Do they still open the parks early?

[WendyCFG]

Several years ago, they occasionally opened the parks a little early (20-30 minutes). I have heard that this never happens anymore. Anyone know?

Thanks!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Not true, here you go. http://wdwig.com/emhour.htm

 

[WendyCFG]

Thanks Gail...

I was trying to find out about earlier than the stated times. Like if the MK is supposed to open at 9am, do they sometimes drop the ropes to Main Street a little early... like 8:30 or 8:45.

When we were there several years ago, they did. But last year, the only time we were at the gate for opening was for EE, and they opened promptly at the stated time.

Just wondered if it would be worth it to get there a little early???

 

[Synonymous]

It used to be you could depend on this, and it was great being able to stroll down Main Street before the rest of the park opened. With the drop in attendance since 9/11, though, they don't do this much anymore. Of course, with Disney the answer is never just "yes" or "no." It apparently still happens, but very occasionally.

We went Easter week last year, and MK actually didn't open until a few minutes past the stated time. But one morning at AK we arrived before opening to find them letting people in. They said this was because they expected a very large crowd that day.

 

[CamColt]

We were there about a month ago. On EE day MK opened right at 8:00. On Non EE day, they let us through the turnstiles about 8:45. We were only allowed to go into the front part of the park until the little show with the Mayor and Characters arriving on the train was over. They then let us into the park, up to the ropes at the lands(we were at Adventure Land). At 9:00 on the dot there was a welcoming type announcement made, and the rope was dropped.

 

[Synonymous]

That's good to know, CamColt- we were only there on an early entry day last trip, and haven't seen the opening show. Was anything open, ie., the Bakery, or did they keep you confined to the hub?

 

[CamColt]

To be honest I didnt notice. We knew we wanted to do Adventure Land so we went right there. In the end after the "show" it was only a few minutes early anyway so there wasnt much of a head start.