For those who have been to EMH at DCA

[mrswh]

Just wondering if things have calmed down a bit lately . . . is there a long line winding through the GCH lobby by 6:30 a.m. or can I show up right at 7 and be fine? My goal is to ride RSR with a 40 minute or less wait, and be off in time to get RSR FPs before the masses come in. And not to wake my kids up at 5:30 a.m.

 

[skiingfast]

Assuming RSR if open at 7am, which I said has only about a 30% chance of happening. You could show up at 7am and be off the ride at 7:30.

Usually what is happening is RSR opens late, 15, 30, 45 even 90 minutes late. So the hotel guests get in line and wait the 15-90 minutes. Also going in the GCH gate can put you behind a lot of guest coming from the front gate. So you could get behind 500 people another 15 minutes of waiting if you show up at 7am.

Other things are open at 7, don't forget LFT, CS, TSMM and ToT. Have back up plan if the RSR line looks bad, and get in line at 7:50 for a RSR FP.

 

[mrswh]

Thanks, ski! So are you saying that from the GCH, it makes more sense to wait at the front gates than the GCH entrance?

 

[ValpoCory]

Thanks, ski! So are you saying that from the GCH, it makes more sense to wait at the front gates than the GCH entrance?

Yes, the main entrance is where you should enter.

 

[algae]

Thanks, ski! So are you saying that from the GCH, it makes more sense to wait at the front gates than the GCH entrance?

Double yes on that.

We showed up at 7:10 last week and the line was so long that the CM was telling everybody that it would be faster to walk to the front gates and enter there(!)

 

[narsel]

OK so is there a particular gate to enter for EMH at Calif. Adventure?

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Yes, there is a special gate at DCA for early entry. It will be marked, and CMs will direct you to it.

The day I went had early entry for APers, so we entered via the gates on the left, the DLR hotel guests used the gate in the middle, and the other guests lined up at the gate on the right.

 

[owensamo]

We were at DCA for 2 EMH days earlier this month. On the first day, Fastpass distribution didn't start until 8am, and RSR didn't open until 11. DH stood in line from 7am to 8am and got fastpasses for 10:50. When we got in line at 10:50, the ride was open and there was already a 60 minute standby wait. I'd say we probably got on the ride right around 11am.

On the second EMH day we were there, we walked past the RSR fastpass distribution at 7:55 (we were trying to get to Luigi's before the day guest crowds). It had a sign that said all fastpasses were gone for the day. Come to find out that was because the ride wasn't up all day! We stopped at Flo's for dinner around 5 and saw a couple of empty cars going through, but still no word on whether or not the ride would even open for the day.

My recommendation would be to ride it as soon as you can get the chance, as it may not be possible again later. Don't count on it being open during EMH.