Stayed there a month ago and I would say for us the main gate is the way to go. The bag check goes much quicker. but it might depend on what your first ride will be. We got in to DCA EE like at 7:45 one day because DH made us late. Still made it on Web Slingers, MI and walked over to Soaring. I will say MI is not a ride i would go on during EE but DD wanted to get on it.