How Crowded is Main Gate at Start of MHP?

[allsaintsatx]

Just wondering if it's normal crazy or super crazy? The last MHP we did in 2014, we arrived early around 4pm, thinking we could beat the long bag check crowds (this was pre-metal detectors) only to realize everyone else had the same plan. It was a costumed madhouse.

This year, we were just gonna eat at our hotel and meander on over to MHP right at the official start because in my backwards logic everyone is probably already in the park at that point taking sweet sweet advantage of that extra few hours of "free" ticketed party park time.

Unless I am hideously wrong. Please stop me if this is, perchance, the worst idea in the history of ideas.

 

[mich311e]

Good question. We have APs so plan on being in the park during the day, then going to our room to get changed. Not sure when to leave and when to return. And it sounds like the park is pretty crowded during those first few hours before the non-party crowd leaves.

 

[Goose&mavie]

We got to DL at 6pm, to get there in time for the toontown party and it was crowded at the MHP entrances. Since we had park hoppers from earlier that day, we used the normal entrance and then went to frontier land to get our bands. I think that saved us time. When we left later at 8:30, it was incredibly crowded at the entrances- much more than earlier!

 

[allsaintsatx]

We got to DL at 6pm, to get there in time for the toontown party and it was crowded at the MHP entrances. Since we had park hoppers from earlier that day, we used the normal entrance and then went to frontier land to get our bands. I think that saved us time. When we left later at 8:30, it was incredibly crowded at the entrances- much more than earlier!

Wow! that's so weird! 8:30? I never would have thought. And very good to know! Thanks for the info!

 

[Astylla]

We are staying on site and plan to do EMH at DCA then do an early break/lunch then hit back DL for the party around 3pm since we have AP's and the party won't start until 7pm meaning only party ticket holders can't enter until 4pm.

If it's a viable option we may even take the monorail over since we are at DLH but if it's busy we will just hit the front gates.

 

[allsaintsatx]

We are AP holders as well, that's a good idea to hit the "normal" gate for entry. Hopefully they keep those gates open until 5:59!

 

[jammyjam25]

Last year we got the gates an hour before party entry (2:00pm for a 3:00pm entry time) to give us ample time to get through bag check and then get in line to enter the park. By the time 3:00pm rolled around all the security and entrance lines were extremely long! Couldn't speak to how the gates were at official party opening.

I agree with others it might be easier to get their early enough to use a "normal" entry and get your MHP band in the park. Good luck!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Does anyone know how strict Disney is being this year about guests entering in costume before the early entry hours? Last year we entered before 3pm in costume, and no one minded at all. This year I want to enter around 2pm using our APs, but I don't want to get stopped for being in costume.

 

[allsaintsatx]

Last year we got the gates an hour before party entry (2:00pm for a 3:00pm entry time) to give us ample time to get through bag check and then get in line to enter the park. By the time 3:00pm rolled around all the security and entrance lines were extremely long! Couldn't speak to how the gates were at official party opening.

I agree with others it might be easier to get their early enough to use a "normal" entry and get your MHP band in the park. Good luck!

We've realized our um, shall we say, limitations, and my family showing up at 3pm for a nighttime party all but guarantees us wussing out by 9pm tops! So, our "new" plan is to arrive at 5:45ish with the hopes that we can make it to park close! Or, at least to the 2nd parade. I know I know people go rope drop to park close but we have been slowly evolving into the dreaded "resort people" who spend half the trip at our hotel.