What to expect on Grad night?

[Kuffam]

Unfortunately we were limited on when we could take our trip to Disneyland, so our dates are pretty firm. I see that during the time we are there (first week in June) there are a few Grad nights and I've some threads about people wanting to avoid them. We are normally Disney World visitors, so what should I expect about going to the parks on Grad night? I know it is a ticketed event and it sounds similar to one of the after hour parties, but what should I expect during the day, just increase attendance or is there other problems?

 

[figment_jii]

You'll get a mixed set of opinions about grad night crowds. Some folks weren't really bothered it, while others felt it had a large impact. For me, I did think there were more high school-aged groups than normal, but I didn't really notice much misbehavior. There was some foul language and some questionable behavior, but that could happen at any time. I do think it increased the crowds, especially at the thrill rides and evening shows.

 

[cmrdgrs]

I have regularly traveled to DL for the last 4 years the last week of May / First week of June.

My impression overall is that you will see more groups of schools, but IMO it isn't too bad. It doesn't sound like the Brazilian tour groups I've only read about. I experienced what the PP said.

For me, obviously, it isn't too bad. I continue to return

This year we will be breaking tradition and visiting Aulani instead. Sorry I'll miss you!

 

[HydroGuy]

Unfortunately we were limited on when we could take our trip to Disneyland, so our dates are pretty firm. I see that during the time we are there (first week in June) there are a few Grad nights and I've some threads about people wanting to avoid them. We are normally Disney World visitors, so what should I expect about going to the parks on Grad night? I know it is a ticketed event and it sounds similar to one of the after hour parties, but what should I expect during the day, just increase attendance or is there other problems?

This may help in addition to the other good posts so far:

"The Scoop on Grad Nights at DLR in May and June" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2298400

 

[superlarz]

It gets crowded later in the afternoon and especially early evening. It is a little bit more rowdy than normal, but I feel like spring break time had more rowdy groups last year

 

[Mommy26]

The thing that never gets posted in these threads is that it matters which schools/districts have grad night that night.

On our last trip we had one grad night where the students were well behaved and pretty easy going. Another grad night students were unruly, obnoxious and down right scary.

* I would not want to be there when House of Slytherin has their grad night.

Some districts are further away so they might come later in evening.

 

[corinne76]

I have regularly traveled to DL for the last 4 years the last week of May / First week of June.

My impression overall is that you will see more groups of schools, but IMO it isn't too bad. It doesn't sound like the Brazilian tour groups I've only read about. I experienced what the PP said.

For me, obviously, it isn't too bad. I continue to return

This year we will be breaking tradition and visiting Aulani instead. Sorry I'll miss you!

i agree with this. We went first week of June 2013. I did notice more teens, but nothing too unruly or anything notable that made me cringe.

And OT, but have fun at Aulani! I live on Oahu and have stayed there a few times. You will have a great time!

 

[emily94]

I attended Grad Nite (as a senior) in late May 2013. We got there in the early afternoon and stayed all night and into the early morning of the next day.

Since no one has mentioned it - one of the parks, DCA for my night, will be closed and only open to the students with tickets. I am sure you can figure out what park it is and do those rides earlier. I think they moved us all into DCA around 10:30-11 pm

 

[juliekzp]

We were there for a couple grad nights last June. It was a little annoying, but not a dealbreaker. The only poor behavior I saw was a few line-jumpers ("just going up to be with my friends") on California Screamin'.

 

[AngiTN]

It looks like we are going to be there the first week in June too. We have 5 park days, there are going to be Grad Nights on 3 of them, a Wed, Fri and Sat. I'm hoping we will be able to work around them without too much trouble, and without missing too much. We're staying at Disneyland Hotel so hopefully the kids in the Resort will be at a minimum. We plan to take advantage of the early mornings. As long as we can get in Fantasmic and WOC I think we can make it work. I plan to use the dining packages for those too

 

[gottalovepluto]

We're staying at Disneyland Hotel so hopefully the kids in the Resort will be at a minimum. We plan to take advantage of the early mornings.

You should be fine. You've got a plan, you know what you're up against & 5 days at DL is great, you'll be able to catch whatever you really want. As for kids at the Resort, grad nite attendees rarely stay overnight. Most drive in on busses & out the next morning while the drivers sleep in a hotel during that night. The kids at the resort will just be ones on vacation with their families.

 

[All American]

You'll get a mixed set of opinions about grad night crowds. Some folks weren't really bothered it, while others felt it had a large impact. For me, I did think there were more high school-aged groups than normal, but I didn't really notice much misbehavior. There was some foul language and some questionable behavior, but that could happen at any time. I do think it increased the crowds, especially at the thrill rides and evening shows.

For us, we felt it had a large impact, but we weren't bothered by it. The best advice we heeded was to get to the parks early and ride the "big" rides first -- the Mountains and Indiana Jones. Haunted Mansion and Pirates, maybe if that's what you like. My husband and daughter love Star Tours, so they went a couple of times to make sure they had their fill. Grab fast passes for later for what you want to ride again. This really was great advice (thank you!)

The crowds really did pick up around 3. Teenagers are awake by then. But they weren't so bad. Maybe a bit obnoxious, but the kid who was leading the pack with his selfie stick will realize how dumb he looked in about 5 years. So, everything works itself out eventually.

The absolute worst behavior I witnessed was actually a teacher. My sister and I sat and listened to him drone on about his classes. His braggadocious claims to the other teachers he was with was laced with so much profanity that I am sure Samuel L. Jackson would have blushed. I probably should have said something but my sister and I were really amazed at how arrogant and foolish he sounded. We figured his students were better off without him and let him be.

Really, just be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. While there were lots of grads (and lots who stayed in Disneyland after their private party started), I found them to be not too bad. Sure, there was the occasional swear word and one-too-many girls whose bras were made bare thanks to the designer rips in their cheap tank tops, but they were quite polite and pleasant. Focus on the latter, and you'll have a great time.

 

[Sally_fan]

We were there last year & had 2 grad nights fall during our dates. Yes, those evenings were busier than the nights surrounding them. But one evening we found that the kids were awesome! Helpful & polite, being sure not to intrude in our space (watched fireworks with them). The other night...my goodness...they were obnoxious! Pushing & yelling...it was awful. That being said, I wouldn't let grad nights deter me! We've been at DL on grad nights in the past & they've been fine. We just had that one bad night.

 

[oklamomof4boys]

We are going the end of May. 4 out of 5 of our days are grad nights. I'm expecting the worst so hopefully we will be pleasantly surprised. Lol. Unfortunately there isn't any other time we can go.