Avoiding Genie + at MK strategy.

[Simba's Mom]

Since the introduction of Genie+, I've only been to Epcot and AK, and had no problem NOT using Genie+. But next trip we want to go to MK for a few hours, but I refuse to spend the money to use Genie+. Do you think that if we go for EE, and do a few rides before 10:00, then leave, we might get to do 3-4? What do you think the chances are for Jungle Cruise? Splash Mountain? Pirates? Buzz Lightyear? Am I crazy to consider 7DMT? This will be end of April, early May if it matters.

 

[Marionnette]

Since the introduction of Genie+, I've only been to Epcot and AK, and had no problem NOT using Genie+. But next trip we want to go to MK for a few hours, but I refuse to spend the money to use Genie+. Do you think that if we go for EE, and do a few rides before 10:00, then leave, we might get to do 3-4? What do you think the chances are for Jungle Cruise? Splash Mountain? Pirates? Buzz Lightyear? Am I crazy to consider 7DMT?

Early Theme Park Entry is only 30 minutes ahead of the masses. Of the rides you listed, only Buzz and 7DMTR are open during that time. If you make a beeline to 7DMTR as soon as you're allowed entry into Fantasyland (you and pretty much everyone else) you will probably get that done and have a short-ish line for Buzz when you get off.

Pirates' line should not be too lengthy but Splash and JC are pretty popular and move slowly. You will most likely not be able to do both before 10 AM on a day where the MK officially opens at 8 AM.

 

[lockets]

With 5 rides listed, that’s a tall order. My guess would be it’s possible but would require lining up early for early entry (be at front of pack) and might need to extend leave time past 10 am. I think you can do 3 rides though.

 

[holden]

I recommend going right before closing if possible, especially if there are extended hours that you can attend.

 

[T'Lynn]

Here's what I think your timing would look like based on my experience last week:

Assuming 8:30 am EE

7:45 AM arrive before EE begins to try to get close to the front to RD 7DMT
8:45 AM hopefully you can head to Buzz - this should be close to walk on at this point
9:00 AM get the 9am RD for Jungle Cruise
9:45 AM head to Splash Mountain and wait
10:45 AM head to PotC and wait

I think you could get them all in by 11 but probably have to drop at least one if you wanted to get done by 10.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Here's what I think your timing would look like based on my experience last week:

Assuming 8:30 am EE

7:45 AM arrive before EE begins to try to get close to the front to RD 7DMT
8:45 AM hopefully you can head to Buzz - this should be close to walk on at this point
9:00 AM get the 9am RD for Jungle Cruise
9:45 AM head to Splash Mountain and wait
10:45 AM head to PotC and wait

I think you could get them all in by 11 but probably have to drop at least one if you wanted to get done by 10.

Sounds like a good plan-Thanks!

 

[lockets]

Here's what I think your timing would look like based on my experience last week:

Assuming 8:30 am EE

7:45 AM arrive before EE begins to try to get close to the front to RD 7DMT
8:45 AM hopefully you can head to Buzz - this should be close to walk on at this point
9:00 AM get the 9am RD for Jungle Cruise
9:45 AM head to Splash Mountain and wait
10:45 AM head to PotC and wait

I think you could get them all in by 11 but probably have to drop at least one if you wanted to get done by 10.

Would it make sense to pair buzz and space mountain together and Jungle Cruise and Pirates together for walking vicinity?

 

[T'Lynn]

Would it make sense to pair buzz and space mountain together and Jungle Cruise and Pirates together for walking vicinity?

Space Mountain wasn't on OP's wish list but if someone wanted to do Space they'd probably have to sacrifice 7DMT if the goal is to get everything done in the early morning.

As for JC and PotC - yes, it makes sense to do those together if you're trying to avoid walking but if you're trying to save waiting time, go to Splash right after JC because that line will build a lot faster. PotC is usually not too bad for the first couple hours.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

Since the introduction of Genie+, I've only been to Epcot and AK, and had no problem NOT using Genie+. But next trip we want to go to MK for a few hours, but I refuse to spend the money to use Genie+. Do you think that if we go for EE, and do a few rides before 10:00, then leave, we might get to do 3-4? What do you think the chances are for Jungle Cruise? Splash Mountain? Pirates? Buzz Lightyear? Am I crazy to consider 7DMT? This will be end of April, early May if it matters.

Early entry at MK right now is really only effective if you're at the park 30-45 min, really busy days, likely an hour before EE starts. If you get there really early, you can be in the 7dmt crew which is where the majority of the crowd is headed or you can go opposite and hit Buzz. If you get there right as EE is starting, I would head towards adventure land and wait there for Jungle, then to Splash and backtrack to Pirates for regular park open. The lines for those rides will look insane but they'll usually move pretty fast early AM. I think you could easily hit 4 rides before lunch.