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

[GADisneyDad14]

I read through the review from Josh -- I am wondering if you are not ordering the hot breakfast right when they let you in -- is there another means to head to just the fruit and pastry area to grab something quick? It seems like there is quite the crowd in there for the hot food. I don't really want to get caught up in that mess of people. We plan on a quick something and then hitting the real breakfast later.

You don’t have to order hot food at the point. There are multiple pastry/drink stations around. We grabbed a cinnamon roll, coffee, ate for a few mins, then headed out to line up by the Chinese Theatre. We didn’t have any interest in eating the full meal that early.

 

[Tigger in a kilt]

We did EMM in MK yesterday, so the day after we did it in TSL. We all preferred the MK one, but that’s personal taste.

I did want to note that there were significantly fewer people at the MK event, and I’m basing that on the group at the gate pre-entry, which included EMM, early ADRs, and people waiting for tours.

If I had to guess, I would say there were probably twice as many at TSL. They probably sold 200 for EMM at MK, and 400 for EMM at TSL.

Having said that, the low crowds were still a big draw for us. My husband was ill on our EMM TSL day, and we are seriously considering booking it again for just him and me, so he can see it when it is quiet. So while it was busier than I wanted, I still feel there is value in it.

 

[Lisa F]

You don’t have to order hot food at the point. There are multiple pastry/drink stations around. We grabbed a cinnamon roll, coffee, ate for a few mins, then headed out to line up by the Chinese Theatre. We didn’t have any interest in eating the full meal that early.

his suggestion to eat first is ONLY so that you don't waste any "typical rope drop" time on the breakfast.

But if Rope Dropping HS is not a priority to you (my son doesn't like ToT or RnR and if we get TSL out of the way before the park opens there is nothing that we need to rush to) then the smarter thing to do is to enjoy the full event first until RD and then have a nice, relaxing breakfast. After that we'd do some things that don't tend to fill up right away and call it an early day. OR if kiddo wants to do Jedi Training we'll head there right at 8:45 then to breakfast.

I like Josh's reviews a lot, I think they are candid and not viewed through rose colored glasses, however when you read them you have to ask yourself whether your priorities are the same priorities he has when judging. I would not pay $79 for an event that included a nice breakfast to shovel it in my face in 20 minutes before the event and then worry about vomiting it back up after 10x on SDD. I'd enjoy the event in its entirety with breakfast and then move on to my next thing which honestly may or may not even be HS (we are AP holders so not invested in maximizing any one day at any one park.) So in that sense I disagree with his advice, but not with his take on the overall event.

I have this event booked for late January and there is only one time slot being sold. I will be watching carefully for reviews with only one time slot vs. 2. That said I am likely to keep it anyway because I see the value of the event as a whole and I don't see a lot of value in the rest of HS right now... this will let us get all of the Tier 1 stuff done and more than once and enjoy the land and see toy story characters and have a nice breakfast. I'm hoping we can ride at least say 8-10 rides at a relaxed pace during the event even if we can't do SDD itself back to back to back 10 times.

 

[KrazeeK120]

But if Rope Dropping HS is not a priority to you (my son doesn't like ToT or RnR and if we get TSL out of the way before the park opens there is nothing that we need to rush to) then the smarter thing to do is to enjoy the full event first until RD and then have a nice, relaxing breakfast. After that we'd do some things that don't tend to fill up right away and call it an early day. OR if kiddo wants to do Jedi Training we'll head there right at 8:45 then to breakfast.

Yes. This, exactly.

My son isn’t tall enough for the rest of the rides in the park, nor is he old enough for Jedi Training. We plan to enjoy a leisurely breakfast after EMM and then spend the rest of our day seeing shows and meeting characters. My son is interested in many of the characters at DHS, and his 2 top priority characters (Chewie and Olaf) can’t be found anywhere else.

 

[MIAMouseketeer]

I think Josh did a pretty good job explaining why he waited till later to review the event and what to expect if you go.
To me it's weird that the first 1/2 hour they went you to eat a big breakfast (with some flavorful options) and then go on a roller coaster and a spinning ride. Plus having to stand in line to order food as opposed to just having the a buffet w/ little to no wait.

Agreed. The hot entrees look really nice and yummy, but I would think a buffet would just be easier for everyone involved.

 

[MIAMouseketeer]

Yes. This, exactly.

My son isn’t tall enough for the rest of the rides in the park, nor is he old enough for Jedi Training. We plan to enjoy a leisurely breakfast after EMM and then spend the rest of our day seeing shows and meeting characters. My son is interested in many of the characters at DHS, and his 2 top priority characters (Chewie and Olaf) can’t be found anywhere else.

Our plan is to hit Mickey, Minnie & Olaf at rope drop. If time permits, then head to Launch Bay for those characters and then to breakfast. But like you, our son is too small for everything else.

 

[ninafeliz]

Agreed. The hot entrees look really nice and yummy, but I would think a buffet would just be easier for everyone involved.

I also agree . For this type of event I prefer a buffet - eat as fast or slow and as much or little as you want, at your pace, and don't have to order/wait in line at all (unless it gets too crowded at the buffet!) Just easier/simpler, and IMO better given that this isn't a signature dining event intended to take all morning. I don't want to inhale my food in 20 min like the recent video suggested (just not our style, I can see why others will want to), but if it is buffet it's simpler to get a little before and get your more substantial breakfast after without any waiting/ordering, and not having to wait and re-order to try something else

However, we haven't done it yet, I'll see if I change my mind after 10/29

 

[M SH]

I did want to note that there were significantly fewer people at the MK event, and I’m basing that on the group at the gate pre-entry, which included EMM, early ADRs, and people waiting for tours.

