EMH, are they worth it?

[amytong]

This may have been asked before, but if so, I can't find it. I see many people on here talking about taking advantage of the EMH. However, most of the guide books and touring plans recommend staying away from the parks with EMH citing much heavier crowds. I am staying at a resort in early June, but I have my plans based on staying away from the EMH. Am I making a mistake?

 

[redsbe]

basically there are two differing views/approaches with EMH: take advantage of to get 1 hr head start on those unwilling to get up that early OR simply avoid due to increase crowds and go to another park. Some EMH folks will use them, but hop to another park mid-day. Personally getting to a park for a 8am (sometimes it is 7am!) opening is simply too early and not worth it on vacation, especially if you consider that you may have been at a park late the night before or looking to stay in a park that day into late evening, making for a long day. So we have always avoided EMH park visiting another park aiming for RD advantage at regular 9am openings. Really depends on how you and your party feel about 6 or 7am starts to their day while on vacation.

 

[amytong]

Thanks for your response. Also, we did not get park hopper passes, so wherever we start, we stay. That was a factor in my planning as well.

 

[PeasandCarrots]

We avoid EMH. I can't tell you if it's really that much difference in crowds as it always seems crowded to me, but for the early EMH, not all of the rides are open and we're rarely out late enough to enjoy the late EMH. Plus for the early EMH we had more than once left way early to get there in time (like 1 hour before opening) and due to transportation issues didn't get there until say 8:30 and by that point you've missed most of the advantage. I find it less stressful to just go to the most recommended park of the day and normal hours (I use easywdw.com).

 

[RedAngie]

Thanks for your response. Also, we did not get park hopper passes, so wherever we start, we stay. That was a factor in my planning as well.

In that case, yes, stay away from EMH parks. I'd only go to a morning EMH if I had hoppers.

 

[ChimCher-ee]

We have always taken advantage of early EMH. We've also always gone at a time of year where there isn't much difference between a 9 level and above - - crowded is crowded, no matter what. So, I just love the extra time in the mornings and fine we always csn ride things many times without using FPs until the afternoon, when lines build up.

But I just wanted to put a word in for the "other side"!

 

[amytong]

In that case, yes, stay away from EMH parks. I'd only go to a morning EMH if I had hoppers.

Thank you, and I love the North Stars logo!

 

[tlmadden73]

Are they worth staying at a resort JUST to be able to use EMH? - NO

If you already staying at a resort, then I would try and use them if your goal is to "get on a lot of the rides".

If you don't mind early rising or staying up late ... then go for it.

I personally would choose early morning EMH over evening.
you will be able to get a ton done in that first hour, even if you aren't rushing.

I wouldn't schedule your days around EMH, but if they happen to coincide a few times, great. (You'll probably get burned out trying to get up super early or stay up super late several days in a row anyway)

I know the guides say to avoid the parks on EMH days, but the time savings you have in the early morning (or late evening) probably make up for the park being more crowded during the middle of the day. I didn't have any issues with crowds on a day I took advantage of my early morning EMH at MK.

 

[DisMommyTX]

We have never made it to a park at opening time, much less an hour earlier. We tend to sleep in, arrive around noon, use our FP during peak times, then stay until the park closes. We hardly ever leave before the fireworks (or whatever night show the park has). We usually try to do the 'recommended' parks, but occasionally for scheduling reasons we will be at one of the 'less' recommended parks on a day. For example, we almost always spend our first day at MK, regardless of crowd levels. We started at EPCOT once but my son kept asking when we could go to 'Disney World'. We do notice a crowd difference, but not enough to make us leave or avoid it on future trips. That said, we also have AP or park hoppers most trips, so we often hop over to MK or DHS for late EMH and it is amazing! I can't wait to add AK to the list of parks worth hopping over to for an evening

I love the MK at midnight in the summer!! The lines are short, it is cooler, and the park is half empty. Most of the toddlers are gone or sleeping in their strollers, so my kids can walk on to Dumbo, Goofy, Little Mermaid, Speedway, and all their favorites over and over with no wait, even on peak days in July! DH and I can just relax as the atmosphere is more laid back. The last couple hours at any park are the best (especially if your family is not early risers!) and the EMH version is my favorite!

In your situation, I would probably try to go to the recommended parks, but if you find that an EMH park works better in your schedule one day, for whatever reason, then don't be afraid to try it!