Early morning timing

[MassMom]

Trying to get to plan for an August day at MK starting as early as possible (on a non-EMH day) but not sure about the timing. It will be our first park day and we'll need to buy tickets. Here're my questions - any help appreciated:

Arrive at parking lot - 8:00? 8:15ish?
Take Tram to TTA - 10 min
Buy tickets - 10 min; What time do the ticket windows open?
Ride Monorail - 10 min; what time will they let us on the monorails from the TTA?

Enter! Park official opening: 9:00 - what time do they really start letting folks in?

If we arrive at the parking lot as early as 8:00 will we just be waiting around more than necessary? THANKS!!!!

 

[Kirk]

If we arrive at the parking lot as early as 8:00 will we just be waiting around more than necessary? THANKS!!!!

Possibly, but I can think of worst places to be! If you really want to get in early how 'bout picking up some cancellation PS to breakfast before 9? Or maybe buying your tickets online could save some time?

 

[sunnygirl]

Are you going at the end of August or beginning? Later in the month should be less crowded because southern schools are back in session already. If you're going earlier in Aug, I'd get there earlier.

We went last year on a non-EMH day and followed UG's advice to arrive 50 minutes early (plus an extra 15 minutes to buy tickets). We actually did not need to take the trams because we could walk to the TTA from our parking spots- the joy of being early! After buying tickets, taking the monorail, and going through security and the turnstiles, we ended up having 30 minutes to spare. While I would much prefer to be early, the only downside was that it was already getting hot and I felt guilty, having forced everyone in our party of 12 out of bed early . We got so much done in the morning, though, so they thanked me and I never heard a complaint about having to get up early or baking in the sun for 30 minutes!

 

[sunnygirl]

Oh - I forgot - I had read that they sometimes let people onto Main Street before official opening time, but I don't believe that is done anymore (?) If the crowds are heavy, then they might open earlier. Our August day last year was not busy, however, and they let us in right at 9:00am

 

[Deb & Bill]

You may get through the gate before the official opening time, but you will be held back with a rope somewhere before you can get on any attractions.

 

[MassMom]

Great help so far! Thanks all... we're going at the beginning of August so we'll be right in the thick of it. Unfortunately, buying tickets in advance is not an option since we're only buying 2-day passes.

KIRK - can you tell me more about the PS cancellations for before 9:00? Not sure how that would work.

Anyone know what time the ticket windows open?

Thanks again!

 

[bianca66]

We were there last wk, went to MK two different mornings, got there before 9. They did the opening ceremony both mornings at 8:50 am. We had just gotten thru the turnstiles and were waiting to enter. As soon as the opening ceremony is over, everyone starts moving, it's actually a few min. before nine. It takes a few minutes to get to the land you want thru Main Street. My advice - get to the front of the line, at latest by 8:30am. You still have to wait, but you're near the front of the crowd trudging thru Main Street.

We also drove, it was a little less than ten min. from our resort over by Downtown Disney to MK. We got the AAA Diamond Parking that let us park in the front lot closest to the monorail station. That helped. (You must be a AAA member and buy your Disney tix or vacation pkg. from AAA to get this.)
We left our resort around 8:20am and went thru the entry turnstiles by 8:45am. So, 25 min. from our resort to the actual park entry.
I wanted to leave earlier but could not get my pokey family out the door!
Even still, as long as you get there in time to see the opening ceremony, you should be ok. The crowd on Main St. quickly disperses throughout the park and it won't be "crowded" until later in the morning.

 

[cepmom]

just wanted to throw this out there ~ you can buy 2 day tickets at Discount Orlando Vacation. It may save you time (and money) if you purchase them in advance. Here's the link for the 2 day passes on sale:

http://www.discountorlandovacation.com/cgi-bin/ccp51/cp-app.cgi?pg=cat&ref=specials