Which day for MK?

[spumonisowner]

I could use some input! Just noticed an update to the hours on the weekend we're there (Nov 16-17) and it's making me question our plans. We're two adults with a quick weekend trip and generally go to Disney once or twice a year. This trip we are only planning two park days: EP and MK. I was going to go to MK on the party day (Sunday) for lower crowds (9am - 6pm), but the hours for Saturday were updated to 8am - 11pm. That's a lot more hours! I'm sure this means they expect it to be busy, though, thus the update. It would also mean we wouldn't get to see Smash Mouth at Epcot, which, while not hard-core fans, I think would be fun. Thoughts? Is it worth going for the lower crowds, or are the hours increased enough that you would change plans? I do like to see fireworks but they are not a must and I plan to get LLMP. TIA!

 

[sponica]

If fireworks aren't a must for you, I would just stick to the party day.

 

[Scalemaster34]

If you have park hoppers... I'd mix and match a little.

But you'll enjoy MK on Sunday with lower crowds... EVERYONE will be at MK on Saturday evening, as the other parks that time of years will close earlier.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

I am someone that also goes with 2 adults.
We always get park hopper and would likely go to MK in the morning on party day and EPCOT in the evening and then EPCOT in the morning and MK in the evening the next day to really get the most out of the parks.

However if I only had a base ticket I'd opt for going to MK when it has more hours.

BTW didn't the lead singer of Smash Mouth die? So I wouldn't really care about that one way or the other.

 

[RuntheMouse]

I always pick party days for MK. The crowds are noticeably smaller which makes the day way more efficient and enjoyable. We usually arrive a little after park open, we don’t even rope drop!

The park is busier when the hours are longer because people have that mindset, like you are asking, if you need the longer hours to accomplish everything.

Same thing happened to me at EPCOT last week. They closed at 5 for a corporate event and it was dead there that day. I loved it!

 

[spumonisowner]

I am someone that also goes with 2 adults.
We always get park hopper and would likely go to MK in the morning on party day and EPCOT in the evening and then EPCOT in the morning and MK in the evening the next day to really get the most out of the parks.

However if I only had a base ticket I'd opt for going to MK when it has more hours.

BTW didn't the lead singer of Smash Mouth die? So I wouldn't really care about that one way or the other.

Yes, he did die unfortunately. I just thought the songs might be fun.

We don't have park hoppers and our base tickets are convention tickets so I have to make reservations. Not sure if I could upgrade to hoppers at this point since they are convention tickets.

I'm really torn because I usually do ok even when it's crowded (I have done DW on both Thanksgiving and NYE pre-pandemic) just by making the most of FP+, but now that we have the new system, I'm not so sure. I did do MK with Genie+ last year and did ok with that. I have also done a party day before and the crowds were amazing! That was the only day I ever felt like I didn't need FP. However, I didn't like when the party people showed up (it was sold out that night) and all the policing that goes on to check your wrist band or lack there of, etc. So I don't know!