Christmas Party Question

It's been a few years since we went to the Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. Stopped going partly because of cost and partly because we saw so many people in the parks that did not pay for the party - we didn't feel like we were getting any value on the less crowds part.

This year I noticed that MK closes at 6:00 on party nights. Is this new this year? If it's closed this early before - does that seem to help get the non-paid party attendees out of the park? Also - can people with party tickets still get into the park at 4 like in past years?

Thanks so much - considering the splurge on our next trip but wanted to find out how things may have changed with the party in recent years.

This year is the first time that they are closing the park at 6pm. They are hoping to get all non party guests out of the park by doing this. From what I understand people with party tickets can still gain entrance to the park at 4pm