Is it true that the parks really open 30 min. before posted time?

[NvrBnToWDW]

I've heard that the parks open 30 min. before the scheduled time. EXAMPLE: an 8 am park really opens at 7:30. Is this true?

 

[turnlisa]

Nope, not true. The only mornings when a park opens early is for EMH and those are only for resort guests. Other mornings you will be standing at the turnstiles or at the ropes before the park opens.

 

[tjkraz]

No.

Might have been pre-9/11. The only time parks have opened earlier than posted times since are on the 2 or 3 single busiest days of the year. And even then I wouldn't arrive early expecting it to happen--arrive early simply because you gotta.

Some, if not all of the parks will let you through the turnstiles before the posted opening time. But you'll reach a rope barrier before you get to any rides.

 

[Witchiepoo]

They might let you in a little early, but a rope will stop you from getting to the rides. Usually, the rope is right before all the gift shops and a counter service restaurant or two. That way, people can buy their sundries, gifts, or breakfast before hitting the parks.

 

[danny1649]

They don't they open at offical time as others stated they may let you in to rope barrier to take a little pressure off que line at entrance.

 

[wilso]

Went in May, July, and August. Parks weren't open early, but did get in to wait at a rope. Except Magic Kingdom, where we had to wait outside with a bazillion other people.