Timing for MK arrival and/or Fantasmic on Sunday evening, 15May

[mvdp]

Will be checking into our hotel (Shades of Green) around 7:30pm on Sunday, 15May. Planning on going to MK this evening as it is open until 2:00am for EMH. FW are at 9:00pm & the MSEP is at 10:00pm. If we want to watch FW & parade, what time would we need to enter MK? Or would it be better for us to go to MK after the parade to miss getting tangled up in the crowds, and if so, how long after parade time should we wait before entering the MK?

Another scenario: We are also considering going to the second showing of Fantasmic that same evening. What time would we need to be at DHS for the second showing? If we do go to Fantasmic, and then go from DHS to MK for EMH, what time do you think we'd get to the MK - about 12:00am?

[wdwdad]

:RpS_unsure::RpS_unsure::RpS_unsure:A few questions por favor....How many in your party? what ages? What are you doing the next day? Please tell me you are sleeping in, till lets say 1pm and going to the pool after that. :RpS_scared::RpS_scared:I think while it sounds like fun to hop right into your vacation this could actually wind up exhausting you for a few days after the fact.

[mvdp]

I hear what you're saying! 4 adults (2 college kids & their moms). We are playing it by ear our first night. Young adults will probably want to stay up late. We plan on sleeping in on Monday & going to Epcot in the afternoon. Just checking out the options for Sunday evening in case we have the energy.

[wdwdad]

Well if you do have the energy I wouldn't spend it waiting in line for Fantasmic! You have to be there pretty early I think like 1.5 hrs before showtime. I would say let the youngins ride rides @ MK if thats what they are after and if you moms must go along, relax and enjoy the sites and the evening shows. Maybe some early souvenier shopping on Main Street. You can always hop the bus back to SOG anytime, and they can stay out as long as they like.

[blyday]

I'm going to make the argument that you really should be very careful with what you do that first night. The fact that you have a sleep in day the next day makes it better but in all honesty......what happens that arrival night will set your pace for the entire trip. I've seen this happen time and time again. DH and I typically have a very late night/sleep in schedule in our normal lives. (DH doesn't get home from work until 11:30 PM and leaves at 2 PM so we tend to stay up until 2 or 3 AM and sleep in until 10-11 AM.) We are currently in the process of changing that schedule so we can do RDs. If you start of your trip with that really late night followed by a sleep in morning......you have officially set the pace for your trip....and in a way that could potentially mean missing RDs for the rest of the trip.

Now, I get that adults can get away with less sleep then the kids so a reasonable bed time is 11 PM. And since you do have a sleep in morning.....go ahead and see MSEP and Fireworks but then return back to your resort. Get that sleep pattern started. Staying for the fireworks will mean not getting back to your room until close to 11 PM and probably not settled down and ready for bed until midnight. Still a late night but without the killer 2 AM thing. Remember, staying in the park until it closes means that they will stay not get back to the room until well after 3 AM not in bed until 3:30=4 AM.....so that means sleeping in until what? noon?? Not a great pace to start your trip with!!!

The final argument for not doing that late night......traveling will make you tired, however, you might not notice it because arriving at Disney World gives you this huge serge of adrenaline. Burning up that adrenaline can and will effect the rest of your week's energy. You really would be better keeping the night simple. Again....okay to go into the park to see MSEP and Wishes or over to HS for a second F! show......but please return back to your room right after the show. It really does make a difference.

And now....for your question....you will need to be walking through the gates at MK by 8 PM to find a seat for MSEP......so actually......you will be pushing it. For just the fireworks, 9:20 PM. And for that second F!.....you will need to be in line for it by 10 PM at the latest for a 10:30 PM show.

[mvdp]

Your arguments/advice are appreciated! It makes sense to set the pace at the start of the trip. Sitting at home I think a few late nights will be no problem. But I know it's to our advantage to be at the parks for RD's. I would rather tour early and then take an afternoon break from the parks in the heat. I plan on convincing our group to skip the late night on Sunday. If we do get that adrenaline rush and feel the need to do something, we'll either hit the FW & MSEP or go to Fantasmic , then call it a night. Thanks again for your responses - they made me rethink and prioritize what's important!

[Janine]

Could always go over to the Poly, grab a cocktail and a lounge chair and enjoy the fireworks from the beach.

[mvdp]

Poly idea sounds good. Never been there - is there a particular area that's available to those of us not staying at the Poly to watch the FW?

[blyday]

Poly idea sounds good. Never been there - is there a particular area that's available to those of us not staying at the Poly to watch the FW?

No place in particular. One word of warning......I've read over on the www.stupidguesttricks.com site that there have been a few times this year that CMs have come along the beach and kicked out those who are not staying at the resort. I don't think that it happens often but if guests are not being able to find seats.....it could potentially happen. I hope it doesn't when we are there because it is in our plans!!!