Why So Late?

[NStramler]

After spending the day in the park and then going back for a needed rest, we went back to the parking garage to watch the fireworks. I was surprised that first of all, the ticket booths were closed at 9 p.m., last May when we did this they were open, and the second thing was that there was many cars coming in and parking. I first thought they were there for the fireworks but they were parking and heading to the park. When did they stop charging in the evening and why were so many heading to the park so late? Any ideas?

 

[LuLusApple]

I don't think they do "stop" charging. What you probably saw were just people returning with their APs or tickets they already had for the day.
If the booths were closed they might have reached capacity or just stop selling tickets at 9, there would only be 3 hours left anyway we often leave and come back, so IDK LOL

 

[NStramler]

The booths were closed. They were still at the end of the garage directing the cars but there was noone at the booths at all. We are AP holders so we just show our pass to park or if we have been there earlier, the pass from earlier in the day. It just kind of surprised me that the booths were closed and that so many cars were entering. Like I said in May, the booths were open........

 

[LavenderPeach]

Maybe they stop charging at 9pm since there is only 3 hours left and you can get 3 hours free parking at DTD anyway. I guess all those people parking were returning after maybe leaving for dinner or something or maybe they were local "kids" coming to hang out for a few hours in the evening.

 

[oc_tony]

We had the same experience at WDW (I think it was at MK or Epcot). We showed up in the evening expecting to show our AP, but all the parking booths were empty and there was a sign directing us to just drive through to the lot. I guess after a certain time, Disney stops charging and figures many of the guests arriving in the evening are either returning from earlier in the day or have APs. It is not unusual to see people arriving at 9pm or later in the summer and on the weekends. Many people leave after the fireworks and the park is so enjoyable during the last 2-3 hours.

 

[Hannahkriks]

Sometimes when Downtown Disney Parking is full they start directing cars into the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure. Since the first two hours of parking in Downtown Disney are free they make Mickey Parking free also since there are only a few hours left until the park closes. This happened to me a few weeks ago. Hope that helps

 

[teatime]

WOw I sure hope they have that ticket booth open when we fly in at 7:30 PM at night. we are taking the disneyland shuttle and with that and all the stops, We will not possibly be at the park any sooner then 10:00 PM. We hope we can get our park tickets that night for the next day!

 

[Disney Dreams]

After spending the day in the park and then going back for a needed rest, we went back to the parking garage to watch the fireworks. I was surprised that first of all, the ticket booths were closed at 9 p.m., last May when we did this they were open, and the second thing was that there was many cars coming in and parking. I first thought they were there for the fireworks but they were parking and heading to the park. When did they stop charging in the evening and why were so many heading to the park so late? Any ideas?

You experienced a few things here. First, many of those people could have been coming for the fireworks, but not watching them from the top of the structure as you were doing - rather, from the Esplanade or maybe hoping to even get to Main Street. Or... and probably more likely - they were local APers who come to the Park in the evening for a few hours. That's the beauty of having an AP and living locally. You can pop in for a few hours anytime.

As for the parking booths being open, I don't know if there is an exact time or pattern, but often when we come in late in the evening the booths are empty - open for all.

WOw I sure hope they have that ticket booth open when we fly in at 7:30 PM at night. we are taking the disneyland shuttle and with that and all the stops, We will not possibly be at the park any sooner then 10:00 PM. We hope we can get our park tickets that night for the next day!

I believe OP meant the parking booths, not the Main Gate ticket booths as the post indicates they never left the parking structure.

HTH,
Dreams

 

[jkh1978]

I thought I read the ticket booths close 30 minutes before the park closes but I don't know where I read that

 

[Donalds_best_pal]

Yea ticket booths remain open until 30 minutes prior to park closing.