Epcot on EMH day...???

[jcemom]

We will be going the first week of February. DH wants to do Epcot first...but our first full day is Wednesday--EMH day at Epcot! We are staying offsite so would not be there for EMH. Will the crowds be really bad?

DH has not given much input towards planning, so I hate to "say no" to his only request so far. But...one of the main reasons for choosing that time of year was to have lighter crowds. It would defeat the purpose to go on a bad day, no?

I know the general rule of avoiding EMH parks...but I guess I'm hoping someone will say Epcot will not be too bad at that time of year regardless of EMH! (Wishful thinking???)

Thanks for all opinions, especially if you've been at that time of year!

 

[meeko_33785]

On my experiences, the crowds at EPCOT always seem managable even on EMH days. I spend most of my time in WS though where lines and queues are not as much as a concern though (based on my experiences, you can get into practically anything at WS besides Maelstrom with minimum to no wait.) Don't know about Future World, though. Hope this helps.

 

[jcemom]

Yes, it does! Thank you. That is what I was hoping to hear. I probably should have added to my original post that we will have a second day available for Epcot. Maybe we could spend the first day in the world showcase, then use the second day to hit Future World at opening.

 

[jcemom]

Anyone else who can help me? Any other opinions?

 

[lentesta]

Epcot is probably the park that's least affected by EMH. If you FASTPASS Test Track right at 9 a.m., you shouldn't notice too much difference in wait times at most other attractions throughout the rest of the day. I'll go out on a limb and say that you'll see the most influence at Living with the Land and Maelstrom. As both of these are FASTPASS attractions, you'll be able to minimize the crowd impact that way.

Hope this helps. Have a great time in the park!

Len

 

[jcemom]

Thanks Len!

 

[zcomic]

Maybe we could spend the first day in the world showcase, then use the second day to hit Future World at opening.

Remember, while future world opens at 8:00 or 9:00 (depending on EMH) world showcase doesn't open until 11:00

 

[jcemom]

Maybe we'll take len's suggestion of getting a test track fast pass at 9:00, then doing whatever we can in future world until our fast pass time, then world showcase for a while. Nothing specific.

The next morning we could come back to future world at opening and pick up whatever we missed, then catch the rest of world showcase.

DH's idea of "Epcot first" is because he feels that if we do MK first, the kids won't enjoy Epcot (maybe not even AK and MGM) as much. For now, with MUCH time left to change our minds, we're looking at:

Tues- arrival around 3:00 -- no specific plans
Wed- Epcot until around 2:00
Thur- Epcot until around 2:00 -- possibly back for Illuminations
Fri- day to relax -- no specific plans
Sat- Animal Kingdom -- possibly staying for parade
Sun- MGM until around 1:00 -- back for Fantasmic
Mon- day to relax -- no specific plans
Tues- MK -- possibly staying for afternoon parade
Wed- MK -- staying for afternoon parade if missed yesterday
Thurs- departure day (not until 5:00 - so we "could" do something)

I know we'll be missing Spectro, but it will probably only show on Saturday, and I don't want to fight any crowds.
I'd like to catch MK's and AK's afternoon parades, but will have to play it by ear depending on whether or not the kiddos get tired.

 

[Jackie H.]

I have never been the first week of February, so I can't give you first hand experience. But I agree that EPCOT seems to be able to handle crowds better than the other parks. Remember, it is a huge park with very large (wide) walking areas.

Is that week considered and "off peak" time? If so, I wouldn't give it another thought! Just go enjoy, you won't even notice a crowd of any type. If that week is considered highly attended, then take the advice of getting a TT fast pass and try to hit The Land and Malestrom at a good time and you will be fine.

Now, for me, eating at EPCOT is a biggie!! I love those WS restaurants. If the week is highly attended, make some PSs. If it isn't you should be able to drop into any restaurant without PSs and find a seat.

We've been in early December, November and the first week of September and we have NEVER encountered a crowd of any kind at EPCOT - on any ride or at any restaurant. EPCOT can really handle a lot of people before you starting noticing it.

 

[jcemom]

Jackie, It's considered value season up until the day after we leave (right before President's Day weekend).

Maybe since we'll be saving MK for last, we'll do the character lunch at Garden Grill so that we get to see Mickey...?

I'm glad to hear of your experiences, as I would think crowds/ attendance should be similar to those times of year according to everything I've read. I've only ever been in summer, and one other time in early February -- before EMH and before kids!

 

[wdwrich]

Don't forget that Mission Space will be in full operation by the time you visit, so that may be the "biggie" for which you might want to get that first FastPass.

 

[jcemom]

Originally posted by wdwrich
Don't forget that Mission Space will be in full operation by the time you visit, so that may be the "biggie" for which you might want to get that first FastPass.

Yes, I'll have to keep that in mind. We could let the boys decide which they want to ride the first day, then do the other on the second day. (Knowing them, they will each pick a different one!)

Then again, maybe we should "save" Mission Space for day two, just to ensure they will want to return in case they don't like Epcot!