Does everyone go to parks early in the morning?

[shanlynn63]

Hi, We are going to WDW in July....I need all the help I can get so I have another question....I've seen lots of suggestions of getting to the parks early, on the boards, in the books...everyone says go early...so doesn't everyone get to the parks early? I know we plan to be there when the parks open, we are staying off site so no option for early entry....how crowded is it at opening at the parks?? Thanks for all your help these boards have been great for helping me plan!!!

 

[dizagain]

Hi! No, everyone doesn't get to the parks early...thank goodness!! Actually, in my Disney obssessing time (about 4 years), I have only actually MET one other person who researches, plans, etc. And I do know ALOT of people who go to WDW.

Many, many vacationers sleep in and arrive 11-12ish. You will most definitely benefit from arriving before opening at any time of the year!!!!! The early bird gets the worm!

 

[shanlynn63]

Thanks for your post dizagain, great information. I had to laugh at your post, everyone thinks I'm nuts for planning months and months ahead of time, but we're going to have the most fun!!!!

 

[Golter]

If you are going in July and don't get to the parks 30 - 45 minutes prior to opening you will regret it. You can get more done in the first hour than you can the next 5. The only piece of advice I give any first timer is arrive early.

 

[Jill Schwartz]

We took our first DW trip Dec. 2003 in the days just preceding Xmas. Having researched and practically memorized the Unoffical Guide, we were at the gates with touring plan in hand well before each park opening. Yes, it seemed like a big crowd standing there doing the same. However, the parks are so big that the "crowd" was easily absorbed and it seemed like nobody was there. We literally walked onto Buzz Lightyear, Space Mountain, Splash M., etc. After that, I was ready to toss out the touring plan, thinking "there is nobody here!"
Ha!! At about 11-12, you could see the throngs pouring in. We went to have lunch on Tom Sawyer's Island and when we came back, you could barely move. Thank goodness we had done all the major things early.
Jill

 

[tboss]

Do you find it necessary to get to all of the parks early or just Magic Kingdom?

 

[JFS]

Since my children are getting older it is not possible to go during the school year so we are forced to go during the peak time during the summer. Here's our strategy. We arrive at the parks when they open, and stay until about lunch then head back to the resort and spend the afternoon at the pool. Around dinner, we head back to the parks and stay until closing.
It's funny to observe all the stressed out people who spent the entire time at the parks when we arrive rested and refreshed.
After all you are on vacation.
We would probably never do the parks all day or during the peak time of the Florida summer heat (and long lines) again.

 

[Tiggery]

Im normally very relaxed in touring the world. I tend to get into the parks late and then go to PI in the evening.(CW and AC)
The only day on the last trip that we arrived at opening was Christmas day.

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I always go sometime during the first 2 weeks of December,
and I also go SOLO. That said......I refuse to answer to a
#@&* alarm clock when I'm on vacation. I also love to have a good size buffet breakfast. This carries me over for lunch, too.

So you can imagine.....I don't get to the parks until about
11 am. I still get to do most of the things I set out to do.

 

[shanlynn63]

Wow! great information. Thanks to all those who posted!

 

[Ames]

We ususally wake up between 8 and 9, grab a bite, coffee, sit at the pool and head out around 11. So much more relaxed this way...no hustle bustle. Quiet pool time because everyone is at the park early and when we get to the park, lines aren't long because they are all going back for pool break.

I would never do it differently.

 

[bigbabyblues]

We'll be getting to the parks early, at least by opening time, but we have two little boys (will be 4 and just under 2 on our trip), so we'll do as another poster suggested and go back to our resort after/before lunch, then swim or rest and go back late afternoon.

~Steph

 

[dizagain]

Back to your question about arriving early at all parks...

We did and we were very happy with the results. I cannot stress enough how nice it is. Yes, you are on vacation, however, my family knew going in that it was not a "sleep late" kinda trip!! We went in early May, therefore later evenings in the parks weren't really an option. We (DH, me, DD7, DD9) chose to stay in the parks open to around 5 or 6 and leave. We did take long lunches, etc. We are gong in summer next time and plan to follow previous advice of going early, leaving after lunch, and returning at night. Hope it works!!! Enjoy, and asside from dragging everyone out of bed (my family never minded - they knew they were going to see Mickey!), follow the pace of your family.

 

[dzneelvr]

When the kids were little and got up early on their own, we then went to the Parks early.
Now that our youngest is 14, we all sleep in (after all, what are vacations for), eat a leisurely breakfast poolside at our resort, and hit the Parks late morning; catch a PS for early afternoon lunch and then stay until the Parks close. We LOVE staying late--it's an older, less frantic crowd in the park from 9pm on and our DS and DD are just getting their second wind about 8pm.

We go in late June to early July and that works best for us. The temps cool down after dark...it's easier to shop when the stores aren't as crowded.....there's not wait time on attractions.....can't WAIT

WDW on JUNE 24

 

[sugermouse]

What we like about going to DW in the summer is how late the parks are open. This allows us to sleep a little later in the morning then go to the parks. We leave for the afternoon heat, hang out by the pool and return after dinner. At the end of the day, we manage to ride as many times as those who get to the park very early.

Obviously, it depends on your family and what works best for you. With the longer hours in July, you have a lot more flexibility, although you do need to factor in the heat and humidity.

We will be joining you in July this year. Enjoy the magic!!

 

[ducklite]

We don't usually go during peak times, and hardly ever meander into a park before around noon. The only difference being the AK, as the animals are most active earlier in the day.

Anne

 

[Krissalee]

DH and I are child-free and go to WDW 1-2 times per year. We are never at the parks at opening time. It is our vacation, so we don't set the alarm. We usually are in the parks between 10-12, depending on the day and our mood.

BTW, we never go to the Extra Magic Hour parks on those days, either, as they tend to be more crowded.

 

[*Fantasia*]

Though I know we're on vacation, we still want to get up early enough to be at MK or AK when we know it's not crowded yet. I have 2 small children and standing in line for more than half hour is not good. We get to do a lot when we're at the park early. Then after 11, it gets very crowded, this is when we do our lunch and head back to our resort to swim and take a nap. Then later than afternoon, we go to Epcot and just ride a few rides and stroll to World Showcase.

 

[CarrieAP]

I hate crowds more than a Mickey wake up call, so we try to arrive at each park before opening. I am absolutely not a morning person, but forcing myself to get up ensures that I don't miss out on a special part of the day. There is nothng like strolling to the bus stop in the early morning along deserted walkways with the dew/water still lingering on the lush, tropical foliage.

And best of all, as previous posters have testified, we accomplish more in a couple of hours than others do in a full day. We head back to the resorts just as the massive crowds of late arrivals are coming in. We too love late evenings, so we go back out for dinner and a show, refreshed and relaxed after our siesta.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

The parks in the early morning are beautiful and practically empty. Well worth getting up early.

Have a great trip!