Extra Magic Hrs vs. Unofficial Guide re: scheduling days

[Robindianne]

Is the general concensus that it's better to follow the Unofficial Guide's recommended days to visit the parks even tho the recommendations are based on not going to the parks w/that day's EMH? Or would it be better to go to the early morning EMH openings and then maybe switch parks later in the day? What do other DIS people do?

I have lots of days, but it's my first time and I really want to see and do as much as possible (w/out running and knocking down anyone smaller than me - kidding). Anyway, I leave soon and am not sure if I should change my tentative itinerary and would appreciate any help or tips or ideas.

Thanks so much.

 

[sandraB]

We actually followed the recommendations of which days to visit according to the unofficial guide. We stayed on property, but avoided the EMH, and it worked great. We walked on to all major rides at the parks. We talked to other families visiting at the same time we were, and heard how crowded the parks where on EMH days. We just made sure we got there early, and we always left for an afternoon break, then went back. Often in the evenings it was not crowded either. We found that there were many people just arriving as we left every day. This worked great for us, as our kids loved the pool just as much as the parks!

 

[ladydancer]

We actually followed the recommendations of which days to visit according to the unofficial guide. We stayed on property, but avoided the EMH, and it worked great. We walked on to all major rides at the parks. We talked to other families visiting at the same time we were, and heard how crowded the parks where on EMH days. We just made sure we got there early, and we always left for an afternoon break, then went back. Often in the evenings it was not crowded either. We found that there were many people just arriving as we left every day. This worked great for us, as our kids loved the pool just as much as the parks!

Thanks for the info as we were planning on following the guide ourselfs. Makes since to go to the park the next morning that had the emh the night before. Hope we have as much luck as you without the crowds.

 

[kirbsam]

We have always done the early morning emh and it has worked wonderfully. We get done in that first hour or so numerous rides. Then around 10 or 11, we bolt for another park. We swear by early morning touring.

 

[CleveRocks]

What everyone above has been saying is what the Unofficial Guide recommends: ONLY go to a park with morning EMH if you get there for the early opening, stay only long enough to do what you want to do the most, and then get outta there and hop before the crowds get unbearable. That's what I plan to do in May.

-- Eric

 

[marriedmarylander]

I thought the UG said if you have to choose between morning or evening EMH go in the evening. We plan to take advantage of evenings but now aren't sure since Disney added morning EMH to the same days!

 

[Robindianne]

Ah. OK, I'll stick w/the UOGuide recommendation schedule I made, but still be at the parks when they open, only on non EMH morning days. I already have PSes based on that schedule. Then, if I get a hankering to arrive still earlier, we'll go to an EMH morning park and switch at late morning - yay for park hoppers. I sure like the idea of EMH nights. We are doing those for sure!

Too excited to eat, sleep, or drink. I am counting down hours til take-off, and hours til leaving for the airport.

I sure appreciate this board and all the mousies on it. I've gotten so much information and ideas from you all. Thanks for the help.

 

[lentesta]

Thanks for reading the book.

Len

 

[Donnask8pro]

Hey Len, tell them what you recommend.. They seem confused