When park hours are 10:00-8:00, do they really close at 8:00?

[deesquared]

Hey everyone!

I'm getting very excited for the DIS DIVA trip coming up in March!

My mom and I will be arriving on Wednesday evening. The flight is scheduled to arrive at SNA at 5:09pm. We plan to take the Disneyland Express Bus to the Carousel. I'm hoping we will be there by 6:00pm. Hoping...

Anyway, my question for you is whether or not we should add a day onto our 4-day ParkHoppers so we can visit the park for a couple hours that night. The cost is very low...only a difference of $9 between the 4-day and the 5-day Park Hoppers on the Disneyland website. Besides, I'm going to be trading up for an Annual pass while we're there, so I'd be paying that 9 dollars anyhow!

So, if we make it to the park at 6:30 or 7:00pm will they kick us out right at 8:00, or do they keep some rides or shops open for a while?

Thanks everyone!
Dianna

 

[brookies_mommy]

Hey everyone!

I'm getting very excited for the DIS DIVA trip coming up in March!

My mom and I will be arriving on Wednesday evening. The flight is scheduled to arrive at SNA at 5:09pm. We plan to take the Disneyland Express Bus to the Carousel. I'm hoping we will be there by 6:00pm. Hoping...

Anyway, my question for you is whether or not we should add a day onto our 4-day ParkHoppers so we can visit the park for a couple hours that night. The cost is very low...only a difference of $9 between the 4-day and the 5-day Park Hoppers on the Disneyland website. Besides, I'm going to be trading up for an Annual pass while we're there, so I'd be paying that 9 dollars anyhow!

So, if we make it to the park at 6:30 or 7:00pm will they kick us out right at 8:00, or do they keep some rides or shops open for a while?

Thanks everyone!
Dianna

I think the shops stay open longer. but from what I remember you need to be IN LINE by closeing.

 

[dptabrown]

I have no info for you, but would LOVE to hear back about the Carousel as that is one of the hotels I have tentatively booked. I have a concierge room booked for June. Any info/pics you can provide after you get back would be SO appreciated! Especially since the hotel remodel is supposed to be mainly completed except the pool? Thx!

 

[Maddie2]

From our experience, yes they really do close at the scheduled time. We went during a time where the lines were very manageable and pretty short in the late evening, but I think the policy is that if you are in line for a ride at closing time - (so if you are "in line" at 8:00 for Ride A), you will get to go on it.

Not sure about DCA, but over in DL, the Main Street USA shops, etc stay open a full hour later than the rest of the park.

We did what you are thinking about - we went over to the park on our arrival day and had only 2 hours - but for the difference between a 5 day or 6 day ticket, the price was very minimal. I think it might have been $4? Very worth it!

My kids loved saying ... This morning I was sitting in Science/Algebra/History class in school (in the midwest) where there is a ton of snow outside and now here I am at Disneyland on Ride A/B/whatever tonight! (We picked them up at noon and flew 4 hours (+2 hr flight delay) and still had time for DL ... thank goodness for changing time zones in reverse!

So, YES, I think you should do it. Besides, if you are like us, when you first arrive at your hotel, you'll be so jazzed that if you didn't go over the parks, you probably wouldn't sleep that first night! There isn't anything quite like that first few minutes in the park on your first day of vacation. Magical!

 

[pixiewings71]

My suggestion to you would be to wait until you get there to upgrade. Because something could happen to cause a delay in your arrival time which would make it not as worth it to go into the park. You can easily upgrade at the ticket booths but be aware that if you have purchased with a discount if you do upgrade you will lose that discount.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Some of the stores on Main Street stay open 1 hour after posted closing time for shopping. Otherwise, unless you are in line at closing, all the rides are closed off.

 

[deesquared]

I have no info for you, but would LOVE to hear back about the Carousel as that is one of the hotels I have tentatively booked. I have a concierge room booked for June. Any info/pics you can provide after you get back would be SO appreciated! Especially since the hotel remodel is supposed to be mainly completed except the pool? Thx!

Theresa, I'm sure all the DIS ladies will have lots of good info on the Carousel! Several of us will be staying there during the Ladies Only trip. I will try to remember to get some photos while I am there!

