Early entry into AK??

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

We are heading to AK next Friday and are NOT resort guests. So far, the park hours are 9-10, with no magic hours. I won't be surprised if they had a magic hour, but for now let me go on with my question

A friend just texted me to tell me about an unadvertised hour early opening for Pandora. We weren't able to get a FP for FOP, and plan to join the rope drop chaos to get in this queue first. How do they open AK these days? Last time we were there, they opened the gates about 15 minutes early and let everyone in to the tree to see the bird show.

We will be there REALLY early...we've done a park day over Christmas for the last three years, are always beat the parking attendants. I would just like to know what to expect on a non-magic hour opening.

Thanks so much for your insight!

 

[subtchr]

We are heading to AK next Friday and are NOT resort guests. So far, the park hours are 9-10, with no magic hours. I won't be surprised if they had a magic hour, but for now let me go on with my question

A friend just texted me to tell me about an unadvertised hour early opening for Pandora. We weren't able to get a FP for FOP, and plan to join the rope drop chaos to get in this queue first. How do they open AK these days? Last time we were there, they opened the gates about 15 minutes early and let everyone in to the tree to see the bird show.

We will be there REALLY early...we've done a park day over Christmas for the last three years, are always beat the parking attendants. I would just like to know what to expect on a non-magic hour opening.

Thanks so much for your insight!

Next Friday as in January 5? If so, AK opens at 8:00 that day. No EMH.

AK gates have been opening 45 minutes to an hour before scheduled, and the line has been brought to Pandora. The area has been actually opened 30-45 minutes before scheduled time. These holiday weeks they may do it even earlier than that.

Your best bet is to arrive by 6:30 or 7:00 at the latest for that 8:00 opening, and stay as close to the front of the pack as you can.

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

Next Friday as in January 5? If so, AK opens at 8:00 that day. No EMH.

AK gates have been opening 45 minutes to an hour before scheduled, and the line has been brought to Pandora. The area has been actually opened 30-45 minutes before scheduled time. These holiday weeks they may do it even earlier than that.

Your best bet is to arrive by 6:30 or 7:00 at the latest for that 8:00 opening, and stay as close to the front of the pack as you can.

Thank you!! It's actually 12/29, and I did misquote the time. It's 8:00 that day, as well. We'll definitely be there by 6:30am, so fingers crossed

Thanks again!

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

I will actually be there that day, but I'm flying in and won't get to AK until the early afternoon.

I have been to AK on a normal operating day without EMH. I did experience them opening Pandora about 40 minutes before the park opened, but it was not advertised at all. I have also done the same thing once, and they did not open it early. It is just luck of the draw so far with what I have experienced and read on the boards.

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

I will actually be there that day, but I'm flying in and won't get to AK until the early afternoon.

I have been to AK on a normal operating day without EMH. I did experience them opening Pandora about 40 minutes before the park opened, but it was not advertised at all. I have also done the same thing once, and they did not open it early. It is just luck of the draw so far with what I have experienced and read on the boards.

Thanks for sharing! Let's hope the luck is on our side that day. Enjoy your day at AK!

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

Thanks for sharing! Let's hope the luck is on our side that day. Enjoy your day at AK!

You as well! I won't get on FOP until probably the morning of the 31st before heading to EPCOT. FoP is an amazing attraction! Enjoy it!

Btw...you can go all the way up to the bridge to Pandora before the park opens. Right by Tiffins/Nomad Lounge.