Magic Kingdom After Hours Coming Back!

The most likely reason is to maintain a consistent schedule for the large amount of international (dirt cheap) employees...

Makes sense from an operational standpoint.

But most would superficially say "they don't want drunks in the dark"

Drunks are bolder in the day...and they are "A Ok" with that.

Why would a consistent schedule for international employees matter? I'm sorry, you're going to have to clearly explain that to me as I don't understand.
 
Why would a consistent schedule for international employees matter? I'm sorry, you're going to have to clearly explain that to me as I don't understand.

The world showcase employees are heavily staffed with the International Program...those are typically "young adult" Europeans - not the same as college programmers.

They are housed in the disney leased complexes...mostly Chatham square and the commons. Many turn pretty disgruntled quickly.

Having consistent hours and transport schedules aids the operation of EPCOT...and is a good explanation of why the front half and back half stagger openings and closings...it's a way to achieve maximum return on investment in the Showcase.

I don't know for a fact...just educated spitballing ;)
 
Coming from the UK I pay for my tickets for the 2 weeks up front and have already booked and started to pay for my Holiday next December. It's bad enough that the parties mean early closing but if they put these on too then there will be more days when MK closes early. Its fine to pay the $149 if its all you paid for your time in the parks but I would have already paid for my daily ticket and expected to pay $149 EXTRA on top of it for a further possible 3 hours. We paid for the MVMCP last time but even that we are not sure about next time with the prices probably going to be around $120 next year for that event. How many times can WDW make you pay for the same day you pay your ticket for. If the park has reduced hours they should offer reduced normal ticket. We were hoping to start to come to WDW every year but its starting to look like we will be priced out in a couple of years time at this rate.
Not normally a ranter but this is getting ridiculous with all the extra's they are charging while taking services/entertainment away and reducing CM's

Park did not close early for the After Hours Event. These occurred AFTER park HOURS, which is why they called it that.

There are no reduced hours because there are no standard hours. There are posted hours, they are posted 6 mos out. What ever the posted hour is, that is what your day ticket covers. If the posted hours are not what you like then you have ability to modify your dates, which days at which parks, utilize hoppers etc. Your ticket does not guarantee you so many hours.

The only park that I have seen had it's hours reduced is Animal Kingdom. That is because they extended on the assumption there would be Rivers of Light, but then it hasn't happened so there was no need for late hours during the early dark evenings. What you usually see is park hours extended once crowd expectations grow.

I think what you might see - TOTALLY OPINION - is the further reduction or elimination of Extra Magic Hours, and more versions of After Hours. Those late hours are costly to operate and generate virtually no income.
 
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Park did not close early for the After Hours Event. These occurred AFTER park HOURS, which is why they called it that.

There are no reduced hours because there are no standard hours. There are posted hours, they are posted 6 mos out. What ever the posted hour is, that is what your day ticket covers. If the posted hours are not what you like then you have ability to modify your dates, which days at which parks, utilize hoppers etc. Your ticket does not guarantee you so many hours.

The only park that I have seen had it's hours reduced is Animal Kingdom. That is because they extended on the assumption there would be Rivers of Light, but then it hasn't happened so there was no need for late hours during the early dark evenings. What you usually see is park hours extended once crowd expectations grow.

I think what you might see - TOTALLY OPINION - is the further reduction or elimination of Extra Magic Hours in deference to After Hours. Those late hours are costly to operate and generate virtually no income.

If the crowds were sufficient to warrant a special ticket event...then they are of a sufficient level to not close the magic kingdom at 8 or 9 pm...

You know better than that...
 


I'm sure it's amazing to have a nearly empty park for 3 hours, but we had that years ago with E-Nights... and only paid $12!! I think $149pp is extremely high. I would do the half price AP ticket, but not more than that, and definitely only one night of a trip.
 