My suggestion to you would be to wait until you get there to upgrade. Because something could happen to cause a delay in your arrival time which would make it not as worth it to go into the park. You can easily upgrade at the ticket booths but be aware that if you have purchased with a discount if you do upgrade you will lose that discount.

Ahh pixiewings, you are so smart! That is a great idea!
If I buy the 4-day Hoppers at $163 online, then I want to upgrade while at the park, will I be able to get the 5-day Hopper at the online price of $172, or will it be the regular price of $186? That's not really worth it to me for an hour or two...

Also, should I just use the 4-day passes, then upgrade on our last day? Mine would be to an Annual Pass, my mom's would just be to add the extra day.

Thanks for all your advice!

 

[sonnyjane]

If I buy the 4-day Hoppers at $163 online, then I want to upgrade while at the park, will I be able to get the 5-day Hopper at the online price of $172, or will it be the regular price of $186? That's not really worth it to me for an hour or two...

They will take the difference between what you paid for the 4-day hoppers online (so a cheaper online price of $163) and the current GATE ticket price ($186 so, no discount). So, in your case, it would be $23 for that extra hour or two. There has been a report or two of a lucky person that found a CM that just happened to be nice and gave them the ticket for the discount price, but that is NOT official policy, so I would expect to pay full price.

 

[clairabell29]

I would buy your 5 day hoppers online. Worst case, you don't use them and you're out $9 (since you're upgrading to AP, anyway), best case, you get a couple hours at the park and an hour to shop on main street and a stop by the bakery for the next mornings breakfast

 

[starshine514]

I would buy your 5 day hoppers online. Worst case, you don't use them and you're out $9 (since you're upgrading to AP, anyway), best case, you get a couple hours at the park and an hour to shop on main street and a stop by the bakery for the next mornings breakfast

If you're thinking of going that first night, that's what I would do as well. Oh to have somebody who would do that in my group! They can't imagine why I would want to spend just half a day at Disneyland before the long drive back home. Oh well, maybe someday...

 

[dalepool]

One hour to unload , get bags, ( If you check in a bag) get the bus ( so bus would need to be waiting, then get to hotel and checked in, (If you are first stop in Anaheim). You are going to be traveling the California Freeways during high time-- You could get lucky and not get in a traffic jam-- but dont count on it. I would guess it is going to take 2 full hours once touching down at LAX to get to Anaheim.

Sorry I am such a downer .

I do know that the bigger store stays open for at least one hour after rides close. I want to say all stores on main street were also open but just not sure. I would get that extra day if like you said you are going to get AP anyway.

You never know it might be they will even change time and stay open later. I wonder what day daylights saving starts this this year? I think it might be the week you gals are there. If so hours might get longer also

Now with all that ---- You all have a great time and enjoy your stay

Patty

 

[briangl]

I believe she said SNA, but your advice still holds. If your plane lands at 5:09 it could take 10 - 15 minutes to get off the plane, 10 - 15 minutes to get your bags, wait time for the bus, 45 minutes to the hotel. I can't see you getting there much before 6:45p at the earliest.

 

[Mom2Joce]

Just my 2 cents and what we do!

On our arrival day/evening I always make plans to have dinner at goofy's kitchen character meal! When we are done with that magical moment we head down downtown Disney and take it all in ending with a walk through world of Disney to see what's there befor we shop the parks over the next few days!

I hate to be a downer as well...but getting from SNA to harbor during rush hour time might prove to be longer than you might expect!

Walk downtown Disney and enjoy!!

 

[MommyWithDreams]

Just my 2 cents and what we do!

On our arrival day/evening I always make plans to have dinner at goofy's kitchen character meal! When we are done with that magical moment we head down downtown Disney and take it all in ending with a walk through world of Disney to see what's there befor we shop the parks over the next few days!

I hate to be a downer as well...but getting from SNA to harbor during rush hour time might prove to be longer than you might expect!

Walk downtown Disney and enjoy!!

I agree with this suggestion. Build up that anticipation and enjoy the magic that also happens outside the gate. Also, get a good night sleep so you're refreshed and ready to go day one inside the parks. I feel like going for such a short time would just be a tease. Have a great time!

