Early Admission (MM/EMH/APEE) Super Thread

[DarthVader92]

By no means am I a DL MM expert but I would think that, unless you want to skip Fantasyland, you would be better served by hitting Fantasyland first, then right before or at opening hitting Nemo. As stated above I would get a FP to Space Mountain as close to opening time as possible. While the wait for Nemo may be longer later the total wait time for all the attractions you will be able to get in during MM will be less than spending half the MM time at Nemo. JMO.

Well also too, I hope to attend both MM for my stay. I'm just looking at the number one strategy being that the second MM Day when I hope to go is on DLR's 55th!

 

[DLR29]

Well also too, I hope to attend both MM for my stay. I'm just looking at the number one strategy being that the second MM Day when I hope to go is on DLR's 55th!

Ah, you didn't say that you had 2 MMs! If so, by all means, use one for FL and the other for Nemo/Space.

 

[tlynk]

Excellent information!!!! Thank you sooo much!!!!!

 

[Scooterbritches]

So there have been a ton of Magic Morning question threads, so I just wanted to make a big large thread to send people to. So here we go:

Just a quick note to start off with. Disneyland changed Early Entry's name to Magic Morning in 08, so I will be using the abbrv. MM instead of EE. Nothing else about the program has changed other than the name. Some people will still be calling it EE though, but just saying, they are the same.

Magic Morning Basics

What? Entrance to Disneyland Park one hour before official park opening to ride select attractions

When? MM is currently offered on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (the days that start with "S" and "T"). And MM is ALWAYS one hour before official park opening. If you are still confused, check the DL online calendar which now has MM days on it (you have to do click on a day and then go to the "DLR Day Calendar" for your particular dates)

Who? There are two ways of gaining the opportunity of using MM.
1) Buying ANY ticket of 3 or more days. This will entitle the ticket holder to one MM admission. There are some exceptions such as Gay Day tickets and convention tickets, but most big name ticket sellers have MM eligible tickets (Disney, AAA, Costco, So. Cal City Pass, most online sources such as ARES Travel)

2) Staying at one of the 3 onsite hotels (Grand Californian (including the new VGC DVC places), Disneyland Hotel, or Paradise Pier Hotel). This will entitle the hotel guests MM admission every day that it is offered during their stay (including arrival (yes, possibly before your room is ready) and departure days) regardless of where you buy your tickets from. For example, if a family was staying at one of the onsite hotels for a long weekend (visiting the parks Saturday, Sunday, and Monday). They would be allowed to use MM on both Saturday and Sunday; however, a guest staying offsite would have to pick one or the other.

How? For onsite guests, each guest must show their "Key to the Magic" card. This is just a fancy name for your room key, which you can also use to charge in-park purchases. It is given to each member of your party at check-in with the dates of your stay and that person's name. You also need a valid source of admission ticket for entrance. For guests staying offsite, you enter just like you would normally and the MM is deducted from your ticket. For all guests, there is no extra piece of paper or voucher needed for MM. That piece of paper that they give onsite visitors is just for information purposes. It, by itself, does not grant MM privileges, so you cannot pass it on to someone else. All you need is your ticket and if you are staying onsite, your room key.

MM FAQ

What attractions are open for MM?
Well the rides open are technically "subject to change", but here is a list of rides that can be open during this hour.

In Fantasyland:
-Peter Pan's Flight
-Dumbo
-Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
-Alice in Wonderland
-Mad Tea Party
-Matterhorn Bobsleds
-King Arthur Carousel
-Snow White's Scary Adventures
-Pinocchio's Daring Journey
-Sleeping Beauty's Castle Walkthrough
-It's a Small World Holiday (only November-January)

NOTE: It's a Small World (non-holiday version), Casey Jr. Circus Train and Storybookland Canal Boats are NOT open for MM and open at official park opening. Pixie Hollow and Princess Fantasy Faire are also not open during MM, but they open later than most other attractions, often an hour after official park opening.

In Tomorrowland:
-Space Mountain
-Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters
-Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
-Astro Orbitor*
-Star Tours*

*Not as consistently open as others. They might be open if large crowds warrant it.

