Extra Magic Hours

[mdevries]

We are planning to go to Disney World in July 2006. Some of the books I've been reading say to avoid the parks that have early EMH's because they are just so crowded. Is this true?

 

[HydroGuy]

There are multiple schools of thought on this one. One position is that since WDW started charging for parkhopping the last couple years, a majority of people do not buy hopper tickets and are thus stuck at whatever park they choose first. Then, on top of that, people try to get "extra hours" at EMH. Thus any EMH park will be more crowded than a non-EMH park.

On top of that, evening EMH goes 3 hours past park closing, sometimes until 3AM. Thus people are out late the night before. The next morning after an evening EMH at the park is considered a good time to go to that park.

 

[byoung]

I was there this week, MK early was on thursday. I went on wednesday and it turned out to be a good choice no lines at all.

 

[yasuern]

I am one of those folks who said AVOID EMH!!! - but i think its more about the time of year you go - last July AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL!!!! - last week only used MGM evening EMH - and it was fine - we had gone over to MGM just to see Fantasmic when we got talking to a cast member who told us it was EMH that night and to go get the wrist bands now before the show started - we did and got on RnRC 2 times and ToT once in less than 40 minutes - hello - it was great!!!



But I think it's the time of year you go!




Sue

 

[Loves Disney]

- last July AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL!!!! -

I can second that! lol We ended up waiting in longer lines during the EMH than we would have during regual times! This past July was packed, I guess because this was the first summer of the Happiest Celebration on Earth.

 

[VAN]

We tend to take advantage of EMH. We are there for the rope drop, do the popular rides and then if it starts getting crowded, head to another park.

The evenings hours tend to be hit or miss as to whether or not it is busy.

 

[mouseplanner]

I am one of those folks who said AVOID EMH!!! - but i think its more about the time of year you go - last July AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL!!!! - last week only used MGM evening EMH - and it was fine - we had gone over to MGM just to see Fantasmic when we got talking to a cast member who told us it was EMH that night and to go get the wrist bands now before the show started - we did and got on RnRC 2 times and ToT once in less than 40 minutes - hello - it was great!!!



But I think it's the time of year you go!




Sue

Are the wrist bands for the Fantasmic show? We are headed back to Epcot at night (mon. 5/8) with two kids just to see Fantasmic. Turns out it's an EMH night and we're concerned that the park will be over crowded and we'll miss out on the show. If the wristbands are for the show, how do you get them? Any info is appreciated, we only have one day there and I really don't want to miss the show. Thanks.

 

[Robo]

Are the wrist bands for the Fantasmic show? We are headed back to Epcot at night (mon. 5/8) with two kids just to see Fantasmic.

I guess you mean you're going back to the STUDIOS that night.

No, the wristbands are not involved with Fantasmic! (the show will be for all guests.)

Yes, you can assume Fantasmic! will be very crowded.

Its one show only, at 9pm.

Just to be cautious, If you can't be IN THE THEATER by 8:00 and 8:15 or so, you might have a problem finding a seat.

Other plan is to do the "Fantasmic! Dining Package" and be assured of a pretty good seat.

 

[mouseplanner]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I meant MGM Studios (oops - Disney on the brain). One more question please. Re Fantasmic, I'm wondering what time they begin to let people into the theater? (i.e. 1 hour before show, etc. ) If I get there at 8:00 will I be standing on line or moving in to find a seat. This is probably a silly question but is it possible for me to go early and save seats for my DH and 2 kids? Will that start a riot??!!

 

[Robo]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I meant MGM Studios (oops - Disney on the brain). One more question please. Re Fantasmic, I'm wondering what time they begin to let people into the theater? (i.e. 1 hour before show, etc. ) If I get there at 8:00 will I be standing on line or moving in to find a seat. This is probably a silly question but is it possible for me to go early and save seats for my DH and 2 kids? Will that start a riot??!!

If its the first show (when there are 2) or the ONLY show of the evening, they open the "gates" about 1.5-2 hours before showtime.
So, no stopped "line" to wait in.

If you have cell-phones to communicate, the "saving seats" should work out fine.
Many people go in first and "save seats".
But the theater is HUGE... a sea of people.
If you can't talk via phone, the rest of your party may NEVER find you.
If you do have phones, take careful note of exactly which section (Disney Character) and ROW you are in, so you can "talk them in".

 

[mouseplanner]

Thanks Robo - that's great news - I didn't think I could do that! My DH thinks I'm overplanning this whole vacation but I have found so much invaluable info here! Thanks again.