, it does seem bizarre that they wouldn't let people in the bathrooms - I'd assume if that were the case, there would be more chatter about it on forums and social networks.

 

[ktlm]

We had the same experience both this year and last time we were there in 2018. Yes, it does seem bizarre that they wouldn't let people in the bathrooms - I'd assume if that were the case, there would be more chatter about it on forums and social networks.

We've seen it happen on 2 different nights--- both in 2018. Different CMs and different bathrooms too.

 

[HopperFan]

We had the same experience both this year and last time we were there in 2018. Yes, it does seem bizarre that they wouldn't let people in the bathrooms - I'd assume if that were the case, there would be more chatter about it on forums and social networks.

They haven't let folks in bathrooms after park closes for day guests for many years. It has been discussed on here every year at party time. Folks trying to go in are being blocked by CMs telling them they had to use the ones outside the front gate. Nothing bizarre, they are closed to day guests, there is a bathroom right at the front gate to use on the way out.

I've seen it many times for many many years. Last month at 6 pm they had CMs holding ropes across from Philharmonic to Pinocchio. They would not let you pass without a party band, directing you to go towards the front of the park via the Castle route. There was a family arguing about it so we got backed up. I was standing and turned to see CMs across in front of the bathrooms next to Pinocchio. They were refusing anyone without a party band.

WHY? Because lots of folks do everything they can to hide so they can get a glimpse of the parade and fireworks show. Folks especially hide in the bathrooms. Last month I saw so many folks sitting in far off corners and areas when they should have been moving to front gate. It is one reason they moved the first parade to later time, then they had to add the hour gap to try to clear the park. Sad that guests who don't have a party ticket just can't do the right thing and leave at 6 pm.

Last night was a party night. The park closed at 6 and we had ADRs at 6:45 at Skippers. We had no issues waiting for our time. When we finished and were walking out at 8, the restaurant gave us a guest dining band so there would be no issues with us walking out late. The only surprise was the shops on Main Street which were empty ( as everyone was at the party), were closed unless you had a party band. We were in the shops earlier and the special merchandise was only in certain areas. Just surprised to see Disney no allowing guests to buy more stuff on their way out of the park.

I think they just were having so much trouble with folks meandering and trying to hang around for the first parade that they just got more strict on the stores. The difference with Party Nights and EMH nights is the party ticket is paying for the parade, projections, fireworks ... all things you can't stop non-paying from seeing unless they are outside the park.

Years ago there was a situation by a woman who tried to do shopping during the beginning of the party who was not going to the party. She was refused entry and proceeded to make a HUGE UGLY SCENE and ended up calling the media when she got home that Disney has refused her Make A Wish family the opportunity to shop ..... blah blah blah. They seemed to get even more strict after that.

 

[rdaky]

The park closes at 6 to day guests. I wouldn't expect, as a day guest, to be able to stay for any length of time past that, and to make it less stressful for cast members, you really should plan to leave at 6. I have a friend who works in guest relations at MK. Just the other night had a family screaming at her about how SHE ruined their vacation because she told them they had to leave at 6 . Imagine having to deal with that every single party night. People screaming, fake crying, negotiating, trying to get their money back, trying to skirt the rules, trying to pretend their wrist band fell off or that it's under their hoodie, trying to "go to the bathroom" or "shop" or making a late dining reservation thinking they can stay (not accusing anyone here of doing that- we had a late res one night and were walked out... but I know there are people who do it intentionally thinking they can watch a parade) And we aren't talking about a family of 5 doing this. Hundreds of people every single party night trying to stay for an event that they didn't pay for.

They did the same thing for the cast party events by not allowing people to linger and/or shop. There are certain special events where there is a hard closing.

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

Another idea is to resort hop. Get on the monorail and ride to GF and Poly. You could shop at the hotels and stroll around. Then go back to MK and hop on the boat to WL. Once there, there is plenty to do to keep you busy until dinner including seeing the geyser erupt on the hour, shop, sit in the lobby, take a picture with Humphrey, and walk the grounds. You could easily eat up a couple of hours doing that. Have fun! WL is my favorite place to visit!

Love this idea. Thanks!!

 

[supersnoop]

Last night was a party night. The park closed at 6 and we had ADRs at 6:45 at Skippers. We had no issues waiting for our time. When we finished and were walking out at 8, the restaurant gave us a guest dining band so there would be no issues with us walking out late.

Is that new? The dining reservation page used to specifically say that a party ticket is required for any reservations at 6pm or later. I'm not sure if the rule changed or they allowed you some grace.

