Are Annual Passholders allowed in when the parks are full?

[JohnT]

I noticed a post earlier where someone mentioned that if the parks are filled to capacity, resort guests and annual passholders are guaranteed entry.

I knew resort guests were guaranteed entry, but hadn't heard that an AP would also get you in. Since I have an AP, and will be renting a house off-property, and visiting for Christmas and NYE, I've got my fingers crossed!

Does anybody know the official rule?

 

[SueM in MN]

The problem with off-site is parking. From what I have read, the first level of closing is to off-site guests because the parking lots are full, not because the park is full.

 

[eeyore0062]

There are 4 levels of closure. I don't know where AP holders fit in, but the last closing is to Resort Guests. So, to answer your question, if you have an AP you will still not be allowed in once the level of closing goes past that point. As Sue said, the 1st level of closure is the parking lot... so if you can't park, you can't get to the gates to get in. Usually the last parking lot to close is Epcot, because they have such a huge lot. If you park at Epcot and take the monorail or bus, those are 2 ways, but unless you have the proper type of ticket (AP, if the closures aren't there yet), or are a resort guest, you won't be able to board the monorail, and the busses to the closed parks will stop running until said park reopens. Castmembers will be placed at the Monorail entrance to screen guests as to what type of admission they hold and whether they can ride the monorail to MK. As soon as the closed park reopens, you may get in. Usually that is after the afternoon parade.
Good luck to you, and have a great time!

 

[WDSearcher]

Phases For Park Closing

Phase One
Day Guests who have not already purchased tickets and Cast Members using their Maingate & Silver Passes will be turned around at the Auto Plaza.

Phase Two
Currently, admission is limited to Resort Guests, Premium and Annual Passholders, crossovers and other Guests re-entering one of the Parks tthat day. Guests using WDW Resort Transportation and Guests in taxis will be admitted.

Phase Three
The theme park is only open to Resort Guests using Disney transportation from their Resort or other theme parks or Annual and Premium Passholders. Shades of Green and Downtown Disney Resort Area Guests using their respective transportation will also be admitted.

Phase Four
Closed to all Guests not already IN the park.

 

[JohnT]

Fantastic information, and just what I was looking for! Thanks!!

 

[SueM in MN]

Phase Three [/U]
The theme park is only open to Resort Guests using Disney transportation from their Resort or other theme parks or Annual and Premium Passholders. Shades of Green and Downtown Disney Resort Area Guests using their respective transportation will also be admitted.

Phase Four
Closed to all Guests not already IN the park.

Phase 3 could be interpreted to mean "If I use the WDW Transportation, I can get in", but if that park is closed to all guests, your bus might be re-routed to another park if the park you were headed to hits Phase 4 while you are already in transit. I talked to some people a few years ago who were on a bus going to MK on NYE and during the trip their destination was changed to Epcot.

 

[GRAYWIFE]

Just curious how often that a Phase 3 or Phase 4 closing actually happens.

 

[eeyore0062]

"Just curious how often that a Phase 3 or Phase 4 closing actually happens."

It happened last year for all parks except Epcot. At least one or two of the parks closed on any given day between Christmas Eve and New Years... so yes, it can happen.

 

[PatriciaH]

Phase 3 could be interpreted to mean "If I use the WDW Transportation, I can get in", but if that park is closed to all guests, your bus might be re-routed to another park if the park you were headed to hits Phase 4 while you are already in transit. I talked to some people a few years ago who were on a bus going to MK on NYE and during the trip their destination was changed to Epcot.

What if we were on the boat from Epcot to MGM? If MGM closes do they just hit the hotels and return to Epcot?

 

[DebbieB]

What if we were on the boat from Epcot to MGM? If MGM closes do they just hit the hotels and return to Epcot?

They would still have to go to MGM to pickup people leaving. Not sure if they would allow people to board going to MGM though.

 

[Sean23]

I have never been denied entry into a park and have gone many times when the park signs say full. I went to Epcot and the MK New Years Eve 1999 and have never seen the parks so crowded but was let in. I have been turned away from the magic kingdom parking lot but just parked at epcot and took the monorail over.

 

[robinb]

I have also never been denied entry into a park on Christmas or NYE. We never drive, though. We usually start our NYE early at the park of our choice (Epcot 99/00, 01/02, 02/03, MK 03/04 04/05 ) and then leave when the park gets too crowded to move in the early afternoon. Then, we return around 5:00 or 6:00 pm after a nice swim and rest. It always works for us, but we also always stay at a Disney resort and we always walk or take Disney transportation.