Extra Magic Hour

[HailToPitt]

My family and I will be going to WDW the end of January, acutally the 24-31st. We will be staying on site for the first time, Pop Century.

I have read in a lot of the books to stay away from the parks that have early entry? Do many of you find it to be that much more crowded on those days? They also suggest to go for the moring to the park with early entry and then go to another park. I will be with my DD(4yrs) DW and parents. I hate to drag them around if it really isn't necessary.

Love the boards. Thanks

 

[XStAnt]

At the time of year you are going I don't think it will matter too much.

My general rule of thumb is that EMH is great when (especially when it's crowded). You can get a lot accomplished in that extra hour. However, this only applies if you get to the park early enough to take advantage of the extra time. If EMH begins at 8:00 am and you don't get to the park until 8:40 am it is not very helpful.

Most people think that EMH does cause that park to be a little more crowded on that day because of the extra resort guests. Therefore, if you're not taking advantge of EMH I suggest going to a non-EMH park that day (perhaps the park that had ENH the day before).

Because of the slight increase in crowd level at the EMH park many people like to leave that park by late morning and go to a different park. I feel that by mid-morning I've already hit the big rides that have the longest waits. I'm now on the other rides while most of the crowds are lining up for the bigger attractions I've already done. With good use of FP I feel I can "stay ahead" of the masses so I just stay at the same park all day. Plus, it takes about an hour to exit one park, travel and enter a second park. I'd rather spend more time in the first park. Of course, everyone tours differently and some people may not tour as "fast" as DW and I do.

However, if the crowds seem to get too large for your liking you can always hop to another park. But in January I think the crowds will be low and you shouodn't have too many problems at any park.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[pampam]

Well said XStAnt.

 

[mtdevine615]

There's not much more I can say that XStAnt didn't. The biggest thing is if the park opens at 8:00 be there at 7:45. Also wanted to welcome you to the Dis and to let you know that DW and I will also be at Pop from Jan. 21st - 31st. Can't wait since we're getting 1 to 2 feet of snow this weekend.