Are Fastpasses offered for Space or Buzz during MM?
No, FP machines will begin operating at official park opening.

What about AP holders?
The only way AP holders can take advantage of MM is by staying onsite

For guests staying at the DLH or PPH can you take the monorail?
You may use the monorail to enter the park for MM; however it is a better option to walk through DTD and use the main entrance. The monorail sometimes beats the front gate crowds. Sometimes not. It's a toss up. Use the monorail more for at the end of the day when your feet are tired and you don't feel like walking all the way back to the hotel.

Is there rope drop on MM days?
On days where official park opening is 8AM, MM would be 7AM. There is no rope drop at 7, but there is a rope drop at 8 at the entrance to Frontierland and Adventureland. Also nobody is let into the park until 7AM. Non-MM guests might be allowed in any time between 7:30 and 8AM.

On days where official park opening is 10AM, MM would be 9AM. I believe that there is a rope drop at 9 at Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Then another at 10AM for Adventureland and Frontierland. Nobody is let into the park until 9AM. Non-MM guests might be allowed in any time between 9:30 and 10AM.

On days where official park opening is anything else, opening procedures may change depending on crowd size.

What time should I arrive for MM?
Half an hour before MM time (1 1/2 hours before official park opening) is generally a good time to arrive. However if you want to be one of the first ones on Nemo, plan on arriving 45+ before MM time (so 1 hour and 45 min before official park opening). But for Fantasyland or Tomorrowland touring, if you arrive a little later, you should still be fine.

What time does the parking lot open on MM days?
The lot opens 30 minutes before MM begins, so unless you are one of the first couple cars in line, if you plan on parking in the lots, don't plan on getting to the gates by or before MM opening.

What time do the ticket booths open on MM days?
The time that the ticket booths open on any given day is subject to change, but an email from the park states that they open 30 minutes before Magic Morning begins on MM days.

If I pick up my tickets on a MM day, can I use my MM right then and there?
Yes, provided that you get to the ticket booths early enough.

Is MM the same as Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness?
No, Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness (MTTMM) is ONLY for people who buy packages from AAA, Costco, Disney, etc. Simply by staying onsite does not grant MTTMM privileges. You must have bought a package. MTTMM is entry into Mickey's Toontown one hour before it opens. Since Mickey's Toontown usually opens one hour after official park opening, MTTMM often begins at official park opening. Different to MM days, MTTMM is offered on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, making Saturday the only day in which both MM and MTTMM is offered.

Is MM offered at California Adventure also?
Different from WDW, MM is only offered at Disneyland Park. However, DCA almost always opens half an hour early to allow guests to ride Soarin (only) and line up for rope drop (particularly helpful for getting on Toy Story Midway Mania with a short wait).

Is MM like EMH's at WDW? Should I avoid MM days at DL like I avoid EMH days at WDW?
MM is EXTREMELY different from EMH and one should not avoid MM days at DL to try and beat the crowds. At WDW it is a good idea to avoid the WDW parks with EMH's because they are often more crowded; however at DLR I would never recommend going to only one park, on one day like at WDW. It's so much easier to hop at DLR, so I would always start at DL for the morning (MM or not) and then hop over to DCA for the middle of the day. MM does not affect park attendance at DL like EMH's affect park attendance at the WDW parks. If you have MM privileges, definitely don't hesitate to use it. Also, there is no evening Extra Magic Hours at DLR.

What if I don't have MM. Should I still go to DL on a MM day? Will it be already extremely crowded when I enter?
Definitely start at DL on a MM day even if you don't have MM. Only Fantasyland and some Tomorrowland rides are open, so you can still get an equal rope drop for the Adventureland/Frontierland side of the park. Then later in the day, hop over to DCA if you want. If you are only going for 1 day, try to avoid MM days; however, multiple day visitors should not.

