What to do after early park closings?

[RedFoxRunner]

So this is my first August WDW trip, we're going 8/18 to 8/26 - I'm pretty pumped as I haven't been in 2 1/2 years. I booked my trip during these days b/c I read I would get cheaper resort rates, etc.. HOWEVER, I didn't think about the earlier park hours. I was extremely disappointed when I saw MK closes at 10 almost every night and that's the latest park open. When I have gone in the Spring MK was open to midnight and often later with EMH. My friend and I are night owls and loved being at the parks at night.. It's going to be slightly annoying that it will have barely been dark for an hour and our fun will end.

On that note, I know Downtown Disney is an option along with Disney Quest (which we like). What other things could we see from 9 or 10pm until 1 or 2 am. We're the "die hard" WDW types who appreciate all of the sights and sounds of the parks/resorts.. so even the little things would be neat to us. I haven't seen very many of the upscale resorts, anyone have any ideas of what we could do for these few hours?

Thanks alot,
Bryant

 

[a2grafix]

Well you could help say your goodbyes to Pleasure Island when you are down there, especially he Adventurer's Club and Comedy Warehouse.

I know for one that I will be saying my goodbye to the Adventure Club about the same time you are down at WDW. The AC is easily open to 2 a.m.

 

[lilclerk]

You could go to the Boardwalk and hang out there, or book a late dinner at one of the Deluxe resorts.

 

[raven]

I was extremely disappointed when I saw MK closes at 10 almost every night and that's the latest park open.

Some years back MK used to only be open until 7PM in September on the week nights. That caused everyone to be shoved over to Epcot to watch Illuminations. We simply walked DTD after the parks closed or took in a movie at the AMC.

 

[Vernonpush]

Unless you have a car (or use a taxi) then your resort or DTD are your only options.

 

[Disneykidder]

Isn't there a club in Coronado, too. Club Rix? I am not sure what time they are open until but it can't hurt to call. There is also mini-golf, late night swims, bring a deck of cards and play outside, hang out in lobby and people watch/chat and as mentioned, DTD or PI.

 

[Blackie Pueblo]

I agree that there isn't much to do once the parks close. It is a shame. But those that said it before are correct, DTD, Pleasure Island, and Boardwalk are your best options. They are both great places to hang out and take in sights and sounds.

I don't know too much about the hotels and if there is a club at the Coronado but I know there is a free club to get into at the Boardwalk. It's not a bad club either and very few people go. One of those hidden gems if you ask me.

There is also just walking around the resort itself.

"To all who come to this happy place...welcome!"
---Walter Elias Disney

 

[FutureCEO]

i always go in the pool after a day at the parks

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

DtD or if you have a car drive into Orlando...There's plenty to do there.

 

[yankspy]

So this is my first August WDW trip, we're going 8/18 to 8/26 - I'm pretty pumped as I haven't been in 2 1/2 years. I booked my trip during these days b/c I read I would get cheaper resort rates, etc.. HOWEVER, I didn't think about the earlier park hours. I was extremely disappointed when I saw MK closes at 10 almost every night and that's the latest park open. When I have gone in the Spring MK was open to midnight and often later with EMH. My friend and I are night owls and loved being at the parks at night.. It's going to be slightly annoying that it will have barely been dark for an hour and our fun will end.

On that note, I know Downtown Disney is an option along with Disney Quest (which we like). What other things could we see from 9 or 10pm until 1 or 2 am. We're the "die hard" WDW types who appreciate all of the sights and sounds of the parks/resorts.. so even the little things would be neat to us. I haven't seen very many of the upscale resorts, anyone have any ideas of what we could do for these few hours?

Thanks alot,
Bryant

It might be a good idea to visit one or two of the deluxe resorts each night and walk around for an hour or two. Those resorts are beautiful at night. It might even be a good idea to book a late dinner at some of the resorts, as someone already mentioned. If you have a car you could also go to citywalk. I would also agree with the other posters who suggested seeing PI one last time.

 

[mikeymouse]

Isn't there a club in Coronado, too. Club Rix? I am not sure what time they are open until but it can't hurt to call. There is also mini-golf, late night swims, bring a deck of cards and play outside, hang out in lobby and people watch/chat and as mentioned, DTD or PI.

Yea, mini-golfing is awesome at night!

 

[a2grafix]

Yea, mini-golfing is awesome at night!

Yeah, forgot that -- put-put mini golf. How late is Winter Summerland or Fantasia Gardens open? For $10 a pop, an experience I believe. I'm going to hit both of the courses next time I go to WDW.

 

[RedFoxRunner]

Is mini-golf open after 10pm? Yeah, I couldn't believe it.. literally ONE day before we arrived everything is open late like it's a huge party.. Universal (where we're also going) is open until 10pm and all the Disney parks are open super late. The day we get there, of course, the party is done and everything is shut down WAY early. I'm not an early riser by any means and eventhough I love disney, couldn't even get excited about it at 8am.

I guess it's a trade off, I'll never get the perfect time of year. We've gone in March during Spring Break, but then the weather is never a guarantee and going to the water parks was cold. Now it will be plenty warm and the crowds should be better but the hours suck. Can't have everything I guesss.. I don't know much about the Adventurers Club.. is it free?

Thanks,
Bryant

 

[TakeMeThere81]

I am surprised the parks close so soon. Most of the country is still out of school! Not locals though, maybe that's why. I'd go minigolfing, hottubbing, clubs, there's other stuff to see and just think...if you didn't have this problem, you'd probably not have a huge reason to go see it!

 

[daliseurat]

Is mini-golf open after 10pm? Yeah, I couldn't believe it.. literally ONE day before we arrived everything is open late like it's a huge party.. Universal (where we're also going) is open until 10pm and all the Disney parks are open super late. The day we get there, of course, the party is done and everything is shut down WAY early. I'm not an early riser by any means and eventhough I love disney, couldn't even get excited about it at 8am.

I guess it's a trade off, I'll never get the perfect time of year. We've gone in March during Spring Break, but then the weather is never a guarantee and going to the water parks was cold. Now it will be plenty warm and the crowds should be better but the hours suck. Can't have everything I guesss.. I don't know much about the Adventurers Club.. is it free?

Thanks,
Bryant

You actually have to buy a pass of sorts for the clubs at PLEASURE ISLAND. You can then use this pass to go to any of them that are open. I don't know if any of the DANCE CLUBS are open or not. But, the ADVENTURERS CLUB is a terrific experience, that many people go to around ten and just stay for the rest of the night. And now is your last chance to see this amazing club, so make sure to do it while you can. Also, the COMEDY WAREHOUSE is fun.

I used to be like you, and wanted to do DISNEY until 3 am. Si. I'd do PLEASURE ISLAND, Eat late dinners, go to the boardwalk, play Mini-Golf, or just tour the resorts.

 

[Fade_to_Blah]

I would goto swim in the pool. Its relaxing after a long day in the parks. And go check out the Animal Kingdom Lodge one night.....its pretty incredible.