How early to arrive for EMM?

[gpjacobs]

Hi all! On past visits, I've noticed that if the parks open later, you need to arrive at the gates earlier to take full advantage of EMM. I haven't tried to rope drop in a couple years (our kiddo was very young) but that's the goal when just DH and I go in November.

So far, it seems the parks will open at 9 a.m. daily, with EMM starting at 8 a.m (vs. an 8 a.m. park open, with a 7 a.m. EMM). If we want to be toward the front of the EMM entrance line, what time do you recommend arriving at the gates? And, since we're staying at the GCH, how early should we plan to arrive at the hotel entrance on EMM days for DCA? We'd like to try that at least once!

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[VandVsmama]

Don't use the hotel entrance into DCA from the GCH. The reason being is that there's only a couple of security screening tables & ticket takers there, compared to the main entrance (where there's a LOT more).

with an 8 am EMH, if you really want to be at the front of the EMH line, be in line at 7:15. If absolute front of line doesn't matter, 7:30.

 

[Mac2008]

In my experience, you don't need to be especially early for EMH for DCA; this is because this early hour is only available to people staying at one of the resort hotels vs anyone with a 3-day ticket. The line does not get anywhere near as long for EMH at Disneyland (where resorts guests + MM guests have access).

Also, my hot tip for DCA and EMH: Go straight to GotG, ride 3-4 times, pull a fast pass for RSR asap, and then for Incredicoaster as soon as the fast pass window allows the next fast pass, then pull one more for RSR. Don't bother going straight to RSR with almost everyone else and stand in line; use the FP.

 

[stardusty21]

Just got back from 5 nights at GCH, where we used EMH 3 of those days at the GCH entrance to DCA. We left our room at 6:20 for a 7am opening. We were first in the park every day and more important, first on Incredicoaster. The line started getting longer and longer after 6:30am but everyone got through security and ready to enter the parks by 7am.

 

[Mac2008]

Just got back from 5 nights at GCH, where we used EMH 3 of those days at the GCH entrance to DCA. We left our room at 6:20 for a 7am opening. We were first in the park every day and more important, first on Incredicoaster. The line started getting longer and longer after 6:30am but everyone got through security and ready to enter the parks by 7am.

This is great info and also important to note that the entrance you choose will put you closer to different major attractions. The GCH entrance is on the opposite side of the park to GotG but closer to Incredicoaster.

 

[gpjacobs]

Thank guys! It's good to know arriving 30-40 minutes before EMM is good enough vs. a whole hour before (at least for DCA). I love the parks but I also love sleep while on vacation! Every few minutes help, especially since we need to fit a caffeine stop in there.

Is a full hour needed for Disneyland EMM days? Or is that overkill?

 

[Mac2008]

Thank guys! It's good to know arriving 30-40 minutes before EMM is good enough vs. a whole hour before (at least for DCA). I love the parks but I also love sleep while on vacation! Every few minutes help, especially since we need to fit a caffeine stop in there.

Is a full hour needed for Disneyland EMM days? Or is that overkill?

...another reason to skip the GCH entrance to DCA, wander through Downtown Disney and stop at the Starbucks so you can enjoy your beverage while you wait. Put in a mobile order as you leave your room and you'll barely need to break your stride

 

[Where's Wall-E]

Also, even if you find yourself a few people deep in line, chances are 99% of them aren't guests of a DLR hotel and you'll move right up when they start checking room keys. In late April/early May, we arrived (after the aforementioned stop at Starbucks in DTD) at the gates around 7:25-7:30, and we were the first people through the turnstiles our first day!

 

[Where's Wall-E]

In my experience, you don't need to be especially early for EMH for DCA; this is because this early hour is only available to people staying at one of the resort hotels vs anyone with a 3-day ticket. The line does not get anywhere near as long for EMH at Disneyland (where resorts guests + MM guests have access).

Also, my hot tip for DCA and EMH: Go straight to GotG, ride 3-4 times, pull a fast pass for RSR asap, and then for Incredicoaster as soon as the fast pass window allows the next fast pass, then pull one more for RSR. Don't bother going straight to RSR with almost everyone else and stand in line; use the FP.

Or, Toy Story Midway Mania in place of GotG. We do this, ride it 3-4 times in a row and move on to Guardians. We (my husband and I) go single rider for RSR, so we just pop in line during EMM when it's convenient.