If I don't have MM, how can I use MM for my advantage?
On MM days, DL has specific gates designated for MM and others that say "Entrance". Those who have MM can enter through the MM gates all the way up until official park opening. Those without MM usually line up at the gates marked "Entrance". HOWEVER, if you arrive early enough and wait by the gates marked "MM", oftentimes some of those MM gates will turn into Entrance gates as the time approaches official park opening. If you do it right, when a MM gate turns into an Entrance gate, you can actually be one of the first ones in line at a gate.

2 MM's without staying onsite?
If you've heard of getting 2 MM's without staying onsite, you aren't going crazy. GetAwayToday used to have a special in which their tickets offer 2 MMs without having to stay onsite. However as of January 2009, the promo has been terminated.

What about during special events?
Sometimes during events (grad nights in particular), DL will change the MM dates. Also DL, on some special events in the past (the Pirate movie premieres, Miley's Birthday), has opened ridiculously early (6AM). In this case MM will not be offered that day. It's always a good thing to check these boards for special event MM changes as the event approaches. The DLR website calendar now has MM dates and hours on it, making special MM changes easier to see.

When does security open on a MM day?
According to one board member, the security lines have opened at 6:25-6:30 on a day when the park opens at 8AM and MM is at 7AM.

Where should I wait in line?
The best bet to secure your front of the line spot, is to just wait by the security tables, even if the esplanade is open. The guests in the esplanade will be forced to backtrack and go through security when Cast Members show up.

If I get to the turnstiles too early, will I lose my well earned place at the front of the line?
Yes. Prior to the official opening of the security lines, all guests must leave the esplanade to get in line at the security tables. Instead of being at the turnstiles, at the front of the line, you will be behind all of the guests who lined up at the security tables.

Which day of our trip should we go to MM?
Generally if there are two MM days offered during your trip, but you only have 1 MM to use the best day to use it would be the first possible day. So if you were going to the parks for a very long weekend (Saturday-Tuesday) and you only had 1 MM, you would have to choose to use it on Saturday, Sunday, or Tuesday. My recommendation is to use it on Saturday because by the end of your trip you WILL be more tired and less inclined to wake up early. Also, even though crowds on Saturdays and Sundays will be greater, it is better to choose these days (if possible) than weekdays during offseasons. This is true because the parks open sometimes 2 hours earlier on the weekends than on the weekdays and less people will want to get up for MM at 7AM on a Saturday than 9AM on a Tuesday.

That should be it for now. I will update this thread if any other questions come up. I'm happy to add anyone else's info on EE/MM to add. Thanks!

Thanks to Hydroguy, Hound109, Bumbershoot, northshoremama, S.S Columbia, DisneyJulieZ, and Sherry E for help so far. Always looking for more input.

So if the parking garage doesn't open and give you enough time to get to the park before MM opening is there a secret to where one can park and make it on time if one is staying off-site?

 

[Scooterbritches]

What time does the parking lot open on MM days?
The lot opens 30 minutes before MM begins, so unless you are one of the first couple cars in line, if you plan on parking in the lots, don't plan on getting to the gates by or before MM opening

 

[DLR29]

So if the parking garage doesn't open and give you enough time to get to the park before MM opening is there a secret to where one can park and make it on time if one is staying off-site?

If you aren't staying within walking distance (although I would highly recommend staying that close), then you have these options:

1. ART (anaheim resort transit), if there's a stop at your hotel
2. Taxi
3. Hotel shuttle (if offered)
4. Drive yourself and don't make it there on time.

 

[HydroGuy]

So if the parking garage doesn't open and give you enough time to get to the park before MM opening is there a secret to where one can park and make it on time if one is staying off-site?

If you aren't staying within walking distance (although I would highly recommend staying that close), then you have these options:

1. ART (anaheim resort transit), if there's a stop at your hotel
2. Taxi
3. Hotel shuttle (if offered)
4. Drive yourself and don't make it there on time.

Good question. We try not to be in that situation but when we are here is what we do:

1. Drive south on Harbor and pull into the "15 minute lot".
2. Drop everyone off and send them to the security line.
3. This group makes its way into the turnstiles and saves you a place
4. Park the car solo and then hightail it back to the DL gates to rejoin the group. Make sure they have all backpacks so the driver can quickly go thru security.



