Boy, we are on the fence about this. We have never done the party but are this year on 8/16. It's just my wife and I.
We have 2 park day tickets and the party ticket, staying at Caribbean Beach resort for 4 nights. We arrive on 8/15 and leave on 8/19.
I know on party day we can get into MK at 4, but I'm concerned it might be tough to ride stuff as I assume it will be raining/thundering by then for 2 hours or so. And, I like to leisurely enjoy MK from a historical perspective, go through shops, and want to ride a few things that aren't open during the party (hall of presidents, belle, and probably something else I'm forgetting).
It's my thought that we rope drop, or close to, MK that morning, go back to the resort around 1-2 and then back at 4/5, then ride what we can with lower lines. OR, rope drop and then around 1-2 head to a MK resort for a great meal, rest in the A/C and then head back at 4. Or, just don't go to MK during the day and rest up for an amazing night!
If we don't do MK that day, it's really then going to be 2 days in a row touring Epcot on Sunday (we arrive on a Thursday) and not sure what on Saturday. I figure if we go all out on Friday, we can rest Saturday and then epcot on Sunday.
Phew, thoughts? I've never been to the party before.