How critical is EE?

[Cindy & Mickey]

Hi everyone!

We're headed to DL for just my 2nd time, and the first time (in 2001) was more of a family gathering with a bit of DL sprinkled in for good measure.

We're staying at DL Hotel Tues June 5 - Friday June 8, using 3 day passes. I plan on us being in DL by 4 pm on June 5, and then two full park days on June 6 DL (Wed) and June 7 DCA (Thursday).

My question is this: how critical is EE this time of year, in terms of keeping ahead of the crowd at DL? I was planning on Wed. being devoted to DL, while Thurs. being devoted to DCA, and allowing for some time to return back to DL for our favorite rides. But Thurs. is EE day at DL! I don't know if it's worth it to swap around my days.

Thank you!!
Cindy

 

[carolina_yankee]

We did DL in late June 2005 on Tuesday (EE, but we entered at regular time) and Thursday with EE. Both days were fine - we got a lot done. The problem you have with entering on an EE day at a regular time is that there is a build up at the major attractions by the time you get in.

In your case, it sounds like the question is whether or not you want advantage of that extra hour. It definitely works to your advantage and reduces time pressure for the rest of the day.

The one thing I would not do this summer is try to ride Nemo if enter late on an EE day. I think that's an attraction where you will want to be there the minute the park opens to any guests, wehther on an EE day or regular day.

Actually, I would try for Disneyland on Wednesday - then, if you have anything you missed, you could still go in on Thursday before heading over to CA - or use DL for both mornings, DCA in the afternoon in DL again in the evening. This might be best if the Nemo subs are open while you're there. This would give you an extra chance at them.

 

[ArielAdventurer]

The one thing I would not do this summer is try to ride Nemo if enter late on an EE day. I think that's an attraction where you will want to be there the minute the park opens to any guests, wehther on an EE day or regular day.


I know I am not the one who asked the original question..but I have one..I realize that Nemo will be packed..but...how many guests fit in one sub? THat..IMO..is the determining factor whether or not to head to Fantasyland or go to Nemo..I mean each vehicle in FL..only carry a few people..so the lines take forever..and even though the rides are old..everyone still wants to do them..If one Nemo sub carries a lot of people..wouldn't the line go faster in spite of it being new?

 

[DangerMouse]

The one thing I would not do this summer is try to ride Nemo if enter late on an EE day. I think that's an attraction where you will want to be there the minute the park opens to any guests, wehther on an EE day or regular day.


I know I am not the one who asked the original question..but I have one..I realize that Nemo will be packed..but...how many guests fit in one sub? THat..IMO..is the determining factor whether or not to head to Fantasyland or go to Nemo..I mean each vehicle in FL..only carry a few people..so the lines take forever..and even though the rides are old..everyone still wants to do them..If one Nemo sub carries a lot of people..wouldn't the line go faster in spite of it being new?

The problem with Nemo is that it is a VERY low capacity/slow loading ride. There have been statistics posted on other boards about how many people can actually ride it per hour compared to the amount of people who will be wanting to ride it. There are going to be some very disappointed people out there come mid-June.

If you want to ride it, I would choose it over FL on an EE day in a second. The line will be ridiculous (2 hour or more wait) anytime after park opening on an EE day.

 

[DangerMouse]

The OP shouldn't have to worry about Nemo since it won't be officially open during her visit.

However, I would suggest to the OP that if they do not accomplish all that they wanted to in DL on Wednesday (FL, Space, Buzz), to go ahead and spend that first EE hour in DL on Thursday morning and kick out a BUNCH of rides. Then you can lesiurely head over to DCA as DL starts to become more crowded. You will still have PLENTY of time to see everything in DCA even if you don't get there right at opening.

 

[Hound 109]

The OP shouldn't have to worry about Nemo since it won't be officially open during her visit.

However, I would suggest to the OP that if they do not accomplish all that they wanted to in DL on Wednesday (FL, Space, Buzz), to go ahead and spend that first EE hour in DL on Thursday morning and kick out a BUNCH of rides. Then you can lesiurely head over to DCA as DL starts to become more crowded. You will still have PLENTY of time to see everything in DCA even if you don't get there right at opening.

I agree with DangerMouse.

And if you're only going to be there 2 1/2 days, I would say that EE is essential if you want to see/ride most everything & avoid lines on the wonderful (yet slow moving) fantasyland rides. When we visited in March, EE began at 8am (not sure when it is when you visit). We rode 8 rides in an hour, would have taken several hours had we ridden these rides later in the day. This link described our EE experience:

www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1392671

Have fun.

hound

 

[CalGal]

To get the most of DL, you must be at DL as early as possible. It's not so critical to be at DCA when it opens, and you can see most of DCA in less than a day. EE at DL is an absolute must if you plan of riding any rides in FL. If you get to the gates a little early for EE so you enter EE right away, you can cover more in 1 hour of EE than you could in several hours midday. That's because the FL rides back up quickly and crowds continue to grow throughout the day.

I don't think you necessarily have to switch your days, just plan on going to DL on Thursday for EE, and hop over to DCA a few hours later after it opens. Remember, going back and forth between the parks is very easy.

 

[ArielAdventurer]

If you want to ride it, I would choose it over FL on an EE day in a second. The line will be ridiculous (2 hour or more wait) anytime after park opening on an EE day.


Thanks..so..not having read all the news on the ride..when does it officially open?
Also..with the wait over 2 hours..I guess this means..no FP for the ride..

 

[Hound 109]

guys, nemo wasn't part of the OP's inquiry.

since it won't even be open yet while they are there, discussing it on this thread (about EE) might be off topic.

 

[DLR29]

I don't think EE is critical, but more as a nice option if you have it and are willing to wake up that early. However, one thing that you may consider is your energy. Since the EE day is on your last, you will be tired and may want to spend that day at DCA after sleeping in a bit.

 

[Cindy & Mickey]

Thank you for your input, guys! I am going to go ahead and take advantage of the EE day to the fullest, at DL on Thursday. So, I'm going to switch out my DCA and DL days and just head over to DL on Wednesday afternoon/evening if we run out of stuff to do at DCA that day. I don't mind the earlier wake up time, since Dallas is in CST, and I don't do time zone changes very well.