[jeffw_00]

We are planning to go in late August. Yes, I know it's hot, but in the past we always 'beat the heat' by touring the parts between 2PM and 11PM or Midnight (after all you early-birds tuckered out for the day). Imagine my frustration to discover that, this August, the Parks all close by 9PM, and MK at 8:30!!! So, I guess my kids won't see any fireworks and we have to plan to fry.

What gives - I think the parks ar emuch more fun at night - is attendance really that low?

8-{
/j

[jgriff2388]

I know what you mean. The latest the parks were open when we were there in June was 10 PM for the MK only, and that was only for two nights. I can remember years ago when we were there in June and the MK was opened untill either 11 PM or midnight. And if I recall correctly, I also believe Epcot was opened late too. It's a shame that Disney cut the hours so dramatically during the summer months. I guess they can say that MK is opened late on "e-nights". However, I liked it better when the park was opened late and the cost was included with your ticket.
:(

[PiratesFan]

It is really sad how the parks close up so early. I too, remember years ago when we were just too tired to "close" a park. Last year in June, MK closed at 10pm. My wife and I were looking at each other while watching hoardes of people leave after the fireworks, not realizing it was closing time. We kind of hung out for a while, really wanting to do more, until it sunk in. It felt terrible. I really hope they remedy this soon. It seems to be one of the top complaints. Here's my list, in no order.

-Early closings
-No nightly fireworks
-Limited e-nights
-No early openings (not sure if good or bad)
-Closure of CoP

[johnmac]

What's that you say?
-No nightly fireworks
-No early openings

Not sure what the following means.
-Closure of CoP

The fireworks MK were a tradition along with Illuminations at Epcot. I would switch back and forthe each day. One night it would be firworks the next was Illuminations. When did they stop the fireworks? Is this permanent?
When you say no early openings are you talking about when they open the park and hour earlier to let whoever is staying on Disney property in early? If so-that was one of the reasons I stay on property. Is this gone too?

[mickey]

Magic Kingdom no longer does fireworks each night, they are usually scheduled for weekend nights. Fantasmic! and Illuminations still perform every night. Early Entry for resort guests was stopped last Fall, and has yet to be re-introduced. Rumor has it that it will be returned in one form or another, but we haven't seen anything concrete just yet. CoP is the Carousel of Progress in Tomorrowland. It has been closed for about a year now, and opened only during busy times of the year (I believe it is open right now, if I am not mistaken).

Piratesfan, it looks as though they are adding additional e-ride nights each month. I believe there were ten or twelve during August. It will be interesting to see how many they have during the fall, when it is less busy.

[mj7379]

I have yet to go to Animal Kingdom (first time back since it opened) and I was shocked to see that it is only open till 6:00, I at least thought it would be open till 8!!:)

[mickey]

Originally posted by mj7379
I have yet to go to Animal Kingdom (first time back since it opened) and I was shocked to see that it is only open till 6:00, I at least thought it would be open till 8!!:)

You need to hit AK first thing, even before official opening, and run to Kilimanjaro Safaris. Ride it once or twice, and you shouldn't have any problem riding everything in the park by closing time.

[mj7379]

We were planning to go there the first day we arrive. So, we wouldn't hit the park until around 3:00, but if it closes at 6 will have to do it another day. I heard that it shouldn't take more then 1/2 of the day to do everything in Animal Kingdom, is that true?:)

[wdwjeff]

It depends on how much of an animal lover you are. If you want to see all the shows, ride all the rides, and basically do everything possible, you'll need all day. If not, then calculate the time you'll need accordingly. By the way, the reason the park closes early is so that the animals can have a relatively "natural" schedule, which I feel is commendable.:love: :)
Also, I guess we were just lucky, but during July 4 week, all the parks were open late, we saw fireworks every night, and CoP was open(interestingly enough, there was no line, and the theater was only half full). My kids loved it. :love: :)

[mj7379]

I understand about the animals (I go to graduate school for marine biology) and I figured that the safari would close early but the park would be open till around 8. But, I'll just have to adjust my plans around that, no big deal!!:)

[LRTJS]

Where can I get a copy of the August hours? I can't believe they are closing so early. We have always been the type to go early and stay late....I can remember trying to prop up my kids as we tried to get on the monorail after 11:00 with thousands of others. This only makes it harder to see a park in a day for those of us on limited time frame.

[mickey]

There is a link on the front page for all WDW hours.

[rjcreech]

Okay, so I'm going September - arriving on a Friday around 4:00pm and staying only until the following Tuesday and leaving around 4:00pm...........what fireworks will we be able to see? Where? Time?

I've read up on almost everything but these September hours have thrown me for a loop.

Do they still do the character caravans too?

Erides for September are on Tuesday's and Friday's, so we could do the Friday night E-ride after we arrive there.

What about early entry - NO more?

:dazed :dazed :dazed

[elfmaydn]

Ooohh Ooohh....

Where did you find the details for e-ride nights for Sept?? Do you know what dates they are?

Thanks