DLR Entrance Question

[Lisa Mize Hill]

So, I understand Disneyland will offer early entrance to one of the parks everyday while I'm there from 6/18-22.

My question is, do you Disneyland experts think this extra hour is worth it, or would we have less crowds if we went to the park WITHOUT the early opening each day?

I'm really concerned about the crowd levels, with the opening of Cars Land and I just can't decide whether or not to take advantage of the resort guest early admission.

Any advise would be appreciated.

Lisa

 

[subtchr]

I am not a voice of experience, as we are visiting for the first time in six years in a couple weeks, the same time you are there (June 20-22).

But we are absolutely planning to use the early entrance opportunities, especially because there are no days without early opening:

DL - MM on T, Th, Sa, Su for holders of 3-day or longer passes and DLR resort guests; APEE on M, W, F

DCA - EMH for DLR guests on M, W, F; APEE on T, Th, Sa, Su

Since we are there on the first week of EMH to DCA for resort guests, I am hoping that is a great chance to see a lot of Cars Land in that first hour.

I hope we both have a great trip in spite of the crowds!

 

[nannyz]

I love being there the moment DL opens. Everything is squeaky clean; even the air smells good. And I like the coolness before the heat of the day sets in. And of course you get to ride some of the rides without long lines.
On a few occasions, I have started the day by getting a cup of coffee and sitting to watch all the people come in; seeing the excitement on the children's faces is great.

 

[Hound 109]

So, I understand Disneyland will offer early entrance to one of the parks everyday while I'm there from 6/18-22.

My question is, do you Disneyland experts think this extra hour is worth it, or would we have less crowds if we went to the park WITHOUT the early opening each day?

I'm really concerned about the crowd levels, with the opening of Cars Land and I just can't decide whether or not to take advantage of the resort guest early admission.

Any advise would be appreciated.

Lisa

100% sure that on the T & S days that you get MM at DL, it is absolutely worth it to enjoy MM at DL. Lots of threads discussing this (including DLR29s superthread). This is especially true since the AP crowd will be enjoying EE at DCA on those days (so it makes NO sense to start your day an hour behind them (at DCA) on Sat, Sun, Tue or Thur).

I'm 95% sure that it makes sense to take advantage of DCA for your 7am EE (on M,W,F) The only reason i don't say 100% is because they haven't started offering this yet & we have no idea what that one hour EE will be like. (but there are only 3 hotels, so i suspect that those at the front of the DCA turnstiles will reap the same benefits at DCA on EE days that those who enjoy DL's MM have been enjoying).

If it was me, I would plan on arriving at the security tent at 6:10-6:15am each & every day. (& have a 2 - 2 1/2 hour plan each & every morning).

 

[Zbugz]

Another vote for early admission!

We knocked out at least a dozen rides in that hour.

 

[lwilkison]

So, I understand Disneyland will offer early entrance to one of the parks everyday while I'm there from 6/18-22.

My question is, do you Disneyland experts think this extra hour is worth it, or would we have less crowds if we went to the park WITHOUT the early opening each day?

I'm really concerned about the crowd levels, with the opening of Cars Land and I just can't decide whether or not to take advantage of the resort guest early admission.

Any advise would be appreciated.

Lisa

We love going first thing in the morning as well. It is great. So nice, you aren't tripping over tons of people and the parks are so much more beautiful! Go for it!

 

[cgh]

It is most definitely worth it. Keep in mind that not everyone is a 7 am park goer so even though here it seems like tons of people are going, guests stay up late and sleep in too. Some people are just not morning people. It makes that first hour so crucial. Now, if you were planning on skipping all the fantasyland rides, then it wouldn't matter AS much, but could still be good to get there early.

 

[DISHoppy]

We'll be there during the same time, and based on what I've read, MM/EMH is a must. This contradicts everything I've learned as a WDW vet, which is to avoid EMH days @ WDW parks since the crowds are usually larger those days, so we'll be adjusting accordingly. The time change from oHIo to Cali works in our favor for this.

-Kevin

 

[Hound 109]

We'll be there during the same time, and based on what I've read, MM/EMH is a must. This contradicts everything I've learned as a WDW vet, which is to avoid EMH days @ WDW parks since the crowds are usually larger those days, so we'll be adjusting accordingly. The time change from oHIo to Cali works in our favor for this.
-Kevin

A WDW vet who's done his research.

Quoting & highlighting this because those traveling from the eastern & central time zone will find it VERY easy to get up the first couple of days. (so get up & at 'em).


For eastern time zone, 5am will feel like 8am.

For central time zone, 5:15am will feel like 7:15am.

Dont let the kids or the spouse know what time it is.......just DO IT!

 

[DisneytheKid]

I've only done the early entrance once but I would definitely do it again. You get so many rides in, even during the busy seasons.

 

[Lisa Mize Hill]

Thanks so much for all the feedback. Since we are from the central time zone it will be easier to get up and going!

I can't wait!!

Lisa

 

[isisisme]

I have loved MM myself for years. My DH never ever wanted to get up with me to do it. Until last year. I made him get up. We were at the gates at 6:30am. He was grumpy and a butthead..until we got inside and knocked out all of fantasy land (including PP twice), SM and got FP for ST, competed on Buzz, and had time to just take in the beauty and calmness of the park. Then we hoped on the monorail for breakfast at Goofy's still very early. My DH now is a firm believer in early mornings. (especially with a nap later).

I am looking forward to our first stay at DLH when we can have early mornings every day in Oct.

 

[mystic_path]

No matter when you go to DL, you just cant go wrong with early admission. It's a great time to meet characters, go on rides, or take photos without too many people around. I agree as well with PP that the coolness of the morning is amazing before the hot summer heat kicks in.

 

[DLR29]

This is answered in the Early Admission Superthread:http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1675403

Is EMH at DL like EMH's at WDW? Should I avoid certain EA days at DLR like I avoid EMH days at WDW?
EA is EXTREMELY different from WDW's EMH and one should not avoid MM days at DLR to try and beat the crowds. MM does not affect park attendance at DL like WDW's EMHs affect park attendance at the WDW parks. If you have EA privileges, definitely don't hesitate to use it. Also, there is no evening Extra Magic Hours at DLR.

What if I don't have EA. Should I still go to the parks on an EA day? Will it be already extremely crowded when I enter?
During summer 2012, 1 day guests can no longer visit on a day without some kind of EA. Only Fantasyland and some Tomorrowland rides are open during EA, so you can still get an equal rope drop for the Adventureland/Frontierland side of Disneyland Park. Still not sure how all of these different EA programs will affect crowd levels.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Would not miss a day.

Jack