How Early to the Parks?

[lovehoney]

I know the Cardinal Rule is to "Be at the Parks at Opening", but how much time before opening should you arrive? UG says to get to the Parks 40 minutes before Park opening in the off season.

Is 40 minutes early really necessary? I guess they wouldn't put it in there if they didn't think so. Does it take 40 minutes to get through the entrance?

 

[MidgeD79]

There are a lot of "depends" in that question. How many people in your party? how old are they? do you need strollers or wheelchairs? which park? What time of year?

 

[slduck]

What if you arrive just after opening? Does it make a huge difference?

 

[Robo]

What if you arrive just after opening? Does it make a huge difference?

Not to the tens of thousands of other folks who do just that.

Insiders know to be early.

How early depends on the time of year.

I like to be 30 to 40 minutes early in the "OFF-season".

I just don't GO in the "ON-season".

 

[MainStreetFan]

We try to get to the Parking Lot at MK 45 minutes before opening. That way we have time to get to the park, thru security and pass lines in time to see the opening.

 

[kirbsam]

15 minutes early is plenty in all seasons except peak.

 

[KathylovesPooh]

I would make sure you are there 10 minutes before opening (unless we are talking peak holiday). By ten minutes, I mean make sure that you've taken into consideration that you might just miss a bus or parking may take longer than planned.

I have found that unlike 10 years ago, it is few and far between that the park lets you in before their opening ceremony (which usually is 5 minutes before opening). No reason to be there 45 minutes before, but do plan for the worst case scenario and it might be 30.

 

[cara76]

If your going to MK also consider that it takes about 30 mins depending on the crowds to get to the gates themselves. So I would say be at the park 40 mins isn't unreasonable for MK.

 

[mommaU4]

Thanks for the info everyone. This helped me out too.

 

[jann1033]

we always arrive 30 mins pre opening in off season..that way we are up at the front and don't have to wait for others to get in as usually we are one of hte first through the gate...so it depends on if you want to be in front of or behind everyone else waiting for opening.

 

[lovehoney]

Thanks for all of the advice. My plan is to leave the resort 50 minutes to 1 hour before I want to be at the parks. Even if I just miss a bus I should be at least 10 minutes early. Of course even the best laid plans......


Which park do you thinks takes the longest to get into? I know it depends on crowds and such, but has anyone noticed any trends of faster/slower entry times?

 

[iliketoby]

No. I don't understand why he says that. The parks generally open about 5 minutes after they are supposed to open. Just be at the turnstyles before opening.

I wouldn't worry about being the first person in line. If you walk quickly, you'll get around all those older folks and strollers and such and get to the front of the pack before they get to the popular ride. If you're a slow-poke, being at the front won't help because the fast-walkers will pass you up.

And yes, being there for opening makes a difference. Not only do you get to see the little opening celebration at the AK and MK(on non-early-entry days), but the lines are shorter and the place is less crowded.

 

[KathylovesPooh]

If your going to MK also consider that it takes about 30 mins depending on the crowds to get to the gates themselves. So I would say be at the park 40 mins isn't unreasonable for MK.

Is this if you are driving? We have never driven to MK always bus transportation from resort. Buses drop you off a very short 5 minute walk to gates.

 

[DrTomorrow]

We like to get there early - it's FUN! We chat with the CMs that are getting the turnstiles ready and with other people in line. The anticipation builds, the ceremony starts and so begins another Disney day!

Besides, if I have to kill time, I'd rather be at the park in line than lounging around the hotel room for 20 minutes....

 

[mhingher]

We're not really ever at the gate for opening in the morning. I think it might be a good idea during the busy season... but earlier this year we went in March and never went in before 10 or so. We never waited on line more than 20 minutes during the whole trip!

 

[The Sweetness]

We like to get there early - it's FUN! We chat with the CMs that are getting the turnstiles ready and with other people in line. The anticipation builds, the ceremony starts and so begins another Disney day!

I agree completely! Also, I remember at MGM studios, characters either at or outside the gates to entertain a little bit? (could have changed in 5 years...)

 

[remfam5]

What a thrill we had in getting to the parks early!! On our very first trip to WDW, 4 weeks ago, we went to AK the first day and got there 30 min early. It was us and about 20 other people-- We started chatting with a CM and before we knew what was happening--- she asked our kids if they would like to be the "Honorary Park Openers"! Our kids are 8 & 6. They were so excited and looked so cute in their AK shirts! And from that day on we arrived at all the parks (except for Typhoon Lagoon) 30 min. early and found lots of fun people to talk to!!