DCA early opening

[jhoannam]

I read on DLR Prep School that DCA will sometimes open up to 30 minutes early. Is that still a true statement?

 

[figment_jii]

I think it depends on what they mean by "open up"...DCA will often open the gates early to allow guests to get through the ticket gates before park opening. Guests are held in the Buena Vista Street area until the park actually opens (at the posted opening time).

 

[jhoannam]

California Adventure will sometimes let people in as early as 30 minutes before the posted open time. It pays to be there early!

direct quote from the website. Is that just mean being held in Buena Vista Street? In which case I need to "stay to the right" to get to RSR?

 

[figment_jii]

Buena Vista Street (BVS) is like Disneyland's Main Street. Meaning that everyone walks up the street as they enter the park and then from the hub/water fountain area, guests can decide which "land" they want to head to. Before park opening, guests are able to go into the shops and dining location on BVS, but they aren't allowed to venture further into the park (there are CMs blocking the walk-ways into the various lands). When the park opens, the CMs allow guests to head to the various lands (e.g., Carsland, Condor Flats, Hollywoodland, etc.).

In terms of RSR, yes, the recommended method is to use the "Wide Right Technique" if you're in the front of the pre-opening crowds.

The language is careful not to say that any of the attractions will be open, so I think they're just referring to the ticket gates. My experience is they generally do allow guests in anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes before the posted opening time.

 

[Tanz]

a 1st-timer question...
Are guest services on BVS (Chamber of Commerce and the Camera Shop) open before official opening/rope drop? I am trying to figure out whether I can pick up buttons (birthday button for my daughter) and Photopass+ larnyard while waiting for rope drop.

 

[figment_jii]

In my experience, yes, the shops along BVS are open pre-rope drop (i.e., when they start allowing guests into the park).

 

[Tanz]

Awesome... So looks like i can go straight to the rides at rope drop with "logistics" (buttons and photopass) taken care of. Thank you figment_jii!