Help - What time do the parks REALLY open, EE and regularly?

[marciemi]

Last time I was there, which was pre 9/11 and all recent changes, there was early entry every day at some park, which we always utilized. But although the parks opened (officially) at 9, they always really opened at 8:30 and they let EE folks in at 7:30. But their official line was still "an hour early", even though we were in and on rides at 7:30.

Is this still the same for EE? Do the gates open at 7:30 or 8:00? I don't want to get the kids up any earlier than necessary!?

Also, we're going to the MK for an non-EE day which I don't think we've ever done before. Will we be let in the gates at 8:30? Will just Main Street be open until 9 or everything? Or do they not even let us in the gates until 9?

Thanks so much!

 

[MarkLem]

We were there last week. Went to Epcot at 8:30 AM for a 9:00 AM stated opening. They opened right at 9:00. Went to MK the next morning, again got there 8:30 for a stated 9:00 AM opening. They did open the ticket checking gates at 8:45, but did not allow us even onto Main Street until 9:00 AM. Next morning at MGM, again ariving 8:30 for a 9:00 AM opening. Like MK, they did allow those waiting to check through the ticket booths at 8:45, but did not allow us past "the rope" until 9:00 AM. So for those three days at least, they did not open early.

Several years back they did open the parks earlier than advertised, which is why we arrived early each morning. Does not appear they do it now, at least based on last week.

 

[seashoreCM]

New Years Day '05. Magic Kingdom official opening time 8:00 AM. Express (day guests') monorail running before 7:15, turnstiles opened at 7:30, guests held back at inner (barbershop, ice cream parlor) end of Main St. until 8:00.

I have often seen the MK turnstiles open before opening time although sometimes the first express monorail and ferry arrive just 15 minutes before opening time.

Pre-2001, have at least once observed MK open early for all guests unannounced.

Have not observed early entry recently to verify if day guests are sometimes let into the rides early as well.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[eeyore0062]

All parks with the exception of the WS part of Epcot open at 9 am. WS opens at 11 am. If you are participating in EMH, the parks will open on those days at 8 am, just for you!

 

[LibertyBelle]

New Years Day '05. Magic Kingdom official opening time 8:00 AM. Express (day guests') monorail running before 7:15, turnstiles opened at 7:30, guests held back at inner (barbershop, ice cream parlor) end of Main St. until 8:00.

they only do this when they are expecting a very large crowd and/or there is already a very large crowd at the gate.

The EMH park will open AT 8am and on none EMH days the parks have a morning show that they perform to "Offically" open the park, so they will open AT 9am. For example at MK (on a none early morning) they will open the turnstiles around 8:30-8:40 and allow you into the front section (you will be blocked off from the tran station tunnels thus not being able to enter the park itself.) The morning show starts around 8:45-8:50 with the Mayor and the Citizens of Main Street greeting you with a little song and dance. Then the Steam train rolls in loaded with chacters and Mickey will do an offical count down to opening, which is when they will allow you into the park.

For breakfast guests who have dining reservations prior to officially park opening time, the gates open AT 8am and they will be allowed only to their resturant for breakfast.