We did DAH last week during our trip (only about half of our party decided to do it). We attended the 6/30 event after an early morning at TSL's opening. We bought our tickets through Undercover Tourists and received a 5th day free, so we decided that our "free" day would be this day, and used it to justify the ticket price. We left DHS at around 8:30am after doing everything we wanted and then enjoyed some nice relaxation prior to the event that day.
We arrived right at 7 and checked in (super easy, no line). All of the attraction lines were pretty lengthy still, so we did the Peoplemover, Little Mermaid and Jungle Cruise prior to around 8:30. We also got quite a few snacks that wouldn't be open during the event (i.e. Dole Whips, Big Top Treats, etc). Then, we got a spot for HEA and watched the show. At that point, it was quarter to ten, so we considered the event started, as most wait times had dropped during the fireworks and stayed low. We were able to do the following attractions from this point on:
Mad Tea Party, Mickey's Phillharmagic, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain (again), Big Thunder Mountain (for a third time), SDMT, Winnie the Pooh, Space Mountain, Space Mountain (again), Astro Orbiter, Tomorrowland Speedway, Peter Pan.
We did all of this by 12:30, when we decided to head out of the park (we were exhausted, as we had woken up very early that day). We definitely could have completed more, but we were all tired beyond belief. We slowly strolled through an almost empty Main Street, stopped by Casey's and took a walk through the Emporium. We were on a bus back to the resort by 1am. The longest line we waited in during the entire event was about 10 minutes for SDMT, with everything else being a walk on. I wanted to also do Pirates and Haunted Mansion, but the group wasn't feeling it unfortunately. A third ride on Space Mountain was also a no go, as everyone else was over the ride's roughness at that point.
I would say this event was 100% worth it for us. Not only were we able to ride our favorites multiple times, but we also got to experience attractions we would never wait for on a normal day at MK in the heat (i.e. the Speedway, Astro Orbiter, Peter Pan, Mad Tea Party). On multiple attractions, the cast members asked us if we wanted to go around again. Being the only people on our BTM train was a highlight as well. It was great to not worry about the blazing sun, stroller battering rams, screaming soccer moms and sardine can walkways. It was a cool night with barely anyone on the paths (I overheard a cast member say that they let no more than 8,000 guests in, but our night was far from sold out, I believe). The unlimited ice cream, pop corn and soda was great as well (we stashed about five bottled waters to take back to the hotel when we exited the park).
Sure, this is quite a bit of money for a total of 6 hours in the park (3 of which with no waits). But, we were able to get far more done in this time period than the 10 hours we spent in the parks the day before (in the crowds and heat, mind you). Would this event be worth it had we not gotten that free day when we bought our tickets? Possibly, but leaning towards no. But, we had a wonderful time.
In my opinion, those who say this is a cash grab (which I do believe is valid, but so are a lot of other things at WDW) should experience it for themselves at least once. But, those who are not able to experience this event or are unwilling, just know that the normal operating hours are still perfectly enjoyable. I do believe, however, that these events are happening far too often and should occur more on a weekly or biweekly basis during select times of the year, with other days being extended to midnight/1am. That way, it gives those looking for this experience time to do so, but doesn't infringe on those not willing/unable to pay the hefty price.
Apologies for the length of this post, it became a lot longer than anticipated. I just figured I'd share my $0.02 and provide some insight, as I just recently experienced the event.
