WWYD? Full day at MK vs. AH

[NotTheBatesMotel]

Hello,
I am planning my first big-ish group (10 people) trip for February. This is totally new territory because I'm used to going with just my husband and son. We are staying offsite so we will only have the 30 day window to book FP+. I'm assuming with 10 people, both the regular 3 FP+ as well as anything we can grab day-of with refreshing the app will be way more limited than what I typically grab with 3 people.

Here's the question: Would you book a regular, full day at MK (9AM-8PM) or do the After Hours event from 7PM-midnight? I'm really worried about the availability of FP+. They're pretty crucial for my son who has major sensory issues with lines (we usually toggle between FP+ and DAS to make the day possible for him). This is my nephew's first trip (he also has sensory issues), my sister has major crowd anxiety and it's our only day at MK. I am feeling a lot of pressure to make this right for everyone! The major "focus" is rides, so I'm leaning towards AH as the wisest route. FWIW, the youngest kid is 7 and used to staying up late for Disney so the late hours won't be a concern. WWYD?

 

[mkla2015]

In your situation, I would do the After Hours at MK- personal experience last February during after hours we were able to ride everything at least once and I believe we rode BTMRR and 7DMT twice. The longest lines were for the snacks (popcorn and ice cream).

 

[stephk1981]

Another vote for the after hours event! Unless there are really young children in your party, you will get a lot more rides in. Our largest group trip has been 11..... Hardest fast pass reservations I've ever had to make. Stay sane in your planning . Have a great trip!

 

[rpb718]

"I am feeling a lot of pressure to make this right for everyone!"

Quite frankly, this is no way to approach a WDW vacation. You need to have a talk with your family.

 

[Thecouch]

I think with after hours you are allowed in at 7pm and are able to book 3 fast passes between then and start of party time

 

[yorkieteacher]

After hours-no contest-

 

[lorenae]

I think with after hours you are allowed in at 7pm and are able to book 3 fast passes between then and start of party time

The party starts at park close, at 8 PM, doesn’t it? If you don’t have a ticket for the day (AP or a park ticket), can you actually book FP+?

 

[Thecouch]

The party starts at park close, at 8 PM, doesn’t it? If you don’t have a ticket for the day (AP or a park ticket), can you actually book FP+?

I hear you are allowed into the park at 7pm and are able to book fast pass between 7pm and after hour start time. When I'm looking at going after hours is 10pm to 1am. So should be able to get in at 7pm and have 3 fast passes booked. Only works if after hours is your only ticket of the day. If your visited MK or one of the other parks with a normal ticket then going to after hours it will only let you book 3 fast pass for the day until they are used. So can't book 3 with normal ticket then 3 with after hours as system will only allow you to have 3 booked

Edit. Found this old thread
https://www.disboards.com/threads/disney-after-hours-fast-pass-question.3686617/

 

[DGsAtBLT]

If I’m understanding correctly this is the only MK time?

I think I would lean towards a full day only because I think I would be a little sad being in MK basically only in the dark. I’m torn. On one hand, its obviously much easier doing the AH event, but that MK feeling is a big component for me. I think I would sacrifice the ease of AH for the daytime there.

On the other hand, you know your party better than I do. If crowd anxiety is a big issue AH would be a really good way to alleviate that.

Basically I’m no help LOL.

 

[Poohspaleeyore]

"I am feeling a lot of pressure to make this right for everyone!"

Quite frankly, this is no way to approach a WDW vacation. You need to have a talk with your family.

i sympathize with her situation. I have a difficult time planning for four people. Thats why I have always shied away from the idea of going to disney with extended family. we did one trip in2005 with 6 people when my daughter was five and my niece was 6 but i didn't plan that trip and it was only four days. i do think it's special when cousins can vacation together. When i plan a trip i am flying solo, my family refuses to help or even offer their opinion no matter how much i beg. I would say if were in her situation , i would do after hours at MK. 5 hours of touring will also be better if there are any young children in party and temperatures may be milder.