I'm sure it's amazing to have a nearly empty park for 3 hours, but we had that years ago with E-Nights... and only paid $12!! I think $149pp is extremely high. I would do the half price AP ticket, but not more than that, and definitely only one night of a trip.
And this...is reasonable
 
I'm sure it's amazing to have a nearly empty park for 3 hours, but we had that years ago with E-Nights... and only paid $12!! I think $149pp is extremely high. I would do the half price AP ticket, but not more than that, and definitely only one night of a trip.
I agree that I think the price point is too high to appeal to AP holders, DVC members, and those with an extended stay. As an AP holder, I'd pay $50 for this type of event per person on perhaps a trip where I wouldn't mind some private EMH. For example, my husband and I are night owls. We love to sleep in and then spend the later afternoon and evening in MK. Sometimes, it's 10pm and the park is closing, but we're still wanting to hang out. For an extra $50, I might do this. However, to pay more than the cost of a 1 day admit on top of the cost of my AP; no thanks.
 


I think what you might see - TOTALLY OPINION - is the further reduction or elimination of Extra Magic Hours, and more versions of After Hours. Those late hours are costly to operate and generate virtually no income.

This is my main concern with After Hours. We love evening EMH, but could not reasonably afford to add on After Hours for one night ($1192 for the 8 of us), let alone 3-4x per week. Even if they make it half the cost, that it still almost as much as we pay for parties, which are longer and with special parades and fireworks.

As far as the part that I bolded, it can be argued that since EMHs are an onsite perk, then Disney is likely seeing the income from EMH through additional online bookings. I know for us, EMH are the main reason we choose to stay onsite. We can't be the only ones.
 

Meh, maybe. Now it feels like a higher priced party, which is what I said it needed to be for me to consider it. The fact you get in at 7 and stay 3 hours past regular closing with free ice cream and drinks makes it feel like a party night. Now, I might consider doing this. I definitely will if there is a discount for AP's or DVC.

BUT... one major drawback right now and I don't know if it's just an accidental omission from the text,

Space Mountain isn't included in the open attractions.
 

I think at that price, if I was doing a short trip or something I think it makes a ton of sense to get through a lot of the attractions and just experience a rather empty MK ... but agree with others it is still a lot for AP holders to pays since part of the cost/value is that it isn't on top of regular admission but APs obviously already have regular admission covered
 
Meh, maybe. Now it feels like a higher priced party, which is what I said it needed to be for me to consider it. The fact you get in at 7 and stay 3 hours past regular closing with free ice cream and drinks makes it feel like a party night. Now, I might consider doing this. I definitely will if there is a discount for AP's or DVC.

BUT... one major drawback right now and I don't know if it's just an accidental omission from the text,

Space Mountain isn't included in the open attractions.

This was posted earlier this morning right here on DIS, from Disney, and has some more details over WDWmagic blog, including Space Mountain.
Likely a mistake by WDWmagic. It was one of our best treats when we went and it was popular.

Last spring, Guests who attended Disney After Hours events at Magic Kingdom Park told us they had excellent experiences and especially enjoyed the quicker access to attractions and character greetings. Back by popular demand, this special ticketed event will return next month.

Available to a limited number of Guests, Disney After Hours enables participants to maximize their time in the park with little to no wait at experiences. Ice cream novelties, popcorn and bottled beverages are also included with admission during the three-hour event.

Disney After Hours takes place once the park closes on select nights throughout January, February and March. Event Guests may enter the park as early as 7:00pm and remain in the park for three hours past the scheduled closing time on the following dates:

  • January 20 and 27
  • February 2, 9 and 16
  • March 2 and 9
Pricing is $119 plus tax for both adults and children (ages 3-9). To purchase tickets, Guests may call 407-827-7185.

FAQ
Why is Disney After Hours returning to Magic Kingdom Park? Last spring, Guests who attended our Disney After Hours events told us they had excellent experiences and especially enjoyed the quicker access to attractions and character greetings. We want to continue giving Guests the opportunity to experience this unique event.

What makes Disney After Hours unique? With an extremely limited number of tickets available for each event, Disney After Hours enables participates to maximize their time in the park with even quicker access to popular attractions and character greetings.

Is Disney After Hours replacing Extra Magic Hours / Is Extra Magic Hours going away? No. Walt Disney World Resort hotel Guests may continue to enjoy the benefit of Extra Magic Hours at all Walt Disney World Theme Parks.