I bet that this will change with the new MK EMM that starts later this year.
I think the changes they are making will be specifically to increase the number of people they get into MK EMM.

 

[disneyworldsk]

certainly people can get fp's preplanned to tot or rnrc, etc. and not have to rd both . we will do the characters near the abc commissary. close by. i don't interpret the reviews to be something that is quantitative for me but more for quality. I don't count how many times i can ride a ride. I want it to be relaxing, something different, a good meal, and the ability to breathe in a land on occasion. I don't need sdd 20 times, i doubt I will be able to even want 3x really. I just want a new experience for the first time in this land and be able to take some leisurely photos and do different things. for us that's what it's about. so I read the reviews for tips, food reviews, and planning things out well: definitely going anyway.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Our plan is to split up at RD. My husband will go to ToT and my daughter and I will go to meet Mickey and Minnie. Then we will meet for breakfast at about 9:30.

 

[kat_lh]

I read through the review from Josh -- I am wondering if you are not ordering the hot breakfast right when they let you in -- is there another means to head to just the fruit and pastry area to grab something quick? It seems like there is quite the crowd in there for the hot food. I don't really want to get caught up in that mess of people. We plan on a quick something and then hitting the real breakfast later.

Yes, you don’t have to stand in lone for the buffets. Just scoot behind them.

And also, Disney’s not doing a great job of communicating this, but remember, you don’t HAVE to eat before. They’re going to shuttle you that way, but just move through the restaurant and gather back up in front of the theater and wait.

 

[kat_lh]

I also agree . For this type of event I prefer a buffet - eat as fast or slow and as much or little as you want, at your pace, and don't have to order/wait in line at all (unless it gets too crowded at the buffet!) Just easier/simpler, and IMO better given that this isn't a signature dining event intended to take all morning. I don't want to inhale my food in 20 min like the recent video suggested (just not our style, I can see why others will want to), but if it is buffet it's simpler to get a little before and get your more substantial breakfast after without any waiting/ordering, and not having to wait and re-order to try something else

However, we haven't done it yet, I'll see if I change my mind after 10/29

There was very little line to eat hot entrees after the land was open to the public. Grab some coffee at 7. Ride as much as you can, then go back and eat a big, hot breakfast.

 

[Eve & Wall-e]

I don't need sdd 20 times, i doubt I will be able to even want 3x really. I just want a new experience for the first time in this land and be able to take some leisurely photos and do different things. for us that's what it's about. so I read the reviews for tips, food reviews, and planning things out well: definitely going anyway.

This is exactly what DH and I plan to do as well!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Yes, you don’t have to stand in lone for the buffets. Just scoot behind them.

And also, Disney’s not doing a great job of communicating this, but remember, you don’t HAVE to eat before. They’re going to shuttle you that way, but just move through the restaurant and gather back up in front of the theater and wait.

Yep to this.

In some ways now that I’ve thought more about it, I actually kind of liked the set up vs MK EMM. Use the breakfast spot to slowly load people into the park vs a long line at the front gate. No mad rush down Hollywood Blvd to TSL. That part of it all seemed to work well in my opinion. It also gives people some options on how they want to pace their morning.

 

[MIAMouseketeer]

Yes, you don’t have to stand in lone for the buffets. Just scoot behind them.

And also, Disney’s not doing a great job of communicating this, but remember, you don’t HAVE to eat before. They’re going to shuttle you that way, but just move through the restaurant and gather back up in front of the theater and wait.

I’m fine if non-Disers think you have to eat before. Will make it less crowded when we get to eat and maybe will set them a little behind the start. Sorry not sorry

 

[kat_lh]

Yep to this.

In some ways now that I’ve thought more about it, I actually kind of liked the set up. Use the breakfast spot to slowly load people into the park vs a long line at the front gate. No mad rush down Hollywood Blvd to TSL. That part of it all seemed to work well in my opinion.

I agree. I absolutely hated the walk to Fantasyland for the MK version. Felt like I was wasting such precious time. I very much wish they’d hold you at the hub.

In this case, ABC acts like that and then you can just stroll out as early or late as you wish.

 

[MIAMouseketeer]

I agree. I absolutely hated the walk to Fantasyland for the MK version. Felt like I was wasting such precious time. I very much wish they’d hold you at the hub.

In this case, ABC acts like that and then you can just stroll out as early or late as you wish.

Maybe they will switch it up after 12/2? I also thought they should let the EMM folks in at 7:30 and the PPO opening folks at 7:45. But what do I know?

 

[kat_lh]

Maybe they will switch it up after 12/2? I also thought they should let the EMM folks in at 7:30 and the PPO opening folks at 7:45. But what do I know?

I hope they do because that part needs serious evaluation

 

[Tigger in a kilt]

I agree. I absolutely hated the walk to Fantasyland for the MK version. Felt like I was wasting such precious time. I very much wish they’d hold you at the hub.

Yes! This really annoyed me. We had to stand in a queue at the Libery Square bridge, in the same queue as people with early ADRs, while CMs ticked them off a list. We just flashed our wristbands. There was no reason not to have had a separate CM just checking wristbands. What a waste of time.

 

[LSUfan4444]

Sorry if I missed it but with 62 pages, Im not able to read them all.

I read Josh's review and it made alot of sense but I am looking at January and only see one time available...7:30. Is the process for breakfast going to change with only one time available?