How early do you arrive at the parks?

[kittyk15]

We're staying at POQ 4/27-5/1. For early entry what time should you wait for the bus and for non-early entry what time?

Last time we went. If the park opened at 9:00 and there was early entry (so it opened at 8:00) we would get to the bus stop by 7:15.

Does that still hold true? How early to you have to leave if it's not early entry?

Thanks

 

[darlene9947]

My last 2 trips, I have not used Disney transportation at all. I found I could get to the parks faster in my own van!! Of course, it does take longer for the MK. I would leave 30 minutes befor opening. We got there within the first 15 minutes off opening on most days. And that was early enough for me!!

 

[Lora]

I try to get to the parks just before early entry opening time, or 15 minutes or more before regular opening. Even 15 min. difference can be huge on busy mornings. When taking Disney transportation (usually BWV to MK or AK), I try to give myself an hour for walking to the bus stop, waiting, riding, and walking to the gate. It certainly can take less time, but that's what I TRY to do. We walk to MGM and Epcot, so we usually leave our room about 1/2 hour before opening.

 

[duckyfordonald]

Does anyone know what time Main Street opens up on a non-early entry day (schedule says MK opens at 9:00am). It used to be that Main Street was open earlier, but then they had areas roped off when you got closer to the castle. Is it still like that? If so, the shops would be open early as well, correct? I would love to browse the shops on Main Street if they do!!!

 

[Lora]

Does anyone know what time Main Street opens up on a non-early entry day (schedule says MK opens at 9:00am). It used to be that Main Street was open earlier, but then they had areas roped off when you got closer to the castle. Is it still like that? If so, the shops would be open early as well, correct? I would love to browse the shops on Main Street if they do!!!

I am pretty sure it's no longer like this (probably since 9/11??). The MK opening is at the scheduled time. In the past few years, except for early entries and early seating for breakfasts, everyone is allowed through the turnstiles just before opening and held at the two entrances under the train station until the official opening time.

 

[mdoc]

I want to be at the parks at least 15 minutes before they open, preferably sooner. We stayed at Ft. Wilderness on our last trip and first boat to MK left half an hour before opening - that did not get me there early enough, so on the 2nd morning we went to MK we drove. I always drive to the other parks anyway but thought I'd try the ferry to MK because the parking is so far out and you have to get a ferry or monorail from TTC anyway. If a park opens at 9:00, we try to leave the campground shortly after 8:00. It's worth it to me to be in the front of the crowd - a lot can be accomplished first thing in the morning.

When we were at MK a couple weeks ago, you could not get into the park and onto Main Street before opening. Everyone was held on the Lagoon side of the train tracks.