Running thru Theme Parks: Disney's Monstrous Summer 24 hour All Night Event

Yesterday, I experienced Disney's Monstrous Summer 24 hour all night event. Unfortunately, I didn't experience the entire 24 hours but we were there for about 10 hours from about 8:30pm until closing at 6:00am. Why do this you ask? Being a huge Disney fan, I love to be able to take part in the special events that they have from time to time. I was unable to participate in the Leap Year 24 hour event last year due to it being during a very busy time at my job and was excited when they announced the event this year.

First let's look at the schedule for the event. Magic Kingdom was open from 6:00am on Friday, May 24 until 6:00am on Saturday, May 25th. Most of the rides where open the entire time but some did close for a short period for maintenance.

We arrived at the parks at around 8:30pm. There were lots of people arriving at the same time but Disney transportation did a great job directing the traffic to the empty spots available in the parking area. The Main Street Electrical Parade was going to start at 9:00pm so there were lots of people lining Main Street waiting for the parade. Our first mission was to buy one of the 24 Hour Monstrous Summer t-shirts but unfortunately they were already sold out by the time we arrived. We did receive a small flyer from Guest Services with information on how to order the t-shirts online. The disadvantage is that the merchandise is only available for 3-4 days after the event and you must pay shipping charges on the order. There were also special Monster hat and 24 Monstrous Mickey Ears for sale for the event. The shirts are $27.95 and must be ordered by Monday, May 27th.

Rockettower Plaza Stage

There were some "Monstrous happenings" going on through out the late afternoon and night. "Monsters, Inc." was showing in the Rockettower Plaza stage in Tomorrowland from 11:00pm to 4:00am. We didn't stop to watch the movie but there seem to be a decent crowd for the three showings of the movie. This was not only a great way to relax and rest but also watch a classic Disney movie at the same time.

We spent most of the first couple of hours at the event riding rides. While the park was crowded, some of the attractions had low wait times. We picked up a FastPass for Under the Sea - Journey of The Little Mermaid then enjoyed Pirates of the Caribbean, Mickey's Philharmagic, watched Wishes from FantasyLand, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, and Hall of Presidents.

There were some special Monstrous treats being offered. In Gaston's Tavern, we came across this beauty. The Sulley cupcake was chocolate with blue and purple frosting and chocolate claws. I didn't buy one so can't comment on taste but it looked delicious.

We did partake in the Monster Eye-Scream Sundae. It was three scoops of either strawberry or mint chocolate chip ice cream and monsterous toppings. I chose the mint chocolate chip option and it had chocolate fudge, whipped cream, chocolate chips, chocolate claws and a white chocolate lolipop with a picture of Mike Wazowski. It was $5.29 but large, filling and completely hit the spot at around 3:00am.

My favorite part of the entire event was the Disney's Up All Nith Dance Party. It started at 2:00am in Cinderella Castle Forecourt. The DJ was great, the music was fun, and they had some Fab Five characters along with stilt walkers dancing along with the crowd. This was a great way to get the crowds energized and going for the last couple of hours of the event.

Disney's Up All Night Dance Party

Donald shaking his tail

Goofy Dancing the night away

DJ at Disney's Up All Night Dance Party

The crowds didn't thin out until around 3:00am. We took this opportunity to ride the attractions that were not closed and had little wait times; Buzz Lightyear, Winnie the Pooh, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Haunted Mansion. This was also the first time all night that Haunted Mansion didn't have a long wait time. Space Mountain and Peter Pan had at least 30 minute wait times all night while they were open. In fact, we went by Peter Pan at 4:10am when it had only been reopened for 10 minutes and it already had a 20 minute wait time.

The character greet and meets were also very popular during this event. In Pooh's meet location they had four Hundred Acre Woods meeting guests together - Pooh, Tigger, Eyore, and Piglet - and the line was at least 15 people deep each time we walked by. Mike and Sully in their Monsters U outfits were in Tomorrowland with long lines from 11:00pm - 5:00am. So if character meets are a priority, prepare to wait.

After almost 10 hours and tons of fun, the party came to an end. The DJ from the dance party asked everyone to come out to in front of the train station where the Fab Five were to greet guest and say good-bye. Sorry I have no pictures because we were still in the hub.

All in all, I thought the party was a huge success and hope that Disney offers another all night party in the future. The atmosphere, special food, and the dance party all make it a fun unique experience even for those frequent visitors like myself.