Do Disney After Hours and evening Extra Magic Hours take place simultaneously at Magic Kingdom Park? No. Disney After Hours and evening Extra Magic Hours at Magic Kingdom Park are separate events and take place on different dates.

Are any other Walt Disney World theme parks offering a Disney After Hours event? At this time, Disney After Hours is only taking place at Magic Kingdom Park.

Do I need standard theme park admission in order to attend Disney After Hours? You do not need standard theme park admission, however, you must have a separate event ticket in order to attend Disney After Hours. Pricing is $119 plus tax for both adults and children (ages 3-9).

What time does the event start / what time can I check in for the event? The event takes place for three hours following park close, but you are welcome to check in for the event and enjoy the park as early as 7:00pm Please note that event-specific offerings, such as ice cream novelties, popcorn and bottled beverages, will only be available during the hours of the event.

What Food & Beverage offerings will be available during Disney After Hours? Ice cream novelties, popcorn and bottled beverages are included with event admission. The Main Street Bakery (Starbucks) will be open for purchases. Additional food offerings will be available for purchase throughout the duration of the event.

What Entertainment Offerings will be available during Disney After Hours? Mickey Mouse will greet Guests at Town Square Theater, and select princesses will greet Guests at Princess Fairytale Hall. Additionally, Guests may enter the park as early as 7:00pm to experience other nighttime offerings, such as Wishes, during standard park operating hours.

What attractions will be operating during Disney After Hours?
Attractions operating during Disney After Hours include:  Astro Orbiter  The Barnstormer  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad  Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin  Country Bear Jamboree  Dumbo the Flying Elephant  Haunted Mansion  ‘it’s a small world’  Jungle Cruise  Mad Tea Party  The Magic Carpets of Aladdin  The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh  Mickey’s PhilharMagic  Pirates of the Caribbean  Peter Pan’s Flight  Prince Charming Regal Carrousel  Princess Fairytale Hall (select princesses)  Seven Dwarfs Mine Train  Space Mountain  Splash Mountain  Swiss Family Treehouse  Tomorrowland Speedway  Town Square Theater (Mickey Mouse)  Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid  Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
 
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This was posted earlier this morning right here on DIS, from Disney, and has some more details over WDWmagic blog, including Space Mountain. Likely a mistake by WDWmagic. It was one of our best treats when we went and it was popular.

I was hoping it was just an accidental omission. I can't see their most popular ride being unavailable. Still, while I am with you that I bet this is a neat event, I still need the price point to be lower as an AP.
 
This was posted earlier this morning right here on DIS, from Disney, and has some more details over WDWmagic blog, including Space Mountain. Likely a mistake by WDWmagic. It was one of our best treats when we went and it was popular.

I was hoping it was just an accidental omission. I can't see their most popular ride being unavailable. Still, while I am with you that I bet this is a neat event, I still need the price point to be lower as an AP.
It was an omission, the initial list wdwmagic received did not include it. He is updating the post to add Space Mountain.
 
I was hoping it was just an accidental omission. I can't see their most popular ride being unavailable. Still, while I am with you that I bet this is a neat event, I still need the price point to be lower as an AP.

Yup.
I think the price point should be closer to $100 max, and for AP/DVC closer to $75.
That is what we paid, and at that point the $75-ish price was offered to anyone.
Could work out, or could be another bust. :confused3


Space Mountain is even listed on the website which has been updated with new dates.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/disney-after-hours/
 
Arrrggghh!!!! I want to do this event so bad. Why isn't it ever scheduled when I'm going to be there??!!!! Come on Disney -- add early May!!!!!
 
$119 is still too high for our family. Since you're really only getting about 1/3 of park hours on the normal schedule,
I think half price of a one-day ticket would be more reasonable, about $55-60.

Question: Do the CMs close the attraction lines down earlier than normal for the day guests on these nights? I would hate to pay for the AHM, only to have to stand in line at Space Mountain while the day guests finish up their rides.
 

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