Early Admission (MM/EMH/APEE) Super Thread

[katejc]

Ok, maybe this has been mentioned already, but what if I have APs that will not be activated until we get to the parks in August? Is there any chance we can still take advantage of APEE or are we out of luck? ( since we can't register for APEE online without AP #s). Appreciating any advice...

 

[disneyland addict13]

Ok, maybe this has been mentioned already, but what if I have APs that will not be activated until we get to the parks in August? Is there any chance we can still take advantage of APEE or are we out of luck? ( since we can't register for APEE online without AP #s). Appreciating any advice...

Unfortunately, you're out of luck. I already called and asked about this because we're activating our new PAPs on the first day of our trip, and they could not accommodate me. You need an active pass number to register.

 

[katejc]

Darn! But that's what I thought. Thanks for the info!

 

[HydroGuy]

What are the logistics for admitting EMH/APEE guests to the parks? How early in the morning are these guests starting to line up? I have memories of the craziness of EMH opening time for resort guests at TSMM at WDW when it first opened; not the type of experience I'd like to repeat.

Security to the main gates usually opens at 6:30 so folks line up there as early as they want. Then you go the park gates and wait until the EMH or APEE starts. DLR hotel guests can use the GCH entrance on EMH days.

To quote Jack Sparrow "to what point and purpose?"

Do they not want to ride it that early in the morning?
Are they hocking these FP's to other guests?
Because DCA has been having trouble getting RSR up and running first thing in the morning?
Because FP's have been running out within the first couple of hours the park is open?
So maybe they can get FP's for later and then get in the stand-by line so they can ride twice?

Seems to me if you hauled your butt out of bed that early to be there and had EMH or APEE you'd just go ahead and get in the *hopefully* shortest line of the day and actually ride the attraction. And it also seems like you could be one of the first to ride during EMH/APEE, and afterwards have enough time to get a FP before they run out for the day.

I tend to agree with you but not everyone in a group needs to wait for FP. So mom or dad can take kids to ride RSR, LFT and MJJ while the other parent waits to get FPs.

 

[DLR29]

What are the logistics for admitting EMH/APEE guests to the parks? How early in the morning are these guests starting to line up? I have memories of the craziness of EMH opening time for resort guests at TSMM at WDW when it first opened; not the type of experience I'd like to repeat.


To quote Jack Sparrow "to what point and purpose?"

Do they not want to ride it that early in the morning?
Are they hocking these FP's to other guests?
Because DCA has been having trouble getting RSR up and running first thing in the morning?
Because FP's have been running out within the first couple of hours the park is open?
So maybe they can get FP's for later and then get in the stand-by line so they can ride twice?

Seems to me if you hauled your butt out of bed that early to be there and had EMH or APEE you'd just go ahead and get in the *hopefully* shortest line of the day and actually ride the attraction. And it also seems like you could be one of the first to ride during EMH/APEE, and afterwards have enough time to get a FP before they run out for the day.

It seems to be a combination of these 2 bolded reasons, but mostly because FPs have been running out by 9:30 (most days earlier) I'm pretty sure every day since it has been open.

Also, people have reported that to be one of the first people in for DCA's Early Admission, you'll need to be at the gates around 6/6:15, and, like Hydroguy said, people start lining up outside of the esplanade until the security tents open.

 

[disneychrista]

Ok, maybe this has been mentioned already, but what if I have APs that will not be activated until we get to the parks in August? Is there any chance we can still take advantage of APEE or are we out of luck? ( since we can't register for APEE online without AP #s). Appreciating any advice...

You have to register at least 3 days in advance. If your trip is going to be at least 3 days and you have internet access you could register for the first availabe APEE after you register.

 

[MNRMommy]

If you are staying on-site, is it best to use the GCH entrance or the main entrance for early admission days at Disney's California Adventure?

 

[katejc]

You have to register at least 3 days in advance. If your trip is going to be at least 3 days and you have internet access you could register for the first availabe APEE after you register.

We will try that, thanks. We will be there enough days, but they say it takes a day to be in the system afar activation. And do the APEEs get all booked up early on? Anyone have any experience there? Thanks to all--I love that I can get all my obscure questions answered here!

 

[I❤MICKEY]

We are AP holders and will be at the parks Sept 22 - 29. I'm wondering if anyone has heard if the APEE dates have been extended?

 

[PinkBudgie]

We will try that, thanks. We will be there enough days, but they say it takes a day to be in the system afar activation. And do the APEEs get all booked up early on? Anyone have any experience there? Thanks to all--I love that I can get all my obscure questions answered here!

This what we were going to try to do. We arrive on Sunday. I was going to see if we could get APEE for Th and/or Friday. First, I was going to ask either guest services or ticket booth if they could help with that. If not, I remember they said there was a phone number you could call if you didn't have internet which we won't. We usually leave our laptop at home since it doesn't fit in the safe. However, I'm doubtful there will be any space left anyway.

 

[DLR29]

If you are staying on-site, is it best to use the GCH entrance or the main entrance for early admission days at Disney's California Adventure?

This is answered in the OP:

Where? Guest can line up for EMH at either the main entrance to DCA or the Grand Californian Hotel entrance. The main park entrance is probably a faster route to hit up Carsland.

Reason being if you're not one of the first people at the GCH entrance, it'll take you longer to get through the few security tables that they have set up.

We will try that, thanks. We will be there enough days, but they say it takes a day to be in the system afar activation. And do the APEEs get all booked up early on? Anyone have any experience there? Thanks to all--I love that I can get all my obscure questions answered here!

Reports are that all of the DCA APEEs for the days where SoCal APs are valid are already booked.

