Entering park without EMH/MM

[Ross3half]

We'll be at the parks in a few weeks on a Saturday and Sunday and staying off-site so we won't have EMH or MM. What is our best bet on Saturday since DL opens at 8am for EMH/MM but we won't be able to get in until 9am? What time do you recommend arriving for security and should we go to CA first instead of DL? If we do go to DL first, what land/attraction do you recommend starting off with?

Thanks!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Generally, the advice here is to start your day at the park that doesn't have EMH/MM. That, at least, will give you equal footing with everyone else. If you do decide to start at DL on Saturday, head for Adventureland, Frontierland, and the other areas which don't open early. That will put you on a basically equal footing in that park. If you start with TL or FL, you'll be an hour behind the guests there who entered early.
Where will you be staying? Will you be using the Harbor bag check or going through M&F? If you will be using the Harbor bag check, give yourself more time. That side can back up during peak hours.

 

[lindyv321]

I would definitely start at DCA on Saturday! Everyone who has EME will be packing DL and will stay all morning making it more crowded. In the afternoon I’d hop over to DL as people start trickling into DCA. Also remember if you are using MaxPass that you can book for rides in DL while in DCA. If you plan right you can hop to Disney with all your rides lined up!

 

[Ross3half]

Thanks! Any advice on security lines if we’re going for the regular 9am open on an 8am MM day?

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Thanks! Any advice on security lines if we’re going for the regular 9am open on an 8am MM day?

The earlier you hit security, the better, especially on the Harbor side. I’d probably try to be at security around 8. Even if it takes 30 minutes, you still have time to get into the park before rope drop, but if it only takes 10 minutes, you’re not killing too much time before they open the park.