HeritageBoy
New Member
Some of the most beautiful and magical times I spent as a CM in Florida came staying after hours, I can give you 2 examples:
I was a CP in Liberty Square (merchandise host), and one duty that was given to me on a few occasions was staying after hours and helping with collecting strollers for the night with the main street crew- I would usually be in the park 2-3 hours after closing...watching the lights dim on the castle, doors close on main street, lifting and stacking strollers...wait, that wasn't as much fun:hammer: But about an hour after park closing, there is an announcement made about Walt Disney as a thanks to guests, problem is that there aren't many guests there to hear it! Disney security sweeps the parks constantly, and CM's at our location were told to reccomend that guests move towards the exits. But if you do get the chance to stay around for a bit after closing, you get the feeling it is YOUR theme park, and thats an amazing feeling.
My second time staying way after hours was a Epcot- I was a singer in the cast choir for Candlelight Processional this past year, and we would typically have LATE rehearsals at either the Land or at the old Millennium Village (World Showplace). One particular night it was about midnight, and some friends and I walked around Epcot from Innoventions to Mexico... simply breathtaking. The lights may be dim...and it may seem almost too quiet in the parks, but its so serene. We were stopped by Security (of course) who made sure we were on our way out (hey, as soon as its clear, they can start going home, so I don't blame them). I wish I had my camera...as mentioned earlier, the advertising photos are done late at night, and early in the morning, so they need guests and CM's out of the shot.
All I can say is, next time your at a park, take some time right at closing to take a stroll, no need to stay too long (keep the magic, but be nice to the nice security people) but enjoy it without the seas of people for once.
I was a CP in Liberty Square (merchandise host), and one duty that was given to me on a few occasions was staying after hours and helping with collecting strollers for the night with the main street crew- I would usually be in the park 2-3 hours after closing...watching the lights dim on the castle, doors close on main street, lifting and stacking strollers...wait, that wasn't as much fun:hammer: But about an hour after park closing, there is an announcement made about Walt Disney as a thanks to guests, problem is that there aren't many guests there to hear it! Disney security sweeps the parks constantly, and CM's at our location were told to reccomend that guests move towards the exits. But if you do get the chance to stay around for a bit after closing, you get the feeling it is YOUR theme park, and thats an amazing feeling.
My second time staying way after hours was a Epcot- I was a singer in the cast choir for Candlelight Processional this past year, and we would typically have LATE rehearsals at either the Land or at the old Millennium Village (World Showplace). One particular night it was about midnight, and some friends and I walked around Epcot from Innoventions to Mexico... simply breathtaking. The lights may be dim...and it may seem almost too quiet in the parks, but its so serene. We were stopped by Security (of course) who made sure we were on our way out (hey, as soon as its clear, they can start going home, so I don't blame them). I wish I had my camera...as mentioned earlier, the advertising photos are done late at night, and early in the morning, so they need guests and CM's out of the shot.
All I can say is, next time your at a park, take some time right at closing to take a stroll, no need to stay too long (keep the magic, but be nice to the nice security people) but enjoy it without the seas of people for once.
