DHS/Toy Story Land "Early Morning Magic" (EMM) FAQ & Discussion

[SaintsManiac]

We will definitely be calling a Lyft again when we do this. It was perfect for the AP event.

 

[rxbeth]

Popping in to give my review of our EMM day on Wednesday the 24th. It started out really rough. We were at the bus stop by 6:15 and watched the bus times push back in 1-2 minute increments until 7:15. I wish we would have just done a Lyft over it would have been less stressful. We made it to Hollywood Studios by 7:35 and were through security by 7:45. However, even with our late start we managed to do the following:

TSMM x 1 (didn't want to go again it is just too long of a ride and a walk through the queue.
Alien x 1 (a lot more fun than I thought it would be)
SDD x 6 (first ride took a couple minutes to wait, after that it was only a one train wait to go again)s

We actually did this EMM right after we did the MK version. Overall, probably liked the MK version better, however I really liked that you were allowed to be in the area when the time opened up (if we had been on time we would have gotten a few more rides in). Also, we went right after they let everyone in (at 8:45) to go ride TSMM again in standby and they moved us over to the fast pass lane. I guess everyone with a wrist band can ride any of the rides until 9 with their band in the fast pass line.

I would have been so stressed! So were you standing at the bus stop and that kept happening with the times or were you watching from your room? Did you let front desk know you were waiting?

 

[disneyworldsk]

These types of reports have me worried. I was just planning on bussing it, but might book a MEARS instead. I did price it out from AK - Jambo and it was $24. Thought that was kind of pricy but might be worth it considering how much we have already paid for the event.

Same!! And $24?!!! I had no idea it was that much!

 

[disneyworldsk]

We will definitely be calling a Lyft again when we do this. It was perfect for the AP event.

when you used lyft for the ap event, you were successful with it? I have heard reports on this thread most of the time uber/lyft got lost

 

[disneyworldsk]

it's showing $13.50 3 passengers from pop to dhs for me. i guess ak is further...

 

[Stephie16343]

I would have been so stressed! So were you standing at the bus stop and that kept happening with the times or were you watching from your room? Did you let front desk know you were waiting?

Yes waiting at the bus stop! I ran into lobby at 7:10 and the front desk kept saying the park didn’t open until 9 anyway. Then stepped into the back to make a call. I got a phone call from my husband the bus finally arrived a few minutes later and ran to make the bus!

 

[Luvdancink]

Do the boats run that early, or should we just plan on making other arrangements to get there in time?

 

[SaintsManiac]

when you used lyft for the ap event, you were successful with it? I have heard reports on this thread most of the time uber/lyft got lost

We used LYFT twice without problems. Took 15 minutes and was about $14 with a tip.

 

[czmom]

LYFT vs Uber. Which one is better to use at wdw? We will be attending Jan 2 and coming from AK-Jambo.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

LYFT vs Uber. Which one is better to use at wdw? We will be attending Jan 2 and coming from AK-Jambo.

You'll probably get more in-depth responses on the Transportation board. A lot of drivers drive for both. Just like I have both apps / accounts with both.

I go back and forth sometimes based on availability at that given moment. Since I use Minnie Vans from time to time, I tend to first search Lyft when at WDW - but I've used both.

 

[kat_lh]

Our transportation experience - we saw one bus come and go from WL and the bus was listed at early 6:00 a.m. - maybe like 6:07. We missed that one and caught a bus around 6:30ish (I think I have specific details in my review posts.) The bus we got we watched the time get pushed back once or twice but not too bad. We were the only people on the bus from WL, even after it stopped at the Contemporary, all the way to WL.

And for @czmom and others asking - I had no issues prebooking Lyft from CBR to OKW for a fun run the night before. I would have done that with zero hesitation had it been an option for our HS morning. We needed a car seat for that and I didn't need a car seat for the fun run.

 

[ColoradoMom12]

when you used lyft for the ap event, you were successful with it? I have heard reports on this thread most of the time uber/lyft got lost

We ended up taking Lyft for the passholder event. Our original plan was the bus; however, we were at the bus stop at 5:55 AM and the bus time kept getting pushed back later and later (it was showing 6:15 when we sat down). We requested Lyft about 6:30 (the bus wasn’t due to arrive until 6:40 at that point), were in the car by 6:35, and arrived at 6:48. Our check-in time for that event was 7:00. The email I received about the event said:

• Disney Resort hotel guests should visit a resort bus stop 45 minutes prior to event start time. Wait times may vary.

Obviously that was incorrect!

Edited to add that we had no issue with the driver getting lost. We’ve only experienced that once, and it was a number of years ago going from AKL Kidani to the GF. I was hesitant to try Uber/Lyft again after that (using primarily only buses and occasionally Mears) but did again about a year ago and have had no lost drivers since.

 

[LSUfan4444]

These types of reports have me worried. I was just planning on bussing it, but might book a MEARS instead. I did price it out from AK - Jambo and it was $24. Thought that was kind of pricy but might be worth it considering how much we have already paid for the event.

If you don't have a car I would not rely on Disney transportation to get you anywhere in regards to a specific time. Uber/Lyft would definitely be worth the money.

 

[disEAR]

Well, we decided to do it Dec 24th. Been on the fence about the worth of this event, but ultimately going for convenience.

Not sure if anyone knows, but since it'll be during the Holidays will Buzz & Woody be in their holiday attire during EMM?

 

[ShelleyLovesOrlando]

Just booked this for February 20th, can't wait!!

 

[SaintsManiac]

Well, we decided to do it Dec 24th. Been on the fence about the worth of this event, but ultimately going for convenience.

Not sure if anyone knows, but since it'll be during the Holidays will Buzz & Woody be in their holiday attire during EMM?

I don’t know why they wouldn’t be. Should know more in a couple of weeks once they go full Christmas in the parks.

 

[Lisa F]

Well, we decided to do it Dec 24th. Been on the fence about the worth of this event, but ultimately going for convenience.

Not sure if anyone knows, but since it'll be during the Holidays will Buzz & Woody be in their holiday attire during EMM?

I would think for consistency they would have it always.

 

[disneyworldsk]

I booked mears, 11/5 from pop to dhs at 6:30. Can someone tell me , if they know, how do I tip? Do I tip? How much do I tip? Is it cash or thru the app?

 

[chelynnah]

If you don't have a car I would not rely on Disney transportation to get you anywhere in regards to a specific time. Uber/Lyft would definitely be worth the money.

Unfortunately I’ll have an ECV which makes any of the above difficult

 

[ColoradoMom12]

For all of you who have reserved ahead of time with Mears- what kind of car were you booking? I can only find a way to book a luxury sedan, and it’s rather expensive. Is there a way to reserve just a regular taxi? I can do it at home with our local taxi company. Seems odd that Mears only has the luxury sedan choice available.