The 15 minute lot can be found in this map by scrolling to the right:

Interactive Map of DLR - http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=33.809...2&z=19&l=0&m=b
4.

 

[rentayenta]

So on the first page it states that grad nights might change MM days, anyone have knowledge of what days it changes too?

 

[mom2rtk]

So on the first page it states that grad nights might change MM days, anyone have knowledge of what days it changes too?

Great.... I planned out days so we would have ONE of our two days NOT be a MM day (since we won't have MM priveleges). Is there any way to find out since 6/10 is a grad night, does that mean they will add one on Friday the 11th??? This would mess up my whole plan!

 

[HydroGuy]

So on the first page it states that grad nights might change MM days, anyone have knowledge of what days it changes too?

If you read my grad night thread it discusses this:

"The Scoop on Grad Nights at DLR in May and June" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2298400

 

[rentayenta]

If you read my grad night thread it discusses this:

"The Scoop on Grad Nights at DLR in May and June" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2298400

I think I am even more confused. Okay, bear with me. My ability to relate spacially is minimal at best.

The DIS is unoficially reporting that the June hours for 6/16 and 6/17 are 9-mid and 8-mid but if those are grad nights, that cannot be right. The DIS makes it appear like grad nights will be 6/14 and 6/15 and have the DL hours listed as 9-9. Help, I feel like I am going

 

[HydroGuy]

I think I am even more confused. Okay, bear with me. My ability to relate spacially is minimal at best.

The DIS is unoficially reporting that the June hours for 6/16 and 6/17 are 9-mid and 8-mid but if those are grad nights, that cannot be right. The DIS makes it appear like grad nights will be 6/14 and 6/15 and have the DL hours listed as 9-9. Help, I feel like I am going

From this thread:

"The Scoop on Grad Nights at DLR in May and June" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2298400

When are Grad Nights?

Grad Nights at DLR are held from mid-May until mid to late-June typically on Thursday nights and sometimes on Wednesday nights. Check the above link for Grad Night schedules.

For example, the dates for 2010 are:

May 20 and 27
June 3, 10, 16, 17, and 24

As for Magic Morning, here is what is says about Magic Morning

How do Grad Nights affect regular visitors?

The events are chaperoned and thus attendees are not allowed to freely roam the area around DLR. The attendees are only allowed to come in on buses (no individual drivers) and are guided into the parks and are not allowed to leave the parks until closing at 6AM. At that point attendees are guided back to their buses. Thus there are no issues with high schoolers being disruptive to guests outside the parks.

Grad Nights do impact park hours for regular visitors. Typically on Grad Nights the parks close early - DL closes at 9PM and DCA closes at 6PM. With the parks closing earlier it also means that any night time entertainment such as Fantasmic and fireworks will probably not be scheduled.

Grad Nights also impact Magic Mornings (MM) at DL. If there is a Grad Night the previous night (with DL open until 6AM) then MM will not be held.

The current schedule for MM is Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday. The typical Thursday night/Friday morning Grad Nights do not affect MM because there is no MM on Friday morning. However, the occasional Wednesday night/Thursday morning Grad Night will interfere with the normal Thursday morning MM and hence that MM will be re-scheduled or cancelled. Check the DLR website once the May/June calendars are posted to confirm.

Typically Grad Nights do have fireworks so if you are staying near the parks you may hear them and have some potential sleep disruption.

That means the MM on June 17 will be impacted based on the June 16 grad night. I would expect based on past years that MM will be held on June 18 that week and not on June 17.

 

[DLR29]

I think I am even more confused. Okay, bear with me. My ability to relate spacially is minimal at best.

The DIS is unoficially reporting that the June hours for 6/16 and 6/17 are 9-mid and 8-mid but if those are grad nights, that cannot be right. The DIS makes it appear like grad nights will be 6/14 and 6/15 and have the DL hours listed as 9-9. Help, I feel like I am going

I would not trust the DIS park hours at all. Not reliable, especially this year where they have made many changes to DCA's hours. They also do not account for special events. I'd just wait until the official calendar comes out.