 

[Disney Dreams]

...So, if we make it to the park at 6:30 or 7:00pm will they kick us out right at 8:00, or do they keep some rides or shops open for a while?

Thanks everyone!
Dianna

Does the Park close at closing time? Yes.

However, here's the "closing rules." If you are in line for any ride or show (aka Tiki Room) when the Park closes, you WILL ride. If you are attempting to get in line 1 minute after Park closes, you will not be allowed to get into line. So... on a really busy day when the Park closes at midnight and is running a 90 minute wait, you could theoretically ride at 1:30am. My rule of thumb? Get in line 10 minutes prior to Park closing so there is no discussion of "but my watch says...."

Shops close at closing time, except shops on Main Street which stay open generally 1 hour after closing (as mentioned above), but some days when hours are short, it's only 30 minutes. I would ask earlier in the day if it's crucially important to you.

Now, as for your commute, if I am reading your post right, you are hoping to get from touching down at SNA to checking in at Carousel in 51 minutes? Sorry, not happening.

After you land, get off the plane, get bags, get your shuttle, get to the motel, get checked in, go to your room, get out of the room, and get to Disneyland... I know it doesn't seem like a long time, but things take time. Add in to your equation that you are arriving right at rush hour on a week day. There will be traffic.

However, since the extra days is so very little, the real question for you is... for $9 how much do you need to be able to do for it to matter. For me, I'd enjoy wandering Main Street, taking a few pictures, and enjoying the music and lights of the Park for a simple $9. But... I could spend a day in the Park and never go on a ride and be happy so only you can decide if $9 is worth an hour (maybe a little more) in the Park.

HTH,
Dreams

 

[Eeee-va]

I don't think I'd do it if you were figuring to go that day with your mom, because there's a fair chance that you won't make it in time. The $9 really doesn't matter at all for you since you're upgrading to an AP, but it is $9 for your mom that might be thrown away. $9 really isn't that much money, but a delay would frustrate me if I'd paid extra money to get into the parks and the delay kept that from happening. (I mean, I could've bought muffins with that money!)

In October I had a flight scheduled to arrive at SNA...not only did the plane not even take off until pretty close to our scheduled arrival time, but once we landed there was substantial construction at the airport--it was actually pretty funny. We exited OUTDOORS onto a long ramp they had rolled up, and then had to walk through a random building that housed one or two gates, then back outside, up another ramp and finally into very FAR side of the terminal! We all got our exercise. Lucky for me I had no plans to visit the parks 'til the next day, so I wasn't too frustrated.

The construction is enough that I think it may still be going on in March.

So I would think best case, you're looking at arriving at 7 or 7:30, and I imagine would be quite easy to miss the park entirely. SO I'd probably avoid the frustration and potential disappointment and just plan to do Downtown Disney, or get a great rest for the next day. Unless your mom would stay in the room with her $9 while you went to the park, which would again be OK because you wouldn't possibly be wasting any money, since it would all go toward your AP anyway.

As to when to upgrade, you can upgrade any time after you use your Magic Morning, provided there are no blockout dates for the rest of your trip. After upgrading, you can take advantage of dining discounts (and avoid handstamps sometimes, if you don't like them...I like getting stamped though ).

 

[deesquared]

Ahhh...I guess I was being too hopeful in the estimate of the time it would take to get to the hotel!

Thank you all for your helpful advice. I think we will stick with our original plan of going to Downtown Disney that evening. Although, I like the suggestion of Goofy's kitchen! Maybe I could surprise my mom with that. She would love it!

Thanks again!

 

[Mackysmycat]

I think we will stick with our original plan of going to Downtown Disney that evening.

I think you will be thrilled with just doing this. Then there is no pressure of the clock ticking or a reservation. Have fun!

 

[DTDkettleCORNfan]

I think you will be thrilled with just doing this. Then there is no pressure of the clock ticking or a reservation. Have fun!

I agree. Exploring the Grand Californian lobby & awesome outdoor fireplace can take at least half an hour (if not longer). Look for the Kettle Corn cart outside World of Disney....yum!