How early do you arrive before opening?

[lilpixie]

Just had a question -- how early do you arrive before the park opens? How early do you arrive before the park opens on EE days?
The reason I ask is because we were there at a very busy time last year and the lines were sooooo long waiting to get into the park -- on the days we went at the regular opening time, and on our EE day. It was our first trip, and I didn't know what to expect.
Just curious as to how far in advance to arrive to get in line for opening . . .
thanks!

 

[dizzyami]

At least 30 minutes on EE days and 45 minutes on regular days. Granted we are usually one of the first few in line - but no complaints here. One tip too on EE days - make sure you find out which gates are opening - usually it is only 1/2 of them - if a line looks too good to be true - it probably is.

 

[lilpixie]

thanks for the tips about the gates -- how did you find out which ones open for EE -- just ask a CM?

 

[HydroGuy]

We try to arrive 30 minutes early on non-EE and EE days, and sometimes can't quite make it and arrive 15-20 minutes early. Even 15 minutes early is a major advantage (tons of people join the lines in the final 15 minutes before park opening), but I would shoot for 30.

 

[HydroGuy]

thanks for the tips about the gates -- how did you find out which ones open for EE -- just ask a CM?

During EE all gates are open for EE. Well after EE starts, those with EE who arrive late and want to get in can enter through a couple gates they keep open, I believe. But you just ask if you are in that situation. Hopefully you will be there early and it will not be an issue.

 

[dizzyami]

thanks for the tips about the gates -- how did you find out which ones open for EE -- just ask a CM?

I would ask a CM - when we were there only the odd number gates opened up - and we were scrambling once we found this out!