We are AP holders and will be at the parks Sept 22 - 29. I'm wondering if anyone has heard if the APEE dates have been extended?

Most likely not. This is the first time that they've ever allowed Early Admission for AP holders (not staying onsite), and my guess is that it'll only be a summer promo, especially because they haven't said anything about an extension so far.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Most likely not. This is the first time that they've ever allowed Early Admission for AP holders (not staying onsite), and my guess is that it'll only be a summer promo, especially because they haven't said anything about an extension so far.

Then again, you never know. This could be like the temporary AP merchandise discount that has been going on for over two years now. Every time its end date approaches, it gets extended again. Just saying.

 

[kelmac284]

I don't know if this was addressed earlier cuz I didn't read through the entire thread but we were JUST there and I agree with whoever said that going through the regular entrance is better.

We went to the grand because we came from the DLH and we got there just after 6 and the line got LONG and they didn't do ANY bag checks till almost 7. I felt bad for the people in the back because that would be a DEF hold up that you wouldn't have if you were at the other side. Then it was REALLY slow even getting through the gates since there were only 3 and they made us walk all the way around the front to cars. No going around the side by GRR.

So I think going to the front would be quicker.

ALSO another interesting note is when we checked in we were told that ANY reg ticket ee people could ALSO get in during the hotel MM. So not sure if this was true but that's what we were told.

So that doesn't make it quite as special and it is a GOOD thing for people with reg tickets.

We WERE able to go on the ride after about a half hour to get through the initial build up and then we immediately did single rider. My daughter went to get fast pass before 8 and the line was already over an hour. So we blew it off.

We did Luigis and it took FOREVER and was not that great. Never did get on the tractors.

 

[debloco]

I tend to agree with you but not everyone in a group needs to wait for FP. So mom or dad can take kids to ride RSR, LFT and MJJ while the other parent waits to get FPs.

Which works if it's two parents. But it's just me and my DD, so good idea, but no go for us.

It seems to be a combination of these 2 bolded reasons, but mostly because FPs have been running out by 9:30 (most days earlier) I'm pretty sure every day since it has been open.

Thanks for the confirmation.

Also, people have reported that to be one of the first people in for DCA's Early Admission, you'll need to be at the gates around 6/6:15, and, like Hydroguy said, people start lining up outside of the esplanade until the security tents open.

Whoa. Decent perk for the new Cars Land, but pretty darn early for my grad student/really doesn't like to get up early DD.

And, off topic to DLR29, I noticed your location is Los Angeles, USC! My DD did her undergrad there and graduated USC in May 2011, and I'm starting grad school there this August. Fight On!

 

[HydroGuy]

Which works if it's two parents. But it's just me and my DD, so good idea, but no go for us.

I get that, but you were questioning why anyone else would do this. And I was just giving a reason for anyone else.

 

[DLR29]

And, off topic to DLR29, I noticed your location is Los Angeles, USC! My DD did her undergrad there and graduated USC in May 2011, and I'm starting grad school there this August. Fight On!

Fight on! I'm going to be entering my junior year of undergrad this fall. Where did the time fly?

And believe me, as a college student, I don't like getting up early either...except for Disneyland.

 

[OC_stacylace]

We did APEE today and wanted to share our experience. First of all, Disney has it well organized. We chose today as our DCA early morning. We arrived at the Mickey and Friends parking garage at 6:10 am. They open at 6:00, and from what I read, it is the only parking lot open that early. Almost all the security lines were open and the lines were short going through. There are serveral cast members directing you to the check in, which is over on the other side from where the tram drops you off. After a short wait, less than 5 minutes, we were ushered to a cast member holding an iphone or something like it. She scanned all of our annual passes, and then we were directed to get our wristbands. We were in line for entry into DCA by 6:35, and we were about 20 people back from the first in line. All the turnstyles were open from what I saw. At 7, the lines all opened and we went straight to RSR. Cast members gathering along Buena Vista Street reminded people to walk and not run. Most of us were in a very fast walk, though. We were near the front of the mob, enough to see that one of the Cars' characters Mater, got in front of all of us at the start of Carsland. It slowed down the pace, but we managed to get in line for RSR. It was not yet running, and we were told that they were working on it. It was not until 8:30 in the morning that the ride was finally up. So, our whole APEE experience was spent waiting in a line that didn't move, and it was pretty frustrating. Many people left the line, but since we had still not been on the ride and were only 100 people back or so from the front, we stayed. It became one of those situations that we felt if we left, the ride would start up, and we had invested so much time already. There was a cast member who made the rounds through the line and gave out buttons. I joked, "if only they were fast pass buttons".

Do I think it was worth it? Not today, not for us. But, we did get to ride RSR for the first time, so all was not lost. I was told that there are quite a few bugs, and hopefully the ride will be worked out for the rest of you as the summer goes on. Fun ride, but I wouldn't wait for more than an hour for it.

 

[disneychrista]

From all reports it seems it is best to NOT go to RSR and enjoy other attractions during the APEE/EMH. I have not heard a single report of RSR being operational at the beginning of APRR/EMH.

I certainly hope they figure it all out soon. It just seems like there are still a lot of kinks that they need to work out on RSR.

 

[OC_stacylace]

A cast member said it's a matter of overheating, but I don't know how it would overheat when it was only 7 in the morning? I would expect it later on as it heats up and the ride is operating several hours.

 

[Psymonds]

my quick research did not find an answer to this, but here goes.

we have a party of 10ish, 3 AP's and 7 ticketholders with and EE.

Per the schedule, we can't all go into the same park for an EE on any day, is there a way we can talk to a CM and just switch parks (frankly would be willing to do DL on our DCA day if it means we can all go together).

anyone else try this? to any success?