I'm so confused about early entry :(

[jennypenny]

We go often, and always off season. We always go to the early entry park because we're early risers and get there before it opens for early entry. It's usually deserted. We generally leave the parks by lunch (when it starts to get crowded) because we've done everything we want to do.

We're going next month (aug 18-24) and from what I've read on the boards it's still really crowded in the summer, even during the early magic hour. Is this true? Should we really do the non-EE park? I also really wanted to do the EE park because of the heat--I'd rather be in a park between 8am and 9am and get out by noon when it gets really hot.

What should we do?
Jenny

 

[Crazy Kanga]

From what I've read, crowds start to diminish some in late August because most schools start back around mid to late Aug. I would go with the EE plan if I were you, if for no other reason than the heat factor. I'm sure it will be about the same as in off season, maybe a little more crowded.

 

[disneycm25]

I go every year in August and I take advantage of the EE. Your right that it is still very hot in Augustand still pretty crowded, but not as crowded as July. We get to the parks early and take a break in the afternoon and go back to the hotel for a rest or a swim and then head back to a park after dinner. The only downside to the EE is that the park gets pretty crowded by mid-morning to lunchtime. We usually head over to a different park after our break where it is usually less crowded.

 

[jennypenny]

Thanks for the replies. I'm starting to think I should stick with EE. The heat might be a problem for my kids, and usually we've done everything by 10 or 10:30. We'll nap and swim in the afternoon, and then go to a park at night if the kids are up for it.

The only problem is arrival day. We'll be at the resort by 10:30 am. Our tradition is to head over to Epcot (because we arrive midday and it's the least crowded at that time) and have lunch in Norway and then later have sundaes/drinks in UK. This year we happen to be arriving on Epcot's EE day. I'm hoping the World showcase won't be overrun until at least 2 or 3 that afternoon. We have to assume that we won't be able to get in to our until 4pm (dvc resort).

Oh well, how bad will it be?! We'll be in Disney!
Jenny

 

[swilphil]

We did EE on Sunday at MK two weeks ago, and we were so glad we did. If for no other reason, we were able to be in the parks for an hour when we weren't dripping with sweat. We also got lots of Fantasyland rides done. We did leave around 11, as it was getting very crowded and hot.

For the other parks, we went primarily the day after their EE's, and that worked well--right at opening. We took breaks in the afternoon and headed out in the evening. If you're set on doing Epcot your first day, you could try it and if it's too crowded, take the boat to MGM. I would probably just do MGM or MK though and avoid the EE parks in the afternoon.

 

[Cinderella822]

I'll be there the same week you are Jennypenny. I was wondering the same thing. A friend of mine went that time last year and did the EE and was glad. She said it wasn't too crowded until the afternoon. I like to get up early and was hoping to beat some fo the heat later in the day by doing EE.

 

[MinniMama]

Last year I did EE 6-7-8-14 and it was NOT worth it the park was mobbed by 8:30 a 30 minute wait to go on speedway and Buzz at 8:30!! I also tried MGM EE that trip same thing mobbed! We made our own EE by arrivng at 8:45 the next day at MK and no crowds we walked on everything for 2 hours so with my experience this year 8-9-8-16 will not do EE but arrive at park opening on non-EE days. I used to love EE but am finding it too popular. Go ahead and try for it but if its crowded change plans and parks. Have a blast!

 

[gilld]

We always do EE BUT we leave at around 9am and go to another park for the rest of the day..or however long we want to stay.