 

[parasail_of_congress]

The park closes at 6 to day guests. I wouldn't expect, as a day guest, to be able to stay for any length of time past that, and to make it less stressful for cast members, you really should plan to leave at 6. I have a friend who works in guest relations at MK. Just the other night had a family screaming at her about how SHE ruined their vacation because she told them they had to leave at 6 . Imagine having to deal with that every single party night. People screaming, fake crying, negotiating, trying to get their money back, trying to skirt the rules, trying to pretend their wrist band fell off or that it's under their hoodie, trying to "go to the bathroom" or "shop" or making a late dining reservation thinking they can stay (not accusing anyone here of doing that- we had a late res one night and were walked out... but I know there are people who do it intentionally thinking they can watch a parade) And we aren't talking about a family of 5 doing this. Hundreds of people every single party night trying to stay for an event that they didn't pay for.

They did the same thing for the cast party events by not allowing people to linger and/or shop. There are certain special events where there is a hard closing.

The only thing I can think of is that maybe we are talking about two different things.

Just like a regular night, when you can get in line before park closing and be able to ride a ride, the same thing applies during party nights. This means that you will be in the park after the scheduled park close. Yes, you should plan on exiting the park after the ride. Yes, you shouldn't make a scene at guest relations that your day is over. As far as using the bathroom or shopping at 6:01, I'd assume that's up to the discretion of the CMs, but sure, people shouldn't be staying too much longer.

 

[Skywalker3]

Last week, we were there on a party night, went to MK just to ride Splash, since it had been down on our only other park day. Entered park through regular line just a little after 5PM, in line for Splash around 520, not off ride until after 6, maybe around 6:10. We were ready to get out asap, as we had another park (AK) to get to. CMs blocked the route through Frontierland, diverted us through the restroom/walkway to Adventureland. Then at the hub, could not go left/straight, CMs directed us to the path in front of Casey's Corner, and then down mainstreet. We were walking out as announcements being made at 6:30. We'd used the bathrooms just outside of Splash. Didn't expect to be able to do anything, shopping, bathroom, etc. after 6PM. We were power walking anyway to get to AK before closing.

 

[Love Tink]

The park closes at 6 to day guests. I wouldn't expect, as a day guest, to be able to stay for any length of time past that, and to make it less stressful for cast members, you really should plan to leave at 6. I have a friend who works in guest relations at MK. Just the other night had a family screaming at her about how SHE ruined their vacation because she told them they had to leave at 6 . Imagine having to deal with that every single party night. People screaming, fake crying, negotiating, trying to get their money back, trying to skirt the rules, trying to pretend their wrist band fell off or that it's under their hoodie, trying to "go to the bathroom" or "shop" or making a late dining reservation thinking they can stay (not accusing anyone here of doing that- we had a late res one night and were walked out... but I know there are people who do it intentionally thinking they can watch a parade) And we aren't talking about a family of 5 doing this. Hundreds of people every single party night trying to stay for an event that they didn't pay for.

They did the same thing for the cast party events by not allowing people to linger and/or shop. There are certain special events where there is a hard closing.

Counterpoint: I work PT as an usher at a concert venue and it's generally pretty boring, but it gets fun when people try to break the rules and you get to (figuratively, of course) smack them down. I'm sure for some CMs, the drama is entertaining.

I doubt your assertion that hundreds of people are trying to crash every party. There's always some sneaky people but most people follow the rules.*

*The rules that, BTW, allow you to get in a ride line or start a dining reservation at 6:00.

 

[HopperFan]

Is that new? The dining reservation page used to specifically say that a party ticket is required for any reservations at 6pm or later. I'm not sure if the rule changed or they allowed you some grace.

The ADR page is separate for Party dining. As long as you book on the regular ADR site they have times after 6. But you’ll likely get walked to gate.

They started this before shutdown so it was clear what you could book.

 

[maryj11]

The park closes at 6 to day guests. I wouldn't expect, as a day guest, to be able to stay for any length of time past that, and to make it less stressful for cast members, you really should plan to leave at 6. I have a friend who works in guest relations at MK. Just the other night had a family screaming at her about how SHE ruined their vacation because she told them they had to leave at 6 . Imagine having to deal with that every single party night. People screaming, fake crying, negotiating, trying to get their money back, trying to skirt the rules, trying to pretend their wrist band fell off or that it's under their hoodie, trying to "go to the bathroom" or "shop" or making a late dining reservation thinking they can stay (not accusing anyone here of doing that- we had a late res one night and were walked out... but I know there are people who do it intentionally thinking they can watch a parade) And we aren't talking about a family of 5 doing this. Hundreds of people every single party night trying to stay for an event that they didn't pay for.

They did the same thing for the cast party events by not allowing people to linger and/or shop. There are certain special events where there is a hard closing.

I totally feel bad for the CM’s. They put up with a lot

 

[maryj11]

The past couple events I went to they asked to see our bands several times during the first half hour.

 

[Tonberry]

Back in 2019, we had BOG reservations for 5:55 on a party night. Our service was so slow that we didn't get out of there until sometime after 7:30. Not a single CM asked to see our wrist bands from the moment we left the restaurant all the way through to the front gate.

We did MNSSHP this year and a family tried to get in line for the People Mover at 6:05 and were were told that the park was closed. As we were about ready to head up the ramp, we saw them trying to get into Buzz.