How does EMH work?

[beck02]

I was at WDW 2 years ago, and stayed on site. I don't remember if we stayed until the EMH kicked in or not at the MK. I do remember that they did a 'surprise' extension of the park hours, due to it being so crowded. This was for all the guest, not just disney resort guests. This was in early April, and it WAS very crowded. I don't remember having to show our room keys or anything. We were traveling with a 3 year old, and I don't think we even made it past the regular hours--maybe made it to midnight, and I think park was open until about 3am!

Now we're trying September, and the parks close earlier than in April. My question is how can they get the visitors that stay off-site out of the park on the EMH? I don't think it will come up again for us--my daughter is now 5, and I'm sure we'll be ready to leave well before normal park close. I'm more curious than anything, because I don't see a way for Disney to really be able to tell one guest from the other, unless/until they use those magic bands or something similar.

 

[shanejoseph]

Evening extra magic hours are enforced by having to show your 'Key to the World', or Magic Band. You won't be able to do anything without it, ride, shop, etc., and be asked to exit the park. Technically, I guess you could walk around and not do anything, but what would be the point. Even when the M. B. are in full force, they won't be mandatory, you'd still have the option of K. T. T .W. only.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

For morning EMH each person three or older must show a Resort Room Key as well as a valid ticket to be allowed into the Park.

For Evening EMH everyone is welcome to spend money in stores or food locations. However, to be allowed into the queue for any attraction (ride or show) any person three or older must show a current Resort room key. During Evening EMH there are no characters roaming the streets and no parades or fireworks or other "free" entertainment.

 

[beck02]

ok, thanks!

 

[Tigerlulu]

So I could stay in the park as a regular guest and not ride anything? I just want to wander around and take pictures as long as I can. Trying to decide if an extra night onsite is worth the $150 bucks to take pictures 2 hrs longer.

 

[dprincessmom]

So I could stay in the park as a regular guest and not ride anything? I just want to wander around and take pictures as long as I can. Trying to decide if an extra night onsite is worth the $150 bucks to take pictures 2 hrs longer.

This will be a toss up. The later it gets the more the CMs focus on getting off site guests out (in my opinion). We have been to EMH where CMs were looking for Key to the World cards and not just at rides.

If you have your heart set on pictures, then do onsite for the night with the latest EMH but fair warning it might be pretty crowded since the parks close early a lot in Sept and October for MNSSHP.

 

[tinkerpea]

So I could stay in the park as a regular guest and not ride anything? I just want to wander around and take pictures as long as I can. Trying to decide if an extra night onsite is worth the $150 bucks to take pictures 2 hrs longer.

Yes you will be completely fine to do that,
They only pay attention to you when you are entering a ride line.
So stay and click away