11/27 Extra Magic Hour - California Adventure - Worth it?

[Fishmango]

I'm probably going to be going to Disneyland resort on Weds and debating staying in a hotel for the extra magic hour.

Are all rides walk on during the EMH?

Also, is there another way in the park besides the side entrance at Grand Floridian? I've had to wait AGES in that line before as it moves slowly. How long before EMH does it make sense to get in line?

Thank you for the input. I booked an Olga Cantina and I was suprised i was able to snag a reservation at a desirable time. Perhaps, it won't be as busy this week as anticipated before Turkey day

Your friend,
Fishmango

 

[mamapenguin]

I would not stay at a Disney hotel just to get EMH. Not everything’s open during EMH. One time when we had EMH both Radiater Springs Racers and Toy Story Mania we’re down. We were very disappointed. I think that it’s only Carsland and Pixar Pier that are open for EMH (NVM-it looks like more things are open than I remember). If you do end up going, I would use the main entrance for DCA.

 

[Fishmango]

Thank you Mamapenguin for your thoughtful response.

Good to know we can get in through main entrance.

 

[emmybee]

The extra hour at DCA is the best part of a Disney stay. I don't even bother w/ the extra hour at DL since it's open to non-guests w/ the appropriate ticket. At the moment, it's a bummer that the path b/w Guardians and Cars is closed due to the Marvel construction. Regardless, one can ride pretty much all the best rides w/in the first hour w/ practically no wait. If I recall correctly, you can also start booking FPs w/ Max Pass. It's an expensive option, though, so while it's worth it for my family, not everyone is willing to pay that price.

 

[Fishmango]

The extra hour at DCA is the best part of a Disney stay. I don't even bother w/ the extra hour at DL since it's open to non-guests w/ the appropriate ticket. At the moment, it's a bummer that the path b/w Guardians and Cars is closed due to the Marvel construction. Regardless, one can ride pretty much all the best rides w/in the first hour w/ practically no wait. If I recall correctly, you can also start booking FPs w/ Max Pass. It's an expensive option, though, so while it's worth it for my family, not everyone is willing to pay that price.

I just said YOLO and bought a hotel night for the DCA EMH. That is a good point its a long walk around. Have to think about whether I end or start with Guardian at EHM. I may book it to Disneyland after I do first hour to hit up the rides before lines go insane

 

[twodogs]

I just said YOLO and bought a hotel night for the DCA EMH. That is a good point its a long walk around. Have to think about whether I end or start with Guardian at EHM. I may book it to Disneyland after I do first hour to hit up the rides before lines go insane

As you are waiting in the line to enter the park for the coveted EMH (which we love at DCA!), look at the app to see what rides are up. I also look as I am walking with purpose through DCA after the gates open. This is because as OP stated, sometimes some of the rides have issues first thing in the morning and you don’t want to book it all the way to Incredicoaster only to find out it is down at park opening.

 

[cruisehopeful]

That first hour in DCA is the best part of staying onsite to me. It's not just that first hour, it's the second hour when the park is open to everyone else. When I get there for early hour, I'll grab a FP for Guardians and do walk on Guardians. I'll do Radiator Springs and then go on my second Guardians. I do Toy Story and then whatever else I think will be busy later on. It's truly the best perk of being onsite.

 

[Fishmango]

That first hour in DCA is the best part of staying onsite to me. It's not just that first hour, it's the second hour when the park is open to everyone else. When I get there for early hour, I'll grab a FP for Guardians and do walk on Guardians. I'll do Radiator Springs and then go on my second Guardians. I do Toy Story and then whatever else I think will be busy later on. It's truly the best perk of being onsite.

Think i'm going to do that strat. Sounds great, Guardian is the best and pixar pier seems pretty high capacity rides