EE vs regular park opening?

[bumbershoot]

To be specific, they started offering EE to DLR hotel guests in July 2005 right when the actual 50th anniversary occured (July 17). I visited on Aug 1 that year and word was only one EE day for a 3+ day ticket. And then we showed up for our trip (we were offsite that year) and this new perk was being given to the DLR hotel guests. But it is now 2 1/2 years later and the perk is still there, and has never, ever been officially advertised.

That is so cool to have such direct knowledge of it!

 

[HydroGuy]

Hydro was right in this case to assume we have not done Nemo yet, and it is high on our list to do on this trip, at least once. Personally i loved the old Sub ride, and it was a must do for me every trip, add to the fact my kids are Nemo Freaks, we could very well do it more than once.

We are staying at the DLR on DVC points so we dont have any package perks... not sure if just staying onsite is good enough for EE, or if we are SOL on that front. Either way, we need a morning plan on Non EE mornings, since we have MORE of them than EE lol

My first inclination is to do FL durning EE, and saving Nemo for non EE mornings. But it all could be moot if we dont have EE privledges lol

We totally understand the need, the essential requirement, the "cannot miss it" situation with Nemo. While the subs was not a particular favorite of mine as a child, there is no way I would have have missed it this summer. So I hope you do not think we are throwing cold water on your desire to ride Nemo. In your situation you must do it. And it is not a bad ride. I think many of us were hoping for more, but having those subs moving around the lagoon after seeing it empty for so many years is just so, so, so, right. I think you will enjoy it. As other posts have elaborated it appears you will have the multiple EE days to pursue it.

 

[Hound 109]

We have 8 nights onsite

And why not advertise it? I have been going crazy with 10 windows open trying to figure out which ticket deal I can buy to get EE and TTMM, because I had no idea.

(can I just say I hate both the WDW and the DLR websites)

8 days on site. Throw me in the Briar Patch.

Other un-advertised "things" to know (that could change at any time). Most (all) are revealed in HydroGuy's tip threads:

- Pick up a FP at 9:01am, use it at 7:47pm (even though it says 9:50am - 10:50am). Bottom line? Pick up 3-5 FPs in the morning & use at night.
- Disconnected FPs (RR & Griz Rapids) More FPs for your touring pleasure.
- Don't get in the long line & walk with the crowds & sit downstairs at Aladdin. Get in the short Mezzanine line. Stay to the left as you enter...walk PAST the mid point & down to the first row Mezzanine. (Guys...is it called the Mezzanine??)
- Share Dole Whip Floats....so you don't throw half away.

Probably 2 dozen others.

 

[1KidandaHalf]

FWIW, we really enjoyed FL on EE, as people were mowing each other down to get to Nemo and the lines at FL were a breeze. We were able to do all the FL rides we planned and my DH and DS4 did Matterhorn twice. (Alas, I couldn't ride that one, bc I'm preggo!)

Let me note that we were never first in line for anything (except for, miraculously, MTTMM where we go to be Honorary Family for it ) because we didn't want to be that aggressive or stressed about it. We did arrive at opening every day and so were able to enjoy the lower crowds then.

We did do Nemo first thing on a non-EE day and were on the second sub. When we got in line, there were a number of folks in front of us. However, a CM came up and said that the ride was down due to technical difficulties. Some of the people left the line, although no one in front of us. We decided to stick it out and was rewarded less than 5 minutes later when we were told that the ride was working. Even getting in line first and having really no wait, the ride sucked up a lot of our time that morning and so, IMO, wasn't worth wasting an EE on.

Worth noting - we hit a couple of rides - POTC and Nemo - when it was temp closed and both within minutes (POTC was more like 90 seconds!) were open again. As a result, we were in the first row of the first boat for POTC when it reopened. So if a ride is down, it might be worth hanging around just a little bit to see if it's up again...then again, it could be down for a while. Maybe we were just lucky!

I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter what. I know we did.

 

[Laurabearz]

Thanks Hound! And I have read Hydro's very informative thread... might even print it out and take it with me.. hehe

But I am a old Disneyland gal... used to live right down on Harbor Blvd, just past Ball road... Back when DCA was a parking lot and each ride took tickets

We want to spend a lot of time in Fantasyland since that is the most different from WDW and I love Alice, Mr Toad, and the Storybook Canal boats. And I cant wait to ride the Matterhorn over and over.

I took my family back to DLR 2 years ago for a short Mother's day trip, just 3days 4 nights, and it was so rushed.. I went over board this trip and booked us 8 nights, but may cancel the last night since we have decided to make the trek to the Grand Canyon/Sedona for a few days after DLR.

Anyway I have rambled way off topic here sorry


Thankfully the time change works in our favor to hit the parks first thing in the morning...

Question... on EE days it's basically FL and Nemo that's open yes? What about Buzz and Space Mountain?

 

[DangerMouse]

Thanks Hound! And I have read Hydro's very informative thread... might even print it out and take it with me.. hehe

But I am a old Disneyland gal... used to live right down on Harbor Blvd, just past Ball road... Back when DCA was a parking lot and each ride took tickets

We want to spend a lot of time in Fantasyland since that is the most different from WDW and I love Alice, Mr Toad, and the Storybook Canal boats. And I cant wait to ride the Matterhorn over and over.

I took my family back to DLR 2 years ago for a short Mother's day trip, just 3days 4 nights, and it was so rushed.. I went over board this trip and booked us 8 nights, but may cancel the last night since we have decided to make the trek to the Grand Canyon/Sedona for a few days after DLR.