 

[PineapplePrincessCA]

I’m a newbie here, so please forgive my basic questions.

First of all… MM = “Magic Mornings” which is really just a cute name for “early entry to the park”, right? (just wanna make sure I have this correct, first. LOL)

We’re going to stay at the Disneyland Hotel on a Tuesday and Wednesday night. So visiting the park on Tues, Wed, and Thurs morning. Is the info on the first post still accurate? (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday) We can enter the park early on THURSDAY only?

Are these still the rides that are open during early entry:

In Fantasyland:
-Peter Pan's Flight
-Dumbo
-Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
-Alice in Wonderland
-Mad Tea Party
-Matterhorn Bobsleds
-King Arthur Carousel
-Snow White's Scary Adventures
-Pinocchio's Daring Journey
-Sleeping Beauty's Castle Walkthrough

In Tomorrowland:
-Space Mountain
-Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters
-Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage



Thanks! I want to read through the entire thread when I have more time, but I just wanted to make sure the basic info I have is still accurate. Thank you!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I’m a newbie here, so please forgive my basic questions.

First of all… MM = “Magic Mornings” which is really just a cute name for “early entry to the park”, right? (just wanna make sure I have this correct, first. LOL)

We’re going to stay at the Disneyland Hotel on a Tuesday and Wednesday night. So visiting the park on Tues, Wed, and Thurs morning. Is the info on the first post still accurate? (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday) We can enter the park early on THURSDAY only?

Are these still the rides that are open during early entry:

In Fantasyland:
-Peter Pan's Flight
-Dumbo
-Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
-Alice in Wonderland
-Mad Tea Party
-Matterhorn Bobsleds
-King Arthur Carousel
-Snow White's Scary Adventures
-Pinocchio's Daring Journey
-Sleeping Beauty's Castle Walkthrough

In Tomorrowland:
-Space Mountain
-Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters
-Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage



Thanks! I want to read through the entire thread when I have more time, but I just wanted to make sure the basic info I have is still accurate. Thank you!

Yes to everything ~ can you get there early on Tues? Even if your room isn't ready you can still drop off your bags and head over for the MM.

 

[PineapplePrincessCA]

Yes to everything ~ can you get there early on Tues? Even if your room isn't ready you can still drop off your bags and head over for the MM.

Oh, so I can use the MM twice during the stay? The park opens at 10:00a the week I'm going. Can we drop the bags off that early (before 9:00a) and check in?

Obviously our room won't be available yet, but we'll need our key to enter the park, right?

 

[blackjackdelta]

Oh, so I can use the MM twice during the stay? The park opens at 10:00a the week I'm going. Can we drop the bags off that early (before 9:00a) and check in?

Obviously our room won't be available yet, but we'll need our key to enter the park, right?

You will need the "Key to the Magic" along with your ticket.

Jack

 

[PineapplePrincessCA]

You will need the "Key to the Magic" along with your ticket.

Jack

What is the "key to the magic"?

 

[Hound 109]

Oh, so I can use the MM twice during the stay? The park opens at 10:00a the week I'm going. Can we drop the bags off that early (before 9:00a) and check in?

Obviously our room won't be available yet, but we'll need our key to enter the park, right?

Yes you can go on Tuesday as well (your day of check in). I've done this twice.

- Arrive at the DLH at 7:00 - 7:45am.
- Drop off your luggage with concierge & "check in" (even if room isn't ready).
- Get your keys aka "keys to the magic" (which gets you into MM....which is a cute abreviation for magical mornings....aka early entry ).
- walk thru DTD & arrive at security tent by 8:25am.
- Go thru security at 8:30am & be first or second in line at the turnstiles for MM.
- At 9am, proceed to Peter Pan first (always first) & be one of the first ones on.
- Ride 5-7 other rides during MM.
- Pick up your first FP (at Indy or Space) at 10am.
- Check in when your room is ready & take a short rest.

 

[blackjackdelta]

What is the "key to the magic"?

It is your resort hotel room key with your name on it.

Jack