Early Entry ... go or stay away

[justcruisin]

Wondering what you think about going to the parks on EE days or staying away from that particular park on that day ... We'll be there in July, so I'm expecting heat and crowds regardless, but I'm not sure what to do. Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[Steven Barrett]

justcruisin,

Depends on how early you get going. I'm an early riser, so I like going to the Early Entry Park (1 1/2 hours before the official opening time: usually about 7:30 a.m.) when I'm staying on property. It adds an hour or so of pleasant touring time to your day. Then I switch to a non early entry park when it gets crowded. I usually plan for an early lunch in the EE park and then take a break in my hotel or switch to the other park. If you sleep late or are staying off property, then go to a non-EE park.

Steven Barrett, author of the "Hassle-Free Walt Disney World Vacation" and the new "Hidden Mickeys of WDW" book, both published by The Intrepid Traveler Publishers.

 

[DNBois]

I wouldn't bother on MK EE days because the crowds are so thick. I would check on the other parks on those days - Wednesday is a great day for MK. DH and I have come up with a theory - it seems that families get there Saturday and to avoid the crowds (locals and such) they seem to wait until Monday and Tuesday to hit those parks. Trust us - check out MK at opening on Wednesday early, early am and run to Tomorrowland - you will be glad you did. We never really had a problem with EE at the other parks - have fun!!

 

[MaryKatesMom]

I too am an early riser so getting to the park early, particularly MK is a dream. Walking up Main St. first thing in the morning is such a pleasure.

We ride more attractions in the first hour and a half of EE then we do in the afternoon.

I usually pull out of the park at lunch and go back to the hotel for lunch and a swim.

 

[helenk]

I thought that the early entry was now just an hour? It is an hour and half? I know it was an hour and a half went it was called Surprise Mornings, but now that they changed it to the Extra Magic hour I thought that the park opened only an hour early.
Since I am going in September and want to take advantage of these early openings I want to be sure I have all my facts together.

 

[KatelynnsAuntie]

This is my first post, but I am no stranger to Disney! In my opinion, I think it depends on who you're traveling with. I am taking my 7-year-old niece in August - just me and her. I am going to avoid EE so she can sleep an extra hour, then do a park that is NOT having EE, yet still be there at opening. However, on my past trips that where I have gone with only adults, EE was a lifesaver!

 

[Steven Barrett]

helenk,

Early Entry is now called the Extra Magic Hour. Disney will open the park at one hour before the official opening time. I recommend arriving to the entrance turnstiles 20 to 30 minutes before the park is scheduled to open for Early Entry, so you can be toward the front of the line. Another reason to arrive early: If the hotels are crowded, Disney may open the park a few minutes early for Early Entry!

Steven Barrett

 

[Kaycee]

Whether to do EE or avoid EE parks is a very individual decision. Factors to consider:

1. Sleep patterns: If you're early risers anyway, you can take advantage of the extra time in the parks. If you're not a morning person, don't make yourself miserable! Go to a non-EE park.

2. Weather: Will it be hot? How well do you manage in the heat? If the heat bothers you, it would be worth getting that extra hour in early, then leaving the parks when the heat gets too bad.

3. Crowd level: How crowded are the parks when you are there? If the crowds are low, you may not get much benefit from EE. If the crowds are bad, and especially if you're someone who is bothered by crowds, getting there before the big rush can help.

4. Park hours: When the park hours are reduced, that extra hour can really come in handy.

I'm sure there are more, those are just some that we consider when deciding whether to do EE or not.

 

[rexmundi]

Steven Barrett:

Hi. I just got your Hidden Mickey book from Amazon.com. I can't wait to take it on my trip! We're gonna have a blast. Thanks for writing it.

My only suggestion (for a possible next edition) would be to add some photos or drawings to show the difference between a "classic Mickey" and a true Mickey and pseudo-Mickeys, etc. It would be cool to have a photo section where you would have to find the photographed Hidden Mickey (you could give hints on the general area where the phot was taken). Just a suggestion. Love the book!

 

[donna in Oz]

Nothing to add, really; just wanted to welcome KatelynnsAuntie to the boards!!

It's nice to have you here . . .let us hear from you more often

 

[SuiteDisney]

If you don't do early entry, I suggest that you go to the park that had early entry the day before in hopes that the crowds were just there and have moved on to the next early entry park.

 

[Steven Barrett]

rexmundi,

Thanks for the nice comments. I've just been posting some Hidden Mickey revisions (lost ones and new ones) at my publishers website (www.theotherorlando.com) for inclusion in the next edition of the Hidden Mickeys book. The Disney Company is very protective of its trademarks. In the past, Disney only allowed photos in the official Birnbaum's book. Recently, Disney has loosened a bit; they allowed me to use one photo on the back cover of my touring book: The Hassle-Free WDW Vacation. Disney didn't review the Hidden Mickeys book before publication. Maybe in future Hidden Mickey editions, they'll allow me to use photos, or at least drawings. I agree; it would really enhance the book! Thanks for the comments and have a great trip!

Steve

 

[crzy4dsny]

I would take advantage of the EE. If the park gets crowded later then leave.