MK post fireworks party opinions

[krismom345]

I booked the post fireworks party for our trip when the park was set to close at 10 (show at 9:20) mostly for viewing comfort and to extend the time we could stay in MK. Now that hours are extends to 11 I’m having second thoughts that it might be better to hit rides after the fireworks with less lines.
Of course, the pre party is booked.
Any opinions on timing and if it’s “worth it?”

 

[PoppyJ]

I booked the post fireworks party for our trip when the park was set to close at 10 (show at 9:20) mostly for viewing comfort and to extend the time we could stay in MK. Now that hours are extends to 11 I’m having second thoughts that it might be better to hit rides after the fireworks with less lines.
Of course, the pre party is booked.
Any opinions on timing and if it’s “worth it?”

I would recommend not doing the post-party if your goal is to do more rides after the fireworks.

I did the post-party on Sunday 5/12. It was my first time. We had the same hours as you. Fireworks at 9:20. Park close at 11:00.

After the fireworks ended we were instructed to stay in the fireworks viewing area until the crowds died down. We waited for around 15 minutes. So if fireworks ended around 9:40, we waited in the area until 9:55?

Then they lead you to the desert area. Everyone lines up. They check your name again and lead each party to a reserved table. Luckily, we were near the front of the line, but I would say this process took another 10 minutes. If you were at the back of the line, it could have taken maybe 15 mins.

So let's say we were sat around 10:05. Then you have to line up for the treats. Of course everyone is all lining up at the same time. So maybe another 5 mins in line. Then you eat, get seconds, maybe thirds. I would say it was close to 10:45 by the time we left. We could have gotten in line for one ride, but we were tired and didn't end up riding anything after the desserts.

If you rush through, or just go up once, obviously you'd have more time, but given the price, we took our time.

 

[HopperFan]

The only advantage I see to the post-party (I've done it) is you will get the prime locations in the garden for fireworks viewing. Pre-party folks arrive after you and get what is left.

If you want to do rides after fireworks, I agree do not do the post-party.

My other issue with it was we no sooner were getting our food after waiting in line to check-in they seemed to stop refilling and even putting things away. Bad enough the food offering was mediocre, worse that they rushed us out. If I were to do again I'd try for pre-party so I got my worth of food, even the less choice spots in the garden are better than being out with the crowds.

 

[Kailunkat]

I'm wondering if anyone can tell me how crowded the garden area usually is?

 

[jaysmom4285]

I'm wondering if anyone can tell me how crowded the garden area usually is?

We've done the pre-party several times in early December. When you first go into the garden area, it can look very crowded because many people sit or generally sprawl on the ground and take up a lot of space. When the fireworks are about to start, CM's often ask people to stand, which they will do on their own for the most part so they can see. After everyone stands, they all tend to move forward, leaving a lot of space in the back of the garden area. If you move forward with them, it can feel crowded. But I generally find a spot at the back fence, which is solid enough to semi-sit on - not realy sitting, just leaning against it. The view is fine, since the castle is a little higher anyway, and there's always been plenty of space around me once the show starts.

 

[LisaDKG]

The back fence is my go-too spot as well. It’s great to lean on while waiting rather than sitting on the ground to claim a spot and once everyone stands up to watch you can always maneuver around the area for a better view if you don’t like the view where you are.
I also recommend the pre-party rather than post-party for the same reasons as PPs.