Anyway I have rambled way off topic here sorry


Thankfully the time change works in our favor to hit the parks first thing in the morning...

Question... on EE days it's basically FL and Nemo that's open yes? What about Buzz and Space Mountain?

Buzz and Space are available at EE as well, as is the Astro Orbiter. Although not ALL of FL is open. For a complete list of what is standardly open, visit the new EE Super Thread:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1675403

 

[Hound 109]

Buzz and Space are available at EE as well, as is the Astro Orbiter. Although not ALL of FL is open. For a complete list of what is standardly open, visit the new EE Super Thread:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1675403

DangerMouse is correct.

If i had 6-7 days at DLR (4-5 days of EE), I'd probably get tired of FL since I'd be doing them first on at least 3-4 of the mornings......NOT !!!!

Couldn't agree with you more. Some of my favorite DL rides are not at MK.

- Toadie
- Alice
- Pinocchio

& at DCA

- Grizz
- Screamin'
- Aladdin Performance.

& as i'm sure you're aware several DLR rides are better than their WDW counterparts:

- Pirates
- SM
- Buzz
- IASW
- Soarin' is cooler too....cause it's Soarin...OVER CALIFORNIA!!

You guys are going to have a blast.

 

[Laurabearz]

ok I dont mean to be nutzo about this but....

My friend just booked a package at DLR and was told on the phone that with the package that she ONLY GETS ONE Early entry.. and the lady made a point to mention ONLY ONE..

Also on the DLR website it mentions with the packages ONLY ONE Early Entry..


Is this how it's been in 2007... or are they cracking down on it for 2008??

Are there any reports of 2008 packages where onsite people do get EE every time it's offered...

Thanks

 

[HydroGuy]

ok I dont mean to be nutzo about this but....

My friend just booked a package at DLR and was told on the phone that with the package that she ONLY GETS ONE Early entry.. and the lady made a point to mention ONLY ONE..

Also on the DLR website it mentions with the packages ONLY ONE Early Entry..


Is this how it's been in 2007... or are they cracking down on it for 2008??

Are there any reports of 2008 packages where onsite people do get EE every time it's offered...

Thanks

Since July 17, 2005, DLR onsite hotel guests have gotten EE/MM every day it is offered. There has never been a time for 2 1/2 years that someone was not allowed to do this, and there has never been a time where DLR has publicized that resort guests get the multiple EE/MMs (except when they actually arrive at the hotel).

Once or twice a month since July 2005 someone pops in here to say that they were told they would get only one EE/MM and every time we tell them it is not true. And every time they have actually gotten multiple EE/MM days. The 100% success rate leads most of us to think it will continue.

 

[bumbershoot]

The lady that your friend booked with was either with WDTC or another agency booking through WDTC. They aren't at the hotels and they don't necessarily know about the hotels.

Just last week on another board someone staying at the GCH verified that they got in early each day it was available.

But it's OK to not want to rest all of your vacation plans on this, I mean, things *could* change. So make your plans based on one, and if/when you get more during your long stay, it will be a delightful surprise!

 

[Laurabearz]

First I should say It's not that I dont believe you.... but this is a new year and as you all said it could change at anytime, so I was wondering if this was the time... lol

Hydro... so we get both EE and TTMM? Or is your EE/MM short for Early Entry now called Magical Mornings...

And Bumbershoot, I am planning on only One Magical Morning and working from there, but when it comes to booking morning PS's it would be handy to know when we can get into the parks.

 

[disney-super-mom]

ok I dont mean to be nutzo about this but....

My friend just booked a package at DLR and was told on the phone that with the package that she ONLY GETS ONE Early entry.. and the lady made a point to mention ONLY ONE..

Also on the DLR website it mentions with the packages ONLY ONE Early Entry..


Is this how it's been in 2007... or are they cracking down on it for 2008??

Are there any reports of 2008 packages where onsite people do get EE every time it's offered...

Thanks

We stayed at the Paradise Pier in early November of 2007, and this is exactly what it says in our welcome package that we received after checking in:

"Early Entry: As a Guest of the Disneyland Resort, you have access to Disneyland Park one hour before scheduled Theme Park opening on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday. Please remember to bring your Hotel ID/In-House Charge Card and your Theme Park tickets to ensure admittance. During this time you will have access to Fantasyland attractions as well as select attractions in Tomorrowland. All times and attractions are subject to change without notice."

We also received the same perk when we stayed at the Paradise Pier in 2006. But as others have said, it's not something that Disney has ever advertised.

(I wanted to add that I believe the days EE (aka MM) are offered has changed to Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.....I think.)

 

[HydroGuy]

First I should say It's not that I dont believe you.... but this is a new year and as you all said it could change at anytime, so I was wondering if this was the time... lol

Well, I guess we will find out for sure when we get a report from someone was there this month. But that doesn't mean they won't change on Feb 1. Or Mar 1. Etc. I think the advice given by others to not count on it as rock solid but to know it is highly likely to be there and know how to use it is the way to go. But that goes for lots of things at DLR. On our biggest trip ever to DLR in Aug 2005, three days before we arrived CS had an accident and they had it closed down for our trip and for the next 3-4 months. Lots of things are subject to change.

Hydro... so we get both EE and TTMM? Or is your EE/MM short for Early Entry now called Magical Mornings...

No, only EE/MM. TTMM actually requires separate voucher tickets you get when you book thru Disney under certain conditions. And you will only get one of those.